One Year

Within the Desolate Ancient City and the Sword Tower.

Xiao Chen suddenly opened his eyes. He had been cultivating in this Sword Tower for a year. He had completely mastered the Sword Intent derived from the True Essence of Sword Dao of the twelve sword soul seniors, and with the help of these Sword Intent, he had cultivated his own Sword Intent to the Great Perfection.

The twelve sword spirits sensed the change in Xiao Chen's aura and their eyes lit up.

The Pure Yang Sword Soul said, "Young man of the Xiao family, congratulations on entering the Dao Integration Realm."

Xiao Chen stood up and bowed to the twelve sword spirits before him, saying, "Thank you all for your guidance, seniors. I have benefited greatly from it, which has enabled me to cultivate my Sword Intent to perfection."

The Heaven-Breaking Sword Soul chuckled and said, "You don't need to flatter us old folks, kid. We've seen your strength and comprehension firsthand. You're arguably the most outstanding swordsman we've ever seen in this Sword Tower. Now that you've passed our test, you have two choices."

Xiao Chen asked, "Please speak, senior."

"First, you'll ascend to a higher level and witness the Sword Dao of the Sword Tower Spirit. Second, a few of us old guys will escort you out."

After the Heaven-Breaking Sword Soul finished speaking, all the sword souls present looked at Xiao Chen with expectant eyes, wanting to see what choice this young man would make.

Without hesitation, Xiao Chen said, "Esteemed seniors, this junior wishes to go upstairs to witness the Sword Dao of that senior."

The group of sword spirits seemed to have anticipated Xiao Chen's answer, and they exchanged smiles.

The Pure Yang Sword Soul said, "Alright, since you want to go up, we'll clear the way for you. But you'd better be prepared; that person's temperament is quite different from ours."

"Thank you for the reminder, senior."

As Xiao Chen spoke, a hint of anticipation appeared in his eyes.

Dao Light emanated from the twelve Dao Sword spirits, and then the stone steps leading to the seventh floor of the Sword Tower appeared before him.

Without a second thought, Xiao Chen walked toward the stone steps.

On Miaomiao Mountain.

Chu Feng was practicing swordsmanship with Bing Yan when a system notification sounded in his mind.

"Host's disciple Xiao Chen has broken through to the Dao Integration Realm, achieving Sword Intent Great Perfection. The host is rewarded with eighty years of cultivation and +8 to the True Essence of the Great Dao."

Upon hearing this voice, Chu Feng immediately sheathed his sword.

Seeing Chu Feng sheathe his sword, Bing Yan across from him looked puzzled. "My lord, what happened?"

Chu Feng smiled and said, "It's nothing, I was just thinking about Little Chen and how they are doing in the Desolate Ancient City."

Over the course of more than a year, he received messages from his other disciples about their breakthroughs.

Currently, Cao Youqian Spirit Nurturing Layer 7, Qin Qin is at level Spirit Nurturing Layer 5 Spirit Nurturing Layer 2, Wang Baole is at level 2 of the Divine Cultivation Realm, Ye Beixuan is at Spirit Nurturing Layer 1, Xu Caichen True Fate Ninth Layer, Han Ping True Fate Seventh Layer.

In addition, Fang Mu made some progress in cultivation, and the disciples added several hundred years to his cultivation, allowing him to cross the threshold of four thousand years. The only one who remained silent in the Desolate Ancient City was that little girl Chu Caiyi.

I have no idea what trouble she encountered.

Seeing a hint of worry in Chu Feng's eyes, Bing Yan comforted him, "My lord, there's no need to worry too much. Although there are many dangers in the Desolate Ancient City, with Uncle Mountain-Mover protecting you, and with the Sword Jade you bestowed upon them, they will definitely be safe."

Chu Feng nodded slightly. "You're right. I just miss them a bit because I haven't seen them in a long time. Alright, let's continue cultivating."

"Good!"

Bing Yan continued to swing her sword at Chu Feng.

In the royal court of the Desolate Ancient City, inside the underground palace of the imperial concubine.

Chu Caiyi had been in meditation for almost three months. Qin Qin, who was standing to the side, was a little anxious because Caiyi had not opened her eyes yet, but she did not dare to interrupt her junior sister's cultivation.

While protecting her junior sister in Caiyi, she also cultivated herself. In this underground palace, they discovered many rare treasures and Saint Rank and Divine Rank cultivation techniques.

One of the Divine Rank cultivation techniques, titled "Demon God Funeral March," captivated Qin Qin. These days, she had been studying this piece of music, believing that if she could grasp its true essence, her cultivation would surely reach a higher level.

Chu Caiyi, on the other hand, was constantly digesting the memory points in her mind. As she absorbed these memory points, she vaguely felt that she would soon be able to communicate with another Devil God.

Having successfully communicated with the Devil God last time, Chu Caiyi remained calm and waited for the right opportunity.

Inside the Ten Thousand Books Pavilion.

Xu Caichen finally finished reading all the books on the second floor. He vaguely felt that his Literary Intent had improved to a higher level and that he could step into the next realm at any time.

His gaze fell on the artifact spirit beside him, and he bowed, saying, "Senior, I have finished reading the books on the second floor and intend to go up to the next floor."

"So fast?"

The spirit was stunned for a moment. These days it had been studying the two articles written by Xu Caichen. After absorbing the Literary Qi of the two articles, its soul body had become stronger.

Xu Caichen said, "Yes, the Ten Thousand Books Pavilion contains a vast collection of books, from which I have benefited greatly. Therefore, I would like to take this opportunity to perfect my Literary Intent."

The spirit was envious. It stroked its conjured beard and said, "Alright, but you have to let me continue studying these two articles."

Xu Caichen smiled and said, "Of course, if you don't mind, senior, these two articles will be yours to handle."

"Such a good thing?"

The spirit realized its mistake as soon as it finished speaking, and an embarrassed but polite smile appeared on its face.

"What I mean is, this isn't quite right."

Xu Caichen's lips curled up slightly. "What's wrong with that? Senior is merely keeping these two articles safe for me."

The spirit instinctively gave a thumbs up. "Caichen, you're quite the scholar, aren't you? You must have charmed quite a few girls with your smooth talk, right?"

Xu Caichen said in a serious tone, "I am a very devoted person; I have only had two wives in my life."

???

The spirit looked at Xu Caichen with a puzzled expression, thinking to itself: You call this being devoted?

But then I thought about it again, and realized that all such geniuses have multiple wives and concubines, while this guy only has two, which is quite devoted.

"Hurry upstairs, you might find what you're looking for there."

Goodbye, senior.

As Xu Caichen spoke, he headed towards the third floor.

Inside the manor on the other side.

Wang Baole was tossing food in the kitchen, while Mushroom Head was starting a fire for him.

Outside the house, Han Paopao was cultivating the spiritual fields with Mandala.

Looking at Han Paopao, who was covered in sweat, Mandala subconsciously took out her embroidered handkerchief and wiped the sweat from his forehead.

Han Paopao didn't refuse and continued working. Seeing that Young Master Han hadn't rejected her, Mandala thought to herself: Young Master Han is indeed interested in me, but how can I subtly hint to him to bring it up with me?