Chapter 98: The Divine Sword, Radiantly Shining

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The longsword measured just over three feet in length, its entire blade shimmering with a soft golden glow, like the faintest fragments of starlight gathered from the night sky, dazzling and evocative. Suddenly, a wave of astonishment surged within me: could it be that the second layer of this space had bestowed upon me such a formidable weapon? Reflecting further, I realized I had long sought a blade that felt like an extension of my own will. During that fierce clash with the Butcher Squad, had I wielded a weapon, the scales of victory might have tipped in my favor far earlier. Naturally, my gaze involuntarily drifted toward the stairs leading to the higher level—the third floor—driven by an almost instinctive urge to explore.

At that instant, a fresh curtain of light appeared before my eyes, still imbued with that familiar mystery and allure. Yet, compared to before, the markings on it seemed bolder and more elongated, as if whispering deeper secrets and challenges. I gently shook my head to bring my thoughts back to the present. Since the path ahead was unknown and fraught with uncertainties, why not first focus on this sword before me and the infinite possibilities it promised? Taking a deep breath, I began to examine the newly acquired weapon carefully, my heart brimming with hope for the future and a burning passion for battle.

Men's fascination with blades and cold weapons often stems from a deep-rooted heroic sentiment and a yearning for power. I, Li Chao, slowly approached the sword and extended my hands to grasp it firmly. As I clenched the hilt, the sword seemed to respond to my call, easily lifting in my grasp. In that moment, an indescribable sense of power welled up within me. The hilt touched my skin, and my body trembled slightly. A strange, profound aura seemed to transcend time and space, flooding my limbs and core. This aura contained an ancient and potent energy, making the faint sound of a dragon’s low roar echo in my ears, plunging my soul into a fleeting trance of amazement and awe.

When I refocused and scrutinized the blade again, I noticed intricate carvings on both sides—depictions of sun, moon, stars, mountains, rivers, and flora. Though simple, each stroke exuded an extraordinary spirit. These patterns were more than mere decoration; they seemed to encapsulate the essence of all creation, brimming with boundless power that stirred a grand sentiment of breathing in unison with heaven and earth, sharing fate with all that exists.

“This is truly a priceless treasure!” I marveled inwardly, my affection for the sword overflowing. After a moment of fond handling, a question quietly arose in my mind—where did this sword come from? And why had it appeared here? Did it conceal unknown secrets or a hidden mission? These questions cloaked my thoughts like a mist, igniting an intense desire to explore the unknown and unravel the mystery.

Despite repeatedly handling the sword, I could not bring it out of this illusory realm, which plunged me into deep contemplation. An urgent question surfaced: how could I take this alluring sword out of this mysterious space? I tried withdrawing my spirit while still clutching the sword, but when I opened my eyes again, my hands were empty; the sword had not appeared in the real world. This discovery left me both puzzled and helpless. I thought to myself, “If this sword can only be admired in my mind, doesn’t that greatly diminish its value? Am I destined to merely enjoy it like watching a film?”

This outcome was not what I desired. I closed my eyes again, allowing my spirit to re-enter the enigmatic ancient tower in my mind. There, I found the sword resting quietly on an octagonal stone pedestal, emitting a faint glow. Surrounding the sword, I fell into prolonged reflection. I recalled my experience on the tower’s first floor—when I touched two books, they mysteriously merged into my consciousness, becoming accessible at will. This gave me a clue: perhaps I could forge a similar link between the sword and my spirit, enabling me to control it.

With this thought, I began to sense the sword with my spirit, attempting to establish a subtle connection. I focused, letting my consciousness seep gradually into the blade, feeling the profound aura flowing within. Over time, I vaguely perceived the sword’s pulse, and an inexplicable tacit understanding quietly formed between us.

Not discouraged by my initial failure to grip the hilt, a sudden idea struck me—I would try touching the blade directly. The moment my fingers lightly grazed the sword, an indescribable tearing force struck me violently, as if my soul was being ripped apart, forcing me to withdraw my hand instantly. In that fleeting instant, a dazzling golden light flowed from my fingertips, like fine threads merging into the sword, as if building an invisible bridge between us.

This sudden change stirred an inexplicable sensation within me; I clearly felt an unprecedented resonance and bond forming with the sword. It was no longer mere weaponry but part of my very being—my will and strength perfectly manifest through it.

