Silver Dragon Soaring to the Heavens Chapter Twelve: Breaking the Azure! Sikong’s Singular Sword

Luo Chen took the token and glanced at Qing Xuan Yu, who was standing outside the room. Without further delay, he headed straight for the third floor. As he ascended the stairs, he cast a sidelong glance at the man below, feeling somewhat speechless. He could not fathom what the academy was thinking—surely the Sikong Pavilion ought to be a place of importance, and yet they had left such a lackadaisical person to guard it. Wasn’t there any fear of theft? He wondered whether this was a deliberate attempt to mislead, or if perhaps the academy simply did not care about losing things at all.

A few breaths later, Luo Chen arrived on the third floor. Unlike the apparent chaos of the first floor, the third floor was neat and orderly, with rows upon rows of bookshelves, each stacked with scrolls. Luo Chen examined the categories on each shelf as he walked around. Nearly everything was of the Human Rank in terms of cultivation methods. In the end, unsure of what to choose, he remembered Shi Ling.

“Shi Ling, didn’t you say that cultivating a technique before one’s spiritual meridian has fully awakened could cause problems for the meridian?”

Gazing at the myriad scrolls, Luo Chen thought of Qing Xuan Yu’s case—a textbook example of the spiritual meridian being at odds with the attribute of the chosen technique, leading to the meridian being frozen.

“Master, it depends on the situation. Sister Yu’s meridian was sealed not because of the cultivation method, but due to her unique constitution. Low-level techniques don’t have many restrictions; only higher-level attribute techniques could influence the direction in which the spiritual meridian awakens. But even then, it only applies to ordinary people. Those born with special constitutions must choose their techniques carefully, just like Sister Yu. Her previous technique was likely of the Earth Rank. In this mundane realm, only a King Rank technique can truly suit her constitution—not even a Heaven Rank technique would suffice. For ordinary constitutions, if they practice Earth Rank or higher techniques before their meridian is fully awakened, there is a ninety percent chance that the meridian will awaken aligned with the attribute of the technique.”

So that was it. After Shi Ling’s explanation, Luo Chen glanced at a nearby shelf marked "Water Techniques" and casually pulled out a scroll.

“‘Flowing Water Sword Manual,’ Human Rank technique,” Luo Chen read aloud, but after a brief consideration, he put it back. Water techniques were too gentle for his taste—they simply didn’t suit him. He moved on, inspecting several scrolls—‘Blazing Flame Formula,’ ‘Azure Wood Art,’ ‘Earthsplitter Style’—none of which felt right.

“Master, Shi Ling thinks there’s no need to look further. None of these techniques are superior to the ‘Kunlei Sword Manual’ I’ve already given you. What you lack is not a technique, but a proper weapon.”

Shi Ling’s words gave Luo Chen pause. After all, he had looked over nearly every shelf, and not a single technique could match his current one. Deciding not to waste more time, he resolved to focus on finding a suitable sword for practicing the ‘Kunlei Sword Manual.’

With that thought, Luo Chen glanced around once more and headed for the stairs. When it came to weapons, only one person came to mind—Qing Xingyue.

“Master, wait. The third shelf behind you, bottom level.”

Just as Luo Chen reached the stairwell, Shi Ling’s sudden words made him halt. Turning around, he approached the shelf indicated. A few moments later, he stood before it, noticing the characters "Soul Command" written on the shelf. His interest kindled, his gaze drifted to the lowest tier, where a single black scroll lay alone. There was nothing outwardly special about it.

“Shi Ling, isn’t this just an ordinary scroll? There’s nothing unique about it.”

As he spoke, a faint stream of light flickered from the center of his brow, enveloping the scroll, which then dissolved into a beam of light that entered his brow.

“‘Compendium of Exotic Beasts’! To think such a thing still exists in the Mortal Realm. Master, your luck is extraordinary.”

Extraordinary luck? Luo Chen was at a loss. The ‘Compendium of Exotic Beasts’—was it that scroll? He’d just examined it and found nothing remarkable. Yet Shi Ling’s tone was uncharacteristically delighted.

“What exactly is it, Shi Ling?”

“It’s nothing for now. Master, let’s go. It’s just a fragment at present, so it’s of no immediate use. But if fate allows, it will bring great benefit and no harm in the future—a true surprise.”

