"Nova, both of us are Golden Core Sages," one shadowy figure cloaked in black spoke to his companion, pride evident in his tone.
And for good reason.
Golden Core Sages held an unassailable status in this world, akin to sect leaders or grandmasters, ruling forces with undisputed authority.
"True," the figure known as Nova responded with a calm voice, a hint of anticipation underlying his words. "Sarah Qin's reputation has grown exceptional. Recently, at the Ascension Ceremony hosted by the Seven Great Powers, she outshone the prodigies of the other six sects to claim the title of the most talented of her generation."
"Not only is she of rare constitution, but she also possesses a unique heritage. Many strong factions have taken an interest in her," he added, his words tinged with a mix of admiration and eagerness. To eliminate such a prodigy was exhilarating.
"Yes, a monster like her left unchecked would become a future threat," his partner replied. "If she matures, she might rise to rival figures like Dugu the Sword Demon himself. No wonder the three great demon sects want her eliminated."
"But why carry this out within the Shushan Sword Sect's territory?" he asked, sounding puzzled. "Even with our intelligence network in the Hidden Assassins' Pavilion, this seems risky. Assassinating such a prominent target in Shushan could attract unwanted attention."
"Ha!" Nova chuckled. "Who said it was the demon sects who want her dead?"
His words were laced with a cryptic amusement, causing his partner to pause.
"Interesting," his partner replied, smirking. "The so-called righteous sects are not so different from the demon sects, then."
"Save the commentary," Nova warned, his eyes fixed on the horizon. "She's coming. Get ready."
In the distance, a blue glow marked Sarah Qin's approach, her figure gliding atop her ice-blue divine sword.
Both assassins immediately cloaked themselves, their formidable auras dissipating as they lay in wait, moving with the precision and patience of seasoned hunters.
In his hand, Nova produced a blood-red dagger that emanated a sinister aura. The weapon, imbued with malice, seemed to cry out with the wails of spirits trapped within its blade.
Sarah was unaware of the imminent threat, her spirits lifted after leaving the Swordmaking House.
Soon, though, she sighed to herself, her brows knitting in mild worry.
"Master and Father both insist I train at the Starry Ruins within the Star Plucking Tower next," she murmured. "It's supposed to be very challenging. Once inside, I might not return for decades."
She frowned as she thought of her friend. "I just hope Jason manages to break through to Xiantian (Innate) before I return. I'd hate to find out that fool passed away while I was gone."
As she made a quiet prayer for Jason's advancement, the air suddenly turned sharp and dangerous.
Whoosh!
Sarah's divine sword emitted a powerful aura as she halted in midair, her face hardening with a sudden chill.
"Show yourself!" she demanded, her voice icy as her aura intensified, radiating an almost tangible sword intent. Gone was the gentle demeanor she showed around Jason; now, she was an unyielding goddess, a figure wreathed in cold fury.
A sinister voice responded with a mocking laugh, slithering through the air like a snake.
"Impressive. So this is the famed prodigy of the Shushan Sword Sect."
"Unfortunately," Nova's chilling voice continued, "you were born in the wrong era."
With a crackling surge of energy, two figures, cloaked in black and exuding a terrifying killing intent, emerged from the shadows, their dark auras converging on Sarah in a deadly assault.
"Courting death!" Sarah's eyes flashed with anger as her ice-blue divine sword shot forward, clashing with a blood-red dagger that had appeared from nowhere.
Their weapons met, sparks erupting as their strikes collided countless times in an instant.
In mere moments, Sarah felt her strength ebbing, her breath shallow, her face pale.
Her mind raced as she assessed the situation.
"Damn it! These two—they're at least Golden Core Sages!"
"Who are they?" Her heart sank as she glanced back toward Shushan's main sect grounds. "And why hasn't anyone from the sect come to help?"
Ordinarily, someone would accompany her on her journeys. But within Shushan's boundaries, where countless powerful cultivators roamed, it seemed unthinkable that anyone would dare harm her here.
Desperation surged as Sarah activated an intricate spell, her fingers weaving through the air with a newfound urgency. An array of powerful artifacts manifested, hovering protectively around her.
As the Shushan Sword Sect's prized prodigy, Sarah was well-armed with treasures and techniques, but she knew it wouldn't be enough.
Fighting Soul Convergence experts would have been manageable. But against two Golden Core Sages, even with her arsenal of treasures, victory was an illusion.
As her opponents advanced, their killing intent flaring even stronger, Sarah took a deep breath, bracing herself.
She knew she was in deep trouble.
Meanwhile, back at the Swordmaking House, Jason Chu furrowed his brow.
Moments after Sarah had left, he had sensed something.
With his Soul Convergence cultivation, he had already developed a divine sense, which operated as his spiritual awareness.
The powerful spiritual presence he had cultivated now sensed a faint ripple in the distance, surprisingly close to the Swordmaking House.
Acting on instinct, Jason extended his divine sense, probing deeper into the disturbance.
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