8. Don't You People from Teyvat Know What a Dantian Is?
"What an impressive sword technique!"
Zhongli praised Jiang Yan loudly, then added, "Could you stop now? Otherwise, I worry it might cause unnecessary trouble."
Jiang Yan nodded slightly and moved his sword fingers. The countless long swords hovering in the air scattered in an orderly manner, returning to their original positions.
In the blink of an eye, only the Green Rock beneath Jiang Yan's feet remained.
Although this sword was considered an artifact in Teyvat, to Jiang Yan, it had potential for further refinement. However, lacking the necessary materials, and given his current unfamiliarity with weapon refinement, there was no immediate need to reforge it.
This was Jiang Yan's first time using the Sword Controlling Technique, yet it felt completely natural, as if the ability had been engraved in his very bones since birth.
To be fair, the Sword Controlling Technique wasn't exactly a basic skill—though not particularly advanced either. But when mastered, it could rival even the Divine Sword Controlling Thunder True Technique.
Moreover, the technique had many uses beyond combat. For example, it allowed a cultivator to snatch away an opponent's weapon mid-battle. Sword control wasn't just about wielding one's own blade—it was about mastering all swords.
But for now, what mattered most was that Jiang Yan could finally experience the joy of flying on a sword. While he was already capable of flight, soaring through the skies with a sword beneath his feet was far more elegant and satisfying.
Riding the Green Rock, Jiang Yan slowly descended onto the stone platform. The sword, still imbued with a faint spirituality, lingered beside him, reluctant to leave his side.
Zhongli chuckled, shaking his head.
"This sword has been with me for thousands of years, yet at first sight of you, it has forgotten me. This must be fate…"
Jiang Yan tapped the table, causing three more chairs and three cups of tea to appear. Then he nodded toward Mandrill and the others, inviting them to sit.
He turned back to Zhongli and responded, "This sword does have a certain spirituality."
"If you like it, you may have it," Zhongli offered generously.
Jiang Yan was taken aback. Though it was only a ceremonial weapon, it was still an artifact. More importantly, it was beautifully crafted.
Still, he hesitated. "What about you? Won't you need it?"
Zhongli shook his head. "No need to worry."
"I don't usually use long swords in battle. Even if I do, I have the Kaifeng Blade, which suits me better."
"Besides, in times of peace, there's little need for weapons."
"In truth, this Green Rock Sword was originally forged as a ceremonial blade rather than a combat weapon. In terms of sheer strength, it may not be up to your standards. Still, I hope you'll accept it."
Jiang Yan smiled, shaking his head.
"I don't mind its strength. Immortal cultivators must be skilled in auxiliary arts. As it happens, I have some expertise in weapon refinement, alchemy, and formations."
"In the future, I can reforge this sword, refining it into a spiritual weapon."
Zhongli raised an eyebrow. "A spiritual weapon?"
Jiang Yan nodded.
"For cultivators, battle is inevitable, and a good weapon is a necessity."
"Weapons have their own hierarchy, but explaining it in detail would take too long."
"If needed, I can also help you refine your weapons."
"Immortal cultivators hold extremely high standards for weapon refinement. After all, a weapon is a cultivator's most trusted companion in battle."
"Various formations and runes must be inscribed carefully to enhance its power—far more meticulous than simply crafting an artifact."
Jiang Yan was tactful in his words, but Zhongli could still sense his subtle disapproval of Teyvat's forging methods—almost as if it pained him to see precious materials wasted.
Zhongli considered this. If the opportunity arose, he would like to try a weapon forged by an immortal cultivator—it might indeed be more mysterious than Teyvat's artifacts.
As he pondered this, Zhongli suddenly saw Jiang Yan form a series of hand seals. In an instant, the Green Rock Sword transformed into a stream of light and disappeared into his abdomen.
The scene left everyone stunned.
Gan Yu gasped in shock, rushing over to Jiang Yan and reaching out anxiously.
"Jiang Yan! Why did you stab the sword into your stomach? That's too dangerous! No—wait, where did the sword go?!"
Jiang Yan blinked in confusion. "Wait… Do you people from Teyvat not know what a Dantian is?"
"Dantian?" Gan Yu echoed, completely lost.
"Yes," Jiang Yan explained, frowning slightly. "Where do you usually store your energy?"
Gan Yu thought for a moment before pointing to her Vision.
"For ordinary beings, their power resides in their Vision. But for us adepti, our power is mainly stored in the soul."
Jiang Yan was genuinely shocked.
"Wait… so if your Vision disappears, your power vanishes as well?"
Gan Yu hesitated, then nodded. "It seems that way."
Jiang Yan pursed his lips but refrained from questioning Teyvat's traditions any further.
Instead, he continued, "For cultivators, our true essence is stored in the Dantian, which is the most important core of our being."
"The Dantian is neither like your Vision, nor like the way your immortal power exists in the soul. The Dantian is an internal organ that all humans are born with."
"The larger the Dantian, the greater the energy it can hold. And the stronger a cultivator becomes."
"If a cultivator's Dantian is destroyed, they lose all their power. For this reason, the Dantian has the highest level of protection in a cultivator's body."
"Any attack targeting the Dantian is considered a death strike. In some cases, it might even warrant annihilating the attacker's entire bloodline. The path of cultivation is one of endless struggle—killing and bloodshed are inevitable."
After briefly explaining the Dantian's importance, Jiang Yan continued:
"The Green Rock Sword has now been stored in my Dantian."
"Firstly, this makes storage more convenient. Secondly, the true essence within my Dantian will nourish the sword over time, making it easier to refine later."
"If a cultivator possesses an exceptionally powerful weapon, they often store it in their Dantian for protection and to assist in its refinement."
Jiang Yan paused, looking at Zhongli in disbelief.
"Seriously…? You mean to tell me you've never heard of the Dantian either?"
Zhongli coughed awkwardly. "No… but now, I at least understand where my divine power is primarily stored."
Jiang Yan maintained a polite but slightly amused smile before moving on.
"Back to the main topic—you've already seen the abilities I demonstrated just now."
At that moment, Gan Yu suddenly raised her hand excitedly.
"There's one more ability you haven't shown yet! The golden lightning sword you summoned when facing the tribulation!"
"Jiang Yan, was that your weapon? But I couldn't sense any elemental energy from it."
"And why was the lightning golden?"
It was clear that Gan Yu was genuinely excited, speaking rapidly without pause.
Jiang Yan chuckled. "That wasn't a weapon. It's actually similar to the Sword Controlling Technique I just demonstrated."
"That was another one of my spells, called the Divine Sword Controlling Thunder True Technique."
"You're right—there was no elemental power involved. It's a technique that commands the laws of the world, creating something out of nothing."
"And, in fact, every ability I've shown you—all of them—are nothing more than the spells of an immortal cultivator."
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