Xunuo looked eagerly at Tian Feiyu, waiting for him to hand over the next part of the cultivation method. However, Tian Feiyu simply resewed the book and placed it back on the shelf.
Xunuo thought to himself that he had come back this time specifically to obtain this internal cultivation method, intending to compare it with the Huayang Classic. He also needed a method for opening meridians, as his Huayang Classic was lacking in that regard. Now, however, Tian Feiyu had put away the remaining methods—was he still wary of him?
Tian Feiyu set down the book and sat back down, saying, “You should focus on practicing this page of the cultivation method when you return, but do not let outsiders see it. This Cultivation Method is called *Gong*, and it is the most profound internal skill of our sect. Aside from me, only Elder Brother of the Sect Master, Outer Hall Master Gao Weiji, and Liu Yunfei have practiced it. You are the fifth person to cultivate this Cultivation Method.”
Seeing Xunuo glance at the page in his hand and then at the book on the shelf titled *Gong*, Tian Feiyu scolded him, “Don’t be greedy. It’s not that I’m hiding anything from you; it’s just that if you don’t master the first layer well, you will find no use in obtaining the subsequent methods. Once you enter the Inner Sect, I will pass on the next part of the Cultivation Method to you.”
Xunuo quickly asked, “How long will it take to master this first layer of the Cultivation Method?”
Tian Feiyu smiled and replied, “That depends on each person's comprehension and effort. Among my generation, Gao Weiji had the highest talent and took only two years to achieve great success in the first layer of the Cultivation Method. However, compared to Liu Yunfei, he still fell short; Liu Yunfei completed it in just over a year and then began opening meridians. You are already ahead of Liu Yunfei by starting this Cultivation Method while still in the Outer Gate. This first step is crucial; if you lay a solid foundation here, opening meridians later will be smoother. So for now, focus on mastering the first layer; I will pave your path for what comes next. Once you achieve great success in the first layer, I will provide you with the subsequent Cultivation Methods.”
Seeing that Tian Feiyu had said so much, Xunuo could no longer press for more and could only express his gratitude to his master.
Tian Feiyu continued, “Your ability to perceive sword intent shows that you have some talent in swordsmanship, but this matter must not be spread outside. Your senior brothers understand its significance and won’t speak carelessly about it; however, you must also be cautious not to let it slip.”
Xunuo hurriedly replied, “Disciple will heed Master’s words and absolutely won’t share this with others.”
Yet doubt was evident on his face.
Seeing this, Tian Feiyu sighed and said, “It’s not that I’m overly cautious; there are lessons from history.”
He then recounted an old tale.
It turned out that around Wuhua Sect, there were three major sects standing side by side: Nanyue Sword Sect and Pool Water Sect. Originally all three were sword sects known as Nanyue Sword Sect, Wuhua Sword Sect, and Pool Water Sword Sect.
The three sword sects were often at odds with one another and frequently quarreled. To resolve their disputes, they decided to hold a sword competition where practitioners would showcase their skills. The winner would retain their title as a sword sect while the others would drop the word "sword" from their names. At that time, Wuhua Sect was at its peak and won decisively against Wuhua Sword Sect's title. Although the other two sects lost, they were unwilling to give up their titles and demanded another competition ten years later. Despite Wuhua Sword Sect's strength, they could not withstand a united front from both sects and reluctantly agreed.
Thus began a tradition of holding a sword competition every ten years among the three sects for supremacy in title. One year, when Nanyue Sword Sect was particularly powerful, they attempted to unify all three sects by sending several skilled swordsmen to provoke Wuhua Sect.
In terms of individual strength, Wuhua Sect indeed lagged behind; however, when they deployed the Seven Star Sword Formation against their opponents, they managed to defeat them soundly. They only allowed one survivor to return while the rest perished on Wuhua Mountain. Although this created enmity with Nanyue Sword Sect, it also made them think twice before attempting to covet Wuhua Sect again.
Later, the Nanyue Sword Sect learned about the weaknesses of the Seven Star Sword Formation. It required extremely high swordsmanship from the person in charge of the formation. Consequently, they devised various schemes to target the swordsmanship genius among the new generation of the Wuhua Sect.
Years ago, when Liu Yunfei had just entered the Inner Sect, his extraordinary swordsmanship caught the attention of the Nanyue Sword Sect. During a mission, he was ambushed by several disciples of the Nanyue Sword Sect. Thanks to his fellow disciples who fought desperately to protect him, he managed to escape by a stroke of luck. This incident instilled a deep hatred for the Nanyue Sword Sect in Liu Yunfei.
