Bridge of Dreams: Blue Phoenix, #8

By Tinalynge

Final installment of the Blue Phoenix Series

The final adventure in Blue Phoenix brings our heroes into an all-encompassing war where they are unable to back out. They meet new friends, but also more enemies. Their aim is to reclaim their lost friends, gain vengeance for Lan Feng and his brothers alongside ensuring that humanity will continue to live a life of freedom as they do now.

In the darkest hour, all the heroes must stand together, fight against their most formidable foe to date, and risk their lives in the dangerous war, before they can finally walk the bridge of dreams towards a new future.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tinalynge
• Release date: Mar 27, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215278116

Book preview

Chapter 1 - War on the Horizon

While the rumors of the wedding spread to every corner of the galaxy, the balance of powers which had been maintained for eons had suddenly started to shift.

Small skirmishes started breaking out in various areas. It had started with the smaller sects and families who controlled the weaker Heavenly Worlds.

Hui Yue heard about these skirmishes quite quickly as he had regularly been trying to get information about the Blood Demons from the intelligence gathering branch of the sect, and he frowned as he walked away with the news.

It was as if many of the experts in the Heavenly Worlds suddenly, at the same time, decided to fight against their opponents, and the ones instigating the attacks all had powerful forces hidden nearby to step in at the right time and cripple their enemy.

Hui Yue had requested all information he could get about these skirmishes and was surprised to find that every faction which was waging war had been changed within the last ten thousand years. All these various factions were now led by a demon.

Some of these demons were known to be Blood Demons, but others were not. Still, Hui Yue was not stupid, and he instantly knew that something was starting to happen.

The first person he contacted was not his father, nor was it the patriarch, instead he headed straight home and took up the communication orb.

Yanluo? He asked as he contacted the King of Hell. Yanluo's face appeared in the orb, and he looked a little bewildered about why Hui Yue would contact him.

I am sure you have heard about the fights that are breaking out through the minor sects and families all over? Hui Yue asked nervously, and Yanluo nodded his head. He knew about it, but his face showed no traces of care. It was nothing to him that the minor sects and families were causing problems.

Well, the problem is not their disturbances... Hui Yue sighed, but I have been keeping an eye on the Blood Demons because of An He, and it seems that the faction behind all these fights is, in fact, the demons.

Some of them are known Blood Demons while others are not, but you tell me if they are not blood demons, then what are they?

Yanluo, who had been quite casual at the start of their conversation, slowly became more and more serious. He was used to fighting the major sects, and he was used to butting heads with the Blood Demons, but he was not used to caring about the minor sects and families. Thus he had not paid it any attention.

They must have some plan, Yanluo mumbled in deep thought, and Hui Yue nodded his head. He was also worried about what their plans might be.

The Blood Demons are cunning. They will do anything to kick us out of Diyu, and when Diyu has been replaced, they will start building their empire with the Blood Demons and demons as the leading, superior race.

Yanluo was in deep thought as he spoke about the ultimate goals of the Blood Demons, and he cocked his head to the side and closed his eyes for a moment.

They would not do anything without a purpose. They have been preparing for many many eons already and to think that they have finally begun to fight back... I fear that war is on the horizon.

Hui Yue felt a little worried when he heard what Yanluo said, but at the same time he clenched his fists and furrowed his brow. He was unable to see what they wished to gain from causing disorder in the lower ranks of the galaxy.

We will have to call a meeting, Yanluo sighed. The Blood Demons are a threat to all factions that are in power right now, and I fear that we need to stand together if we wish to fight them in the future.

These demons are very good at hiding their power. They have been hidden underground in various worlds for the last many eons. No one knows exactly where they are or what they do. Some would even have thought they were a legend, were it not for the few Blood Demons appearing every thousand years like crusaders, showing their allegiance to their cause.

Even I do not know too much about them, Yanluo continued to complain. My master knows about them but refuses to tell me anything. He just tells me that someday I will know what is going on and that it is impossible for me to change the path that history is walking down.

Hui Yue nodded his head. There were things which could not be changed, and it was obvious that since they had spent eons preparing, this fight was inevitable. Hui Yue was just surprised that they had started to carry out their plans so soon.

It’s not all bad, Yanluo said with a smile. You might be able to deal with An He easier this way.

An He is treated like a prince by the Blood Demons. He has been taking one pill after another to boost his potential and make himself stronger and stronger.

Usually he would be heavily guarded and not leave their headquarters, but now things are different. Since they will be starting a war in the near future, they will need to send out all their pawns. Although he is treated like a prince, he is after all only useful if he can do well on the battlefield.

Hui Yue nodded his head. What Yanluo said made perfect sense, and although he was worried about the situation, he could not help but smile slightly.

