In Zhu Xian, people start to rise from plundering entries

The three returned to the stone gate, where the old gatekeeper remained with his eyes closed, resting. Seeing them emerge, he nodded slightly: "A good harvest. Remember, you must properly digest the insights gained in the secret realm to truly make them your own."

"Thank you for your guidance, senior." The three bowed and walked out of the stone gate.

It was still early morning outside, the sun shining brightly. Su Han returned to her small courtyard and found a food box on the stone table containing a still-warm breakfast, along with a note:
"Though cultivation is arduous, one must also take care of one's health. Eat on time, and do not worry your teachers. — Elder Lin"

Su Han felt a warmth in his heart. This seemingly serious elder who imparted skills was actually incredibly meticulous.

After breakfast, Su Han didn't rest but began to organize his gains from the trip to the secret realm. He compared his insights from the battles with the sword manuals he had learned in the Scripture Pavilion, gradually forming the prototype of his own swordsmanship.

"There are countless ways to use the sword, but I will walk my own path." Su Han set a goal in his heart: "To integrate the strengths of all schools and create the sword style that best suits me."

In the days that followed, Su Han settled into a regular cultivation routine. He spent his days studying sword manuals in the Scripture Pavilion and his evenings practicing swordsmanship in the courtyard. He would also enter the Frozen Secret Realm once a month to hone his skills in real combat.

As time passed, his cultivation steadily improved, and his swordsmanship became increasingly refined. During this time, Zhou Ming and Zhao Feng invited him to cooperate several more times, and the three gradually became friends. From them, Su Han gained a deeper understanding of the various branches of the Qingyun Sect.

Two months have passed in the blink of an eye. There is only one month left until the Seven Peaks Martial Arts Tournament.

On this day, Su Han had just emerged from the Frozen Secret Realm when he received a communication talisman. It was a summons from the sect leader.

Upon arriving at the main hall of Tianya Peak, Su Han discovered that in addition to Sect Master Yun Qingzi, Elder Lin was also present, along with several other peak masters and elders he did not recognize.

"Disciple Su Han greets the Sect Master and all elders." Su Han bowed respectfully.

Yun Qingzi nodded and looked him over: "Late stage of Star Wheel Realm? Not bad, faster than expected."

Su Han was shocked. He had indeed broken through to the late stage of the Star Wheel Realm three days ago, but he had been hiding his cultivation using the Concealing Breath Technique. He hadn't expected the sect leader to see through it at a glance.

"Don't be surprised," Yun Qingzi said with a smile. "I taught you your concealment technique. You can fool others, but you can't fool me."

An elder dressed in purple robes spoke up: "Su Han, I heard that you have performed remarkably well in the Frozen Secret Realm recently, and that you have worked with Zhou Ming and Zhao Feng to hunt down three Star Wheel Realm peak Star Beasts?"

"Yes," Su Han said, "thanks to my two senior brothers for taking care of me."

“No need to be modest.” The purple-robed elder stroked his beard and said, “I know those three lads. They’re arrogant and conceited. If you didn’t have real skills, they wouldn’t have invited you to cooperate again and again.”

Elder Lin continued, "Sect Master, everyone, we have gathered you all here today for the Seven Sects Martial Arts Tournament. As is customary, the list of participants for each sect must be finalized a month before the tournament. Although Su Han has only been a disciple for a short time, his strength has already met the requirements, and I believe he should participate."

“I agree.” The purple-robed elder nodded. “Tianya Peak has been lacking in disciples for the past few generations. It’s not easy to find a promising talent. He should be sent out to gain experience.”

The other elders also expressed their agreement.

Yun Qingzi looked at Su Han: "What do you think? The Seven Peaks Martial Arts Tournament is not child's play. Although there are rules to protect you, the risk of injury or even serious injury still exists. If you don't want to participate, no one will blame you."

Su Han replied without hesitation, "This disciple is willing to participate."

"Alright." Yun Qingzi nodded in satisfaction. "Then it's settled. Su Han, you will represent Tianya Peak in this Seven Peaks Martial Arts Tournament. The sect will provide you with additional cultivation resources for the next month. Feel free to ask if you need anything."

"Thank you, Sect Master." Su Han thought for a moment, "This disciple does indeed have a request." "Speak."

"This disciple wishes to borrow the Tianya Sword Manual."

A moment of silence fell over the hall upon hearing this. The Tianya Sword Manual was the supreme martial art of Tianya Peak, and only the peak master and core disciples could cultivate it throughout history. Although Su Han had a special status, he was not yet a true disciple.

Yun Qingzi pondered for a moment, then looked at Elder Lin: "Junior Brother Lin, what do you think?"

Elder Lin said, “According to the rules, it is indeed not appropriate. However, Su Han’s situation is special. He is symbiotic with the Tianya Sword, and cultivating the Tianya Sword Manual may better awaken the Tianya’s consciousness. Moreover, if he can achieve good results in the martial arts competition, it will also bring glory to Tianya Peak.”

"What are the opinions of the others?" Yun Qingzi looked around at everyone.

The elder in purple robes spoke first: "Rules are rigid, but people are flexible. I agree."

I agree.

"I second that."

Seeing that everyone agreed, Yun Qingzi made the decision: "Alright. Su Han, from today onwards, you may enter the top floor of the Scripture Pavilion to study the first three levels of the Tianya Sword Manual. But remember, you must not pass it on to anyone else."

"Disciple understands!" Su Han was excited. The Tianya Sword Manual was one of the most advanced sword techniques in the Qingyun Sect. If he could comprehend it, his strength would surely rise to another level.

After leaving the main hall, Elder Lin personally led Su Han to the top floor of the Scripture Pavilion. The place was deserted, except for a purple-gold jade slip floating on a jade platform in the center.

"This is the Tianya Sword Manual," Elder Lin said. "This sword manual has nine levels, corresponding to the nine realms of Star Cultivation. However, since the third generation peak master, no one has been able to master the ninth level. Even that girl Tianya only mastered the seventh level back then."

He paused, then said solemnly, "Su Han, the Sword Manual is good, but don't be greedy. With your current cultivation level, comprehending the first level is already your limit. Forcing yourself to comprehend higher levels will only harm you."

"This disciple will remember." Su Han nodded.

After Elder Lin left, Su Han walked to the jade platform, took a deep breath, and placed his hand on the jade slip.

In an instant, he seemed to be pulled into a world of swords. Countless sword lights darted and collided in the void, each containing profound principles of swordsmanship. And in the center of the world, a figure was dancing with a sword, the swordsmanship was extremely mysterious, seemingly simple, yet containing the power to create the world.

"The first level of the Tianya Sword Manual: Sword Heart Clarity..."

A majestic voice resounded in Su Han's heart, recounting the essence of swordsmanship. Unlike the various sword techniques he had encountered before, the "Tianya Sword Manual" did not emphasize techniques, but rather the "mental cultivation." It taught how to cultivate a pure sword heart, how to make the sword an extension of the body, and how to achieve oneness between man and sword.

Su Han was completely absorbed in the moment, utterly captivated. The Tianya Sword at his waist trembled with pleasure, and within the sword's inner space, the white-clad woman's illusory figure seemed to become clearer, a hint of satisfaction flashing in her eyes.

Time passed slowly, and when Su Han awoke from his meditation, it was already late at night. A flash of sword light appeared in his eyes, and his entire demeanor sharpened.

"A clear and bright sword heart..." Su Han murmured to himself, "So that's how it is. The essence of swordsmanship is not the sophistication of techniques, nor the strength of power, but a heart that purely pursues the way of the sword." (End of this chapter)