The memories of all humanity are awakening, except for mine.

"died?"

Tao Hongjing chuckled softly.

"That old man is incredibly resilient; he won't die so easily. Besides..."

He turned to look at Jiang Chuan.

"He hasn't passed on his legacy to you yet, how could he bear to die?"

Jiang Chuan's heart skipped a beat. Ten years ago, on that rainy night, Xie Xuan had indeed said he would come back to find him.

"Old Sword Emperor Chen Wangsheng will not let him go either."

Tao Hongjing said meaningfully.

"That bet isn't over yet."

Jiang Chuan remained silent for a long time before finally smiling with relief.

“Master is right, I was overthinking it.”

Tao Hongjing stood up and dusted off his sleeves.

"Some time from the Tianzhu Summit, someone will come looking for you."

"Tianzhu Peak?"

Jiang Chuan stood up as well, a look of doubt flashing in his eyes.

"The Kunlun Secret Realm is about to open, and you are the first on the list."

Tao Hongjing's tone left no room for doubt.

"They will help you advance to the fourth realm and teach you the true secrets of the immortal sect."

Jiang Chuan's heart raced. The Kunlun Secret Realm was a once-in-a-century event in the cultivation world, and those who could enter were all elites from their respective sects. What excited him even more was that he would finally be able to come into contact with the true core inheritance of the Cloud Sea Immortal Sect!

"Master, I've been having some confusion about swordsmanship lately."

Jiang Chuan took the opportunity to ask for advice.

Regarding the Sword Mind State

Tao Hongjing raised his hand to interrupt.

"Those questions can be addressed after you've met the people from Tianzhu Peak."

As dawn broke, Jiang Chuan returned to Zuowang Peak, his feet glistening with dew. Mist swirled through the mountains, shrouding the Purple Bamboo Forest in a hazy glow.

He gently patted the sleeping Xiaoman in his arms, and the little one rubbed against his chest, making soft snores.

"Got home."

Jiang Chuan said in a low voice, his voice tinged with weariness, yet also conveying a sense of relief.

The bamboo leaves in the purple bamboo forest rustled in the morning breeze. Jiang Chuan found a dry stone platform and carefully put Xiao Man down.

The little one curled up in a ball, its pink nostrils twitching slightly, seemingly oblivious to its new environment.

"Qinglin, you stay here and look after Xiaoman."

Jiang Chuan turned to the small blue snake that was perched on his shoulder and said.

Qinglin flicked its tongue, turned its head away, clearly still angry about what had happened earlier.

Jiang Chuan smiled helplessly and reached out to stroke her head, but she nimbly dodged him.

"Fine, you can be angry with me, but Xiaoman is innocent."

Jiang Chuan said softly.

"She needs someone to protect her now."

Qinglin hesitated for a moment, but eventually swam to Xiaoman's side, coiling up in a circle to protect her.

Jiang Chuan breathed a sigh of relief and turned to look towards the mountaintop—there was the ruined hall where Tao Hongjing used to reside, and in the morning light, a figure could be vaguely seen standing with his hands behind his back.

"My master is waiting for me."

Jiang Chuan's heart stirred, and he began to walk up the mountain.

The mountain road was winding, but Jiang Chuan's steps were unusually light.

As he walked, he looked around at his surroundings, pondering where to open a new residence.

Although the second senior brother's place is spacious, it is indeed inconvenient to squeeze together with Xiaoman now that there is another child.

"We need to find a place closer to the purple bamboo forest."

Jiang Chuan muttered to himself, his gaze sweeping over several flat cliffs.

When Jiang Chuan reached the mountainside, he encountered Chen Qing, who was gathering herbs.

The gentle woman's face lit up with surprise and delight upon seeing Jiang Chuan.

"Junior Brother Jiang, you're back!"

Chen Qing put down the medicine basket and walked over quickly.

"Was the journey smooth?"

Jiang Chuan bowed with his hands clasped in greeting.

"Thank you for your concern, Senior Sister Chen. I'm doing well. I heard you're staying at Zuowang Peak for a while?"

Chen Qing nodded, her eyes softening.

