After reducing ten years of Tian Sui, it was indeed true that the three paths would influence each other.
Gu Wen estimated that if any one of the three swords—Buddhism, Daoism, or Demon—was cultivated to the first level, it would reduce Tian Sui by five years.
This roughly meant a ten percent reduction in difficulty, and synchronously cultivating the three swords could accumulate to a thirty percent reduction.
Tian Sui was reduced based on one's actual situation; following a step-by-step approach to cultivate the three swords should yield similar effects.
The three swords could be cultivated to the Great Completion stage, and even beyond that, representing the world's top-tier sword techniques.
They were not only a trinity but could also be practiced together to reduce the required time.
One must understand that offensive means were akin to a mortal wielding a weapon; everyone was equipped with dual weapons, each providing a one-time power boost.
The weapon held in one hand would not become stronger simply because another weapon was held in the other hand; the higher the level of the technique, the more pronounced this was.
However, when everyone was limited in their offensive capabilities, suddenly having three techniques that could be combined was akin to transforming a six-god formation into an eight-god formation.
No wonder Xiao Yunyi was so obsessed; no sword cultivator could resist its allure.
The True Understanding of the Sword, the First Sword of Heaven and Earth, was an offensive means that transcended common sense to the utmost extreme.
But what was the cost?
An extremely long time investment; any one of the three swords—Buddhism, Daoism, or Demon—was sufficient to reach the heavens, and countless people spent their entire lives without even reaching halfway.
Yet the requirement for the True Understanding of the Sword was to thoroughly comprehend all three top-tier sword techniques, which was no less than demanding a person to achieve the Great Completion stage three times.
But Tian Sui was least afraid of comprehension; it was least lacking in time.
In the face of fate, time was like a clock that could be adjusted; as long as there was enough Tian Sui, Gu Wen could refine the True Understanding of the Sword in a very short time.
Moreover, practicing all three together could save a lot of Tian Sui.
Perhaps when reaching the Dharma Aspect stage, one hundred sixty years of Tian Sui could be allocated to enhance the Buddhism and Demon swords, and then return to practice the discounted Jade Sword Dharma Aspect.
Techniques like the True Understanding of the Sword, which were time-consuming and labor-intensive, were simply a natural match for Tian Sui.
Whether for short-term gains or long-term planning, the True Understanding of the Sword was undoubtedly the most suitable.
Afterward, Gu Wen spent five days refining the medicinal power and another five days stabilizing his cultivation, taking a total of twenty days to emerge from his meditation.
He opened his eyes, and a glimmer of the Jade Clear Sword God flashed in his gaze, with his Dao foundation aura increasing once more.
[Jade Clear Sword Technique, Sixth Level Sword God, Sword Intent Transforms into God, Heart Unmoved but Sword Moves]
The Heart Sword became even more resilient, its power reaching eighty percent of the Zhaolie Dharma Aspect, while the true effect was the transformation of Sword Intent into God.
The second level of the Jade Clear Sword Technique was Sword Control, which specifically allowed the Heart Sword to grasp objects and then cooperate with the subsequent condensation of the Jade Sword, effectively functioning as a flying sword.
However, due to its excessive mental strain in practical use, it was not as effective as focusing on the Zhaolie Spear and Dharma Aspect.
The role of the Sword God was similar to that of a Spirit Aspect, allowing the sword to move on its own, achieving an automatic attack effect.
Thoughts, Intent, Spirit Aspect, Dharma Aspect, and so on—all were aimed at enhancing the power of the Dao techniques and making them more intuitive to use.
Gu Wen opened his eyes; it was still the clear morning in Luodu, and the sounds of dueling were still echoing everywhere.
Although there had yet to be any large-scale mortal deaths caused by cultivators' duels, he certainly did not enjoy being a mortal in such an environment.
Above were celestial beings fighting, in the middle were heavy taxes, and below were local ruffians and beasts.
With a thought, a strand of the Jade Sword soared from his fingertips, tumbling in the air. “At least it feels more like cultivating immortality than a spear.” Gu Wen wanted to experience the thrill of using a flying sword to take a head, but even someone weaker than him, like He Huan, could not be killed in one strike.
