Translator: CinderTL
"Nearly perfected Sword Intent!"
Li Chunjun thought to himself.
This level of Sword Intent was not something achievable during the Qi Refining stage. Even the Flaming Phoenix Sword Prodigy during his Core Formation Realm had not reached such a level of Sword Intent.
"The reason my Destruction Sword Intent hasn't reached perfection isn't due to a lack of comprehension, but rather because my mental strength is too weak."
Sword Intent is a sublimation of Divine Sense, and the essence of Divine Sense lies in mental strength, which in the future becomes the Primordial Spirit. Before breaking through to the Core Formation Realm, his mental strength was simply insufficient to support the explosive power of a perfected Sword Intent.
In other words...
"Once I refine the sword into a core, fully releasing and mastering all my powers, my Destruction Sword Intent will naturally reach perfection."
With such an overwhelmingly domineering Sword Intent...
Whether Flame Phoenix Sun Refining, Flaming Phoenix Profound Light, or Void Sword Flash have been perfected no longer matters.
As long as he can refine the sword into a core and integrate the Black Flame Diamond into his Lifebound Flying Sword...
He will become the new Flaming Phoenix Sword Prodigy!
"Lifebound Flying Sword."
Li Chunjun turned his gaze to the Scarlet Gold Sword in his hand.
Soon.
He would integrate the Black Flame Diamond into this flying sword, and the process would be efficient.
With the new form of Destruction Sword Intent, purified and sublimated by the Great Void Sword Intent—Great Void Destruction Sword Intent...
Twice!
At most, two more offerings of Essence Blood, and this Lifebound Flying Sword would surely be forged!
By then, this flying sword would leap beyond the category of top-tier Spirit Artifacts and enter the realm of Mystic Treasures.
"Mystic Treasure."
Li Chunjun stared at the flying sword.
Mystic Treasures are comparable to Nascent Soul!
A sword cultivator's flying sword, in a way, is equivalent to an external core!
A Mystic Treasure-level flying sword...
Essentially, it can be considered a "second Nascent Soul."
Albeit a "second Nascent Soul" that only possesses Mana without Mystical Powers.
"Refining a Lifebound Flying Sword during the Qi Refining stage and the Core Formation stage are entirely different."
The flying sword in Li Chunjun's hand used Taiyi Essence Gold as its base, a material with exceptional compatibility.
In the future, not only could it integrate the Black Flame Diamond, but it could also accommodate other materials without issue.
What he had comprehended wasn't just Destruction Sword Intent.
But also Great Void Sword Intent.
Although he hadn't yet grasped Void Sword Flash, Sword Intent was fundamentally higher than killing techniques.
Therefore, he could also integrate a void-type material, allowing his Lifebound Flying Sword to transform into a superior Mystic Treasure, even a top-tier one!
"The stronger the Lifebound Flying Sword, the smoother the path of advancement after refining the sword into a core. Although refining a top-tier Mystic Treasure-level Lifebound Flying Sword during the Qi Refining stage is extremely difficult, success would pave the way for a smooth journey ahead..."
After all, the primary method for a sword cultivator to enhance their cultivation in the future is essentially the process of strengthening their Lifebound Flying Sword.
A Mystic Treasure-level Lifebound Flying Sword can basically support a sword cultivator's cultivation up to the Nascent Soul Realm.
To advance further, one would need to refine materials to upgrade the flying sword.
This process is akin to reforging the flying sword, a difficulty comparable to a Qi Refining cultivator reshaping their Golden Core.
Again and again.
This is why it's said that the path of a sword cultivator makes longevity hard to achieve.
It's also why, despite knowing the unparalleled offensive power of the sword cultivator's path, people still flock to the Qi Refining path.
If one could forge their Lifebound Flying Sword to a sufficiently high level before forming their core, even if the process of refining materials into the flying sword failed, it would only damage the materials and not endanger their life.
In other words, if Li Chunjun could refine his Lifebound Flying Sword to the level of a top-tier Mystic Treasure in one go, he would encounter no bottlenecks until reaching the peak of the Nascent Soul Realm.
However...
