I was just making up techniques… how did all of you become Emperors? Chapter 5: A Hundred Million Sword Swings—And Sword Intent Shall Arise
Previously on I was just making up techniques… how did all of you become Emperors?...
Chapter 5: A Hundred Million Sword Swings—And Sword Intent Shall Arise
"Xiao Chen, answer me this first—what path do you seek as a cultivator?"
Chu Feng posed the question with an incredibly grave expression.
"Reporting to Master, I was born possessing an Innate Sword Body. Ever since I took my first steps in Cultivation, I have yearned to become a Sword Saint. Regrettably, fate has been cruel to me."
A flicker of grief crossed Xiao Chen's eyes, though his focus quickly sharpened once more.
"However, now that I have encountered Master, I plan to take up the blade again and resume my journey."
"Master, I beg of you, teach me a supreme sword technique!"
"A Sword Saint? Is that the extent of your goals despite having an Innate Sword Body?"
Chu Feng clicked his tongue in disapproval, adding, "You are my disciple now, for goodness' sake. You must possess more ambition—at the very least, you should strive to become a Divine Emperor."
Xiao Chen stood frozen, stunned by the suggestion.
In the Xuantian Continent, the path of Cultivation moved through several realms: Body Tempering, Dao Foundation, True Fate, Heaven Origin, Spirit Nourishment, Path Union, Life Nirvana, Half-Saint, Saint Realm, Divine King, Divine Emperor, and finally, Immortal Emperor.
To become an Immortal Emperor was to ascend to the upper realm, meaning they were almost never seen within the Xuantian Continent.
A Divine Emperor, meanwhile, was viewed as a literal god in this world—a supreme being worshipped by countless millions.
"Master… do I truly possess such potential?"
Chu Feng gave his shoulder a reassuring pat. "Have faith in your master. Provided you apply yourself, reaching the level of Divine Emperor—or even Immortal Emperor—is well within your reach."
Selling grand dreams was a specialty of Chu Feng’s. In his previous life, he had woven elaborate fantasies for beautiful women.
In this life, he did the same for his own disciples.
Xiao Chen looked as though he had been struck by a bolt of lightning. His heart pounded as he gazed at his master with profound awe and shock.
"This disciple will not fail to meet Master's expectations!"
Chu Feng gave a light laugh. "Excellent. Go get some rest tonight. Meet me in my courtyard tomorrow at mid-morning."
"By that time, I shall bestow upon you an unparalleled sword technique."
Even though Chu Feng was committed to bluffing his way through, he still needed to devise a coherent plan.
He had encountered a vast number of Cultivation methods and sword styles in his past life, after all.
His only dilemma was deciding which one was right for Xiao Chen.
As for the mid-morning appointment—that was simply because Chu Feng found it impossible to wake up any earlier.
Even after his transmigration, he had kept his habit of staying up through the night "cultivating."
"Yes, Master!"
Xiao Chen replied with newfound confidence and departed, his heart brimming with hope.
Watching him leave, Chu Feng fell into deep thought.
What sort of Cultivation method should he provide for his first disciple?
He spent the entire afternoon at his desk, chin resting on his hand as he pondered the possibilities.
Just as the sun began to dip below the horizon, a spark of inspiration hit him. A legendary technique came to mind.
It was a flawless fit for Xiao Chen's current predicament.
However, the method was famously grueling. Every person who had ever mastered it was a genius of the highest order.
He wasn't entirely sure if Xiao Chen could endure it…
Perhaps he should intensify the training schedule just to be safe.
Chu Feng grabbed a brush and paper, beginning to transcribe the technique along with several auxiliary training drills, intending to provide Xiao Chen with a comprehensive system.
He worked tirelessly deep into the night.
Only when his stomach began to growl did he head to the kitchen to prepare a late-night meal.
Having eaten, he finally drifted off to sleep, feeling quite satisfied.
—
The following day, near noon.
