I am a female swordsman.

'Good luck, host.'

Despite her fear of Huang Quan, the system possessed an unwavering will to overcome it, and readily granted her request. The next moment, layers of ripples spreading across the space filled Huang Quan's vision, and the familiar pulling sensation returned, causing her consciousness to separate once more.

The thought entity was once again cast into the sword domain.

According to the system's prediction, the host, Huang Quan, is capable of dying four or five times in a row without serious impact on his body. However, such a feat of constantly challenging death is often too much to bear even once. Didn't you see how disheveled Huang Quan was after his first return, despite his strong will?

The original plan was to take a break before setting off again, but we seized that feeling and went for it.

As expected of its host.

………………

When the object of longing opened its eyes again, a beautiful scene once more appeared before Huang Quan's eyes.

Birds sing and flowers bloom, a paradise on earth.

The breathtaking scenery was intoxicating, with verdant bamboo groves swaying gently in the breeze. But Huang Quan, standing here again, understood that beneath this seemingly tranquil and peaceful landscape lurked an utterly terrifying danger! No matter how beautiful the exterior, it could not change the true nature of this place!

"We absolutely cannot let our guard down."

After repeating this sentence several times, Huang Quan solemnly and slowly took another step in the sword domain!

This space is a realm of death.

It is the leisurely elegance of embracing the sharpness of a sword and a thousand intoxicating scenes. Its sword intent does not intend to attack others, but as a weapon of murder, its very existence is extremely dangerous! If one does not constantly guard one's mind, it is perfectly normal to be influenced and walk towards death.

The first death of the thought entity still brought back a very important message to Huang Quan.

That is, sword intent!

If this place truly is Liang Yue's sword domain, then how can one fully perceive its true nature, instead of merely seeing its superficial appearance? The answer lies in sword intent; the will of fellow swordsmen can cause targeted changes within the sword domain!

A faint floral fragrance wafted through the air.

The delicate fragrance, somewhat like plum blossoms, seemed to guide Huang Quan towards a certain place. This immediately alerted Huang Quan, who was already strictly adhering to his will and highly vigilant.

It used to be a yin-yang symbol, now it's floral.

Although their forms are completely different, the seductive intent they embody is exactly the same. Actually, it shouldn't be called seduction, because Huang Quan is also a swordsman, so she is particularly sensitive to the sword intent of her own kind. Her perception makes her take on a great deal of risk in this seemingly peaceful environment.

Ignite your sword intent...

This would allow for a more comprehensive view of the scenery of this sword domain. But what would be the consequences of activating one's sword intent in another swordsman's domain? Huang Quan didn't know, but she knew she would soon find out the answer.

"Come on! [Divine Sword] Liang Yue, let me see your sharpness!"

Chapter 10 Instant Kill

One can know the master of a sword by examining it.

One can tell what kind of person a swordsman is simply by looking at the sword he usually carries. The various marks on the sword are the best reflection of his lifelong dedication to combat. And the sword intent, containing the swordsman's concentrated will, goes without saying; one can discern the character of the person facing him simply by sensing it!

Huang Quan's sword intent can be described as immature.

Compared to those sword heroes who have survived countless battlefields, their terrifying sword intent, as powerful as a ghost or god, is truly frightening. They can kill their enemies with just their sword intent!

Liang Yue's sword intent, as described in the "Divine Sword," must have reached a state of perfection, even surpassing the comprehension of the Yellow Springs.

The sword intent transforms into flying birds, swimming fish, flowers, and gentle breezes. It reaches a level so realistic that it's impossible to tell the difference between real and fake. If Huang Quan hadn't already glimpsed the basics of sword intent, he would never have been able to discern the various transformations of sword intent within the sword domain. This kind of miraculous skill is something Huang Quan can only look up to.

The intent to destroy!

The stronger the enemy, the more we must strike at their most powerful point!

The crimson, clean eyes of the Thought Entity suddenly flashed with a different kind of sharp light, and the whole person stood like a frost-covered sword slowly being drawn from its sheath!

"This is……!!!"

