Fairy, return my flying sword to me

Chapter 226 Sword Intent
"He's here!" Chunxue, who had been left in the reception room by Lin Jian, suddenly turned her head, her bright eyes shining with joy. "He finally succeeded!"

"Sword intent! It's sword intent!" The Pure Yang Sword Sect elders watching from behind exclaimed in shock, "He's so young, yet he already possesses sword intent!"

"He's only at the Foundation Establishment stage! And he's already comprehended sword intent?"

"It's sword intent! It's definitely sword intent! This Sword Ascension Pool only recognizes sword cultivators who also possess sword intent; otherwise, it won't respond."

Everyone present was a sword cultivator, and no one was unaware of what sword intent meant to a sword cultivator.

That is the foundation for sword cultivators to enter the inner sanctum.

In other words, only those sword cultivators who can master sword intent can truly be called sword cultivators.

Before that, it wouldn't have been a problem to say that a mage was using a sword to perform magic.

Sword intent is rare; it is the lifelong pursuit of many disciples of the Pure Yang Sword Sect.

All those present were elders, and their cultivation levels were at least at the Nascent Soul stage.

If one did not possess the innate talent to grasp the essence of swordsmanship, how could one cultivate to such a level?

But it is precisely because of this that they have a deeper understanding of the tortuous and arduous path they have walked for the sake of sword intent.

Even so, they could only master sword intent at least at the Golden Core stage, and many more did not truly master it until they entered the Nascent Soul stage.

And now, right before their eyes...

A Foundation Establishment stage outer sect disciple has already reached the same level as them in the path of swordsmanship.

Do not!
It might not even be the same level.

"What kind of sword intent is that?"

"It actually managed to move the entire Sword Ascension Pool?"

"Indeed! This is the Sword Ascension Pool that countless predecessors of our Pure Yang Sword Sect have accumulated over the years. Even if this kid has sword intent, how can he possibly make the entire Sword Ascension Pool respond to him?"

"Even when our current sect leader came back then, he couldn't elicit a response from the ancient sword intents in the Sword Ascension Pool. Now this kid..."

"Perhaps... it's not triggered!" Jian Xu squinted, his expression grave as he looked at the slowly rotating sword pool above his head.

Every sword in this sword pool now follows an absolute rhythm and obeys a certain command along with the main force, whether it is the ordinary sword intent or the few longswords that represent the supreme sword intent.

Even among those who share the same sword intent, there are still differences in their levels.

Some people cultivate swordsmanship solely for the purpose of killing; each victory strengthens their confidence.

By continuously defeating opponents, one can refine and strengthen their sword intent.

Some sword cultivators may have the world in their hearts and vow to protect all the people of their land.

The broader his mind, the harder it is to get timely feedback and definite results, and the more difficult it is for his sword intent to improve quickly, making cultivation very difficult.

However, once mastered, its power and rank are far beyond what ordinary "personal swords" can match.

Although most of the sword intents in this Sword Ascension Pool are the personal paths of the disciples in the past, there are also a few sword intents representing the Great Dao Sword.

In the past, even if a new member was accepted, these longswords representing ancient sword intent would not have been given much attention.

Occasionally, they would respond perfunctorily, never deigning to maintain the same rhythm as other sword intents.

But right now...

In the Sword Ascension Pool, ten thousand swords submitted.

What exactly is the foundation of this kid's sword intent that makes those swords of the Great Dao so willing to submit?

Even Elder Jianyin, who had always appeared calm and composed as if he had everything under control, was genuinely surprised at this moment.

He could sense a surge of energy beneath the boy's chest.

That was his idea, his ambition.

That's what he wanted to express through the sword.

What ordinary people call sword intent.

However, since this energy had not been fully expressed, he wanted to take this opportunity to fully unleash it and make it the foundation for this young swordsman's future sword cultivation career.

Who is he?

A Nascent Soul stage ancestor!

Even within a large sect like the Pure Yang Sword Sect, few could rival him.

The reason we are willing to protect him all the way is not only because of his selfless character in offering the elixir formula, but also because he has some talent.

Originally, if he could induce this energy to become the opponent's permanent force, he would have considered his mission accomplished.

Their relationship should have ended at this point.

Continuing to entangle ourselves further may not be a good thing for either of us.

He had already made up his mind to turn around and leave.

