Chapter 406: Heaven-Connecting |
Xiao Jiuli stood at the edge of the clouds, his plain white robe gently fluttering in the wind.
Hearing this, he laughed heartily, the sound echoing up and down the Sword Pavilion, "What a fine 'bringing my disciple to gain some experience'! Luo Zhixian, your method of testing swords hasn't changed in decades. Do you think my sword guardians have made no progress over these years?"
Luo Zhixian looked up toward the clouds, his sleeves not moving a thread in the fierce wind, saying flatly, "Your sword domain is still quite useful."
He spoke calmly, yet made countless sword cultivators below exchange glances.
Luo Zhixian's words clearly had deeper meaning.
Xiao Jiuli understood. He lowered his eyes to glance at Chen Qing holding his spear.
"Very well, since you've already 'tested' them, please come up."
As his words fell, he turned and took ethereal steps through the air, floating gracefully toward the Sword Pavilion's top level.
At the same time, the sword guardians from the ninety-first to ninety-ninth levels who had been ready to strike all simultaneously sheathed their swords, stepped aside to clear the path, and bowed to Luo Zhixian and Chen Qing.
Seeing this, Chen Qing understood in his heart. His master bringing him to break through the pavilion was both to temper his spear technique and serve as an invisible calling card.
The achievement of reaching the ninetieth level was enough to make Sword Lord Xiao Jiuli take serious notice of him, a junior.
"Let's go."
Luo Zhixian's flat voice came as he already stepped onto the ninety-first stone step.
"Yes!"
Chen Qing collected his thoughts and followed with his spear.
Below in the plaza, thousands of observers looked up at those three figures successively disappearing into the clouds, remaining silent for a long time.
Inside the Sword Pavilion, it was completely different from the majestic sharpness seen from outside.
The moment he stepped through the pavilion door, Chen Qing only felt his entire body lighten.
The ubiquitous sword domain pressure quietly dissipated.
The interior space was far more spacious than it appeared from outside. The dome rose over ten zhang high, inlaid with hundreds of luminous pearls arranged in the pattern of celestial stars, illuminating the entire hall.
The floor was paved with warm, lustrous white jade, polished to mirror brightness.
The four walls had no excess decoration, only a few sparse calligraphy scrolls hanging.
Chen Qing's gaze was involuntarily drawn to that floating sword body.
The sword body was entirely clear as crystal. Though it hung quietly in the air, it seemed to carry its own heaven and earth.
What made Chen Qing's heart even more solemn was that from this sword body, he clearly sensed an aura of the same origin as the Jiuli Sword Domain enveloping the entire Sword Pavilion.
"This is...?"
Chen Qing's thoughts raced.
Rumors about Xiao Jiuli instantly flashed through his mind. This person commanded Jiuli City and dominated this territory, relying precisely on a damaged 'Vast Sea Floating Light Sword' blade, ranked among the thirteen Heaven-Connecting Spirit Treasures in the current world.
Just as his thoughts surged, his master Luo Zhixian's calm voice transmission sounded in his ear, "Xiao Jiuli achieved his 'Jiuli Sword Domain' precisely by comprehending this object. The sword domain you sensed downstairs earlier is mostly transformed from the natural dispersed energy mechanism of this sword body, which he guides and controls."
So that's how it was!
Chen Qing understood, yet the shock in his heart deepened another layer.
Merely a damaged sword body could help him comprehend a terrifying sword domain. If it were a complete Heaven-Connecting Spirit Treasure, what kind of might would it possess?
No wonder Li Qingyu couldn't forget about the Tianbao Tower, scheming for it for years.
Perhaps what was hidden within wasn't merely powerful might, but also secrets of the path beyond Grandmaster?
Chen Qing's thoughts flashed like lightning.
He couldn't help but focus his attention on that sword body, trying to capture those naturally formed patterns and the ceaselessly flowing sword intent upon it.
