Chapter 1145: Wen Sword Technique, Sword Awakening

"Is this Zhenhuang Dian?"

Stepping out of the correct maze exit for the first time, Xu Xiaoshou finally saw a bit more light.However, overall, the Sin One Hall was still dim and oppressive.Before him stood a majestic palace with the three ancient characters "Zhenhuang Dian" on its plaque, towering in height and vast in width, beyond measure.Like the Unforgiving Chamber, this was also a structure built for giants, immense beyond comprehension.As he approached this grand palace, Xu Xiaoshou was immediately drawn to the array formation enveloping it.With this barrier in place, the interior of the palace was completely obscured, shrouded in a hazy mist.He instinctively analyzed the grand array, but even with his "Textile Mastery," he found it difficult to identify any weak points.Finally, he had met his match...Such an ancient grand array was indeed hard to breach!Time seemed to have left the protective array of Zhenhuang Dian untouched, instead adding a touch of historical charm and granting it the ability to sustain itself, revitalizing the array with its own power.

"Chen brother, step aside a bit."Gu Qingyi withdrew his gaze from the plaque on the palace and lifted his sword, his expression serious as he cautioned, "Later, remember to avoid the array's counterattack."Xu Xiaoshou was startled and instinctively stepped back.Before he could figure out what Gu Qingyi intended, he saw the man press his thumb against the guard of the Evil Sword Yue Lian and gently push.With a clang, under the entanglement of the sealing band, only about two finger-widths of the sword blade was exposed."Boom!"Vast sword light gathered and formed behind Gu Qingyi, plowing through the earth and void, striking straight at the array guarding Zhenhuang Dian and instantly tearing open a gap over ten zhang high."Ah, this..."Xu Xiaoshou was stunned.Was this the pure ancient sword cultivator? So unreasonable, just slashing away like that?The array of Zhenhuang Dian was attacked, buzzing as it lit up, and in the next second, it transformed like a ferocious beast, unleashing countless rays of spiritual light from the formation, wildly sweeping out."Swish, swish, swish!"Xu Xiaoshou reacted quickly, dodging left and right.The spiritual light crisscrossed toward him, yet not even his robe hem was touched."Very weak."The intensity of this attack made Xu Xiaoshou frown.Not to mention himself—if his junior sister came, she could probably dodge it too.Any normal Wangzuo Dao realm practitioner could likely emerge unscathed under this barrage of spiritual light.Was this the attack strength expected from the array guarding Zhenhuang Dian?Xu Xiaoshou pondered and glanced at the two brothers beside him.The Gu brothers from Zangjian Tomb moved, posed, and struck almost identically.The sword-bearing guest, Gu Qingyi, held the Evil Sword Yue Lian, his expression indifferent, his body nearly translucent, allowing the spiritual light to pass over him without any effect.The nine-sword guest, Gu Qinger, had no sword in his arms, simply crossing them over his chest, his expression indifferent, his body nearly translucent, also letting it pass...Xu Xiaoshou's mouth twitched.This repeater... no, this copier was at it again!As long as he was by his senior brother's side, he had to imitate everything, even going overboard.Just look—Gu Qinger now had a sneer at the corner of his mouth, as if scoffing at the array's counterattack, his face screaming four words: utterly disdainful!"Wujian Technique, huh..."Xu Xiaoshou suddenly felt like he was at a disadvantage.It seemed that pure ancient sword cultivators always gave off this aura—powerful yet humble, but their strikes were incredibly flashy and full of style!In simple terms, they pulled off this act so well that Xu Xiaoshou had to admit defeat.This wasn't just evident in the Gu brothers; even Mr. Si Ren sometimes exuded this vibe.Of course, the one who embodied it most was Ba Zun An!The counterattack from Zhenhuang Dian's array didn't last long before the spiritual light ceased.At that moment, the gap Gu Qingyi had slashed in the array hadn't fully healed yet—it was still about a zhang high.Once the counterattack ended, Gu Qingyi's body returned to its solid state. He glanced at his second junior brother in surprise. "You've improved.""Hey!" Flattered, Gu Qinger perked up like a proud tail and said with delight, "I've made a lot of progress. A day apart, and your junior brother has improved by leaps and bounds, almost evolving into a master...""Did I say you could speak?""Uh, shutting up, I'm shutting up..."Gu Qingyi silenced his junior brother