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

“Senior Dai, since Senior Brother Jiang is so gifted, why not pass on the complete cultivation method to him?”

These words, though seemingly flattering, actually conceal a provocation.

Dai Yongde was a man of great stature; how could he not understand the implication? He gave Liu Qing a cold glance.

"The path of cultivation requires gradual progress. Don't you understand the principle that you can't bite off more than you can chew?"

Liu Qing's face turned pale immediately, and he dared not say another word.

Jiang Chuan, however, seemed to be deep in thought.

"Does Senior mean that I should first master the basic application of the Taiji Xuanqing Diagram?"

Dai Yongde nodded in satisfaction.

"Indeed. The transformation of Yin and Yang is infinitely mysterious. Without a solid foundation, forcibly trying to comprehend it will only lead to qi deviation and demonic possession."

"The five elements of sword energy within your body are showing signs of fusion, which is a good thing. But remember, haste makes waste."

Jiang Chuan wholeheartedly agreed.

"Your disciple will keep in mind your teachings, senior."

Wang Han stepped forward, his expression complex.

"Senior Brother Jiang, congratulations on your breakthrough."

Jiangchuan shook his head.

"I only gained a little."

Junior Brother Wang is exceptionally talented; given time, he will surely surpass me.

Wang Han gave a wry smile.

"Senior brother is too modest. That sword intent just now is probably unmatched by any other young generation in the entire immortal sect."

Su Wen also came over, his face full of admiration.

"Senior Brother Jiang, that move you just used was amazing! Could you teach me?"

Just as Jiang Chuan was about to answer, he suddenly felt a strange movement in his Five Elements Purple Mansion.

His expression changed slightly, and he quickly looked inward, discovering that the five elements of sword energy, which had begun to merge, were showing signs of separating again.

Dai Yongde saw through the situation and said in a deep voice.

"It's normal for your foundation to be unstable when you first comprehend it. Go back and rest properly, and don't use your sword energy recklessly for the next three days."

Jiang Chuan nodded solemnly.

"The disciple understands."

As he left the square, Liu Qing's cold gaze followed Jiang Chuan's retreating figure.

He whispered to himself.

"Jiang Chuan, one day I will show you who the real genius is!"

Upon returning to his residence, Jiang Chuan immediately sat cross-legged and entered a meditative state.

He carefully guided the Five Elements Sword Qi within his body, slowly circulating it according to the Yin-Yang principles he had comprehended from the Taiji Xuanqing Diagram.

Water belongs to Yin, and fire belongs to Yang.

Jiang Chuan focused his mind on the Purple Mansion, watching as the five-colored sword energy gradually formed a new balance under the harmonization of Yin and Yang forces.

"Wood is soft yet firm, belonging to Lesser Yang; Metal is firm yet soft, belonging to Lesser Yin."

As his understanding deepened, the flow of the Five Elements Sword Qi became increasingly smooth.

Jiang Chuan was pleasantly surprised to find that the originally uncontrollable metal and fire attribute sword energies had become as easy to control as his own limbs under the harmonization of Yin and Yang power.

"I see!"

Jiang Chuan suddenly realized.

"It's not that I can't control the Golden Fire Sword Qi, it's that I've been using the wrong method all along!"

He tried to unleash a metallic sword aura, and a golden light shot out from his fingertips, drawing a perfect arc in the air before obediently returning to his body.

This was unimaginable before—metal-attribute sword energy was always the most difficult to control, and the slightest carelessness could injure oneself.

"Harmony of Yin and Yang, and balance of the Five Elements"

Jiang Chuan's eyes were filled with excitement.

"This is the true essence of the Five Elements Sword Intent in the Purple Mansion!"

"Hahaha--"

Dai Yongde's laughter echoed in the square as he patted Jiang Chuan's shoulder heavily with his broad hand.

"Good lad, you're quite confident!"

Jiang Chuan was swayed by the slap, and his ears felt slightly hot.

He scratched his head, revealing a hint of youthful shyness.

"Uncle Dai is too kind. This disciple is merely a sword cultivator."

His gaze swept over the stone tablet in the center of the square, which was covered with mysterious runes, and his voice was soft but firm.