After finishing his talk with Yanluo, Hui Yue made a round in the sect to visit certain people. The first person he met up with was his father to tell him what he had found, and the second person was the patriarch.

After them he sought out Sha Yun, Huli, and Wang Ju Long. Ever since the wedding these three had been working harder than anyone else in the Celestial Sword Sect. They took missions in the sect to save up contribution points, and they used resources as freely as mortals drank water and wine.

Finding them was always a problem. After the wedding, Hui Yue had found out that the sect, did, in fact, have special places that were used for training in a certain dao, and Huli was usually found in the area where the dao of darkness was the densest.

She had already comprehended the major dao of wind, but she had long since given up on sensing the other daos. Now, however, she was in an environment that allowed for her to sense other daos and she cultivated with a relentlessness and fierceness that was befitting a beast.

Wang Ju Long was also mostly found in this area as well. After having her soul submerged in darkness for as long as she had, she found that she had an innate talent for this dao. Sometimes she would mention that she could feel something else behind the dao of darkness, a dao dealing with death.

Every time Hui Yue heard about this, he could not help but shiver. It seemed that the Alchemist God had been correct. Of all of them, the first person to comprehend a heavenly dao was likely to be Wang Ju Long. She now had a natural connection with the dao of death, and thus, she could sense it even before she had comprehended a major dao.

Because the two of them were together, Hui Yue went straight for the area where the dao of darkness was present. It was a small valley where no light ever reached.

Apart from the darkness, there was also a gloomy atmosphere, and long shadows were thrown everywhere.

Hui Yue quickly located Wang Ju Long and Huli and told them to follow him. Neither asked any questions; they just stood up, ignored what they were doing, and followed him as they went towards the area where the major dao of earth was the most prominent.

Sha Yun was very close to comprehending the major dao of the earth, and thus she spent the majority of her time on the ground where she could comprehend the dao.

After picking up Sha Yun, Hui Yue returned to the valley where he and his family lived. Lao, Jo, and Lei were currently in the valley cultivating on their own.

They were still new Gods and only had a small amount of Ancestral Worldpower. The valley they were in was filled with Ancestral Worldpower, and they spent their time greedily absorbing it.

Come with me, was all Hui Yue said as he gathered every one of his friends and headed towards the City of Endless Clouds.

Everyone was puzzled, but no one asked what was going on. On the way, Hui Yue had taken the communication orb and summoned everyone who was present in the city. This included Little Dragon, Deng Wu, Wei, Lan Feng, Xiao She, and Rong Xing.

These six people were the ones who had not been a part of a guardian sect before, and they were cultivating on their own in the city.

Hui Yue ordered them to rush towards a specific restaurant and ensure that they could get a private room. He had something important to talk with them about.

After asking them to make the reservation, he also contacted everyone from the guardian sects and ordered them to come as soon as possible towards the City of Endless Clouds.

The one that would take the longest time to arrive would be Cai Jie, as he was the furthest away, but even he understood that something was happening, so he left everything he was busy doing and headed out right away.

Arriving at the restaurant a servant was standing at the door. They all knew Hui Yue and recognized him, and the servant bowed deeply before leading Hui Yue, his friends, and family towards the room where the others were waiting for them.

As they entered the room, all eyes landed on Hui Yue. He had not said anything about what was happening, and his request for the meeting had been very sudden. Even more astonishing was that he had summoned all his friends.

As the door closed behind them, Hui Yue took his seat at the end of the table and looked at all of them before his eyes landed on Lan Feng.

Of everyone present, the one who was the most serious was Lan Feng because he had felt Hui Yue's emotions and knew his feelings of urgency.

An He is up to something, Hui Yue said seriously and solemnly to everyone present causing many of them to frown.

As you know, small skirmishes have broken out all over the galaxy, and the ones behind them are in fact the Blood Demons. I spoke with Yanluo about it, and he is sure that war is coming. A war between the Blood Demons and the rest of the galaxy, but even if they are strong they cannot face us all.

It is clear that they have some plan that will make it possible for them to fight all of us, but even if they don't, is it really possible for the galaxy to come together against them?

This is a great thing for us though. An He, who usually is hard to reach and even harder to harm will be on the front lines according to Yanluo. Hui Yue continued as a smile appeared on his lips.

If he is on the front lines, then we will run headlong into the danger and kill him! We will seek out the Blood Demons and fight them head on!

We have not had a lot of time on our own back here in the Celestial Sword Sect, but it seems like we are going to set out again soon. It seems that we will in the near future be fighting the Blood Demons head-on to find An He and get rid of the biggest threat to our lives and our home!

