Chapter 863
A Good Day for Travel
But at some point, he gradually grew tired of these conflicts and chose to live in seclusion in the mountains. He thought this was because he had seen through the illusions of the world, but in reality, he was escaping his responsibilities.
How could someone without a sense of responsibility possibly reach the Tribulation Transcending Realm?
The Tribulation Transcending Realm is not about overcoming heavenly tribulations, but rather mental tribulations. Only by having something to protect in one's heart can one avoid being invaded by inner demons during the tribulation.
“I finally understand,” he murmured.
He stood up, walked to the center of the courtyard, and began practicing his swordsmanship.
This sword practice was different from the previous ones.
In the past, when he practiced swordsmanship, he pursued the subtlety and power of the sword techniques. This time, he pursued the essence of the way of the sword—protection.
His swordsmanship was no longer sharp and aggressive, but instead became gentle and smooth. Each thrust carried a hint of warmth, as if he were protecting something precious.
His sword intent was also subtly changing.
The originally sharp sword intent gradually became as warm and gentle as jade. Within that gentleness, however, lay an inviolable power. Anyone who wanted to harm what he protected would be shattered by this power.
This is the sword of protection!
True swordsmanship is not for killing, but for protecting!
Shen Qingyun became more and more engrossed in his practice, gradually entering a profound state.
A faint sword aura began to emanate from his body, spreading outwards in concentric circles like ripples on water. Each circle of sword aura contained his understanding of the way of the sword.
This state is called "enlightenment"!
During cultivation, practitioners occasionally enter a special state in which their perception of the Dao of Heaven and Earth becomes exceptionally acute. This state is extremely rare, and once entered, one's cultivation level often experiences a significant boost.
Shen Qingyun never expected that he would enter a state of enlightenment at this moment. He was both surprised and nervous, and dared not slack off in the slightest, immersing himself wholeheartedly in the process of comprehension.
Time passed by, second by second.
After an unknown amount of time, Shen Qingyun finally emerged from his state of enlightenment.
He opened his eyes, a relieved smile on his face.
Although his realm did not break through, his swordsmanship underwent a qualitative leap.
His sword intent shifted from sharp to gentle, from killing to protecting. This change may seem insignificant, but it is in fact a sublimation of the way of the sword.
The sword of protection is more powerful than the sword of slaughter!
Because the sword of protection has a clear goal and unwavering belief. The sword of slaughter, on the other hand, only pursues power blindly and has no soul.
"My swordsmanship has finally taken another step forward," he murmured.
He looked down at his hands, then raised his right hand and pointed his index finger into the air.
With just a light touch, an invisible sword aura appeared in the air. The sword aura was as warm and smooth as jade, yet incredibly sharp. It lingered in the air for a moment before gradually dissipating.
“The Sword of Protection.” He nodded in satisfaction.
Just then, footsteps came from outside the courtyard.
Zheng Yi hurried in, his face showing concern.
"Senior Shen, are you alright?" he asked. "I sensed a strong fluctuation of energy around here, so I came to check."
"It's nothing," Shen Qingyun smiled. "I just entered a state of enlightenment, and my swordsmanship has improved somewhat."
"A state of enlightenment?" Zheng Yi's eyes lit up. "What did Senior Shen realize?"
"I have grasped the essence of the sword of protection," Shen Qingyun said. "The true way of the sword is not for killing, but for protecting. Although I have known this principle for a long time, I have only truly understood it today."
"Congratulations, Senior Shen!" Zheng Yi said, bowing with his hands clasped.
"No need for congratulations," Shen Qingyun waved his hand. "Although my cultivation level hasn't broken through, my swordsmanship has indeed advanced further. Come, let me show you my new sword intent."
"A new sword intent?"
“That’s right,” Shen Qingyun said. “The sword intent I left at the entrance of the cave was a sharp, killing sword. Now I’m going to change it into a protective sword.”
The two arrived at the entrance of the cave.
The bluestone still stands beside the gate, and the sword mark on its surface still exudes a sharp sword aura.
Shen Qingyun walked to the bluestone, raised his right hand, and pointed his index finger at the sword mark.
This time, his movements were even gentler than before, as if he were caressing something precious.
"Buzz—"
A deep, resonant sword rang out.
The once sharp sword mark began to change. The sword energy transformed from sharp to gentle, from cold to warm. The entire piece of bluestone exuded a peaceful aura, making people feel at ease.
“This is…” Zheng Yi looked at the blue stone in surprise.
"This is the Sword of Protection," Shen Qingyun said. "This sword intent will not harm anyone, but anyone with malicious intent who approaches this place will be blocked by it."