Dueling at the same level was more about pressure; victory or defeat could be determined in an instant, but life and death could not.
Others could choose to flee and use various tricks; the advantage of close combat lay in the possibility of pursuit, while the opposite left no room for escape.
With another thought, the Jade Sword flew into the adjacent room.
Yu Hua was momentarily stunned upon seeing the Jade Sword, then reached out to gently grasp it.
Gu Wen felt as if his ear was being tugged, a slight pain coursing through him, but no matter what, he could not retract the Jade Sword.
He had no choice but to go to the next room, where Yu Hua, holding the small Jade Sword, looked at him with a smile and said, “Have you already refined the Jade Clear Sword God?”
Gu Wen humbly replied, “It was a stroke of luck to break through.”
Yu Hua was already accustomed to this; she did not delve deeper and said, “Those with divine intent are merely extensions of a cultivator's spirit, usually entering a specific object and cannot extend directly. Otherwise, it would become like this.”
As she spoke, she gently rubbed the Jade Sword with her fingertip, and Gu Wen felt a tingling sensation on his skin. “Thus, you can only sever this strand of divine intent to prevent the other party from using some secret method to harm your spirit.”
“Thank you for the guidance.”
Gu Wen took back the Jade Sword, and Yu Hua continued as if sharing daily news, “I see you seem to really enjoy Sword Control; you were grinning from ear to ear just now.”
“A cultivator takes the sword as their lord; I naturally cannot be an exception.”
Gu Wen scratched his head; since he was already cultivating immortality, he naturally had to embody the sentiment of ‘In the deep night, the crane pierces the autumn sky, a thousand miles of west wind, one sword cold.’
However, in reality, most cultivators preferred to use Dharma Aspects, valuing the height of the Dharma Aspect.
When they fought, it was as if two colossal gods were clashing.
Flying swords, on the other hand, seemed somewhat like a minor path—high consumption, easy to get injured, and useless at the same level.
He asked, “Is there a method in the world to take a head from a thousand miles away with a flying sword?”
Yu Hua pondered for a moment and replied, “There is a sect in the Daoist school called the Sword Control Sect; they focus on Sword Control and forge sword boxes to house countless spirit swords. Although they practice swordsmanship, the emphasis is on the control of qi.”
“In the future, we can pay a visit and have them help you forge a sword box. I remember that the Sword Sovereign also used Sword Control in battle; perhaps the combined sword intent after merging the three swords would be more suitable for Sword Control.”
——
At noon, Gu Wen walked down from the inn, intending to fetch some spirit wine to replenish his Tian Sui.
Just as he descended the stairs, he heard a commotion below.
A young girl was carrying a sword box larger than herself, her appearance beautiful and charming, continuously banging on the table.
“What do you mean it’s all sold out? Do you know I traveled such a long way just for a sip of the True Lord's spirit wine? If I don’t get some top-quality Tongmai wine, I’m going to die!”
The Wine True Lord looked helpless but could only shake his head repeatedly.
This scene undoubtedly drew more attention to the sword box girl.
The Wine True Lord was at least a True Lord, and his strength was not low.
For most geniuses, it was uncertain whether they could reach the height of the Wine True Lord in the future, and it was even less likely they could surpass him now.
On the contrary, this girl was at least in the top ten of the Earth Rankings.
Gu Wen watched from the side.
The Wine True Lord noticed him and transmitted a message, “Young Master Gu, this is Chi Yunzi, the third on the Earth Ranking, hailing from the Sword Control Sect. This person is a heavy drinker; if she finds out you bought all the spirit wine, she will definitely cause you trouble.”
He could not afford to offend someone ranked third on the Earth Ranking, and Gu Wen did not want to ruin this relationship.
‘What a coincidence.’
Gu Wen looked at the sword box girl, and suddenly she seemed to sense his gaze.
The two locked eyes, and a glimmer of sword light flashed in each of their eyes.
Sword Dao Dharma Aspect, Dao Foundation at the Sixth Level, Fifth Level Perfection.
Chi Yunzi tilted her head in confusion and said, “I don’t think I’ve seen you before, the one who has cultivated the Jade Clear Sword God.”
