Legend of the Ancient Sword（02）

Qingxue still decided to leave the Shadow Capital and return once she found Yunxi and Feng Guangmo. Hongyu called Lingyue, who observed the surging Malevolent Silence energy but didn't know the cause. Hongyu inquired about Tusu's punishment and informed Lingyue that Tusu was connected to Malevolent Silence, urging him to advise Tusu to maintain his mental stability to avoid being controlled by Malevolent Silence.

Lingyue went to find Tusu, who was kneeling outside Ziyin's closed-door cultivation, troubled by his inexplicable attachment to his sword. Ziyin displayed words of wisdom on the door, and Tusu found enlightenment. Back at their residence, Lingyue brought Tusu food and new clothes, persuading him to join him in cultivating. Tusu agreed to follow Lingyue's lead.

Lingyue prepared to go down the mountain to deal with a demon, and everyone saw him off at the gate. Lingyue arranged everything, then secretly handed a treasure to Tusu and whispered to him before departing. Fufu and the second senior brother were curious about what Lingyue had given Tusu. When Tusu opened his hand, it revealed a small bell. The second senior brother tried to grab it, but Tusu playfully teased them with the bell's sound. Fufu and the others, feeling frustrated, returned to their room. The second senior brother decided to use the once-in-four-years opportunity of recruiting new disciples to drive Tusu out of Tianyong City.

Meanwhile, Qingxue arrived in the mortal world with a map but was uncertain how to find the Shadow Capital. She stumbled upon a group of armed warriors surrounding a graceful young man playing the zither by a river. The warriors grew impatient with the young man's continuous music and intended to forcefully remove him. Qingxue intervened, but the warriors remained obstinate. Ouyang Shaogong used his zither music to control their actions, leading them to jump into the river, much to Qingxue's amusement.

Qingxue asked why they were controlled, and Ouyang Shaogong admitted to having used a bewitching fragrance beforehand. She then fabricated a story about looking for a friend in the area and eagerly accepted Ouyang Shaogong's invitation to enjoy the fish he had cooked. Ouyang Shaogong observed her eating with delight but was shocked to find her eating the fish's stomach, leaving him speechless. They exchanged names, and Qingxue inquired about the Shadow Capital. Ouyang Shaogong, touched by her praise, decided to accompany her to participate in the new disciples' recruitment at the Shadow Capital.

At the registration for the Shadow Capital, they were informed that the city did not accept female disciples. Qingxue used her persuasive skills, and Fufu appeared. Qingxue praised her as well, and Fufu allowed her to register. Qingxue entered the Shadow Capital, unable to find Yunxi anywhere. At this point, the second senior brother approached her and explained the final assessment, which involved spending a night safely in the Emerald Valley, guided by someone. Passing this would qualify them for the next stage.