Although he was mentally prepared, Huang Quan still couldn't help but whisper in surprise upon seeing the new sight before him. The perfect unity of will and energy, their combination, produces incredible effects. Under the guidance of will, the arrangement and combination of energy surpasses those scattered, soulless techniques.

Upon reaching this level, the Thought Entity saw only the tip of the iceberg beneath the Sword Domain's peaceful exterior.

This place should be called Sword Prison!

Everything in this world is a product of sword intent—the sky, the earth, the water, the wind, the plants and animals. Looking beyond the surface to the essence reveals that one is actually unable to move. This is because the vast, star-like sword intent, carrying an orderly and beautiful rhythm, roams and moves through this world, seemingly beautiful yet deadly!

With a thousand sharp blades at your side, the slightest carelessness could reduce you to ashes!

It's called the Sword Domain, but it's actually a Sword Prison!

The thought-provoking entity instinctively broke out in a cold sweat, because seeing so many flashes and dances of sword intent filled its vision, making it impossible to know where to go. However, what was even more terrifying was that activating sword intent in the domain of other swordsmen was an act of provocation that naturally triggered a reaction from the originally orderly movement of sword intent.

I don't know where it came from.

A terrifying sword aura ripped through the air! It was as fast as a shooting star! So fast that Huang Quan, in her mental form, didn't even have time to draw her sword to parry before it completely pierced into her head! Her mind went completely blank, and an indescribable fear and unease made Huang Quan open her mouth wide, wanting to scream, but no sound came out!

She was instantly defeated again.

Before he died, Huang Quan seemed to hear a man's questioning voice.

"This will?... Heh, interesting."

A refined-looking man sitting by the riverbank, fishing, glanced in a certain direction, as if someone had uninvited him to his domain. His fishing rod suddenly trembled slightly; beneath the calm, azure surface of the river, a colossal, serpentine body could be vaguely seen, a creature with dark scales struggling fiercely!

"Oh dear, the willing have taken the bait, haha!"

The fishing rod was suddenly pulled back!

A black dragon soared into the sky, turning the sky as black as spilled ink in an instant, with clouds and rain gathering! The refined man sat calmly on the riverbank, smiling as he admired this calamity that stirred the power of nature!

………………

'I've returned from the Sword Domain.'

Huang Quan's voice was somewhat confused. Compared to the despair of struggling while drowning during her first death, this death was a blank, an emptiness of nothingness. This feeling was extremely painful, so painful that Huang Quan had an urge to rip her heart out. She understood that this was the true feeling of the thought-body before death.

Welcome back, host.

The system's usual monotone voice rang out, and the dark blue screen remained blank.

They were snapped up instantly.

Huang Quan slowly, slowly broke free from that uncomfortable emptiness. Staying in that state for too long would likely have a serious impact on her mind. If her first entry into Huang Quan was filled with a sense of mystery and unpredictability, then her second entry made her truly understand that the [Divine Sword] lived up to its name.

I need to rest for a while.

After the confusion came a sudden surge of weariness. Two deaths, plus the severe impact on her own sword intent, left Huang Quan feeling a wave of weariness sweeping over her.

Rest was necessary; this was the first time Huang Quan's will had protested before her body. There are always people stronger than you, and the sky's the limit. Never let a small achievement make you arrogant. Huang Quan's consciousness quickly entered a peaceful slumber. Even in her sleep, her right hand, unconsciously clenched, seemed ready to strike with a sword at any moment. She wanted to become stronger, as strong as Liang Yue, the [Divine Sword]!

The infinite world is filled with an infinite variety of swordsmen, waiting for her to discover them!

'Sweet dreams, host.'

The system's belated greeting was gentle and soft. Huang Quan, in his sleep, seemed to be dreaming of something happy, and the corners of his mouth turned up slightly.

………………

Arad Apartment, [Sword Master] Room, Living Room.

Holding a large teddy bear, with his two legs wrapped somewhat indecently around it, [Sword Master] Midis was watching TV and enjoying his wonderful weekend break.

The spotless living room, clean and tidy, has a magical quality that makes you want to collapse into it.

