Twin Swords of Azure and Violet

Vast and boundless are the heavens and earth, the sea of clouds stretches endlessly in its pale majesty.

At the summit of Jade Sword Peak, a tall elder clad in a blue robe and white shirt stood alone at the mountaintop. His face was weathered, hair gray, his long beard danced in the wind, and his garments billowed. His eyes shone bright, like solitary stars piercing the night.

He was the First Seat of all the peaks, Wang Xuanling.

Since ancient times, Mount Shu had the tradition of the Five Sword Peaks. Among the thirty-six peaks of early Mount Shu, five sword-named mountains gathered the sect’s sword cultivators, the most courageous and industrious, always pushing forward and renowned as the hawks of Mount Shu. In those years when the Mount Shu Sect led the righteous path across the land, the Five Sword Peaks were the vanguard in slaying demons and evil spirits, ever fearless and basking in glory.

But as Mount Shu declined and its strength waned, the Five Sword Peaks’ bold tradition faded, and the more conservative peaks became the mainstream. After five hundred years, most had forgotten the strong legacy of the Five Sword Peaks.

On one hand, circumstances forced a turn toward caution; on the other, those fierce masters gradually disappeared.

For example, Golden Sword Peak and Silver Sword Peak both experienced broken lineages, at times cut off completely. Even though their traditions have been restored, they no longer embody the pure will of the Five Peaks.

Yet since Wang Xuanling became First Seat, the strong spirit of the Five Sword Peaks seemed revived, both within and without the sect. This elder was renowned for his unyielding ways.

So much so that when many evil spirits and demons mentioned Mount Shu, the first name recalled was not the Sect Master but the thunderous First Seat.

Wang Xuanling—his name was a banner.

A battle standard.

For the next generation, he followed the old Mount Shu approach, akin to raising venomous insects: admitting many disciples, fostering fierce competition. Under his command, Jade Sword Peak had over a hundred disciples, the most among all the peaks; each grew up competing for their own resources.

But the competition had weakened in recent years, for the King of Venom had already emerged.

After a while.

The mist in the sea of clouds began to churn, suddenly boiling, and thunder rolled across the mountains. A streak of sword energy pierced the clouds, soaring skyward.

Hiss—

The sword energy twisted like a dragon and descended in an instant, revealing a young man with a noble bearing, handsome as jade, brows sharp as blades, brimming with resolve.

“Disciple greets Master!” The youth landed and immediately knelt on one knee, bowing to Wang Xuanling.

“Rise.” Wang Xuanling turned his gaze to the youth, asking softly, “You’ve succeeded?”

“Yes, I did not disappoint Master.” The youth stood, answering calmly.

“Haha, excellent.” Wang Xuanling praised, “You are indeed the disciple I value most. At your age, I was not your equal.”

This youth was none other than his most beloved pupil, Xu Ziyang.

Wang Xuanling beamed with joy, but Xu Ziyang remained composed. “It is all thanks to Master’s guidance. How dare I speak of surpassing you?”

“There’s no need for disciples to belittle themselves,” Wang Xuanling shook his head. “If you cannot even surpass me, how can you hope to exceed the illustrious geniuses of Mount Shu through the ages, or accomplish the great tasks they never fulfilled?”

“I understand!” Xu Ziyang bowed deeply once more.

“In my life, I have two great wishes. First, that Mount Shu might recover the Demon Suppressing Tower and reclaim its place as the foremost of all immortal sects. Second, to seek the true Dao, to reach mastery of the Celestial Origin, perhaps even attain the realm of profound enlightenment.” Wang Xuanling sighed. “Alas, my talent is limited and dull. This vision may soon rest upon your shoulders.”

Xu Ziyang’s lips moved, as if he wished to speak but hesitated.

Wang Xuanling saw his manner and said, “Speak your mind.”

Xu Ziyang no longer hesitated and said directly, “Disciple believes there is no need to recover the Demon Suppressing Tower. Mount Shu can still reclaim its place as the leader among the immortal sects!”

“Oh?” Wang Xuanling looked at him.

“I will surpass the Demon Suppressing Tower!” Xu Ziyang declared firmly.

