Choosing to Break Through to Xiantian

"An'er." Yuchi Xue smiled as she looked at her eldest son.

"Mother," Ji An said obediently.

For Ji An, although his mother in this life was just a character in a storybook in his previous life, he could feel from the years they spent together that his mother had devoted almost all her attention to him and Ji Ning.

And this love will not change because of their talents.

The situation was the same before they showed their talent, and it remains the same now.

For her, the rise and fall of the Ji Clan was far less important than her son.

"The 108 Swords of Tiangang and Disha's that your father passed down to you a year ago are of little use to you now."

Yuchi Xue looked at Ji An.

"Hmm." Ji Yichuan nodded. "The '108 Swords of Tiangang and Disha' is the most complex sword technique. You'll be practicing it from simple to complex."

"After achieving 'Unity of Man and Sword,' the next step is to simplify the complex."

"The way to practice swordsmanship is to first progress from simple to complex, and then from complex to simple again, only then can one be considered to have mastered swordsmanship." Ji Yichuan looked at his sons and handed the "Guan Gang Di Sha 108 Swords" to Ji Ning. "Ning, now it's your turn to practice. If you don't understand something, you can ask me, or you can ask your brother for guidance."

Ji Ning took the cultivation manual and nodded.

Ji An nodded, agreeing to instruct Ji Ning and also agreeing with Ji Yichuan's assessment that the swordsmanship had improved.

"Next, you will need to embody the will of Heaven and Unity of Heaven and Man it," Ji Yichuan sighed. "This step is extremely difficult, though perhaps it won't be too difficult for me."

Even with Ji Yichuan's strictness, he had to admit that for his eldest son, Unity of Heaven and Man might only be a matter of a few years.

"The Unity of Heaven and Man," Ji An, "Is not far off."

"Your previous sword techniques are useless to you now." Ji Yichuan looked at his son. "Your current level is sufficient to cultivate the highest sword technique of the Ji Clan."

With a flick of his wrist, five books appeared in his palm, which were the five top sword techniques of the Ji Clan: "Myriad Swords Song", "Thunderfire Sword Fragment", "Illusory Demon Book", "Dripping Water Scripture", and "Big Dipper Secret Manual".

The books spun out and landed steadily on the long table in front of Ji An.

"My Ji Clan is renowned for its swordsmanship," Ji Yichuan said with emotion. "The city of the Ji clan's ancestral manor is even named 'Myriad Swords City' because my Ji Clan initially established itself and built this foundation based on the 'Myriad Swords Song'."

"An'er, you can't multitask like Ning'er, so it's better to choose one."

Ji An nodded.

He picked up the manuals on the table one by one.

Although it was mentioned in the original work, it was too long ago, and since it was the first time seeing it, I had to pretend.

The first thing to rule out is the "Dripping Water Scripture," even though it was the secret technique that his father, Ji Yichuan, used to make him famous for his Dripping Water Sword.

But for Ji An, defense is not the most important thing.

He also excluded the "Secret Techniques of the Big Dipper," as it was too balanced among the five major sword techniques, and being average often means being mediocre.

Strictly speaking, the "Illusory Demon Book" cannot be considered a sword technique, because as long as one comprehends the True Meaning of "Illusory Demons," one can also unleash Illusory Demon Saber Techniques, Illusory Demon Spear Technique and Illusory Demon Staff Techniques —a powerful and insidious secret technique of immortals and demons that uses illusion to conceal true methods. Enemies often die before they even see through it.

But for Ji An, this did not suit his personality. Practicing swordsmanship was also about training the mind. Only when the mind and the sword were in harmony could one truly achieve twice the result with half the effort.

"The foundation upon which the Ji Clan initially established itself." Ji An flipped through "The Myriad Swords Song."

The "Myriad Swords Song" is arguably the most complex of the five great sword techniques, even surpassing the "108 Swords of Tiangang and Disha" that Ji Ning once practiced. However, despite its complexity, if one truly comprehends it, the "Myriad Swords Song" can be refined into three major sword moves: "One Sword, Ten Thousand Shadows," "Ten Thousand Swords Gui Yi," and "Myriad Swords Song."

Although this sword technique was the foundation upon which the Ji Clan established itself, over the years, the other four sword techniques collected by the Ji Clan are no less formidable.

The "Thunderfire Sword Fragment" is a fragmentary scroll obtained by the Ji Clan ancestor from the endless land. Only the two characters "Thunderfire" can be identified, and three complete sword moves are preserved.

These three moves are all fierce attacks, with power like thunder and fire that surpasses all other sword techniques of the Ji Clan. Even with only a fragment, they are among the top five sword techniques. Once completed, they will surely far surpass the other four sword techniques.

However, its shortcomings are significant: the moves are not fluid and there is not a single defensive move, so few people choose to practice it.

"While the Myriad Swords Song' is good, for me, the most suitable sword techniques for cultivating the 'Crimsonbright Nine Heavens Diagram' are actually the 'Dripping Water Sword' and the 'Thunderfire Sword Fragment'."

