Gou Dao and Cultivation of Immortals, Start from Farming

As the sword formation was set up, there was a brilliant moment of sword lights interweaving and magnificent momentum. Chen Daojun slowly stood up. He was wearing a robe woven with cloud brocade and embroidered with countless sword patterns. He walked towards the square of the sword formation with colorful steps, floating in the air.

With Chen Daojun's steps, the humming sounds of thousands of swords became more and more passionate, like the roar of thousands of dragons, resounding through the sky. Countless spirit swords lined up to greet him, complementing the sword-patterned robe on his body. His steps seemed to resonate with the laws of the surrounding heaven and earth, stirring up circles of subtle space ripples, immersing the entire venue in a solemn and mysterious atmosphere.

Chen Daojun's eyes were deep and far-reaching, and he was surrounded by a faint sword spirit and an aura that transcended the world, which made people involuntarily feel awe, as if they were facing a sword master who had come from ancient times.

"My fellow disciples, and distinguished guests who have come from afar!" Daojun Chen looked around the room amidst the swords. His voice was like a morning bell and an evening drum, both deep and clear, penetrating the noisy sword sounds and the whistling wind, and striking everyone's heart. "Today is the celebration of my advancement to the Mahayana Daojun, and also the grand event of the inheritance of the sword art of my Xuantian Sword Sect. Here, I, Chen Qingxuan, would like to take this opportunity to join you in the celebration, to deeply explore the mysteries of the sword art, and to make progress together, in the hope that the sword art will prosper and the sect will be forever strong."

After he finished speaking, Chen Qingxuan gently raised his hand, palms facing the sky, eyes slightly closed, his body and mind had merged into this world, resonating with all things, attracting spiritual energy from all directions to gather, and the sword intent that filled the square was like a ignited flame, instantly surging. Those spirit swords that were originally suspended in the air, as if they had received a supreme call, the sword tips all pointed in the direction of the sect's holy place - the Sword Questioning Hall, foreshadowing that something extraordinary was about to happen.

"I, Chen Qingxuan, in the name of Xuantian Sword Sect - Mahayana Daojun, hereby announce to the heaven and earth, please unsheathe the sect's treasure - Xuantian Sword!" Chen Daojun suddenly opened his eyes, a gleam of light flashed in his eyes, and his voice was as shocking as thunder, majestic and inviolable.

At this moment, the Sword Questioning Hall seemed to be awakened by an ancient power. A long and distant sword chant penetrated the dust of time and resounded through the clouds. Then, an extremely dazzling sword light, like a meteor that streaked through the night sky, rose from the hall and pierced the sky, illuminating the entire sky as bright as day, brilliant and dazzling.

In the sword light, a simple, weathered, yet majestic giant sword slowly revealed its true appearance. On the sword body, complex and mysterious runes flowed, each of which contained the truth of heaven and earth, exuding a heart-pounding sword intent and supreme power. This was the Xuantian Sword, the treasure of the Xuantian Sword Sect that had been passed down from generation to generation.

With the appearance of Xuantian Sword, thousands of swords came together, like the king of swords, with extraordinary momentum, which immediately brought the atmosphere of the entire ceremony to a boiling point.

Chen Daojun's figure flashed and he appeared under the Xuantian Sword like a ghost. He stroked the hilt of the sword with both hands, and a sword intent from the depths of his soul surged out, interweaving and merging with the sword intent of the Xuantian Sword itself, forming a tremendous force that could shake and reverse the world.

"A sword is neither a weapon nor a toy. It is an extension of the heart and a carrier of the Tao." Chen Qingxuan's voice was deep and powerful. His words seemed to give the Xuantian Sword new life and meaning. As he slowly grasped the hilt with both hands, the runes on the Xuantian Sword began to flicker, and the light became more and more dazzling. Waves of ancient and pure sword intent spread out like a rushing river, washing everyone's heart.

"I, Chen Qingxuan, will protect the sect with the inheritance of Xuantian Sword Sect and the Xuantian Sword as my witness. I swear to protect the sect until my death!" After saying that, he suddenly jumped up like an arrow shot from a bow, and rushed straight into the sky. The Xuantian Sword in his hand turned into a silver lightning, cutting through the sky. Wherever the tip of the sword pointed, the wind and clouds changed color, and thunder roared.

At the entire sect ceremony, no matter it was the sect disciples or guests who came from afar, they were all shocked by the power and beauty of this astonishing sword. They were either amazed, or in awe, or solemn, or fearful. All kinds of emotions intertwined together, witnessing this historic moment together.

After Chen Qingxuan circled in the air for several circles, he suddenly paused, and the Xuantian Sword suddenly flew out. The sword light swept across like a silk thread, and wherever it passed, the space seemed to be cut apart, leaving clearly visible space cracks. But what was even more surprising was that these cracks healed quickly after the sword light passed, as if they had never existed, demonstrating Chen Qingxuan's control and understanding of the highest realm of swordsmanship.

