These simple eight words electrified everyone present.

“Legend says peerless weapons birth their spirits upon creation. Is our Azure Mystic Sacred Land truly this blessed?”

“It is a sign! A heaven-sent fortune!”

“An innate weapon spirit is far stronger than one nurtured over time. If this spirit truly awakens today, this blade could ascend to the peak of Heaven-rank… perhaps even become a Divine Sword!”

“Hiss… if that happens, the name ‘Unfailing’ will resound through the Nine Heavens. When Junior Uncle walks the world with this blade, unless an Immortal weapon appears, he will be unrivaled!”

The disciples buzzed with excitement. The Senior Sisters, previously tense as they maintained the defensive formations against heavenly tribulation, relaxed and crowded around Jiang Xun to offer congratulations. The atmosphere on Artifact Resonance Peak was joyous and harmonious.

Even Supreme Guan Xuelan, exhausted from rebuilding the Sect’s grand formation, softened her expression. “If the Unfailing Sword births a spirit today, Azure Mystic must celebrate properly for Jiang Xun!”

“Master, it is practically certain!” Lu Qingyao chimed in eagerly. “This disciple will arrange a grand feast immediately!”

Xu Wanqing and Shi Siling nodded in agreement.

“Indeed. For the sword to soar into the heavens at the mere mention of its name proves it already possesses intelligence. Even if the spirit doesn’t fully form today, its potential is undeniable.”

“We must hold a feast, a grand one! To celebrate Junior Brother’s new sword and to wish him success as he travels the world. Let the name of Jiang Xun echo across the realms!”

“Very well.” Guan Xuelan nodded. “Notify the sect. We hold a banquet tonight. After so much misfortune, we deserve good news.”

At the Supreme’s command, the entire Sacred Land sprang into action.

However, when Lu Qingyao returned from organizing the preparations, she looked sullen.

“If only the protective formation was ready,” she grumbled. “We could have invited the other Sacred Lands and Divine Dynasties to witness Junior Brother’s glory.”

The formation had malfunctioned previously and was forcibly dismantled by Guan Xuelan. Rebuilding it was a slow process. Without it, Azure Mystic couldn’t guarantee security against rival Supremes, making it impossible to host external guests.

Xu Wanqing smiled gently. “Junior Sister, there is no rush. Second Senior Sister has forged the sword; next is the crafting of the Sect Leader’s Jade Token. Why not wait until Junior Brother has made a name for himself? Then we can invite the world to celebrate both.”

“I know, but I hate waiting!” Lu Qingyao pouted. “We haven’t had a grand feast in three years. I miss it.” She spat on the ground. “It’s all Gu Xiu’s fault!”

“Why didn’t he just die in the Forbidden Realm three years ago? He came back a cripple, forcing us to save his face and cancel all celebrations. And now that he’s finally dead, we still have to cover up his disgrace and keep it secret.”

“Absolutely detestable!”

Silence fell over the group.

At the edge of the formation, Nian Zhaoxi narrowed her eyes, her gaze fixing on Lu Qingyao. But before she could speak, Qin Meran shook her head.

“Junior Sister, you are mistaken.”

“Where am I wrong?” Lu Qingyao retorted, defiant.

“Hardship reveals courage; tempering makes jade complete,” Qin Meran said calmly. “We hide Gu Xiu’s death to prevent comparisons. Hastily celebrating now would only harm Junior Brother’s reputation.”

“If we have confidence in Junior Brother, we should wait. When he stands in the spotlight wielding the Unfailing Sword, then we shall feast and bestow the Sect Token. Is that not better?”

“I know the logic,” Lu Qingyao muttered, still aggrieved. “I just feel bad for Junior Brother. Gu Xiu died easily, but Junior Brother has to bear the burden of the sect.”

“Have you all noticed…”

A soft, hesitant voice broke the tension.

Everyone turned to see Sixth Senior Sister He Mengyun pointing at the sky.

“Junior Brother’s Unfailing Sword… has been gone for a long time.”

The group blinked, snapping back to reality.

Right. Where is the sword?

Even if the blade was excited, it should have returned to its master’s hand by now. Why had it been gone for so long?

“Perhaps it is too playful,” one sister suggested. “A newborn spirit has the intelligence of a child. It is normal to be naughty. Mengyun, you worry too much.”

“It has been bound by blood. It cannot run away.”

“Little Six, stop being an alarmist,” Yuchi Chunlei scolded lightly. “I forged that sword myself. Junior Brother named it and bound it with his essence blood. Do you think it could just fly away?”

Reassured, the group returned to their joyous mood. He Mengyun, used to being ignored, whispered a quiet “Oh” and fell silent.

Time passed. The disciples busied themselves with the banquet, while the Senior Sisters surrounded Jiang Xun, imparting wisdom for his upcoming travels.

“Junior Brother, the outside world is dangerous. Do not trust anyone. Remember: A gentleman does not stand under a crumbling wall.”

“I have prepared high-grade talismans for you. Take them all. If a problem can be solved with talismans, do not hesitate to use them.”

“I have pills here—top-grade. Keep them close. You have the entire Azure Mystic Sacred Land behind you; do not be frugal. If you run out, send a message, and I will deliver more.”

“Make sure people know you are from Azure Mystic. Old monsters will think twice before attacking you. If you encounter danger, call for help immediately!”

Jiang Xun’s storage ring filled rapidly with treasures as his sisters doted on him.

But as they fussed over him, He Mengyun spoke up again, her voice trembling slightly.

“Senior Sisters… the Unfailing Sword…”

“Has it been gone too long?”

This time, the group frowned, looking up at the empty sky.

“This sword is indeed unruly,” Yuchi Chunlei muttered. “Junior Brother, when the spirit fully forms, you must discipline it.”

“Rebellious thing, leaving its master for so long.”

“Don’t worry, Junior Brother. I will teach you weapon control techniques. A few lessons and it will learn to behave.”

They criticized the sword’s naughtiness, planning how to punish it once it returned.

But…

Where was the sword?

Two hours had passed. The sun had moved from high noon to the western horizon. Then the sun set, and the stars filled the sky.

“Honored Senior Uncles, the banquet is ready. Shall we begin?” a disciple asked, bowing.

The group stood in awkward silence.

Where is the sword?

Where is the Unfailing Sword?!

Meanwhile, at the entrance of Falling Rain Valley.

Inside a cabin on the Wanbao Tower’s warship.

Gu Xiu had just taken out his Green Bamboo Rod, intending to pass the time with a bit of fishing.

Now, he sat there, utterly bewildered.

Floating in front of him was a snow-white sword. It had descended from the sky, bypassed the ship’s defenses, and come directly to his side, hovering expectantly like a lost puppy finding its owner.

Gu Xiu stared at the sword, falling into deep thought.