Of the two books, he was most interested in "The Thunderfire Sword Fragment".

Don't be fooled by Ji An's desire to curry favor with the protagonist from the moment he was born. That's just a facade of his personality.

When he had the upper hand, he was actually a very aggressive person; otherwise, he wouldn't have failed his parachute jump and ended up crossing the river.

"Father, Mother." Ji An raised his head, his eyes firm and bright.

"Hmm?" Ji Yichuan Yuchi Xue immediately looked over. Ji Yichuan asked in a deep voice, "Have you made your choice?"

Ji An nodded and picked up the abridged version of "The Thunderfire Sword Fragment": "Yes, I choose this one, 'The Thunderfire Sword Fragment'."

"A fragment?" Yuchi Xue frowned slightly, somewhat worried. "An'er, although this 'Thunderfire Sword Fragment' is extremely powerful, its moves are incomplete and it only focuses on offense, not defense. It is extremely dangerous, and few members of our clan have ever chosen to master it."

With your talent, studying the "Dripping Water Scripture" or the "Myriad Swords Song" would be a more prudent and sustainable approach.

Ji Yichuan's gaze fell on the "Thunderfire Sword Fragment" in Ji An's hand. His famous ultimate skill was the "Dripping Water Scripture," in which he was well-versed in the continuous flow of water and the way of defense and counterattack. Although he had never practiced this sword technique that pursued the ultimate, he was not completely ignorant of it for his level.

He spoke slowly, his voice tinged with solemnity. "An'er, do you know how dangerous this sword technique is? All three moves are reckless killing moves. Once unleashed, it's all offense with no defense. This sword technique demands an extremely high level of composure and timing. The slightest carelessness will result in mutual destruction with the enemy."

Ji An met his father's gaze without flinching. He declared loudly, "Father, Mother, I understand the dangers involved. However, I cultivate the 'Crimsonbright Nine Heavens Diagram,' and am naturally drawn to the powers of water and fire. The intent contained in this 'Thunderfire Sword Fragment' resonates with my own desires. Of the myriad sword paths, I wish to choose the sharpest one! As for defense—my movement technique 'Wind Shadow Step' and my cultivation of the 'Crimsonbright Nine Heavens Diagram' can compensate to some extent."

Seeing the burning fighting spirit in his son's eyes, Ji Yichuan remained silent for a moment.

He understood Ji An's personality; seemingly calm, but actually harboring a ruthless and ambitious spirit. This choice, though unexpected, was in line with his nature.

More importantly, Ji An's swordsmanship talent is truly monstrous; perhaps—he can forge a different path?

"Alright!" Ji Yichuan finally nodded and said, "Since you've made up your mind, then practice it! The way of the sword must be in harmony with one's own heart. This 'Thunderfire Sword Fragment' is the most powerful of the five swords of my Ji Clan. With your talent, if you can also comprehend something of your own from it, your future will be limitless. Although I am not proficient in this art, I still have the level of understanding to guide you."

"Thank you, Father!" Ji An with certainty.

Ji Yichuan continued, "Tomorrow morning, I will give you the complete 'Thunderfire Sword Fragment.' You will practice it in front of me. As long as your posture and key points are correct, you can begin in-depth study. Three days later—"

He paused, his voice taking on a chilling, murderous hue. "Since you've chosen the most perilous path of swordsmanship, the trials must be ruthless. Three days from now, I'll arrange a cage battle for you. You will face demonic beasts at the Houtian Perfection Realm, their hunger and savagery fully unleashed. They will show no mercy. You must experience, on the edge of life and death, how to unleash the full power of your Thunderfire Sword! Remember, in the cage, only those who survive are the true champions!"

"A battle in a cage?" Yuchi Xue's face turned pale instantly. She gripped her husband's arm tightly. "Yi Chuan! An'er is only five years old! And he chose the most dangerous sword technique. Even those who received the best opportunities from the Ji Clan only had a 50% survival rate!"

"Mother, rest assured!" Ji An comforted his mother, his eyes showing no fear, but rather a burning fighting spirit. "I understand that on this land, strength is fundamental. Flowers in a greenhouse cannot withstand the storm. The glory of the Ji Clan was forged in blood and fire by countless ancestors!"

Seeing Ji An's composure and decisiveness far beyond his years, Yuchi Xue opened her mouth but didn't say anything more, only sighed.

Looking at Ji An, Ji Yichuan seemed to see a reflection of his younger self, but even more dazzling and more—sharp and edgy.

He said in a deep voice, "If that's the case, then make your decision."

Three years later, three years ago, Ji An chose the "Thunderfire Sword Fragment". What followed was a year-long cage battle. However, the cage battle that Ji Clan found so troublesome only lasted for a year before it was forced to end. It was not that Ji An was unwilling to continue, but that it was really difficult to find a Houtian demon beast that could put pressure on him.

After all, even Ji Yichuan hadn't expected that Ji An would break through to the Heaven and Man Unity Realm and Man realm in swordsmanship and footwork in the first year.

