He was visibly tired. He sat nearby in a mediated position took one of the inferior pills and swallowed it. he can feel his Qi filled and brimming using this chance to break through the foundational realm.
He took another pill, but its effectiveness dropped to 60% after his breakthrough. He focused on adjusting his state and noticed an increase in his Qi, along with better control over his energy, enabling him to sense everything within a 500-meter radius. Without hesitation, he attempted to create the next batch.
This time, he successfully produced three inferior-grade pills and two low-grade pills of grade 1 pills. With each repetition of the process, the quality of the pills improved. After repeating the process eight more times, he accumulated a total of 20 inferior Qi pills and 10 low-grade Qi pills.
He went back to the Elder le, The Elder was brimming with joy when he saw the pills. Now he was sure Xiao Chen was a prodigy.
"You are broke through to the Foundation stage ?!!!" asked elder le.
Xiao Chen replied "Yes"
After thinking for a moment, elder Le began to speak.
"Xiao Chen, once you feel confident in your ability in making low grade Grade 1 pills, you should go to the nearest alchemy school and challenge yourself for a 1-star alchemy badge," Elder Le advised.
"Alchemy schools are large organizations made up entirely of alchemists, with branches located all over the world. They hold a 60% monopoly on alchemical materials, and this is the same for the blacksmith profession.
Having an alchemy badge comes with many benefits. For example, a 1-star Alchemy master badge offers a 50% discount on inferior materials and a 30% discount on low-grade materials. Alchemy masters are respected throughout this world, regardless of their sect affiliation.
The sects to which they belong also benefit, as we can acquire resources at a lower cost. Depending on the rank of the alchemy master, it can also enhance the prestige of the sect.
Since we have yet to have an alchemy master in our ranks, we haven't experienced these advantages. Hiring one can be extremely costly, and nurturing their skills requires significant resources. It's rare to find someone who succeeds on their first attempt, like you."
"Alright Elder Li" saying that Xiao Chen thanked Elder Li and gave pills to elder li.
"Here are 5000 contribution points" Xiao Chen bit taken back, It seems alchemy is really considered a top occupation in the world.
"Now can I access to profound grade technique" asked Xiao Chen.
"Yes, you can, go on," said Elder Le.
Xiao Chen made his way to the area where the profound-grade techniques were stored and skimmed through all of them with ease. While skimming each book he came across an old martial art "Heavenly Soul Refinement Art - Imitation" and decided to keep it.
He then took another book "Ethereal Windblade Art " and returned outside the library.
As Xiao Chen stepped outside, Elder Le approached him with a grave expression. "Xiao Chen," he began, his voice carrying a hint of warning, "it's unwise to dabble in soul arts without proper understanding. Below the Nascent Soul realm, it's nearly forbidden.
That soul art you encountered is only a mere imitation of the true soul art with the same name, which is why it was stored alongside other Earth-grade techniques. Even so, it's extremely complex. A single misstep could cripple your mind, leaving you a babbling fool or turning you into a mindless puppet. This is why most martial practitioners only venture into soul arts after breaking through to the Nascent Soul realm when their understanding of the soul and mind reaches greater depths."
Elder Le's gaze turned distant, his expression shadowed by old memories. "During beginning of the Ancient Era, there was a powerful and renowned institution called the Soul Society, akin to the alchemy schools of today. Though the Soul Society was a neutral organization, many of its practitioners were in cahoots with the Heavenly Soul Sect, who secretly engaged in forbidden practices. They delved into the darkest aspects of soul manipulation, even forging pacts with demons—the mortal enemies of mankind."
A flicker of disdain crossed Elder Le's eyes as he continued. "Such vile actions incited the fury of the entire cultivation world. In the end, one hundred and fifty Void Realm masters banded together and purged the Soul Society from existence. The Heavenly Soul Sect, which had corrupted itself with demonic ties, was also eradicated without mercy. Although soul arts weren't completely banned, they became tainted with that dark history. As a result, it's exceedingly rare to find anyone practicing soul arts below the Nascent Soul realm today."
Elder Le's gaze hardened as he looked at Xiao Chen, his tone firm yet laced with concern. "I'm telling you this as a word of caution—tread carefully when it comes to soul arts. While they can offer immense power, they're also laden with unimaginable dangers. One wrong step could lead to a fate worse than death. Remember, power is nothing without wisdom."
Heeding Elder Le's warning, Xiao Chen respectfully bowed and withdrew to his room, his expression thoughtful.