As my spirit withdrew, I slowly opened my eyes, feeling somewhat weak from the intense exertion. I rested quietly until my strength returned, then concentrated again, silently recalling the sword’s image. At that moment, a miracle occurred. The space before me rippled with delicate waves stirred by an invisible force. Instantly, a sword glowing with golden light appeared in my hand—the very blade I had touched moments ago.

I drew a deep breath, my face radiating joy and excitement I could hardly conceal. I had succeeded—not only establishing a connection with the sword but mastering the ability to summon and retract it freely. This mastery of formidable power filled me with strength and confidence.

To test the blade’s might, I closed my eyes once more, summoned the tower image in my mind, and the sword promptly appeared in my hand. I repeatedly practiced drawing and sheathing it; each movement was fluid and swift, as if the sword had become part of my body, obeying my command effortlessly.

I then cast my gaze upon the wooden bed in the room, an urge to test the sword welling up inside me. Clenching the sword, I swung gently. A flash of light streaked like lightning, instantly slicing through the bed. With a loud crack, the bed split cleanly in two, severing the bedding and mat above with precise, smooth cuts like those made by intricate machinery—truly astonishing.

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Witnessing this, I stood frozen, never having imagined the sword so sharp—beyond anything I had ever conceived. That long, tranquil afternoon, sunlight lazily spilled over the mottled courtyard walls, as if time itself had slowed.

Yuxin entered, carrying a steaming hot meal, her steps light and heart full of hope for her family’s return. Crossing the threshold, her voice was like a gentle spring breeze, softly brushing the soul: “Xiao Shan, what are you doing?”

Inside, the light was dim but could not conceal an air of mystery and excitement. I, Li Chao, usually taciturn, stood at the center, gripping a seemingly ordinary yet extraordinary sword. The blade shimmered with a faint chill, as if capable of piercing all illusions in the world. My eyes sparkled with the innocence of a child and the zeal of an explorer. Smiling at Yuxin, I said, “Let me show you a treasure!”

Curious yet composed, Yuxin gently set down the meal and approached, her gaze warm as she asked, “Where did you get it? This sword looks exceptional.”

A sly smile curved my lips, my eyes gleaming mischievously. “Hehe, this is no ordinary item you can buy in the market. I got it after quite an adventure online.”

I paused deliberately, savoring the pleasure of this secret. “And it’s not just a sword,” I added proudly, “it has magical effects!”

Before I finished, I lightly snapped my fingers, and the razor-sharp sword vanished instantly before everyone’s eyes, as if it had never existed.

Yuxin’s eyes widened in astonishment and admiration. She had never seen anything so magical, and an indescribable thrill surged within her. Yet that excitement soon gave way to a hint of worry. Turning lightly, her gaze fell on the bed split in two, her tone carrying a trace of reproach: “If you’re going to play with the sword, fine, but why did you cut the bed? That’s the only furniture we have.”

Seeing this, I quickly dropped my playful grin, my face showing regret and apology. I hurried to the bed, crouched down, and stared at the break with mixed emotions. I knew my momentary impulse had caused Yuxin considerable trouble. But then again, the sword’s marvel and power filled me with immense excitement and pride.

I silently vowed to find a way to repair the bed and learn to better control this power, ensuring it would no longer be a source of destruction.

“How are we going to sleep tonight?” Yuxin’s words carried helplessness tinged with teasing, her gaze on the broken bed reflecting worry yet softened by mild amusement at my childish antics.

I flushed with embarrassment but soon laughed heartily, the sound laced with apology and self-mockery. “Haha, clumsy me, wrecking our home. But no worries—we’ll just sleep on the floor! It’s a chance to experience the ancient ‘sleeping on the ground’ charm.”

A gleam of mischief lit my eyes as I added, “Besides, we can try it out and see how it feels—might be quite the novel experience!”

Her cheeks colored at my words, and she lightly scoffed, “You never grow up! This bed may be old, but it creaks every time we do anything, which is annoying. On the other hand, maybe it’s good it broke so we can replace it.”

Though her words were casual, I knew the bed held countless memories and warmth, making the thought of replacing it bittersweet. Seeing my smug look, Yuxin rolled her eyes, her tone both indulgent and reproachful: “You’re like a bull, yet you blame the bed! No bed could withstand your kind of rough treatment!”

Her words revealed a deep love and tolerance, as if no matter how mischievous I was, she always found reason to forgive.

Hearing this, my smile brightened, and I gently took her hand, speaking softly but firmly, “The bed may not last, but as long as you’re here, anywhere we sleep is my warmest harbor.”