Even with his current six refinements cultivation and realm of condensing six spear intents, what he saw was still like viewing flowers through fog, obscure and difficult to understand.
Hum!
Deep in his mind, that [Heaven Rewards Diligence] fate pattern bloomed with a thread of golden light!
Almost simultaneously—
Zheng!!!
The Vast Sea Floating Light Sword body floating in the air suddenly emitted a clear, resonant chime!
The sound wasn't loud, yet instantly penetrated the Sword Pavilion, reaching straight to the heart!
Immediately after, the entire majestic Sword Pavilion actually trembled slightly along with it!
The star chart on the dome flickered bright and dim, the calligraphy scrolls hanging on the four walls moved without wind, and the sword intent permeating the air suddenly became chaotic and restless.
"What's happening?!"
Ling Han and Su Cheng, standing attendance below, simultaneously changed color, abruptly rising, their sword intent instinctively erupting as they vigilantly scanned the surroundings.
They had guarded the Sword Pavilion for many years and had never witnessed such a phenomenon!
"Mm?"
Xiao Jiuli on the head seat suddenly furrowed his brows.
He didn't turn his head, only the mountain-like stable aura around him moved slightly. A vast and tremendous sword intent instantly spread out, like an invisible large hand, gently smoothing the restless air and trembling pavilion.
The Sword Pavilion's disturbance came to an abrupt halt. That Vast Sea Floating Light Sword body also returned to calm, only the pale golden veins flowing within seemed imperceptibly brighter than before.
The hall returned to silence, as if the earlier trembling and sword chime were merely illusions.
Luo Zhixian slightly raised his eyelids, glanced at that sword body, and said flatly, "Your iron piece has quite a temper today."
Xiao Jiuli withdrew his gaze, yet a trace of doubt flashed through the depths of his eyes.
He had obtained this section of Vast Sea Floating Light Sword body for over sixty years, comprehending it day and night before gaining the wonder of the 'Jiuli Sword Domain.'
In the decades since, no matter how he tried or what methods he used to communicate, this sword body never had any special reaction again.
What caused today's sudden disturbance?
His gaze seemed to casually sweep over the several people in the hall, ultimately pausing on Chen Qing, yet unable to discern any clues.
This boy's aura was stable, the doubt in his eyes didn't seem feigned.
Suppressing his doubts, Xiao Jiuli's expression returned to an ancient well without ripples. He instructed Ling Han and Su Cheng, "You two take Chen Qing for a walk behind the pavilion, let him appreciate the charm of my Jiuli City."
"Yes, Master." Ling Han and Su Cheng suppressed the shock in their hearts, cupping their fists to receive the command.
Su Cheng looked toward Chen Qing, cupping her fists, "Brother Chen, please come with us."
Chen Qing secretly breathed a sigh of relief, bowing to both Luo Zhixian and Xiao Jiuli, "This disciple takes his leave."
Only then did he turn and follow Ling Han and the other behind the Sword Pavilion.
After the footsteps of the three disappeared behind the hall, in the vast Sword Pavilion, only the two Grandmasters remained sitting opposite each other.
Outside the window, the sea of clouds rolled and unfurled. Inside the hall, the luminous pearls glowed warmly.
"You certainly calculated well." Xiao Jiuli spoke first, his voice flat, revealing neither joy nor anger, "Borrowing my 'Jiuli Sword Domain' to temper your disciple's spear intent."
Luo Zhixian picked up the wine pot that had somehow appeared nearby, pouring himself a cup before saying, "The sword domain stands there, isn't it meant for people to break through? Being able to borrow it to polish my disciple's edge is its purpose. Better than gathering dust at this pavilion peak for only you to see."
Xiao Jiuli chuckled lightly, shook his head, and no longer dwelled on this matter.
His gaze turned toward the direction Chen Qing had departed, "Your disciple is not bad."
