Chapter 18: Announcement from the Xia Nation—Heavenly Sword Technique [Fourth Update]

After dinner, Yang Dai took a Qi Gathering Pill, and his spiritual power began to grow, continuing until dawn before it stopped. He calculated that this had saved him nearly two months of cultivation.

Impressive!

Yang Dai was in excellent spirits. After resting for a few more hours, he entered the Deep Domain at ten o'clock the next morning.

It was still the same bamboo grove, with Master Tiansu and the woman in the straw hat present.

Yang Dai did not disturb Master Tiansu. He summoned the twenty-nine Yin Crowd and instructed them to cultivate, then began his own meditation and cultivation.

He discovered that the spiritual power gained from taking the Qi Gathering Pill in reality was also reflected in the Deep Domain. Except for the inability to exchange physical items between the two worlds, it was difficult to tell which side was the real world.

In the days that followed, Yang Dai's life became routine: cultivating in the Deep Domain during the day, and returning to reality at night to take Qi Gathering Pills.

Three days later, he broke through to the second level of the Qi Gathering Realm.

The Heavenly Gang Grand Luo Sword Formation, practiced by Tian Bu Zhong and his companions, reached minor completion. According to Tian Bu Zhong, anyone below the Heart Rotation Realm trapped within the sword formation would die without fail.

Of course, they had to be trapped first.

At present, the Heavenly Gang Grand Luo Sword Formation lacked binding power; enemies would never just stand and take the hits.

With further practice, the formation would reveal greater might, far beyond its current simplicity.

One day, Master Tiansu beckoned Yang Dai over.

Yang Dai happened to be chatting with Ying Ji, learning about the Great Xia Dynasty. Seeing Master Tiansu beckon, he was immediately excited and hurried over.

He approached Master Tiansu and gave a polite fist salute.

Is it time to learn spells?

Master Tiansu smiled warmly, scrutinizing Yang Dai. “Young friend, you’ve broken through. It seems you’ve obtained miraculous pills—truly blessed. I’ve been observing your sword formation for several days and have gained some insights. As promised, I will now teach you a spell. I have three methods to offer; you may choose one.”

“First, the method of talismans. With the aid of a talisman treasure, one can display true power. In the Qi Gathering Realm, it’s not difficult to exhibit Heart Rotation Realm strength, but talisman treasures are hard to come by.”

“Second, sword techniques—created by my close friend, the Sword Sage. Sword cultivators possess the strongest combat power among peers. The laws of heaven favor the sword path, and sword intent can stir the world’s spiritual energy.”

“Third, a spell based on your spiritual root. According to its attribute, I’ll teach you a spell. These are common elemental spells used by cultivators.”

I want them all!

Yang Dai wanted to say this, but dared not.

The Yin Crowd watched Yang Dai with anticipation, knowing he would teach them what he learned, and the stronger he became, the less pressure they would face.

Yang Dai asked, “Senior, which do you think I should choose?”

Master Tiansu stroked his beard and smiled. “I recommend you study sword techniques. In the early stages, accumulation of energy is key. Mastery of one path is better than dabbling in many, given your limited energy. You already possess a rare sword formation, and are thus on the sword cultivator’s path. Why not continue? The sword path values effort, whereas talismans rely on external means, and elemental spells depend on innate talent.”

Yang Dai immediately replied, “Very well, I choose sword techniques!”

Being a sword immortal wouldn’t be bad!

He couldn’t forget the first time he saw Hu Li—Sword Riding was truly stylish.

Imagine soaring between skyscrapers on a sword—how dashing would that be?

On the Sky Net, every year the most handsome cultivator profession is voted, and sword cultivators always rank first!

Master Tiansu stood, raised his hand, and pressed his forefinger to Yang Dai’s brow. Instantly, a flood of memories surged into Yang Dai’s mind, causing him to tremble all over.

It was as if he dreamed of training in swordsmanship from childhood, day after day, year after year, through all seasons, undeterred by rain or wind.

From youth to manhood, then to old age.

...

The woman in the straw hat glanced at Master Tiansu, who had sat down again, and quietly asked, “Master, is he truly worthy of such nurturing?”