Regardless of the sword intent that this kid has developed, how much of it can be fresh in his long and extensive experience?

Whether it's an individual or a great path, the sword intent already present in the Sword Ascension Pool of the Pure Yang Sword Sect has almost encompassed all sword intents in the world.

'What kind of sword intent haven't I seen?'

At this moment, he rubbed his eyes vigorously, thinking that he must have been seeing things. "I've never seen this kind of sword intent before..."

What level of sword intent is this? It's enough to make all the swords in the Sword Ascension Pool submit to it.
Even those swords containing the Great Dao had to abandon their lofty dignity for it.

Lin Jian felt slightly tired and subconsciously withdrew his hand.

As he stopped unleashing his sword intent, the myriad swords in the sword pool also slowly came to a halt.

However, they did not continue to suppress the forest. For the sword master they had already recognized, these sword intents had tacitly allowed him to freely enter and leave this place from then on.

This Sword Ascension Pool... was originally designed as a passageway for all disciples of the Pure Yang Sword Sect to enter and exit the mountain gate.

When necessary, the array master who created the Sword Ascension Pool array can also use the countless sword intents within the Sword Ascension Pool to launch a devastating attack on any intruders.

Feeling relieved that the sword intent was no longer suppressing him, Lin Jian returned to the group of Pure Yang Sword Sect elders with light steps.

"Is there anything else? Is there anything else?" Lin Jian asked expectantly.

What other surprises await? Bring them all out and have a taste!

The first level condensed a considerable amount of Taibai Xuan Gang, and the third level completely unleashed the previously unstable sword intent.

The Pure Yang Sword Sect truly lives up to its reputation as a large sect that specializes in producing sword cultivators. Its unique feature is that it's perfect for us sword cultivators to broaden our horizons.

"That's all..." Jian Yin smiled lightly, "Young friend, your swordsmanship is quite remarkable. Do you really have no intention of joining my Pure Yang Sword Sect?"

Lin Jian's words in the reception room were all from the perspective of their Zhengyang Sect, but Jian Yin was not moved at all.

Having the elixir formula was a matter of chance; obtaining it while traveling was not a great skill.

Willingness to share is a state of mind, a sign of magnanimity, but it has nothing to do with the path of sword cultivation.

A true swordsman must possess a subtle, ever-present sword intent within their heart.

However, there are countless disciples like this in the Pure Yang Sword Sect. Even though very few can master sword intent at the Foundation Establishment stage, it is not worth his excessive concern.

On the path of spiritual cultivation, speed is not necessarily a skill; going far is more important.

His Pure Yang Sword Sect already had many excellent disciples; there was no reason for him, a Nascent Soul stage ancestor, to lower himself to lure and coax disciples from other sects to join their Pure Yang Sword Sect. But right now…

Heart moved.

I'm really tempted.

What exactly is his sword intent?
Mom's heart is itching!
Come on! Join our Pure Yang Sword Sect!

The Zhengyang Sect will only bury your talent. Only in our pure sword-cultivation sect can your talent be fully displayed.

Lin Jian wore a polite smile. "My master and the elders have all treated me very well..."

Upon receiving an expected and self-evident answer, Jian Yin felt a pang of regret.

Indeed, the reason these sword geniuses are able to become geniuses is that their minds are incredibly resilient.

Unless some major event occurs, why would they abandon the sect that has nurtured them?

While he remained silent, the elders around him surged forward.

"Young friend, what is your sword intent?"

"Young friend, how did you do that just now?"

"Why do all those sword intents obey your commands, young friend?"

The elders' noisy chatter filled the air, and Jianyin stood on the periphery of the crowd, listening intently.

What exactly is this sword intent? He was also eager to know.

"I don't know..." Lin Jian scratched his head. "I haven't named it yet."

"How about this, you try to cut me! Try cutting me with your sword!" Some elders were extremely anxious.

What experience could be more direct than taking a sword strike head-on?

"Yes, yes, yes! Try and cut us with your sword!"

Lin Jian hesitated, "This...isn't this a bit inappropriate?"

An elder immediately put on an angry expression, "Young friend, what do you mean by this? Are you looking down on us?"

"Exactly! Are you afraid of hurting us? You're just a Foundation Establishment stage junior. No matter how hard you try, do you think you can break through our defenses?"

"Young friend, don't worry, you can cut as much as you want. I guarantee that neither I nor they will retaliate against you."