Zheng Yi carefully sensed the sword intent.
He discovered that this new sword intent, though no longer sharp, was far more powerful. The previous sharp sword intent could only harm those who approached. But this gentle sword intent could discern the intentions of those who approached, blocking only those with malicious intent.
"That's amazing!" he exclaimed. "Senior Shen's swordsmanship is indeed unfathomable."
"This is merely a small achievement for me," Shen Qingyun said. "Once I break through to the Tribulation Transcending Realm, my sword intent will become even stronger."
"Senior Shen, how far do you think you are from breaking through to the Tribulation Transcending Realm?" Zheng Yi asked.
"I don't know," Shen Qingyun shook his head, "but I have a feeling it shouldn't be too far off."
"That's good," Zheng Yi said. "This junior looks forward to Senior Shen's breakthrough soon."
"Thank you for your kind words," Shen Qingyun said with a smile.
The two left the cave entrance and returned to the city lord's mansion.
One morning two weeks later, Hongyun City welcomed its first frost of the winter.
A thin layer of white frost covered the roof tiles, shimmering with tiny silver sparkles in the rising sun. The trees lining the street had shed all their leaves, leaving only bare branches swaying gently in the cold wind. Pedestrians wrapped themselves tightly in their clothes, their breath rising in wisps of white smoke.
In the backyard of the city lord's mansion, Zheng Yi was practicing his martial arts.
He stood beneath an ancient sycamore tree, his eyes slightly closed, his hands slowly extending outwards. A faint aura of celestial energy emanated from his palms, forming invisible ripples in the air.
This was his daily morning routine. Since arriving in Hongyun City, he had developed this habit, always making time for cultivation no matter how busy he was.
He practiced for about half an hour before stopping. "Sir, Young Master Guo requests your presence in the council hall," a servant approached and said respectfully.
"Understood." Zheng Yi nodded and walked towards the council hall.
Guo Tianyou was already waiting in the council chamber.
Standing beside him was a young man who looked to be only seventeen or eighteen years old. The young man was tall and handsome, with a heroic air about him. He was dressed in a light blue outfit, with a long sword at his waist, clearly a martial artist.
"Sir, you've arrived." Guo Tianyou stood up and bowed to Zheng Yi.
"Young Master Guo, what brings you here so early in the morning?" Zheng Yi asked, sitting down in a chair.
“It’s like this, I have something I’d like to discuss with you, sir,” Guo Tianyou said, then pointed to the young man beside him, “Sir, this is my cousin, Guo Mingxuan. Mingxuan, quickly greet Mr. Dark Night.”
"Junior Guo Mingxuan greets Mr. Dark Night." The young man stepped forward and bowed respectfully.
"No need for formalities." Zheng Yi sized up Guo Mingxuan and nodded. "This young man has an extraordinary air about him; he's clearly a promising talent."
"You flatter me, sir," Guo Tianyou said with a smile. "Mingxuan is the most talented disciple among the younger generation of the Guo family. He's only seventeen years old this year, yet his cultivation has already reached the late stage of the Condensation Realm. In a few more years, he might even break through to the Great Ascension Realm."
"Seventeen years old and already at the late stage of the Nascent Soul Realm?" Zheng Yi was somewhat surprised. "He is indeed a rare genius."
Guo Mingxuan's face flushed slightly, and he lowered his head somewhat embarrassed.
“Sir, I’ve come to discuss Mingxuan with you,” Guo Tianyou said.
"What's up?"
“Sir, you should know that after reaching a certain level of cultivation, it's very difficult to make further breakthroughs by relying solely on self-exploration,” Guo Tianyou said. “Although Mingxuan is exceptionally talented, the Guo family is ultimately just a secular family with limited resources in cultivation. I intend to send Mingxuan to a sect to receive more systematic training.”
"Send him to a sect?" Zheng Yi nodded. "That's a good idea. Sects have far richer cultivation resources and traditions than secular families, which would definitely benefit Mingxuan's growth."
“Yes,” Guo Tianyou said, “I have already contacted a sect called Xuantian Sect. Xuantian Sect is one of the largest sects in the central part of Tianyuan Domain, with great strength and a long history. They are willing to accept Mingxuan as an outer disciple.”
"The Xuantian Sect?" Zheng Yi pondered for a moment. "I've heard of this sect. It's said that the sect leader is a Transcending Tribulation Realm expert, and the sect also has several elders at the peak of the Great Ascension Realm. It's indeed a good choice."
“That’s right.” Guo Tianyou nodded. “The Xuantian Sect has strict rules, but they also put a lot of effort into training their disciples. If Mingxuan can enter the Xuantian Sect, he will definitely achieve great things in the future.”