"It would be best if the Taiji Xuanqing Diagram could be perfected, but if I could comprehend a new sword intent, I would be satisfied."

A glint flashed in Dai Yongde's eyes, and he stroked his white beard and nodded.

"Indeed, the essence of a cultivator lies in directly pointing to one's true nature."

His sleeves fluttered even without wind, revealing his calloused hands.

"I have been practicing the Taiji Xuanqing Diagram for over sixty years, and I am still only at the seventh level."

These words were spoken casually, yet they sent chills down the spines of the disciples who were eavesdropping nearby.

Just as Jiang Chuan was about to reply, he suddenly saw Dai Yongde narrow his eyes and add with a half-smile.

"If I had discovered your potential during the mountain gate assembly back then, I would have definitely competed with that old fellow Xuanxiao for it."

"Uncle Master, you are too kind."

Jiang Chuan quickly cupped his hands in greeting, his blue robe sleeves damp with morning dew.

"This disciple has mediocre talent, relying only on a bit of swordsmanship skill."

He lowered his eyes, concealing the fleeting complexity in them.

He came to the Cloud Sea Immortal Sect to fulfill his promise to Tao Hongjing, and even more so to wait for the person who promised to take him to see all the mountains and rivers of the Nine Provinces.

Dai Yongde suddenly changed the subject.

"Your second senior brother, Lin Xiao, also had unique insights into the Taiji Xuanqing Diagram during his trials."

He touched the sword marks on the edge of the stone tablet with a meaningful look.

"It's a pity that the kid is also a sword fanatic, and he declined to learn this technique because he is a sword cultivator."

"My second senior brother..."

Jiang Chuan's pupils contracted slightly. The figure who always taught him sword techniques under the moonlight suddenly became clear in his memory.

It turns out that the Tai Chi energy that Lin Xiao taught was actually just a superficial imitation of the sect's secret technique!
"Of the three pillars of Taoism, which lineage do you practice?"

Dai Yongde suddenly asked a question.

"The meaning of the Dao".

Jiang Chuan answered without hesitation. Before he finished speaking, the dormant sword intent within him suddenly trembled slightly, as if in response to his answer.

Upon hearing this, Dai Yongde said no more and stood with his hands behind his back in front of the monument.

Jiang Chuan composed himself and refocused his attention on the flowing runes on the stone tablet.

Those twisted patterns gradually transformed into thousands of sword shadows in his eyes, each stroke conforming to the ultimate truth of heaven and earth.

As the sun began to set, disciples gradually rose and left the square.

Dai Yongde had been practicing fasting for many years, and all those who were trying to understand the secrets of fasting had prepared fasting pills. The huge square was immersed in a mysterious atmosphere.

Jiang Chuan, however, fell into a strange state—he saw himself standing atop a sea of ​​clouds, a broken sword in his hand emitting a chilling light.

"This is."

He unconsciously formed a sword shape with his fingers, and the sword intent that had been dormant within him for a long time suddenly surged.

An invisible sword aura shot into the sky, stirring up the clouds and startling several cranes into fleeing in panic.

Dai Yongde turned around abruptly, only to find a shadowy figure already standing quietly beside him.

The newcomer wore a simple Taoist robe, had white hair and a youthful face; he was none other than Chunyangzi, the leader of the Yunhai Immortal Sect.

"Such a sharp sword intent."

Chunyangzi's voice was like a clear mountain spring, but his gaze was fixed intently on Jiang Chuan.

"Junior Brother Dai, whose disciple is this?"

"Jiang Chuan, Xuan Xiao's newly accepted disciple."

Dai Yongde stroked his beard, his eyes gleaming.

"This boy's talent in swordsmanship is probably even greater than yours and mine back then."

Upon hearing this, Chunyangzi showed a hint of surprise.

"To receive such praise from Junior Brother Dai, it seems that our Cloud Sea Immortal Sect is truly about to produce a true dragon."

"Master, please give me some face."

Dai Yongde shook his head with a wry smile.

"This kid's aptitude for swordsmanship is indeed..."

Before he finished speaking, Jiang Chuan was suddenly enveloped in a blinding blue light.

