The great power of the Demon Path was nearly crushed to the ground, unable to lift his head.
Yet, even in such a state, his body remained solid, as if forged from fine iron.
It was unclear whether he had regained some strength due to the process of seizing a new body.
His specific cultivation level gradually revealed itself as he clashed against the Buddha's Dharma Manifestation.
Eighth level of Dao Foundation, with the fourth level perfected.
This was the same as Ao Tang's Dao Foundation, meaning the opponent was at least a powerful being in the Integration Stage.
The Dao Foundation represented the upper limit, but it was not a strictly interchangeable system; a seventh-level Dao Foundation merely indicated a high probability of possessing a Dharma Manifestation capable of breaking through the fourth realm.
What truly mattered was the Dharma Manifestation condensed from the Dao Foundation, which completed the most fundamental Dharma Manifestation of the fourth realm.
It was akin to having laid a solid foundation; all that was needed was to stack bricks on top.
Cultivation could accumulate over time, but the Dao Foundation could only be attained through innate talent.
The Jade Sword Buddha possessed a sixth-level Dao Foundation, totaling twelve levels when combined, making them evenly matched.
However, in reality, it was a complete and utter suppression; the Demon Path's great power had almost no ability to resist, even more exaggerated than Gu Wen's challenge against a seventh-level True Monarch.
Was this the successor of the Three Teachings, the future Buddha?
The Jade Sword Buddha turned to Gu Wen and said, "The Sword Path is ever-changing, and this monk's sword embodies the great trend. You may choose to learn it or not, but the method of condensing the sword is crucial. Observe this Demon’s Dao Foundation; it is as fragile as your Heart Sword."
Was this pressure on the Demon Path's great power not full strength?
Gu Wen showed surprise; the difference between using full strength and being at ease in a duel was immense.
For himself, the power of his techniques when at ease was three times weaker than when he exerted full strength, and controlling a target might differ by five times.
"Youngster! How dare you humiliate this old man ah ah ah ah ah!"
The Demon Path's great power felt a tremendous insult, and waves of black qi surged like a tsunami, instantly burying the entire valley.
The two individuals below utilized their movement techniques to escape, but one was heavily injured and unable to flee.
Seeing this, Gu Wen leaped down like an eagle, grabbing the person and quickly escaping the danger.
"Thank you, fellow Daoist."
The injured man spat out blood and took out a black pearl from his bosom, saying, "I cannot repay your life-saving grace. This is a treasure obtained from a cave dwelling. I have examined it once, but it does not hinder your learning."
Very good, truly effortless to obtain.
Gu Wen stored it in his Qiankun Bag and continued to observe the situation below.
He saw the Buddha still firmly suppressing the Demon Path's great power.
The latter had just managed to sustain half of his Dharma Manifestation when another sword fell, shattering it with overwhelming force.
There were still four Buddha Swords unused; could it be that she had not even used half of her strength?
Gu Wen inhaled sharply.
"Your Dao Foundation is four levels, three of which are perfected. You should be able to comprehend the essence of perfection. The Dao Foundation is the foundation of all paths, capable of transforming into the essence of myriad techniques, and the Sword Technique also has its perfection."
The Jade Sword Buddha seemed to have suddenly gained insight, explaining the true meaning of the Sword Path without the previous obscurity.
The Buddha's Dharma Manifestation wielded its sword more slowly, as if trying to imprint every change into Gu Wen's heart and mind.
Noticing Gu Wen's transformation, the Jade Sword Buddha showed surprise and continued, "Cultivation is like building a Buddhist temple from the ground up; the sturdiness of the temple approaches its foundation, while the vastness of the tall building depends on the Buddha statue. This Demon has eight temples but has only invited four Buddhas; this monk has six temples, each with a true Buddha."
"Thus, no matter how many temples he has, a single Buddha from this monk can suppress him."
Gu Wen felt he was gradually beginning to understand the "Buddha Sword" within his Qi Sea.
A stream of clarity surged in his heart; although it was not enough for him to attain enlightenment in one go, the foggy Buddhist teachings began to reveal their true form.
[Buddha Sword, drawn from the great trend of heaven and earth, can create three thousand worlds with a single sword; one level requires a hundred years of heavenly essence.]
The Jade Sword Buddha smiled and said, "It seems you have a connection with the Buddha. Allow me to explain the true meaning of my Buddha to you."
As soon as she finished speaking, there was a 'pop' sound, and the little nun's bald head flushed with a hint of red.
She touched her head and ceased her chatter, turning her focus back to explaining the Sword Path.
The old Demon had become her classroom material; perhaps in the outside world, he had the power to move mountains and fill seas, but here he could only be trampled into the mud like a dead dog.
Gu Wen's sword intent was rapidly growing, and his understanding of the Sword Path was no longer as shallow as before.
He gradually realized a significant flaw of the heavenly essence; it could allow him to quickly comprehend a certain technique, but it was not a direct transmission of enlightenment.