Chu Feng eventually rolled out of bed. After a bit of stretching and washing his face, he walked outside.
The moment he swung the door open, he found Xiao Chen standing silently within the courtyard.
"You didn't arrive too early, did you?"
Xiao Chen shook his head. "This disciple did not wish to disturb Master's rest. I arrived at mid-morning as you commanded and have only been here a short while."
"Good."
Chu Feng gave a slight nod. "How much of your Cultivation remains?"
"Reporting to Master, less than a third is left."
"And how long until it vanishes entirely?"
Though he was confused, Xiao Chen answered with respect, "If I do not restart my Cultivation, it will be gone within three months, leaving me a complete cripple."
"That isn't much time."
Chu Feng murmured to himself before adding, "Starting from today, you are forbidden from practicing your previous techniques. You are also not to try and refill your spiritual energy."
"What?"
Xiao Chen was caught off guard and asked instinctively, "Why is that?"
"Because I am going to grant you an unparalleled divine technique, obviously."
Chu Feng paused for effect before continuing, "But before I can teach you this supreme Cultivation method, you must first grasp sword intent. You are only qualified to learn this technique once you have mastered sword intent."
"You were once the top outer disciple of the Sword Dao Academy, so I assume you understand the concept of sword intent?"
Xiao Chen nodded his head. "I have some grasp of it. I have reached the threshold of sword intent, but crossing that final gap has proven impossible."
Chu Feng offered a small smile. "It might be difficult for others. But for me, your master, attaining sword intent is as simple as turning over a hand."
"Truly?"
Xiao Chen's eyes widened as he stared at his master in disbelief.
"Would I ever deceive you?"
Chu Feng gave a dismissive wave. "Follow me."
"Yes, Master."
Suppressing the excitement in his chest, Xiao Chen followed closely behind Chu Feng.
The pair departed from the Miscellaneous Dao Institute and trekked toward the back mountain.
Roughly half an hour later, they arrived at the base of a roaring waterfall.
Chu Feng declared, "This shall be your training ground moving forward. You are familiar with the basic sword forms, are you not?"
"I am."
Xiao Chen answered without a second thought.
"Starting today, choose a single move from those basic sword forms and practice it beneath this waterfall. Once you can cleave the waterfall in two with one strike, you will have realized sword intent. And take note—do not use any spiritual power. It will not assist you in comprehending sword intent."
Chu Feng spoke in a slow, measured tone.
"...?"
Xiao Chen looked at his master, utterly bewildered.
Noticing the confusion in his eyes, Chu Feng smiled and said, "Have you ever heard the proverb—swing your blade a hundred million times, and sword intent shall arise of its own accord?"
"Remember, when I tell you to swing your sword, I do not mean to do so mindlessly. You must polish this single move until it reaches its absolute zenith."
"Only a perfected sword strike can lead to the awakening of sword intent."
"This is what is meant by the phrase: 'The Great Dao is the simplest.'"
Xiao Chen was initially drowning in questions, but the moment he heard that final sentence, a spark ignited in his eyes.
Yes—how could he have been so blind? In the Sword Dao Academy, those seeking to master sword intent always honed their techniques to the level of Great Perfection.
While the sword forms he had used before were complete, they were a long way from being truly perfected.
That was the reason he had been stuck just before the breakthrough to sword intent.
Now that his Dantian was ruined, practicing his former sword arts was impossible. Master must have devised this specific method to help him grasp sword intent.
A radiant smile broke across his face. He looked at Chu Feng and said, "I am grateful for your wisdom, Master. I understand. From this moment on, I will follow your orders and begin my training."
"Good boy. You are a quick study."
Chu Feng answered with a look of satisfaction, thinking to himself:
"Xiao Chen, train hard. If you get confused, just come find your master."
"Understood."
Xiao Chen replied, then unsheathed the sword at his waist and stepped beneath the pounding waterfall to begin his swings...