Night lay deep, and the courtyard was still. Qin Yu had just finished cultivating and could still feel the lingering surge of Qi and Blood within him. Suddenly, the courtyard gate gave a soft creak, and a familiar figure pushed it open and entered.
"Deacon Zhang?" Qin Yu hurriedly rose and saluted.
Zhang Hao approached with his hands behind his back, his gaze steady as a mountain. He glanced at the boy and nodded. "Very good. You've truly entered the Mortal Fetus Realm, and your presence is steadier than yesterday. It seems these past few days of cultivation haven't been wasted."
With that, he waved a hand, and a longsword slowly appeared. Its blue-silver blade gleamed coldly in the moonlight, covered in intricate spiritual patterns. A pale blue spiritual pearl was set into its hilt, faintly pulsing with ripples of Spiritual Qi.
Sword light flashed, bathing the entire courtyard in a cool glow like water.
Zhang Hao placed the sword in Qin Yu's hands, his voice low and solemn. "This is the weapon I prepared for you-the Spirit Annihilation Sword."
Qin Yu froze, then carefully accepted it with both hands. The sword was light, yet held a steady strength. The moment he touched its hilt, a faint hum came from the spiritual pearl, vaguely resonating with his Spiritual Sense.
"How extraordinary..." Qin Yu's eyes filled with surprise.
Zhang Hao smiled faintly. "It can resonate with your Spiritual Sense and slightly increase your Spiritual Qi output. Its edge is exceptionally sharp when swung, and Spiritual Qi naturally clings to it. For you, it isn't merely a weapon, but a bridge to help you become familiar with Spiritual Qi."
He paused, his tone suddenly turning cold and stern. "Though Luo Chuan has reached Mortal Embryo Realm Greater Accomplishment, with this sword in hand, you have nothing to fear. What you need isn't timidity, but-to give everything you have to comprehending the sword art!"
Zhang Hao pointed, and a streak of spiritual light appeared in the air, turning into a scroll of sword instructions that slowly unfurled. Five forms were clearly written upon it: Spirit Light Slash, Light Spirit Step, Spirit Protection Screen, Spirit Wind Thrust, and Spirit Current Whirl.
"These are the Five Forms of the Spirit Annihilation Sword. They may seem simple, but they provide the best foundation in sword arts for cultivators of the Spirit Awakening Realm and Mortal Fetus Realm. Remember, you needn't reach for too much now. Master the first form, Spirit Light Slash, thoroughly, and it will be enough to make Luo Chuan take you seriously."
As Zhang Hao explained, the sword instructions manifested in the air one after another. Blue sword light cut through the night sky, Spiritual Qi formed a protective barrier, the sword tip unleashed a shock wave like a meteor, and finally, the spinning blade stirred spiritual currents into wind. It was as though everything were truly happening, reflected in Qin Yu's eyes and quickening his breath.
Qin Yu gripped the Spirit Annihilation Sword tightly, his gaze growing firmer. "Deacon Zhang, I won't let you down!"
Zhang Hao slowly nodded, his back straight as a mountain beneath the moonlight. "Go. Starting tonight, practice Spirit Light Slash over and over. Before the match, I want you to unleash the first form worthy of a true Phenomenon Spiritual Root!"
The courtyard was silent. The boy's youthful figure stood straight in the night wind, the Spirit Annihilation Sword in his hand and fire in his eyes.
This was the first time he had truly possessed a sword of his own.
It was also the first real step he had taken toward battle.
Moonlight flowed like water through the empty, silent courtyard.
Qin Yu sat cross-legged for a while, gradually sinking his awareness into his body to sense his newly born Qi and Blood and Spiritual Qi. The Spirit Annihilation Sword lay across his knees, its blade giving off a faint blue glow. Its spiritual pearl trembled slightly, as though answering the boy's breath.
He slowly stood and gripped the sword with both hands, his youthful face filled with nervousness and anticipation.
Spirit Light Slash... Deacon Zhang said it didn't need to be dazzling. Spiritual Qi and sword intent only needed to become one.
Qin Yu drew a deep breath, examined his Qi pathways inwardly, and guided Spiritual Qi into the sword strand by strand.
