In Zhu Xian, people start to rise from plundering entries

His words were tantamount to admitting Su Han's innocence—if Su Han were a thief, why would he reveal such a unique sword intent? A thief would rather hide his strength.

Yun Qingzi breathed a sigh of relief and cupped his hands in thanks, saying, "Your Excellency is truly wise."

After Master Yangyan left with the distraught Luo Tianyu, the onlookers gradually dispersed. However, the way they looked at Su Han now held a hint of awe.

To be able to defeat Luo Tianyu, a genius of the Ziyang Sect, with only the cultivation level of a beginner Star Palace Realm, is a level of strength that is among the top in the entire Eastern Region's younger generation.

"Su Han, come with me," Yun Qingzi suddenly said.

In a side hall of Qingyun Palace, Yun Qingzi dismissed everyone except Su Han.

"Is the sword intent you displayed today the 'Sword Intent of Life'?" the sect leader asked bluntly.

Su Han pondered for a moment, then nodded: "This disciple has gained some insights in the secret realm, but has not yet truly comprehended them."

"Having touched the threshold is an immense opportunity," Yun Qingzi sighed. "The sword intent of life is a once-in-a-millennium occurrence. If you can fully master it, your future achievements will be limitless."

He then changed the subject: "However, the tallest tree in the forest is the first to be felled by the wind. From today onwards, you will probably become a thorn in the side of many people."

"The disciple understands."

"Good that you understand." Yun Qingzi took out a jade slip. "This is the sword technique for the third move of the Nine Swords of Tianya, 'Star Slash'. Originally, you were supposed to learn it only after you reached the late stage of the Star Palace Realm, but now it seems I can give it to you ahead of time."

Su Han solemnly accepted it: "Thank you, Sect Master."

"There is one more thing," Yun Qingzi said solemnly. "The theft of the Spirit Herb Garden and the theft of the Ziyang Sect are no coincidences. Someone is trying to use us to do their dirty work and sow discord between our sect and the Ziyang Sect."

"Does the sect leader have any suspects?"

Yun Qingzi shook his head: "The other party acted secretly and left no trace. But to be able to imitate the Nine Swords of Tianya to such an extent that it is indistinguishable from the real thing, one must be extremely familiar with the sword techniques of our sect."

He looked at Su Han: "You need to be careful. Their target may not only be you, but the entire Qingyun Sect."

Leaving Qingyun Palace, Su Han felt heavy-hearted.

The tree may wish to be still, but the wind will not cease. He only wants to cultivate in peace and rescue his senior sister, but he is always drawn into various conflicts.

Upon returning to Tianya Peak, Elder Lin was already waiting in the courtyard.

"Master," Su Han bowed.

"Did Yun Qingzi come looking for you?" the old man asked.

Su Han nodded and briefly explained the situation.

After listening, Elder Lin remained silent for a long time before sighing, "These are turbulent times. The Hundred Sects Assembly is imminent, yet undercurrents are surging within the sect. Su Han, try to minimize your outings during this period and focus on preparing for the assembly. As long as you distinguish yourself at the Hundred Sects Assembly and become a key figure in the sect's development, those petty villains will naturally have something to fear."

"Your disciple obeys."

For the next two months, Su Han hardly left the house.

Practicing swordsmanship by day and cultivating stellar power by night, he occasionally sparred and exchanged ideas with Ye Wuhen and Mu Qingxue. The three had experienced life and death in the secret realm, and their relationship grew stronger day by day, often sharing their cultivation insights.

Ye Wuhen's Azure Cloud Dharma Image had solidified to almost a physical form; when he struck out with his palm, it possessed the power to blot out the sky with azure clouds. Mu Qingxue, on the other hand, was making rapid progress in the art of formations and was already able to set up simple killing formations.

Su Han's progress was the most astonishing.

The medicinal power of the jade lotus root was completely refined, and his star palace expanded by nearly 30%, with the purity of his star power comparable to the late stage of the star palace realm. He had mastered three moves of the second move of the Nine Swords of Tianya, "Opening Heaven," and had also grasped the basics of the third move, "Slaying Stars."

Most importantly, his understanding of the "Sword Intent of Life" deepened day by day.

