Translator: CinderTL
Impressive.
So impressive that the lineage was almost severed.
While others cultivated step by step, the Flaming Phoenix Sword Cultivators soared to the heavens in a single leap.
No wonder the requirements were so high.
It was worth noting that over ninety-nine percent of the disciples in the Chiyang Sword Sect might never reach the Solar Essence Realm in their entire lives.
"After refining the essence of the sun and moon, one must further cleanse themselves with the power of the sun and moon, achieving a state of perfection and purity. This is the Ninth Level Qi Refining Perfection Realm. At this stage, one's essence and energy approach completion, spontaneously nourishing the spirit. When the spirit is sufficiently nourished, one can then condense their Divine Sense, preparing for the formation of the Core."
"So, I also need to cleanse myself, achieve a state of purity, and reach the perfection of essence and energy, refining Qi into spirit?"
Li Chunjun asked.
"No, for us Sword Cultivators, it's about refining the sword."
Jiang Wanyu shook her head: "Sword Qi Thunderclap represents speed, Refining Sword into Gang Qi represents attack. Beyond that, there's Sword Qi like Silk, which represents control. Through this method, one strengthens the spirit until they develop Divine Sense, and eventually, Sword Intent."
"Sword Qi like Silk, control."
"This step is also crucial for Refining Sword into Core."
Jiang Wanyu said.
"Is Refining Sword into Core the greatest hurdle for Sword Cultivators?"
"Not just for Sword Cultivators, forming a Core is difficult for any cultivator. However, for us Sword Cultivators, the Core is equivalent to forming a sword as the Core, refining all our essence and energy into the sword. Naturally, this is more perilous than simply forming a Core."
"Is the absolute control of Sword Qi like Silk preparing for Refining Sword into Core?"
"Yes."
Jiang Wanyu nodded: "Refining Sword into Core also involves a key element: the cultivator's Lifebound Flying Sword. Sword Cultivators often start crafting their Lifebound Flying Sword at the fourth level of Qi Refining. At the latest, by the sixth level, it's usually completed. During this period, the better the sword is refined and the higher the compatibility, the lower the rejection when refining the sword into the Core. However, the better the material of the sword, the harder it is to refine."
She glanced at Li Chunjun: "If you aspire to become a Flaming Phoenix Sword Prodigy, your Lifebound Flying Sword must at least be made of Taiyi Essence Gold and Black Flame Diamond. These two materials are undoubtedly fourth-tier."
Fourth-tier.
In the cultivation world, the first to third levels of Qi Refining, which can be killed by mortals, are considered unranked.
The fourth to sixth levels of Qi Refining are first-tier, the seventh to ninth are second-tier.
And so on. Fourth-tier corresponds to Nascent Soul.
"The reason these two materials are only considered fourth-tier is partly because our Taixu Sword Sect has mastered their production technology, making them relatively inexpensive. On the other hand, these materials are extremely difficult to refine. Even Core Formation Realm cultivators struggle to refine them successfully. In terms of performance, Taiyi Essence Gold and Black Flame Diamond are comparable to fifth-tier materials."
"Can I apply for them?"
Li Chunjun asked.
"Yes."
Jiang Wanyu nodded: "The Sect Master has said that you are to be trained according to the standards of a 'Sword Prodigy,' so you can apply for these materials. Even if the Sect Master hadn't ordered it, the Peak Master would have found a way for you."
She paused: "The key lies in you. If you can't refine these materials, you'll be stuck in the Core Formation Realm for a long time."
"How did previous Flaming Phoenix Sword Cultivators refine them?"
Li Chunjun inquired: "Using Essence Blood?"
"Yes."
Jiang Wanyu replied: "And not just once."
She paused: "Therefore, only those who have unlocked the third transformation of the Flaming Phoenix Bloodline are considered qualified to be trained as Flaming Phoenix Sword Prodigies."
"I'll apply."
Li Chunjun stated directly.
Jiang Wanyu looked at Li Chunjun with surprise.
So confident!?
Has his Flaming Phoenix Blood potential already reached the third transformation?