Like countless threads of light, Spiritual Qi surged along his meridians and flowed into the blade. Its spiritual patterns instantly lit up, and streams of blue light coursed along its spine as though coming alive.
The blade shuddered thunderously, and a clear sword cry rang throughout the courtyard.
"Hah!"
Qin Yu swung down with both hands, sword light slicing through the air!
In an instant, a three-meter-long blue Sword-Ray burst forth amid a rumbling wave of air. Like a meteor streaking through the night sky, it instantly shattered the stone platform at the front of the courtyard!
Boom!
Stone fragments flew. The lingering blue glow swirled through the air before scattering into points of starlight. Spiritual herbs swayed in the courtyard wind, as though trembling softly before that strike.
Qin Yu stood frozen, his arms trembling slightly from the remaining force and his chest heaving. The next instant, however, his eyes suddenly lit up.
I did it! This is... my first sword strike!
Beneath the night sky, the boy looked youthful yet stood tall. The Spirit Annihilation Sword still hummed softly, its blade shining blue as though answering the stars.
In the distance, several disciples saw the Sword-Ray through the spiritual light over the courtyard wall and could not help exclaiming softly, "Was that... the presence of a sword art? When did Qin Yu learn a sword art?"
Qin Yu paid them no attention. He simply held the Spirit Annihilation Sword tightly as his breathing steadied.
He murmured softly, his voice youthful but firm, "Luo Chuan, when we fight... I'll answer your contempt with this first sword strike."
The night wind howled and the stars shone. The boy's sword light cut through the darkness like a prelude to destiny.
In an outer sect courtyard on the other side, spiritual light lingered, but the atmosphere seemed restless and uneasy.
Luo Chuan sat cross-legged in the center of his stone room, Spiritual Qi surging wildly around him. Veins bulged on his forehead, his breathing was rapid, and his eyes were tightly shut, his face covered in cold sweat.
Why... why won't it work?!
He roared inwardly. The Spiritual Qi inside him battered his meridians madly, washing through them like a flood, yet it still could not condense into the breath of spiritual awakening.
Spiritual Qi circulated chaotically through Luo Chuan's meridians. What should have been a smooth cycle crashed in every direction like a broken river channel, continually lashing back at his flesh.
"Damn it! That trash Qin Yu... he's only been in the outer sect a few days, yet he can trigger phenomena in heaven and earth, while I... I've already reached Mortal Embryo Realm Greater Accomplishment, yet I can't even touch the threshold of the Spirit Awakening Realm! No, I absolutely cannot let Qin Yu ruin what Father entrusted to me. I already have full control over all the outer sect's current resources. The most critical step of the plan is almost here. I can't, absolutely can't let that brat ruin the plan I've spent so many years on."
The jealousy and resentment in Luo Chuan's heart became an inner demon, and his Spiritual Qi grew even more frenzied. Gritting his teeth desperately, he forcibly circulated his spiritual art, trying to force his way into the next realm.
"Break!"
In an instant, his Spiritual Qi reversed its flow. His meridians spasmed as though suddenly snapping, and excruciating pain shot straight into his chest. Luo Chuan's eyes flew open, a streak of crimson flashing in their depths, and he spat out a mouthful of blood!
"Pfft!"
The stone room shook, and the surrounding furnishings tumbled in all directions under the impact of Spiritual Qi.
Clutching his chest, Luo Chuan fell to his knees in a miserable state, his breathing disordered and his face deathly pale. His whole body trembled, as though the rampaging Spiritual Qi within him might tear him apart at any moment.
"Hah... hah... that was close... I almost suffered Qi Deviation!"
He clawed at the ground, his gaze sinister as he ground his teeth. "Qin Yu! If you obediently follow my orders, I'll let bygones be bygones. I might even recommend you to the Luo Family, where you can bend your back and exhaust yourself in our service. But if you intend to become a stumbling block in my plan, you will certainly die. I must complete Father's task perfectly, or I'll have failed the entire lineage. As for you... hmph."
Crimson light flickered in the depths of Luo Chuan's eyes on his contorted face. The phantom of an inner demon faintly emerged, like an evil ghost lying in wait.
At this moment, though Luo Chuan had preserved his life, he had unknowingly stepped onto the edge of danger.