Chapter 2 - Rounding Up Friends

Hui Yue said what he wished to say and stayed quiet as he waited for the others to digest everything.

He would not force anyone to join him on this dangerous mission, but he knew that his friends would follow him no matter what. They had been through so much together, and now that they had to embark upon a new adventure they were ready. Although they had just a moment’s notice to prepare, none were worried.

When will we set out? Rong Xing asked with a voice so cold that the others shuddered. She was the one most eager to leave. She followed Hui Yue because they were friends, but of all Hui Yue's friends, apart from Lan Feng and Little Dragon, she was the one who was most eager to find An He.

Her feelings for An He were filled with hatred. She hated the man who had made her father go against Hui Yue. She did not blame her father; she blamed An He who was behind it all.

Truthfully, she was not able to hate her father at all. At the same time, she was not able to choose Hui Yue above her father either. Although Hui Yue was like family to her, her father was her real family, and she had been doted upon for so many years that it was impossible to not be impartial.

What really infuriated her was that Rong Ming had been forced to go with Rong Liang. Although she loved her father, the most important person to her was her twin brother. She had been with him for so many years, and she would do anything to be together with him again.

Another reason that she had not said anything about being with Hui Yue was Deng Wu. Deng Wu and her were good friends for many years, and as time had progressed so had their relationship.

Especially after becoming immortals. Deng Wu had been chasing after her for many many years now, but after becoming immortals, Rong Xing, who had been alone after the separation of her and Rong Ming, felt fragile and weak and having Deng Wu by her side helped her feel much better.

Rong Xing was eager to find and kill An He because she hoped that it would allow for her to reunite with Rong Ming, but she still had no idea what she would do when she reunited with her father.

She could not just watch him being killed by her good friends, but at the same time, she could not bear for her friends to come to harm because of her father either. It was truly a tough predicament.

We will be leaving as soon as the others arrive from the guardian sects, Hui Yue said seriously. He was aware of Rong Xing's emotions and thoughts on the matter, but he said nothing about it. He could not promise that he would let Rong Liang go after what he did to Wang Ju Long, nor was he willing to let one of An He's strongest generals reign free if he could be eliminated.

The room lapsed into silence as everyone thought about what Hui Yue had said. Some, like Little Dragon and Deng Wu, were thinking about Rong Xing and her situation, while others were thinking about the dangers they were about to approach.

I still have not told the ones from the Celestial Sword Sect about my plans. As soon as we finish here I will be going to talk with my father and the patriarch, Hui Yue said. It did not come as a surprise that the first people he spoke with were his friends. He had always valued friendship highly, and they were the ones who would be joining him. If they had spoken against it, then likely the trip would have been canceled.

But no one seemed to be against it if anything they were all excited for their own purposes. Everyone wished to kill An He as soon as possible. He was an obstacle that had been in their way for a great many years now, and some of them had been his enemy for thousands of years already.

Lan Feng was eager to head out. He knew that with his and Hui Yue's current strength they ranked amongst the upper echelons of the galaxy's cultivators, and if they fought together, it would be very hard for anyone else to flee from them.

If that is all, then I suggest that we start preparing as soon as possible, Huli said. She was as sensible as always and started planning ahead. We will have to stock up on everything we might need. Although we will be traveling through the civilized world this time, it’s hard to say for certain that we will be able to find the things we need. Therefore, It is better to bring our own essentials with us.

Everyone nodded their heads. Although there was nothing they really needed as Gods, there were still things that made their lives much more comfortable.

Hui Yue nodded his head and was about to leave when the waitresses appeared with food and drinks. When he saw the food, he could tell that his friends wanted him to stay and relax for a little, and although he was in a hurry to start his search for An He, he could always make time for his friends.

How is the married life? Deng Wu asked with a grin on his face, and Rong Xing gave him an elbow to the side while she, Wang Ju Long, and Sha Yun blushed.

Huli just grinned at him and hooked her arms around Hui Yue's making him feel the voluptuous bosom that was hiding beneath the clothes and a grin also appeared on Hui Yue’s face. Life is good, he said with a nod of his head. Being married to these three women, how could my life not be amazing?

Life as a married man, I heard that some considered it a burden, but if I was married to such beautiful women, and three of them to boot, then I would also be quite blissful, Wei said with a smile on his face, not letting the two girls any respite.

For the next wedding... Do you think it will be Deng Wu and Rong Xing's or Lan Feng and Xiao She's? Little Dragon asked curiously as he rested his head in his hands. He looked completely casual as he spoke but although he seemed as if he had just spoken about the weather, his words caused everyone present to stop with their food halfway in their mouth.