Luo Chen sensed he was being brushed off, but since Shi Ling insisted, he refrained from further questions and made his way downstairs. Upon reaching the entrance, he saw the man still snoring away, utterly oblivious. Luo Chen could only sigh and leave.

Outside, Qing Xuan Yu immediately hurried over.

“Master, you finished choosing so quickly?”

Luo Chen merely nodded and strode off. Qing Xuan Yu stood there for a moment, puzzled, sensing that Luo Chen seemed preoccupied. She quickly caught up. After a few breaths, Luo Chen glanced at her and asked, “Xuan Yu, do you know where I can get a good sword?”

She pondered a moment before replying, “That depends on what quality you need, Master. For ordinary swords, you can earn credits by completing academy tasks, then exchange them on the fourth floor of Sikong Pavilion. But for something better, only the Sage’s Armory in the Imperial Capital would have it, and even a low-tier Earth Rank spirit sword would cost at least ten thousand spirit stones.”

Luo Chen froze, his steps halting, stunned by her words. He had hoped to quickly find a suitable sword, but it seemed impossible. Even for an ordinary weapon, earning enough credits would take more than just a few tasks. And to buy one from the Sage’s Armory required thousands of spirit stones—he didn’t have a single coin to his name.

Disheartened, Luo Chen realized his only hope was to seek out Qing Xingyue. Perhaps, for the sake of their partnership, he could acquire a satisfactory weapon.

“Master, take this,” Qing Xuan Yu’s voice broke his train of thought. When Luo Chen looked at her again, she was already holding a three-foot sword sheathed in emerald green.

“Xuan Yu, what is this?”

Perhaps seeing his hesitation, she stepped forward and placed the sword in his hands. Luo Chen was at a loss for words, feeling both pleased and perplexed.

“Master, this sword is called Broken Jade. My mother gave it to me long ago. Now, I give it to you as a token of gratitude for helping me resolve my meridian troubles. Please, don’t refuse.”

As she spoke, a shy blush tinged her cheeks, and she turned away. Luo Chen didn’t understand why she acted so, but since she insisted and he truly needed a sword, he accepted it for now. Someday, when he found a more suitable blade, he would return it to her.

Watching the gentle steps ahead of him, Luo Chen smiled and caught up, walking beside her.

“Xuan Yu, thank you. When I find a sword to my liking, I’ll return this to you.”

She merely nodded. Luo Chen, with a sigh, stored the sword in his ring, stealing a glance at Qing Xuan Yu. He grew ever more curious about the face beneath her veil. Generally, a young woman who revealed her true face was confident in her beauty and accepted by society, but Qing Xuan Yu’s behavior baffled him.

“By the way, Xuan Yu, why is it called Broken Jade?”

“My mother told me, ‘When grace is peerless and rain falls in spring, may love endure and the Broken Jade Sword bear witness.’ It was one of two things my father gave my mother when they became betrothed.”

At last Luo Chen understood—her mother, too, must have been a woman of genuine feeling. He glanced at Qing Xuan Yu and said no more, quietly heading toward the Thunder Hall.

Not long after, in the plaza before Sikong Pavilion, a student dashed out and hurried over to a group not far off. The group’s leader’s face lit up at the sight. Within two breaths, the student arrived before them.

“Brother Jian, bad news! The thing you wanted was just taken!”

The student had barely finished before the leader—Jian—was consumed by fury, seizing the student by the throat. The student’s face went pale with terror.

“Tell me—who dares take something belonging to Sikong Yijian?”

Realizing the student could not speak while being choked, Sikong Yijian released him. The student collapsed to the ground, gasping, and hurriedly replied, “Brother Jian, I asked around. Only one person, a student named Luo Chen, went into Sikong Pavilion. He just left in that direction.”

Sikong Yijian looked where the student pointed, hesitated, then set off in pursuit.

At that moment, Luo Chen, accompanied by Qing Xuan Yu, strolled leisurely through the academy grounds. Earlier that morning, there had been a few people about, but now, as she had mentioned, it was class time and the grounds were deserted.

Soon, the familiar sight of the student plaza appeared. Once they crossed it, the Thunder Hall would not be far. They quickened their pace down the steps, but in an instant, Luo Chen scooped Qing Xuan Yu into his arms, leapt, and landed squarely in the plaza.

