The Outer Heaven Frontier lay beyond the Jade Sword Mountains, a realm scarred by ancient Dao Lords and the Great Cataclysm. Floating ruins, jagged cliffs, and residual energy from primordial battles made it both dangerous and alluring.
Zhou Yu, Feng Lian, Liang Chen, Han Xiang, and Ling prepared for the expedition. The Flying Sword Formation hovered overhead, arcs of silver light shimmering in anticipation.
Liang Chen, now high-level Qi Condensation (Stage 4–6), felt both excitement and trepidation. The Outer Heaven Frontier was a crucible — spectral formations, Primordial Beasts, and traps would test every ounce of strength and cunning.
The party traversed the Azure River Basin, passing fertile lands tinged with spiritual energy. Minor Spirit Beasts lurked in the Moon-Shadow Forest, providing initial combat drills. Zhou Yu used these skirmishes to help Liang Chen refine Sword Qi flow within the Flying Sword Formation.
"The frontier will test everything," Zhou Yu said, his eyes scanning distant floating ruins. "Speed, coordination, strategy, and courage. Your Qi Condensation must be precise. Overextend, and you will die."
Liang Chen nodded. Ling growled softly, sensing something distant and dangerous.
Hours later, the terrain shifted drastically. The floating ruins became larger, suspended in chaotic spiritual currents. Rivers of light flowed like molten energy, and fissures in the ground emitted faint blue glows — remnants of ancient Dao Lord techniques.
A partially active Dao Lord formation blocked their path. Semi-transparent spectral warriors emerged, their attacks lethal and unpredictable.
Zhou Yu extended his Sword Qi into the formation, guiding the disciples. Liang Chen, coordinating with Han Xiang and the Flying Sword Formation, intercepted spectral strikes. His Qi Condensation Stage 4 Sword Qi allowed him to redirect energy and stabilize formation nodes. Feng Lian struck weak points, dismantling traps and redirecting residual energy.
The trial was intense. One misstep could result in a fatal backlash. But the combination of Sword Dao coordination, fragment resonance, and tactical precision allowed them to stabilize the formation. Resources were recovered: Void Crystals, Sun-Moon Steel fragments, and Blood Flame Fruit, essential for cultivation and weapons crafting.
As the party progressed, the ground shook. A Nether Shadow Wolf, a Primordial Beast of immense size and intelligence, emerged from the shadows. Its chaotic Sword Qi threatened to overwhelm even Liang Chen's refined Qi.
Zhou Yu's strategy: leverage the Flying Sword Formation, coordinate attacks, and use precision over brute force.
Liang Chen extended his Qi Condensation Sword Qi, flowing with the formation. Each strike anticipated the beast's movements. Feng Lian and Han Xiang targeted weak points. Ling flanked from behind, disrupting the beast's rhythm.
After a prolonged struggle, the Primordial Beast was subdued, its chaotic energy absorbed into the formation for later use. Liang Chen felt his Qi Condensation refine further, pushing him toward Stage 6.
At the plateau's heart, a sword pedestal glowed with golden light, encircled by protective arrays and spectral guardians.
Liang Chen, Han Xiang, and Feng Lian coordinated Sword Qi with the Flying Sword Formation. The guardians attacked relentlessly, but the combined efforts of fragment-enhanced Sword Dao and Qi Condensation neutralized them.
Finally, the third fragment hovered above the pedestal, pulsating with ancient Sword Dao energy. Integrating it into the Flying Sword Formation, the arcs of silver light intensified, teaching advanced Sword Dao techniques to all nearby disciples.
Zhou Yu addressed the sect: "We have survived the Outer Heaven Frontier, retrieved the third fragment, and strengthened our foundation. But the path ahead is perilous. Rival sects, demonic forces, and remnants of ancient power will test us again. The Sword Dao is endless — so must be our resolve."
Liang Chen, Han Xiang, and Feng Lian exchanged glances, determination shining in their eyes. Each had grown, not only in cultivation but in understanding of the Sword Dao, the Flying Sword Formation, and the responsibilities of protecting the Heavenly Sword Sect.