Azure Mountain Sword Art

When the group arrived at the outer sect training grounds, a scattering of disciples had already gathered there. There were many outer sect disciples, and although the grounds were spacious, not everyone would attend. Those who came late could only stand in the back, where the effects of listening and observing would likely be diminished. Diligent disciples with an eager attitude always arrived early to secure places in the front rows; this had always been the rule for outer sect lectures. Among these disciples, some sat cross-legged alone in cultivation, while others chatted in groups of two or three, discussing their insights from recent days of training or simply talking about everything under the sun.

After Chen Fan and the others arrived, the other disciples gave them a few glances before ignoring them and continuing with their own business. They found a spot, sat down separately, and waited for the lecture to begin.

Before long, a graceful woman slowly approached from afar. She did not appear to take any actual steps; she merely raised her feet in turn and lightly tapped the ground several times with her toes before floating into the training grounds. Only when she drew near did everyone see that she was remarkably beautiful. She looked around twenty-five. Though she was not the sort of beauty who could topple a kingdom at first sight, her bearing was otherworldly, her skin whiter than snow, and her cold beauty utterly breathtaking. To those young disciples who had seen little of the world, she seemed no different from an immortal maiden. Some stared at her so blankly that they had fallen into a daze.

"It's Fairy Ye! Fairy Ye is actually teaching us today? This is wonderful!" Someone among the crowd recognized her.

Seeing Chen Fan's confusion, Murong Zhu leaned close and whispered, "That is Martial Aunt Ye Wan from Swordheart Hall in the inner court. She is one of the outstanding figures among the inner court's younger generation. She is not even twenty-five yet, so everyone is accustomed to calling her Fairy Ye. I heard that both her Internal Qi and External Force have reached the fourth realm, and even her Soaring technique is close to breaking through into the Mountain Ascending realm. Her talent is truly versatile in every respect. I never expected Fairy Ye to be teaching today. We are so lucky." As he spoke, he looked at Ye Wan with an excited expression.

Ordinarily, outer sect disciples were taught directly by outer sect stewards or elders. Teachers could also be sent from the inner court, but that was uncommon. It was clear that the sect thought highly of this batch of newly admitted disciples, hoping they would receive better instruction, increase their strength, and give more of them a chance to enter the inner court. At the same time, this was a way to show them the brilliance of the sect's outstanding young disciples and offer them an example to follow.

Ye Wan stood within the training grounds and swept her gaze around. The once-empty grounds had gradually filled with more than two hundred people. In truth, if not for the rumors that Fairy Ye would be coming, even half this number would have been impressive for an ordinary lecture. It seemed they had all come upon hearing her name, hoping to glimpse the fairy's grace. As for the many other outer sect disciples, they were not even on the mountain and would evidently miss this opportunity.

"The time is about right. Let today's lecture officially begin." Ye Wan's voice rang out. It was gentle, yet it reached every person's ears directly; clearly, it had been reinforced with Internal Qi. All the disciples began listening attentively, their eyes fixed on her without blinking. Whether or not they could understand the sword arts Fairy Ye taught hardly mattered. Her beauty was enough, and her voice was enough.

"...Swordcry Mountain is famed for its sword arts. Our sect has collected a vast number of sword art techniques, including some mid-grade and even high-grade methods. There are countless varieties of sword arts. Some emphasize movement techniques and skill, some favor breaking enemies through sheer force, while others focus on catching the enemy unprepared. Each technique has its own characteristics. Therefore, a person may cultivate several sword arts, continuously fuse them together, draw inferences from one instance to another, and evolve them into sword art divine abilities unique to themselves. This is why, the higher one cultivates, the more one's comprehension and talent are tested. If one's talent is insufficient, there will be rather limited room for advancement..." Ye Wan spoke in an unending stream from the martial stage, while those below listened with thoughtful expressions.

About an hour later, Ye Wan shifted the topic. "All right, that is enough explanation of theory. Next, I will teach you a set of sword arts. It is called the Azure Mountain Sword Art, a low-grade technique. Although its moves are simple, it is easy to master and suitable for those with weak foundations in swordsmanship or those who have just begun. Its power is not weak when used, and it is quite practical in battle. If you persist in cultivating it, you may even train your External Force to the third realm..."