"In reality, I'm not too concerned about the dangers of sword forging failure. Instead, I worry that spending too much time on the Lifebound Flying Sword during the Qi Refining stage would affect the efficiency of my future cultivation progress."
The Flaming Phoenix Sword Prodigy was merely a response to the expectations of the Taixu Sword Sect.
The Taixu Sword Sect provided him with heritage and resources.
In return, he used his formidable strength to secure benefits for the Taixu Sword Sect.
It was a mutually beneficial relationship.
But if the interests of the Taixu Sword Sect slowed down his cultivation progress, delaying his path to immortality...
That would be putting the cart before the horse.
Therefore...
"I can start preparing for core formation now. However, considering the perilous nature of refining the sword into a core, I should raise my life level by 1 to 2 stages to ensure absolute safety."
During this period, if possible, I will refine the Black Flame Diamond.
If not...
I won't force it.
The advantages brought by my life level and Sword Intent are enough to compensate for the flaws in the Mystic Treasure and the lack of killing techniques and secret arts.
Li Chunjun reached out, and the Scarlet Gold Sword fell into his hand.
"Today, the Scarlet Gold Sword has undergone tremendous changes compared to its previous state. Even if Jiang Linxian and Jiang Chu Kuang were to come back to life, they might not recognize this sword. Continuing to call it the Scarlet Gold Sword would be inappropriate..."
He reached out and caressed the blade.
With a thought, the characters "Crimson Sky" appeared on the sword's surface.
Changing Scarlet Gold to Crimson Sky.
After completing this, Li Chunjun cleansed himself and officially stepped out of the courtyard.
As soon as he left the courtyard, all the cultivators on Flaming Phoenix Peak who were paying attention to his movements sensed it.
They began to converge toward the direction of his courtyard.
A flash of sword light.
The first to arrive was the Nascent Soul cultivator Jiang Yuqiu.
"Have you developed Sword Intent?"
"I have."
Li Chunjun nodded.
"Good!"
Jiang Yuqiu nodded heavily.
In truth, she had already known the result, but she wanted to hear the final confirmation directly from Li Chunjun.
Immediately, she said, "As the future Sword Prodigy of the sect, in addition to the resources you are entitled to, you can also have a dedicated protection team. This team has ten slots. You can either choose them yourself or cultivate them on your own. All resources will be provided by the sect, equivalent to the treatment of a sect Elder."
Sect Elder.
By now, Li Chunjun had gained some understanding of the structure of the Taixu Sword Sect.
Aside from the three tiers of ordinary disciples, core disciples, and True Inheritor Disciples, the Taixu Sword Sect also had positions such as stewards, managers, peak Elders, and sect Elders.
Disciples who failed to advance to core disciple status by a certain age would become stewards, responsible for sect affairs and external matters.
Such as taking up positions in various academies or martial arts schools.
Core disciples who failed to advance to True Inheritor Disciple status would become managers, overseeing specific regions.
Whether stewards or managers, upon reaching Core Formation, they would often be invited by the nineteen peaks of the sect to become peak Elders.
For example, Qin Zhou, Jiang Yuliu, and Jiang Renwang were all Elders of Flaming Phoenix Peak.
Additionally, some outstanding peak Elders would be directly invited by the sect to become sect Elders.
This was essentially a position just below the peak lords and vice-sect leaders.
If the sect were likened to a nation, this would be at the level of a minister or deputy minister.
Li Chunjun listened and nodded.
Ten slots to arrange as he pleased...
It was essentially giving him ten "sinecure" positions.
"You can arrange the ten slots as you wish. However, it would be best to have at least half of them be Core Formation cultivators. This is for your own benefit."
Jiang Yuqiu advised.
"Understood."
Li Chunjun said, "Let Elder Qin Zhou assist me."
"Agreed."
Jiang Yuqiu nodded. "You may freely choose anyone on Flaming Phoenix Peak."
"I haven't been in the Taixu Sword Sect for long. Peak Lord, perhaps you could recommend some candidates for me."
Li Chunjun suggested.
Jiang Yuqiu pondered for a moment, then nodded, "I'll provide you with a list shortly."
"Good."
At this moment, more than a dozen sword lights arrived in quick succession.