Rong Xing's face turned beet red, and she hid her face in Deng Wu's side. Her previously calm and cold demeanor had completely melted. She had turned back into a small girl who was being teased.

Xiao She took it differently. She glared at Little Dragon. She and Little Dragon had known each other thousands of years before when the Divine Beasts were in control of the Divine Beast World so although she was embarrassed by his words, she knew his mischievous personality and just glared at him.

Nobody had been surprised by his words, as they had gotten friendly with Little Dragon on their trip from the Archaic World, and they had gotten to know what he was like. They all knew he meant no harm with what he said; he genuinely just wanted them to get married and be happy together.

Little Dragon was very much like a small child. He would say whatever came to his mind, whenever it did. He was like an honest and straightforward child.

Because of his personality, he had become well-liked very fast. Everyone enjoyed their time together with him and Little Dragon had easily become part of the group.

He and Deng Wu were the best of friends. They had known each other for a long time and had depended on each other for just as long.

Little Dragon and Deng Wu knew each other by heart, and it was clear that Little Dragon just wanted the best for Deng Wu, which was why he asked when he would get married.

After getting over their initial surprise at the question, Hui Yue, Wei, and the other girls started laughing out loud, something that they needed to do. After talking about such depressing subjects, it was liberating to laugh out loud and soon everyone was smiling as they enjoyed the meal.

Everyone had gathered in a hurry. They had been uncomfortable and worried. When they heard Hui Yue's report, they had been filled with a mixture of excitement and anticipation, but at the same time, everyone was also worried about the danger they would have to face.

But now, as the day was drawing to a close, Hui Yue, his friends, and family left the restaurant in a great mood. They were no longer in a rush. Although they knew they had to hurry, they could do nothing before Cai Jie, and the other Gods arrived from the Guardian Sects, and since this was the case, they might as well enjoy life.

Hui Yue returned to the sect with his family after saying goodbye to his friends. He led Sha Yun, Huli, and Wang Ju Long back to the valley.

Please get some rest, he said with a smile on his face as he stroked Wang Ju Long's cheek, kissed Sha Yun, and squeezed Huli's hand.

What do you need to do? Sha Yun asked with a sour expression on her face. She wanted Hui Yue to stay with them, but she understood that he too had to prepare for their adventure.

I will come back soon, he promised them as he turned around and left the valley. The three women stayed outside of the house that belonged to Hui Yue and looked on as his shadow vanished into the night.

The three women sighed collectively before they looked at one another and smiled wryly. Well, we better get some rest. Wang Ju Long said with a nod of her head. We don't want to become a burden to Yue, Huli agreed. I will wait for him, Sha Yun decided, and both Huli and Wang Ju Long knew that it was pointless to try and deter her, so they just shook their heads and entered the house, going to their rooms where they started cultivating.

I heard you left the sect, Pei Tian smiled as he looked at his son. No matter how he looked at him he had become much stronger than he was before, he was now the pride of not only Pei Tian but the entire Celestial Sword Sect and Pei Tian could not help but feel satisfied.

Yes, Hui Yue responded with a nod of his head, I am going to leave the Celestial Sword Sect soon, he said honestly. The Blood Demons are starting to act, and Yanluo will summon everyone for a meeting to discuss how to deal with them. I will be heading for the areas that they control already and fight the Blood Demons present.

You're searching for this An He guy? Pei Tian asked with a frown on his face, and Hui Yue nodded. An He and I cannot coexist. I will kill him one way or another, and now is a great chance to do so.

I understand. Pei Tian turned silent for a long time before he scratched his head, Let’s go visit your uncle, he said after thinking for some time. I know you are using a treasured sword, but I will ask that the sect lend you the Celestial Sword.

Chapter 3 - Celestial Sword

T he Celestial Sword ? Hui Yue said stunned. He had previously considered the name of the sect quite a few times. He had wondered why exactly the sect was not called the Great Roc Sect or something along these lines, as he had never before heard anyone mention or talk about the Celestial Sword.

Even when he was traveling with Pei Ziqi the woman was completely ignorant of his theories about the reason for the sect to be named as such.

Hearing what Hui Yue said, Pei Tian snickered.

Have you never wondered why we named our sect the way we did? Have you never considered why the Celestial Sword Sect is not the Great Roc Sect or the Great Wind Sect?

Pei Tian was filled with righteousness as he spoke, and Hui Yue could not help but roll his eyes. Of course, he had wondered, but every time he had tried to get answers, no one had answered him.

Knowing that even if he stated this, his father would completely ignore him, Hui Yue stayed quiet and just wore a wry smile on his lips.

