The courtyard's air seemed to shimmer as the fourth disciple, the young man of abandoned sword lineage, stood before the Sword Sovereign. Unlike the Tortoise or the Fox, the Sovereign radiated a sharp, cutting energy, like the edge of a thousand blades waiting to strike.
"Your first trial," the Sovereign said calmly, voice smooth yet lethal, "is to align your body and mind with the Sword Dao. One misstep, and the blade of destiny will cut you… metaphorically, for now."
The disciple's eyes gleamed. "I am ready."
System Notification:
▸ Task Difficulty: Beginner-Advanced (Golden Talent, sword lineage)
▸ Reward: Sect Points +15, Pill: Sword Dao Alignment
Xuán Wèi watched silently from the edge, a faint smirk on his lips. Perfect. Let's see if pride and discipline can coexist under the edge of a real sword master.
Trial Begins
The Sword Sovereign moved like liquid steel, gesturing with hands as if slicing the air itself. Every motion was precise, almost surgical, and the disciple mirrored him carefully, energy flowing into the imaginary blade of the Dao.
Focus… breathe… align… the disciple muttered under his breath.
The Sovereign's gaze never wavered. "Not bad. But your reflexes are quick, yes, yet your anticipation is sloppy. A true swordsman anticipates without thought. Correct this, or you fail."
The disciple flinched as a spectral blade slashed close to his shoulder, a spirit test, harmless but sharp enough to teach precision.
MC's Subtle Guidance
Xuán Wèi stepped lightly beside him, invisible to the Sword Sovereign. "Align your instincts with your heart, not just your eyes. Anticipate flow, not position," he whispered.
System Advisory:
▸ Sword Dao Response +5%
▸ Sect Points +5 (partial trial completion)
The disciple adjusted, mirroring the Sovereign's flow more naturally. The spirit blades slowed in response, testing subtle precision instead of raw reflexes.
A Hint of Humor
Yien, observing from a distance, whispered to Ling Wei: "He's… moving like a spinning leaf in a storm. How does he even keep up?"
Ling Wei didn't respond, simply noting in his calm manner, "Precision over speed. He'll last… eventually."
The fourth disciple, hearing Yien's comment faintly, smirked despite concentration. Annoying little brat… maybe this sect has some humor after all.
Trial Completion
By the end of the cycle, the disciple's movements were fluid, precise, and in harmony with the Sword Dao. The spectral blades dissipated.
The Sword Sovereign inclined his head slightly. "Impressive. You have talent. You may survive the next trial."
System Notification:
▸ Sect Points +15
▸ Pill: Sword Dao Alignment applied
▸ Teacher Approval: +1
Xuán Wèi smiled faintly. Three disciples, three Immortal Teachers bound… Sect Xuanling grows quietly, but its pillars are forming perfectly. And the real fun of guiding them has only just begun.