The crowd was overjoyed. Each of them watched with rapt attention as Ye Wan explained the moves and demonstrated them. Many were seeing Fairy Ye wield a sword for the first time, and another wave of worship and infatuation swept through them. The Azure Mountain Sword Art contained only nine forms. After Ye Wan finished demonstrating them and withdrew her technique, she said, "You need not rush to master all nine forms at once. Today, practice only the first three. If you need a sword, you may take one from the weapon rack beside you."

After outer sect disciples entered the sect, the sect did not issue them swords or other weapons. There were simply too many outer sect disciples; giving every one of them a sword would cost too much. Moreover, those who practiced swordsmanship were extremely particular about the swords they used. Weight, length, thickness, sharpness, and other factors all had to be tailored to the characteristics of one's technique and one's casting habits in order to forge the sword best suited to oneself. Swordcry Mountain had several sword-forging rooms and encouraged disciples to forge their own swords, with swordsmiths available to assist them. Of course, ordinary outer sect disciples rarely used those rooms. First, the expense was considerable. Second, their strength had not yet reached the stage where they required a particular sword. Few in the outer sect could cultivate to the third realm. Most outer sect disciples from better-off households were already satisfied if they could buy a decent-quality sword on the market.

At this moment, most people drew swords from the scabbards at their waists. Some took iron practice swords from the nearby rack, though those could not be taken away. These were mostly newly admitted disciples; older disciples generally already had swords they were accustomed to using. Chen Fan recalled that he had left home in too much of a hurry to bring a sword. Besides, bringing out that shabby sword of his would only make him lose face. His swordsmanship was already low-grade enough. If even his sword was so battered, he would probably become a laughingstock again. Thus, he too took an iron sword from the side and returned to his original spot.

Ye Wan was in no hurry. Once all the disciples had returned to their places with swords in hand, each eager to try, she said, "Good. Now, follow what you understood earlier and attempt the moves. I will watch from the side and offer guidance. First form, Raise the Sword. Second form, Lift the Sword. Third form, Thrust the Sword..." The disciples began gesturing through the forms. Some of their movements looked fairly convincing. Chen Fan also practiced with meticulous seriousness.

Ye Wan turned her gaze toward the younger disciples. She had learned from the inner court that this batch of newly admitted disciples possessed greater talent than those of previous years, and there might be many among them with the potential to enter the inner court. She was also extremely responsible. Whenever she saw a disciple execute a move incorrectly, she patiently corrected them one by one. When she reached Chen Fan's side, she paused slightly, then narrowed her eyes and examined him closely. Chen Fan was completely focused on swinging his iron sword and executing his footwork. As he practiced, he recalled the formulas and demonstrated moves Fairy Ye had taught moments ago, wholly unaware that Ye Wan was watching him.

As Chen Fan performed the sword forms, a faint, indistinct ripple of vital energy surrounded his body. At this moment, he was using Internal Qi to reinforce his movements. Perhaps even he had not noticed; after all, he had practiced martial arts since childhood, and this was simply a state his body entered by instinct.

Ye Wan quietly sensed Chen Fan's swordsmanship from the side without making a sound to disturb him. After a moment, Chen Fan withdrew his technique, revealing a satisfied expression as though he felt he had understood it rather well.

"Although your movements in these three forms are basically correct, the transitions are extremely stiff. Have you never studied swordsmanship before?" Ye Wan suddenly asked. Nearby disciples heard her and looked over curiously. Only then did Chen Fan realize that Ye Wan was speaking to him.

"To be honest, Fairy Ye, the first time I used a sword was during the entrance examination." After saying this, he scratched his head awkwardly, looking rather embarrassed. A few more disciples gathered to watch, yet no one mocked him. After all, this batch of newly admitted disciples all possessed some degree of talent. Anyone selected by the sect must have something exceptional about them, and they assumed there had to be a reason. They merely did not understand why Fairy Ye had specifically singled this youth out.

Yet Ye Wan seemed unconcerned. She merely looked at him with mild curiosity and asked, "You are Chen Fan, correct?" The moment these words fell, everyone who heard them was shocked. Chen Fan himself was the most astonished of all. Fairy Ye actually knew his name?

"Do not be surprised. Senior Brother Liu told me. He was the chief examiner responsible for your batch of new disciples." Ye Wan explained.