Once it involved accumulation, it would appear incomplete.
In nurturing his Heart Sword, he merely polished it step by step, never considering the quality of sword intent, sword qi, or Dharma Manifestation.
His strongest technique, the Zhao Lie Spear, was not solely reliant on heavenly essence; the final step was his own comprehension.
To achieve the strongest, one must take the final step themselves; heavenly essence could only accelerate the process, not become the ultimate means.
"The sword relies on firmness, not strength."
"Sword intent relies on resilience, not sharpness."
"Sword heart relies on thickness, not power."
"Firmness, resilience, and thickness are the advantages of the Sword Path."
As the last word fell, the Demon Path's great power, whose body was comparable to dark iron, instantly transformed into a mist of blood, with blood and bones sliced thin as cicada wings.
His primordial spirit broke free from his flesh, attempting to escape, but the Sword Buddha's Dharma Manifestation swung out another sword, half the sky enveloped in golden Buddha light.
The sword light flashed and cut down a distant mountain peak.
Boom!
The mountain peak tilted, transforming into a mudslide that rushed into the valley, burying his corpse.
Using this as a reference, the Jade Sword reached the third level of perfection in an instant.
"Have you comprehended, benefactor?"
The Jade Sword Buddha turned back, her head, as white as jade, shining brilliantly under the sunlight.
A glimmer of sword light appeared in Gu Wen's eyes, much more restrained than before.
His Heart Sword solidified in his hand, now appearing more opaque than before, with a rougher texture compared to the previous jade-like clarity.
Although its power had not increased significantly, it was no longer the previous fragile state.
If previously it shattered after ten clashes, now it could withstand twenty; with further refinement, it might even reach the strength of a high-grade mortal weapon.
Most importantly, Gu Wen now introspected his fate, and the heavenly essence required for the fifth level of the Jade Clear Sword Technique had already decreased to thirty years of heavenly essence, a reduction of ten years.
This was equivalent to him merely opening his mouth and selling a facade to obtain ten years of heavenly essence, while also enhancing his strength in the Sword Path, all within about an hour.
Currently, the total heavenly essence he could obtain in the short term should be enough for him to form the Sword Path Dharma Manifestation.
Even if he could defeat Xiao Yunyi, could he contend with the Jade Sword Buddha if she also ascended to the Ten Thousand Sword Path?
Gu Wen could not help but question; he did not believe that the Sword Path Dharma Manifestation could rival the Jade Sword Buddha.
He asked, "Senior, can my sword intent be considered top-notch?"
"It can be considered top-notch; benefactor, you are intelligent and possess the roots of the Buddha."
The Jade Sword Buddha was slapped on the head again, and she changed her tone, "However, compared to Xiao Yunyi, you are still far behind. Moreover, most of the strength of the Sword Cultivators of Zhe Jian Mountain lies in their swords. If he uses Dao Soldiers, you may not be his opponent. Furthermore, the test of the Ten Thousand Sword Path includes anything related to swords; if he brings Dao Soldiers, how can you, unarmed, compete? Besides, this monk can also ascend the mountain."
Gu Wen showed a puzzled expression; he felt the Jade Sword Buddha's words were disjointed, and her tone seemed to be reciting.
Given her nature, she should not speak so meticulously.
Did Yu Hua use her words to make me less fixated on ascending Tianquan Mountain?
He suddenly had an epiphany but did not expose it, saying, "The younger generation understands; I do not seek total victory, only to do my best."
In this incident at Tianquan Mountain, if it were only Xiao Yunyi, he could still compare.
But against this Buddha Sword, he had no way to contend, as both the foundation and the level of sword techniques were inferior to the opponent.
However, having already boasted, how could he take it back? At the very least, he needed to cultivate the Sword Path Dharma Manifestation.
"Mm."
The Jade Sword Buddha fell into silence, her gaze shimmering with golden light, resembling glazed glass.
Gu Wen speculated that she might have zoned out again and turned to communicate with the two surviving individuals, learning the background of their situation.
All three were cultivators from small sects; due to their decent talents, they were sent to the Immortal Land.
However, their cultivation techniques had too low a ceiling, dragging them down.
Thus, they hoped to obtain the inheritance of a Demon Path great power to help them progress further in their cultivation.
They knew there must be traps involved, yet they all harbored a glimmer of hope to become the most outstanding among geniuses.
Their gazes had turned to the Jade Sword Buddha more than once, looking at her with admiration and envy.
This was why the inheritance of the Immortal Land had endured for so long; it was essentially a mutually beneficial gamble.
But this was also unfair, as the great powers themselves were 'old geniuses,' with talents not much inferior to theirs, supported by a solid foundation.
But what of unfairness? Cultivation emphasizes law, wealth, companions, and land; if they wished to succeed, they could only risk their lives to fight.
It was like the difference between ordinary people starting a business and second-generation rich kids; every aspect was unfair, and the consequences of failure were worlds apart.
Some enjoyed the greatest benefits while bearing the least consequences, which had always been the norm.
