Simulated immortality allows me to calculate talent stats.

Canglan City is nestled against the majestic and precipitous Cangshan Mountain to the north, which rises like a sword blade reaching the sky, and bordered to the south by the mighty and surging Nulan River, which flows like a jade dragon coiled around its banks.

Hence the name Canglan.

Its prosperity rivaled that of Yangzhou, yet the overall impression it evoked was quite different.

Yangzhou is a city of dazzling extravagance, a place of decadent luxury, while Canglan City exudes a more carefree, chivalrous spirit.

[Because this place is home to the Canglan Sword Sect, one of the four great holy lands for sword cultivators in the world.]

The towering city walls, built of massive bluestone, are etched with sword marks of varying depths.

You politely asked a passerby out of curiosity.

"Is this your first time visiting Canglan City? These sword marks all have a story behind them."

A passerby generously explained to you: "You know the Canglan Sword Sect, right? It's a holy land for sword cultivators throughout the land. Countless sword cultivators come here seeking instruction or to challenge you."

"Speaking of challenges, sword cultivators possess the fiercest killing intent in the martial arts world; in exchanges and sparring, life and death are unpredictable."

"Therefore, the sect leader of the Canglan Sword Sect established a rule: sword intent would be used to leave marks on the city wall, thus determining the level of skill."

"This not only avoids unnecessary casualties, but also has an elegant and unique concept, so sword cultivators who consider themselves to have excellent swordsmanship will come here to leave their sword marks."

After hearing the story and the origin of these sword marks, you couldn't help but look towards the city wall again.

[I initially thought these were just remnants of ordinary swords, but I never imagined they were engraved with sword intent.]

You now possess the most intense and powerful sword energy, but there is still a vast gap in your understanding of sword intent.

[Not to mention sword intent, they haven't even reached the realm of sword momentum.]

[The sword marks covering this wall reveal the sheer number of powerful sword cultivators in the world; many of these marks may be ancient relics, yet they still inspire awe.]

A passerby, seemingly engrossed in conversation, leaned closer and said mysteriously, "Let me remind you, these sword marks contain a great opportunity."

You asked cooperatively, "What do you mean by that?"

"Consider this: sword marks are carved by sword intent. Although most sword intent cannot last long and dissipates, leaving only ordinary marks."

"It is said that some sword cultivators at the highest level left behind sword intent that has remained undiminished for thousands of years."

Those with exceptional comprehension can grasp its profound mysteries and reap extraordinary benefits.

After listening to the passerby's words, you observed the sword marks and found no residual sword intent; they were almost all ordinary engravings.

"Then do you know which mark contains the sword's intent?"

【"have no idea."】

"Isn't it said that the sword intent of a supreme swordsman remains undying for thousands of years?"

"That's what the rumors say, but as for whether it's true or not, I don't know."

The passerby shrugged and turned away.

You chuckled softly, shook your head, and walked into the city.

The city gate itself has so many stories and legends, making you even more interested in Canglan City and the Canglan Sword Sect, and prompting you to decide to stay here for a while.

[You're technically a sword cultivator, even if your swordsmanship level is mostly dependent on cheating, you've definitely trained hard.]

Moreover, the inscription "Sword Charm - Celestial Immortal" is engraved between his brows.

You may not be sure if the sword intent can last for thousands of years, but this sword rhythm will definitely make you one of the coolest characters to unleash.

Canglan City is uniquely situated, with one side built against the mountain and the other facing the water, boasting magnificent scenery.

You found an inn to stay in, and when you opened the window, you saw a small tributary of the Nu River, with boats coming and going and stone bridges spanning its waters.

Half of the passersby carried swords; even those who weren't martial artists adorned themselves with swords.

The inn is filled with people from all over the country, engaging in lively conversations that give you a true sense of the meaning of "jianghu" (the martial arts world).

I ordered a pot of wine and a few stir-fries, hoping to gather useful information from the conversations around me, but most of them were just bragging.

[A boy, about ten years old, appeared to be quite clever and summoned the inn's errand boy by beckoning.]