That day, he was practicing his sword in the courtyard when the Tianya Sword suddenly emitted a faint fluctuation. "Senior Sister?" Su Han quickly sheathed his sword.

Yuheng's voice was weaker than before, but it carried a hint of relief: "You have touched the threshold of the sword intent of compassion."

"Senior sister, how are you?" Su Han asked anxiously.

"We can hold out for a while longer," Yuheng said softly, "but the evil intent is growing stronger. Su Han, you need to speed things up; perhaps there will be an opportunity at the Hundred Sects Conference."

"Chance?"

"There's an ancient ruin in Tianxing City called the 'Tower of Inquiry'," Yuheng's voice trailed off. "The tower contains ancient legacies, perhaps including methods to purify evil thoughts, but entry requires qualifications. You must be among the top ten in the Hundred Sects Conference."

"Top ten?" Su Han gripped the hilt of his sword tightly.

The Eastern Region is home to hundreds of sects, teeming with geniuses. To stand out and enter the top ten is an incredibly difficult task.

“I will do it,” he said firmly.

Yuheng fell silent, seemingly asleep again.

Su Han looked eastward, towards Tianxing City. The Hundred Sects Assembly, the Tower of Inquiry—this was his chance to save his senior sister, and he couldn't afford to miss it.

Time flies, and in the blink of an eye, it's the eve of the Hundred Sects Conference.

Early that morning, more than twenty disciples gathered in front of the Qingyun Sect's mountain gate. These were all participants in this tournament, each possessing extraordinary aura, with even the weakest being at the early stage of the Star Palace Realm.

Su Han, Ye Wuhen, and Mu Qingxue stood in the front row, and were the main force this time.

Yun Qingzi came to see him off in person, accompanied by several elders.

"This Hundred Sects Conference is not only about personal honor and disgrace, but also about the allocation of resources for the sect over the next five years." Yun Qingzi's gaze swept over the disciples. "I hope you will do your best to uphold the prestige of Qingyun Sect."

"We will certainly live up to your expectations!" everyone replied in unison.

The leader was Elder Lu Mingxuan, who was at the mid-stage of the Star River Realm. He was fair and just and had a high reputation within the sect.

"Let's go." With Elder Lu's command, everyone boarded the flying boat.

This is a large flying magical artifact of the Qingyun Sect, shaped like a multi-story ship, capable of carrying a hundred people. The flying boat took off, breaking through the clouds, and sped towards Tianxing City.

On the boat, the disciples were either meditating and regulating their breathing, or chatting in small groups. Su Han and his two companions gathered together to discuss the rules of the conference.

"The Hundred Sects Tournament is divided into three stages." Mu Qingxue, who knew the information best, said, "The first stage is the 'Stairway to Heaven,' where all participants must climb the 'Starfall Mountain' outside Tianxing City. There are a hundred seats at the top of the mountain, and the first to arrive gets them."

"The second stage is the 'battleground,' where 100 people will be drawn into a duel to determine the top ten."

"The third stage is the 'Tower of Inquiry,' where the top ten can enter the tower for a challenge. The final ranking is determined by the number of floors reached."

Ye Wuhen added, "According to previous data, those who can reach the summit of Starfall Mountain must have at least the strength of the mid-stage Star Palace Realm. And to enter the top ten, the late-stage Star Palace Realm is the minimum requirement."

Su Han nodded silently. He was currently at the peak of the early stage of the Star Palace Realm, just one step away from the middle stage. But if he wanted to compete for a top ten spot, he needed to take another step forward.

The flying boat traveled day and night, and three days later, it finally arrived at Tianxing City.

Viewed from above, this largest city in the Eastern Region resembles a colossal beast lying prone, its walls hundreds of feet high and stretching for hundreds of miles. The city is filled with pavilions and towers, but the most striking feature is a towering structure in its center—entirely black, soaring into the clouds, its spire hidden in the mist—the legendary Tower of Inquiry.

The airship landed outside the city, and the group walked into the city.

Tianxing City was now overflowing with people. Disciples from various sects could be seen everywhere on the streets, some in splendid robes, others in simple and unassuming attire, all exuding an extraordinary aura. (End of Chapter)