After returning to Yunxiao Sect, Wang Quan decided to set aside his worries and fully immerse himself in the cultivation of the Qingjian Sword Technique. He knew that although he had reached the Foundation Establishment stage, he was still insignificant compared to truly powerful cultivators. Only by mastering swordsmanship and fully integrating it with his Five Elements Secret Art could he establish himself in the tumultuous world of cultivation.
Each day, Wang Quan would sit in meditation at the swordsmanship plaza on Qingjian Peak, sensing the changes in sword intent and the flow of spiritual energy. The Qingjian Sword Technique was no ordinary sword art; it emphasized using sword intent to enter the Dao, merging spiritual energy with swordsmanship. Cultivators had to not only grasp the essence of sword techniques but also resonate with the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, forming their own unique sword intent.
For Wang Quan, his Qingjian Sword Technique also needed to be combined with the Five Elements Spiritual Energy within him, making his cultivation process more complex. The five elements each had unique properties, and learning how to integrate these attributes into his swordsmanship was both the most challenging and the most crucial part of enhancing his sword technique.
The morning sunlight fell gently on Qingjian Peak of Yunxiao Sect, with mist swirling around the mountaintop, creating a scene reminiscent of a fairyland.
"Hah..."
Wang Quan opened his eyes, his gaze as sharp as a sword, while spiritual energy circulated within his body. He felt the sword intent within him gradually stabilizing. Although he was still some distance from mastering it, he could sense continuous progress.
His Qingjian Master had once told him, "The early stages of the Qingjian Technique are crucial for Foundation Establishment cultivators. Mastery of this sword art is not only about the skill of the sword but about the understanding of sword intent. Only by aligning the sword with the heart can you ascend to a higher realm of swordsmanship."
Every morning, Wang Quan would spar and exchange insights with his fellow disciples of the Qingjian lineage, exploring the mysteries of swordsmanship. Most of the Qingjian disciples were focused solely on the way of the sword, and each had a unique understanding of it.
Wang Quan benefited greatly from these exchanges. While his senior brothers' swordsmanship was more refined, his use of the Five Elements Secret Art added a layer of versatility and flexibility to his sword techniques. Through continuous practice, he gradually figured out how to incorporate the power of the five elements into his swordsmanship, making his attacks more potent.
"Junior Brother, your five elements power is truly unique," commented one of his senior brothers, Qing Yuan, after a sparring session.
Qing Yuan was a well-known mid-Foundation Establishment cultivator within the Qingjian lineage, known for his mastery of swordsmanship. Although Wang Quan's techniques still seemed somewhat raw during their sparring, Qing Yuan was impressed by the variations introduced by Wang Quan's manipulation of the five elements.
"I'm still exploring how to fuse the five elements into my swordsmanship," Wang Quan humbly replied, his sword lightly trembling as spiritual energy flowed gently along its blade.
Qing Yuan nodded thoughtfully and said, "Swordsmanship emphasizes purity of intent, but if you can perfectly combine different types of spiritual energy, it can indeed become a path to great strength. However, remember that the heart of swordsmanship lies in the union of sword and heart—spiritual energy is merely a tool, but the sword heart is key."
Wang Quan was shaken by these words, gaining new insight. All this time, he had focused heavily on mastering his spiritual energy and Five Elements Secret Art, overlooking the core of swordsmanship—the sword heart. As Qing Yuan had said, the essence of swordsmanship was not just about technique but about the purity and determination within.
"Thank you for your guidance, Senior Brother. I will keep it in mind," Wang Quan said, bowing respectfully, his resolve growing stronger.
In the following months, Wang Quan devoted more time to cultivating his sword heart. Each day, he meditated to comprehend sword intent and sharpen his resolve through both mental reflection and physical sparring, working to synchronize his spiritual energy with his sword techniques. Often, in the quiet of the night, he would stand alone at the edge of Qingjian Peak, allowing his sword intent to dance with the wind, absorbing the grandeur of the natural world.
Time flowed like water, and three months passed in the blink of an eye.
During these three months, Wang Quan set aside all distractions, focusing entirely on cultivating his swordsmanship. His daily sparring and practice honed his techniques, and as the sword heart within him gradually solidified, his swordsmanship began to develop a style and rhythm all his own.
Then, on a certain day three months later, Wang Quan stood atop Qingjian Peak, sword in hand. Spiritual energy flowed in harmony with the movements of his sword, and his sword intent and the power of the five elements intertwined seamlessly. In that moment, he felt his spiritual energy fully integrate with his swordsmanship. His sword light, as soft and sharp as a breeze, cut through the air toward the distant sky.
"I've finally mastered the basics..." Wang Quan's mind was clear—he had finally fully grasped the Foundation Establishment level of the Qingjian Technique.
At this point, his swordsmanship was no longer just about moving spiritual energy or performing techniques; it had merged with his inner will, and the path of the sword heart was beginning to emerge. Through these three months of quiet cultivation, he had not only mastered the fundamentals of the Qingjian Technique, but also laid a solid foundation for his future in swordsmanship. The road to advancing his sword technique was now slowly unfolding before him.
Sheathing his sword, Wang Quan gazed out at the misty mountains, a newfound sense of confidence and anticipation welling up inside him. This period of training had given him the courage to face the challenges ahead. Although Foundation Establishment cultivation was not overwhelmingly powerful, with his swordsmanship, he was now confident enough to face stronger opponents.
"The swordsmanship essence that Master spoke of—I've finally begun to understand it," he whispered to himself before turning back, ready to report his progress to his Qingjian