For the Jiuli Sword Lord, whose eyes were set high and who rarely gave good words when evaluating sword cultivators throughout the world, to say these four words 'not bad' was already an extremely high evaluation. If word got out, it would be enough to raise Chen Qing's reputation among Yan Kingdom's younger generation by another three parts.
"Spear intent initially condensing six Daos, foundation solid. Even rarer is that calmness and adaptability when facing enemies."
Xiao Jiuli paused, his tone slightly shifting, "However, whether he can surpass you in the future is still unknown. In this world, disciples need not be inferior to their teachers is common sense, but having reached our realm, wanting to surpass one's master... is difficult."
In the Grandmaster realm, every bit of progress was incredibly difficult, involving opportunity, temperament, comprehension, and even mystical fortune.
The master leads through the door, cultivation depends on the individual. At the heights, the help that predecessors' experience could provide became increasingly limited.
Luo Zhixian gazed calmly toward the sea of clouds outside the hall, "His road is still very long."
Xiao Jiuli said no more on this topic, his conversation subtly shifting, "Di Chang died at Cold Stone Town. I received news that Di Cang already knows. Having lost his own nephew and a newly ascended Grandmaster, that old wolf coming south this time will probably truly go mad."
Luo Zhixian set down his wine cup, "If he blocks the road, I'll simply kill him."
Killing a Grandmaster was described so casually in his mouth.
"According to fragmentary information I've obtained."
Xiao Jiuli's gaze became profound, "Coming south this time, besides Di Chang, there also seems to be traces of 'that person's' shadow."
Luo Zhixian finally turned his head back, meeting Xiao Jiuli's gaze. Beneath his gray robe, his aura was like an ancient well without ripples, yet also seemed to contain hidden thunder, "This old one's journey is precisely for him."
Neither mentioned the name, but both understood tacitly.
The hall fell into brief silence.
"A hundred years sharpening one spear." Xiao Jiuli slowly said, "Is your spear sharpened enough?"
Luo Zhixian didn't answer directly but instead asked in return, "What about your sword? Guarding this damaged sword, having looked at it for sixty years, have you seen the vast sea beyond the floating light?"
Xiao Jiuli was silent for a moment, then shook his head, "The Heaven-Connecting path is vague and difficult to find. Though this sword is damaged, it's already the closest thing to 'Dao' I've seen. What about you? How confident are you this time?"
Luo Zhixian slowly stood up, walking to the window, his back to Xiao Jiuli.
"When this old one acts, I never ask how confident I am inside."
He paused, his gray robe not moving a thread in the fierce wind pouring into the high pavilion.
"Once the road is chosen, I simply treat it as having full certainty!"
Xiao Jiuli gazed at that aged back.
Full certainty?
In this world, what matters were absolute?!
After a long while, Xiao Jiuli also stood up, walking to Luo Zhixian's side, standing shoulder to shoulder with him, both looking into the distance.
At this time, night had fallen completely, a crescent moon hanging slanted at the horizon.
"Since you've made your decision."
Xiao Jiuli's voice merged into the wind sounds, "Don't forget the agreement between us."
Luo Zhixian said calmly, "It's merely that the time hasn't arrived yet."
As he spoke, he looked toward the distant starry sky.
Tonight there was no wind or rain.
What a brilliant starry sky.
The night had deepened. Outside the Sword Pavilion, the plaza was still lantern-lit, but the gathered crowd had already dispersed by more than half, leaving only some sword cultivators still discussing heatedly.
Chen Qing followed Ling Han and Su Cheng along the corridor on the Sword Pavilion's side, walking slowly.
Outside the corridor were steep cliff walls, night wind howling up from below.
Chen Qing's expression was calm, yet his heart surged ceaselessly.
Earlier at the Sword Pavilion's peak, that sudden disturbance of the Vast Sea Floating Light Sword body was absolutely no coincidence.
If given time, he might be able to comprehend the mysteries within.
"Fortunately I reacted quickly enough, withdrawing my mind and spirit in time."
