**Chapter Title: The Ascendancy of Celestial Fire**
"This is Celestial Fire essence; such cultivation yields transcendently powerful effects! Should we refine the Celestial Fire essence into true elemental force, our prowess in battle would multiply several fold!"
Under Lin Feng's watchful gaze, Zhao Yan's cultivation soared. Continuously absorbing spiritual energy, his progress was frighteningly rapid. In less than a month, he had reached the peak of the True Man Ninth Level.
"It appears my aptitude is excellent; the 'Heavenly Sword Technique' advances swiftly!" Zhao Yan mused joyfully, then seated himself cross-legged to delve into the second layer of the technique.
The 'Heavenly Sword Technique,' as its name suggests, is a combative martial art.
The second layer, known as the Celestial Firmament Thirty-Six Swords, is divided into three parts: Celestial Sword Array, Celestial Sword Slash, and Celestial Blade Slash.
Each of these three sword moves contains three distinct sword intents, each comparable to a True Lord in might.
Once unleashed, the Celestial Sword Array commands formidable power!
And the three sword slashes are each devastatingly potent.
When executed, these three sword techniques are akin to simultaneous strikes from three True Lords, their combined destructive force immensely fierce.
However, Zhao Yan found his control over the sword intents initially less refined than a True Lord's, preventing him from harnessing the full potential of these techniques.
"The first two techniques of the Celestial Firmament Thirty-Six Swords are merely basic. It seems I must swiftly enhance my power and refine the Celestial Sword Array!"
Determination shone in Zhao Yan's eyes as he resolved to remain here to cultivate, aiming for a breakthrough to fortify his standing among the external disciples.
"However, refining the Celestial Sword Array is no simple task. First, one must possess a profound understanding of the technique and a certain grasp of universal laws—both critical elements," he reflected deeply while studying the Celestial Sword Array.
A month passed.
One day, Zhao Yan opened his eyes and gazed into the distant sky, feeling the surge of a formidable force.
In that direction, an overpowering presence!
There lay a True Lord!
"At last, a True Lord appears!"
Anticipation flickered in Zhao Yan's eyes.
He rose to his feet, his form shifted, and he left the canyon, speeding towards the aura of the True Lord.
"In the Celestial Fire Sect, the mightiest is an early-stage Golden Core practitioner. This time, I must find a way to contend with such a force," Zhao Yan thought resolutely, moving toward the disturbance.
About fifty thousand meters from the canyon, Zhao Yan used his flying sword to teleport, reaching his destination in mere moments.
"There stands a disciple of the Celestial Fire Sect, likely at the peak of the early Golden Core stage."
As Zhao Yan hastened, he observed a young man in a white robe wielding a sharp sword, his eyes electric with intent.
"Are all disciples of the Celestial Fire Sect so arrogant?"
A slight smile played on Zhao Yan's lips as he scoffed internally, "I'll let you witness my prowess."
Thinking this, he suddenly extended his hand, and a blaze erupted from his palm, forming a gigantic fiery-red sword.
Zhao Yan's gaze intensified as he grasped the flaming sword, pointing it forward.
The sword, trailing fierce heat waves, shot forth.
"What? Such immense power contained within this fiery-red sword?"
"Indeed, it is Zhao Yan; his strength is truly extraordinary!"
On the other side of the canyon, two disciples of the Celestial Fire Sect waited, their auras laden with lethal intent. They were Zhang Long and Li Hu, two True Immortals who had previously pursued and been routed by Zhao Yan.
Hearing the commotion ahead, the two exchanged a glance, their eyes reflecting mutual concern.
"We've tracked Zhao Yan for over a month with no leads. If this continues, he'll surely escape our pursuit, bringing trouble upon our Celestial Fire Sect!" Zhang Long declared.
"It might not be as bad as you think. Zhao Yan was unlucky in the canyon, encountering a demon from the Demon Race and suffering injuries from a Demon Race master. If so, his strength must be beyond the first level of a True Man, perhaps even higher!"
Li Hu shook his head.
Hearing this, Zhang Long's expression darkened, and he gritted his teeth, "If that's the case, we must capture Zhao Yan soon, or our Celestial Fire Sect will suffer!"
With this, anger flashed across their faces.
Spotting Zhao Yan charging towards them, their faces lit up as they prepared to strike.
Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh...
Three sharp swords whistled through the air, transforming into three dazzling beams of sword light, hurtling towards Zhao Yan.
This was the 'Celestial Firmament Thirty-Six Swords' they had cultivated, stronger than a typical True Lord's sword strike, capable of challenging mid-stage True Lords.
Zhao Yan's gaze turned icy as he watched the three swords approach, utterly disdainful.
Though powerful, these swords were no match for Zhao Yan's unparalleled swordsmanship. In his view, their attack was futile.
Stomping his right foot, a massive aura burst forth from within him!
This aura, like a tsunami, spun wildly around Zhao Yan, forming powerful wind forces that blocked the incoming swords.
"What kind of power is this?"
"Could it be wind attribute? Impossible, how could Zhao Yan possess such power? The strength and nature of this force are ill-suited for him to wield!"
"What secrets does this young man conceal?"
Both disciples of the Celestial Fire Sect were utterly astonished, their eyes wide as they witnessed this scene.
Ignoring the Celestial Fire Sect disciples, a glint of cold light flashed in Zhao Yan's eyes as he took another step forward. His fists, imbued with boundless power, slammed into a giant boulder in the sky.
Boom!
With a thunderous crash, the boulder shattered, dust billowing and enveloping the two disciples.
However, as the dust settled, their gaze returned to Zhao Yan.
"This youngster just countered my sword strike with his fist!"
"He's truly not simple. Having been in the Celestial Fire Sect for just over a month, he already possesses such combat prowess!"
"We've truly found a gem in the Celestial Fire Sect this time!"
"Ha ha ha ha, such a prodigy, even if we look across the entire continent, only the Sect Master is worthy to take him under his wing! This young man is definitely worth cultivating!"
The two disciples of the Celestial Fire Sect exchanged a knowing glance, secretly delighted.