"Yes, taking care of Guoguo is one aspect, but I also want to spend more time with my brother."

She paused.

"Your master is waiting for you in the ruined hall this morning, go quickly."

After bidding farewell to Chen Qing, Jiang Chuan quickened his pace.

When he finally reached the summit, the rising sun was just emerging from the sea of ​​clouds, bathing the entire ruined palace in gold.

Tao Hongjing stood with his back to him in front of the hall, his white hair fluttering gently in the morning breeze, as if he had become one with the world.

"Master."

Jiang Chuan bowed respectfully.

Tao Hongjing did not turn around, but simply raised his hand slightly to signal him to come forward.

Jiang Chuan walked to his master's side and looked with him at the rising sun bursting forth in the distance.

The sea of ​​clouds churned, radiating golden light, a sight that was truly breathtaking.

"came back?"

Tao Hongjing's voice was as calm as still water.

"Yes, disciple has returned."

Jiang Chuan answered, but felt somewhat uneasy.

Every time he faced his master, he felt that all his thoughts were laid bare.

Tao Hongjing finally turned his head, his deep eyes seeming to see right through people's hearts.

"Dahuang took the Transformation Pill, but his consciousness was severely damaged, and he still failed."

Jiang Chuan's heart sank.

"It was my oversight."

"It doesn't matter."

Tao Hongjing waved his hand.

"Setbacks are inevitable on the path of spiritual practice. Tell me what you've gained this time."

Jiang Chuan's eyes were filled with excitement.

"Disciple has created a strange phenomenon in the Sea of ​​Bitterness."

Tao Hongjing raised an eyebrow, indicating that he should demonstrate.

Jiang Chuan closed his eyes, circulated his spiritual energy, and the strange phenomenon of the Bitter Sea slowly unfolded.

A vast golden ocean appeared behind him, with a chaotic blue lotus gently swaying on its surface, its three lotus leaves unfurling and scattering a cool, clear light.

"Chaos Green Lotus"

Tao Hongjing murmured softly, a look of surprise flashing in his eyes.

"Good, very good! You're even better than I was back then."

Jiang Chuan felt a surge of joy upon receiving his master's affirmation, but he quickly calmed down.

"Master, this disciple's control over this strange phenomenon is still not yet proficient."

Tao Hongjing chuckled.

"The strange phenomena of the Bitter Sea are like swordsmanship; they require years of honing and cannot be rushed."

He suddenly stared at Jiang Chuan's brow.

Is something on your mind?

Jiang Chuan was taken aback, hesitated for a moment, and then spoke.

“I saw a person in Longhai County with prayer beads on his wrist. He looks very similar to Xie Xuan, who chased Li Tianxing at Hulao Pass.”

Tao Hongjing remained silent for a moment, then patted Jiang Chuan on the shoulder.

"Xie Xuan will not die easily. He has not yet passed on his legacy to you, and the old Sword Emperor Chen Wangsheng will not let him go either."

"Master, are you saying that Senior Xie is still alive?"

Hope ignited in Jiang Chuan's eyes.

“He said he would come to find you in ten years, and he will definitely come.”

Tao Hongjing spoke with a firm tone.

"A swordsman's promise is as heavy as a thousand pounds."

Jiang Chuan finally felt a huge weight lifted from his heart. Indeed, how could someone like Xie Xuan fall so easily?

Tao Hongjing suddenly changed the subject.

"Some time from the Tianzhu Summit, someone will come looking for you."

"Tianzhu Peak?"

Jiang Chuan asked in confusion.

“The Kunlun Secret Realm is about to open, and you are at the top of the list,” Tao Hongjing explained.

"They will provide you with special training to help you advance to the fourth realm and teach you the true secrets of the immortal sect."

Jiang Chuan's heart raced. The Kunlun Secret Realm was a renowned trial ground in the cultivation world, and being able to enter it was an immense opportunity!
"This disciple will certainly not disappoint you!"

Jiang Chuan made a solemn promise, then suddenly remembered something.

"Master, I have always been troubled by the Sword Heart Realm."

Tao Hongjing understood.

