Cultivation: Starting from a Mortal Bone

Qin Yu quickly gathered his thoughts and pushed open the door.

Yin Qinghe and Zhao Mengli came out as well, looking up to the sky.

There, a figure clad in azure stood atop his sword—not a flash of sword light was seen, yet the overwhelming sword qi and powerful intent surging from afar pressed down upon the entire Lin Xian City as if tangible, impossible to ignore.

"Foundation Establishment Ninth Layer! Azure robes, sword-riding—this is that cultivator from Hundred Sword Sect!"

Just a glance, and Yin Qinghe had already identified him.

This was no longer a secret and was easy to discern.

"Master, is he the one who injured the Immortal Sect Elder?"

The aura of the azure-robed man was so strong, like a sword sharp enough to rend all things—Qin Yu, with his cultivation, did not dare to look directly at him.

"Yes. It seems Lin Xian City is about to change hands."

Yin Qinghe’s expression was grave; the lingering anxiety in her heart had finally manifested as reality.

Since ancient times, every emergence of a Ruins Rift was accompanied by disaster—especially for low-tier cultivators like them—who might even be reduced to mere chess pieces, manipulated at will by lofty Great Cultivators.

"Alas, the Immortal Sect’s power is so formidable that even the City Lord cannot withstand its sharp edge. Truly, the world is fickle."

"Let’s hope nothing terrible happens..."

Within the city, sighs and worries intertwined, hearts filled with unease—a helpless resignation toward the present and anxiety for the future.

"The City Lord...has actually lost!"

Hearing this, Qin Yu and the others couldn’t help but tense, following the direction to look.

Indeed.

The previous crash had been caused by a large section of houses collapsing.

Within a deep crater, a faint figure could be seen.

Though the person was still alive, their aura was obviously unstable, blood soaking the ground.

"Jia Li, this is the domain of Cyan Mountain Sect. How dare you openly seize my city—are you not afraid of Cyan Mountain Sect’s wrath?"

Though the City Lord was severely wounded and struggled to stand, his gaze was as sharp as a hawk, staring at the indifferent figure hovering in the sky. His voice, though hoarse, carried an unwavering resilience.

"Heh, Cyan Mountain Sect is already a thing of the past. If not for the Ruins Rift appearing here, do you think this meager patch of land could ever attract my attention as an elder?"

High above, Jia Li’s voice had a hint of disdain and triumph, echoing through the empty sky, grating on the ears.

"You!"

The City Lord’s fury blazed, yet he knew well the difference in strength—for all his cultivation, he hadn’t managed even ten moves against Jia Li.

It was clear the Hundred Sword Sect had come prepared this time.

"People of Lin Xian City, hear me! If you submit, I swear as your elder to act with mercy and refrain from violence. All will continue as before—peace undisturbed!"

Ignoring him, Jia Li’s voice pierced the uproar, calm and powerful. His gaze swept every corner of the city, as if he could see through all things.

With these words, the cultivators in the city quietly relaxed—so long as their lives were not upended, it mattered little who ruled the city.

Who they handed their Spirit Stones to made no difference.

Yet the tranquility above the city did not last. On the distant horizon, a massive Cloud Ship slowly appeared, from which countless figures leapt down—all clad in uniform attire, each carrying a sword.

"Those are disciples of Hundred Sword Sect."

Yin Qinghe’s elegant brows furrowed, her expression darkening as she swiftly pulled Qin Yu and the rest back inside, shutting the door.

"Master..."

Before the words finished, wind and thunder surged outside, accompanied by an urgent and heavy pounding—bang! Bang! Bang!—like iron hammers striking the heart.

Clang!

Before Qin Yu could open the door, the overburdened entry gave way, crashing to the ground amid clouds of dust. Three tall figures strode in, swords at their sides, tips slightly lowered, cold glints flickering; their hawk-like eyes swept over those in the courtyard.

Zhao Mengli and Lin Qianqian, along with the others, turned pale in terror—their faces as white as paper, eyes full of panic and fear, clearly stunned and helpless by this sudden turn.

The leading sword-carrying man spoke coldly, his voice sharp as winter ice, utterly devoid of emotion: "Three days from now, you must select one among you to follow us into the Ruins Rift. If you dare defy, bear the consequences yourselves!"

With that, he wasted not a single word, giving Qin Yu and the rest no chance to respond. He turned and left, leaving behind a room full of shock, lingering dust, and that incontestable command reverberating in the air.

Outside, the clamor did not cease.

Clearly, it was not just Qin Yu’s household—every family in Lin Xian City was required to send one person.

As for the reason, Qin Yu could guess a little.

The Ruins Rift hid endless unknown dangers, especially the Ruins Beasts roaming within, feeding greedily and ferociously on living flesh.

The Hundred Sword Sect wasn’t taking them in for fortune-seeking.

It was to send them to their deaths—plainly put, to feed Ruins Beasts with their lives, clearing the way for Hundred Sword Sect disciples.

This city never belonged to Hundred Sword Sect; the fates of its cultivators mattered not to them.

Making every household send someone was likely out of fear of inciting resistance—by dangling rewards, they’d surely find those willing to sell their lives.

"Master, what should we do..."

The atmosphere was suffocating in the house.

Yin Qinghe gently patted Zhao Mengli’s jade-like back, her exquisitely arched brows never relaxing.

Lin Qianqian and Lin Shuishui sat on either side of Qin Yu—Lin Qianqian’s gaze fixed on him, while Lin Shuishui, fearful, clung tightly to Qin Yu’s arm.

"Husband, let me go."

Lin Qianqian suddenly spoke, her eyes full of resolve and determination.

She knew that following the Hundred Sword Sect into the Ruins Rift meant certain death. If Qin Yu or her sister Lin Shuishui were forced, she’d rather go herself.

"What nonsense!"

Qin Yu was still considering a plan, but on hearing this and seeing Lin Qianqian’s resolute expression, his heart tightened.

Lin Qianqian’s Romantic Point had already reached the level of unwavering devotion.

From Qin Yu’s understanding of her, she might even sneak off on her own!

He had always felt deeply for Lin Qianqian.

Though young, she was too sensible—always thinking of those around her.

"Don’t you dare do anything foolish!"

Qin Yu’s expression grew stern, and he rebuked her directly.

Though Lin Qianqian had recently broken through to Qi Refining First Layer and become a cultivator, with such meager cultivation, if she went, there would be not the slightest hope of survival.

Indeed!

Strength is everything.

But even with the spark inside him, growing stronger would still require much time.

Now, every area of the city was likely watched by Hundred Sword Sect; trying to escape would probably be too late.

What should be done?

"Sister!"

Lin Shuishui’s tears slid down her cheeks as she flung herself into Lin Qianqian’s arms: "I don’t want sister to go; if anyone must, let it be me!"

Hearing this, Zhao Mengli lifted her head from Yin Qinghe’s embrace.

Looking at the Lin sisters, she then raised her gaze to Yin Qinghe.

"Master, let me go. You’ve always protected me—this time, let me protect you."

"Li’Er..."

On hearing this, Yin Qinghe felt her heart wrenched violently. She looked at Zhao Mengli with tender affection, her eyes full of gentleness.