The Great Ancestor became a constellation to protect us all from the future evils that might lurk in the darkness, Pei Tian said seriously. His voice was low as if he was talking about a great secret, and although he had a big smile on his face, he kept looking left and right to ensure that no one listened in on their conversation.

When one becomes a constellation, they allow for their soul to merge with the world they want to protect, the world they were the Crowned Sovereign of.

It is important that one is the Crowned Sovereign of the world before they try to merge with it, Pei Tian warned him sternly, and he even lifted a hand and waved a finger at Hui Yue to make him understand that.

When you are the Crowned Sovereign of a world, your soul and the soul of the world will intermingle. They will not merge, but they will get used to one another and coexist within the world.

This makes the soul of the world used to your soul, and it is not likely to reject it when the merge begins.

To become a constellation you have to leave your body behind, and then merge with the world. The soul is then split into two, the soul of the Earth, which is the soul of the world, and the soul of the heavens which is the soul of the constellation.

Together, those two, the soul of the world and the soul of the constellation, protect the world forever. The constellation’s soul will have lost it sentience because it has become apart of the world and only when the world or its Crowned Sovereign are in grave danger will the constellation step up and protect it.

When one becomes a constellation one sheds their bodies to allow for their souls to become one with the world. These bodies afterwards can then be used in whatever way one may want.

Some bury their loved ones in the worlds they have become one with; others use their bodies for specific items. The Great Roc’s body which was left behind was exactly made into an item.

Our father, the Great Roc, had a primordial body. He was one of the first creatures created in the whole galaxy. His might was astounding, and his entire body was a treasure unlike any that has been seen since.

Before he merged with the world, he told me and my brothers that it would be a waste to let his body just rest in the ground, so he ordered us to forge his body into a weapon.

This weapon was the Celestial Sword. Pei Tian sighed as he spoke. The Great Roc was his father, and his own father's body had been used to form this Celestial Sword. It was only natural that the sword would be the most sacred item in the entire sect.

The Celestial Sword is the most outstanding weapon in the galaxy, many others have coveted it, but the truth is that one needs to be a descendant of the Great Roc to unleash its full power.

The sword is the same element as the Great Roc, and it contains the daos that father comprehended.

Father comprehended the major dao of wind, the major dao of fire, the major dao of darkness and the heavenly dao of the heavens.

You know as well as I do that when one comprehends a major dao, the dao becomes one with your body and soul. It fuses with every pore of your being, and this sword, having been refined by father's body, also contains these daos.

If you comprehend the same daos as father did, it will boost your strength when using attacks that have to do with the dao of wind, fire, or darkness.

The sword has only been used once in the war against the demons eons ago. Since then it has been hidden away deep within the sect.

Some even think that the Celestial Sword is but a myth, a legend that people tell just to dream of a strong weapon.

Pei Tian sighed and shook his head. The sword has previously been used to slay demons, and it can be used to slay demons again, but although I think it will be a good idea to lend you the Celestial Sword, I don't know if my other two brothers will approve of it.

Pei Tian frowned suddenly and started pacing back and forth. He scratched his chin, mumbled to himself, and finally nodded his head.

We will convince them otherwise! he finally said. You are the hope of the Celestial Sword Sect; you are already at a level where others will have a hard time standing against you, and with this sword, you will be impossible to defeat!

Pei Tian had complete faith in his son, and his laughter made Hui Yue's heart swell with happiness. He was truly happy that his father had such faith in him.

Let us go at once! Pei Tian said as giddy as a small child while he grabbed Hui Yue around the wrist and dragged him with him towards the patriarch's mountain.

Just as Pei Tian grabbed Hui Yue's wrist, Hui Yue was shocked. Although he had no intention of removing his father's hand, he noticed that the steel-like clamp of his father's hand was impossible to move even for him.

Hui Yue simply did not have the strength to compete with his father, something that shocked him greatly.

Hui Yue was aware that he was very strong. He was ranked as one of the strongest experts in the galaxy, but his father was even more unfathomable than he imagined and his physical strength simply monstrous.

Have you comprehended a heavenly dao?! Hui Yue exclaimed shocked as he looked at his father, but Pei Tian just laughed but did not answer. Instead, he looked forward and said in an ambiguous voice, We are the next strongest sect in the galaxy. If we do not have some strong practitioners, how do you think we managed to maintain our position since our great father left us?

Hui Yue was stunned. He had never actually thought about the fact that the sect was as powerful as it was. He had never before thought about how powerful the strongest experts in the sect were, but now that he thought about the subject, it made sense.

What his father said was logical. The sect was truly a hegemon amongst the sects of the galaxy. To have such a position naturally meant that they had the power to back themselves up.