"Yin Wending said you are not worthy to fight him with swords?"

Jiang Chuan nodded, his eyes filled with resentment.

Tao Hongjing chuckled and raised his hand to summon a flying sword as thin as a cicada's wing—Zhen Gao. Profound seal script was engraved on the sword, its Daoist charm flowing and dazzling.

"The Sword Heart Realm is divided into four levels."

Tao Hongjing began to speak slowly.

"The lower sword kills, the middle sword gathers energy, the upper sword concentrates intent, and the ultimate sword is the heart."

With a slight twist of his wrist, the Zhengao Sword drew a graceful arc in the air.

"Today I'll show you what sword heart truly is."

Before he could finish speaking, Tao Hongjing casually waved his hand.

Jiang Chuan felt a flash of divine light, and his soul was forcibly ripped from his body!
He was horrified to find himself floating in the air, able to clearly see his own body standing motionless below.

"This is this"

Jiang Chuan's soul trembled violently.

Tao Hongjing's voice rang in his "ear".

"In the realm of sword heart, man and sword become one. The sword master can resonate with the sword heart of his natal flying sword and unleash the true sword power."

As Tao Hongjing sheathed his sword, Jiang Chuan's soul instantly returned to his body.

He staggered, cold sweat beading on his forehead; the feeling of his soul leaving his body sent chills down his spine.

"I get it now?"

Tao Hongjing put away the Zhengao sword.

"The Sword Heart Realm not only requires the unity of man and sword, but also requires the sword wielder to have a sword heart, and the sword in his hand to be in harmony with him."

Jiang Chuan nodded thoughtfully.

He suddenly understood why Yin Wending was so disdainful—without reaching the Sword Heart Realm, one truly doesn't even have the qualifications to fight against a real sword cultivator.

"Let's go."

Tao Hongjing turned and walked down the mountain.

"I'll take you to open the sword furnace."

Jiang Chuan quickly followed, and the master and apprentice arrived at Tao Hongjing's villa.

Multiple layers of magical arrays were set up here to isolate external interference. In the center of the courtyard stood an ancient sword furnace, its surface covered with intricate runes.

"Your black jade sword is a posthumous work of Meng Chong. It is of extraordinary quality and requires special heat to forge."

Tao Hongjing explained.

"First, we need to light the sword furnace."

Under Tao Hongjing's guidance, Jiang Chuan began preparing the materials needed to ignite the sword furnace.

The finest spirit charcoal, fire-attribute spirit stones, and Taoist True Fire Talismans are all incredibly precious.

"The charcoal fire is burned until it turns reddish-white, then real fire and spirit stones are used as aids."

Tao Hongjing said while checking the materials.

"The black jade sword is cold in nature, and it needs to be suppressed by fierce fire in order to be reshaped."

Jiang Chuan carefully noted down each step, his heart filled with both nervousness and anticipation. What would the reforged Ink Jade Sword look like? Would it help him reach the threshold of the Sword Heart Realm?
"Are you ready?"

Tao Hongjing asked, his eyes filled with anticipation.

Jiang Chuan nodded solemnly.

"Disciple is ready."

Tao Hongjing stroked his beard with satisfaction.

"Then let's begin. Remember, forging a sword is like a spiritual practice; the mind must be calm and the will focused."

"Jiang Chuan, the sword furnace is now in your hands."

Tao Hongjing's voice came from behind, and Jiang Chuan stared blankly at the pitch-black sword furnace.

The runes covering the furnace body gleamed with a dark golden luster in the morning light, and the faintly visible azure flames flickered at the furnace mouth, like the breathing of a lurking ferocious beast.

"Master, Master."

Jiang Chuan's Adam's apple bobbed, and a thin layer of sweat had already seeped out of his back.

"This disciple's martial arts skills are rudimentary; I'm afraid..."

"What are you afraid of?"

Tao Hongjing approached with a flick of his sleeve, his long, gray beard swaying slightly with the movement. Suddenly, the old man's withered fingers poked Jiang Chuan in the chest, making a dull thud.

"Even with a physique at the fourth level of the Dragon Elephant Divine Demon Art, he can't withstand the mere backlash from the furnace fire?"

