In the northern lands of the Central Continent lies Sword Pavilion, while in the Southern Sea stands Sword Platform. Sword Pavilion guards the Heavenly River, and Sword Platform suppresses Guixu. It is said that "with the twin swords of north and south, the immortal family's two cauldrons are complete."

There are legends that the northern and southern swords were originally of the same lineage. Only when they broke with the demonic path, separating immortal energy from demonic energy, did they split to guard the north and south, forming the immortal and demonic realms.

This theory has some basis, as the sword techniques practiced by the entry-level disciples of both sects are equally graceful and fluid, with little difference. It is only later that distinctions emerge - the northern sword finds simplicity and decisiveness amidst the flourishes, gradually returning to its pure and straightforward essence. At its highest level, victory is decided with a single strike. The southern sword, on the other hand, takes the flourishes to new heights, exhausting all possible variations. Within the sword lies a myriad of illusions, aiming to contain the universe within the blade.

Regardless, interactions between the northern and southern swords have dwindled. The once-every-five-years North-South Sword Conference, which attracted sword practitioners from all over during the heyday of the immortal path, has not been held for more than a decade.

But now, with Swordmaster Ye heading south, even if he may not represent the entire Sword Pavilion, he is accompanied by Lord Canlong and Marquis Langran, making a grand display. There are even rumors that this trip was arranged by Lord Lanshan - in any case, it has stirred up earth-shattering waves in the recently stagnant immortal path.

The Southern Sea Sword Platform is located on an immortal island in the sea, surrounded by other immortal mountains and islands scattered like pearls, guarding various immortal sects of different sizes.

Compared to the lofty and frigid Sword Pavilion in the snowy lands of the north, this place truly embodies the ethereal style of the immortal family.

Ye Jiuya had already sent a message to Sword Platform before departing, so the ship sent by Sword Platform to receive them was already waiting on the shore.

The main ship with a green sparrow figurehead was flanked by two smaller wing ships. The disciples on board all wore sky-blue robes, with lotus patterns embroidered on the collars and sleeves.

The leader, with a gentle and peaceful demeanor, first bowed to Ye Jiuya, introducing himself as the first disciple of Lord Lanshan, surnamed Qin and named Wanzhao.

He then greeted Lu Hongyan and Xie Lang: "Lord Canlong, Marquis Langran, I have long admired you."

Finally, he turned to Chen Weichen: "And who might this be?"

Chen Weichen replied, "The first disciple of Swordmaster Ye."

The young disciple, seeing that he was not wearing the signature white robes of Sword Pavilion and noticing no sword at his waist, looked at him with some doubt.

However, based on the introduction of "Swordmaster Ye's first disciple," their statuses were equivalent, so there was no need for formalities.

The group was then led to their accommodations on the ship.

After the young man had walked away, Chen Weichen quietly asked Ye Jiuya, "Swordmaster Ye, speaking of which, have you taken on any disciples?"

Ye Jiuya replied, "No."

"The mountain is bitterly cold. You don't want to take on a disciple for company?"

"I practice the sword."

"I understand," he said softly. "But now, with the turmoil and exhaustion, there's no time to practice the sword. I hope you don't mind me pretending to be your disciple to keep you company."

Ye Jiuya looked at him, his eyes revealing a slightly complex emotion.

Chen Weichen wanted to say something more but suddenly stopped in his tracks. Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath and wiped away the blood seeping from the corner of his mouth.

His suave and handsome features suddenly took on a heartbreaking fragility.

Ye Jiuya pressed his fingers against Chen Weichen's neck, suppressing the surging and reversing energy flow, and his condition improved slightly.

"The karmic fate and cause and effect cannot be touched again."

Chen Weichen lowered his eyes obediently. "Alright."

"The seven emotions and six desires must not be recklessly stirred."

"That is truly difficult," Young Master Chen complained. "I was born in the midst of worldly pleasures and passions. I've lived for nearly twenty years, always prone to falling ill from time to time. Even more so now?"

"Why not forget?"

"How can one forget just by saying so?" Chen Weichen said to him. "Besides, if it's really as you say, following the example of that celestial emperor who forgot all emotions, joys, and sorrows, letting past events scatter with the wind - wouldn't that make this journey through the world meaningless?"

He shrugged. "It's rare to have a calm conversation with Swordmaster Ye. It's best not to bring up these troubling matters - in Jinxiu City, even the monk couldn't persuade me. It seems I'm determined to remain unrepentant until death."