Nodding his head, Hui Yue's face turned solemn. He had thought that he was amongst the strongest because he had comprehended as many daos as he had, but now he understood that although experts that had comprehended a heavenly dao were scarce, it was not impossible to run into them.

They were like a needle in a haystack, but although they were rare, they still existed. In the galaxy, there might be five hundred experts that had comprehended a heavenly dao, and although this number was small compared to the millions of immortals that lived in the galaxy amongst the thousands of worlds, it was still bigger than nothing.

There might even be Overlords other than Yama hiding in the galaxy as well. No one knew exactly how many Overlords had been born in this galaxy, but the majority of those that people had heard about had vanished. Some speculated that they had long since traveled to other galaxies, other parts of the vast universe.

Originally, Hui Yue had not felt the need to actually accept the Celestial Sword. He was very happy with his Sword of the Icy Tempest, and he felt that he himself was so strong that he really did not need the weapon.

On top of this, he was no swordsman. Although he used a sword as his favored weapon, he was not one with the sword, nor was he in need of a sword if he wished to fight. His combat ability would rise when he used a sword, but he was not useless without it. Therefore, he did not feel the need to take the sword away from the sect.

However, after realizing that although he had become strong and reached the upper echelons of strength in the galaxy, he was still far from being invincible.

What did you say? The Celestial Sword?! The patriarch was shocked when he heard what Pei Tian said. His eyes widened as far as they would go and a vein started popping on his temple.

Hui Yue could understand that the Celestial Sword was their most treasured item, but he had never expected that the patriarch would behave the way he did. He was always calm and collected. He always appeared to be above everything else and was merely looking down on the mundane world of every other cultivator.

Unfortunately, this time he had been thoroughly shocked. Dear brother, I understand that you told your son about the Celestial Sword, and I can also appreciate why you did so. He has done much for us and does indeed deserve to know about it, but to ask for him to borrow it, that might be a bit too much.

The second ancestor of the Celestial Sword appeared and spoke with a calm voice. Hui Yue looked at this uncle of his. He did not know exactly what he was thinking. The two of them had not interacted much, and they had not spoken with one another more than a few times. Every time the two had talked they had just exchanged pleasantries.

Why don't you explain why you think your son is entitled to borrow our most valuable Celestial Sword? You know what this sword is and how treasured it is. Brother reveres it, and for him to take it down from the pedestal where he has placed it would be almost impossible, the brother continued, and Hui Yue frowned, something felt wrong.

You have a point, Pei Tian said with a nod of his head. You all have heard the situation about the Blood Demons gearing up for a fight, he continued to explain the current circumstances that they already knew about and finally turned to Hui Yue. My son Pei Yue is going to go to the minor factions where the Blood Demons are causing problems and get rid of them all, he said proudly. He is going to attack them and wipe out the demons vanguard. No one else has thought about doing this, but it is a very easy solution and will cause them to lose quite a bit.

Ohh I see, the brother exclaimed surprised and nodded his head. That is indeed a brilliant plan, so simple but also something that others have not thought about doing. We would not usually get caught up in skirmishes amongst the factions at the lower levels of the galaxy, but to do that is indeed a straightforward way to deal with them.

The brother continued to praise Hui Yue for having come up with such a good idea, and Pei Tian's face glowed more and more in the dark. He was filled with happiness and contentedness, but Hui Yue did not feel happiness from the praise, instead, he felt slightly disturbed and worried. Something inside of him told him that there was something wrong.

Chapter 4 - Worthy?

I know that our nephew is an amazing cultivator, the patriarch said with a sour expression on his face, but a great person alone is not enough to warrant us to take out the Celestial Sword.

Right now it is kept in a safe place. No one apart from me is capable of taking it out from there, but if Pei Yue has it with him who is to say that others might not go after him just for our sacred sword?

Hui Yue was silent for some time, but his eyes had never left this uncle of his that had praised him to the skies and above. When he heard what the patriarch said, he noticed a slight twitch in the eyes of his uncle.

Could it really be? he mumbled to himself unsure whether or not he was correct, but he cleared his throat, I actually did not want to borrow the Celestial Sword, he said truthfully, and looked at the patriarch finally. And I am sure that I will do just fine with my Sword of the Icy Tempest. It is no ordinary sword as it has been forged using the ancient Nine Heaven's Blood Forging method.

Although the Celestial Sword might be able to bring me some benefits and increase my strength, it could also bring calamity to me if anyone were to know that I was walking around with such a peerless treasure.

Hearing Hui Yue speak, everyone had different expressions on their faces. The patriarch seemed elated and relaxed, and the vein which had been throbbing around his temple finally calmed down as his ugly expression changed into a mellow smile.