"The sword is where the heart goes and where the mind goes. If the heart is right, the sword will be right. If the mind is far, the sword will be far." Chen Qingxuan landed leisurely back to the square in the air, and the Xuantian Sword appeared out of thin air and flew into his hands.

Chen Qingxuan looked at the Xuantian Sword solemnly, holding the sword and swore: "Today, in the name of the Great Dao Lord of the Xuantian Sword Sect, I will inherit the will of the Xuantian Patriarch and swear to carry forward the sword way, protect the sect, and safeguard the people."

After saying this, the spiritual power in Chen Qingxuan's body boiled and turned into a surging river, pouring into the Xuantian Sword. The spiritual patterns on the sword suddenly lit up, and the light was so bright that it seemed as if thousands of stars gathered in it, releasing unprecedented sword intent, as if announcing to the world the birth of a new sword leader.

As Chen Qingxuan's mind moved, the Xuantian Sword slowly floated in the air, and the tip of the sword trembled slightly, as if responding to his oath. The surrounding space seemed to solidify at this moment, and everyone's eyes were focused on this sword that carried the Xuantian Sword Sect's eternal glory.

Just when everyone thought that the Xuantian Sword would officially recognize its master and choose Chen Qingxuan as its master, something strange happened. The ancient spiritual sword flew out of his hand. The sword light was thousands of feet long and the sword intent was awe-inspiring. It did not choose Chen Qingxuan as expected, but slowly spun in the air, as if hesitating about something.

Chen Qingxuan's expression changed slightly, but he quickly regained his composure, a hint of doubt flashed in his eyes. The Xuantian Sword was the sect's most precious treasure, so choosing a master was a very important matter. All the Taoist masters of the sect had failed to gain the recognition of the Xuantian Sword. He was just a little regretful that he was not chosen by the Xuantian Sword, but he did not take it to heart.

"Xuantian Sword, who are you waiting for?" Chen Qingxuan pondered in his heart, but on the surface he still maintained the demeanor and dignity of a Mahayana Taoist. He waved his sleeves lightly, allowing the suspended Xuantian Sword to slowly descend onto the altar. The sword body still emitted a faint spiritual light, as if it was whispering, and as if it was silent.

Suddenly, the Xuantian Sword flew out of the altar on its own. It did not rush back into its sheath after completing the solemn and sacred ceremony of enlightenment. Instead, under the reflection of the bright sunlight, it was like a silver dragon, circling leisurely over the vast square, leaving behind a series of dazzling trails.

The ancestors of various sects, the Xuantian Sword Sect, tens of thousands of disciples, sect elders, and several sword masters were all closely following the Xuantian Sword flying freely in the air, with doubts in their hearts and discussions. The abnormal behavior of the Xuantian Sword undoubtedly broke everyone's inherent understanding of its master selection process, making the atmosphere of this promotion ceremony extremely tense.

The Xuantian Sword Sect held a celebration for the Taoist Master, which was to invite out the Xuantian Sword to witness the moment when it chose its master. However, the Xuantian Sword's pickiness and arrogance had long been a well-known secret inside and outside the sect. It was not only a sword that guarded the sect, but also the embodiment of the spirit of swordsmanship, and had almost harsh standards for the selection of its master.

The Master of Xuantian Sword has never paid much attention to the level of cultivation, nor has he favored power and prominence. He only looks for the peerless swordsman who can truly understand the true meaning of swordsmanship, communicate with the sword heart, and integrate with the sword intent.

As the Xuantian Sword circled in the air, its sword intent became more and more fierce, as if it could see into people's hearts and judge the sword skills and state of mind of everyone present. Sometimes it soared straight into the sky, the sword light cut through the sky, showing endless majesty and power; sometimes it was low and gentle, the sword light was like a thread, delicately exploring every subtle emotional fluctuation.

Everyone present, whether it was the elders of the sect or the young disciples, felt unprecedented pressure. They knew that every time the Xuantian Sword circled, it was a test of their sword skills and a baptism of their state of mind.

Just as everyone was holding their breath and waiting with trepidation, the Xuantian Sword suddenly stopped circling, and the tip of the sword pointed directly to the sky, as if it had made some kind of decision. Finally, the Xuantian Sword stopped in front of Li Mu, its tip slightly lowered, and the sword body exuded a deep and mysterious sword aura, like a star falling into the mortal world, quietly examining the person in front of it.

This sudden change made everyone present involuntarily look sideways, their surprise evident in words. They all looked at Li Mu, with curiosity and confusion, and inexplicable concern about the abnormal behavior of Xuantian Sword.

"Huh?" Chen Qingxuan sighed softly and keenly captured the abnormality of the Xuantian Sword. Ripples appeared in his heart. Is this spiritual sword that carries the eternal glory of the Xuantian Sword Sect really looking for a new owner?

