I sat inside the Cangjing Pavilion of Sword Heart Valley, slowly unrolling an ancient scroll in my hands as dust danced in the light streaming through the window. Each line of text and every illustration might hold clues leading to the Qingxin Grass. The name "Yinming Valley" echoed in my heart, so mysterious and terrifying.
I flipped through ancient texts and manuscripts recorded by generations of Azure Blood Sword Masters. The yellowed pages chronicled various legends of Yinming Valley. It was said to be a place where the spiritual energy of heaven and earth converged, yet it was also home to countless fierce beasts and venomous creatures. The Qingxin Grass grew deep within Yinming Valley, but that depth was shrouded in toxic mists, rarely trodden by anyone, with only sporadic mentions in the manuscripts of past Azure Blood Sword Masters.
A wave of inexplicable fear surged within me, an instinctive aversion to the unknown. Yet beneath that fear lay a stronger curiosity and desire. I wanted to know what secrets were hidden in Yinming Valley and whether the Qingxin Grass truly possessed the power to purify the Azure Blood Sword.
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, trying to calm the turmoil within me. When I opened my eyes again, my gaze firmly landed on those records. I needed to prepare, to understand, to face it all.
I began gathering all possible information, from the geographical location of Yinming Valley to its ecological environment, from common beasts to rare spiritual plants. I knew that this knowledge could save my life at a critical moment.
As my understanding of Yinming Valley deepened, so did my sense of tension. There were not only ferocious beasts but also unpredictable natural traps; rumors even spoke of ancient curses hidden within Yinming Valley.
Standing at the edge of Sword Heart Valley, I gazed at the distant rolling mountains and silently vowed. No matter how dangerous Yinming Valley might be or how elusive the Qingxin Grass could prove, I would embark on this journey.
I began preparing the items needed for my journey: some dried food and essential herbs. I knew these were just the most basic supplies; the real challenges awaited me ahead.
As dawn broke, I stood at the exit of Sword Heart Valley, with my childhood home behind me and an unknown path leading to Yinming Valley ahead. The morning light bathed me in warmth with a hint of coolness, mirroring my current emotions—both excited and anxious.
I slung my pack over my shoulder, filled with necessary supplies and a few tattered scrolls that would serve as my only guide. My longsword hung at my waist; it was not just a weapon but also my sole companion. Taking a deep breath, I inhaled the fresh and tranquil air unique to Sword Heart Valley—this would be the last time I felt such tranquility for a while.
“Ling Xue, are you really ready?” My master's voice came from behind me, his figure appearing particularly imposing in the sunlight.
I turned around to meet his wise gaze and nodded firmly, “Yes, Master, I am ready. No matter how many difficulties lie ahead, I must try.”
He smiled slightly, “A fledgling bird can only become a true soaring eagle after weathering storms. Be careful on your journey. Remember to keep your jade pendant with you at all times; it will ensure that you are not harmed by the Azure Blood Sword’s backlash. Take care of yourself.”
I tightly grasped the jade pendant, feeling its warmth and strength flow into me. “Thank you, Master. I will not let you down.”
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