before turning back with a smile."Chen brother, after you."As Xu Xiaoshou approached the array, he clearly felt the vast, ocean-like sword intent belonging to Gu Qingyi emanating from the gap, sharp and hidden within.This was different from sword thoughts—it was pure sword intent.Logically, even if the level of this sword intent was high, it shouldn't have broken the array.Xu Xiaoshou knew how strong the array's defenses were; an ordinary Taixu might not even shatter it with brute force.Yet Gu Qingyi had torn through it with a single sword strike..."What move was that?"Xu Xiaoshou was very curious about Gu Qingyi's technique.He had seen it three times, but only now had Gu Qingyi used it in front of him, with the clearest feedback.Touching the gap in Zhenhuang Dian's array, Xu Xiaoshou sensed a faint gray evil energy beyond the sword intent.This evil energy was strange, of an extremely high order, yet without any sacred intent.It felt nearly on par with sacred-level power, clearly the exclusive force of the Evil Sword Yue Lian."This is called 'Jian Qi'!"Gu Qinger perked up immediately, apparently forgetting his senior brother's gag order, and chattered on:"'Jian Qi' is a creation of my master, utilizing the first realm of Zangjian Technique, 'Chuh sheath Sword.'"But actually, it's not quite 'Chuh sheath Sword'; it's just a simple application of it. Of course, there's a lot of knowledge involved."For example, accumulating the Dao, gathering the Dao, transmitting the Dao, breaking the Dao... and so on, related to the three thousand sword paths. Most importantly, it's about 'Wenjian Technique.'"Zangjian Technique? Chuh sheath Sword?Xu Xiaoshou's eyes showed surprise. His only impressions of Zangjian Technique were from Ba Zun An and Xiao Wanfeng.But wasn't Zangjian Technique about not drawing the sword while it's sheathed?And..."What's Wenjian Technique?" Xu Xiaoshou asked curiously.Ancient sword techniques were vast and profound; he had only studied with Mr. Si Ren for a short time and still had many questions.Gu Qinger sneaked a glance at his senior brother and, seeing no sign of stopping him, grew bolder."Heh heh, Chen brother, think about it—what's my master's surname and name?"Wen Ting...Xu Xiaoshou's brow twitched. "So?"Gu Qinger cleared his throat, clasped his hands behind his back, lifted his gaze to the distance, and adopted a profoundly aged tone."The so-called... people! Oh, people..."Gu Qingyi's mouth twitched, nearly drawing his sword. "Be serious!"He didn't mind letting Gu Qinger answer questions from their lifesaver.Exchanging knowledge on ancient sword techniques was beneficial for the few ancient sword cultivators in the world, aiding mutual growth and the development of the art.Startled, Gu Qinger dropped his imitation of their master and explained:"Chen brother, you can think of 'Wenjian Technique' like this... A person residing in the courtyard can cultivate their nature; a sword residing in its sheath can warm its spirit."It's a special application of Zangjian Technique. It's not just about 'accumulating'; it requires years, even decades, before drawing the sword to strike."It treats the sword like a mischievous child, warming and nurturing it in the courtyard—that is, the sheath—constantly building up its energy."When the time comes, just initiate the sword, and all the energy accumulated by that mischievous child can be released in an instant."That's 'Jian Qi'!"Gu Qinger spoke eloquently about ancient sword techniques, going on at length, and finally added seriously:"But not all sword cultivators or swords can use 'Jian Qi.'"It depends on the wielder's cultivation, their understanding of Zangjian Technique, and the requirements of the sword they wield."For example, an ordinary spirit sword is like a child with little energy; no matter how you warm it, it's still limited, so 'Jian Qi' won't deal much damage."But a famous sword is different—it's like an energetic child. If you keep it sheathed and unused, it might even get angry."'Jian Qi,' as my master understands it, was born from this need."It doesn't restrain the sword's spirit; even in the courtyard—that is, the sheath—it keeps the spirit active, accumulating and warming it."At this point, Gu Qinger grew excited and suddenly drew the Blood Sword Absolute Beauty from his back, waving it."When the moment arrives... draw the sword and cleave the stars!"Xu Xiaoshou nodded, understanding.Gu Qingyi's "Jian Qi" was similar to his early sword-drawing techniques but incorporated far more orthodox knowledge of ancient sword techniques, vastly superior to his haphazard methods.Zangjian Technique and Chuh sheath Sword could be used