But, I can't sense it?
Or...
Has his mastery over the Flaming Phoenix Blood surpassed hers, reaching the fourth transformation!?
Yes, it must be so.
Fourth transformation!
With this, he can even condense the Flame Phoenix Brand. When his spirit reaches completion and meets the standard for transforming into Divine Sense, he can then cultivate Sword Intent.
For a moment, Jiang Wanyu genuinely praised: "Junior Brother, you're truly remarkable."
"It's just about meeting the qualifications. Who knows how long it will take to fully refine these materials."
Li Chunjun said.
"If you can develop Sword Intent and use Essence Blood for refinement, it will take about twenty years. With two Essence Blood refinements, it could even be shortened to ten years."
"One Essence Blood refinement saves ten years?"
"That should be the case if Sword Intent is developed."
Jiang Wanyu said.
"Understood."
Li Chunjun nodded.
The standards for a Flaming Phoenix Sword Prodigy are five.
Core Formation Realm cultivation.
Mastery of killing techniques and secret arts.
Development of Sword Intent.
Completion of a Mystic Treasure-level Lifebound Flying Sword.
Among these, the easiest for him is refining the Mystic Treasure-level Lifebound Flying Sword.
Refining Sword into Core...
Compared to other Sword Cultivators, his difficulty is also somewhat reduced.
At this moment, he truly felt the immense convenience the Flaming Phoenix Bloodline brought to the path of a Sword Cultivator.
Among the five standards, the Lifebound Flying Sword, Sword Intent, and cultivation level can all be overcome with the advantage of the bloodline.
The only thing that truly requires insight is the killing techniques and secret arts.
No wonder the Taixu Sword Sect places such importance on Flaming Phoenix Sword Cultivators.
The power of this bloodline is too extraordinary.
In the following time, Jiang Wanyu detailed the techniques for cultivating Sword Qi like Silk to Li Chunjun.
Li Chunjun took careful note.
Until night fell, under Jiang Yuqiu's direction, a small gathering was held on the mountain with over a dozen high-ranking members of Flaming Phoenix Peak to welcome Li Chunjun.
...
Late at night.
Li Chunjun finally had some rare free time and peace.
Returning to his courtyard, he sat by the bed, looking out through the window at the bright moon outside...
Recalling the bits and pieces he had heard about the Taixu Sword Sect along the way, as well as the interactions with the people of Flaming Phoenix Peak throughout the day.
This feeling...
"Not bad."
Li Chunjun murmured softly.
His eyes were calm, cold, and serene.
There was no trace of emotion in them.
"Finally..."
He silently thought: "I've encountered some friendly 'NPCs.'"
Yes.
NPCs!
...
While Li Chunjun rested, on the main peak of the Four Governance Peaks.
Huan Ming had just ended his communication with Jiang Yuqiu.
As the communication concluded, an elderly man in a long robe, exuding an air of immortality, walked in.
"How was it?"
The elder inquired.
"Martial Uncle You Long."
Huan Ming said: "On the surface, he seems fine, but he is very guarded inside, full of distrust towards everything external."
"Normal."
You Long, the Peak Master of the Merit and Reward Peak of the Four Governance Peaks, expressed understanding: "Given everything he's been through, without sufficient caution, he would have died several times over."
Huan Ming nodded: "At this point, we can only take our time, deepen our understanding of each other, so that he can truly accept his identity and recognize himself as a member of the Taixu Sword Sect."
"Indeed."
You Long slightly nodded: "So, you plan to give him the Taiyi Essence Gold and Black Flame Diamond, the top-tier fourth-tier materials for the Sword Prodigy standard? These are premium fourth-tier materials."
"He wasn't cultivated by our Taixu Sword Sect. To win his loyalty, we must show sincerity."
Huan Ming said.
"I'm not saying your approach is wrong, but we must also consider the feelings of other Core Disciples, even the True Inheritor Disciples."