Morning light rose through drifting mist. Golden radiance flowed over the towering mountain gate of Cloud-Leveling Hall, lending it a solemn grandeur. Following the crowd, Qin Yu slowly entered a magnificent building-the Cultivation Art Hall.
The hall soared into the clouds. Its stone pillars were carved with flying spiritual birds and ancient runes. Neat rows of Jade Slips floated along all four walls, shedding faint light onto the floor like a river of stars. Within every Jade Slip lay a sealed path of cultivation.
Qin Yu looked up, curiosity and awe flickering in his eyes. Holding the Spirit Annihilation Sword tightly, he silently considered:
Deacon Zhang gave me the Mystic Origin Body Tempering Art to establish my foundation, then taught me the Spirit Annihilation Sword Art. So far, I've only comprehended the first form, [Spirit Light Slash]. But Luo Chuan has reached Mortal Embryo Realm Greater Accomplishment, after all. A single sword strike might not be enough to hold my ground in the arena...
For Mother's hopes, and to establish myself in the outer sect... I must make this more certain!
Qin Yu stood alone in the Cultivation Art Hall, surrounded by Jade Slips flickering with spiritual light, like countless eyes watching him. Blue spiritual radiance shone upon his youthful face, revealing his resolve.
"Hm?"
Just then, a white-robed disciple who looked like a deacon approached. He paused slightly at the sight of Qin Yu, then nodded with a smile. "You're the boy who caused a stir in the outer sect yesterday, aren't you? An Anomalous Spiritual Root... heh, you really are different. Since you've come to the Cultivation Art Hall, feel free to choose. Each outer sect disciple may receive one mortal-grade cultivation method here to comprehend on their own."
Qin Yu hurriedly cupped his fist in salute. "Thank you for your guidance, senior brother."
The white-robed disciple said no more and turned to leave.
The boy drew a deep breath and stepped into the corridor of Jade Slips.
Before him, the inscriptions on the Jade Slips came into view one after another:
"Spirit Fire Palm": upper mortal grade. Formed palms from Spiritual Qi, with palm force blazing like fire, capable of burning stone and iron to pieces.
"Cloud Step Art": upper mortal grade. Used Spiritual Qi to enhance one's steps, making movements like the wind, their feints and true motions difficult to distinguish.
"Green Wood Body Protection": middle mortal grade. Condensed Spiritual Qi into wood-patterned armor with exceptionally strong defense.
"Water-Severing Sword Technique": upper mortal grade. Used sword intent like water, with Spiritual Qi circulating like surging waves to deliver unending slashes.
Qin Yu examined them one by one, his awareness wandering among them as he sensed their different presences. His heartbeat gradually quickened, yet his gaze grew increasingly resolute.
In this battle, I can't rely solely on the Spirit Annihilation Sword... I need to choose the cultivation method that suits me best and ensure victory!
Within the Cultivation Art Hall, Jade Slips shone brilliantly, the floating cultivation methods each giving off a different presence. Qin Yu walked past them, his gaze youthful yet focused.
Suddenly, he stopped.
An ancient Jade Slip floated in the most secluded corner. Unlike the others, it did not shine brilliantly. Instead, it gave off a dark, cold presence, as though sleeping quietly, yet brought an indescribable sense of pressure.
The three ancient seal-script characters engraved on the Jade Slip's surface flashed into view:
"Extinction Spirit Light Art."
In an instant, Qin Yu's heart clenched. The Spirit Annihilation Sword trembled faintly, and the spiritual pearl on its hilt actually resonated slightly, as though responding to this cultivation method.
He reached out and touched the Jade Slip.
The Jade Slip suddenly blazed with light. Its cold radiance cut through space like myriad sharp blades, and a streak of sword light burst from it, shooting straight toward the ceiling! The entire Cultivation Art Hall shook at once, as though heaven and earth trembled before this strike.
The disciples choosing cultivation methods nearby retreated one after another, their faces aghast. "What... cultivation method is that? How can it produce such a phenomenon?!"
The deacon elder guarding the hall abruptly rose, staring fixedly at the Jade Slip in Qin Yu's hands as towering waves of shock surged through his heart.