Lin Jian still hesitated, "But..."

"But what? Would we, the dignified elders of the Pure Yang Sword Sect, possibly conspire to harm a junior like you? Don't worry, we would never hurt you!"

"We won't hold you responsible! If you hurt someone, it's because they're not capable enough, and they can't blame anyone else!"

An elder stared at Jian Xu, who had walked to the side, and asked with wide eyes, "What do you mean, you old codger? Do you really think this kid can hurt us? By the way, why did you run so far away?"

Jian Xu smiled and replied, "Just in case..."

The elder turned to look at Jianyin, "Uncle-Master Jianyin, aren't you coming either?"

Jian Yin glanced at Jian Xu almost imperceptibly. Judging from Jian Xu's behavior, he seemed to have known this young friend named Lin Jian for a long time.

Since they were acquainted, his caution must have its reasons.

The gentleman does not stand under the wall.

Although he was at the Nascent Soul stage, precisely because of this, he had no reason to do anything adventurous with these juniors at the Core Formation stage.

Hmm...that's it.

Sword Shadow said with a serious expression, "You kids can play together, I'll just watch from the sidelines..."

"Alright!" The elder nodded, then turned to look at the forest. "You heard what we said, right? Come on, attack us! Attack us as you please, we won't fight back! Elders Sword Shadow and Sword Void are here to protect us, so feel free to cut us down!"

"Okay." Lin Jian nodded in agreement.

Having just obtained the permanent right to use the sword intent, he was also eager to know what kind of destructive power he could unleash when he fully activated the sword intent.

However, after fully mastering the sword intent, he always felt that his attacks might be too heavy, because he had not been tested and his attacks might be a bit reckless.

The fact that these Nascent Soul stage experts are now willing to come to his door as dummy detectors is exactly what he wants.

After ensuring he was not responsible, Lin Jian made a sword-finger gesture with his hands and slowly raised it from his waist.

The flying sword that had been carried on his back emitted a buzzing sound, and slowly left its sheath as his true energy guided it, appearing before everyone's eyes.

Several elders, who had already thought he was just a Foundation Establishment stage junior, lowered their guard even further upon seeing this.

This is... a flying sword?
What a piece of junk.

It looked like someone had casually picked up a piece of iron from the ground and forged it into a flying sword, lacking any of the precious brilliance that a flying sword or magical artifact should possess.

The sword intent unleashed by such a flying sword seems to inherently possess three-tenths less power than that of others...

Lin Jian flicked his sword fingers and pushed his palm forward, shouting, "Go!"

The dark longsword instantly transformed into a blur of sword shadows in mid-air, actually conjuring up several flying sword afterimages corresponding to the number of elders opposite, all attacking their respective targets simultaneously.

There was no sign of powerful fluctuations of true energy on the sword shadows; they were as light and airy as simple streaks of light in the air.

Even the elder who was the first to stand and the first to begin resisting the sword shadows began to show a look of fear on his face.

"bass!"

The sword shadow had just left the forest overhead when it seemed to appear right in front of the elder's face.

As a Nascent Soul stage cultivator elder, he could easily detect the timing of the sword strike in advance and also gathered his true energy to try to resist.

However, the protective aura that used to be reliable now seems like an illusion in the air under the impact of the sword shadows, easily shattered.

'It does have some power.' The elder immediately channeled all the true energy he had prepared beforehand, attempting to block the advance of the opponent's sword shadow.

However, something even more terrifying happened...

The several defensive techniques he had used were all broken through by the sword shadow.

"Bang bang bang!"

The clash between swordplay and magic is direct and dangerous.

The elder felt countless sword shadows crashing down on his protective spells, easily tearing apart all his defenses.

Although the entire process wasn't fast enough to outpace the reaction of a Nascent Soul cultivator, the remaining time was only enough for him to unleash his final trump card—

Sword intent!

Both are sword intents, so how could my own be inferior to that of a newborn calf?

...I've never actually crashed into one.

Sword shadows flew, and more sword shadows advanced through the forest.

"Shhhhh!"

As the sword finger in the forest retracted, the several sword shadows suddenly hovered in front of the elders' faces at the last moment.

The sharp sword tip was reflected directly into his pupils, and several elders with serious and solemn expressions appeared after the sword tip was slowly revealed.

(End of this chapter)