"The sword essence is formed..."
Jiang Yang's face shone with uncontainable delight. A dark bird condensed from sword light chirped as it hopped onto his shoulder, spreading its wings, lively and utterly lifelike.
This [Autumn Response] sword essence possessed both the Transformation that answered the seasons and autumn's killing chill, combining wondrous subtlety with keen sharpness.
The Four Seasons Cloud's End Sword Canon truly lived up to its standing as an inherited Sword Canon. It embodied Xuan Guang's lifelong devotion, and the sword essence cultivated through it was first-rate indeed.
Jiang Yang hurried to share the good news with Bai Tang:
"Ah, Senior Bai, I did it!"
"I know. You... thank you for your hard work."
Bai Tang had been silently watching over him all along, and the instant he formed his sword essence, she had sensed it.
Intent on replenishing Bai Tang so she would no longer be so sleepy and weary, Jiang Yang quickly said:
"Now that I've succeeded, I can replenish what you've used up, Senior Bai. What should I do?"
"There's no hurry. Two gazes are resting on you, both at the Purple Mansion level. Let's wait until tonight."
Bai Tang spoke in an even tone. Now that the sword essence was within reach, she was no longer in a hurry.
"Hm? Purple Mansion cultivators are watching me..."
"One is presumably Master keeping an eye on me. Such a commotion on the mountain couldn't possibly escape him. But who could the other be?"
Jiang Yang's thoughts turned as he muttered inwardly.
Outwardly, however, he seemed entirely unaware, merely continuing to familiarize himself with his newly formed sword essence.
After a while, Jiang Yang put away his sword and returned to his cave abode, where he settled onto his meditation cushion, closed his eyes, and began regulating