"It's actually the Extinction Spirit Light Art!" he murmured, his eyes revealing shock and disbelief. "Though this cultivation method is upper mortal grade, no one has mastered it. It requires exceptionally powerful Spiritual Sense and an absolutely solid foundation. Otherwise, Qi Deviation is inevitable!"
His gaze fell upon Qin Yu. The youthful boy's eyes were clear and resolute, his hands tightly gripping the Jade Slip as blue spiritual radiance shone upon his face.
"A Phenomenon Spiritual Root... the Spirit Annihilation Sword... a physique solidified by the Mystic Origin Body Tempering Art... could this child..."
The deacon elder's heart shook, and an excitement he had not felt in a long time rose within him.
"Perhaps he is the only person who can master the Extinction Spirit Light Art!"
The light of countless Jade Slips in the hall dimmed at once. Only the Jade Slip of the Extinction Spirit Light Art shone with dazzling radiance, illuminating the entire building. Qin Yu stood at the center of that light, the Jade Slip in his hands, his figure solitary yet steadfast.
Qin Yu raised his head, his gaze blazing, and murmured, "I'll choose this one."
His voice was quiet, yet it echoed through the Cultivation Art Hall like an oath, lingering for a long time.
Cradling the Jade Slip, Qin Yu slowly walked out of the Cultivation Art Hall. Morning mist filled the air outside, and golden sunlight pierced the clouds to fall upon the boy.
The Jade Slip in his arms trembled faintly, giving off cold spiritual light as though urging him to comprehend it quickly.
He remained silent along the way, barely speaking to anyone, but his steps were faster than usual, almost carrying a sense of urgency.
Before long, Qin Yu returned to the outer sect disciples' courtyard, pushed the door open, entered, and shut the hall doors tightly.
Inside, Qin Yu carefully placed the Jade Slip in the center of the stone table and drew a deep breath.
The instant both his hands touched the Jade Slip, an unfamiliar, vast intent suddenly flooded his mind.
Extinction Spirit Light Art... turn Spiritual Qi into light, turn light into a blade. With one annihilating strike, no radiance remains!
Within Qin Yu's sea of consciousness, the Jade Slip transformed into boundless sword light, cleaving through the pitch-black void and illuminating his entire sea of consciousness, so fierce it seemed capable of shredding his soul.
Qin Yu gave a muffled groan. Cold sweat instantly beaded on his forehead, and his hands trembled, but his gaze remained focused.
So powerful... this cultivation method is hundreds, thousands of times more overbearing than I imagined! It allows no delay, no hesitation, only one strike... if it fails, Spiritual Qi will lash back.
He gritted his teeth, steadied his breathing, and began rehearsing the Spiritual Qi circulation route in his mind over and over, following the cultivation method's instructions.
Spiritual Qi surged through his body like churning rivers, gradually gathering in his Dantian before being compressed little by little into his Sword Heart Acupoint.
He slowly drew the Spirit Annihilation Sword. Blue light flickered along its blade, subtly resonating with the circulation of Spiritual Qi within him.
"Whew..." Qin Yu exhaled softly, his youthful face filled with solemn concentration.
For his first attempt, he merely followed the mnemonic and compressed Spiritual Qi into the sword's edge. The blade suddenly shuddered, its blue light flickering erratically, only to abruptly collapse at the final moment. Spiritual Qi spilled in all directions, jolting his arm numb.
"That was close..." Cold sweat streamed down Qin Yu's forehead, and his chest heaved violently, yet there was not the slightest retreat in his eyes.
Deacon Zhang said one strike would suffice... then let me prove myself in the arena with this annihilating sword strike!
Qin Yu sat cross-legged with his sword laid across his knees, the Jade Slip's light shining upon his youthful yet resolute face. Outside the window, the night deepened and starlight poured down. His figure grew ever more steadfast in the faint light.
This was Qin Yu's night of cultivation.
The stone room was utterly silent, save for the boy's rapid breathing.
Qin Yu sat cross-legged, the Spirit Annihilation Sword across his legs. The Jade Slip floated quietly before him, its blue light gently pulsing.
Extinction Spirit Light Art... turn Spiritual Qi into light, turn light into a blade. With one annihilating strike, no radiance remains.
