The morning sun struggled to pierce the thick crimson mist that lingered over Crimson Valley, the forbidden zone just beyond the Jade Sword Mountains. The air was heavy with poison and spiritual turbulence, faint streaks of demonic energy twisting through the fog. Only the most daring or desperate cultivators dared enter — and today, Zhou Yu and a small contingent of disciples, including Liang Chen and Feng Lian, prepared to delve into the heart of the valley.
"This place has always been cursed," Zhou Yu murmured, adjusting his robe. "Even the elders of the Heavenly Sword Sect avoided it in its prime. But treasures, spiritual herbs, and ancient relics lie within. We need these if the sect is to rise fully."
Feng Lian's eyes scanned the valley with precision. "Crimson Valley is treacherous. Many who enter never return. Poisonous mist, unstable terrain, and spiritual beasts… they will test us."
Liang Chen swallowed hard, feeling both excitement and fear. The lessons from the Outer Ruins were fresh in his mind, but he knew this journey would be far more dangerous. Ling, his loyal wolf companion, padded beside him, sniffing the air and growling lowly.
The group advanced cautiously. The crimson fog thickened, obscuring paths and hiding jagged rock formations. Zhou Yu extended his Sword Qi, piercing the mist with faint silver threads that danced in the air, revealing faint outlines of obstacles and dangers.
"The terrain is deceptive," Zhou Yu warned. "Follow my lead. Trust the Sword Qi, not your eyes."
They moved carefully through the valley, avoiding poisoned streams and jagged cliffs. Occasionally, faint shadows flitted in the fog — remnants of long-dead cultivators or aggressive spiritual beasts. Feng Lian moved ahead slightly, her sword extended, slicing the air as she deflected sudden attacks. Liang Chen followed closely, his dantian radiating the controlled flow of Qi he had learned from the previous trials.
Hours into the journey, the group reached the Heart of Crimson Valley, a narrow plateau surrounded by jagged cliffs and dense, swirling mist. At its center lay an ancient Spirit Stone Formation, faintly glowing with corrupted energy. Zhou Yu's eyes narrowed.
"This is an ancient barrier," he murmured. "Likely protecting a treasure or a dangerous entity. Approach carefully."
The formation was intricate, composed of interlocking runes and jagged stones radiating dark energy. As Zhou Yu approached, faint silhouettes of ghostly warriors appeared, spectral forms of cultivators who had once attempted to breach the formation.
"They are remnants of those who failed," Feng Lian said. "We must move carefully or be overwhelmed."
Liang Chen's heart pounded. The ghostly forms flickered around him, their movements unpredictable. Zhou Yu gestured calmly. "Do not strike blindly. Sense their Sword Qi, find the pattern, and move as one."
The group synchronized their movements. Zhou Yu extended his Qi, guiding Liang Chen and Feng Lian, while Ling moved to flank and distract the spectral warriors. Slowly, the disciples learned to anticipate attacks, striking at weak points while avoiding the dangerous swipes of energy from the ghostly forms.
Hours passed in this deadly dance. Liang Chen's movements became sharper, his understanding of Sword Qi synchronization improving with every strike. Feng Lian's elegance and precision guided him, and together with Zhou Yu's leadership, they dismantled the formation piece by piece.
Finally, the ghostly forms dissipated, leaving the plateau eerily quiet. At its center lay a small, blackened chest, its surface etched with ancient runes resonating faintly with Sword Qi.
Zhou Yu knelt carefully and opened the chest, revealing a fragment of Tian Jian's lost sword techniques — the second piece of the legendary Primordial Sword Saint's legacy.
"This…" Zhou Yu whispered, feeling the pulse of power emanating from the fragment, "is stronger than the first. Its Sword Dao energy is more refined… more destructive. With this, our Flying Sword Formation will reach a new level."
He carefully placed the fragment into a specially prepared slot in the Forge Hall's formation, activating its resonance. The three swords spun faster, arcs of silver light slicing the air with a keener edge, while faint trails of ancient Sword Qi danced like lightning above the courtyard.
Before they could celebrate, a sudden howl echoed through the crimson mist. Zhou Yu's eyes narrowed. "They've found us," he muttered.
From the dense fog emerged five Scarlet Moon Demonic Sect cultivators, their talismans glowing faintly, their swords radiating chaotic, demonic energy. They had been lying in wait, likely alerted by the activation of the first fragment's Sword Qi.
Liang Chen's heart raced. "Master… they're here!"
Zhou Yu's expression hardened. "No hesitation. Defend the formation and protect the fragments."
The battle erupted instantly. Zhou Yu's iron sword clashed against demonic blades, arcs of energy spiraling through the mist. Feng Lian moved fluidly, her sword striking with precision, creating openings for Liang Chen to land controlled, strategic blows.
The Scarlet Moon cultivators were skilled, using coordinated attacks and demonic Sword Qi to disrupt the formation. Zhou Yu's control of the Flying Sword Formation was put to the test. He directed the spinning swords to intercept incoming attacks, creating a protective cage around the fragments and disciples.
Liang Chen felt fear and adrenaline surge. But under Zhou Yu's guidance, he focused, channeling his Qi into precise strikes. Each movement flowed into the Flying Sword Formation, amplifying its power and precision.
Finally, after an intense clash, the demonic cultivators were forced to retreat, leaving faint scorched marks in the mist. Zhou Yu exhaled deeply. "This is only the beginning. The Scarlet Moon Demonic Sect will escalate their attacks. We must be prepared."
Feng Lian sheathed her sword, eyes glinting with determination. "They underestimated us again. But next time, they will come in greater numbers, and stronger cultivators. We must grow even faster."
The journey back to the Heavenly Sword Sect was tense but uneventful. The crimson mist began to thin, and the valley fell silent once more. Liang Chen walked beside Zhou Yu, exhaustion evident, but his eyes shone with newfound confidence.
"Master… I understand now," Liang Chen said quietly. "The Sword Dao isn't just about strength or technique. It's about coordination, intention… and protecting what matters."
Zhou Yu smiled faintly, placing a hand on the boy's shoulder. "Exactly. Strength is meaningless if it is uncontrolled. Sword Qi must flow with your intent, not your fear."
Back at the sect, Zhou Yu immediately began integrating the second fragment into the Flying Sword Formation. The courtyard pulsed with energy as arcs of Sword Qi intertwined, creating patterns of light that reflected the elegance and destructive potential of Tian Jian's legacy.
Feng Lian watched, impressed. "With both fragments integrated, the Flying Sword Formation has become more than a defensive tool. It is a weapon capable of annihilating multiple opponents simultaneously, while also guiding disciples in precise Sword Dao control."
Liang Chen's eyes widened. "Does this mean… I can learn more advanced techniques now?"
Zhou Yu nodded. "Yes. With these fragments, your training accelerates. But remember: every power carries responsibility. Mastery requires patience, focus, and understanding."