Chapter 45
Ch. 45 .｡.:✧ Falling Star ✧:.｡.
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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Chaos
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Fwoosh—
I regained consciousness back in the cave.
The oppressive darkness of the hidden chamber was gone, and the shattered obsidian wall had been restored to its original state.
I marveled at the Sword Immortal’s power.
‘Indeed, a being like the Sword Immortal can accomplish such feats.’
Technically, it wasn’t the Sword Immortal himself, but merely a remnant of his will, but the distinction felt insignificant.
I slowly sat up, clutching my throbbing head.
“Huu…”
I exhaled.
The Sword Immortal’s memories felt surreal, like a vivid dream.
The essence of the Heavenly Evasion Sword Technique lingered, with a faint echo of enlightenment.
If not for that lingering understanding, I might have dismissed it all as a dream.
But I did understand the core principles of Heavenly Evasion.
I had undoubtedly reached a new level of cultivation.
‘The miasma and Yin energy that permeated this place are gone as well.’
The reason was simple.
Now that I, the chosen successor, had inherited the Heavenly Evasion, there was no longer a need for the protective barrier.
The Sword Immortal’s will no longer needed to maintain the oppressive aura within the cliff.
“Ugh…”
I pushed myself up to my feet.
As the throbbing in my head subsided, I looked around.
The obsidian wall was pristine, the sword marks left by the Sword Immortal completely erased.
It was just an ordinary cave now.
Then, I noticed something in the distance and paused.
“Hmm…”
‘The sword left by the Sword Immortal… it’s still here.’
A massive boulder, previously unseen, now stood prominently within the cave.
I walked towards it, with my gaze fixed on the weathered sword embedded in its surface.
Thud. Thud-
The sword’s blade was dulled, its surface caked with grime, a testament to years of neglect.
“…”
I fell silent.
Any cultivator above the first-rate level would scoff at such a dilapidated weapon.
But I knew its true value.
I slowly reached out.
‘To the untrained eye, it’s just a nameless, worthless piece of scrap metal…’
Renowned swords were given names, imbued with legends.
But this sword, left behind by the Sword Immortal, had no such distinction.
Yet, I trusted the Sword Immortal implicitly.
My hand closed around the hilt.
Shhhk-
I drew the sword, murmuring,
“…Sword Immortal, I accept this nameless sword.”
Hummm—
I channeled my qi, attempting to manifest my sword qi.
‘I should test its durability.’
It was a simple experiment.
Even a weathered sword should be able to channel qi.
But then—
“…?!”
‘The sword… it’s absorbing my internal energy!’
Fwoosh—
Like a sponge soaking up water, the sword greedily devoured my qi.
It was like some sort of demonic absorption technique.
I was taken aback.
I frowned slightly, then shook my head.
‘…I’ll trust him.’
My internal energy cultivation might not have reached a full sixty years, but it was close to forty, a level that most Peak Realm experts couldn’t achieve.
This was thanks to the three Violet Essence Pills, the spirit herbs given to me by Dokgo Hyun, and my diligent practice of the Ten Stages Heart Technique.
My internal energy reserves were far from lacking.
I decided to see how much the sword could absorb.
Hummm—
The sword began to transform, like a snake shedding its skin.
“…!”
‘The chipped blade sharpens, the hilt gleams, the entire sword was… reborn as a true treasure.’
Flash—
After absorbing nearly thirty percent of my internal energy, the sword finally revealed its true form.
“…The Sword Immortal was right. It is a treasure.”
I couldn’t help but gasp.
The sword was magnificent, its brilliance surpassing any renowned blade I’d ever seen.
My sword qi, now flowing freely through the blade, shimmered with a faint violet hue.
The Sword Immortal’s gift wasn’t just the Heavenly Evasion technique.
‘He truly is a being beyond the realm of mortals…’
Filled with awe, I swung the sword.
Whoosh—
A wave of sword qi, now amplified by the blade, shot outwards.
“…!”
KABOOM!
The sword qi slammed into the cave wall, creating a deafening roar.
I finally understood.
‘I’ve reached the Peak Realm.’
It felt… premature.
But compared to the profound insights and the gift of the Heavenly Evasion, this was a minor boon.
Still, the sensation of growing stronger was exhilarating.
I smiled with satisfaction.
“Good.”
I examined the sword.
As I ceased channeling my qi, the blade’s brilliance faded and it returned to its unassuming, weathered appearance.
Hummm…
‘So, this sword is more than just a treasure.’
I nodded, calming my excited mind.
As my breathing steadied, I opened my eyes and murmured,
“…You named your technique Heavenly Evasion,”
Shhk-
I sheathed the sword.
“So, as your successor, with the intent of drawing down the stars from the heavens—”
I reaffirmed my resolve.
I would cultivate this intent, nurturing it until it bore fruit.
Even if it took centuries, I would never waver.
I bit my lip and declared,
“I name this sword… Falling Star.”
My words echoed through the empty cave.
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I walked towards the cave entrance.
Thud. Thud-
The puddles on the ground were less frequent now, but I still had to watch my step.
How long did I walk?
‘…Almost there.’
Sunlight filtered through the cave mouth, illuminating the path ahead. My eyes, adjusted to the darkness, blinked against the sudden brightness. I felt the warmth of the sun on my skin.
‘Wait… this is…’
Suddenly, I sensed a presence, my heightened senses, sharpened by my breakthrough to the Peak Realm, pinpointing its location.
I remained cautious, continuing my steady pace.
‘…Who is it? There’s no reason for anyone to be here.’
As I walked, the familiar aura clicked into place, and I stopped.
‘This is… Ha-seol and her guards…?’
Why were they here?
They were supposed to be searching a different peak.
I frowned and reached for Falling Star, strapped to my waist.
‘…They haven’t noticed me yet.’
Observing from a distance, I made two deductions.
First, whoever orchestrated this believed I was weak.
Second, judging by the fact that they’d lured Ha-seol and her guards here, they wanted something from me.
With these conclusions, I unsheathed Falling Star.
‘I don’t know what they’re planning…’
Shhhing…!
The blade sang as it left its scabbard.
‘But they won’t leave this place unscathed.’
A cold glint entered my eyes.
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