like this?Xu Xiaoshou was deeply shocked and gained a new appreciation for these sword immortals' understanding of ancient sword techniques.He thought for a moment, looked at the shrinking gap in the array ahead, and pulled out a seventh-grade spirit sword.Not Zang Ku.Zang Ku was still too weak; he didn't want to damage it.This spirit sword was a relic from some unfortunate enemy's spoils.Xu Xiaoshou wanted to try it out.After listening to Gu Qinger, he felt he had grasped "Jian Qi."He wasn't joking—"Sword Technique Mastery" contained a wealth of sword path basics.Gu Qinger's words were like a channel, guiding out certain elements from that sealed pool, bringing enlightenment."Chen brother, that's going too far..."Gu Qinger glanced at the seventh-grade innate spirit sword suddenly in their lifesaver's hand and realized what he intended, shaking his head with a chuckle."Don't say a seventh-grade spirit sword lacks enough spirit to support 'Jian Qi.'"This technique is basically a unique skill of Zangjian Tomb; it requires deep mastery of Zangjian Technique."Chen brother, you don't know— in all of Zangjian Tomb, only my master and my senior brother have mastered it. Not even I, or my junior brother, have."If you can grasp it right now, I'll kneel down and eat...""Shut up!" Gu Qingyi glared at him coldly."Oh, oh." Gu Qinger quickly covered his mouth."Step back." Gu Qingyi pulled his junior brother aside, making space for Chen Shushu.He had always been curious about this man; he could sense the thick sword intent on Chen Shushu, suggesting his sword path attainment wasn't weak.But Gu Qingyi had never seen Chen Shushu draw his sword.Even now, Chen Shushu had only produced a seventh-grade spirit sword that clearly wasn't his own.His true strength remained unknown.Yet, one thing his junior brother said was right: Zangjian Tomb's exclusive heritage was now shared by only four people... well, five, counting their junior sister.These five weren't just top talents; they were rare gems across the continent's five domains.If even his junior brother and the youngest hadn't mastered Jian Qi, Gu Qingyi didn't believe Chen Shushu could comprehend it overnight just from his junior brother's description.Xu Xiaoshou didn't explain further.He mimicked Gu Qingyi's motion, lightly gripping the sword's sheath, thumb against the guard, and began to accumulate his intent.After a while, he gently pushed."Click."The sword blade slid out two finger-widths, the air eerily still, like the calm before a storm.Gu Qinger stared intently, waiting.The next second, his eyes darted around, searching left and right, but there was no sword hum, let alone any sword energy.Just stillness? No storm?"Pfft—uh!"Gu Qinger's laughter was cut short by his senior brother's glare as he clamped his mouth shut.But the amusement in his eyes was unstoppable. Unable to hold back, he said with a smile, "Chen brother, don't force it. As my master would say, that's 'overreaching.' You at least need to learn Zangjian Technique first... uh, fine, shutting up, I'm shutting up."Gu Qingyi silenced his junior brother but didn't mock him, only watching Chen Shushu seriously.Anyone fully focused on something worthwhile shouldn't be ridiculed by outsiders.Xu Xiaoshou's mindset was steady; he wasn't ruffled by Gu Qinger's words. He turned his head, furrowed his brow, and asked:"Need momentum?"Gu Qinger's expression froze, his eyes filling with disbelief.Gu Qingyi's eyes lit up, and he nodded eagerly, like finding a kindred spirit, overjoyed."Yes, it needs not just 'momentum' but also 'intent'!""The spirit sword is merely a vessel; the essence of 'Jian Qi' lies in whether the wielder's sword intent and momentum can both be warmed in the sword courtyard... well, the sheath.""Otherwise, relying solely on the spirit sword itself, even if it's a famous sword with strong spirit, won't produce exceptional damage when drawn."Xu Xiaoshou nodded thoughtfully.He had thought it was all about the spirit sword itself!His first try had just pushed the blade out like a silent fart—nothing but potential for mockery."Needing 'momentum' and 'intent,' it really depends on the wielder... This is a lot like my 'Sword-Drawing Style,' just a more advanced version..."Xu Xiaoshou tried merging his sword intent and personal momentum into the spirit sword in his hand.Soon, the seventh-grade spirit sword buzzed violently, like a small wooden bucket suddenly filled with an vast ocean, unable to bear it."This..."Gu Qinger stared in shock.Chen brother was strong; even through the sheath, he could feel the overbearing and unbeatable aura from that sword intent and momentum.As expected, anyone