The ancestral presence took shape within the glowing pathway. A magnificent figure emerged, radiating power that made everyone in the hall drop to their knees. Only Liu Yun remained seated in his meditation stance, connected directly to the covenant.
"Rise, descendants," a voice echoed through the hall. It was deep and resonant, carrying authority that seemed to vibrate through their very souls.
Emperor Yun Tian looked up first, his eyes wide with awe. "Great Ancestor, we are honored by your presence."
The figure solidified further, revealing the form of a regal man dressed in ancient imperial robes. His face held both wisdom and power, with eyes that seemed to contain the stars themselves. This was the Founding Emperor, first of their imperial line and a cultivation legend.
"The covenant has summoned me," the ancestor said, turning his attention to Liu Yun. "This young one carries our bloodline strongly."
Liu Yun opened his eyes, meeting the ancestor's gaze directly. A collective gasp filled the room at his boldness, but the ancestor merely smiled.
"You have questions," the ancestor stated, not asked.
"The cultivation world faces chaos," Liu Yun replied. "The ancient balance is breaking. I seek guidance to fulfill my role in the covenant."
The ancestor nodded gravely. "I have watched from beyond. Dark forces gather that threaten not just our empire, but all cultivation realms."
Commissioner Zhao Lin couldn't help but interrupt. "Great Ancestor, the Protocol administrators claim full control. How can there be threats they cannot manage?"
The ancestor's expression darkened. "The Protocol was never meant to be permanent. It was a safeguard, not a solution. Those who control it now have forgotten its purpose."
Emperor Yun Tian leaned forward. "What was its true purpose?"
"To preserve cultivation knowledge through the great calamity that nearly destroyed all cultivators three thousand years ago," the ancestor explained. "It was meant to gradually release restrictions as the world healed, not become a tool for eternal control."
Liu Yun felt pieces clicking into place. "The restrictions on breakthrough methods, the limited access to higher realms..."
"All temporary measures that have become permanent chains," the ancestor confirmed. "The current administrators fear the return of ancient powers. Their fear has corrupted the system."
The Imperial Jade Seal floated up, glowing intensely. "Covenant verification confirms ancestral testimony. Historical records have been deliberately altered."
Everyone in the hall exchanged shocked glances. Their entire understanding of cultivation history had been manipulated.
"The sword techniques you've recovered," the ancestor said to Liu Yun, "are not just combat methods. They are keys to breaking the artificial restrictions placed on this realm."
Liu Yun nodded. "I've felt something unlock with each mastery, but didn't understand what."
"The Tyrannical Sword Path was designed by myself and other founders as a safeguard against corruption of the Protocol," the ancestor revealed. "Each technique breaks specific restrictions when performed perfectly."
Emperor Yun Tian's eyes widened. "Is that why the Administrator Council has targeted Liu Yun so aggressively?"
"Yes. They sense the breaking of their control," the ancestor confirmed. "They will stop at nothing to eliminate anyone who threatens their authority."
Commissioner Zhao Lin scribbled notes frantically. "But the Protocol provides stability. Without it..."
"Chaos before true freedom," the ancestor acknowledged. "But the alternative is stagnation and eventual collapse. The current restrictions are causing cultivation energy to build up dangerously. If not released properly, it will explode."
Liu Yun thought of the strange energy fluctuations he'd been sensing lately. "How much time do we have?"
"Less than one year," the ancestor said grimly. "You must master the final sword techniques and challenge the Administrator Council directly."
"Against their combined might?" Emperor Yun Tian looked alarmed. "Even with imperial support, that's suicide."
The ancestor smiled mysteriously. "Not alone. Others are awakening to the truth. Ancient bloodlines are stirring. The young Phoenix Maiden you encountered is one such ally."
Liu Yun remembered the fiery-haired cultivator who had helped him escape the ambush outside the capital. "She knew more than she revealed."
"She is the descendant of the Phoenix Sect founders, just as you carry my bloodline," the ancestor explained. "Together with others, you form the Covenant of Seven."
The Imperial Jade Seal spun rapidly. "Covenant of Seven verification initiated. Five bloodlines detected within the empire. Two remain hidden."
"Find them," the ancestor instructed. "United, the seven bloodlines can reset the Protocol to its original purpose."
Liu Yun felt the weight of responsibility settle on his shoulders. "What of my training? I've only mastered four of the nine sword techniques."
"The remaining techniques cannot be learned through scrolls alone," the ancestor said. "You must seek the Ancient Trials in the forbidden regions. Each trial will force the breakthrough you need."
The ancestor's form began to flicker. "My time grows short. The connection cannot be maintained longer without risking dimensional collapse."
"One last question," Liu Yun said quickly. "The seal mentioned a 'Sword Sovereign' title. What does it mean?"
The ancestor's smile was both proud and sad. "It is both blessing and curse. The Sword Sovereign stands at the crossroads of fate, with power to reshape cultivation itself. But such power demands sacrifice."
Before Liu Yun could ask more, the ancestor raised his hand. Golden light flowed from him into Liu Yun's body.
"I gift you my memory of the fifth technique. The rest you must earn. Remember, when seven unite beneath the broken moon, speak the covenant oath."
With those final words, the ancestral presence faded. The dimensional pathway collapsed, leaving the hall in sudden silence.
Liu Yun stood, new power coursing through his veins. "We have our answers," he said. "And our path forward."
Emperor Yun Tian nodded gravely. "The imperial court will support you secretly. We cannot openly defy the Protocol yet."
Commissioner Zhao Lin sealed his records. "I will search for the other bloodlines while maintaining my cover."
Liu Yun felt the knowledge of the fifth sword technique burning in his mind, eager to be tested.
"The Ancient Trials await," he said. "And time is running out."