Walking alone with a sword, slaying ghosts and gods

Chapter 504 Swordsmanship Refined Before the Jade Platform, A Gathering of Heroes at the Immortal Pool (Seeking Donations and Subscriptions!)

Time flows like a stream, and several years pass in the blink of an eye.

The sword-forging chamber of Huangyun Mansion is isolated from both the inner and outer worlds.

Lu Cheng sat cross-legged on the Xuan Yu Dharma Platform, suspended in the void. His body was filled with clear magical power, and the array patterns on the Dharma Platform flickered and shone, like the beating of a heart, drawing the spiritual energy of heaven and earth into his body.

There were no other light sources in the room, only the Five Elements Flying Sword floating in front of Lu Cheng, and the "Innate Golden Essence," a spiritual object of heaven and earth that had been drawn to the front of the sword by two streams of magic.

Over the years, the Golden Rainbow Fairy of the Great Bright Palace has fulfilled her promise and brought back seven Primordial Golden Essences to complete the transaction with Lu Cheng.

Sea Marrow Ice Lotus is rare, but its price and value are far inferior to those of Innate Golden Essence, a rare and precious material used to refine flying swords.

These two golden essences, no bigger than a fingernail, were being refined by Daoist Lu Cheng with true fire. Their forms were uncertain, gradually shifting between liquid and solid states. Their surfaces resembled molten gold flowing in scorching magma, each inch exuding a chillingly sharp aura, pure and piercing, causing the surrounding space to subtly distort and tear.

Lu Cheng focused his mind on his dantian, splitting his divine sense into three streams, which were then channeled into the flying sword and the two golden essences respectively.

"melt!"

With a silent mantra in his mind, a blazing and domineering pure golden flame burst forth from his sleeve, carrying the ancient and noble power of creation and the meaning of creation. It was none other than the Primordial "Golden Crow Origin Blood"!
The light pierced through the seal of the secret chamber and soared into the sky, like an invisible guiding beacon, summoning the power of the ancient sun from beyond the nine heavens!

Without a sound, a powerful, condensed, and scorching torrent, beyond the comprehension of the mortal world, disregarded the barriers of spatial distance and suddenly pierced through the layers of restrictions in the sword-forging chamber, pouring down from above.

The light was filled with primal, scorching energy, as if it came from the essence of the sun's core, pouring down like a torrent onto the Five Elements Flying Sword being forged.

"Buzz—Clang!"

Irrigated by the power of the Great Sun, the Five Elements Flying Swords trembled violently and sang a long cry.

In an instant, the sword became translucent and blazing brightly. Countless Five Elements talismans that were originally hidden deep within the sword seemed to be given life, suddenly lighting up, twisting, extending, and changing.

The five colors of light were originally in harmony, but now they are in fierce conflict, fusion, and reconstruction under the dual pressure of the intense Dharma intent and the innate golden essence!
After surviving the great calamity of the demon gods, Lu Cheng's greatest gain was obtaining a lot of demon god source blood, all of which he stored in the Nine Li Cauldron to prevent loss. Among them, the most valuable were naturally the Golden Crow source blood and the Five Elements Peacock source blood, which were Lu Cheng's next focus of cultivation.

In particular, the Golden Crow Origin Blood is pure and perfect. Even without refining it, it is a natural spiritual treasure with endless uses when used as an aid in the refining of magic weapons and pills.

'Most spiritual creatures in the mortal realm can also be found in the Immortal Realm, and some are even of better quality. Only a few types are different, and among them is this Great Sun Spiritual Creature.'

The sun in the mortal realm is weak, so it's not too difficult to extract the true energy of the great sun or obtain some of the golden essence of the great sun... The sun in the earthly immortal realm can refine even Mahayana cultivators to death. It's fortunate that Sheng Yang didn't ascend to the earthly immortal realm, otherwise, given the purity of his source blood, unless he was discovered and protected by the demon race from the beginning, even human Mahayana cultivators would be envious and attack him!
Perhaps this is why he and Kong Ji were reluctant to ascend to immortality.

