By the next morning, the news about Cloud Mist Peak's strange training hall had already spread across nearly every corner of the Lingyuan Sect. Disciples could be heard discussing it in courtyards, training grounds, and even during morning cultivation sessions. What began as a small rumor among outer disciples had now become one of the most talked-about topics in the entire sect.
Many disciples described the place with exaggerated excitement.
"They say you can fight terrifying monsters there!"
"I heard someone improved their sword technique in just one session!"
"Even Elder Gu from Array Formation Peak visited yesterday!"
The moment the name Gu Shenzhi was mentioned, many disciples immediately took the rumors more seriously. Gu Shenzhi was known throughout the sect for his calm personality and sharp intellect. If even he had acknowledged the usefulness of the place, then the strange shop on Cloud Mist Peak might truly be something extraordinary.
However, not everyone in the sect believed the rumors.
On the tall cliffs of Heaven Sword Peak, a group of inner disciples were currently practicing their sword techniques under the watchful gaze of their senior brothers. The air was filled with the sound of blades slicing through the wind as dozens of swordsmen trained in perfect formation.
At the center of the training ground stood a young man wearing elegant white robes. His long sword rested casually in his hand while he observed the disciples around him.
His name was Han Jianyu, one of the most talented inner disciples of Heaven Sword Peak.
His cultivation had already reached the late stage of Qi Condensation, and many elders believed he would soon break through into the Foundation Establishment Realm.
One of the disciples suddenly stopped practicing and approached him.
"Senior Brother Han, have you heard the rumors about Cloud Mist Peak?"
Han Jianyu did not even bother turning his head.
"What rumors?"
"The strange training hall that appeared yesterday. They say disciples can enter some kind of illusion world and improve their combat skills."
Han Jianyu finally glanced at the disciple.
"An illusion world?" he said with a faint smirk.
"That sounds like nonsense."
Another disciple quickly joined the conversation.
"But Senior Brother… even Elder Gu from Array Formation Peak visited yesterday. People say he admitted the place was extraordinary."
Han Jianyu's expression changed slightly.
"Gu Shenzhi went there?"
"Yes."
Han Jianyu remained silent for a moment.
Although he had little interest in rumors, Gu Shenzhi was not someone who would waste time on meaningless things.
However, his pride as a disciple of Heaven Sword Peak made him unwilling to believe such ridiculous claims.
"Cloud Mist Peak has been declining for years," Han Jianyu said calmly. "Their old peak master was a strange old man who rarely cared about the sect's affairs. Now his young disciple suddenly opens a training hall that can improve techniques overnight?"
He shook his head.
"It sounds like a trick to attract attention."
The disciples around him nodded in agreement.
Just then, another voice suddenly joined the conversation.
"Senior Brother Han… you might want to see this."
A young disciple ran toward them while holding a wooden practice sword.
"Look."
He performed a quick series of spear movements.
His technique flowed smoothly and naturally, each motion connecting perfectly with the next.
Han Jianyu immediately noticed the difference.
"You improved."
The disciple nodded excitedly.
"I went to Cloud Mist Peak yesterday."
Han Jianyu's eyes narrowed slightly.
"You're saying that place actually helped your technique?"
The disciple nodded quickly.
"It's real, Senior Brother."
Han Jianyu stared at him silently.
His pride told him that such a thing was impossible.
But his instincts as a swordsman told him something else.
Finally, he sheathed his sword.
"Fine," he said calmly.
"Let's go see this place."
The surrounding disciples immediately became excited.
A group of them quickly followed Han Jianyu as they left Heaven Sword Peak and began heading toward Cloud Mist Peak.
Meanwhile, on Cloud Mist Peak itself, the situation had become even busier than the previous day.
A long line of disciples now stretched outside the Cloud Mist Internet Café.
Some of them waited patiently while others discussed their experiences from earlier sessions.
Inside the shop, every computer was occupied.
Lin Tian stood calmly behind the counter while watching the system panel floating in front of him.
Active Players: 20
Total Visitors Today: 96
Spirit Stones Earned: 480
Lin Tian raised an eyebrow.
"Almost one hundred visitors already."
The system had originally given him twenty computers, and now every single one was in constant use.
Disciples who finished their sessions immediately lined up again to continue training.
Just then, the door of the shop suddenly opened.
A group of disciples wearing white Heaven Sword Peak robes walked inside.
The moment they entered, many disciples inside the shop turned their heads.
Heaven Sword Peak disciples were easily recognizable by their robes and their confident posture.
Leading them was Han Jianyu.
His sharp eyes quickly scanned the entire room before stopping on Lin Tian.
"You must be Peak Master Lin," he said calmly.
Lin Tian nodded slightly.
"And you must be a disciple from Heaven Sword Peak."
Han Jianyu stepped forward.
"I heard rumors about this place."
"I came to see if they were true."
Lin Tian smiled faintly.
"You're welcome to try."
Han Jianyu walked toward one of the empty computers and sat down.
His fellow disciples gathered around him.
"If this is some kind of trick," he said calmly, "I'll see through it immediately."
Lin Tian activated the system.
The screen flashed brightly.
Moments later, Han Jianyu entered the virtual world.
He suddenly found himself standing in a vast battlefield surrounded by towering ruins and burning skies.
Several monstrous creatures slowly emerged from the shadows.
Han Jianyu's grip tightened around the sword that appeared in his hand.
"So this is the illusion."
Without hesitation, he charged forward.
His sword flashed like lightning as he clashed with the monsters.
Back inside the shop, dozens of disciples gathered around the screen.
"He's incredible!"
"That's a Heaven Sword Peak disciple for you!"
Han Jianyu fought fiercely inside the virtual world.
Each strike of his blade was precise and powerful.
But the monsters continued coming.
Wave after wave surrounded him.
Several minutes later, Han Jianyu finally struck down the last creature.
The world around him dissolved.
He opened his eyes inside the shop.
For a moment, he remained completely silent.
Then he slowly stood up.
His eyes were filled with shock.
"My sword…"
He performed several quick sword movements.
Each strike flowed more smoothly than before.
The surrounding disciples watched in silence.
Han Jianyu looked toward Lin Tian.
"This place…"
He paused for a moment.
"…is real."
The moment those words left his mouth, the entire shop erupted with excitement.
Even the proud disciples of Heaven Sword Peak could no longer deny the truth.
The strange building on Cloud Mist Peak had just proven itself to the entire sect.