Chapter 1567 - 170: Celestial Essence Can Refine the Qinghong Sword

Chapter 1567: Chapter 170: Celestial Essence Can Refine the Qinghong Sword

Zhang Yan waited for a while and saw another person going up the Lianxin Rope. However, after this person reached about a hundred steps away, he stopped moving, then retreated step by step. Upon retreating to the edge of the cliff, he did not appear disappointed but rather showed an expression of excitement.

Xun Huaiying commented, "Three years ago, I came here with a few fellow disciples and saw this person back then. He only managed to go about ten steps. I didn’t expect today that he could cross over three hundred steps. Perhaps in another ten years, he will reach the opposite cliff."

Zhang Yan expressed surprise, "But I observe this person is already over twenty. Even if he crosses this place eventually, he might have passed the optimal age for Cultivation."

Cultivation also has an age limit. Aside from special cases, the best age to achieve Enlightenment is around ten years old. If it’s too late, the body has matured, and the foundation is set, making it difficult to achieve Great Success. Given his age, even if he enters Shaoqing, he likely won’t pass the Opening Meridians stage.

Xun Huaiying explained, "Those who pass Dragon Fin can be considered disciples of Shaoqing Lower Sect. People like him who show determination and ambition, although unable to Cultivate at Upper Mountain, can enter our sect as Stewards to manage mundane affairs for the Mountain Gate. If not willing, they may reside at the foot of Dayue Mountain, guaranteeing a life without worries."

Those who are too old to learn Superior Skills can still thrive in a place like Guanri Great Mountain Platform where spiritual mechanisms gather. Even if they do not succeed, their descendants, bathing in Spiritual Energy for generations, may produce a talented individual someday.

Being under the Shaoqing Mountain Gate, exposed from childhood to legends of Flying and Escaping, and Sword Immortals seeking Immortality, they all pride themselves on joining Shaoqing. Anyone who can walk a few steps on the Lianxin Rope is considered a hero and greatly respected; even when choosing spouses, women often prioritize such individuals.

As they watched, a Spirit Light flew to them, and Xun Huaiying reached out to take it, glancing at it unexpectedly, saying, "Master Ying wants to see Brother Daoist now. Unfortunately, I can’t have a long conversation with fellow Daoist."

Zhang Yan smiled and said, "There will be opportunities."

The two immediately set off to return. Shaoqing Sect mainly consists of Sword Cultivators, who value freedom and unrestrained movements. Therefore, there are not many rules in the sect. Xun Huaiying led Zhang Yan directly to Qinghong Palace, and the guarding disciples asked casually before letting them enter.

This place is where the Spiritual Eye of Shaoqing resides. Upon entering the hall, Zhang Yan inwardly compared, realizing this place indeed is formed from the Spiritual Energy of a continent, with an abundance of spiritual mechanisms rivaling that of Floating Heavenly Palace.

After walking a short distance, they arrived inside the hall where a middle-aged Daoist, about forty years old, sat in the center. He appeared amiable and gentle, with streams of bright lights flowing above his head, illuminating the entire hall brightly.

Zhang Yan stopped his feet, bowed, and said, "Zhang Yan greets True Master Ying."

Ying Chunqiu stood up slowly, returned the salute, and said in a mellow voice, "Mingcang Envoy, no need for formalities." He paused and asked, "Has the letter from your sect leader been brought?"

Zhang Yan took out the letter from his sleeve and said, "My sect leader said it must be presented personally to your sect leader."

Ying Chunqiu nodded and said, "Please, Mingcang Envoy, wait a moment." He gestured, took the letter, and went to the back hall.

After a moment, he returned and said, "Sect Leader asks the envoy to meet him in the back hall."

Zhang Yan tidied his robe and entered the hall. After a moment, upon reaching the inner chamber, he looked up and saw a Daoist standing with hands behind his back. The Daoist appeared about thirty years old, with a straight nose and square mouth, eyes filled with Divine Light, Clear Qi seen in his brows, majestic like rising clouds. Countless silver lights flew from him, as if a myriad of swords clashing, or like springs falling deep into ravines, creating a unique sound of heavenly music. It was none other than Sect Leader Yue Xuanxiao of Shaoqing Sect, one of the three major leaders of Da Xuan Sect, who had overseen the Mountain Gate for over a thousand years.

Zhang Yan stepped forward and ceremoniously saluted, saying loudly, "Mingcang Envoy Zhang Yan greets Sect Leader Yue."

Yue Xuanxiao casually waved his hand, pointing to a nearby cushion, saying, "No need for formalities here; sit down and talk."

Zhang Yan expressed gratitude and then sat down properly. Yue Xuanxiao also sat on the opposite cushion, smiling, "Back then I owed Brother Qin a favor, thinking he had forgotten, but surprisingly it fell onto you."

He then looked at Zhang Yan a few more times before saying, "Sacrifice your sword ball for me to observe."

Zhang Yan steadied his breath and turned his mind; instantly, there was a sword’s cry, and a dazzling light flew out, suspended in place about six inches above him.

Yue Xuanxiao glanced at it and said, "Seeing your sword ball indicates you’ve used our Shaoqing Method to sacrificially refine it. This method is meant for low-level disciples entering the sect and isn’t a sophisticated spell. Moreover, the sword ball has flaws. Though the refining cultivator has enough Cultivation, their effort is too shallow, and their technique is inferior, leading to impurity. Such a sword ball is ranked at the lowest in our sect. Attempting to use it for Superior Sword Skill is impossible."