In order to further hone Ji An's skills and to conceal his true strength.

Ji Yichuan took action personally.

He suppressed his strength, speed, and reaction time to the level of perfect acquired Houtian, but his understanding of the sword was far superior to that of Ji An.

As for why it was only perfected Houtian, it's because Ji An, for some reason, also possessed exceptionally good talent in cultivating the "Crimsonbright Nine Heavens Diagram".

In just two years, Ji An had already reached the third level of the "Crimsonbright Nine Heavens Diagram," just one step away from breaking through to the Xiantian.

His younger brother, Ji Ning, is only at the second level of the "Crimsonbright Nine Heavens Diagram" yet, although Ji Ning's progress is already quite fast.

After three years, Ji An's understanding of the "Thunderfire Sword Fragment" had long since reached perfection.

More importantly, his mastery of the "Crimsonbright Nine Heavens Diagram" has been accumulating to the limit of the Houtian perfection through daily refinement, and he is only one step away from achieving it.

On this day, sword energy crisscrossed the courtyard.

Because of the "Crimsonbright Nine Heavens Diagram," although they are brothers, Ji An is already much taller than Ji Ning. As for his appearance, he is not much different from his previous life.

This is also what Buddhism calls "appearance arises from the mind." Ji An wielded an ordinary fine steel longsword, yet the sword moved with lightning speed and swift fire!

Even due to the harmony between Unity of Heaven and Man, Thunderfire occasionally flashed on the longsword.

Ji Yichuan, on the other side, was still dressed in simple white clothes. With each swing of his long sword, the light blue sword light was like smoke and mist, turning into a sword net that completely broke through Ji An's sword moves.

Although he had completely deciphered Ji An's sword moves, the turmoil in his heart never subsided.

His eldest son's progress far surpasses his own back then; in just a few years, he has already reached such a level.

Now, even ordinary Early Xiantian demonic beasts are no match for his eldest son.

"Boom!"

It was yet another earth-shattering collision.

Ji An moved with the sword, his entire being seemingly transforming into a crimson Thunder, the sword tip pointing directly at Ji Yichuan.

Just as their swords clashed, a look of sudden realization flashed in Ji An's eyes.

The Yin and Power of the Sun within his body, which had already reached their critical point, were completely activated at this moment by the Dao of "Yin-Yang collision and water-fire interaction" contained in the collision!

"Now is the time!"

A sudden surge of emotion welled up within him.

"Father, please wait a moment."

Amidst the shocked gazes of Ji Yichuan, Yuchi Xue, and Ji Ning, who was watching from the sidelines, Ji An suddenly sheathed his sword and stood still.

Without hesitation, he sat down cross-legged and closed his eyes.

"Lead!"

The Power of the Taiyin and Power of the Sun within his body instantly ignited like a powder keg!

"Whoosh--!"

The silvery -Power of the Taiyin of the moon and the crimson-gold Power of the Sun were no longer clearly distinct, but rather like two yin-yang fish drawn by an invisible force, using Ji An's body as their training ground, spinning and chasing each other.

This rotation is not random, but rather contains Ji An's understanding of the Dao.

As the rotation accelerated, the two forces, representing extreme yin and extreme yang, chased each other and finally underwent an incredible transformation.

A brand new crimson-gold divine power, the Crimsonbright divine power, was quietly born!

At this very moment--

"Boom!!"

Two distant and incomparably noble Stars— the Lunar Star and the Solar Star —seemed to sense the call of their bloodline descendants and simultaneously sent down a wisp of their primordial essence.

A trace of the utmost yin and cold Grand Yin True Water!

A wisp of Grand Yang True Fire!

These two strands of primordial power from the supreme Stars disregarded the barriers of Space-Time, traversed layers of worlds, and descended beside Ji An, who was sitting cross-legged.

Endless water and fire appeared out of nowhere; wherever the water passed, everything froze into ice sculptures, and wherever the fire passed, everything shattered and burned.

Meanwhile, in the rolling waves, the faint silhouette of the Moon Rabbit could be seen.

Deep within the endless flames, there was the phantom of a three-legged Golden Crow.

At the center of the Moon Rabbit and the Golden Crow lies Ji An!

The Golden Crow and the Moon Rabbit appear together!

Ji An, who was sitting cross-legged in the center, was undergoing a tremendous transformation inside his body.

Guided by the Crimsonbright divine power, and under the combined baptism of the two supreme primordial forces, the Grand Yin True Water and the Grand Yang True Fire, every tiny cell in his body was exploding and shattering! His old mortal body and impure bones were completely destroyed and purified.

Immediately, the cells, now even more perfect, rapidly regenerated under the nourishment of that supreme power!

Each newborn cell is crystal clear, as if it were forged from the fusion of the purest crystal and flame.

Within these cells, fine golden patterns flowed subtly, a complete manifestation of the Origin of Gold bestowed by the Gold Origin Fruit within the body of a god or demon.

Mortal form gone! Divine or demonic body formed!