Chen Qingxuan's gaze involuntarily fell on Li Mu, his heart filled with complex emotions. Even though he had become a Mahayana Taoist, he still could not gain recognition from the Xuantian Sword. However, Elder Li seemed to have aroused an unusual resonance from the Xuantian Sword.

The Xuantian Sword is not only a weapon, but also a symbol of the sect's spirit and the crystallization of the will and cultivation of successive sect masters. Its choice is never easily predicted.

Sword Master Feng, the four sword masters behind him, and a group of sword elders, all focused their eyes on Li Mu and were extremely shocked. They had never seen Xuantian Sword show such a strong interest in a person who was not a Dao Lord in such an important occasion.

Li Mu frowned, as he had never expected that Xuantian Sword would have such a reaction. Through his innate magical power - identifying all spirits, he learned about the current state of Xuantian Sword, a desire to seek a master.

However, Xuantian Sword is the most important sword of Xuantian Sword Sect, carrying the glory and responsibility of Xuantian Sword Sect for tens of thousands of years. Therefore, when Xuantian Sword's attention shifted to him, Li Mu felt an unprecedented pressure, and hurriedly used the Breath Condensation Method to try his best to restrain his breath and hide the fluctuations of sword intent.

"This... what's going on?" Li Mu whispered to himself, but everyone present was a person with profound cultivation, so they could naturally hear it clearly. His tone was full of puzzlement and confusion, and at the same time, it was mixed with a hint of imperceptible nervousness.

The entire square fell into a brief silence at this moment, and the air was filled with an inexplicable tension. Everyone's eyes were wandering back and forth between Li Mu and the Xuantian Sword, and their hearts were filled with all kinds of speculations, trying to interpret more information from this strange phenomenon.

Seeing this, Chen Qingxuan took a step forward, looked at Li Mu with a gentle gaze, and asked gently: "Elder Li, do you have any feelings? Have you felt the intention of Xuantian Sword to choose a master?"

Chen Qingxuan's voice was not loud, but it was clearly heard throughout the square, moving everyone. Li Mu took a deep breath and looked at the Xuantian Sword floating in front of him. He felt the gazes from all directions.

Li Mu shook his head and replied calmly: "I don't have any special feeling, but this Xuantian Sword seems to be paying attention to me."

"Oh?" Chen Qingxuan's eyes flashed with a strange look when he heard that. He looked at Li Mu deeply, as if trying to see through his inner thoughts.

At this moment, the blade of Xuantian Sword suddenly trembled slightly, and the flowing deep light seemed to have received some kind of call, gradually converged, and turned into a dazzling stream of light, flying towards the direction of the Patriarch Hall at a speed almost like teleportation without looking back.

Watching Xuantian Sword leave, everyone showed strange and unexpected expressions on their faces. They didn't expect that Xuantian Sword would give up choosing a master and leave in anger.

Xuantian Sword is choosing a master. Was this rejected by Elder Li?

Seeing this scene, all the sword masters and elders of Xuantian Sword Sect couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief. Although the unusual behavior of Xuantian Sword shocked and puzzled them, it finally chose to return to the Patriarch Hall, which was undoubtedly a good thing for them, as it meant that they still had a chance to gain the recognition of Xuantian Sword. At the same time, they couldn't help feeling a little regretful and lost in their hearts. After all, they were all looking forward to Xuantian Sword being able to choose a new master as soon as possible to inherit the glory and responsibility of Xuantian Sword Sect.

"It seems like it was just a small episode involving the Xuantian Sword." Chen Qingxuan smiled slightly, with a hint of relief and profoundness in his tone. He looked at Li Mu deeply, as if he had seen through Li Mu's little tricks.

"However, Elder Li's aptitude and swordsmanship are extraordinary." Chen Qingxuan changed the subject, and his tone was a little more approving: "There is a special fate between you and the Xuantian Sword, but the time has not come yet."

Li Mu smiled slightly and said modestly: "Thank you for your kindness, Lord Dao. I know that my cultivation is still shallow, so I dare not have any unreasonable thoughts."

Chen Qingxuan looked around and saw that everyone's emotions had gradually stabilized, so he continued: "My fellow disciples, the path of swordsmanship lies in the tenacity of the heart and the lofty ambitions. Although the Xuantian Sword has not chosen a master, its appearance is enough to prove the prosperity of the swordsmanship of our Xuantian Sword Sect. Let us take this as an opportunity to practice harder, jointly protect the sect, and pass on the swordsmanship."

"The path of kendo is long and arduous, requiring perseverance, determination and understanding. Today, I would like to share with you my experience on the path of practice, and I also look forward to hearing your insights and questions, and exploring the higher realms of kendo together."

……

Afterwards, Chen Daojun began to slowly expound his kendo philosophy, from the exquisiteness of sword moves to the understanding of sword intent, from the unity of sword and heart to the harmony of kendo with the laws of heaven and earth. Every sentence contained a profound kendo philosophy, which benefited everyone present. (End of this chapter)