"Sit down, I have some questions for you."

The boy sat down stiffly, his eyes fixed longingly on the food on the table.

"Eat."

"Thank you, Grandpa!"

The young man beamed, "Ask me anything you want to know. I know all the gossip in Canglan City better than anyone else."

"I've heard the Canglan Sword Sect is here. Where exactly is it located?"

The waiter quickly swallowed his beef: "Sir, you want to pay respects at the sect's gate? The Sword Sect's gate isn't so easy to enter."

"Besides using connections and sending visiting cards, most people who want to climb the mountain need a sword."

【"sword?"】

"That's right. Each level of sword realm advancement depends on how high your sword skill is."

You couldn't help but chuckle: "There's such a rule? How interesting."

After asking about some details and the situation in Canglan City, you left some loose silver: "Keep eating, don't waste it."

He got up and left the inn, heading in the direction the boy had indicated.

The Canglan Sword Sect is located atop Mount Cang. It can be said that the entire Mount Cang, including half of Canglan City built along its slopes, belongs to the Sword Sect.

You've arrived in the mountainous city area. The terrain rises upwards, the buildings are arranged in a staggered but orderly fashion, and there are numerous shops, creating a bustling and vibrant atmosphere.

[Among these, the most numerous industries are related to swords; kendo dojos and sword-making shops are ubiquitous.]

You can stroll around at your leisure, and the shops will all greet you warmly and hospitably with smiles.

[This will help to improve your preconceived notions about the holy land of sword cultivators.]

After all, among the four great sword-cultivation holy lands I knew before, the Tranquil Sword Clan supported a rebellion.

[Not to mention the Sword Palace of Yongzhou, which harbors a deep-seated hatred for those who killed it, and also maintains close ties with the rebels in the Western Regions.]

[When you were gathering intelligence, you even tried to analyze whether the Canglan Sword Sect was supporting any rebels.]

[After all, both Jingxin Sword Sect and Yongzhou Sword Palace were involved in this undertaking. As one of the F4, it wouldn't be appropriate for him to be a loner.]

[Unexpectedly, the most immediate impression the Canglan Sword Sect gives you can be summed up in two words.]

【purely.】

All rules, daily routines, and conversations are inseparable from the sword; they are all based on the sword.

[You pass through the commercial district and arrive at the gate of the Canglan Sword Sect. Looking back, the Nulan River flows majestically like a jade dragon, and the Cangshan Mountain rises straight into the clouds before you.]

The ancient gate, inscribed with the four characters "Canglan Sword Sect," exudes a sharp and piercing aura with every stroke.

[Amidst towering ancient trees and lush foliage, a winding path of bluestone steps leads to a secluded spot.]

"You wish to climb a mountain?"

Beside the gatehouse stood a small pavilion; a young man, resembling a scholar, was perusing classic texts through an open second-floor window.

"That's certainly the intention."

The young man closed his book, turned his head to look at the book; his features were clear and handsome, his brows sharp and piercing, yet a hint of melancholy lingered in his eyes.

He pointed to the first floor: "There's a sword tablet inside. You can use it to strike the mountain with a sword strike that produces a metallic sound. Remember, you can only use the sword's energy."

"Thank you."

The young man waved casually and continued reading.

You enter the first floor of the attic; apart from a black stone tablet standing in the center, there is nothing else.

Recalling the young man's words, the sword's force, though delivered from afar, produced a sound as clear as metal and stone.

You possess the ultimate swordsmanship, the skill honed over ten years, and understand that achieving it is no easy feat.

[A sword strike, combining internal energy, produces a sound like tearing silk—the beginning of sword-fighting skill.]

Precise control and effortless execution result in masterful swordsmanship.

[Handling heavy tasks with ease, and light tasks with weight—this is the pinnacle of swordsmanship.]

To achieve a penetrating sword strike and attack from mid-air, one must reach the pinnacle of sword power.

No wonder they say climbing mountains is no easy feat.

But coincidentally, you happen to be at the pinnacle of sword energy.