Chen Qing secretly felt fortunate in his heart.
He had swiftly averted his gaze then, while simultaneously showing a 'shocked and puzzled' expression similar to Ling Han and Su Cheng.
Blending in with everyone, he had fortunately not attracted the Sword Lord's additional scrutiny.
Possessing a great treasure invited guilt.
An existence like [Heaven Rewards Diligence] that could help him comprehend all techniques had value that in certain senses even exceeded Heaven-Connecting Spirit Treasures.
Once exposed, the consequences would be unimaginable.
Talented prodigies were valued, but if one's performance was too heaven-defying, exceeding the bounds of common sense, it probably wouldn't be cultivation anymore. However, through this, Chen Qing had learned some secrets about Heaven-Connecting Spirit Treasures.
Inside the Tianbao Tower was certainly extraordinary, only his current strength was insufficient to comprehend it yet.
Thinking of this, Chen Qing felt even more anticipation for the Tianbao Tower in his heart.
"Brother Chen, ahead is the 'Sword Washing Pool.'"
Ling Han's voice pulled Chen Qing's thoughts back to reality.
Chen Qing raised his eyes to look.
At the corridor's end, the view suddenly opened up. It was actually a natural stone platform embedded in the mountain's belly, spanning several dozen zhang in radius. The ground was smooth as a mirror, reflecting the stars and moon above.
At the stone platform's center, a clear spring gurgled forth, forming a pool about three zhang square.
The pool water was clear to the bottom, the bottom covered with various colored pebbles. Under the moonlight and the luminous pearls embedded in the surrounding stone walls, they emitted a warm luster.
Most peculiar was the faint aura permeating above the pool water.
It wasn't water vapor, but wisps of extremely subtle sword intent!
This sword intent wasn't artificially triggered but naturally dispersed, rising and falling like the pool water breathing.
Several ancient, simple bluestone steles stood by the pool, carved with some blurred characters.
"This is where Jiuli City's successive generations of sword cultivators wash their swords and comprehend the sword."
Ling Han walked to the pool's edge, bending to scoop up a handful of pool water, letting it flow from between his fingers, "The pool water has been immersed in sword intent year-round and is no longer ordinary water. Washing swords here can nurture the sword body's spirituality. Sitting quietly here also helps with comprehending the true meaning of the sword Dao."
Su Cheng stood on the other side, not speaking, only quietly gazing at the stars and moon reflected in the pool.
Chen Qing took a deep breath. He only felt that though the sword intent permeating the air was faint, it was incomparably pure, and of many varieties... as if gathering the residual comprehension resonance of countless sword Dao experts.
"Truly worthy of being a sword Dao holy land." Chen Qing praised sincerely, "One pool of water actually contains such phenomena."
Ling Han smiled slightly, his tone carrying a natural pride, "Jiuli City has stood for over three hundred years. Successive generations of sword cultivators have left sword intent imprints here beyond counting. My master even went into closed-door cultivation here for ten years, perfecting the 'Jiuli Sword Domain.' Now the city has collected twenty-two sets of supreme sword techniques, considered the most in the world."
Twenty-two sets of supreme sword techniques!
Chen Qing's heart trembled slightly.
The Tianbao Upper Sect, as one of Yan Kingdom's Six Great Upper Sects, openly collected only a few sets of supreme spear techniques. Luo Zhixian had exhausted years of effort, plus his own opportunities, to gather ten sets to transmit to him.
Jiuli City actually had twenty-two sets of supreme sword techniques!
This foundation was truly terrifying. However, thinking again, it was also reasonable.
Though Jiuli City wasn't a sect, it was the holy land in all sword cultivators' hearts throughout the world. Countless sword Dao experts came drawn by its fame, either to debate swords, challenge, or live in seclusion.
With over three hundred years of accumulation, plus Xiao Jiuli presiding, being able to collect twenty-two sets of supreme sword techniques, though astonishing, wasn't unimaginable.