Upon hearing this backstory, Xunuo finally understood the situation and realized that Tian Feiyu was merely protecting his own. Afterward, Tian Feiyu shared his insights on this mental cultivation technique with Xunuo before letting him go.
Tian Feiyu sat quietly in a secret chamber for a while before heading directly to the residence of the sect leader at the mountain's peak.
Upon entering, he saw Liu Yunfei discussing today's events with Ximen Tower. When Ximen Tower noticed Tian Feiyu's arrival, he nodded without speaking and cast a questioning glance at him. Tian Feiyu silently nodded back at Ximen Tower.
Ximen Tower allowed Liu Yunfei to leave first before speaking, "It seems what Yunfei said is true."
Tian Feiyu replied, "Not just true; it might be even more extraordinary."
Ximen Tower's eyes lit up as he said, "If that's the case, we can bring out the true Seven Star Sword Formation for our disciples to comprehend and practice, and make some preparations."
Tian Feiyu responded, "It should have been done long ago. With Liu Yunfei alone, he is likely to take on the role of the main formation eye within a few years."
Ximen Tower shook his head and said, "In terms of swordsmanship, Yunfei will surely achieve great success in a few years; however, his cultivation level is still shallow. To meet the requirements will likely take him ten years."
Tian Feiyu remarked, "If we old fellows assist him as supporting characters, there would be no such concerns."
Ximen Tower smiled wryly and said, "You and I are fine with that; however, Brother Gao Weiji will never settle for being in a subordinate position and playing second fiddle to a junior."
Tian Feiyu was momentarily speechless, and the atmosphere fell into silence.
Meanwhile, Xunuo exited the Seven Star Sword Hall and walked back while feeling increasingly frustrated. He had obtained a complete set of internal cultivation techniques that were useful only when compared with and referenced against the Huayang Classic for channeling energy through acupoints. Now that he had only acquired the first page, it felt rather useless.
Liu Yunfei had also spent over a year mastering this first layer of cultivation method. Although Xunuo was eager, he dared not appear too ambitious. He could only temporarily abandon his thoughts of acquiring techniques for channeling energy.
By the time he returned to his residence, it was already noon. He found Guo Shujiang sitting on his bed and organizing his attire on the floor.
Xunuo was delighted to see Guo Shujiang and said, "It's been a few days since I've seen you, even during meal times you haven't shown up. I suppose the food at the Seven Star Sword Hall is much better than at the Outer Gate, otherwise why wouldn't you bring some back for your brother to enjoy?"
Guo Shujiang chuckled, his small eyes squinting into slits. "It seems like you've had a rough time eating outside today and came looking for me to vent your frustrations. But I won't take offense."
Finished Speaking adjusted his clothes and walked out while saying, "I still need to eat a couple more buns."
Xunuo spat in response, but Guo Shujiang had already laughed and left. Sighing, Xunuo took down his sword from the wall and went to practice in the back of the house.
When he returned that evening, Guo Shujiang was already gone. Instead of practicing the Huayang Classic, Xunuo took out the page of heart method given to him by Tian Feiyu and carefully reviewed it once more. He then sat cross-legged and began to cultivate this highest Cultivation Method that Tian Feiyu spoke of.
Although it was his first time encountering this breathing technique, he found it not too difficult. After practicing for a while, he managed to cultivate a trace of True Qi. However, this True Qi was vastly different from what he cultivated with his Huayang Skill; it was thin beyond measure. It took him two or three hours just to gather this trace of True Qi. Xunuo sighed inwardly, realizing why Liu Yunfei took years to complete the first step. If he were to practice this Cultivation Method, it might take him three to five years just to finish the first step.
He then folded the page of heart method and placed it in the kitchen. After expelling that thin and insubstantial True Qi from his body, he closed his eyes and resumed practicing the Huayang Classic. Instantly, a feeling of comfort washed over him, as if he were enveloped in True Qi.
He thought to himself: "You get what you pay for."
After that, he entered a state of complete immersion.
A few days later, after finishing his sword practice and returning home, Xunuo walked in to find Guo Shujiang and Zhang Changzai sitting at the table on opposite sides. Both had their upper bodies leaning over the table, their heads nearly touching as they discussed something intently.
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