Chapter 354: The Sword Pavilion Is Too Devious!
"If that's the case, then everything makes sense!"
With Ancestor Nether Whisper's precedent as a warning, the Ye Family's [True Lord of Bearing Heaven's True Virtue] would undoubtedly strictly guard against any Foundation Establishment cultivator who might threaten him.
Even his own direct descendants would be no exception.
'True Person Dangmo might be one such case—having achieved mastery in [Wall Soil], yet finding himself intolerable to the True Lord, forcing him to switch to cultivating a first-grade true art...'
He might not even be aware of it himself.
After all, the Sword Pavilion possesses secret methods to erase past lives. If the True Lord personally intervened to tamper during one's reincarnation, the victim might even thank him!
'[Sword Dao Fruit Position]... truly a massive trap!'
Lü Yang reached his conclusion: 'So far, this cultivation method is already highly perfected at the Foundation Establishment stage, which is why Sword Pavilion cultivators are exceptionally strong in Foundation Establishment.'
Otherwise, they wouldn't dare claim to be the foremost in combat under heaven.
But what about True Lords?
'Judging from the [True Lord of Bearing Heaven's True Virtue]'s performance in his previous life, at the True Lord level, the Sword Pavilion's combat strength clearly isn't as formidable as imagined.'
'This might be because the [Sword Dao Fruit Position] hasn't been fully attained yet, unable to enhance combat power at the True Lord level. Thus, even if Sword Pavilion cultivators shine brilliantly in Foundation Establishment, they'll regress to normal standards upon reaching True Lord. However, once the [Sword Dao Fruit Position] is attained, everything changes.'
At that point, the power of the Sword Dao would undoubtedly surge, possibly even amplifying True Lords.
'But that also means Sword Pavilion's True Lords would never allow the [Sword Dao Fruit Position] to be monopolized by any individual.'
Just like the Netherworld of old.
The cycle of reincarnation was too important to be controlled by a single entity. Whoever attained it would inevitably face collective annihilation, leaving only the fruit position behind.
'In other words—anyone who cultivates the 《Sword Lord's Secret Chapter on Discussing Mysteries》 has only two possible fates: either become expendable material to fill the fruit position, or possess extraordinary talent to help the True Lords attain the [Sword Dao Fruit Position], then perish like the Lord of the Netherworld...'
'...Too devious!'
Lü Yang was genuinely impressed by the Sword Pavilion's scheme. On the surface, they made it seem incredibly generous—a first-grade true art! Given away freely upon registration!
Could any demonic sect north of the river offer such conditions?
This was the righteousness of the orthodox path!
As for the cultivation method trapping you without achieving golden core—sometimes you should reflect on yourself. After all these years, was your talent insufficient? Did you not cultivate diligently enough?
'Truly being sold out while still counting coins for the Sword Pavilion!'
However, most people wouldn't even reach the golden core pursuit in their lifetime. Without reaching that stage, it would be difficult to uncover these hidden issues.
'I could only discover this because my talent and effort were sufficient.'
Without Ancestor Nether Whisper's insights, Lü Yang might never have noticed the treachery within this first-grade true art, still thinking he'd gotten a great deal!
'Fortunately, my original body hasn't cultivated this method. Sending an avatar to join the Sword Pavilion was indeed the right choice... Although 《Sword Lord's Secret Chapter on Discussing Mysteries》 is treacherous, I never intended for my avatar to pursue golden core anyway. Cultivating it isn't a big deal as long as my main body avoids it.'
Moreover, times had changed.
Back then, no matter how strong a sword cultivator was, they'd still be crushed by a True Lord's casual palm strike. Even reaching perfected Foundation Establishment couldn't escape certain death.
But now, True Lords had withdrawn from the world!
'Under these circumstances, the effectiveness of this first-grade true art is actually amplified, as it genuinely provides formidable combat power at the Foundation Establishment level.'
With this realization, Lü Yang felt at ease.
'Though the trap is deep, this cultivation method is indeed flawless at the Foundation Establishment stage, forming a complete cultivation system.'
Ordinary cultivators progress through Qi Refining, Foundation Establishment, and Golden Core.
Sword cultivators follow the same path, but term it the [Three Realms of the Sword Dao]: [Sword Qi Thunder Sound], [Sword Heart Clarity], and [Sword Intent Refining the Spirit]!'