At this moment, the slanting sun sank into the water's surface, and the orange and red hues spread across the horizon gradually dispersed, overlaid with gray-blue.

The ship slowly raised its anchor, and the snow-white sails unfurled as it sailed towards the immortal mountain in the sea.

A few sparse stars appeared in the sky, and a gentle cool breeze blew from the east.

Chen Weichen looked up at Ye Jiuya's still frosty profile and suddenly felt very angry - it turned out that apart from those troubling matters, they had nothing to talk about.

Unfortunately, he had just fallen ill and coughed up blood, lacking the strength to engage in witty banter and flirt with the beauty. He could only raise his head and gaze at the moon.

Xie Lang secretly observed through the window, muttering, "He must be a renowned figure, skilled with the sword and having a connection with Swordmaster Ye. Judging by the looks of it, the connection runs quite deep. Who could he be?"

Unexpectedly, Lu Hongyan walked up behind him. "What are you looking at them for?"

"Lord Canlong," Xie Lang's voice sounded rather troubled, "you mentioned in the carriage that you and Swordmaster Ye are sort of martial siblings. Do you know if he has any close friends? No, no, maybe not close friends, but someone with a connection..."

Lu Hongyan's voice suddenly sounded a bit strange. "Why do you ask? What kind of connection?"

"Look," Xie Lang gestured outside the window, "the kind of connection where they can stare at the moon for half the night without saying a word."

"There isn't," Lu Hongyan replied stiffly. "Even if there was, they're dead."

"Right, right, right!" Xie Lang's eyes lit up. "That's exactly it - they're supposed to be dead!"

Lu Hongyan glanced at him. "Why are you asking about this?"

Xie Lang couldn't bring himself to reveal the information he had overheard, so he could only probe tentatively, "Lord Canlong, don't you think Young Master Chen is unfathomable?"

"Him?" Lu Hongyan was dismissive. "Putting on an act and playing the fool. Where does he show any semblance of a cultivator's temperament?"

Xie Lang was still somewhat afraid of this immortal lord who wielded a heavy sword and had a terrible temper. Even though he was itching with curiosity, he didn't persist, thinking that one day, the young master would reveal his true colors.

Late at night, as the chill deepened, the servant boy forcefully dragged the young master to bed. "Young Master, Young Master, please be more cautious. With your unlucky fortune, you'll fall ill from the cold wind!"

Chen Weichen acted as if facing a formidable enemy. "You jinx! Ever since I met Swordmaster Ye, I haven't had any bad luck in a long time."

As soon as he finished speaking, a large wave surged on the calm sea surface, causing the ship to rock violently.

Wen Hui nearly lost his footing. "Young Master, you were saying—"

The disciple of Lord Lanshan named Qin Wanzhao hurriedly arrived on deck. "Swordmaster Ye, I am truly sorry. In recent days, Guixu has been turbulent, especially at night. Even with my master and the various elders of Sword Platform standing guard, it still affects the sea."

Chen Weichen let out a sigh of relief. "It wasn't me." Although the matter was clarified, Young Master Chen still couldn't escape the fate of being dragged back to the cabin to sleep. Before leaving, he didn't forget to show his obedience in front of others, saying to Ye Jiuya, "Master, it's late. You should get some rest as well."

Ye Jiuya remained expressionless.

Qin Wanzhao smiled, "Swordmaster Ye and his beloved disciple must be very close."

After a night of turbulence, one could still sleep soundly once accustomed to it.

The next morning, the ship arrived at the immortal mountain. The snowy white stone beach was surrounded by lush trees, and in the distance, there were faint five-colored clouds and mist. Pavilions and towers were adorned with light gauze curtains that swayed gently in the wind.

After disembarking, they were greeted by a stone tablet made of sky-blue stone, inscribed with the two characters "Tingyun", exuding an aloof aura amidst its elegance.

Past the stone steps was a spacious stone platform where young disciples were practicing swordsmanship. Each disciple in sky-blue robes wielded a slender silver-white sword. Although their techniques were not yet proficient, they already looked quite impressive.

Further ahead, passing through a white jade Heavenly Gate inscribed with "Biyu Heaven", they were guarded by exquisite immortal palaces.

Under the Heavenly Gate stood a person, accompanied by a beautiful female disciple.

This person had a tranquil aura between his heroic eyebrows, and he was also dressed in sky-blue robes.

"Swordmaster Ye, my invitation was sent more than a year ago, and you have arrived late." The man laughed heartily.

It was none other than Lord Lanshan, the lord of the Sword Platform.