His meaning was clear: if he could reach the realm of profound enlightenment, become a ninth-level cultivator, he would surpass any artifact in the world.

Wang Xuanling looked at Xu Ziyang, who seemed as sharp as an unsheathed sword, and felt a pang of nostalgia. A hundred years ago, facing this same sea of clouds, before his own master, he too had spoken such bold words in his youth.

Generations pass, Jade Sword Peak’s legacy spans a thousand years—not in magical techniques or arts, but in the sword-like resolve it preserves.

“Haha, wonderful.” Wang Xuanling nodded gently. “Every great genius aims high. May you always keep your edge, strive forward with courage, and sweep away evil!”

“Disciple will remember!” Xu Ziyang bowed again.

Wang Xuanling brushed his sleeve and turned lightly. “Since you’ve emerged from seclusion, there is something I wish to tell you.”

Xu Ziyang looked up, listening.

Wang Xuanling continued, “Recently, news arrived that the Demon God is about to return. And just yesterday, the Twin Swords of Purple and Azure left the mountain.”

“The Twin Swords of Purple and Azure?” Xu Ziyang’s brows drew together.

Ranked seventeenth in the Almanac of Treasures, the Twin Swords of Purple and Azure had been Mount Shu’s strongest treasures after the Demon Suppressing Tower was lost.

Unlike ordinary magical instruments, the Twin Swords possessed sword spirits and were highly autonomous. For thousands of years, when Mount Shu was at peace, they hid within their exclusive Sword Casket Peak. Only when the sect faced grave danger would they sense it and emerge together.

The Twin Swords’ emergence foretold trouble for Mount Shu.

Coupled with the Demon God’s imminent return, it was easy to guess that something momentous was about to happen.

“The Twin Swords always choose young disciples as their masters, this time is no exception.” Wang Xuanling continued, “The Sect Master has decided that, at the upcoming Mount Shu Summit, the two most outstanding disciples will claim the Twin Swords.”

Xu Ziyang’s eyes brightened, understanding his master’s intent.

“Disciple will give his all!” His voice brimmed with confidence.

“Now that you have broken through, there is no problem.” Wang Xuanling smiled quietly. “Among this generation’s outstanding disciples, it is you and Jiang Yuebai of Bilu Peak. The Twin Swords are meant for you two.”

Xu Ziyang made no comment. Confidence was his, but claiming victory in advance was not his way.

Wang Xuanling said, “Show your best at the Summit. Once you claim chief disciple and become the swords’ master, I can go to Bilu Peak to arrange a marriage for you.”

“Hm?” Xu Ziyang’s expression tightened. “Why would Master say such a thing?”

“With your talent and character, you deserve the finest beauty in the world. Among Mount Shu’s disciples, you two are the perfect match. Who else would you seek?” Wang Xuanling spoke as if it were obvious. “You’re old enough now—it’s time you found a wife.”

The First Seat, famed for his thunderous methods, was just as direct when it came to matters of the heart.

You should marry.

I think you two suit each other.

I’ll arrange it for you.

The logic flowed seamlessly, leaving Xu Ziyang stunned. He hurried to say, “My heart is set on reviving Mount Shu and pursuing the Dao. I have no interest in romantic affairs.”

“Hmph, as if I was any different?” Wang Xuanling snorted. “My whole life has been devoted to restoring Mount Shu and seeking the Dao, uninterested in romance. Now I’m old... Do you know how much I regret it?”

Xu Ziyang was silent for a moment.

He had always taken his master as a model, guiding his own ambitions. Hearing this now, he could not help but waver.

“Besides, telling you this isn’t just about romance.” Wang Xuanling’s tone shifted. “There is a little-known secret about the Twin Swords. Their sword spirits were once lovers; thus, their chosen masters have always been couples. If wielded by two who do not love each other, their combined power is greatly diminished. If the pair is truly in love, the swords together rival the finest divine artifacts.”

He gazed at Xu Ziyang. “So, my wish to arrange your marriage is for Mount Shu’s sake! If so, are you still reluctant?”

“This...” Xu Ziyang’s expression was complex. After a moment’s pause, he bowed again. “To restore Mount Shu’s glory, your disciple will do his utmost!”