Zhongli stood quietly, the breeze brushing against his robes as he guided Chen Xin in the Way of the Sword Dao.
"The Way of Sword Dao," Zhongli began, his deep voice echoing like rolling thunder, "has nine foundational forms. These are not mere techniques—they are manifestations of will. Once one grasps the basics, the Spiritual Eye awakens. You've reached that threshold. Now… we shall open your Spirit Eye."
Chen Xin had recently begun to comprehend a technique known as Split the Heavens—a sword skill famed for its unyielding, heaven-defying force. More than just technique, each form of Split the Heavens was imbued with intent—a fierce will to cleave the sky itself.
◉ Split the Heavens: The Nine Forms
1st Form: 9 Acupoints
2nd Form: 18 Acupoints
3rd Form: 81 Acupoints
4th Form: 243 Acupoints
5th Form: 1500 Acupoints
6th Form: 4000 Acupoints + The Six Senses
7th Form: 6700 Acupoints
8th Form: 8,972 Acupoints
9th Form: 9,981 Acupoints
Attainments in the Way of the Sword Dao are classified in 5 big Realms ;Sword Primary Sword Spirit, Sword Immortal, Sword Sage and Sword God.
Splitting the heavens is just basic stage Sword Primary. Chen Xin had long way to go.
While Chen Xin was in deep mediation and going through Way of Sword Dao technique.
At first he didn't feel anything, but after a while, he could feel a mysterious kind of energy within the world.
This energy was formless and invisible, but he could sense it. The nine divine runes in his acupuncture points lit up as if they were coming alive. They began to slowly revolve.
Each divine rune seemed to possess its own life and will. They were connected to his soul.
As Chen Xin initiated the first acupoint, his spiritual yuan surged instinctively, like a flood yearning to break its dam. Yet through sheer will, he restrained it. The moment the first acupoint activated, his perception shifted.
His eyes narrowed as he instinctively looked to the sky—empty, yet… not. He felt a thread, like a tether connecting his consciousness to something vast and unseen above.
Zhongli's calm voice came once more."What you sense now… is the world's reflection—a mirrored sight complementing your acupuncture channels. It is the opening of your Spiritual Eye, an eye that transcends the physical, allowing you to observe from beyond your body."
Chen Xin breathed deeply and sat cross-legged once again, delving into his inner energy flow. Activating the second acupoint was easier than the first. As each one opened, that strange connection to the sky grew stronger—clearer.
He progressed until all nine acupoints of the first form were activated.
What he felt was surreal."It's like… nine invisible eyes in the sky, watching from nine different angles. I can see myself from above. I can see behind me… beneath me… Everything!"
He stood slowly, eyes gleaming."Master… if I can see from all directions, I'll be able to track enemies effortlessly. I'll see gaps before they're even formed!"
Zhongli gave a satisfied nod. "Exactly. Most cultivators rely on soul perception in battle. But intense energy fluctuations during high-level combat dull those senses. Your Spiritual Eye, however, exists outside those limits. It is unaffected by such interference."
"It's not just vision," Zhongli continued. "With these nine acupoints awakened, your sight is no longer confined. You'll perceive time in slow motion, discern aura threads, and even trace soul pathways. In illusion arrays, even if your physical eyes are sealed, your Spiritual Eye will not be deceived."
Chen Xin trembled with excitement. He clenched his fists."Master, I will train diligently!"
Zhongli nodded again, stepping closer.
"Good. But before you can attempt the sixth form of Split the Heavens, you must first refine the Six Senses. Sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch are the first five. Once they are fully awakened and harmonized, no illusion will touch your mind."
Zhongli's eyes narrowed."Now… as you go further opening your Acupoints. It will awaken the Sixth Sense—perception beyond the physical. The intuition of danger. Premonition. The sense that connects you to Heaven and Earth."
Chen Xin nodded solemnly.
Zhongli added in a grave tone,"Your next Spirit Ring will test these senses. It will not be strength alone that earns you victory… but awareness."
Chen Xin nodded, he was serious about training.