“Master, what are you doing!” she exclaimed.

Luo Chen didn’t answer, but set her down, his gaze grave as he stared at the steps ahead. She followed his eyes and saw, glinting in the harsh sunlight, a silver longsword driven into the steps where Luo Chen had just landed. The blade gleamed with a chilling light.

“Who are you? Attacking from behind—what sort of skill is that?” Qing Xuan Yu called out angrily.

After a few breaths, a figure approached from behind the sword, stopping before it.

“So, Luo Chen, is it? I didn’t expect you to evade my strike. Interesting.”

The newcomer pulled the sword from the steps. Luo Chen drew Broken Jade and pulled Qing Xuan Yu back, then stepped forward himself, glancing back at her.

“If you truly accept me as your master, remember: no matter what happens, you must not interfere.”

“Master, you—”

But before Qing Xuan Yu could finish, Luo Chen strode forward, sword in hand. The man descended the steps as well. Luo Chen had realized upon sensing the blade that the attacker hadn’t used full force or truly meant to kill him—yet had he not dodged, the blow would have left him seriously wounded.

Now, seeing the man clearly, Luo Chen took in his refined features and resplendent golden attire. He guessed that the newcomer was likely of the imperial family—but why target him? They had never met. If it was a greeting, it was a most unusual one.

“If you dare act so openly here, you must have no fear of consequences. I suspect you are of the royal family. Will you give your name?” Luo Chen pointed his sword at the man, his bearing unyielding. Since his opponent had struck first, there was no need for courtesy. To Luo Chen, one was either friend or foe, and for enemies, there was no need for mercy—even if it meant risking his life.

“I am Sikong Yijian, Seventh Prince of the Empire. I am here for one thing only,” the man announced, halting about five meters above Luo Chen, not deigning to descend further—no doubt a deliberate show of superiority.

Luo Chen smirked coldly, his face expressionless, voice icy. “And what is it?”

Sikong Yijian, perhaps sensing the chill in Luo Chen’s tone, sheathed his sword, a mocking smile playing on his lips. Luo Chen understood—Sikong Yijian, at least mid-Spirit Realm, faced only Luo Chen’s meager fifth-level Gathering Spirit cultivation. To use a sword would be a waste of time. That mocking smile said Luo Chen was not even worthy of his blade.

“It’s simple. Hand over what you took from Sikong Pavilion and I’ll let you live. Refuse, and you die.”

His tone was casual, but as he spat the final word, a surge of energy erupted from Sikong Yijian, forcing Luo Chen to take half a step back. Luo Chen saw the sinister smile and realized it was indeed the ‘Compendium of Exotic Beasts’ that Sikong Yijian wanted. Yet it seemed that even if he handed it over, Sikong Yijian would not let him go. He might as well gamble.

He did not believe Sikong Yijian would dare kill him in broad daylight, right here in the academy. Luo Chen sheathed Broken Jade, sneered, and replied coldly, “I’m afraid not. I, Luo Chen, never relinquish anything I desire. With so many treasures in Sikong Pavilion, what right have you to demand I hand over what I took?”

Sikong Yijian’s face contorted with rage. His fists clenched, eyes blazing with murderous intent.

“You’re courting death!”

At those words, Sikong Yijian lunged at Luo Chen, his fist flying. Luo Chen knew the punch carried at least half of Sikong Yijian’s strength—he dared not be careless. Though he knew he couldn’t withstand it, he summoned all his spiritual energy, forming a thick barrier around him.

Boom!

A tremendous force struck Luo Chen, sending him hurtling backward. For a moment he felt as if every joint and muscle would be torn apart, as though caught in a raging storm. He flew over ten meters before crashing heavily to the ground.

“Master!”

Qing Xuan Yu rushed to his side, helping him up. Luo Chen, wracked with pain, struggled to his feet, but as soon as he stood, a tightness gripped his chest. Blood welled in his throat and he coughed up a mouthful, nearly collapsing to one knee. Gritting his teeth, he wiped the blood from his lips, his gaze unwavering and fierce as he stared at Sikong Yijian.

“Sikong Yijian, if you want the Compendium of Exotic Beasts, you’ll have to kill me. Unless you do, even as the seventh prince, one day I’ll make you pay a hundredfold for this.”