The sword energy transformed into a dragon shape in the sea of ​​clouds, emitting a clear and melodious sword cry.

All the swords in the square trembled simultaneously, as if they were paying homage to a king.

Chunyangzi's fingers twitched slightly in his sleeve, and after calculating for a moment, he suddenly sighed.

"Five hundred years have passed. Our Cloud Sea Immortal Sect has finally waited for the opportunity to attain enlightenment."

"Senior brother means..."

Dai Yongde's breath hitched.

"The sword has a spirit and chooses a master to serve."

Chunyangzi's gaze pierced through the sea of ​​clouds, looking towards the forbidden area of ​​the main peak.

"The three immortal swords in the sect have been dormant for many years. What they lack has never been the swords, but the people who can wield them."

Dai Yongde seemed lost in thought. "The lineage of the Central Plains Sword Immortals has been declining for a long time, since five hundred years ago."

“Sword Master Wang Zhihuan”.

Chunyangzi took over the conversation, his voice suddenly becoming low and deep.

"Back then, he insisted on going north to the Stork Tower to prove a path to heaven for the northern border."

A strange wind suddenly swept across the square, causing Jiang Chuan's robes to flutter wildly.

He remained immersed in a state of enlightenment, completely unaware of the changes happening around him.

The seemingly broken sword hung in front of him, its blade adorned with obscure and incomprehensible patterns.

Dai Yongde suddenly lowered his voice.

"Senior brother, do you still remember that earth-shattering battle between Wang Zhihuan and Li Muzhi back then?"

"The Azure Sword is broken, the path to immortality is severed."

Chunyangzi spoke slowly and deliberately, each word carrying immense weight.

His gaze fell on Jiang Chuan's broken sword.

“Junior Brother Dai, do you know that the broken sword in this boy’s hand is none other than Wang Zhihuan’s natal flying sword – Hidden Edge”?

"what?!"

Dai Yongde nearly lost his composure, and the hand seal he was holding in his sleeve almost collapsed.

He stared intently at the unassuming broken sword, his Adam's apple bobbing several times before he finally uttered a sound.

"How is this possible?"

Chunyangzi raised his hand and set up a soundproof barrier, his voice as soft as a sigh.

"Even more astonishing is that this broken sword has now given birth to a new sword spirit."

The sea of ​​clouds suddenly churned violently, as if responding to this secret.

Jiang Chuan's sword energy and dragon shadows weaved through the clouds, each tail swing creating a mysterious trajectory.

"Is it the Mountain Spirit Clan?"

Dai Yongde keenly noticed the faint vine patterns on the hilt of the sword.

"Yao, who once climbed the Stork Tower with Wang Zhihuan."

Chunyangzi nodded.

"She is also the only successor of the Sword Master."

Dai Yongde was struck dumb, and it took him a long time to speak with difficulty.

"Wang Zhihuan... has he really perished?"

Chunyangzi did not answer.

His gaze pierced through the layers of clouds, as if looking towards some unknown distance.

"Yongde, how is the trial going?"

Chunyangzi asked without turning his head, his voice as still as an ancient well.

With a flick of his whisk, Dai Yongde caused dozens of points of light to appear on the cloud platform, some as bright as stars and others as dim as if about to disappear.

"In another day, about five more disciples will be able to stand up and continue their comprehension."

Chunyangzi nodded slightly, then suddenly changed the subject.

"How many people will be able to emerge from this blessed land this time?"

About twenty people.

Dai Yongde paused for a moment to think.

"Three more than last time."

The cloud platform suddenly trembled, and a golden light flew out from Chunyangzi's sleeve, transforming into thirty ancient runes in the air.

"Not enough. We need thirty people to enter the Kunlun Secret Realm this time."

Dai Yongde frowned.

"Thirty? Last time there were only fifteen spots, how come this time..."

"Zhongzhou needs ten slots."

Chunyangzi interrupted, his tone leaving no room for argument.

"The Haotian Sect and Longhu Mountain each have three, and the Dao Yi Sect has four."

"what?"

Dai Yongde almost dropped the whisk from his hand.