So that was it. Chen Fan suddenly understood. That Steward Liu must have been a steward of Swordheart Hall, and he must have told Ye Wan about Chen Fan's circumstances.

Before Chen Fan could speak, Ye Wan continued, "Although your comprehension of sword arts is not particularly outstanding, your Internal Qi realm is sufficient for you to enter Swordheart Hall."

What did that mean!? By now, more than several dozen people had gathered around. Upon hearing this, every one of them was struck dumb with shock. Fairy Ye said he could enter the inner court? Had he not just entered the sect and been assigned to the outer sect? What exactly was his background? Huge question marks swirled through everyone's minds.

"Fairy Ye thinks too highly of me. This junior knows his cultivation is shallow. Being able to cultivate in the outer sect is already an immense stroke of fortune." Chen Fan humbly replied.

"You need not belittle yourself. With your talent, so long as you do not slacken in cultivation and waste your years away, there is a great chance that you will enter the inner court in two years." Ye Wan's tone was gentle. "Your Internal Qi should be nearing the bottleneck at the peak of the second realm, correct? To enter the third realm, aside from continuing your own bitter cultivation, it will be difficult to break through quickly without another's guidance or the aid of medicinal pills. How about this? If you encounter a bottleneck in the future and need help, you may come find me at Swordheart Hall." With that, she took out a reddish-brown token and tossed it to Chen Fan. He caught it and saw a sword carved upon it, with the character "Heart" engraved on its blade. This should be the token of a Swordheart Hall disciple.

Chen Fan was immensely excited. When he had learned that his so-called talent came entirely from the Golden Wheel Scripture, he had developed several worries about the inner court selection. Recently, he had also faintly felt that his internal cultivation had become nearly impossible to advance. It seemed this was the bottleneck Fairy Ye had mentioned. Whenever he had encountered bottlenecks in the past, his master had guided him. Now, however, he was completely without direction.

In truth, after Chen Fan entered the outer sect, he had not been wholly set on entering the inner court. His main purpose had been to find a place to stay, cultivate, and study that treasured record. Though he did not know exactly how much use it could be, he had felt compelled to fully comprehend it. Yet as his memories gradually returned, he felt the agony of Golden Wheel Temple's entire sect being wiped out. Thus, his resolve to enter the inner court grew even stronger. He wanted to increase his strength faster, and while pursuing the Great Dao, he had also taken upon himself the duty of avenging his sect.

"Thank you, Fairy Ye!" Chen Fan gave a deep bow and solemnly put away the token.

"You need not be so courteous. I am also merely doing my part for the sect. If you achieve something in the future, I hope you will not forget the sect's cultivation and guidance," Fairy Ye said.

Isn't that a little early to say? Chen Fan thought, but he still answered gravely, "This junior will certainly never forget the sect's kindness."

Fairy Ye nodded and said nothing further. Yet the people around them had already gone numb. What had just happened had completely exceeded the limits of their understanding. Murong Zhu and the few others who knew a little about Chen Fan, however, regained their calm after their initial shock, feeling that it was not entirely incomprehensible.

After that, Fairy Ye gave Chen Fan, Murong Zhu, and the other disciples further guidance in swordsmanship. Finally, they conducted several rounds of group practice. With everyone performing the same sword forms at once, the sight was quite impressive, and their movements became basically synchronized rather than so uneven. Fairy Ye then announced the end of the lesson, saying that next month she would teach the following three moves and would teach all nine moves over several sessions. Then she floated away. The disciples watched the fairy depart, reflected on what they had learned today, and suddenly felt bliss fill their hearts. How wonderful it would be if Fairy Ye taught every lesson from now on. Regardless of what happened later, though, this place would likely be packed next month. They had to come early then; many people shared the same thought.

By the time the swordsmanship lesson ended, the sun was already high in the sky. The disciples scattered like birds and beasts, each going about their own business. There would be an Internal Qi technique lesson in the afternoon, but Chen Fan politely declined Murong Zhu's invitation to attend together, saying that he was somewhat tired and needed rest. As for the Soaring course, the sect had not arranged one for today.

With his current understanding of Internal Qi techniques, there was not much point in attending low-level internal cultivation courses. Even if the lectures gave him some new insights, they would not help much in breaking through his bottleneck. Thus, Chen Fan turned around and headed back to his residence.