Although Gu Wen did not have an extremely privileged background, his situation was better than most.
"Thank you for your assistance, fellow Daoist; we shall not disturb you further."
Xiang Caiyuan carried the other person away.
As they departed, they expressed their gratitude to the Jade Sword Buddha, but received not even a nod from this disciple of the Buddha, their departing figures appearing even more desolate.
Although Gu Wen knew the Jade Sword Buddha was merely daydreaming, he could not help but think: if it were Yu Hua speaking to her, would she still be daydreaming? Could Yu Hua not wake her up?
Gu Wen reined in his thoughts and took out the black pearl containing the inheritance of the Demon Path great power, saying, "Senior, do you want this?"
The Jade Sword Buddha did not respond, so he took it as her refusal and kept it for himself.
It might not be needed, but selling it for heavenly essence would be good too.
After a while, the Jade Sword Buddha was still in a daze when suddenly her head was slapped again.
She came back to her senses and said, "This monk will send you back."
Without seeking Gu Wen's opinion, she grabbed him and soared into the air, moving between the treetops and fields.
Along the way, Gu Wen suddenly felt a chill down his spine, as if countless eyes were watching him from the void.
The Jade Sword Buddha also halted, gazing in the opposite direction of Luodu, and after a moment, she withdrew her gaze.
"Benefactor, it seems there is a calamity of blood light; if you can avoid the world, you may escape."
Gu Wen guessed the source of the blood light calamity and smiled nonchalantly, saying, "In life, calamities are everywhere. Whether I shrink back or stand tall, it’s still a blade. It’s better to strike first and avoid a hundred strikes later."
He could handle matters with finesse, but that did not mean he was timid.
As the great man said, striking first avoids a hundred retaliations.
The real issue was never how to avoid trouble, but whether he had the strength to resolve it.
"You are extremely wise, benefactor."
The Jade Sword Buddha did not say more, and after a few leaps, they returned to the city.
The guards at the gate had already grown accustomed to these high beings flying about.
Gu Wen returned to the inn, dove into his room, and closed the door to meditate.
He consumed one pill after another, steadily increasing his heavenly essence.
Ten years of heavenly essence, twenty years, thirty years, forty years, fifty years.
With all the pills exhausted, although there was still the spiritual wine of the True Monarch, drinking too much wine could easily intoxicate the spirit, making it much more laborious to refine compared to pills.
Gu Wen only drank the Tianling Wine, raising his heavenly essence to sixty years.
Meanwhile, his Dao Foundation was also steadily improving, but Gu Wen chose to channel the medicinal power into his Heart Sword.
The spiritual objects of the Immortal Land could accelerate the cultivation of all techniques; since they could refine the Dao Foundation, naturally, the sword intent could also be refined.
Using the Zhao Lie Dharma Manifestation as a reference, the Jade Sword and the spear qi clashed, shattering after twenty encounters, increasing to thirty, then forty, and finally reaching fifty.
The true meaning of the Sword Path lay in resilience; any object magnified infinitely would be uneven, only that which was unbreakable could break through all.
[The fifth level of the Jade Clear Sword Technique: Sword Intent Frost Flower.]
This refinement lasted for three days and three nights.
Thirty years of heavenly essence refined into the fifth level of the Jade Clear Sword Intent; the next sixth level required eighty years of heavenly essence.
Yet, he only had thirty years of heavenly essence left, and with step-by-step cultivation, he should be able to achieve the Dharma Manifestation in terms of realm.
If he could contend with Xiao Yunyi in a duel, at least the odds would be four to six, but he still could not match the Jade Sword Buddha.
Gu Wen opened his eyes, emerging from his meditative state.
The morning sunlight poured down, and he gazed at the towering green mountains, hearing the bustling prosperity of the market.
Luodu remained peaceful as always; it seemed he had not experienced such tranquility in a long time.
A beam of Buddha light illuminated the entire city; through the Dharma eye, one could see a Buddha and a Demon each occupying half the sky, both exerting their full strength.
"Master Jade Sword Buddha, we have no enmity; why must it be so?"
"Amitabha, there is no need for a reason to eliminate demons; I ask you to return to the West."
Boom!
The ground trembled slightly, and it was another peaceful day in Luodu.
Soon after the battle concluded, He Huan and He Qing came to visit Gu Wen, bringing both good news and bad news.
The bad news was that due to the changes at Tianquan Mountain, nearly half of the worldly entrants had gathered here.
Now, the successors of the Buddha and Demon Paths had been confirmed in Luodu, and just recently, the avatar of the Demon Sect's successor had been killed by the Jade Sword Buddha.
The good news was that the Ten Thousand Sword Path at Tianquan Mountain had been opened, and Zhe Jian Mountain declared that this Ten Thousand Sword Path had no limits on the number of times or people; theoretically, everyone could enter the Sword Washing Pool to refine their treasures, provided they possessed the Sword Path Dharma Manifestation.
(End of Chapter)