Upon seeing that Li Chunjun and Jiang Yuqiu had finished their conversation, the group cupped their hands in unison, "Congratulations, Sword Prodigy, on achieving Sword Intent!"
Li Chunjun nodded in acknowledgment to the group.
After exchanging greetings, the Core Formation Elders of Flaming Phoenix Peak didn't linger to force a celebration with Li Chunjun and soon left one by one.
But Qin Zhou stayed behind.
He sincerely cupped his hands, "Thank you for your trust, Sword Prodigy Li. I will do my utmost to protect your safety and assist you in achieving Core Formation and eventually reaching the Nascent Soul Realm!"
Clearly, Jiang Yuqiu had already informed Qin Zhou of Li Chunjun's choice through Divine Sense.
"Senior Brother Qin, there's no need for formalities."
Li Chunjun said, "I happen to have something to ask of you."
"Sword Prodigy, please instruct."
Qin Zhou said solemnly.
"Let's talk inside the courtyard."
Li Chunjun said, stepping into the courtyard.
At this moment, he seemed to recall something, "Where is Senior Sister Jiang?"
"She has recently reached a critical point in refining her True Core and has gone into seclusion. With the Flaming Phoenix Power's effect on refining the True Core, she should emerge soon."
Qin Zhou said with a smile.
Li Chunjun nodded.
Once inside the courtyard, he spoke directly, "Senior Brother Qin, you are one of the most familiar Core Formation cultivators in the Taixu Sword Sect. Since you are willing to assist me, I hope you can gather information on the Chiyang Sword Sect for me. I need to understand all the high-ranking members of the Chiyang Sword Sect."
Qin Zhou was slightly taken aback, understanding Li Chunjun's purpose for needing this information.
For a moment, he hesitated, "Wouldn't this be a bit premature?"
"At the very least, I should have some understanding first."
Li Chunjun said calmly.
"Very well."
Qin Zhou nodded after a moment of contemplation, "In fact, I've been preparing this information since you returned to the sect."
Li Chunjun wasn't surprised.
He had made a promise in front of several Core Formation cultivators of the Chiyang Sword Sect, and Qin Zhou had been present at the time. Naturally, he wouldn't have remained idle.
"The Chiyang Sword Sect, along with our Taixu Sword Sect, Wu Ji Sect, Zhou Tian Sect, and Piao Miao Sect, are all members of the Immortal Alliance. To some extent, we are all on the same side. Although there may be conflicts, they are all within certain bounds. Disputes within the Blue Star Realm are limited to the Core Formation level."
Qin Zhou paused here, "Once it involves life-and-death confrontations at the Nascent Soul level, unless permitted by higher authorities, losing means death, and winning... would also result in severe punishment, possibly even execution."
After saying this, he glanced at Li Chunjun.
But he saw that Li Chunjun's expression remained calm, showing no change.
For a moment, Qin Zhou couldn't help but feel somewhat surprised.
"Continue."
Li Chunjun said.
From his journey up from Guangzhou City, the greatest rule he had learned was—there are no rules.
For the strong, this world has never had rules.
Even if there are, they exist to constrain the weak.
The truly strong...
Even the descendants of the strong have ways to exploit the loopholes left by their predecessors to operate within the rules.
"Even if you do intend to seek revenge on the Chiyang Sword Sect, the scope will be limited to below the Nascent Soul level. Therefore, I will mainly discuss the Core Formation cultivators of the Chiyang Sword Sect! And when it comes to Core Formation, we must talk about the True Inheritor Disciple system!"
Qin Zhou looked at Li Chunjun, "Do you know the concept of a True Inheritor Disciple?"
"A disciple who has inherited the true teachings of the sect?"
Li Chunjun asked.
"That's not entirely wrong, but it's more of an older definition."
Qin Zhou smiled, "Hundreds of thousands of years ago, the definition of a True Inheritor Disciple had already slightly changed among the various sects."
He looked at Li Chunjun, "What is a True Inheritor? A figure who upholds the face of the sect! Within the bounds of the rules, the one who can best handle matters and fight the most effectively is the True Inheritor!"
(End of the Chapter)
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