Afterwards, Xiao Chen secluded himself to refine the Ethereal Windblade Art, pushing his proficiency to the intermediate stage. He had attained a solid grasp of the "wind's" fluidity and the "sharpness" of the blade. Yet, there remained an elusive flaw, a missing piece that hindered his complete mastery of the technique. Determined to uncover this imperfection, he sought out Zhou Tianchen for a sparring match, unwavering in his resolve.
When Zhou Tianchen, immersed in his own sword training, heard of Xiao Chen's challenge, he was momentarily taken aback by the rapid surge in Xiao Chen's cultivation. However, he readily accepted.
A smile crept across his face as he realized that Xiao Chen was steadily treading the path of the sword.
"Junior Xiao Chen, you've already stepped into the Foundation Establishment Realm! Have you stumbled upon some miraculous elixir? Why not share some with this senior?" Zhou Tianchen jested.
"Senior Tianchen, your progress is equally astonishing. I can't see through your cultivation at all. Have you also broken through?" Xiao Chen responded.
"Indeed, I have just ascended to the Core Formation stage. Though it may seem swift to others, it still took me nearly six months to achieve this. But you—your advancement is truly frightening. In mere days, you have leaped from being a mere mortal to reaching the Profound Establishment Realm."
"To ensure fairness, I shall temporarily suppress my cultivation to the early Foundation Establishment stage," Tianchen declared with confidence.
As the two made their way towards the sparring arena, other disciples gathered, their eyes brimming with curiosity and awe.
"I can't see through Junior Xiao's cultivation," remarked Wei Junhao, his voice laced with astonishment.
"Now that you mention it, I feel the same," Mei Ling agreed, with Yan Rong nodding in support.
"Our little junior is becoming quite the enigma," Yan Rong added, an intrigued smile on her face.
The news of the sparring match spread quickly, sparking a wave of betting among the disciples. All except Yan Rong placed their bets on Zhou Tianchen.
"Since Senior Tianchen will be suppressing his strength, I'm confident our junior brother will seize victory in this bout. I'm placing my bet on Xiao Chen," declared Yan Rong resolutely.
"How can that be? I have absolute faith in Senior Tianchen," Mei Ling countered.
"It appears even the Sect Master has been interested in today's match. Look, over there!" Junhao exclaimed, pointing toward the distant figure observing the scene.
In the sparring arena
Zhou Tianchen's gaze remained calm, yet a trace of admiration flickered in his eyes. "Junior Xiao Chen, let's see how much progress you've made. Don't hold back."
Xiao Chen clasped his hands in salute, his expression composed yet determined. "I won't disappoint, Senior Zhou. Please guide me."
The two assumed their stances. The air around them grew tense, crackling with energy. Zhou Tianchen's figure blurred as he took a step forward, his sword shimmering with a faint Silver hue. He unleashed a swift strike—a move from the Silver Moon Sword Technique, renowned for its sharpness and speed.
In response, Xiao Chen's body seemed to merge with the wind. His form flickered like a shadow as he executed the Ethereal Windblade Art. With each movement, the winds whirled around him, creating a barrier of gales. Zhou Tianchen's sword sliced through the air, but it was as if Xiao Chen's body wasn't even there.
"Impressive," Zhou Tianchen muttered, his eyes narrowing. With a twist of his wrist, he executed three rapid strikes, each one creating a Silver arc in the air, aiming at Xiao Chen from different angles.
CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!
Xiao Chen's sword met Zhou Tianchen's attacks head-on. He countered with the Silver Moon Sword Technique, a dazzling display of silver sword light that seemed to weave through the air like threads of moonlight.
The crowd gasped as Xiao Chen's blade parried Zhou Tianchen's assault with uncanny precision.
But Zhou Tianchen wasn't done. He shifted his stance and suddenly released a burst of sword energy, creating a whirlwind of silver slashes that rained down like a tempest. "Silver Burst Tempest!"
The force of the attack split the ground beneath them and sent shockwaves rippling across the arena. Xiao Chen's robes fluttered wildly, but he remained composed. With a deep breath, he activated the second layer of the Ethereal Windblade Art. His body flickered, then vanished entirely.
"Where did he—?" Before Zhou Tianchen could complete his thought, Xiao Chen's figure reappeared behind him, sword poised to strike.
"Wind Shadow Mirage!" Xiao Chen whispered.
A fierce gust exploded around Zhou Tianchen as Xiao Chen's blade swept forward. Zhou Tianchen spun around just in time to block, but the impact sent him skidding backward. He glanced down and saw that the hem of his sleeve had been cleanly sliced off, fluttering to the ground like a fallen leaf.
"Well done!" Zhou Tianchen exclaimed, a grin spreading across his face. "But you'll need more than that to push me back."
