In Zhu Xian, people start to rise from plundering entries

He drew his sword and swung it casually. He didn't use any star power, but wherever the sword passed, the air naturally parted, as if even space itself was being severed.

"Is this the power of the 'Tianya Sword Manual'?" Su Han was shocked. He had only grasped the basics of the first level, yet his swordsmanship had already undergone a qualitative improvement.

For the next month, Su Han entered a period of seclusion. He spent his days studying the "Tianya Sword Manual" and his nights practicing in the Frozen Secret Realm, transforming theory into actual combat power.

His cultivation steadily advanced towards the peak of the Star Wheel Realm, and his swordsmanship became increasingly refined. What surprised him most was that, as his understanding of the "Tianya Sword Manual" deepened, his connection with the Tianya Sword also became closer. Within the sword's inner space, his senior sister's illusory figure became clearer and clearer, and occasionally she would even demonstrate some sword moves on her own.

On this day, Su Han was practicing his sword in the courtyard when he suddenly sensed something and turned to look at the courtyard gate.

A woman dressed in white, with a cool and aloof demeanor, was standing there quietly watching him practice his sword.

"Senior Sister Mu?" Su Han sheathed his sword, somewhat surprised. The newcomer was Mu Qingxue, the senior sister of Tianya Peak in this generation, with the cultivation of the early stage of the Star Palace Realm. She spent most of her time training outside and rarely returned to the sect.

Mu Qingxue nodded slightly: "Junior Brother Su, your swordsmanship is quite good."

"Senior Sister, you flatter me." Su Han cupped her hands in greeting. "When did you return to the sect, Senior Sister?"

“Yesterday,” Mu Qingxue said as she walked into the courtyard, “I heard that the Tianya Sword chose you, so I came back specifically to see you.”

She scrutinized Su Han, her gaze sharp as a sword: "Peak of the late stage of the Star Wheel Realm, with refined sword intent and a solid foundation. He is indeed qualified to inherit the Tianya Sword."

"Senior sister is too kind," Su Han said modestly.

Mu Qingxue shook her head: "It's not an exaggeration. I entered the Star Wheel Realm at sixteen and only reached the later stage at twenty. You are much faster than me. Moreover..." She paused, "Your sword intent is very special. It has both the sharpness of the Tianya Sword and your own understanding. It seems that you have indeed found your own path."

Su Han's heart stirred: "Senior Sister, about Senior Sister Tianya..."

“I know.” Mu Qingxue interrupted him, a hint of pain flashing in her eyes. “Tianya was my best friend. When she had that accident, I was away training and couldn’t make it back. That’s the biggest regret of my life.”

She looked at Su Han and said solemnly, "Therefore, you must become stronger. Strong enough to enter the Ancient Sword Tomb, strong enough to reshape her Dao Body. This is not only your matter, but also the matter of the entire Tianya Peak."

“I understand,” Su Han said firmly.

Mu Qingxue took out a jade slip from her bosom: "These are some sword techniques I've collected over the years while I was training outside. Although they are not as exquisite as the 'Tianya Sword Manual,' they are more practical in combat and may be useful to you."

"This is too precious..." Su Han wanted to decline.

"Take it." Mu Qingxue handed him the jade slip. "The Seven Peaks Martial Arts Tournament is imminent. The more strength you have, the more confident you will be. Tianya Peak has been silent for too long. Someone needs to step forward."

After saying that, she turned to leave, but stopped at the courtyard gate: "By the way, if you encounter Ling Tian from Zixiao Peak during the martial arts competition, be careful. That man is narrow-minded. He pursued Tianya Sword but was rejected, and he has held a grudge ever since. Now that you have inherited Tianya Sword, he might target you."

"Thank you for the reminder, Senior Sister." Su Han kept the name in mind.

After Mu Qingxue left, Su Han examined the jade slip. It didn't contain the system's sword techniques, but rather various practical combat skills: how to counterattack in adversity, how to see through an opponent's weaknesses, how to conserve stamina in a war of attrition… These were all invaluable experiences Mu Qingxue had accumulated through life-or-death battles.

"With these, I have a better chance of winning the martial arts competition." Su Han gripped the jade slip tightly, a determined light flashing in his eyes.

Time flies, and in the blink of an eye, it was the day before the Seven Sects Martial Arts Tournament. On this day, the entire Qingyun Sect was bustling with activity. Disciples from all sects rushed back from all directions, and the sect was filled with discussions about the tournament.

Su Han finished his final cultivation session in the secret realm, and his cultivation finally broke through to the peak of the Star Wheel Realm. Now he is only one step away from the Star Palace Realm, but this last step is the most difficult to cross.

“The Star Palace Realm requires opening up the Star Palace within the body and condensing stellar power from a gaseous state to a liquid state, which is a qualitative change.” Su Han sat cross-legged in the courtyard, pondering the method of breakthrough. “Ordinary cultivators need several years to accumulate, and I have already reached this point in three months. There is no need to rush.”

He adjusted his mindset and focused his attention on tomorrow's martial arts competition. According to the latest news, more than 800 people will participate in this Seven Veins Martial Arts Competition, including more than 300 people at the late stage of the Star Wheel Realm and above, and more than 20 people at the Star Palace Realm.

“The competition is fierce.” Su Han took a deep breath. “But no matter what, I must at least make it into the top 100 to qualify for the Seven Meridians Secret Realm.”

This was Elder Lin's minimum goal for him. Only by entering the Seven Meridians Secret Realm could he have a greater chance to prepare for breaking through to the Star Palace Realm.

As night fell, Su Han was sitting quietly in the courtyard when he suddenly sensed a powerful aura approaching. He opened his eyes and saw Yun Qingzi standing in the courtyard at some point.

"Sect Master?" Su Han quickly stood up.

Yun Qingzi waved her hand, gesturing for him to sit down: "The martial arts competition is tomorrow, how does it feel?"

"I'm a little nervous, but mostly excited," Su Han answered honestly.

"Expectations are a good thing," Yun Qingzi said with a smile. "The path of cultivation is about constantly challenging oneself. The Seven Peaks Martial Arts Tournament is just the beginning. In the future, you will encounter more and stronger opponents."

He took out a soft armor from his sleeve: "This is the 'Ice Silkworm Armor,' a high-grade spiritual artifact that can withstand a full-force attack from a cultivator in the early stage of the Star Palace Realm. Wear it tomorrow, just in case."

Su Han took the soft armor; it was cool and soft to the touch, yet contained powerful defensive capabilities: "Sect Master, this is too precious..."

"Nothing is more precious than your safety," Yun Qingzi said solemnly. "Su Han, you must remember that the future of Tianya Peak and that girl Tianya's hope rest on your shoulders. So no matter what happens, your first priority is to save your life. As long as you're alive, you can always rebuild."

"Disciple understands," Su Han said solemnly.

Yun Qingzi nodded, gave some instructions on martial arts, and then left.

That night, Su Han did not cultivate, but rested early to adjust his condition to its best.

The next morning, as the sun rose, the training ground in the center of the seven peaks of the Qingyun Sect was already packed with people.

The Seven Sects Martial Arts Tournament has officially begun.

Su Han donned the Ice Silk Armor, slung the Tianya Sword over his shoulder, and stepped out of the courtyard. Sunlight shone on him, illuminating his resolute figure.

He would walk this path step by step. For himself, for Tianya Peak, and for the senior sister in the sword who was waiting to be reborn.

On the training ground, the war drums have already sounded. (End of Chapter)