"You don't need to tell me. I already know—I'm just missing one dual attribute. If that person really is dual attribute, so what if he's Mad Elder's disciple? Where is he now?" That person, Elder Joe Qiao's senior brother, asked. His name was Elder Simon Spring.
"Senior brother, he should be cultivating with that old guy," Elder Joe Qiao replied.
"Got it. I'll make the arrangements right away," Elder Simon Spring nodded, instructing Joe Qiao to keep things secret. But since Joe Qiao came to him first, Simon Spring had already guessed that this dual attribute person had some grudge with Joe Qiao.
After leaving Rising-Joy Abode, Elder Joe Qiao chuckled to himself, "Kid, you dare to destroy my artifact? You think I'll just let you off? As long as you're the prey my senior brother has marked, you won't escape."
Then Elder Joe Qiao left in high spirits. In his eyes, Evan Yang was already as good as dead.
Of course, Evan Yang had no idea that a crisis was slowly closing in on him—a crisis backed by a powerful Emperor, and a sly old fox at that.
One day, while Mad Elder was drinking and relaxing, Elder Simon Spring appeared outside his cave. "Mad Elder, are you in?"
Mad Elder found it odd—why was the vice sect master here today? He stood up and went outside, and upon seeing Simon Spring, asked, "Isn't this Sect Master Spring?"
"Yes, I have something to discuss with you," Simon Spring said.
"Oh? What is it?" Mad Elder asked curiously.
"Ten sects refers to ancient sects like the Blue Robe Sect. To exchange pointers, they hold the Dragon Dance for the Pearl every thousand years. The rankings from this event affect each sect's reputation, so everyone takes it seriously—it helps with recruiting new disciples later." Mad Elder explained.
"Recruiting? Ancient sects? Don't they usually go out looking for talented disciples themselves? Are there other ways to recruit?" Evan Yang asked.
"Of course there are. Every hundred years, the sects send people to scout for elites. The strongest naturally choose the top-ranked sects, so all ten sects care about their ranking. But to keep things friendly, cultivation is capped below early Immortal Lord. Even if someone goes all out, Emperor-level elders are there to intervene." Mad Elder continued.
Evan Yang nodded, understanding. "So that's how it works. I thought you ancient sects were all isolated from the world."
"Isolated? Only when it comes to recruiting," Mad Elder replied.
"Alright, I'll go. Who else is participating?" Evan Yang asked.
"Not sure, but I bet Sean Shen will go. After all, you defeated him, and no one else at his level in the sect has beaten him yet." Mad Elder said. "How many usually participate?" Evan Yang asked, curious.
"Usually three to five, depending on the sect's strength. Stronger sects might bring more, weaker ones just send a few to show their presence," Mad Elder answered.
"What do the winners get?" Evan Yang asked, curious.
"The sect that takes first place gets a special reward, usually given to whoever contributed most. If you help the sect win, that reward will be yours," Mad Elder said.
"Oh? Is it something valuable?" Evan Yang asked.
"What do you think? Every time it's a pure natural treasure—sometimes fire, water, or earth. If you're lucky, you might get one. It'll be a huge boost for cultivating that attribute," Mad Elder said.
"Oh? If I really help the sect win, it's mine?" Evan Yang didn't care about the attribute; as long as he got it, he'd find a use.
"Eighty percent chance. And with me pushing for it, it'll definitely be yours," Mad Elder laughed.
"Alright, I want to spar with those sects too," Evan Yang said.
"How's your sword technique? Ready to spar already?" Mad Elder asked, curious.
"Just finished the second layer," Evan Yang replied.
"No way! That fast? You can sweep through them already?" Mad Elder exclaimed.
"Yeah, that's right. That's exactly what I mean," Evan Yang answered.
"You really opened my eyes, kid. Keep it up! I can't go this time—usually the vice sect master leads the team. You'll go with him. Let me know if you need anything," Mad Elder said.
"Got it," Evan Yang nodded.
Mad Elder then let Evan Yang have two days of free time to prepare. Evan thought it over and realized he didn't have a suitable sword. He only had two: one was a dagger-sword combo whose true power was unknown, so he didn't dare use it in public for fear of drawing attention. The other was the Nine-Dragon Balefire Sword, which he got in the Fiend Realm when he found the Dragonshade Grass—a sword shrouded in heavy baleful qi.
The Nine-Dragon Balefire Sword's aura was too fierce. Evan Yang worried that using it would cause trouble, so he decided to ask Mad Elder to lend him a decent sword for now.
Mad Elder had just returned to his cave to enjoy a drink when Evan Yang walked in. Mad Elder looked at him curiously, "What's up?"
"Do you have a sword I can borrow for now? As long as it's durable," Evan Yang said.
"Oh? Planning to use sword arts this time?" Mad Elder asked, curious.
"Since I'm representing the Blue Robe Sect, I can't be clueless about sword arts," Evan Yang laughed.
"Fair enough. I'll find one for you," Mad Elder said, then motioned for Evan Yang to follow.
Mad Elder led Evan Yang on a long flight, far away, until they reached a strange pool. Some parts were frozen, others bubbling, and some areas were shrouded in mist.
"Mad Elder, what's this place?" Evan Yang asked, curious.
"Look at the stone stele over there," Mad Elder said, smiling.
Evan Yang looked around and found a stone stele nearby, but it was covered in dust and the words weren't visible. He walked over and wiped it clean, revealing several large crimson characters: "Sword Pool."
"This place seals countless ancient swords. Many of them contain rare beasts or spirits, so it's a treasure ground for our sect. But not just anyone can use these treasures—only those recognized by a sword can take it away," Mad Elder explained.
"Oh? So anyone can take one?" Evan Yang asked, surprised.
"That's right. Any Blue Robe Sect disciple can try. Once their strength reaches a certain level, they come here to choose their life-bound artifact. Famous swords like the Gentleman Sword and Silver-Spirit Sword originally came from this pool," Mad Elder said.
Evan Yang had seen the power of the Gentleman Sword and Silver-Spirit Sword before, so he couldn't help but admire the Sword Pool.
"So if I can take it, I can keep it?" Evan Yang asked. "That's right, go ahead," Mad Elder laughed. In fact, he secretly hoped Evan would try his luck—the longer a sword remained here, the harder it was to claim, since the easy ones had already been taken by other disciples. The ones left were tough, but also the most powerful.
Evan Yang smiled, "Then I'll help myself."
Before picking, he asked, "Why are some parts bubbling and others frozen?"
"Swords with cold attributes freeze the water, swords with fire attributes make it boil," Mad Elder laughed.
"Oh? Is it possible for both at the same time?" Evan Yang asked, curious.
"You wish! If there was such a sword, someone would've taken it long ago," Mad Elder laughed.
"Didn't you say not just anyone can take one? Is it really all about luck?" Evan Yang grinned.
"Better prove it with action," Mad Elder said.
"If I get something good, don't try to stop me," Evan Yang laughed.
"Absolutely won't stop you," Mad Elder laughed.