'Sword qi, sword heart, sword intent!'
'Clearly, sword intent was meant to rival Golden Core True Lords. However, since the [Sword Dao Fruit Position] remains unattained, sword intent falls short of True Lord power.'
'At best, it significantly enhances combat strength, like True Person Dangmo.'
Among all perfected Foundation Establishment cultivators Lü Yang had encountered, True Person Dangmo was the strongest, slightly surpassing even Uncle Chongguang from back then.
'But Uncle Chongguang pursued the Dao.'
Excessive focus on combat strength was putting the cart before the horse—no matter how strong one was within the same realm, if cultivation couldn't keep up, it would remain as fleeting as moonlit reflections.
"Hmm? This..."
Suddenly, Lü Yang's gaze flickered, landing on a particular page of the cultivation manual:
"The sword cultivator's cultivation method—Sword Box secret technique?"
It was common knowledge that Foundation Establishment cultivation required step-by-step progress, systematically gathering Heavenly Gang and Earthly Fiend essences. But this was the conventional path.
Sword cultivators were entirely different.
According to 《Sword Lord's Secret Chapter on Discussing Mysteries》, after reaching Foundation Establishment, a sword cultivator's first task was to collect various external ingredients to forge a Sword Box.
The Sword Box was essentially a secret treasure carried by the cultivator. Through combat with others, it would absorb the aura of blade and weapon conflicts, which would then be nurtured and refined. Over time, this would form a [Sword Divine Ability]. Fusing with it would allow immediate breakthrough to the next realm!
Lü Yang's face showed astonishment: 'Incredible!'
'This isn't just a breakthrough secret method—it's attempting to replace the uniqueness of Heavenly Gang and Earthly Fiend essences! Probably another component of [Empty Attainment]!'
After all, if the [Sword Dao Fruit Position] were truly attained, it would exist independently of heaven and earth.
How could it still rely on "Heavenly Gang and Earthly Fiend" for breakthroughs? This was evident from the examples of [Netherworld] and [Heaven of Non-Existence].
Yet this approach carried significant drawbacks.
'Engaging in life-and-death duels inevitably involves risk. The outcomes are either killing or being killed—completely incompatible with my style...'
However, as the saying goes: every barrier overcome leads to the next.
Where there are obstacles, there are shortcuts. 《Sword Lord's Secret Chapter on Discussing Mysteries》 also recorded a secret technique—using the Sword Box to transform innate divine abilities cultivated in past lives.
Since innate divine abilities were permanently validated upon attainment, those remaining after one's foundation was transformed would no longer align with it, thus requiring conversion.
'By placing innate divine abilities from past lives into the Sword Box supplemented with external ingredients, one could condense sword divine abilities without life-and-death combat.'
'This suits me perfectly!'
Of course, Lü Yang wouldn't convert the divine abilities of his immortal spirit main body.
He planned to convert the two Void divine abilities—[Essence of All Flowers] and [Sea of Sorrow Infusion]. Since they were obtained by his avatar, he wouldn't regret sacrificing them.
Moreover, unlike Void divine abilities, sword divine abilities possessed inherent rank!
'With innate divine abilities from the foundation, two sword divine abilities, plus the marvel of [Law Holding], my avatar could still temporarily hold the position of a Grand True Person!'
Without any hidden drawbacks!
'Using Void divine abilities to connect with the Myriad Spirits Banner for temporary Grand True Person status caused backlash and wasn't sustainable. Switching to sword divine abilities would be far more advantageous!'
Jiangnan, Hidden Sword Manor.
Lü Yang's main body opened his eyes as his dharma body stepped forward, stretching leisurely under the sunlight while formulating future plans.
'The avatar has already gotten on track.'
'But the avatar is only eight this year. Whether it's forging the Sword Box, converting sword divine abilities, or returning to Foundation Establishment—all require time. There's no need to rush.'
"Calculating the time, it's about right."
Lü Yang counted on his fingers before smiling.
Skeleton Mountain!
Based on experiences from previous lives, around this time, Ancestor Nether Whisper—still struggling for survival in the Witch-Ghost Secret Realm in this lifetime—should be breaking free soon!
"It's time to add another layer to my talents!"