Midis was no exception; she naturally wanted to enjoy the fruits of her and her niece's labor. Otherwise, it would be crazy to wait until the living room was a mess before lounging around in it. Besides, with this windfall, Midis was already considering taking her niece out for barbecue that evening.

I don't know if it was a coincidence or something else.

The moment Huang Quan truly fell asleep peacefully, Midis raised an eyebrow and cast his gaze toward the room where Huang Quan was.

His previously languid and ordinary gaze instantly transformed into an extremely stern and sharp one, like a shimmering net woven from the heavens, flashing and disappearing in an instant! If Huang Quan were here, he would be astonished to find that Midis's eyes at this moment were strikingly similar to his own, as if they were made from the same mold!

"Little Yellow Springs is no ordinary person..."

This niece is too mysterious. Although she's my third sister's daughter, it all happened so suddenly. However, [Sword Sect] Mitis didn't dwell on it too much. Everyone who comes to this world to rest has a bit of mystery about them; even an ordinary office worker like her has a past she'd rather not talk about.

Living too shrewdly is exhausting. Sometimes, living a little more carefree is just fine.

Chapter Eleven: Envy of Others

The fledgling spreads its wings and flies, its heart yearning for the south. The seedling grows strong and healthy, bathed in torrential rain and thunder.

Even in her deepest dreams, she could still see her own sword light shining brightly. More clearly and distinctly than ever before, its dazzling brilliance emanating from her very soul was undeniable. Something seemed to be brewing deep within that radiant sword light…

Just as Huang Quan wanted to get closer to get a clearer view!

The Sleeping Beauty on the bed suddenly opened her eyes!

Her unfocused pupils trembled slightly, as if carrying the lingering remnants of death she had experienced before falling asleep. A sense of bewilderment and emptiness lingered, yet there was also a chilling, unsettling quality. Unconsciously, a sliver of Huang Quan's true nature was revealed—a tenacity as resilient as weeds.

The hollowness faded, and the scarlet eyes gradually regained their usual sharp luster.

How long did I sleep?

'Reply to host, two hours and seventeen minutes.'

The first thing Huang Quan did after regaining consciousness was to ask the system how long she had been unconscious. This deep sleep, in which she had almost completely lost her senses of her surroundings, left her with lingering fear. Since her power gradually became extraordinary, she could sense even the slightest movement around her while she was asleep, and at the slightest sound, she could instantly return to her optimal combat state.

Yomi had already developed this habit in the ghoul world; otherwise, she would have died in a ghoul ambush long ago during the two months she followed her mentor, Mado Kureo, on hunting missions.

But this time, he was sleeping so soundly that he was completely still.

It's clear that experiencing two deaths was still too heavy a burden for her. This wasn't just a near-death experience; it was a true encounter with death with her very soul. Moreover, she died under the sword intent of a peerless swordsman, even though the other party might not have even realized that Huang Quan had died within his sword domain.

If it were someone with a weaker will, they might have already gone insane or died.

'No wonder you gave me a safe world to digest this reward.' Huang Quan emphasized the word 'reward,' keenly sensing its preciousness—precious enough that she, at only the third tier, could not fully digest it. Even so, Huang Quan could clearly feel the weight of her gains.

Her willpower was noticeably faster and more accurate in terms of uniformity than before.

Indeed, confronting the fear of death head-on and making it one's own—this infinitely ambiguous experience of hovering between life and death—is incredibly valuable for personal development.

It seems like he's rested enough, so maybe...

"The system advises the host to control the intensity of training. Excessive entry into Liang Yue's sword domain will not result in significant improvement. The host can check the details regarding the number of entries and the validity period of the entry tickets." Realizing its host was showing signs of training addiction, the system immediately offered advice.

When the thought entity enters the sword domain, it always does so in a concealed and secretive manner.

It's a compromise born of necessity!

If a monster swordsman of the [Divine Sword] level were to get serious, even with the vast chasm of time and space between them, they might actually be able to endanger the system and its host, Huang Quan's, true form. The seemingly peaceful and safe world is, in reality, nowhere is safe. The system's predecessor once experienced a chaotic battle involving monsters from multiple timelines, with countless inconceivable and deadly methods employed.

'Okay.'