“I am Gu Wen.”
“Oh! I know you; you’re the genius who cut the True Lord with the Fourth Level Dao Foundation?”
Chi Yunzi suddenly realized, then walked around Gu Wen, her eyes filled with curiosity. “I also heard that you fought to a standstill with Xiao Yunyi, but I see your sword intent doesn’t seem particularly strong. Could it be that Xiao Yunyi has weakened to such an extent that he is even inferior to you?”
Upon hearing this, the Wine True Lord felt something was off, worried that the two might end up fighting.
This first genius of the Sword Control Sect was indeed as arrogant and unruly as rumored; a mere girl loved to drink and kill, with countless lives under her hands.
Gu Wen was also a complete madman; when the two met, a fight was inevitable.
However, Gu Wen showed no signs of anger or embarrassment.
Instead, he slightly cupped his hands and said, “My swordsmanship is too clumsy to enter your eyes; I just wonder if I could ask you for some guidance?”
“You want to ask me?”
Chi Yunzi was somewhat surprised, pointing at herself.
This was the first time a peer genius wanted to seek her guidance on swordsmanship.
“Of course.” Gu Wen nodded calmly, not caring about the gazes of those around him.
“You really are a strange person.”
Chi Yunzi scratched her short hair, then asked, “Do you have any wine? If you have wine, I’ll teach you.”
“Of course.”
Gu Wen obtained two jars of top-quality Tongmai wine from the Wine True Lord.
Chi Yunzi’s eyes lit up, and she hugged a jar, drinking it down in gulps.
The two then found a place on the first floor and began drinking jar after jar, the wine jars piling up around them.
As more wine went down, Gu Wen and Chi Yunzi’s conversation grew more enthusiastic.
Chi Yunzi hadn’t met someone she could talk to so easily in a long time; he understood wine, understood swords, and spoke well.
Her beautiful face flushed, and she grinned widely, patting her flat chest and saying, “Hehe, my friend in the mortal world, we truly hit it off at first sight; it’s a pity we didn’t meet sooner!”
This was naturally Gu Wen’s intention; as a former merchant, he had never been weak in social skills.
These geniuses were, after all, human; when they spoke to each other with pride, it was easy for their words to become sharp.
As a ‘close friend,’ he spoke in accordance with her, affirming her views—how could they not ‘hit it off at first sight’?
The other nameless geniuses on the first floor began to stir, wanting to approach and make acquaintances.
They all recognized Chi Yunzi, the Holy Maiden of the Sword Control Sect, the third on the Earth Ranking, who once commanded thousands of spirit swords alone.
If Yu Hua were not present, she would be the foremost figure in the Daoist school today.
“Ladies, I also enjoy wine; may I join you?”
A handsome young man with a high ponytail and a sharp appearance approached.
Gu Wen paused, smiling without speaking.
Geniuses always attracted each other; they were like black holes, drawing everyone in, with the geniuses being the stars surrounding the moon.
However, every genius was very proud and full of vigor.
Although it was just a brief conversation, he could sense that this Holy Maiden of the Sword Control Sect was very proud.
She was easy to talk to because of his status and also because of his Sixth Level of the Jade Clear Sword Technique, which was only one level away from her Dharma Aspect.
He glanced at Chi Yunzi, only to hear a strand of sword sound resonate.
Chi Yunzi, half-drunk, raised her head and finished a large bowl of wine before glancing at him, saying, “You want to drink with me?”
“Of course, I am ranked twentieth on the Earth Ranking.”
Before he could finish his sentence, Chi Yunzi interrupted, “Take one of my swords, or roll aside; do you think you’re worthy to drink with me without even reaching the Sword God realm?”
The young genius who claimed to be twentieth on the Earth Ranking turned pale, his face alternating between blue and red.
How could he endure such humiliation? Gritting his teeth, he said, “Please, I ask for your guidance.”
Clang!
A spirit sword flew out from the box, aiming directly for his head.
The young man’s expression changed drastically as he retreated, flying out of the inn, but in that instant, the spirit sword was already pressed against his throat.
In just a breath, victory and defeat were determined, yet life and death remained undecided.