With this thought in mind, Lu Cheng's hand gestures changed constantly.

Before him, the Five Elements Flying Sword became mottled at a speed visible to the naked eye. Five-colored light surged and collided violently inside the sword, constantly tearing, disintegrating and annihilating the old runes. On the immortal foundation provided by the radiance and the golden essence, new runes that were more mysterious, more profound and closer to the origin of the Five Elements were rapidly generated!

Every crack emitted a sword cry that pierced the soul, and every rebirth burst forth with a sharp light that could tear apart the constraints of law!
The cracks spread across the sword, but were repaired and reassembled under the infusion of mysterious magical power.

Destruction and rebirth unfold simultaneously on every inch of the sword, emitting a soul-stirring interplay of muffled thunder and sword cries.

Lu Cheng himself was only at the mid-stage of the Nascent Soul realm, but if he succeeded in refining it this time, he would be able to refine the Five Elements Flying Sword into a seventh-grade high-quality flying sword, which was naturally not easy.

In particular, the Five Elements Flying Sword is his natal magic weapon, so its power is much greater than that of a normal magic weapon.

Lu Cheng's expression was calm and composed. His vast divine sense transformed into countless invisible hands, forcefully organizing the chaotic and violent five elements energy within the flying sword's body, guiding that immense power to temper a new vessel.

His consciousness was racing, and fine beads of sweat quietly seeped from his forehead, which were instantly vaporized by the scorching sword energy and radiance.

Lu Cheng wanted to add pure Yang attributes to the magical properties of the Five Elements Flying Sword, using the Five Elements to advance Yin and Yang. His main cultivation lineage was the Great Dao of Innate Power, which allowed him to integrate all the laws and principles he had comprehended into the lineage to enhance the power of his Daoist magic.

Unlike most cultivators who comprehend the Five Elements by cultivating the Five Elements or the Morning Glow by cultivating the Morning Glow, even if they gain insights from related fields, they must intentionally suppress them to avoid interfering with their own main lineage.

The Great Dao of Innate Power overlooks all laws in the world, but its difficulty lies in the extremely high requirements for the innate aptitude of cultivators. Most cultivators, even after entering the path and cultivating to a certain level, get stuck at a bottleneck and can no longer make any progress.

"Using the Five Elements Flying Sword to explain the Yang Five Elements, and using the Boundless Blood Sea Flying Sword to explain the Yin Five Elements, thereby gradually advancing into the Primordial Chaos Path, is the focus of my cultivation for the next few thousand years."

Fortunately, the Taoist Transformation and Ascension Technique is exquisite and wondrous. This Taoist method was created by my master, Taoist Huang Longzi, and has been widely promoted in my hands. It is a self-created technique for both of us, but it also has a profound divine inspiration. Cultivating this Taoist method can actually gradually improve the cultivator's innate aptitude, which is truly incredible.

Without this method, I wouldn't dare cultivate the Great Dao of Innate Power. It's easy to get started, but achieving even a minor level of mastery is extremely difficult.

The entire process of Lu Cheng refining the Five Elements Flying Sword was like walking on a knife's edge on a sheer cliff. If he was not careful, his natal flying sword, along with everything in this secret room, would be completely torn apart by this out-of-control sharp metal power!

Each collapse of an old talisman takes away a portion of the flying sword's "spirituality," and the creation of each new talisman requires the integration of his own differentiated divine imprint.

Time passed day after day, and Lu Cheng's spiritual power was also constantly being depleted.

Until one day, decades later.

"Buzz!"

The point of sword light at the core of the Five Elements Flying Sword, a point of frantic conflict, a ray of light that surpassed the five colors, surpassed the blazing sun, and seemed to be a fusion of the most primal etherealness and boundless sharpness, was finally born!
It is as faint as a candle flickering in the wind, yet incredibly resilient, like the first ray of light that tore through the primordial chaos at the beginning of creation!

The moment this primordial glimmer was born, it was like a void singularity collapsing and exploding, and a vast and unprecedented sword energy surged out from it, instantly engulfing the entire sword.

