Chapter 15: The Mysterious Call

The deeper they ventured into the Abyss of Swords, the more ancient and desolate their surroundings became. Massive rocks appeared as if split by an invisible giant blade, their surfaces gleaming smooth as mirrors. The lingering sword intent etched upon them had not wholly dissipated, even after countless years; instead, it had grown more profound and reserved. The sword energy drifting in the air no longer floated about chaotically—instead, it flowed slowly and with a strange order.

The pressure surged. Bai Yue’ning had to continuously circulate her spiritual power to resist it, each step feeling as if she were trudging through thick, viscous mire.

"This place has quite the pungent scent," Ye Ming remarked, his voice noticeably more cautious, no longer carrying the gleeful excitement of someone discovering a snack. "It’s like fermenting hundreds of ancient swords together for centuries." He paused, then added, "Though there’s certainly plenty of essence here—just a bit sharp on the palate."

Bai Yue’ning focused all her attention, following Ye Ming’s guidance as she navigated the perilous valley. She tried to apply what she’d learned in the recent ‘lesson,’ adjusting the flow of her spiritual energy and the exertion of her body. The result was a noticeably reduced expenditure of energy compared to what she’d expected. Her movements were more agile, allowing her to narrowly evade the sudden bursts of chaotic sword energy that erupted around them.

"Under the broken monument ahead to the left, there’s half a spearhead buried. The energy’s decent, but it carries a heavy hostility—not easy to digest," Ye Ming commented. "In the crevice on the right rock wall, there are some fragments of armor—ordinary quality, and not much of it..." He paused again, "Hmm? About thirty feet directly below us, there’s a small piece of spiritual ore, but it’s buried deep. Digging it out would be a hassle."

Ye Ming was like a picky gourmet, constantly evaluating the various ‘ingredients’ scattered throughout the valley, yet passing over them for one reason or another. Bai Yue’ning moved with patience, unhurried. She knew Ye Ming, though particular, would never let a true treasure slip by.

Suddenly, Ye Ming paused, a clear trace of confusion in his voice. "Hm?"

"What is it?" Bai Yue’ning instantly became alert, stopping in her tracks.

"Something’s odd..." Ye Ming’s consciousness rippled, straining to perceive something. "It’s like... something is calling out?"

"Calling out?" Bai Yue’ning frowned, listening intently. Aside from the wind and the faint hiss of sword energy weaving through the air, there was no other sound.

"Not the kind you hear with your ears," Ye Ming tried to describe the sensation. "It’s a very weak, strange fluctuation. Flickering, as if from far away..." He hesitated, "But it also feels close, like something is shouting—but I can’t make out the words..."

---

A sense of unprecedented bewilderment and confusion emanated from Ye Ming, tinged with a faint, imperceptible unease. This feeling was foreign to him.

Bai Yue’ning felt a chill in her heart. She had witnessed Ye Ming’s perceptive abilities firsthand; it was certainly no hallucination. The Abyss of Swords was unpredictable and enigmatic. Nothing strange was truly unexpected here.

"Can you pinpoint the direction or source?"

"No, it’s too vague," Ye Ming tried for a moment, growing frustrated. "It flashes and then vanishes. Now I can’t sense it at all. It’s like... a dream when you’re half asleep; you wake up and can’t recall the details." Yet Ye Ming clearly didn’t believe it was a dream.

His consciousness sharpened, no longer focusing on searching for scattered energy points. Instead, he cast his senses outward like a vast net, attempting to catch traces of the mysterious summons.

Bai Yue’ning raised her guard, spiritual power gathering in secret, watching warily. The unknown often held the greatest danger.

After waiting a moment, only the perpetual sound of sword energy flowing filled the air.

"There it is again!"

"This time it’s a bit clearer, in that direction!"

Ye Ming’s consciousness pointed toward a path entirely different from their planned route. It led to the very heart of the valley, where the sword energy was sharpest and most chaotic. Even from afar, terrifying flashes of sword light could be seen, capable of tearing anything asunder.

Bai Yue’ning’s expression grew grave. That direction was absolutely forbidden for disciples at her stage.

"It seems to be guiding us there..." Ye Ming’s tone was uncertain. "It doesn’t feel hostile? No, not friendly either—just a very ancient call."

Ye Ming’s curiosity had clearly been piqued, overwhelming his caution. "How about... we check it out? Just take a look from afar?"

"Who knows, maybe some peerless treasure is summoning its destined owner?"

Bai Yue’ning fell silent. Reason told her to retreat at once. Yet Ye Ming’s description and the mysterious summons stirred an indescribable urge to explore within her. Perhaps the secrets of the Abyss of Swords lay hidden at its core.

---

Moreover, she sensed that Ye Ming was inexplicably invested in the call—completely unlike his usual state of simply hunting for ‘food.’

Bai Yue’ning finally made her decision. "Keep the greatest distance. If anything changes, we withdraw immediately."

"No problem, our safety comes first!" Ye Ming quickly agreed, though his consciousness had already drifted toward the danger zone.

Bai Yue’ning adjusted her course, beginning to circle closer to the heart of the valley. The nearer she drew, the sword energy pressure doubled and redoubled, forcing her to devote more spiritual power to defense and slowing her pace.

There were almost no other disciples in sight now. Anyone reaching this place was either exceptionally powerful or possessed unique means.

Ye Ming fell silent, focusing all his senses on the path ahead and risk avoidance, his guidance growing ever more concise and precise.

"Stop—hundred feet to the left, there’s a violent energy clash, likely a skirmish. We should bypass it."

"Residual sword intent above—keep your head down and move slowly."

"The rock beneath your feet is brittle—don’t step too firmly."

Bai Yue’ning followed his instructions, moving as if dancing upon the edge of a blade.

After advancing some distance, the mysterious call returned, much clearer this time.

"It’s right ahead—in the ruins of that collapsed ancient structure!" Ye Ming’s voice was urgent and certain.

Bai Yue’ning peered forward and saw chaos. It seemed this had once been a corner of a temple, now only shattered walls remained, ravaged by wild sword energy into utter ruin.

At the center of the ruins, a faint, dim light flickered, its hue distinct from the surrounding sword energy, like a candle struggling in the wind, wavering uncertainly.

The fluctuations emanating from that light matched Ye Ming’s description of the call.

As Bai Yue’ning cautiously approached, still several dozen feet from the glimmer, sudden change erupted!

The light seemed to sense their approach and flashed sharply. Instantly, countless fragments of residual sword intent throughout the ruins awakened, emitting piercing hums.

Disjointed, frenzied sword shadows sprang into existence, sweeping toward Bai Yue’ning’s position.

"This is bad—it’s a trap, retreat!" Ye Ming cried out in alarm and anger.

Bai Yue’ning’s face changed, her figure retreating in a burst of speed!