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Chapter 9: The Trial of Sword Will
Within the hidden chamber of the Star Sword God's Legacy, a silver herb swayed gently atop an obsidian pedestal. Light from its leaves formed nine glowing stars—each pulsing with endless Sword Qi.
The Nine-Star Supreme Sword Grass.
And behind it… a longsword pierced into the earth, its body humming softly as if whispering ancient battle hymns. Starfall Edge, a High Spiritual Rank weapon.
Xiao Tian stepped forward.
> System Prompt:
Triggering Sword Trial: Trial of the Nine-Star Sword Body (First Star Test)
To claim the herb and weapon, the user must endure 300 breaths within the Sword Formation and comprehend Sword Will under pressure.
Warning: Failing to endure results in soul destruction.
A dense pressure descended.
The broken statues surrounding him trembled. Sword light erupted from every crevice, manifesting illusory blades that danced in midair.
Whirl—
One sword sliced past Xiao Tian's shoulder.
Blood sprayed. Pain lanced through his nerves. But he gritted his teeth, sat cross-legged, and began to circulate his Nine-Star Sword Body Art.
> Beginner Sword Intent detected… activating compatibility enhancement…
A cold wind howled through the chamber. Dozens of swords spun like whirlpools in the air, forming a cage of killing intent. Each one carried a trace of will… not from men, but from swords.
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Outside the chamber—
Elder Mo squinted at the fate screen.
"Still no sign of Xiao Tian? It's been 400 breaths…" He turned to a robed elder beside him. "Has anyone ever triggered the inner zone of the Broken Sword Trial?"
The other shook his head. "That trial killed three core disciples fifty years ago."
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Back in the legacy chamber—
Xiao Tian's body trembled. Cuts riddled his skin, yet a faint silver glow began to emerge from his bones.
His blood boiled. His meridians roared. His Qi condensed sharply, like thousands of blades flowing through him.
A single realization began to take root in his mind—Sword Will… is not about destruction. It is the sword's soul. Its purpose. Its silence. Its resolve.
He stood.
The illusory swords suddenly paused.
> System Prompt:
Sword Will Awakened: Initial Comprehension – 12% (Crimson Grade)
Nine-Star Supreme Sword Body First Star Activated – Sword Bone awakened
Hidden reward unlocked: Starfall Edge recognizes you as master.
The chamber shook.
The silver herb pulsed, then vanished into Xiao Tian's palm. Energy surged through his body, nourishing his bones and strengthening his meridians.
The sword, Starfall Edge, trembled before flying to Xiao Tian's hand.
It sang.
Xiao Tian grasped it and closed his eyes.
He had passed the first test.
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> Updated MC PANEL
Name: Xiao Tian
Cultivation: Mortal Martial Realm – Divine Sense Stage (8th Stage)
Physique: Nine-Star Supreme Sword Body (1-Star Complete – Sword Bone)
Sword Intent: Initial Comprehension (12%) – Crimson Grade
Weapon: Starfall Edge (High Spiritual Rank – Recognized Master)
Fate: White (Crimson-Gold Threads Emerging)
Status: Qualified to enter Evergreen Secret Realm if ranked Top 10
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Outside, the screen flickered.
> Xiao Tian: Hidden Opportunity Completed. Sword Intent – Crimson Grade (Unheard of). Star Body Activated.
Status: Unknown Power Surge Detected
The elders all stood up.
Even the Holy Son frowned.
"Who is this Xiao Tian again?"
Mu Yuyan's expression changed slightly as she stared at his name.
Something was changing.
And Xiao Tian, the silent handyman disciple no one noticed before, was walking step by step toward the stage that once rejected him.
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