Tsk tsk tsk!

The terrifying cracks that were about to shatter everything are disappearing at a speed visible to the naked eye!

The mottled, turbulent five-colored light streams and raging solar fire on the sword's surface were absorbed into that Primordial Micro-Light like a whale devouring a tiger, as if all rivers were flowing into the sea.

The Yang element of the Five Elements has begun to take shape.

The sword stabilized at an astonishing speed, its extraordinary brilliance vanished, and it became ancient and serene, as if it were simply a longsword made of glass.

But a strange fluctuation began to spread, seemingly all-encompassing, yet also incredibly sharp.

The Five Elements, stars, the sun, metal essence... all conflicting attributes have achieved a mysterious and unpredictable harmonious unity!

On the altar, Daoist Lu Cheng slowly extended his palm. The Five Elements Flying Sword trembled slightly as if it had a spirit, lost all its brilliance, and fell into his palm as simple and unadorned as ordinary iron.

It felt as heavy as a mountain when you held it, yet it was full of spiritual energy. A powerful sword aura and sword force, which was connected by blood and mind and could tear the heavens and earth apart, was transmitted from it.

As Lu Cheng's thoughts stirred, the "Boundless Blood Sea Divine Sword" nurtured within his dantian immediately responded, emitting a slight tremor containing a hint of excitement.

This external avatar has no original self or primordial spirit, or rather, its primordial spirit is the primordial spirit of the demonic sword that has merged with the Blood Pearl of Myriad Spirits.

"With the two swords combined and the power of returning to the void, what is there to fear?" At this moment, a truly joyful smile finally appeared on Lu Cheng's lips.

Then, the Taoist priest closed his eyes and rested on the altar to recover his breath.

Over the past few decades, the Five Elements Flying Sword has been upgraded to the seventh-grade upper level, and in the future it may even be nurtured to the peak of the seventh grade, but the consumption of one's mental energy and mana is also extremely large.

I still have five innate gold essences, which will be a great help when I refine and upgrade my flying sword in the future.

Years later, news from the outside world startled Lu Cheng awake from his meditation. Deep within the mansion, in a secluded chamber, Lu Cheng slowly opened his eyes, a fleeting image of the five elements turning and a golden crow crossing the sky flashing across his pupils.

His aura was calm and profound, no longer as earth-shattering as when he forged the sword, but only a perfect, flawless, and unadorned profound meaning.

With a flick of his sleeve, the light before him solidified, transforming into a magnificent calligraphic scroll with a purple background and adorned with stars, upon which was written:

"Congratulations on the 24,000th birthday of the Jade Cauldron Daoist."

This letter was sent by Zhang Zhaodi, a direct disciple, to remind Lu Cheng that the 24,000th birthday of Daoist Yuding was approaching.

On the occasion of his mentor's birthday, Lu Cheng lightly tapped the calligraphy scroll with his fingertips, pondering what kind of gift would be appropriate.

Jade Cauldron Mystic Lord dislikes extravagance and rarely celebrates his birthday. This year is a rare full birthday celebration, so it's not appropriate not to hold a ceremony. Moreover, there are quite a few people in the entire sect who have received guidance and favor from Jade Cauldron Mystic Lord.

...

Several months later, at the mountain gate of the Taiqing Sect, one of the nine great sects of the human race.

Auspicious clouds and rosy hues rise and swirl among the towering peaks, while colorful birds soar across the sky, scattering their clear and melodious songs.

The sword energy pierced the sky, creating a thousand rainbows and leaving a straight trail of light deep in the sea of ​​clouds.

Immortal cultivators, riding their escape lights or on exotic beasts and spirit birds, came and went in an endless stream, all converging on that beautiful and majestic immortal mountain in the heart of the Taiqing Sect.

The mountain is named "Yuding". Today's birthday star is the master of this peak, Yuding Xuanjun of the Taiqing Sect. He is a cultivator who has lived for 24,000 years and can be considered a high immortal in this world.

