Sword Enlightenment Root

Xu Shangran indeed value Su Bai.

It wasn't just about bringing fame to the Sword Academy; it was also about genuinely valuing Su Bai's innate Sword Dao Talent.

He had a clear intuition that although the two had very different Sword Dao styles, Su Bai's comprehension and keenness in Sword Dao were by no means inferior to his own back then, and in some aspects even more pure.

As long as this child doesn't go astray and works steadily, his future achievements will definitely be no less than his, and may even... surpass his.

Seeing that he had successfully appeased Xu Shangran, Su Bai breathed a slight sigh of relief.

This Academy Master may seem carefree and unrestrained, but he is actually very thoughtful and values the reputation and heritage of the Sword Academy highly. He also genuinely cares for me.

The overwhelming Sword Intent he had just unleashed was indeed chilling, but it also proved Xu Shangran valued him.

' The Academy Master is only at the Foundation Establishment Middle Stage, yet the sword aura he casually displayed just now was even more refined and sharp than that of the Foundation Establishment Venerable from the Biyou Palace that I sensed during my journey through the Blood River Secret Realm...'

Su Bai secretly pondered, gaining a new assessment of Xu Shangran's true strength.

'It seems the rumors are true; the Academy Master is indeed one of the top Combat Power in the Foundation Establishment Realm of our Jade Mist Sect.'

Such terrifying Sword Dao skills—just how Talent is he?

Once curiosity takes hold, it's hard to suppress.

Anyway, the Survey ability of [Immortal Talent Reflection] is just sitting around doing nothing, so it's perfect to use it now.

With a slight thought, a barely perceptible glint flashed in the depths of Su Bai's eyes as he quietly activated his Survey ability.

With their gazes focused on Xu Shangran, lines of writing visible only to Su Bai quickly appeared:

[Survey successful!]

[Name]: Xu Shangran

[Spirit Root Talent]: Dual Attribute Spirit Root (Metal-Water)

[Spell Talent]: Metal Attribute Spell Talent (Second Tier)

[Sword Dao Talent]: Sword Enlightenment Root (Yellow Tier)

PS: Sword Enlightenment Root: (Speed of practicing Sword Dao Divine Ability increases by 2000%, Power Increase of Sword Dao Divine Ability increases by 100%, and after practicing Sword Dao Divine Ability, wisdom has a chance to improve the Divine Ability. If the opportunity is right, Swordsmanship can be created).

"As expected, Dual Spirit Root... even Metal Attribute Law Technique has Second Tier Talent?"

Su Bai glanced at them and understood.

No wonder Xu Shangran was able to create such an exquisite Sword Art as "Dragon Roaming Sword Control Technique". In addition to his superb Sword Dao Talent, his profound understanding of metal-type Spiritual Power must have played a key role.

When his gaze fell upon the final phrase, "Sword Enlightenment Root," he was startled.

Yellow Tier! Another Yellow Tier Sword Dao Talent!

This was the second Yellow Tier Talent he had ever seen.

Upon closer inspection, the description of this Talent is quite different from his [Clear Heart Sword Intent].

[Clear Heart Sword Intent] leans towards combat intuition, danger prediction, and Sword Qi aura mastery, making it an unparalleled weapon in actual combat.

[Sword Enlightenment Root] is more like the Talent of a "creator" or "comprehender".

It greatly enhances the speed of understanding and learning Sword Dao Divine Ability, and even gives rise to the possibility of improving and creating new Swordsmanship.

One excels at "application," the other at "understanding" and "creation"...

Su Bai quickly compared them.

While the two overlap in "learning speed" and "power amplification," Talent stacking is not a simple addition; higher-level talents override lower-level ones. Therefore, Copy [Sword Enlightenment Root] provides limited improvement to his [Clear Heart Sword Intent] in actual combat.

For me, the most urgent task right now is to improve my Cultivation Realm. Copy Single Spirit Root is the best solution.