Summoning his Qi, Zhou Tianchen unleashed his most powerful technique— Moon Slash. A brilliant light enveloped his sword, and the searing energy surged toward Xiao Chen like a roaring inferno.
The spectators held their breath. It was a move that could decide the match.
But Xiao Chen remained calm. He closed his eyes, and in that instant, the winds ceased. The chaotic gales swirling around him transformed into a serene breeze. Xiao Chen's aura shifted—no longer just the embodiment of wind and sharpness, but something ethereal and ungraspable.
"Silver Moon Descent!"
Xiao Chen's sword danced like a glimmering crescent moon in the night sky. The blade moved with such fluid grace that it seemed to meld with the wind itself. When Zhou Tianchen's blazing slash collided with Xiao Chen's sword, there was no violent explosion. Instead, Zhou Tianchen's powerful strike was deflected and dissipated, its might swallowed by the tranquil flow of Xiao Chen's swordsmanship.
Zhou Tianchen's eyes widened in disbelief. His strike—nullified so effortlessly?
Before he could react, Xiao Chen's blade was already at his throat, shimmering with a faint, silvery light.
Silence descended on the arena. The gathered disciples were stunned, their mouths agape.
Xiao Chen held his stance, then withdrew his sword, his expression respectful. "Senior Zhou, thank you for the spar."
Zhou Tianchen laughed heartily, sheathing his own sword. "Good! Very good! You've truly exceeded my expectations, Junior Xiao Chen. I've lost this match today."
He nodded approvingly and clasped Xiao Chen's shoulder. "Your mastery of the Ethereal Windblade Art is remarkable. To reach such a level at your cultivation stage is no small feat."
The disciples erupted into cheers and applause. Even those who had placed their bets on Zhou Tianchen couldn't help but acknowledge Xiao Chen's brilliance.
As the two exited the arena, Zhou Tianchen spoke softly so only Xiao Chen could hear. "Next time don't hold yourself back, I will be waiting for the next match"
Xiao Chen smiled, his gaze distant yet resolute. "I look forward to it, Senior."
Xiao Chen cupped his hands and bowed deeply towards the Sect Master, a gesture of utmost respect. The Sect Master's gaze lingered on him, eyes filled with appreciation and approval. With a gentle nod, the Sect Master's lips curled into a faint smile, acknowledging Xiao Chen's performance.
"Go on and consolidate your gains," the Sect Master Mo Yuan said softly.
Xiao Chen straightened up, a determined look in his eyes. Without another word, he turned and departed, his figure gradually fading from view.
He needed to retreat and fully digest the progress he had made during the sparring match, feeling that a breakthrough was just within his reach.
He secluded himself in his room, carefully consolidating his gains and refining his techniques wherever he sensed gaps. Once he finished absorbing all his progress, his mastery of the sword surged to new heights. Suddenly, he found himself in a shadowy realm, surrounded by a million swords of light, all aimed at him menacingly. Unfazed by the threat, he chose to confront them head-on.
In an instant, a powerful sensation washed over him—a realization, an epiphany. He had grasped the essence of Sword Intent. As he swung his blade, he felt his mind sharpen, his thoughts more focused. He had become one with the sword as if he were connected to its very soul. The background shifted, and he was back in his room.
Sword comprehension stages are Sword Intent, Sword Domain, Sword Heart, Sword Spirit, Sword Manifestation, Sword Sovereign, and Sword Void.
After comprehending the sword intent stage they can imbue their will and spirit into the sword. Their strikes carry not only physical force but also their intent, making each attack much more potent and intimidating. This stage transcends ordinary technique, where even a simple swing contains immense power derived from their inner resolve.
After, he looks into "Heavenly Soul Refinement Art (imitation)", going through details, The Heavenly Soul Refinement Art (Imitation) focuses on enhancing the practitioner's soul strength, spiritual sense, and mind fortitude. This technique allows the cultivator to refine their soul, purifying and expanding its capacity. As the soul becomes stronger, the cultivator's comprehension abilities, mental clarity, and resistance to soul-based attacks increase significantly. This imitation copy lacks the stability and precision of the original technique. Incorrect cultivation can result in soul deviation, leading to mental instability, delusions, or in the worst case, turning the practitioner into a mindless husk.
The imitation version was developed by a rogue elder from the now-destroyed Heavenly Soul Sect, intending to create a lesser version of the original art. However, even this toned-down version carries remnants of the sect's dark methods, making it feared and avoided by most orthodox practitioners.
The original technique is divided into Initial Stage, Intermediate Stage, and Advanced Stage but this imitation lacks the Advanced stage.
Soul Mirage and Soul compression attacks are two types of attacks recorded in this technique.