On the main peak's welcoming platform, thousands of auspicious clouds and brocade-like clouds spread across the ground, while hundreds of jade tables and chairs, formed from clouds and spiritual energy, floated in the air.

The cultivators attending the banquet were all ethereal and otherworldly, some being renowned rulers of border regions, others reclusive masters living deep in the mountains. At this moment, they were all smiling and exchanging greetings. Their lively discussions were filled with elegant words and profound insights.

"Fellow Daoist Lingxi, it has been hundreds of years since we last met. Is this bottle of 'Nine Revolutions Reincarnation Pill' still pleasing to the eye? It was taken from a single thread of spiritual energy in the River of Reincarnation. Today, I present it to Mysterious Lord to celebrate his boundless longevity!"

"Lord Cangmu, my 'Heavenly Heart Nourishing Soul Jade' is also quite remarkable. It has the effect of gently nourishing the soul and spirit, truly..."

A dazzling array of precious lights shimmered and swirled under the glow of the sunset, creating a breathtaking spectacle.

The various jade platters filled with rare and precious treasures were received by the attending disciples and respectfully placed on the jade platform in front of Xuanjun. They shone brightly and were all top-grade spiritual items that were rarely seen on ordinary days.

The seated Xuanjun simply accepted the greeting with a smile. His Taoist hair was tied up high, his face was radiant, and his gaze was gentle and calm, as if observing flowing water and floating clouds.

He was a man of simple tastes and honesty, rarely accumulating private wealth, and generous in doing good deeds. Therefore, many of his younger disciples presented him with precious spiritual items to express their gratitude.

The gift list was dazzling, and the precious items shone brightly in the palace.

When it was Lu Cheng's turn, he slowly stepped forward and respectfully bowed to his revered master, Yu Ding Xuan Jun, who sat on the prayer mat with white hair and beard, a gaunt face, and an aura as deep as an ancient well.

"Disciple Lu Cheng congratulates Master on his long life. I have come across a book called 'On the Dao of All Qi.' Although it is not a real treasure, it explains the principles of condensing various innate and acquired energies, regulating the body and mind, and comprehending the Great Dao. Today, I present it to Master for his appreciation."

His actions and words seemed out of place amidst the dazzling light and surrounding jewels. The bamboo scroll box was even more plain, almost shabby.

Immediately, whispers came from the cultivators below him.

In the corner, a young cultivator in a magnificent robe looked disdainful and whispered to his companion:
"Is this Junior Brother Lu, who fought his way out of the lower realm? I've heard he's incredibly fierce and powerful. Over the years, he's managed the markets, guarded the border, and slain foreign tribes with his sword. He's got quite a reputation. Why is it that on Master Uncle Yuding's birthday, he brings out something like this? A bamboo scroll of Daoist treatises? Hmph, the Taiqing Sect is the foremost in the Daoist canon in the world, and Master Uncle Yuding is a master of Daoist arts within the sect. What profound Daoist scriptures hasn't he studied? This thing is probably only fit to be used as a teacup seat."

"Shh! Quiet!" The man's companion quickly stopped him, looking at Lu Cheng's back with apprehension.

"Don't talk nonsense! This swordsman is highly skilled, swift and decisive. He has killed more than one or two Nascent Soul cultivators! However... you are right, this item is too meager. The Mystic Lord has treated him very well. Is this the kind of thing he can offer?"

On both sides of the main hall, some attendant boys and disciples, attracted by the precious light, looked at the bamboo slip in Lu Cheng's hand, their eyes inevitably filled with curiosity and confusion.

Yu Ding Xuanjun maintained a gentle smile throughout, and said to Lu Cheng, "Cheng'er, you are very thoughtful." He reached out and took the green bamboo book box.

Yu Ding Xuanjun, a man of profound Daoist wisdom, was naturally also a lover of books. Today, being the birthday celebrant, he was free to do as he pleased, so he simply opened the book box and began to peruse a few pages.

But upon closer inspection, it would only take the time it takes to drink a cup of tea.

With the level of spiritual cultivation of Jade Cauldron Mystic Lord, it can be said that he was extremely obsessed.