who could enter Sin One Hall and was so young was a wolf in sheep's clothing... just like him!"Senior brother, how high is he?" Gu Qinger whispered."In terms of sword intent and momentum alone, probably higher than you.""That's impossible! You don't know, senior brother—I've broken through; I've mastered... uh, I won't tell you!""Just in terms of that." Gu Qingyi didn't deny his junior brother's achievements, his gaze burning as he watched Chen Shushu and his sword.If the sword drawing represented an initial awkward attempt, then with time as the lubricant, once he felt that point of harmony between man and sword, Xu Xiaoshou finally understood what true fluency meant.In that instant, the spirit sword stopped trembling, and Xu Xiaoshou himself seemed to enter a state of stillness.It was coming! This was the point! Time to erupt!Xu Xiaoshou's tiger-like eyes opened wide, and with a upward push of his thumb, the seventh-grade spirit sword's blade slid out another two finger-widths."Clang—"A resonant sword hum rang out.The wind and sand outside Zhenhuang Dian swirled, as if entering a realm unique to swords.The Gu brothers felt a flash of light before their eyes as a circular sword light erupted from Chen Shushu's blade, slashing toward all directions at a speed too fast to follow."Damn!"Gu Qinger jumped in fright.His senior brother's sword light had been a vertical slash from back to front.Chen Shushu's was circular, a horizontal slash that could cut them in half!In the critical moment, Gu Qingyi reacted swiftly.He stepped forward instantly, raising his hands, and the sword in his arms spun upward.He didn't draw his sword; instead, with his left hand, he pulled his junior brother behind him, and with his right, he formed sword fingers in front of his chest to block downward."Clang!"A harsh clash of weapons echoed.With that sword finger technique, Gu Qingyi was pushed back half a step, but he completely blocked the damage.Only then did he cross his arms again, holding the Evil Sword Yue Lian, his eyes filled with shock."What strong sword intent! What strong momentum!"If his junior brother Gu Qing San was a prodigy, born with the perfect "Zhi Sword Dao Body" for sword cultivation;And Gu Qinger was a genius, showing exceptional sensitivity to swords from the start;Then Gu Qingyi was just an ordinary person.He had no special sword path talents, only an interest in swords and unwavering focus.That's why their master, Wen Ting, had taken him in.To avoid being overtaken by his junior brothers, Gu Qingyi had to spend more time cultivating and studying than they did.His junior brothers might gain insights from copying sword scriptures a hundred times.Gu Qingyi might need to copy them ten thousand times without any breakthrough.But precisely because of Zangjian Tomb's environment and his obsession with swords, Gu Qingyi had developed a special physique that even his master couldn't see through.Anything related to swords, he could grasp its essence with a single "sniff," like smelling a scent, understanding its level instantly.Whether it was for cultivation, combat, tracking, or sensing enemies, this ability was incredibly useful.Now, using this ability, Gu Qingyi could clearly feel that Chen Shushu's sword intent was at a very high level, nearly matching his own.As for the momentum within...This momentum didn't seem like something a young person could possess!It surpassed his own, almost crushing, unlike any Taixu he had encountered before!"Buzz..."Xu Xiaoshou looked at the protective array of Zhenhuang Dian, which had merely rippled slightly from his strike and then settled, realizing his sword was nowhere near Gu Qingyi's in power—not even one ten-thousandth.He felt a bit disappointed and lifted the spirit sword in his hand."Crack!"The dignified seventh-grade innate spirit sword shattered completely, even the sheath turning to fragments.Xu Xiaoshou: "..."This sword was too weak yet too strong; the innate spirit sword couldn't handle it as a vessel.Beside him, Gu Qinger was already dumbfounded.He never imagined someone could master "Jian Qi" just from his words.Was he that talented as a teacher, or..."This is impossible!"Gu Qinger ran up from behind his senior brother, grabbing the fragments of the seventh-grade spirit sword and examining them."This is absolutely impossible...""Receiving suspicion, passive value +1.""Receiving awe, passive value +1.""A bit weak." Xu Xiaoshou helplessly looked at Gu Qingyi, indicating he might need to strike the array again.Gu Qingyi took a deep breath and said, "Chen brother, you could use your own sword. I can tell that with your dedicated weapon, this technique