“By the way, the bull’s had a day off—shouldn’t it get back to work?” I teased, my eyes sparkling with affection and longing.

Though blunt, my words carried a tacit understanding and warmth only we shared.

Yuxin gasped, her cheeks flushing deeply. She hadn’t expected me to broach such a topic so naturally in this awkward moment. She thought to herself, this guy’s spirit is way too high. Since moving into the clinic together, facing countless hardships and pressures, she had almost exhausted herself, yet he still had such “leisurely charm”?

“Damn it!” Yuxin cursed inwardly, feigning a dash for the door to escape the rapidly intensifying atmosphere.

Her wrist was gently but firmly caught by me, an irresistible force drawing her back. The room instantly filled with an indescribable tension. As Chen Shan approached, the air seemed to grow hotter.

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Yuxin’s heart raced, her breath quickening. She wanted to resist but found herself powerless against the deep yearning and dependence rising within. “You rascal… don’t be so eager…” Her voice trembled with shyness and pleading, trying to temper my passion.

Her struggle and resistance only fueled my determination, making me more resolute.

“Turn off the lights…” Her voice came again, almost a plea this time. She sought a shred of safety and calm in the dim, intimate space.

My response was a more ardent action. I gently lifted Chunlian, laying her on the bed, and then the room filled with a cascade of trembling sounds: “Ah… gently… ah…”

These sounds mingled Yuxin’s coyness and pleading with my profound love and desire. Within this small space, we unleashed our emotions and cravings, as if the world contained only the two of us.

The next morning, sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting light upon my slightly weary yet spirited face. Rubbing my eyes, memories of the tender moments with Yuxin the night before brought a smile to my lips. But soon, I set aside this sweetness to tackle pressing matters.

Picking up my phone, I called Zhou Shaofeng without hesitation. His voice was still lively, but when I asked him to help bring over a double bed, he paused briefly, then burst into hearty laughter.

“Chao, you’re fast! Just a few days, and you’ve already ‘conquered’ the bed? Don’t worry, leave it to me. I’ll find the sturdiest double bed so you and your wife can sleep comfortably.”

His words were teasing yet admiring, clearly impressed by my “feat.” After hanging up, I shook my head with a wry smile, thinking, “What a big misunderstanding.” But I didn’t bother explaining—some things are better left unsaid among friends; it makes life more interesting.

Afterward, I resumed my usual work at the clinic, treating every patient with utmost care, my eyes seeming to pierce the root of their ailments, and my skill bringing hope and healing. After seeing over twenty patients, I found a brief moment of respite and closed my eyes, attempting once more to enter the mysterious space in my mind.

When I tried to check the scale leading to the third floor, my hope was instantly dashed. The area showed only a faint golden speck, not even covering the smallest bottom segment. This meant unlocking the third floor’s power or secrets was still a long journey ahead.

“Damn! This progress is too slow!” I grumbled inwardly. Yet I knew this was no overnight matter—it required patience and effort.

Drawing a deep breath, I transformed my frustration into motivation, throwing myself back into the busy and fulfilling routine of work and cultivation.

Standing at the construction site of my new home, watching the busy workers, a complex tide of emotions swelled within me. I understood that rapidly increasing the scale to the third floor wasn’t easy; it demanded time and patient accumulation.

All around me seemed to remind me that whether improving my medical skills or enhancing my life, steady, step-by-step progress was essential.

Watching the workers skillfully move, dismantle, and assemble new double beds and furnishings, I pondered silently. I knew medical advancement couldn’t be rushed—it required constant practice and learning, with each patient’s treatment honing my skills further. Life’s improvement was no different; it demanded creation and effort by my own hands.

“Alright, take it slow,” I resolved quietly, no longer anxious over that distant scale. I believed that as long as I persevered, I would reach that goal someday.

Suddenly, a clamor interrupted my thoughts. Turning, I saw a truck slowly approaching and stopping steadily before the clinic. Two skilled craftsmen leapt down and began working hurriedly yet methodically, unloading goods, unpacking, and assembling new furniture and equipment in the new home.

A warm feeling rose in my chest. I knew these workers were using their hard labor to build a more comfortable, more welcoming home for me. Gratefully, I approached, greeted them, and inquired about progress.

Their cheerful responses and smiles told me the renovation was in full swing and would soon be completed.

Hearing this, my heart brimmed with anticipation and joy. This would be the new home for Chunlian and me, the starting point of our future life.

Standing before the new house, I took a deep breath, savoring the fresh air filled with hope.