His father, Pei Tian, though seemed troubled. He did not seem to understand what his son was going on about, and he wondered why he had suddenly changed his opinion without consulting him about it.

But the one who Hui Yue observed was his uncle. He frowned as he returned Hui Yue’s stare, but otherwise, he did not react.

Hui Yue frowned slightly. Had he been too cautious and doubting when he viewed his uncle before or was there good reason for him to have this uncomfortable feeling whenever he saw his uncle.

Shaking his head, Hui Yue decided that this was not something he needed to worry about. If the ancestor, his uncle, was as strong as his father, Pei Tian, then his strength, with or without the Celestial Sword, would not be anywhere close to deal with him.

It was better to just not get involved in this matter and leave it for the stronger experts. It was inconceivable that his uncle had ulterior motives when he had been with the Celestial Sword Sect since he had been part of the sect since birth and it was founded by his father.

Sighing, Hui Yue felt that he had been too fast to judge, but inside he had a gut feeling that was telling him to not take the Celestial Sword. However, he was shocked when he noticed that now the patriarch was in deep thought.

He had seemed elated when Hui Yue said that he did not need the sword, but now he seemed to have second thoughts.

I can understand Little Tian's thoughts of wanting to lend you the Celestial Sword, the patriarch said with a sigh, clearly in deep thought since he had said Little Tian instead of Pei Tian.

But it is hard for me to accept that the Celestial Sword should leave the sect again. It is the only thing we have left of lord father, and if some mishap were to happen then it would be impossible to manage the aftermath.

The two ancestors nodded their heads. What the patriarch said made sense, but they couldn't understand what he wanted to say with it. If he had already made a decision, then so be it, but why tell them all this?

Your trip is justified, and you will be fighting with your life on the line against the Blood Demons. They are not stupid. At the start, they will send weaker opponents after you because they will not think that someone of your caliber would come out to fight them so soon, but after a bit of time, this will change. When they see that their plans are going sour, they will, without a doubt, send stronger and more powerful cultivators to deal with you.

You are strong, but you have yet to comprehend a heavenly dao. Although you can handle the majority of experts, there are some whom even you are incapable of dealing with.

In that case, your ability to survive will be much higher if I lend you the Celestial Sword, he paused and closed his eyes as he massaged his temples.

I revere the Celestial Sword because it is what our father left us, but when it comes down to it, I am also aware that it has been placed out of combat for far too long. Father did not ask of us to refine his body into a sword for the sake of having it hanging around as a decorative ornament.

Silence descended on the room, and the patriarch opened his eyes again. Yes, I will allow you to borrow the Celestial Sword. However, you cannot tell anyone that you have it, he said with decisive eyes and a firm nod of his head.

The Celestial Sword needs to shine! It needs to be in the hands of the younger generation. We will aid the war, but in the end, this is a war of the younger generation. We already had our prime, and thus it is time for me to pass the sword on to the next generation.

Considering this, in the new generation who is more suitable to carry the Celestial Sword than Pei Yue? Who is more talented and knowledgeable?

What made you change your mind? Pei Tian frowned. He was not unhappy with the sudden change, but he could not understand what warranted such a change in his otherwise usually stoic brother. When a decision was made, it would not be changed unless something big happened.

I don't know, the patriarch said with a sigh as he scratched his head. It was as if something inside of me told me that this was for the best. That Pei Yue needs the Celestial Sword to fight with his full strength during this war.

Both ancestors looked surprised when they heard his words, but neither of them complained about it, in fact, both looked a little relieved.

Follow me, the patriarch said as he turned around before he gestured for Hui Yue and the two ancestors to follow him.

They did not leave the mountain that belonged to the patriarch, instead, they headed further into it. They went past all the rooms and chambers that were used for living and ended up in the far back of the mountain. Here was a staircase which went downwards into the depths of the mountain’s core. The further into it they went, the darker and more humid the air became.

There was absolutely no light on this stairway, but Hui Yue had managed to comprehend the major dao of darkness so he could see everything as clear as day. Finally, after walking for what seemed like an eternity, they reached a heavy door.

The door was made from a metal that Hui Yue had only seen once before at the flower world where the Alchemist God was residing. It was not a metal that had been needed in the refining of a body, so he had not needed it and when he had tried gathering it, the Alchemist God had told him not to, that it would be far too difficult to get his hands on this specific kind of metal.

He never got to know the name of this metal, but from what he understood from the Alchemist God this metal in front of him was the most durable and tough to work within the entire galaxy.

This hard to work with metal that almost no God could break through was now made into a door, making Hui Yue assume that it would be impossible to break into and steal whatever was behind the door unless one had the key.

It would be easier to dig through the mountain from another angle than to get through this door.