You Long reminded: "They have been diligent in their duties for the sect, executing tasks, cultivating arduously, and persisting for decades without necessarily being able to exchange for a piece of Taiyi Essence Gold to forge a Flying Sword. Li Chunjun comes and is directly granted..."
"A Flaming Phoenix Sword Cultivator deserves such treatment."
Huan Ming interrupted.
"Of course, especially if we can produce a Flaming Phoenix Sword Prodigy, it would be a tremendous achievement for us! The final benefits would far exceed ten or even a hundred pieces of Taiyi Essence Gold. But what if... he doesn't become the second Flaming Phoenix Sword Prodigy?"
"You mean..."
"The sect has already gone to great lengths for him, mobilizing over a hundred Core Formation cultivators, standing off against the Chiyang, Zhou Tian, Piao Miao, and Innate sects, which is sufficiently grand."
You Long looked at Huan Ming: "It's best to find an opportunity for him to showcase his abilities. Only then can we truly convince all the disciples, including the Elders and Peak Masters behind them, and even the few True Inheritors."
Huan Ming listened, nodding thoughtfully.
After a moment, he said: "I'll arrange it."
"Good."
You Long responded: "For talents, we naturally must provide exceptional treatment. In a world where great power is concentrated in individuals, high-level cultivators represent everything. But before their potential is truly recognized, managing such a large family as the Taixu Sword Sect, we must also strive to keep the scales balanced."
...
The next day.
Li Chunjun rose early, reviewing ancient texts.
The texts belonged to the Profound Phoenix Devouring Sun Sword Qi.
But compared to the Profound Phoenix Devouring Sun Sword Qi he had obtained, this volume was more complete.
It detailed the Profound Phoenix Sword Wheel and Flame Phoenix Sun Refining, two killing techniques.
As for Sword Energy Meteor...
Li Chunjun skipped it.
That was a technique combining Sword Qi Thunderclap and Refining Sword into Gang Qi.
While reviewing these two killing techniques, he also perused the experiences and insights of Flaming Phoenix Sword Cultivators on these techniques.
Through these insights, he quickly gained a certain understanding of these two killing techniques.
"My comprehension has indeed improved significantly."
Li Chunjun thought to himself.
Like these experiences and insights...
Even though it was his first time deeply studying these two killing techniques, he could extrapolate and innovate from these predecessors' experiences.
His mind was active, inspiration raining down.
"The Profound Phoenix Devouring Sun Sword Qi won't trouble me. Next, it's about the difficulty of cultivating the Taixu Sword Scripture."
Li Chunjun put away the texts and left his room.
As soon as he stepped out, Jiang Yuliu, who seemed to have been waiting outside, approached: "Sword Prodigy, the Peak Master has instructed that you should come over once you've rested. The Sect Master has arrived."
"Alright."
Li Chunjun didn't delay, following her to Jiang Yuqiu's courtyard.
In the courtyard, a few young people curiously looked at Li Chunjun.
They were Jiang Yuqiu's disciples.
Direct disciples of the Peak Master.
But none of them came to disturb Li Chunjun.
In the main hall, Jiang Yuqiu was discussing something with Huan Ming.
Jiang Wanyu was serving tea.
Seeing Li Chunjun arrive, Huan Ming stood up with a smile: "Chunjun, you're here."
"Sect Master, Peak Master."
"No need for formalities."
Huan Ming handed over a jade talisman, straightforwardly introducing: "The Taixu Sword Scripture."
His casual demeanor made it seem as if the talisman contained not the Taixu Sword Sect's foundational scripture, but an ordinary technique.
Li Chunjun took the jade talisman.
"I've heard from Jiang Wanyu that you plan to apply for Taiyi Essence Gold and Black Flame Diamond? Truly bold!"
Huan Ming waved his hand, and three boxes engraved with formations appeared in the hall.
"Taiyi Essence Gold, Black Flame Diamond."
He opened two of the boxes.
Then, he opened the third box.
"A genius's time shouldn't be wasted on the tedious task of refining the essence of the sun and moon! This box of Sun True Crystals will allow you to reach the peak of Qi Refining within a month."
(End of the Chapter)
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