C157 Full of Sincerity
The disturbance in the arm bone's sword radiance was triggered by the myriad of sword marks etched into the wall of the Soul Transformation Pool.
Yu Yuan was unable to decipher the complex, dense patterns of the sword marks, but in the instant the sword radiance flared, he realized something profound—the sword marks were etched by that very sword.
The sword radiance branded on his arm bone was a sword spell, imbued with the essence of the sword's spirit.
It was this connection that allowed the sword radiance to respond, growing faintly warmer after expending its energy.
But it was just a slight warmth.
"These sword marks seem quite intriguing."
Qin Yun followed his gaze toward the dense etchings on the Soul Transformation Pool's wall, smiling as he said, "If you're inclined to pursue the way of the sword, the Seven Divine Sect boasts a sword master who has attained the Yin God Stage. I'll have him share all his knowledge with you. He should be able to guide you through the basics."
Yu Yuan gave him a surprised look, "Sect Master Qin, you hold me in such high regard?"
"Absolutely." Qin Yun nodded earnestly, "The Silvermoon Empire's foundation pales in comparison to our Rainier Empire. Ever since Imperial Advisor Zhou Cangmin emerged, our Rainier Empire has gained the upper hand in every aspect. Your Darkmoon City, being at the bottom of the Silvermoon Empire, means your Yu family likely goes unnoticed."
"Stepping away from your family's constraints and joining the Seven Divine Sect could lead to far greater achievements than you'd find in the Silvermoon Empire."
"I genuinely believe that with your intellect and talent for cultivation, you're bound to outshine Lee Yu and the so-called five new moons of the Silvermoon Empire! The Seven Divine Sect is in need of someone like you."
Qin Yun extended his invitation with utmost sincerity.
"I appreciate your kind offer, Sect Master Qin," Yu Yuan said with a smile. "Let's discuss the possibility of joining the Seven Divine Sect another time."
"Very well," Qin Yun agreed.
Then, he returned his attention to the sword marks on the pool wall, just as Yu Yuan had done.
Before long, Yu Yuan observed a look of astonishment wash over Qin Yun's face, and a hint of fear flickered deep within his eyes.
"Sect Master Qin? Sect Master Qin?"
He whispered, but Qin Yun seemed lost in his own world, unresponsive to his calls.
Yu Yuan's face grew increasingly solemn.
Moments later, he noticed a distinct ripple of soul power emanating from Qin Yun.
"Pfft!"
Qin Yun suddenly coughed up blood and slumped to the ground, looking utterly spent as though his soul had sustained damage.
"Sect Master Qin?" Yu Yuan inquired once more.
Regaining his composure, Qin Yun offered a strained, pallid smile. "The sword soul etched into that wall is horrifying. I merely glimpsed it briefly, and it felt as though my soul was sinking into an abyss. It was a struggle to break free, and even my Yin God suffered harm. The worst part is, I'm so disoriented, I can't even recall what I saw."
Yu Yuan was taken aback. "I looked at it for quite some time and felt nothing."
"That's because your cultivation level is still quite rudimentary, and you haven't refined your Spiritual Sense," Qin Yun replied candidly. "Once you reach the Penetrating level and enter the Yin God Stage, you'll likely experience what I did."
Yu Yuan didn't take offense. He nodded in understanding. "I see."
"Swoosh!"
Lee Yuchan, who had attained the Yin God Stage, arrived at the Soul Transformation Pool ahead of the others.
"Is this the Soul Transformation Pool?"
Lee Yuchan frowned after just one look. "Where are the Monument and the White Ghost?"
Yu Yuan repeated the explanation he had given to Qin Yun.
After listening, Lee Yuchan stood quietly beside him and asked, "You're unable to connect with the sword soul or wield the forbidden power?"
"With the Heaven Sealing Soul Transformation Formation gone, what forbidden power is left for me to command?" Yu Yuan replied with a wry smile.