The young genius’s face stiffened, not daring to move an inch, his eyes filled with disbelief.
After a drop of blood was pricked from the spirit sword, he bitterly said, “I concede.”
Whoosh!
The spirit sword flew back into the sword box, and Gu Wen glimpsed the interior, which was filled with countless spirit swords.
Chi Yunzi laughed and said, “How is it?”
“Your swordsmanship is above mine.”
Gu Wen replied sincerely; this was also his main purpose.
Seeking guidance from those stronger than himself sometimes yielded more than searching for Tian Sui.
Afterward, it was unclear whether it was due to drunkenness or her nature, but Chi Yunzi honestly said, “Your sword is indeed lacking; although the level is decent, it ultimately falls short.”
“How is it considered falling short?”
“Falling short is falling short; there’s no reason.”
Chi Yunzi revealed a drunken and silly smile, then flicked her fingertip, causing another spirit sword to fly out, spiraling around Gu Wen.
The spirit sword and Sword God fused; the subtlety of this was hard to perceive during combat, yet at this moment, it was not a duel.
Chi Yunzi deliberately slowed the flying sword, allowing Gu Wen to see the intricacies within.
The Sword God was like iron, wielding the spirit sword.
This was a rare opportunity, both a reward for Gu Wen’s humble request for guidance and a sign of Chi Yunzi’s respect for him.
It was easy to make acquaintances with the mediocre, but what did it matter if one was strong enough to be ranked twentieth on the Earth Ranking? Compared to Chi Yunzi, he was not as good as her flying sword.
But someone like Gu Wen, a genius, was the first to come and seek her guidance.
With each breath, Gu Wen’s Jade Clear Sword Technique advanced further.
He slightly cupped his hands and said, “Thank you, friend.”
“Your ability to comprehend is your own skill; it also counts as a reward for the spirit wine you provided.” Chi Yunzi waved her hand, then shifted the topic, saying, “But this cannot compare to Tianquan Mountain; your sword is still not strong enough.”
“How strong does it need to be?”
“To defeat me is to be strong, but is that possible? I’ve had enough drinking for today; I should go handle my business.”
Chi Yunzi picked up a jar of wine and left, while Gu Wen saw her off for a hundred meters.
Returning to the inn, the Wine True Lord advised, “You’d better not interact too much with these geniuses; each one is proud to the bone. You haven’t grown yet; too much contact will only hurt your spirit.”
In his view, Gu Wen had no need for this; perhaps seeking guidance from others could yield some gains, but one’s spirit was more important.
Even if learning, one could wait until they fought and observe from the sidelines; why bother putting oneself out there?
Gu Wen maintained a calm expression and said, “What she said is quite right; I indeed am not as good as her.”
Yet the last sentence was not quite right; he was certainly stronger than her, and he should not be far from it.
[Jade Sword Dharma Aspect requires one hundred sixty years of Tian Sui to complete]
[To gain insight into the True Intent of Sword Control requires one hundred forty years of Tian Sui to complete.]
Just from one guidance, he had reduced twenty years of Tian Sui, and the distance to the Dharma Aspect was closing in quickly, while also saving more Tian Sui to refine the Buddhism and Demon swords.
Sixth Level Dao Foundation, Buddhism Sword Dharma Aspect, the first among peers, Jade Sword Buddha.
Seventh Level Dao Foundation, heir of the Demon Sect, a body of countless transformations, Jun Yan.
Sixth Level Dao Foundation, Sword Dao Dharma Aspect, thousands of spirit swords, Chi Yunzi.
I will undoubtedly surpass these people; they are merely stepping stones on my path of cultivation.
Gu Wen was so certain and had never doubted.
His ambitions had never changed, and his spirit had never weakened due to seeking guidance; on the contrary, the more geniuses there were, the higher and further he would go.
Boom!
A loud noise came from outside, and Gu Wen turned to see Chi Yunzi standing in mid-air, one hand holding a wine jug, the other forming a sword seal.
The sword box opened, and countless spirit swords flew in the air.
“Xiao Yunyi, come out and take a beating!”
A slightly drunken voice rang out, and then a figure in white, Xiao Yunyi, soared into the air.
