Rebirth of the Celestial Swordmaster

Chapter 7: Into the Lion’s Den

The towering walls of Black Rock City loomed in the distance, their dark stone stained by time and blood. Lin Xiao adjusted his cloak, ensuring the hood covered his face.

This was no ordinary city.

Here, strength ruled. The weak were trampled, and the powerful took what they wanted. Cultivators from rogue sects, mercenaries, assassins, and thieves all gathered within these walls.

Lin Xiao stepped past the massive iron gates, merging into the bustling streets. The air was thick with the scent of roasting meat, sweat, and the unmistakable stench of blood.

His gaze sharpened. He wasn’t just here to hide from the Blood Moon Sect.

He was here to grow stronger.

A place like this had one reliable source of information—the underworld.

And the best place to find the underworld?

The Drunken Serpent Tavern.

The moment Lin Xiao stepped inside, the heavy scent of alcohol and smoke filled his lungs. The dimly lit hall was packed with warriors, cultivators, and bounty hunters. Laughter and the sound of clinking cups mixed with the occasional outburst of violence.

Lin Xiao found a corner table and listened. Information was as valuable as spirit stones—sometimes even more.

Then, a hushed conversation caught his attention.

“Did you hear? The Blood Moon Sect is paying a fortune for a certain head.”

“Hah! Just another bounty. What’s special about this one?”

“They won’t say who he is. But they’re offering ten thousand spirit stones.”

Lin Xiao’s fingers tightened around his cup. So they had put a price on his head.

But that wasn’t all.

“And that’s not the only thing. The Blood Moon Sect is searching for an ancient inheritance site.”

Lin Xiao’s heartbeat quickened.

An inheritance site.

That meant lost martial techniques, artifacts, treasures—the kind of power that could elevate a cultivator to unimaginable heights.

And if the Blood Moon Sect wanted it…

Then he wanted it more.

Before Lin Xiao could think further, a shadow loomed over his table.

A tall man with a scarred face and a smirk filled with malice.

“New face, huh?” the man said, cracking his knuckles. His aura rippled—Qi Condensation, Fourth Layer. Stronger than Lin Xiao.

Behind him, two more thugs grinned. They had been watching him.

Lin Xiao didn’t react, simply taking a slow sip of his drink. “Do I know you?”

The man laughed. “No, but I know you. Lone cultivators in this city don’t last long. If you want protection, hand over your valuables.”

Lin Xiao exhaled. More trash.

He placed his cup down and stood.

The man raised an eyebrow. “What? No begging?”

Lin Xiao moved.

In a blur, he struck, his palm slamming into the man’s chest. A violent shockwave of Qi burst outward.

The thug flew backward, smashing through a table.

Silence fell over the tavern.

Lin Xiao turned, meeting the stunned gazes of the other two thugs. “Still interested?”

They hesitated—then ran.

A few cultivators chuckled, some even nodding in approval. Strength was the only language this city understood.

Lin Xiao sat back down. He had made his first impression.

But now, he needed to find out more about this inheritance site.

And for that, he needed a guide.

Later that night, Lin Xiao met with a man known as Old Liu—a merchant who dealt in information.

The old man grinned, his narrow eyes gleaming. “You’re not the first to ask about the inheritance site.”

Lin Xiao placed a spirit stone on the table. “Tell me something useful.”

Old Liu chuckled, pocketing the stone. “It’s hidden within the Ghost Veil Valley, three days west of here. But you won’t be the only one going after it.”

Lin Xiao leaned forward. “Who else?”

“The Blood Moon Sect, of course. But also… the Scarlet Fang Mercenaries.”**

Lin Xiao frowned. He had heard of them. A powerful group of rogue cultivators.

Old Liu continued. “It’s said the site holds the inheritance of an ancient martial saint. But be warned—no one who has entered that valley has ever returned.”

Lin Xiao smirked.

Then it was exactly the kind of place he needed.

The next morning, Lin Xiao left Black Rock City, heading west toward Ghost Veil Valley.

With every step, his determination grew.

He wasn’t just seeking treasure.

He was preparing for war.

The Blood Moon Sect had made him their enemy. Now, he would make them regret it.

And if this inheritance site held the power he needed…

Then nothing would stop him from claiming it.