I was just making up techniques… how did all of you become Emperors? Chapter 7: Xiao Chen Comprehends Sword Intent, Tenfold Reward
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Chapter 7: Xiao Chen Comprehends Sword Intent, Tenfold Reward
The days slipped by in a flash.
Ten weeks had already passed since Xiao Chen first began his Cultivation journey under the guidance of Chu Feng.
It was the dead of night.
Positioned beneath the heavy flow of the waterfall, Xiao Chen remained stationary, his blade in hand as he executed tireless swings.
He was currently lost in a profound and mystical state of mind.
Suddenly, a sharp sword cry rang out—
Xiao Chen unleashed a forward slash with an explosive surge of power. The cascading water in front of him was sliced perfectly in half.
A violent shockwave of sword intent slammed into the adjacent cliffside.
"I did it!"
"I have finally grasped sword intent!"
Before his celebration could truly begin, the waterfall resumed its descent, slamming into him and sending him tumbling into the pool below.
Spitting out a mouthful of water and shaking himself dry, Xiao Chen hurried back up the mountain path.
Achieving sword intent meant he was finally ready to resume his true Cultivation.
He was eager to share this breakthrough with his Master.
Inside the brightly lit residence of the Chief at the Miscellaneous Dao Institute—
Chu Feng was reclined on a plush couch, focused on a book. Under the dancing firelight, the bold characters of the title were visible: The Golden Lotus.
[ Ding! The host’s primary disciple has comprehended sword intent. Sword intent: beginner stage. Host receives a tenfold reward—sword intent: perfected stage! ]
As the notification sounded, a vivid vision manifested in Chu Feng’s mind.
He witnessed a silhouette casually pointing a sword toward the heavens—
A devastating ripple of sword intent flooded the entire realm.
With a startled jolt, Chu Feng sat bolt upright on his couch.
"That kid Xiao Chen actually reached sword intent this fast? This must be the legendary talent of a son of fate. I could get used to this."
If he could recruit a few more disciples of this caliber, reaching invincibility would be a simple matter.
Excitement bubbled within Chu Feng at the thought.
The time was right. Tomorrow, he would grant him Ten Thousand Swords Return to Origin.
He wondered how long the boy would take to master it.
The following morning, Chu Feng broke his usual routine by rising early to sit cross-legged in the courtyard.
Closing his eyes, he waited in silence for Xiao Chen to arrive.
As the sun climbed toward the middle of the sky, Xiao Chen entered the garden.
"Disciple pays respects to Master."
Chu Feng’s eyes slowly fluttered open. "Skip the formalities. From your energy, it is clear you have grasped sword intent."
Xiao Chen replied with visible passion, "Master’s perception is truly keen. Last night, I finally achieved sword intent."
Chu Feng remarked, "Decent. You've finished a few days ahead of my schedule. However, it is only a minor lead. Mastering sword intent is merely the opening gate on the path of the sword."
Had anyone else spoken those words, Xiao Chen would have scoffed.
Among the hundreds of outer disciples within Wendao Academy, not a single one had successfully grasped sword intent.
Did that imply none of them had even entered the true path of the sword?
Yet, Xiao Chen viewed this as his Master’s way of warning him against the dangers of pride.
"Master’s words are wise. I will remain dedicated to my training."
Chu Feng nodded, pleased with the young man’s humility. He pulled a manual from his sleeve and set it upon the table.
"You have earned the right to practice the technique I have meticulously crafted—Ten Thousand Swords Return to Origin. Once you have mastered this, someone like Qin Rou will no longer be a threat to you."
"I am honored to receive this sword art, Master!"
Xiao Chen took the manual for Ten Thousand Swords Return to Origin with deep reverence.
He asked with curiosity, "Master, are there specific insights I should focus on while practicing this technique?"
"The essential details are all recorded in the text. Return to your quarters and investigate it yourself," Chu Feng answered, maintaining a serious facade.
'I haven't actually used Ten Thousand Swords Return to Origin myself. How would I know the specifics? I've only watched others perform it.'
