With his eyes shut tight, Han Xiao commenced the recitation of the ancient sutras from the Heretic Sword Immortal Technique. Immersed in the cadence of the ancient words, he sensed a creeping sensation enveloping him. Within the depths of his mind, a massive, pitch-black sword took form, its ominous aura looming over him. Summoning all his focus, Han Xiao directed his intent, causing the handle of the sword he had envisioned to materialize in the air just above his head.
The sword handle bore several eerie black eyes, each with crimson pupils that blinked asynchronously. Emitting an unsettling aura, it exuded a powerful suction force, drawing in the curse qi deeply embedded within the pit. Initially, the ominous handle absorbed the virtual image of the creepy-looking sword, before releasing a purer form of dark curse qi that drilled into Han Xiao's body.
As the Qi, imbued with the essence of the sword, seeped into his body, the 25 acupuncture points greedily absorbed and stored the energy within them.
In Qi Cultivation, the first realm was the Pulse Condensation Stage, followed by the Houtian and then the Xiantian, with each realm comprising nine layers. and then the Xiantian, with each realm comprising nine layers.
Previously, he had already reached the 3rd layer of Condensation with the Sword Severing Technique. However, this technique had left hidden damage to his body. Thus, when he began cultivating the Body Cultivation, the hidden wounds were healed, but this also resulted in the re-blocking of the previously opened acupuncture points.
Now Han Xiao had to begin anew from the start. Nonetheless, this didn't bother him much. The cultivation continued for half a day, ending only when he reached the 3rd Layer of the Pulse Condensation. He halted because he thought it was better to consolidate the foundation, as he had continuously broken through three layers in one attempt.
Opening his eyes, he sprang to his feet and muttered, "I've spent almost three months here. Time to return home."
On his journey back, he encountered several beasts, mostly ordinary ones which he ignored. However, he was ready to take down Soldier Rank beasts up to two stars. He encountered a one-star Soldier Rank grizzly bear, which he easily dispatched, claiming its bounty!
At one point, he encountered a saber-toothed wolf with a three-star Soldier Rank. Feeling the aura emanating from it made him shudder, so he wisely chose another path, avoiding unnecessary trouble.
Somewhere in the southeastern corner of Phoenix City, nestled between four mountain ranges and beside a boundless green lake, lay the outer court of the Tianfu Sword Palace. Shrouded by a dense forest, this secluded enclave boasted sturdy construction and a sense of mystique that drew visitors from far and wide.
The outer court, with its imposing gates and fortified walls, stood as a testament to the martial prowess and ancient traditions upheld within. It was said that the inner palace, rumored to be concealed within a certain array hidden somewhere beneath the lake's surface, held secrets known only to the most esteemed disciples of the palace.
The buildings in the outer court of the Tianfu Sword Palace seamlessly blended traditional architecture with martial splendor, reflecting the Zhou Nation's rich heritage and the discipline of its warriors.
In a humble cabin, five individuals dressed in purple taoist robes sat across from each other, enjoying a feast laid out before them. These were the esteemed Five Tigers, the top-ranking practitioners of the Outer Court. Today, they had gathered to deliberate on the impending Martial Art Meet of the Outer Court.
Despite the meticulous arrangement of the feast, the sumptuous dishes remained untouched before them. While they occasionally sipped tea and indulged in drinks, not a morsel of food was disturbed, for the principal guest had yet to arrive.
Though these five individuals engaged in daily interactions, a palpable tension hung in the air, a testament to the fierce competition that defined their existence. Each one eyed the others warily, poised to exploit any hint of weakness.
Amidst the uneasy atmosphere in the hall, the Third Tiger, known for his robust stature and the imposing blade slung across his back, indulged in copious amounts of drink before breaking the silence. "So, who among us plans to partake in this year's contest?" he blurted out, unable to contain his curiosity any longer.
"Shut your mouth!"
"What a buffoon! We're gathered here precisely to discuss that, and you ask such a foolish question," retorted the Fourth and Fifth Tigers in unison, their disdain for him evident. "Always blabbering and entirely self-absorbed. Can't he read the room?"
"Hmph! What's got you two riled up? Do you wish to get beaten again?" The Third Tiger snorted disdainfully, fixing a piercing glare upon them. In an instant, a formidable aura emanating from the 9th layer of the Pulse Condensation realm pressed down upon them, overwhelming in its intensity.
Caught off guard by the sudden surge of power, the Fourth and Fifth Tigers found themselves forced to bow their heads, their elegant demeanor tarnished as they leaned heavily against the tables before them.
"Song Ke, do you have a death wish?" Wei Su Ming, the Fourth Tiger, seethed, shooting daggers with his eyes. Beside him, his twin brother Wei Su Mu, the Fifth Tiger, echoed his sentiments. Both were scions of the Wei State, known as the twin princes. "Your Song State is on its last legs," he sneered.
As tension filled the room, all eyes turned to Song Ke, their thoughts mirroring a collective concern. Was the Wei State truly plotting against the Song?
Qin Gao, the First Tiger, dismissed the notion with a shake of his head. 'Unlikely. The Zhou Nation stands as a formidable barrier between them geographically. If they were to make a move, they'd have to contend with the Zhou Nation first.'
Among the Five Tigers, the Second Tiger stood out as the sole female, also holding the title of princess of the Yan State. Yan Bingyan, unfazed by the sudden tension in the room, calmly sipped her tea, her demeanor untouched by the brewing conflict.