Chapter 75: The Sky Sword Sect’s Fury

Seven days after the Longyang Secret Realm opened, there was still no news from any of the disciples who went in to train. Every major sect grew increasingly uneasy.

A few days’ delay because disciples were goofing off was one thing, but this much silence made everyone fear the worst.

Rumors spread among the sects—maybe every disciple had perished, maybe there was killing for treasures going on. The whispers grew louder.

Overnight, Sword Qi Continent was awash in speculation.

Elders from every major sect were sent to investigate the Longyang Secret Realm. When they arrived, all they could do was stare in shock.

The secret realm had vanished. Jade Pool Mountain was ripped clean from the earth. Nothing remained—just an empty, barren patch of land to mark where it had once existed.

With nothing to show for their trip, the elders returned and reported the news.

Shock swept through the entire sect system. Not only were all the disciples gone, but the secret realm itself had disappeared without a trace.

Once the sect leaders got word, they immediately ordered a news blackout, hoping to prevent broader panic.

At the same time, the major sects agreed to join forces, vowing to search for the missing disciples and uncover what happened to the secret realm.

Days passed in a blur of massive search operations throughout the land, but not a single clue surfaced.

It was as if the Longyang Secret Realm and its missing disciples had completely vanished from the world, leaving no trace behind. This mysterious disappearance became an unsolvable riddle for all of Sword Qi Continent.

………………..

At the Sky Sword Sect, the grand hall stood in the distance—deep crimson, nestled like a jewel from the realms of the immortals.

Delicate flowers hung all around the hall, their white petals glowing like porcelain with a hint of translucent shine. The petal tips carried a swirl of light and dark purples, as if tinged by dye or naturally touched by heaven.

The inner hall was held up by several massive red columns, each one etched with a golden dragon spiraling upwards—vivid and lifelike.

A red carpet stretched all the way from the doors inside.

Atop the sect master’s seat sat a striking man, handsome as a jade statue—this was Li Xun.

Li Xun, Sect Master of the Sky Sword Sect, had reached the ninth stage of the Sword Saint Realm. Right now, he rested his head in his hand, eyes half-closed as he meditated, radiating a heavy, unshakable pressure throughout the hall.

In the center of the hall, an elder stood trembling, unsure if he should speak.

Should he report the news? What if the sect master grew furious? Though Li Xun usually seemed gentle, when he lost his temper there was no stopping him.

After weighing his options, the elder finally chose to break the silence.

“Reporting to Sect Master—I just returned from the scene. The Longyang Secret Realm has vanished, and Jade Pool Mountain is gone too,” he said, eyes avoiding Li Xun’s gaze, his voice tight with nerves. “We scoured the area, but the disciples’ traces are completely gone. I fear something terrible has happened.”

Li Xun opened his eyes slowly, his expression turning sharp and cold. It was as if frost had descended across his handsome features. His brow furrowed, every inch of him exuding authority.

Instantly, a chill filled the hall.

“Oh? Did you find any useful clues?” Li Xun lifted an eyebrow, flicking a glance toward the elder with a voice that felt devoid of warmth.

“Sect Master—every sect’s disciples who entered the secret realm have vanished, except for one new faction: the Tianwu Academy!” Just meeting Li Xun’s eyes sent an icy shiver through the elder, but he forced himself to continue: “It’s in Xuanwu City, a second-tier city. The City Lord, Nangong Wentian, founded the academy not long ago. His disciples also entered the Longyang Secret Realm this time.”

“Apparently, only a few from that academy died. The rest all returned safely and with huge gains.” A flash of cold light gleamed in the elder’s eyes. “I strongly suspect the missing disciples from all the other sects are tied to the Tianwu Academy. They may well have killed for treasures!”

……………….

“What? It must be the Tianwu Academy behind this! We can’t let this go—we must seek justice for our disciples!” The instant the news landed, the other elders exploded, smashing chairs with a single palm and leaping to their feet, faces blazing with anger.

“Sect Master! I, Li Zai’an, volunteer to go to Tianwu Academy and demand an explanation for our disciples! Please grant me permission!”

Li Zai’an, the Sky Sword Sect’s Third Elder, stood in the third stage of the Sword Saint Realm.

He stepped forward, tall and powerful—over eight feet high—with sharp, heroic features as if carved from stone. His eyes shone with determination, his entire presence both unrestrained and refined.

“Sect Master—I, An Peisheng, wish to join Li Zai’an on this trip and demand justice from Tianwu Academy. Please allow it!”

An Peisheng, the Second Elder, had reached the first stage of the Sword Saint Realm.

He was a towering figure, nine feet tall and built like a human fortress. His skin was sun-browned and reddish, his muscled arms looking like twisting serpents or dragons.

With his square face, ringed leopard eyes, and a thick beard, he radiated a fierce, commanding presence. His deep, iron-dark face matched his booming, thunderous voice.

“That’s enough. I understand your feelings.” Li Xun looked at the two men, his voice echoing in everyone’s mind, brooking no argument. “But this matter is full of mysteries. As the foremost sect among hundreds, the Sky Sword Sect must not draw conclusions lightly and risk its reputation. Don’t bring it up again.”

After glancing at them, Li Xun carried on: “When the time comes, I’ll visit Tianwu Academy myself. We’ll get to the bottom of this before we pass judgment.”

“You may go now. I’m tired.” Li Xun waved them away.

“Then we’ll take our leave, Sect Master!” One by one, the elders sighed in resignation and left the hall.

Once they’d gone, the hall felt even more empty.

【Sword Qi Continent Cultivation Level Rankings: Ordinary Person, Sword Practitioner Realm, Sword Qi Realm, Sword Sea Realm, Sword King Realm, Sword Emperor Realm, Sword Saint Realm, (Demi-God Realm), Sword God Realm】

【No one in the world has ever reached the Demi-God Realm, so most people have forgotten it exists. This stage is also known as False God Realm, and is clearly described in the Ancient Inheritance Scrolls.】