"And yet, you dare to engage in idle chatter with Sect Master Qin?" Lee Yuchan gave him a chilly glance. "If Sect Master Qin decided to risk it, he could silently obliterate your three souls. And you, you might not even manage to invoke the thought of the Azure Yang Arrow's blood oath in time."
Qin Yun gave a wry smile. "General Lee, please, no need for sarcasm."
"Sect Master Qin, I'm well aware of your influence in the Rainier Empire and your standing within the Seven Divine Sect," Lee Yuchan said cautiously. "I doubt you'd be willing to let the life-bound Azure Yang Arrow bear another's imprint for long."
"I currently have no intention of taking action," Qin Yun stated, raising his hand. "Besides, I'm not about to take any unnecessary risks. One false step could spell disaster for me."
Lee Yuchan kept his eyes fixed on him, remaining vigilant. He offhandedly inquired, "What's the deal with Lim Zhuyun?"
"What?" Yu feigned ignorance.
"I ran into her on my way here," Lee Yuchan said, his brow furrowed. "She was utterly dismissive, didn't even acknowledge me, and continued on her way to the Empire alone. Is she unaware of the dangers that road holds? Has she forgotten how Fan Li met his end? I called out to her, tried to dissuade her, but she wouldn't hear of it."
"Just let her go," Yu Yuan responded with a shrug.
"What exactly went down between you two?" Lee Yuchan pressed.
"The lady had designs on harming her betrothed, but her skills were lacking, and she fell prey to her own inner demons," Qin Yun disclosed.
"She tried to kill you?" Lee Yuchan's expression grew stern. "She's out of her mind. You've been looking out for everyone all this time, and she's seen it with her own eyes. Yet, she harbored thoughts of murder!"
"That girl, it's baffling. She turned a perfectly good marriage into a complete mess!"
Clearly, Lee Yuchan favored Yu Yuan, taking his side in the matter.
"Sister Lee, if I've ever wronged you, I ask for your forgiveness," Yu Yuan said earnestly, bowing. "I've lost control over the restriction. If you're inclined to discipline me, I'm utterly defenseless."
Previously, when Zhao Yafu witnessed her consuming a soul, she had intended to kill Zhao Yafu.
Yu Yuan was on the verge of activating the restriction to obliterate her Yin God with thunder and lightning, ensuring her demise in front of Zhao Yafu.
This incident had soured the relationship between him and Lee Yuchan.
Unexpectedly, now that the restriction was lifted, she made it clear where her loyalties lay, siding with him.
"General Lee isn't one to hold grudges," Qin Yun remarked with a light chuckle. "Yu, just remember this: the four Azure Yang Arrows bear your mark. You have the power to hold me in check."
He cast a meaningful glance at Lee Yuchan and added, "Those sword wounds earlier did injure my soul, but thankfully, they didn't reach the core."
He subtly hinted that should Lee Yuchan truly wish to reconcile accounts, he would stand by Yu Yuan in battle.
Lee Yuchan appeared somewhat dazed. "Sect Master Qin, what exactly are you proposing?"
"Nothing much. I simply wish for Brother Yu to visit our Seven Divine Sect. If possible, for him to join us as a disciple would be most ideal," Qin Yun stated with open sincerity.
"Sect Master Qin, you're overthinking it. I, Lee Yuchan, and the entire Silvermoon Empire have room enough for Yu Yuan!" Lee Yuchan huffed, his gaze fixed on the sword marks. "Have these sword marks wounded your soul?"
"Don't stare at them!" Yu Yuan barked.
But Lee Yuchan was quicker on the uptake than Qin Yun, succumbing as though struck the instant his soul consciousness escaped.
Lee Yuchan's mind became foggy, his hearing gone.
Simultaneously, the sword light branded within Yu Yuan's arm bone began to warm, growing significantly hotter than before.
"Qin Yun, her soul is wounded, and now her soul consciousness has merged with the sword..."
After a few seconds of shock, Yu Yuan's realization dawned. "These sword marks can consume soul power! Having endured Qin Yun and Lee Yuchan, the burning sword light in my arm bone is undeniable evidence!"
