In the realm of cultivation, a great secret was shared between Yun Xiao and his Senior Sister Zhao. She spoke of a concept known as the "Sword Ring," which could be created using monster pills that had been cultivated for millennia. These pills, akin to Source Pills, held immense power. By slaying monsters and acquiring their pills, one could insert them into their Sword Soul, forming a ring of sword fog around it, enhancing its lethality and potentially imbuing it with mystical attributes.
"These attributes are what we call 'sorcery,'" Senior Sister Zhao explained. "For example, consider the Fox Sovereign of the North, a beast skilled in illusion magic. If you were to kill it and use its millennium monster pill to enhance your Sword Soul, your sword would gain its illusionary powers."
Yun Xiao's eyes widened with realization. "So, in addition to the techniques and Sword Gang, the Sword Ring is another factor that determines the lethality of the Sword Soul?"
"Exactly," Zhao affirmed. "The potential of the Sword Ring depends on the age of the monster pill and the number of rings formed. However, the number of Sword Rings one can form is predetermined and relates to the cultivation level of the Sword Soul. For instance, at the Kaiyang level, one can only form a single Sword Ring. It is said that at the Yuheng and Tianquan levels, one can form two Sword Rings, each granting its own sorcery."
Curious, Yun Xiao asked, "Once you insert a monster pill, is it permanently fixed?"
"Not at all," she replied patiently. "You can remove a monster pill at any time and replace it with a stronger one."
Yun Xiao nodded, contemplating the Heaven-Burying Sword Soul he possessed. He sensed it was evolving, much like the monster bones he had absorbed.
"Ye Guying's high-grade Kaiyang Sword Soul evolved into a Tianquan Sword Soul after leaping through ten levels of cultivation. This evolution, while rare, is not unheard of," Zhao continued. "In contrast, my Sword Soul not only gains in power but is also undergoing continuous improvement."
As they discussed the nature of monster pills, Yun Xiao's thoughts turned dark. He was deeply aware of the dangers monsters posed to humanity. In his past as a mortal of Yun Kingdom, he had witnessed the horrors wrought by these creatures and their cunning ways. Monsters mingled among humans, consuming the innocent and spreading chaos, while the ruling powers failed to act.
"I will fight for the Sword Pavilion because I believe in protecting the innocent," Yun Xiao declared with conviction. "If it comes down to it, I would gladly die alongside those who share my beliefs. Monsters must be cut down, and the bloodied swords of the righteous will not falter!"
Senior Sister Zhao's heart swelled at his words, recognizing the fire within him.
"Indeed," she said softly, her eyes gleaming with admiration. "To be a sword cultivator is to stand for justice and honor."
That night, a sense of turmoil gripped the Sword Pavilion, where the echoes of Yun Xiao's fervent declarations stirred the hearts of many. A long-buried truth emerged, reminding all sword cultivators of their purpose:
"To be straight and just is to prefer death to humiliation. We cultivate our swords to govern the skies, refusing to bow before the corrupt!"
Amidst this atmosphere of determination, Yun Xiao drifted into sleep, dreaming of his homeland, where the ghosts and demons ran rampant. He felt a profound urge to take action, knowing that if he did not combat these evils, he would live in vain.
The next morning, he awoke to the gentle sound of nature. A beautiful woman in a black skirt, with delicate features and fair skin, sat beside him. Her long hair danced in the wind as she offered him a white garment.
"Your clothes are stained with blood. Here, wear this instead," she said, her voice warm and soothing.
As he accepted the white garment, Yun Xiao noticed its softness and faint fragrance, a stark contrast to his grim reality.
"Is this really for me?" he asked, feeling a strange mix of gratitude and disbelief.
"Of course. I made it myself," she replied, a hint of pride in her voice.
Amidst laughter and teasing from others around, Yun Xiao felt a sense of warmth envelop him. This small act of kindness served as a reminder that despite the harshness of their world, there were still bonds of care and affection to be found.
"Thank you, Senior Sister Zhao," he said earnestly. "It means a lot to me."
As they settled into their training routine, Yun Xiao's focus shifted to the ancient tome Zhao presented, the first sword manual of Blue Soul. Eager to learn, he sat beside her as she began to explain the intricacies of sword techniques.
"This book contains the techniques of flying swords, palm swords, and governing sword techniques," she said, flipping through the pages.
Intrigued, Yun Xiao glanced at the flyleaf, noting the names inscribed there. "These are some interesting names. Who wrote them?"
"Those names belong to great sword cultivators of the past who left their legacies within this text," she explained, her eyes sparkling with reverence. "If you can master the art, perhaps one day your name will join theirs."
Yun Xiao grinned, contemplating the possibility. "But what if I can't learn them?"
"Don't underestimate yourself," Zhao encouraged. "The techniques may be challenging, but I believe you have the potential."
As he prepared to delve into the study of swordsmanship, Yun Xiao felt a renewed sense of purpose. With each lesson, he was not only honing his skills but also solidifying his resolve to protect the innocent and uphold justice in a world that desperately needed it.