While the Academy Master possesses exceptional Talent, he requires a significant investment of time in studying sword principles and deducing Divine Ability, which somewhat conflicts with my current path of pursuing efficiency and rapid improvement in strength.

Besides, the Sword Academy is sparsely populated. The Academy Master possesses unparalleled Sword Dao Divine Ability. If he doesn't pass them on to me, his "precious child," who else could he pass them on to? Why should I go to such lengths? I might as well follow the Academy Master and learn all his existing skills.

After much deliberation, Su Bai made a decision: he would not Copy this Talent for the time being, but would save it for a more suitable time or need in the future.

After Su Bai "pledged his loyalty," Xu Shangran felt much more at ease and found the young man increasingly pleasing to the eye.

He patted Su Bai on the shoulder and asked, "The Inner Sect Grand Competition is in ten days. How are your preparations going? Are you confident?"

Su Bai cupped his hands in greeting, his tone calm. "Reporting to the Academy Master, this Disciple has recently successfully broken through to the Qi Refining Layer Eight."

"After several months of arduous training, both ' Dragon Roaming Sword Control Technique ' and ' Dragon's Roar Sword Heaven ' have reached a high level of mastery."

"In this competition, Disciple will give it my all and aim for the top spot!"

"Good! This is the spirit that Sword Academy Disciple should have!" Xu Shangran's eyes flashed with a sharp light, and he nodded in satisfaction.

He then added, "However, your previous infiltration of the Ice Court to 'spy on the enemy' wasn't entirely in vain. The Ice Court has been quite prosperous in recent years, so you need to be extra careful around Zhao Hanshuang."

"This child possesses exceptional Talent and temperament, and his Ice-Type Law Technique is both offensive and defensive, making him extremely difficult to deal with."

"Disciple understands and will handle it carefully." Su Bai nodded, but thought to himself: His Third Tier Ice Attribute Talent is already within me. At that time, it is still unknown who will be superior.

"Understanding alone is not enough; last-minute preparation can be just as effective, if not as efficient."

Xu Shangran changed the subject, his sleeves fluttering even without wind, "Come on, before the competition, I, the Academy Master, will personally give you some pointers and see just how far your 'Great Completion' skill really is!"

Before he finished speaking, without even making a hand Law Seals, the Spirit Sword that had been hovering beside him emitted a clear and melodious sound, soaring into the air like Soaring Dragon with an uncanny trajectory—it was none other than the starting stance of the "Dragon Roaming Sword Control Technique".

However, in Xu Shangran's hands, the swordplay lacked some of its deliberate effort and gained more of a natural, flowing rhythm, clearly indicating that he had reached a state of perfection.

This involves teaching while fighting, providing practical guidance!

Su Bai's spirits lifted; how could he miss such an opportunity?

With a quick thought, he drew his Azure Dragon Sword, transforming it into a streak of Azure Streak to meet the attack. He also used the "Dragon Roaming Sword Control Technique," his Sword Light light nimbly changing, though still somewhat immature, he had a deep understanding of its essence.

For a moment, above the Sword Academy, two flying swords resembled two intertwined dragons of light, sometimes chasing and racing, sometimes circling and intersecting.

Subtle, condensed Sword Qi shot out along the trajectory of the Sword Light, emitting soft hissing sounds, and shattered the flowing clouds in the sky.

This was not a life-or-death struggle, but rather a teaching-style "literary duel."

The two swords did not collide directly. After all, although the Azure Dragon Sword was Top-grade Magic Artifact, it would be like throwing an egg against a rock if it clashed head-on with the Spirit Artifact that Xu Shangran had cultivated with his life.

Xu Shangran controlled the power and trajectory of the Spirit Sword, constantly guiding, dismantling, and simulating various possible attacks and flying sword control problems.

Su Bai was completely focused, his Spiritual Sense firmly locking onto every change in the two flying swords.