Master Tiansu stroked his beard and smiled. “This legacy has lain in my hands for too long, so long the world has nearly forgotten it. This young man’s talent is extraordinary, and he has acquired such a sword formation. Both his aptitude and luck are superb. Perhaps he can revive the Sword Sage’s name.”

The Yin Crowd, initially nervous as they watched Yang Dai frozen in place, became excited upon hearing Master Tiansu’s words.

Sword Sage’s legacy?

Remarkable indeed!

Liu Junjie looked at Tian Bu Zhong and asked curiously, “Senior, have you heard of the Sword Sage?”

He had a sword affinity; Yang Dai’s legacy would eventually be passed to him, so he was thrilled.

Tian Bu Zhong ignored him.

Ying Ji spoke up, “The Sword Sage is a legend. Three hundred years ago, the Great Xia Dynasty produced a sword cultivator of earth-shaking power. His sword could split mountains and seas, and he once saved the dynasty. There’s a shrine for him in the imperial palace, where royal descendants offer incense, hoping he’ll ascend to immortality. But the Sword Sage vanished three hundred years ago. Some say he ascended, others say he passed away.”

His tone was complex.

What luck Yang Dai has!

The Nine Demon Divine Diagram, plus the Sword Sage’s legacy?

The Yin Crowd grew even more excited; their master was about to rise!

Master Tiansu smiled, “This is merely the basic sword technique of the Sword Sage—not the true legacy. But from now on, he can be considered a successor. Becoming a Sword Sage’s successor is not so simple; when meeting other sword cultivators, conflicting sword intents may lead to inevitable conflict.”

The Yin Crowd were unconcerned; the path of cultivation was filled with strife.

Not just cultivators—even martial artists in the secular world face such struggles.

After half an hour, Yang Dai finally awakened, slowly opening his eyes.

【Congratulations to Xia Nation’s trial-taker ‘Conqueror of Rivers’ for obtaining the legacy of the legendary Sword Sage of the Great Xia Dynasty】

Seeing the prompt float before his eyes, Yang Dai muttered inwardly—this moment of showing off was unavoidable.

Master Tiansu’s teaching was wondrous, allowing him to directly master a sword technique and save years of arduous practice.

This sword technique was called the Heavenly Force Sword Art!

Heavenly Force—borrowing the power of heaven. This sword art could unleash extraordinary strength in extreme weather!

Thrilled, Yang Dai approached Master Tiansu and expressed his gratitude, “Thank you, Senior. This sword technique is incredible!”

Master Tiansu smiled, “Compared to your sword formation, its potential falls short. I have no other technique matching the value of your formation, so no need to thank me—this is an equal exchange, perhaps even to my advantage.”

Yang Dai thought, ‘Old fox, not giving a chance to build connections.’

Master Tiansu rose and smiled, “Young friend, farewell. Your talent is strong; I hope you don’t stray from the right path.”

With that, Master Tiansu turned and departed, each stride spanning ten yards. In just a few steps, he vanished into the bamboo grove, leaving behind afterimages.

So fast!

The straw-hatted woman stood as well, tossing her sword to Yang Dai. “This sword is yours. It’s said you otherworldly beings possess extraordinary destiny. I’m curious to see what kind of person you’ll become.”

Yang Dai caught the sword, about to speak, when the woman leaped, turning into a white streak, soaring over the bamboo grove and disappearing swiftly!

Yang Dai was stunned—was this a buy one, get one free?

It seemed the Heavenly Gang Grand Luo Sword Formation was truly formidable; otherwise, Master Tiansu and his disciple wouldn’t have been so generous.

Liu Junjie came over, repeating what Master Tiansu had said earlier.

Hm?

Would he be targeted by sword cultivators in the future?

Master Tiansu, you sly old man!

When you pass on, I wonder if I’ll have a chance to turn you into a Yin Crowd and let you live a little longer!

Yang Dai imagined having a figure like Master Tiansu under his command and couldn’t help but smile—a smile that filled the Yin Crowd with admiration.

Their master possessed the heart of a strongman, unafraid of powerful foes and inevitable conflict!