He silently recited the mnemonic, slowly guiding his Spiritual Qi. It surged through him like rivers, gathering in his Dantian before being forcibly compressed and flowing along his meridians toward the Sword Heart Acupoint.
The pale blue spiritual pearl on the hilt suddenly lit up, and all the spiritual patterns on the blade flashed together!
Qin Yu gave a low shout and abruptly swung his sword.
A burst of blue light erupted from the edge, only to collapse half an inch away. Spiritual Qi turned into a gale, making the stone room's walls tremble faintly.
"Cough!"
A sweet taste rose in Qin Yu's throat, and he nearly coughed up blood. He wiped the sweat from the corner of his mouth, his breathing rapid, but his eyes remained clear.
Not enough... my control is too crude. This cultivation method requires utmost concentration, not a forced eruption. Again!
He closed his eyes, steadied his mind, and circulated his Spiritual Qi again.
On the second attempt, the sword light scattered before it could even condense. The blade grew hot, nearly slipping from his grasp.
On the third attempt, a thin glimmer lit the edge, but it was less than an inch long and immediately went out.
Qin Yu's breathing was ragged, his clothes soaked with sweat, and his arm trembled slightly from the repeated shocks. Yet his gaze remained fiery, fixed tightly upon the sword in his hand.
I can't stop... even if I fail a hundred times, I must succeed once!
He drew a deep breath and stirred his Spiritual Qi once more.
This time, he slowed down. Rather than pursuing an eruption blindly, he carefully pressed Spiritual Qi into the edge strand by strand, as though spinning silk.
The Spirit Annihilation Sword hummed and trembled. Its spiritual patterns gradually lit up, and a blue-white glow condensed along its edge like a fine thread of spiritual light.
"I did it!" Qin Yu's eyes lit up, and he abruptly swung his sword.
In an instant, a streak of blue light as fine as gossamer cut through space. Though only a little over a foot long, it carried an exceptionally sharp presence, instantly leaving a deep sword mark in the stone room's floor!
Qin Yu froze, then reached out to touch the sword mark lightly, a chill spreading through his fingertips.
Then a blazing light shone in his eyes, and a resolute smile appeared on his youthful face.
Though it's only a rudimentary form... this is my first ray of annihilating spiritual light!
He slowly sheathed his sword. His breathing was rapid, but his mind was exceptionally clear. He looked toward the night sky outside the window, an unprecedented conviction burning in his eyes.
Luo Chuan, this sword strike... I'll use it to defeat you utterly in the arena.
Several days passed in a flash, and intense Spiritual Qi fluctuations now filled the room.
Qin Yu sat cross-legged, the Spirit Annihilation Sword laid across his knees. Sweat dripped from his forehead, but his focused gaze burned like a torch. He slowly guided Spiritual Qi from his Dantian, skillfully compressing and gathering it according to the mnemonic before feeding it into the sword's edge.
The blade's spiritual patterns lit up in response. Blue light flowed along its spine like running water, gradually condensing into a sharp line of light.
"Hah!"
Qin Yu suddenly rose, gripped the sword with both hands, and slashed down hard.
A blue-white streak of sword light suddenly erupted, three feet long and displaying its full sharpness. The air exploded wherever it passed. A deep fissure was cut into the stone room's floor, sending fragments flying, and the lingering Spiritual Qi made all four walls tremble faintly.
Qin Yu stood where he was, his chest heaving and his arms trembling slightly, yet an unprecedented smile appeared on his face.
"Finally... I can keep it stable."
Over the next few days, he practiced repeatedly. Each strike was faster and steadier than the last. Though the sword light remained brief, its sharpness was already unstoppable.
Once, he tried compressing his Spiritual Qi to the utmost before abruptly releasing it. The blue light on the sword's edge instantly surged, extending a full five feet. The slash roared like thunder, shaking the entire stone room.
"Whew..." Qin Yu slowly sheathed his sword and let out a long breath of turbid air, fierce fighting spirit blazing in his eyes.
Though this sword light can't last, as long as I seize the right moment, it will be enough to decide the match with a single strike!
Morning light spilled through the window onto the Spirit Annihilation Sword. The blade's blue radiance intertwined with the sunlight, reflecting a dazzling brilliance.