I Was Reincarnated As A Sword Spirit

Three days had passed since Qing'er's training began.

Her muscles ached, her hands were raw from gripping the sword for hours on end, and her body screamed for rest. But Yao Yan did not allow her to slack.

"Again," he would say, standing with arms crossed as she struck at invisible enemies. "Faster. Sharper. Every strike must carry intent."

She had improved. Her grip was steadier, her movements more fluid. But training against an invisible enemy wasn't enough.

And Yao Yan knew it.

So he led her into the mountains.

The sky was a deep shade of blue as the two traveled through the mist-covered forest. Twisted trees stretched toward the heavens, their gnarled roots threatening to trip the unwary. In the distance, the distant cries of spirit beasts echoed.

Qing'er shivered slightly.

"This place… feels strange."

Yao Yan nodded. "This is where your first real battle will take place."

Qing'er's grip tightened around the sword.

"A real battle?"

Yao Yan smirked. "What, afraid?"

She glared at him. "No."

"Good." He stopped walking and gestured toward the clearing ahead. "A Shadowfang Wolf roams these woods. Your task—defeat it."

Qing'er's eyes widened.

A Shadowfang Wolf was no ordinary beast. It was a vicious predator, fast and deadly. Even seasoned cultivators avoided them if they were alone.

"You expect me to fight it… alone?"

"Of course," Yao Yan said, leaning lazily against a tree. "What kind of master relies on her sword spirit for everything?"

Qing'er hesitated. "But—"

Yao Yan's expression turned serious.

"If you can't even defeat a mere beast, how do you expect to survive in the real world?"

Qing'er bit her lip. He was right.

She took a deep breath and stepped forward.

Then—the ground trembled.

A low growl rumbled through the air.

From the shadows, a pair of glowing red eyes appeared.

The Shadowfang Wolf emerged, its sleek black fur blending seamlessly with the darkness. Its fangs gleamed under the moonlight, saliva dripping from its maw.

Qing'er's heartbeat quickened.

Then—it attacked.

Faster than she expected, the beast lunged.

Qing'er barely had time to react before instinct took over. She dove to the side, rolling across the dirt as the wolf's claws slashed the air where she had stood.

She turned, gripping her sword tightly.

This was it. A real fight.

She couldn't fail.