Seeing Chen Qing's expression, Ling Han continued, "Brother Chen broke through ninety gates today. Your spear technique's exquisiteness is amazing. Given time, you will certainly become a spear Dao Grandmaster, your name moving throughout the world."
He spoke sincerely, but Chen Qing could hear the intention to form connections within.
Compared to Sword Lord Xiao Jiuli's transcendent aloofness, Ling Han as Jiuli City's eldest disciple would very likely need to take over some responsibilities in the future, naturally needing to cultivate connections and befriend outstanding talents from all sides.
The potential and strength Chen Qing had displayed today already made him worth lowering his status to proactively show goodwill.
"Brother Ling is too kind."
Chen Qing cupped his fists humbly, "Today's pavilion breakthrough was merely fortunate. Each of the Sword Pavilion's guardians is a sword Dao expert. Chen has benefited immensely."
Su Cheng suddenly turned her head at this moment, speaking, "Brother Chen's spear technique truly has exceptional qualities, especially breaking Old Gu's two Heart Sword moves at the end. I wonder how many spear intents Brother Chen has currently condensed?"
Chen Qing understood in his heart.
This Su Cheng had been a disciple under Xiao Jiuli's tutelage since childhood, her spirit extremely high. Seeing him break through ninety levels, she had developed a competitive heart.
"Fortunately condensed six Daos." Chen Qing spoke frankly, "I've made Miss Su laugh."
"Six Daos..."
Su Cheng was silent for a moment, then suddenly said, "I've condensed four sword intents."
She didn't continue, but her meaning was already clear.
Four sword intents against six spear intents, she felt she might not lack the strength for a battle.
Ling Han coughed lightly, smiling, "Junior Sister, Brother Chen is a guest. Don't be discourteous."
Su Cheng glanced at her senior brother, said no more, and looked back toward the Sword Washing Pool, but the faintly rising sword intent around her gradually calmed.
Chen Qing also didn't mind.
For sword cultivators to have competitive hearts was entirely normal.
He pondered for a moment, then suddenly asked, "Brother Ling, Jiuli City has collected twenty-two sets of supreme sword techniques. I wonder... are there any supreme spear techniques?"
This was what he truly cared about.
Hearing this, Ling Han shook his head, with some apology, "Jiuli City was established by the sword. Ninety-nine percent of the collected cultivation techniques and secret arts are sword-related. Spear techniques... truly not even one set."
Chen Qing sighed slightly in his heart.
As expected, though he had anticipated this, hearing the definite answer, he still couldn't help feeling somewhat disappointed.
He had now gathered twelve sets of supreme spear techniques, still six sets short of his goal of eighteen.
As he condensed more and more spear intents, his speed of cultivating spear techniques was also getting faster and faster, his understanding of the spear Dao deepening daily.
If he could gather all eighteen sets of spear techniques as soon as possible, integrating them thoroughly, combined with the True Martial Demon-Quelling Spear Formation, the power would certainly undergo a qualitative transformation.
Even reaching the Grandmaster realm, it would be a great killing weapon!
Ling Han observed expressions and suddenly said, "Is Brother Chen seeking supreme spear technique inheritance?"
Chen Qing nodded, "Indeed, I have need."
Ling Han pondered, "Supreme spear technique inheritances are all controlled by the great sects and aristocratic families, not easily transmitted externally, however..."
He paused, looking at Chen Qing, "Though Jiuli City has no spear techniques, many sword cultivators come and go, making our information well-connected."
"If Brother Chen trusts me, I can keep watch on your behalf. If news of spear technique inheritance appearing in the world emerges, I can inform Brother Chen at the first opportunity."
Hearing this, Chen Qing solemnly cupped his fists, "If so, I'll trouble Brother Ling greatly. Chen is deeply grateful."
Ling Han smiled and returned the courtesy, "A small effort, Brother Chen is too kind."
The two smiled at each other, both understanding.