As the patriarch stepped forward, he took out a small knife and slit his hand, creating a small cut. A few drops of blood oozed out and before the wound healed he place his finger on the heavy door.

A few clicking sounds could be heard as the blood slowly started sinking into the metal itself before the door swung open revealing a stunning sight for Hui Yue to see.

The door in front of him was not the only thing made from this hard to work with metal; the entire room was walled with it on all sides including the roof and floor making it into a big box made from the metal.

In the middle of the box was a sword. Everything was still pitch black, but as they all were able to see in the darkness, this did not matter. The moment Hui Yue laid eyes on the sword he knew it was special.

The hilt was made from the claws of the Great Roc and had an engraved roc on the handle.

The sword itself was humming with an energy unlike any Hui Yue had ever seen before. He had no idea how this sword could be as powerful as it was, but he could feel the dao of darkness, fire, and wind being emitted from the sword itself. It was clear that if he had it in his hands, his power would at least double.

This sword was truly admirable. It was clear that it was able to be considered one of the greatest weapons in the galaxy, if not the greatest, and to be allowed to use it was a great honor that Hui Yue had not expected, and now after seeing it, he was even more surprised about being allowed to use it.

Take it, the patriarch urged Hui Yue. His eyes were moist as he looked at this sword which was the only remaining part of their father's body, and he had complicated emotions in his heart, but he did not regret the decision he had made. This sword was for Hui Yue to use in the war that was to come against the Blood Demons.

Hui Yue hesitated for a moment. The sword was intimidating and clearly a relic unlike any he had ever seen before, but his father, Pei Tian, nudged him in the side and made him move forward, towards the sword.

He reached out his hand and touched the sword handle, gripped his fist around it, and felt how it almost became one with his body.

He felt his strength soar, and the sword seemingly sent a probing energy into his body before it calmed down and rested carefully in his hand. It was as if it had checked whether or not this young man was, in fact, a descendant of the Great Roc itself.

This weapon is sentient, the patriarch said with a smile on his face. But although it has a soul of its own, that soul is very much like the soul of a world. It will not work like other sentient treasures. It also has a slight bit of father's noble soul in its own, which makes it more likely to give up everything for a descendant of the Great Roc.

Hui Yue nodded his head. This sword was different from the soul within the Universe Box, but he could feel that the sword had its own opinions, thoughts, and strengths. He was not surprised to hear that it was a sentient treasure, nor was he shocked to know that it could act on its own.

Chapter 5 - Western Tiger

Having accepted the sword, Hui Yue flipped his hand and stored it within his Universe Box. This sword was not one to be carried around unless it was absolutely necessary as anyone who saw it would know that it was special and many experts would covet it. Because of this, it would draw in many problems if he just waved it about.

Seeing that Hui Yue hid the sword, the patriarch and the two ancestors nodded their heads in approval. They knew that the sword had approved of Hui Yue, if it had not, it would never allow the person to store it in a storage treasure, no matter how high quality the storage treasure was.

The patriarch looked emotional as he saw the sword vanish into thin air, but he quickly hardened his resolve and nodded his head. That was it, he said. His voice was quivering slightly betraying his stern expression.

Hui Yue nodded his head, Thank you for lending me this treasure, he said seriously. I will not let anything happen to it, and if someone comes to take it from me, they will have to take it from my cold dead hands.

There was a conviction in his voice as he spoke and his resolve made the faces of all three elder men nod with approval. Even the uncle whom Hui Yue had a bad feeling about seemed to agree with his disposition.

Well, in that case, you better get ready to fight the demons, Pei Tian sighed after a bit of time. It had been completely silent for a bit as everyone was thinking silently, but when Pei Tian spoke, he roused everyone from their thoughts.

Hui Yue nodded his head solemnly. He had told his family about his plans, and now he just had one more person he needed to visit before they all could set out.

If you’ll excuse me, Hui Yue said with a slight bow after which he turned around and walked away from the older generation experts.

He exited the box and went up the long staircase that was wrapped in darkness deep in thought.

I have a lot of companions, he said to himself. But I need to get two more friends to follow me. Lan Feng and Little Dragon have two more brothers. We need to rescue them from their prisons whether that is the bodies they share with other cultivators or the items that have confined them for millennia.

Hui Yue did not return to the valley where his family was cultivating, instead, he headed towards another valley. A valley where his friend Zhong Fai was located.

Zhong Fai had stayed in the Celestial Sword Sect after the wedding. He was considered an honorary guest since he was a friend of Hui Yue, and he was allowed to use some of the cultivation resources from the sect because of this.

As Hui Yue reached the valley, he saw Zhong Fai sitting