Chapter 30: A Treasure of Earth-Shattering Significance

The group of several hundred individuals clad in white Taoist robes exuded an air of arrogance and intimidation. Their leader, a Taoist nun, signaled to two others, saying, "Seize them and bring them here." A young man and woman stepped forward, barking, "The clan leader has issued an order. You two are coming with us."

Li Chen replied coldly, "Who are you? And what is this about?"

A white-robed man spoke up, "We are from the Immortal Sect Secret Realm. Not long ago, the two of you trespassed into our realm and stole numerous high-grade medicinal herbs. You are to accompany us now to answer for these actions."

Hearing this, Li Chen furrowed his brow, ready to retort, when he suddenly felt the air grow heavy and stagnant, as if an invisible pressure were crushing down upon them. Just then, the crisp sound of a bell rang out, drawing closer, accompanied by a fresh, ethereal aura. A young man in a green robe, wearing a jade crown, descended from the sky. He held a rustic longsword, its tip lightly tapping the void as if it could sever all falsehoods in the world.

"The Immortal Sect Secret Realm? Hmph! Since when did brothers of my Cloud Hidden Sword Sect become the thieves you claim them to be? There is clearly more to this than meets the eye. How about I act as a witness?" The youth finished, his eyes burning like torches as he stared down the nun. His entire being radiated a sword intent so sharp it felt as if ten thousand blades were poised to strike.

The nun’s expression shifted; clearly, she had not expected the youth to hail from such a prestigious sect. Before she could speak, the green-robed youth flickered like a flash of light, appearing instantly beside the two accused. With a gentle tap, the restraints binding them shattered. He then swept his sword through the air, the light tracing the shape of a complex array. As the light swirled within the pattern, the very space seemed to warp.

"Since there are conflicting stories, why not enter my Cloud Hidden Sword Array and let the truth reveal itself? Well? Do you dare?" The youth’s voice carried an unquestionable authority that made the very air tremble. A battle for reputation and truth was about to unfold within the formation.

The Cloud Hidden Sword Sect was itself a formidable immortal lineage, ranked among the top five in the cultivation world. Their "Cloud Hidden Sword Array" possessed not only the power to slay demons but also the profound ability to shatter illusions and reveal the absolute truth. Without waiting for the white-robed nun’s consent, the array erupted in a brilliant celestial glow, enveloping both the white-robed Taoists and Li Chen and Lin Ying within its confines.

The array’s light swirled incessantly, shifting left and then right. After a long while, a shimmering image appeared before the crowd: it showed Li Chen and Lin Ying arriving at the spirit-rich mountains a hundred miles west of Guilin City. Within a palace atop the peak, a seductive woman had manipulated them, causing them to be transported by a spirit artifact into the Ancestral Master’s space without warning. There, the two had been overcome with an urge to do good, clearing weeds in an arduous project that spanned tens of miles until they finally rested. The vision also revealed the truth behind the palace on the great mountain: in front of a Heavenly Mirror, the words and deeds of the white-robed Taoists were laid bare—how they had lured and kidnapped young talents from the outside world, imprisoning them, and torturing to death anyone who refused to become a slave.

"The law of the jungle, it seems, is the only creed you follow," the green-robed man sighed, shaking his head. He performed a hand seal, guiding Li Chen and Lin Ying out of the array before turning to the white-robed group. "What do you have to say for yourselves now?"

The head nun replied, "Let this matter end here. We will pursue it no further."

The green-robed sword cultivator retorted, "You will swear an immortal oath in the name of your sect!"

Trapped within the Cloud Hidden Sword Array, the white-robed Taoists felt the murderous sword light pressing against their souls, the chill biting deep into their bones. The weaker among them began to tremble. They could neither defeat their opponent nor escape. Together, the white-robed group recited their oath:

"We, the Wang family of the Immortal Sword Secret Realm, hereby swear that from this day forward, we shall no longer..." The nun faltered, asking, "And... who might you two be?"

Li Chen replied, "Li Chen and Lin Ying, of the Kunlun Immortal Sword Sect."