"When have cultivators from the Central Plains ever been interested in the Kunlun Secret Realm? Never before in eight hundred years!"

Chunyangzi finally turned around, his eyes gleaming with golden light.

"Because this time is different."

The fact that these three giants simultaneously dispatched representatives indicates that they have sensed something amiss.

He pointed in the direction of the Kunlun Mountains.

"The secrets left behind by Ancestor Yunhai may soon be revealed."

Dai Yongde gasped.

"Could the rumors be true? Is there really something in the Kunlun Secret Realm?"

"Thirteen hundred years ago, Master Yunhai discovered the Kunlun Secret Realm."

Chunyangzi interrupted him, his voice suddenly becoming ethereal.

"For over a thousand years, countless brilliant minds have entered this realm, including those so-called invincible geniuses, but who has truly grasped its secrets?"

"The Sword God from eight hundred years ago"

Dai Yongde was stopped by Chunyangzi as soon as he opened his mouth.

"The Sword God did indeed enter the secret realm, but what he took away and what he left behind, no one knows."

Chunyangzi's gaze was deep.

"Just like his fierce battle with the Aurora Sword Immortal, the truth has long been buried in the river of time."

Dai Yongde was silent for a moment, then suddenly asked.

"Senior brother, do you still remember the historical divisions of the Northern Territory?"

"A thousand years ago was the ancient wilderness, a thousand years ago was the barbaric wilderness, three thousand years ago was the ancient times, and beyond the ancient times..."

Chunyangzi paused.

"It's ancient times."

"The ancient times..."

A look of reminiscence appeared in Dai Yongde's eyes.

"Those were the most glorious years for the Northern Territory. Ancestor Yunhai founded the Immortal Sect, the Sword God suppressed an era, and the Aurora Sword Immortal Xu Jingting illuminated the entire Northern Territory."

Chunyangzi suddenly sneered.

"Glory? It was nothing but a flash in the pan. With the fall of both the Sword God and the Aurora Sword Immortal, the fortunes of the Northern Territory have never recovered."

The clouds surrounding the platform suddenly churned violently, as if in response to these words. Dai Yongde steadied himself and whispered.

"Senior brother, I've always had a question. Is it truly impossible to glimpse the Heavenly Dao beyond the Seventh Realm?"

Chunyangzi remained silent for a long time before slowly speaking.

"Only those who have reached that level can answer this question."

"But it is a fact that Patriarch Yunhai ascended to heaven in broad daylight!"

Dai Yongde suddenly became agitated.

"Above the Seven Realms, there must be true immortals!"

"True Immortal."

Chunyangzi murmured repeatedly, then suddenly changed the subject.

"Thirty spots are available, and not a single one can be missing. Especially for Jiang Chuan, there must be both entries and exits."

Dai Yongde understood.

"Senior brother intends to use it as the key to proving his Dao in the Northern Territory? But this sword is still just a prototype and needs more refinement."

“Yin Wending has already tried to persuade him once.”

Chunyangzi said calmly.

"Yin Wending is indeed a good whetstone."

A glint of light flashed in Dai Yongde's eyes.

"Unfortunately, they are demons, not of my kind."

Suddenly, Chunyangzi raised his hand, and a sword aura shot into the sky, splitting a gap in the sea of ​​clouds.

“Precisely because they are not of our kind, they are the best whetstone. But now, it is time for Jiang Chuan to set off.”

Dai Yongde shook his head.

"I think it would be better to let this whetstone be used until Jiang Chuan's sword can cleave the sky of the Northern Territory."

The two exchanged a glance and fell silent. Below the platform, the faint shouts of the disciples could be heard.

Three days later, at the Immortal Gate Square.

Nearly a hundred disciples sat cross-legged on the ground, their bodies circulating with spiritual energy.

Holding a bamboo staff, Dai Yongde walked slowly through the crowd. He would test each awakened disciple he passed.

"Too slow!"

With a light tap of the bamboo staff, a disciple fell to the ground.

"Not enough force!"

Another person was knocked away.

"The moves are too rigid!"

The third disciple retreated in a sorry state.

In the blink of an eye, more than twenty people had been defeated. Dai Yongde shook his head and sighed. (End of Chapter)