"This disciple will not fail you, Master!"
Xiao Chen departed, his face glowing with anticipation.
Watching the boy leave, Chu Feng pondered, 'I wonder what kind of miracle you’ll pull off this time.'
Returning to his own courtyard with high spirits, Xiao Chen wasted no time in opening the secret manual.
His gaze immediately landed on several lines of introductory text.
Ten thousand breaths emerge, the blade pierces shattered Meridians; all techniques return to the source, the Dao expands infinitely.
Cultivation mantra: Allow Qi to deviate from the veins, channel through Tai Chong, invert the heavens and earth, and transform softness into tempered steel.
'Hiss...'
Xiao Chen gasped in shock.
'Master... he developed a Cultivation technique specifically for me.'
Even within Wendao Academy, a premier sacred ground on the Xuantian Continent, there had never been a record of a technique that could be used by someone with destroyed Meridians.
Yet his Master possessed one—specifically designed for a sword cultivator.
He continued flipping through. Beyond a few empty pages, the remainder of the book consisted of fundamental sword forms that even the most basic disciples could practice.
'This method seems... surprisingly simple.'
Xiao Chen gave his head a light tap with the manual and whispered, "Why would I question Master? Since he gave it to me, there must be a profound reason."
He immediately sat down to begin Cultivation of Ten Thousand Swords Return to Origin exactly as the text instructed.
Meanwhile, a guest arrived at the Miscellaneous Dao Institute.
"Elder Qin, what brings you to my humble abode today?"
Chu Feng was momentarily taken aback before greeting the visitor with a warm smile.
The elder standing before him had snowy hair and a long beard, exuding a refined presence. This was Elder Qin, the Internal Affairs Elder of Wendao Academy. He oversaw the academy's daily functions and held a rank equal to Chu Feng’s position as a Chief.
Elder Qin stroked his beard and spoke, "Little Feng, I have come to discuss the outer Sect tournament scheduled for three months from now."
"...?"
Chu Feng looked confused. "Hasn't the Miscellaneous Dao Institute always refrained from participating in both the inner and outer tournaments?"
"Sigh..."
Elder Qin let out a heavy breath. "That was the case previously. However, the Chiefs of the other institutes have reached a consensus—if the Miscellaneous Dao Institute wishes to receive resources, participation is now mandatory. Your budget will be determined by your disciple’s ranking.
If your student fails to pass even the opening round, the academy will cease all resource distribution to your institute.
They will even withdraw the part-time laborers assigned to your grounds."
'Damn it.'
Chu Feng muttered, "This is blatant bullying."
It was a stroke of luck that he had been fast enough to recruit Xiao Chen, the son of fate.
Otherwise, he might have ended up starving.
"You are correct," Elder Qin admitted, "but this was a collective decision by all the other Chiefs. Though the Dean wishes to uphold our traditions, his hands are tied. You will have to endure this, lad."
There was a flicker of pity in the elder's eyes.
Chu Feng hadn't been at the academy long, but he was known for being honorable and respectful—a truly good young man.
Simply because he had protected Xiao Chen and angered the Heavenly Spirit Institute, they were now squeezing him like this. Even Elder Qin found the treatment heartless.
Chu Feng smiled and replied, "I appreciate you coming to tell me this, Elder Qin. I will ensure Xiao Chen enters the outer Sect tournament."
"You're still able to smile? Do you not realize they are trying to dismantle your institute?"
Elder Qin couldn't help but scold him, frustrated by Chu Feng’s nonchalant attitude.
Chu Feng said easily, "What will happen, will happen. Stressing over it won't change the outcome. I can only meet the challenge head-on."
"Sigh..."
Elder Qin shook his head in resignation. "I truly don't know what to make of you. If things get so bad that you can't make ends meet, come find me at the Internal Affairs Hall. I’ll make sure you get by."
Chu Feng felt a touch of warmth at the offer. "Thank you for your kindness, Elder Qin."
"Very well, I shall return now. Try to be frugal with your savings for the time being."
With those final words, Elder Qin turned and walked away.