Jiang Chuan was poked and took a half step back, his sternum throbbing with pain.

He subconsciously activated his cultivation technique, and a layer of light golden patterns immediately appeared on the surface of his skin.

His body, tempered by the essence of demonic beasts, was indeed vastly different from what it had been before, but the thought of controlling this sword furnace alone, which had devoured countless precious materials, still sent cold sweat through his palms.

"There must be a bellows, right?"

Tao Hongjing pulled out a wine gourd from somewhere, tilted his head back, and took a swig.

"Back then, when I was forging weapons in the crater of the South China Sea, I relied entirely on a hand fan to endure the forty-nine days."

"The disciple understands."

Jiang Chuan took a deep breath and walked towards the bellows.

The bronze-cast blower was taller than him, and the patina on its handles showed the marks of time.

As he gripped the handles with both hands, he heard a slight clicking sound from his knuckles.

Tao Hongjing suddenly threw a small cloth bag at him.

Jiang Chuan caught it in a flurry of activity, the heavy feel of it making his heart skip a beat.

Untie the rope, and five crimson crystals, each the size of a pigeon egg, gleam with a fiery glow.

"A high-grade fire spirit stone?!"

Jiang Chuan's voice changed tone.

Five spirit stones of this quality would be worth half a city on the market, and now he's been given five of them so casually.

"Use it sparingly."

The old man had already walked to the stone bench in the courtyard and sat down.

"First, take one and place it in the furnace, then use your inner energy to guide the fire spirit's energy to fuse with the charcoal fire. Remember, treat it like you would a lover's hand—"

"gentle?"

"Bullshit! Be steady, accurate, and ruthless!"

Tao Hongjing laughed and cursed as he took another swig of wine.

"The fire in the furnace is merciless; indecisiveness will only backfire."

Jiang Chuan swallowed hard and carefully picked up a fire spirit stone. The crystal was scalding hot to the touch, as if he were holding a red-hot charcoal.

He held his breath and approached the sword furnace, the heat emanating from the furnace mouth immediately making his face feel tight.

"Master, are we really going to throw it in directly?"

"What else? Should we suck on it like candy?"

Jiang Chuan gritted his teeth and threw the fire spirit stone into the furnace. The azure flames suddenly paused, then surged violently as if enraged.

He hurriedly circulated his inner energy, and the pale golden energy flowed from his fingertips into the furnace.

He had practiced this move hundreds of times in private, but the moment his true energy touched the fire spirit stone, a strange change occurred—

boom!
A blinding white light exploded in the furnace, and Jiang Chuan felt a bright flash before his eyes. Then, he was thrown back three steps by the shockwave.

My ears were ringing, my cheeks were burning, and tears were streaming down my face uncontrollably.

Once visibility returned, black smoke was seen billowing from the furnace opening, and the once pure azure flames had turned into a murky orange-yellow.

"cough cough"

Jiang Chuan wiped away his tears and found Tao Hongjing slapping the stone table and laughing loudly.

"Great! Beautifully fried!"

The old man laughed so hard his beard trembled.

"Consider the first one as tuition."

Jiang Chuan looked at the four remaining fire spirit stones in the bag and suddenly felt that they resembled four mocking eyes.

A mournful howl came from outside the courtyard wall, followed by the sound of paws digging in the soil—it was Master's big yellow dog, clearly terrified by the explosion.

"continue."

Tao Hongjing wiped away the tears that came out of his laughter.

"Remember that the fire elemental energy needs to be guided by the metal elemental energy. The wood elemental energy you just used is bound to explode."

Jiang Chuan was taken aback.

"The Dragon Elephant Divine Demon Technique is not it."

"Who told you that Dragon Elephant True Qi belongs to metal?"

Tao Hongjing shook his head.

"Dragons belong to wood, elephants belong to earth, and your cultivation method follows the path of mutual generation between earth and wood. To use the true qi of metal, you must circulate it through the lung meridian."

Jiang Chuan suddenly realized what was happening and immediately sat down to regulate his breathing. (End of Chapter)