Villainess Breaker: Raising Broken Beauties Against Destiny

Elder Mirena stood in front of the Sword Hall, her dark-green robes moving faintly in the wind.

Her gaze swept across the gathered candidates.

There were exactly one hundred of them this year.

Some were disciples of the Heavenly Sword Sect.

Some came from outside forces who had earned entry through favors, exchanges, or special invitations.

No matter where they came from, all of them were now standing before the Sword Tomb.

Mirena’s calm voice spread through the area. "The Sword Tomb is one of the Heavenly Sword Sect’s most important sacred grounds."

The disciples immediately became quieter.

Even Damian stopped looking around for beautiful treasure chests and focused a little.

Mirena continued, "For countless years, many sword cultivators have come here to leave behind their swords. Some were elders of our sect. Some were wandering experts from outside. Some placed their broken precious swords here before they died, while others offered their lifelong swords after retiring from the sword path."

Her eyes became sharper. "Because of this, the Sword Tomb is filled with ancient sword Qi, remnant sword intent, broken sword spirits, and countless blades that have slept for generations."

A few disciples’ breathing became heavier.

Mirena did not soften her tone. "Do not think those swords are useless just because many of them were once broken. After being nourished by the Sword Tomb’s sword Qi for years, decades, or even centuries, some damaged swords have repaired themselves and transformed into powerful spiritual swords."

The crowd stirred slightly.

Spiritual swords.

For sword cultivators, those two words were enough to make anyone’s heart burn.

Mirena’s voice turned colder. "Yes. There are many strong swords inside. There are also inheritances, sword wills, and opportunities that may change your future."

Excitement appeared in many eyes.

A second later, Mirena crushed that excitement with one sentence.

"There is also death."

The atmosphere froze.

Mirena looked at them without the slightest pity. "Inside the Sword Tomb, life and death depend on yourselves. If you are greedy and try to seize a sword that rejects you, you may die. If you challenge a sword will beyond your limit, you may die. If you attack others and lose, you may die."

Her eyes passed over Nolan, then Damian, then the rest of the candidates. "No elder will follow you inside to protect you."

Damian quietly touched his chin.

"No elder following us inside? Good. Very good."

Mirena’s gaze suddenly stopped on him for half a breath.

Damian instantly straightened his back and showed a harmless disciple expression.

Mirena looked away and continued, "Each of you will receive one protection jade. If you encounter danger you cannot resist, crush it immediately. The formation will pull you out."

Her voice became even sharper. "However, do not be stupid. Some dangers are faster than your hands."

Several disciples swallowed.

Mirena raised her sleeve.

Behind her, the sealed valley trembled.

RUMBLE!

Ancient sword Qi slowly rose into the sky.

The air around the Sword Hall changed at once. It became colder, sharper, and heavier, as if countless invisible blades had awakened beneath the ground.

Some weaker disciples immediately turned pale.

Mirena did not care and continued, "I have already told you everything that needs to be said. The moment the Sword Tomb opens, you may enter directly."

Her gaze swept across the candidates again. "If you survive, come out with what you gained. If you fail, blame your own weakness."

The disciples’ expressions tightened.

A second later, the massive stone gate behind her opened completely.

RUMBLE!

Ancient sword Qi poured out like a cold storm.

The one hundred candidates no longer hesitated.

Several core disciples moved first, their figures turning into streaks of sword light as they rushed toward the gate.

SWISH!

SWISH!

Inner disciples quickly followed after them, afraid that entering too late would cause them to miss the best opportunities.

Even the outside force candidates stepped forward one after another, their eyes burning with greed, caution, and ambition.

In only a short while, most of the crowd had already entered the Sword Tomb.

Only a few people stayed behind for a moment, either adjusting their breathing, checking their protection jades, or observing others before moving.

Nolan stood near the front and glanced coldly at Damian.

Damian noticed it and gave him a lazy smile.

Nolan’s expression darkened.

A moment later, he turned and walked into the Sword Tomb with several followers behind him.

Damian did not move immediately.

Instead, his eyes shifted toward Elder Mirena.

After finishing her duty, Mirena had already turned around and was silently leaving, as if the candidates entering the Sword Tomb had nothing more to do with her.

To her, she had explained the rules.

Whether they lived or died was their own business.

Damian’s lips curved slightly.

"Right. Before entering, I should at least ask about her preferences."

After all, Elder Garron had trusted him with this difficult matter.

If Damian wanted to help that old blacksmith win this diamond-hard sword woman, he first needed to know what kind of thing could even move her.

Damian walked toward her with a polite expression. "Elder Mirena."

Mirena stopped.

She turned slightly, her sharp eyes landing on him. "Why are you not entering?"

Damian smiled respectfully. "I was about to, but I had one small question."

Mirena’s eyes narrowed. "If it is stupid, ask after you come out alive."

Damian’s mouth twitched.

"Damn. She really attacks first."

He coughed lightly. "It is not stupid. I only wanted to ask what kind of sword you think is the best."

Mirena looked at him silently.

That silence was sharp enough to feel like a blade resting against his throat.

Damian kept his polite smile and continued, "After all, this is the Sword Tomb. Since Elder Mirena has guarded the Sword Hall for many years, your understanding of swords must be much deeper than ours."

Mirena’s gaze remained cold. "Do you want advice, or are you trying to act clever?"

Damian almost clicked his tongue.

"This woman really hates bullshit."

He quickly adjusted his expression and answered honestly, "Both, maybe. Mostly advice."

Mirena’s eyes became even sharper.

Damian immediately corrected himself. "Fine. Advice. Pure advice."

For a brief moment, Mirena seemed to consider whether he was worth answering.

A few remaining disciples nearby quietly looked over, clearly surprised that Damian dared stop Elder Mirena before entering the Sword Tomb.