would be far more than this."His own sword? Zang Ku?Zang Ku probably couldn't contain his intent and momentum right now.As for the Four Swords and Yan Python, those could likely match Gu Qingyi's Evil Sword Yue Lian in brilliance.But they were too distinctive; Xu Xiaoshou didn't plan to reveal his identity to the Gu brothers yet."Chen brother, teach me!" Gu Qinger, unable to figure out the fragments, hugged Chen Shushu's leg again, only to be pricked and let go.He opened his hand, staring at the familiar bloodstains in his palm, lost in thought.So, it wasn't that his senior brother had gotten stronger—it was that he had hugged a porcupine?"Receiving a curse, passive value +1.""Your master and your senior brother are both far superior to me; how could I dare to teach? If anything, this sword was taught to me by you." Xu Xiaoshou smiled bitterly.Gu Qinger was furious.He hated this about ancient sword cultivators.He despised their excessive humility.The capable should be the teacher...Yet his master was like that, his senior brother was like that, and now Chen Shushu was too—all overly modest!"You don't know how to gather the Dao?" Gu Qinger changed the topic; if Chen brother knew how, he could have focused the power to a point instead of spreading it into a wide circular strike.Xu Xiaoshou shook his head.He had used his sword-drawing style method, resulting in a horizontal circle, not the concentrated forward slash like Gu Qingyi's."Gathering the Dao and such—I might know it, but I can't use it right now..."Gu Qinger: ??What do you mean you know it but can't use it?"Could it be, Chen brother, you're some kind of master? You were amazing before but forgot your ancient sword technique knowledge, and I just reminded you?" Gu Qinger recalled the sword heroes from the stories he and his junior brother read while slacking off copying scriptures."Uh..." Xu Xiaoshou paused, as if that could be interpreted that way, and hesitated. "Why not?"Gu Qinger's forehead veins bulged, and he clenched his fists tightly, cracking them.Damn it!He really wanted to beat him up!"Receiving resentment, passive value +1."Gu Qingyi chuckled; people like his jumpy junior brother seemed to be kept in check only by someone like Chen Shushu."Chen brother, may I ask who your master is?" he inquired."South Domain Feng family.""Who from the Feng family?" Gu Qingyi was being quite bold this time, truly intrusive. "Is it Senior Feng Tingchen?""No." Xu Xiaoshou shook his head, clearly understanding what Gu Qingyi meant. "I actually inherited from a deceased senior of the Feng family, obtained from their ruins. I'm a self-proclaimed successor, not officially recognized."Gu Qinger couldn't listen anymore and protested, "Chen brother is so skilled; you could go back to the Feng family and definitely get recognized. If they don't... even better!"Gu Qinger seemed to think of something, his face flushing with excitement. "Chen brother, you could come to Zangjian Tomb to cultivate. Once the ten-year period is up, return to the Feng family in a blaze of glory as a sword immortal...""Oh wow~"Xu Xiaoshou was stunned. This guy was way too dramatic!"Heh heh, shutting up, shutting up..." Under his senior brother's cold stare and a smack on the head, Gu Qinger quickly retreated.But he was the type who couldn't stay quiet; his head popped back up. "My senior brother wants to ask, Chen brother, what's your master's name? That's what he's curious about, not me."Gu Qingyi drew his sword in a flash.Gu Qinger twisted his waist, dodging like a snake, and shouted, "He's just waiting for me to ask! He's being tsundere!" Gu Qingyi's face darkened.Xu Xiaoshou almost burst out laughing. He composed himself and said humbly, "Wandering the jianghu with no achievements, mentioning my master's name would shame the family tradition, so I'll decline."Gu Qingyi sighed, his eyes showing regret. His junior brother was right; he really wanted to know.Gu Qinger was stunned, his face turning ashen, and he clenched his fists again.Damn it!Again with this!You've already mastered "Jian Qi" in one go, and you call that no achievements?This isn't "humble"—it's "hypocritical," just like his senior brother and master... utterly hypocritical!You're clearly insulting me, Gu Qinger!But remembering he was their lifesaver, Gu Qinger couldn't act.He could only clench his fists and pace in circles, using his senior brother's body to block Chen Shushu from view so he wouldn't lash out and hurt their benefactor.Yet, the more he endured, the angrier he got.With a rip, Gu Qinger formed two fingers like a sword, pulled at the back of his senior brother's robe, and tore off a corner.