Ling Han's action was both befriending and a favor investment.
Chen Qing currently lacked spear techniques. If he helped keep watch for information and Chen Qing truly could gather the spear techniques in the future, greatly advancing his cultivation, this favor would be worth a thousand gold.
Even if it didn't work out, it was merely the effort of making inquiries, with no loss.
Su Cheng listened quietly from the side, then suddenly interjected, "Tianbo City might have leads."
Chen Qing's heart stirred.
Tianbo City, one of Yan Kingdom's eleven giant cities, specialized in intelligence, its influence spread throughout the world.
In terms of information connectivity, it truly had no equal.
"Thank you for Miss Su's reminder."
Chen Qing nodded, taking note.
The night deepened, the mountain wind grew colder.
The sword intent by the Sword Washing Pool flowed with the night wind. Occasionally the pool water lightly rippled, adding to the tranquility.
At this time, at the distant corridor corner, a gray-robed figure quietly appeared.
Luo Zhixian stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze looking over flatly.
"Master." Chen Qing immediately noticed, turning to bow.
Ling Han and Su Cheng also quickly bowed, "Senior Luo."
Luo Zhixian slightly nodded, his gaze falling on Chen Qing, "Prepare to leave."
Chen Qing understood. His master's conversation with the Sword Lord had concluded. It was time to depart.
"Yes."
Chen Qing responded, then cupped his fists toward Ling Han and Su Cheng, "Brother Ling, Miss Su, thank you for your hospitality today. If fate permits, we'll meet again."
Ling Han cupped his fists in return, "Brother Chen, smooth travels. Regarding spear techniques, Ling has taken note."
Su Cheng also lightly nodded, "Farewell."
Chen Qing said no more, turning to walk toward Luo Zhixian.
The master and disciple pair followed the corridor they had come by, quickly disappearing into the night's depths.
Su Cheng watched until Chen Qing and his master's figures completely vanished into the night before withdrawing her gaze, turning toward Ling Han, "Senior Brother, will you truly take the trouble to keep watch for spear technique inheritance on his behalf?"
Ling Han said calmly, "It's merely passing on a few words, doesn't count as trouble. This boy is exceptionally talented, his temperament steady. In the future, he will certainly not remain a dragon confined to shallow waters."
"Forming a good karmic connection today may bring unexpected returns in the future."
Su Cheng slightly frowned, her black hair stirred by the night wind. She shook her head, "Though the Tianbao Upper Sect ranks among the Six Great Upper Sects and the sect even has the Heaven-Connecting Spirit Treasure Tianbao Tower presiding over it, ultimately it cannot be used by them, effectively a useless decoration."
"Looking at our Jiuli City instead, Master possesses the 'Vast Sea Floating Light Sword' blade. Though damaged, he has already comprehended the 'Jiuli Sword Domain.' In terms of foundation substance, we're not necessarily inferior to the Tianbao Upper Sect."
In her eyes, Jiuli City's prospects were like the rising sun, limitless.
Given time, it might even have hope of rising above the Tianbao Upper Sect.
Hearing this, Ling Han was silent for a moment before slowly nodding, "What Junior Sister says isn't false. If a Heaven-Connecting Spirit Treasure cannot be comprehended and controlled, it's like guarding an empty treasure mountain."
"Our Jiuli City's sword Dao flourishes, sword intent inheritance unbroken. This is truly substantial foundation."
The Six Great Upper Sects were certainly powerful.
Like the Tianbao Upper Sect, even holding the complete Heaven-Connecting Spirit Treasure Tianbao Tower, no one could truly control and comprehend it. No matter how strong the treasure, if it couldn't be used for oneself, it was ultimately a dead object.
Looking at Jiuli City instead, though the sword body was damaged, Xiao Jiuli had fused it with his life's cultivation. The sword domain had been achieved, inheritance orderly.
The difference here lay precisely in 'whether it could be transformed for one's own use.'