"Is there something you need my help with, Young Master Guo?" Zheng Yi asked.
“It’s like this,” Guo Tianyou said, “the Xuantian Sect is located on Xuantian Mountain in the central part of the Tianyuan Domain, which is over a thousand miles away from Hongyun City. I intended to personally escort Mingxuan there, but I have many matters to attend to in Hongyun City, and I cannot leave.”
"I would like to ask for your help, sir, to accompany the elders of the Guo family to escort Mingxuan to the Xuantian Sect."
Zheng Yi was slightly taken aback upon hearing this.
"Does Young Master Guo want me to escort Mingxuan to the Xuantian Sect?"
“Yes,” Guo Tianyou nodded. “Sir, your strength is formidable. With you escorting me, I feel at ease. Moreover, I would also like you to broaden your horizons. You have been active in the eastern part of Tianyuan Domain and are not very familiar with the situation in the central region. This trip to Xuantian Sect will be a good opportunity for you to see the local customs and culture of the central region.”
Zheng Yi pondered for a moment.
Guo Tianyou is right. He has been operating in the eastern part of Tianyuan Domain and is indeed not very familiar with the situation in the central region. The central part of Tianyuan Domain is the most prosperous area in the entire domain, with many large sects and powerful forces. It would certainly be beneficial to see it for yourself.
Moreover, he also wanted to see what the Xuantian Sect was like. Sects are different from secular families; they have their own unique cultivation systems and traditions. If he could visit the Xuantian Sect, he might be able to learn something useful.
“Okay, I agree,” he said.
"That's wonderful!" Guo Tianyou's face lit up with joy. "With you escorting me, sir, I can rest assured."
“However,” Zheng Yi looked at Guo Mingxuan, “Mingxuan, are you willing to go to the Xuantian Sect yourself?”
Guo Mingxuan raised his head, his gaze resolute, and said, "This junior is willing. I know my talent is quite good, but if I stay in the Guo family, it will be difficult to achieve greater development. The Xuantian Sect is a major sect with a complete cultivation system and abundant resources. This junior wishes to go there to receive better training."
"Good ambition." Zheng Yi nodded approvingly. "Young people should have this kind of drive. Okay, when do we set off?"
“Three days later,” Guo Tianyou said. “I will arrange for the Third Elder, Guo Shouzhen, and the Fifth Elder, Guo Xiong, to accompany you. With you, sir, that should be sufficient.”
"Elder Guo Shouzhen and Elder Guo Xiong are both going?" Zheng Yi was somewhat surprised.
“Mingxuan is the hope of the younger generation of the Guo family, and I must ensure his safety,” Guo Tianyou said. “Although the two elders are advanced in years, they are highly skilled and experienced. With them around, the journey will be much safer.”
"Okay, it's settled then." Zheng Yi stood up. "We're leaving in three days. I'll go make preparations."
"Thank you, sir!" Guo Tianyou and Guo Mingxuan bowed and expressed their gratitude together.
Zheng Yi left the council hall and returned to his courtyard.
He needs to prepare well for this trip. It's a journey of thousands of miles, and there may be all sorts of unexpected events along the way, so he must be fully prepared.
“Wind chimes,” he called out.
Wind chimes emerged from the shadows and stood silently behind him.
"What are your orders, sir?"
"I'm going to the Xuantian Sect in the central part of the Tianyuan Domain in three days to escort a disciple of the Guo family to cultivate," Zheng Yi said. "While I'm gone, Hongyun City will be in your care, along with Tieshan and Tianxing."
"Rest assured, sir, I will guard Hongyun City well," Fengling said.
"Also, you need to keep an eye on Senior Shen," Zheng Yi said. "Senior Shen is currently in seclusion; don't let anyone disturb him."
"Understood."
"By the way, is there any news from the Lu family and the Li family?" Zheng Yi asked.
“Not yet,” Feng Ling said. “Ever since Senior Shen left his sword intent at the entrance of the cave, those two families have become much quieter. However, I think they are probably waiting for an opportunity.”
"Yes, that's what I think too." Zheng Yi nodded. "In any case, we must always be vigilant. If there's any emergency while I'm away, we should ask Senior Shen for help."
"Understood."
Zheng Yi gave some other instructions and then began packing his luggage.
He took out some necessities from the Sumeru Bracelet, including pills, spirit stones, changes of clothes, and so on, and checked them one by one to make sure nothing was missing.
Three days passed quickly.
The morning of our departure was sunny and bright. Although it was already winter, the temperature was much warmer than the previous few days, making it a perfect day for travel. (End of Chapter)