The two seemed to exchange a few words before they began to fight in an instant.
Countless spirit swords fell like rain, and the Liu Tree Dharma Aspect instantly vanished.
Xiao Yunyi fell from the sky.
——
By the banks of the Luo River, Xiao Yunyi fell into the mud, half of his body soiled.
The sword box girl stepped on thousands of spirit swords, hovering ten zhang above him, her expression slightly tipsy, burping, looking down at this once-renowned first genius of the world.
“You are very weak, weak to the point that I can hardly imagine; you can’t even withstand my hundred swords. If I had used a thousand swords, wouldn’t your head have fallen?”
“If you want to divide life and death, I can accompany you.”
Xiao Yunyi got up from the ground, a Dao soldier appearing in his hand, the sword named Lingxiao.
The sword body resembled a long rainbow, the sword hilt like a cloud, slightly infusing spiritual power, the sword ringing shaking the nine heavens, countless white clouds falling like curtains.
“Puhahaha! Do you really think that holding a broken Dao soldier can compare to me?”
The sword box girl showed no fear; instead, she laughed heartily.
As her laughter ceased, three beams of red, yellow, and blue sword light shot out.
Dao soldier Chi Yu, Dao soldier Huang Tian, Dao soldier Zhan Yuan.
The three Dao soldiers slowly spread behind Chi Yunzi, and thousands of spirit swords formed a sword that pierced the heavens.
“Xiao Yunyi, I come today at the invitation of Broken Sword Mountain to crush your sword heart.”
Xiao Yunyi stood coldly and asked, “Why?”
“Because you are unworthy; you are unworthy to practice the True Understanding of the Sword.”
Chi Yunzi spoke with a mix of disdain and advice, then waved her hand, suddenly pressing down, the sword that pierced the heavens descending.
Xiao Yunyi swung out a hundred zhang of sword light; his sword light possessed the tranquility of the Daoist school, the vastness of the Buddhist school, and the strength of the Demon school.
The three teachings merged, the three swords combined, forming the True Understanding of the Sword.
Bang!
The two collided; the sword that pierced the heavens surpassed the True Understanding of the Sword, an endless sword seemingly falling, finally stopping just above Xiao Yunyi’s three-inch Tianling cap.
“You lost; now put down the Buddhism, Daoism, and Demon swords, and return to the methods of Broken Sword Mountain.”
“Please, cut me down.”
Xiao Yunyi knelt on the ground, offering the Dao sword with both hands, mud and humiliation soaking this once-praised first sword cultivator of the younger generation.
The Daoist heavenly maiden was special, not counted among the strengths and weaknesses of the younger generation.
Yet Xiao Yunyi was recognized as the first by most; even the Three Pure Ones had once lost to him half a move.
Chi Yunzi’s eyes were filled with confusion and anger as she raised her hand and slapped him across the face, scolding, “You truly are possessed; do you think you are the reincarnation of the Sword Sovereign? Has anyone achieved the True Understanding of the Sword in the past eight thousand years? Do you think you are special?”
“Now stand up; I will only use one Dao sword to fight you; I want you to see how pathetic you are now!”
Xiao Yunyi still kept his head down; he feared losing his last obsession.
If he lost in the Sword Dao, it would mean despair.
Chi Yunzi, furious, advanced with fists and kicks.
After a long while, she waved her sleeve and left, leaving behind an extremely harsh remark.
“Your master truly misled you; he sought the Buddhism, Daoism, and Demon swords for you. That old man couldn’t achieve it himself, yet he turned around to ruin you. If you continue to cling to the True Understanding of the Sword, you will be a mediocre for this lifetime.”
Only a sword fanatic remained, still holding onto unrealistic fantasies, clinging to the lofty aspirations of the Sword Dao.
Many were called the strongest of the younger generation from Broken Sword Mountain, but only the Sword Sovereign had achieved the True Understanding of the Sword.
Xiao Yunyi was not the first to be obsessed with it, nor would he be the last.
The True Understanding of the Sword does not remain with Broken Sword Mountain, nor does it exist in the hands of any sword cultivator; this was a rule set by the Sword Sovereign.
(End of Chapter)