Xu Shangran's Sword Control Technique has transcended the fixed moves recorded in the Jade Slip. Every turn and twist reveals a profound understanding of the Sword Dao. Every move he makes is a masterpiece.

Many of the variations that Su Bai found difficult or unexpected during his daily practice became clear after Xu Shangran's demonstration.

'So this is how the Spiritual Power circulation can be connected after the "Dragon Turns Its Head" move, making it not only faster but also containing a hidden three-tenths of its power...'

The concealed fluctuations of "Hidden Dragon Enters the Abyss" can even simulate interference through subtle tremors of Sword Qi, confusing the opponent's Spiritual Sense...

All sorts of exquisite details, like a gentle stream, flowed into Su Bai.

This is the "True Intention" personally imparted by the creator, far surpassing the cold words and images in the Jade Slip.

Su Bai absorbed the knowledge eagerly, subtly adjusting his Sword Art. The trajectory of the Azure Dragon Sword became increasingly smooth and fluid, subtly echoing and harmonizing with Xu Shangran's Spirit Sword.

The lesson lasted for nearly an hour.

Su Bai felt that his understanding of the "Dragon Roaming Sword Control Technique" had suddenly deepened, many obstacles were easily overcome, and the last trace of hesitation in the movement of the Sword Light quietly disappeared.

He had a strong premonition that, with just a little more time to mature, this technique would naturally reach perfection!

Sheathing his sword and standing still, Su Bai felt refreshed and his understanding of Sword Dao had deepened.

As the instructor, Xu Shangran felt an indescribable sense of satisfaction seeing Su Bai grasp concepts quickly, apply them to other situations, and even raise insightful questions.

Teaching Zhao Shanhe was like chiseling at a stubborn rock—laborious and tedious.

Teaching Su Bai, however, felt like discussing philosophy with a close friend, a truly enjoyable and fulfilling experience.

For a creator of a path, it is an immense pleasure to have one's many ingenious ideas and unique insights into Sword Dao quickly understood and even resonate with by the other party!

Art needs kindred spirits, Sword Dao of the sword also needs those who can understand its essence to carry it on.

"Hahaha, good! Excellent!"

Xu Shangran laughed heartily, looking at Su Bai, whose aura was becoming increasingly refined and whose eyes were clear, and he was more and more delighted.

He hesitated for a moment, then made a decision.

"Su Bai." Xu Shangran's expression turned serious, and his tone became solemn.

"Disciple is here."

"In the name of the Academy Master the Sword Academy, I hereby formally appoint you as the Sword Academy Chief Disciple, responsible for supervising the Sword Academy Disciple' cultivation, allocating resources, and representing the Sword Academy in all internal and external affairs."

"Are you willing?"

Becoming the Chief Disciple means a deeper connection with the Sword Academy, sharing both honor and disgrace.

There has never been a precedent in the Inner Sect Jade Mist Sect for someone to hold the Chief in both academies.

This is both a tremendous trust and a heavy responsibility.

Without any hesitation, Su Bai stepped forward, bowed deeply, and said in a clear and firm voice, "I am deeply grateful for the academy Academy Master's kindness. This Disciple, Su Bai, is willing!"

"Alright! I accept the order!" Xu Shangran smiled and took out a Jade Pendant from his pocket.

This Jade Pendant is similar in style to the one he wears at his waist, but its color is deeper, appearing as black. A small silver sword pattern in the middle is lifelike, seemingly about to emerge from the jade, exuding a unique and sharp aura.

This is the symbol of the Sword Academy Chief Disciple, which has never been granted to anyone else for many years. Today, it finally has Master.

Su Bai accepted the Jade Pendant with both hands.

The Jade Pendant felt warm and smooth to the touch, yet it subtly exuded the sharpness unique to swords.

From this moment on, he, Su Bai, is the Chief of the Jade Mist Sect Sword Academy!