“The various energies…the Dao…discussion…” After a cup of tea, Jade Cauldron Mystic Lord opened his eyes, his gaze filled with inner light. When he looked at Lu Cheng again, his joy and affection were undisguised.

"Excellent! What a fine treatise, 'On the Dao of All Qi'! This treatise is not bound by supernatural powers or external objects, but directly points to the origin of Qi and the beginning of the Dao. Its insights are profound, revealing what no one has said before, and it will greatly benefit me. This is far more valuable to me than ten-thousand-year-old jade marrow or star core crystal! Cheng'er, you have a good heart."

Today I have acquired countless treasures, but this is the first time I have received such high praise from Xuanjun.

"I merely obtained this item by chance. Its greatest value lies in its ability to benefit my master," Lu Cheng said with a smile and a slight bow, showing no sign of taking credit.

This "Treatise on the Dao of All Qi" was obtained from a hermit on the Aurora Island beyond the heavens. Ultimately, it is separated from the realm of earthly immortals by a realm, and its wonder lies in the word "unique".

The Treatise on the Dao of All Qi is a Daoist scripture that elevates a cultivator's Daoist practice. Those who care about it value it more than gold, while those who don't care about it see it as worthless. Jade Cauldron Mystic Lord is undoubtedly the former.

"Hahaha, when asked, they all say they obtained it by chance, but how could such a treasure be obtained so easily without spending enough effort to find it?"

Yu Ding Xuanjun was overjoyed to receive the Daoist scripture he loved. He then pulled Lu Cheng to his side and they drank and feasted together after the group of cultivators had finished their greetings.

“Your practice has progressed rapidly recently, and your foundation has become more and more solid. I am very pleased to see this.”

After three rounds of wine, Yu Ding Xuanjun stroked his beard and changed the subject, saying, "Recently, my senior brother Xuanzhenzi, the acting sect leader, mentioned something to me, namely the 'Sword Battle in the Immortal Pool'."

"The number of spots for the Immortal Pool Sword Competition is limited. According to convention, the main considerations are the number of years a disciple has been a disciple, the amount of merit accumulated, and the potential for future success. Strictly speaking, given how long you have been a disciple of mine, it is not yet your turn to participate in this sword competition."

“However, Senior Brother Xuanzhenzi has observed your actions over the years and found that your character, Taoist skills, and swordsmanship are all outstanding. Therefore, he overruled the objections of others and personally appointed you to participate in this year’s ‘Immortal Pool Sword Battle’.”

"This is both an opportunity and a great test!" Yu Ding Xuanjun's tone became solemn as he said this.

"The 'Immortal Pool Sword Battle' gathers outstanding talents from various sects, making the situation complex. Senior Brother Xuanzhen's selection of you represents the face of our Taiqing Sect! If you succeed, your merits will be outstanding, and you will receive preferential treatment in terms of sect resources and your reputation and status in this Earthly Immortal Realm will soar, further facilitating your breakthrough to the Void Returning Realm and even higher realms. But..."

Yu Ding Xuanjun's voice lowered: "If you fail, or even suffer a crushing defeat... it will be equivalent to my Taiqing Sect being defeated by others. Not only will it leave you with the impression of being 'useless' in the minds of the acting sect leader and the sect's senior members, but it will also bring shame to the sect. At that time, once the label of 'incompetent' is attached, your future situation in the sect will likely be difficult."

On the futon, the cultivator who had lived for twenty thousand years stared intently at Lu Cheng:

"This matter is of great importance, far beyond the scope of ordinary disciples' sparring. To fight or to avoid? I cannot make the decision for you. But you must carefully weigh the causes and consequences, the benefits and harms involved. Whether you participate or not is a decision for you to make."

"If we refuse, although there will be some damage, it is not irreversible. If we agree, the honor and disgrace of the sect will be on our shoulders, and the responsibility is not light."

These words were both a sign of care and a warning, and Lu Cheng understood them perfectly.

Even his mentor wanted to withdraw, not wanting to get involved in this vortex.

(End of this chapter)