Chapter 1568 - 170: Heavenly Essence Can Forge the Qinghong Sword (Part 2)

Chapter 1568: Chapter 170: Heavenly Essence Can Forge the Qinghong Sword (Part 2)

He spoke without disparagement, without praise, just calmly stating facts.

Zhang Yan humbly asked, "Then if a disciple wishes to pursue the Superior Sword Skill, what should he do?"

Yue Xuanxiao glanced at his face and said, "I just ask you one question, do you really want to learn the true transmission of our sect?"

Zhang Yan said solemnly, "I seek the True Skill."

Yue Xuanxiao said, "Good!" After speaking, without any visible effort, he flipped his palm and captured Zhang Yan’s sword ball in his hand. With a gentle grasp, a crisp sound was heard, like gold breaking jade, and the sword ball was crushed into powder, dispersing as spirit dust.

Zhang Yan’s sword ball was deeply connected to his heart and spirit, and if damaged, would ordinarily harm his consciousness. Yet seeing it destruct, he still felt it intact in an inexplicable, mysterious manner.

Yue Xuanxiao saw his calm demeanor, without a hint of panic or shock, and showed a trace of appreciation in his eyes. "I’ll first grant you a sword refining method; study and forge a sword ball yourself. You may ask Huai Ying for required external items. If unsuccessful, there’s no need to come to me again."

Zhang Yan suddenly felt something in his hand, and without looking at it, tucked it into his sleeve, stood up, and bid farewell.

After he left, Ying Chunqiu came in and asked, "Master, why did you pass him the sword refining method?"

Yue Xuanxiao chuckled, "What, are you afraid the sect’s secrets will spread?"

Ying Chunqiu shook his head, "This disciple fears not. In Shaoqing Method, heart and spirit matter greatly, and guidance from masters is vital. Even if sword techniques spread to the world, few could master them. But this path leaves no return; this person’s status is different. If something goes wrong, it’ll be hard to explain to Sect Leader Qin."

This path is fraught with danger; failure would mean being stripped of swordsmanship. Zhang Yan, after all, is Mingcang’s Ten Disciples’ Chief, likely a future leader of Du Zhen Hall. Seeking skills unsuccessfully is one thing, but losing an ability might strain relations between the two sects.

Yue Xuanxiao was unconcerned, "To learn Shaoqing’s true transmission, it must be so. Qin Mobai sent him; he should be prepared for this."

Ying Chunqiu sighed inwardly. Shaoqing Disciples often receive sword balls early, cultivated over centuries, refining away initial traces, making cultivation of sect skills effortless.

Zhang Yan, not primarily in Sword Dao, might only need secondary methods taught, making things easier for both sides. Yet his master treats him as a true Shaoqing disciple, which he finds regretful.

Upon returning, Zhang Yan finds Xun Huaiying arranging matters in the pavilion, surprised by his quick return, casually asks a few questions.

Needing assistance in sword refining, Zhang Yan doesn’t hide the details, explaining fully.

Xun Huaiying heard, frowning, "Are you aware, Brother Daoist, if you fail at this hurdle, you may never wield a sword again?"

Zhang Yan laughed casually; from Sect Leader Yue’s words, he knew the consequences.

That sword ball, used for over two hundred years, gave him an edge in peer rivalries. Losing it, his strength would greatly decline. It’s a shame he admits, but true skills aren’t easily given; risks accompany learning true transmission. Otherwise, learning superficiality isn’t worth it.

Even if failing, so what?

Taiheng Ancestor once relinquished Demon Skill to refine Xuanmen Sect skills, eventually ascended, not wielding a sword.

Guangyuan Sect’s True Master Shen Chong defeated all, even Nether Spring Sect couldn’t contest, not using Flying Sword.

East Victory’s Da Mi Ancestor annihilated Gui Ling Sect, never mastered Flying Sword.

These figures all without swords, ascended individually. Truthfully, Flying Sword skill is only a protective means, not Dao seeking itself.

With Mingcang Sect’s current position, having it is good; without, other methods can be found, no need for excessive attachment.

Xun Huaiying admired his carefree demeanor, sincerely stating, "Refining swords requires many external medicines. With Sect Leader’s instructions, anything you need, I’ll fully assist."

Zhang Yan thanked him, "It’ll certainly trouble Daoist Xun then."

After parting with Xun Huaiying, Zhang Yan returned to the pavilion, seated, took out the item from his sleeve. It was a Jade Scroll; he examined it with his spiritual mechanism, instantly revealing spells within his Sea of Consciousness.

Precisely, there were two spells: one for Sword Cultivation, the other for sword refining.

Upon entering Shaoqing Sect, disciples receive sword balls, initially ordinary, but using Sword Cultivation method, nurtured over time, refined as cultivation rises, potentially becoming True Artifacts in Grotto Heaven.

As for sword refining, disciples often lack cultivation initially; thus masters perform refinement, then bestow to disciples.

This method is often scorned by Shaoqing Disciples; some reject masters’ gifts. Until in dire fighting conditions, when sword balls do suffer damage, reluctantly using this method for refining.

For Zhang Yan, Sword Cultivation method is unsuitable; only the second is viable.

Observing closely, he found within Shaoqing Sect, sword balls have grades, totaling thirty-six levels; higher grades needing rare external medicine and spells. He glanced over others, focusing directly on the top.

With Sect Leader Shaoqing allowing him sect materials for refining, he didn’t mind taking advantage.

The top-grade sword ball is Qinghong Xuan Sword, originally handed down by Shaoqing’s founding ancestor, Grandmaster Hong He, requiring over thirty thousand rare external medicines for refinement, with spells written in Erosion Text, not common script.

He reviewed all required external medicines; upon reaching the last one, he paused. It was labeled "Junyang Essence Qi," with a note specifying its best extracted from Star Stone, avoiding mixed energies.

Seeing this, Zhang Yan smiled slightly, thinking, "This is the sword for me!"

...

...(To be continued. If you like this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)