Zhu Xian: The way of heaven collapses, and I only have one sword!

Chapter 20: A stunning sword, a cultivation craze at Dazhu Peak!
Zhang Xiaofan sat cross-legged, eyes closed, cultivating his breath, completely immersing himself in the surging yet urgently needed spiritual energy within him. He carefully guided the Tai Chi energy, slowly circulating it through his meridians, each flow like solidifying the foundation of a building.

During this process, Zhang Xiaofan gradually realized that the third level of Tai Chi Qi was fundamentally different from the spiritual energy of the previous Qi Refining stages. This Qi was richer and more condensed, seemingly imbued with boundless power. He diligently distributed this Qi evenly throughout every meridian and acupoint, feeling its deep fusion with his flesh, blood, and bones.

As time went by, everyone in the training ground of Dazhu Peak was immersed in their own breakthroughs in cultivation. Although the results of the progress were not as satisfactory as expected, there was still some progress.

The sun gradually rose higher, its blazing rays casting a scorching light on the training grounds of Dazhu Peak. After a morning of training, everyone was a little tired, but the enthusiasm and focus in their eyes remained undimmed.

Tian Buyi and Su Ru stood not far away, quietly watching the disciples practice. Tian Buyi folded his arms across his chest, his face as serious as ever, but a hint of satisfaction lingered in his eyes. Watching the spiritual energy pulsating around Zhang Xiaofan, he nodded secretly, thinking that this kid had truly undergone a complete transformation under Chen Qiye's guidance.

Su Ru, on the other hand, had a look of concern on her face, her eyes darting back and forth among the disciples, and from time to time she would softly say to Tian Buyi, "Bu Yi, you see how hard Da Ren and the others are training. Why don't you let everyone take a break first, drink some water, and not tire themselves out?"

Tian Buyi snorted and said, "Practicing is hard work. If you can't even bear this little bit of fatigue, how can you talk about promoting our Dazhu Peak? But..." He paused and looked at Zhang Xiaofan, "Xiaofan has just broken through, so you should take it slow. Don't rush for success and damage your foundation."

As they spoke, the two of them arrived at the center of the training ground. Tian Buyi cleared his throat and said loudly, "Stop for a moment and rest."

Upon hearing this, everyone stopped what they were doing, breathed a sigh of relief, and had a look of relief on their faces.

"Junior Brother Chen, why don't you take advantage of the break to show us your unique skills?" Tian Ling'er looked at Chen Qiye with sparkling eyes and full of anticipation, her words filled with a bit of coquettishness and eagerness.

As soon as these words were spoken, the people who were originally sitting on the ground to rest tiredly instantly became energetic and agreed.

Song Daren also smiled and said, "Junior Brother Chen, please show us your skills. This will broaden our horizons and give us more things to learn from."

"Well then, bring the sword!" As soon as he finished speaking, Chen Qiye raised his hand and made a move towards the Qiu Shui Wuhen Sword on the open ground.

Autumn Water Without a Trace flew into his hand in an instant. The moment he grasped the hilt, a chilling aura spread along his arm. Chen Qiye's aura suddenly changed, his gentle demeanor replaced by a fierce sword intent, and his entire body seemed to be covered in a layer of frost.

"My move is called Sword Qi Rolling Dragon Wall!"

Chen Qiye's voice echoed over the training ground. With that, he stomped his toes onto the ground, charging forward like an arrow. The Autumn Water Sword in his hand gleamed coldly in the sunlight, slicing sharp arcs as he moved. A powerful sword energy emanated from the sword, like a roaring dragon, carrying a surge of momentum as it hurtled toward the distant mountain wall.

Wherever the sword energy passed, a deep gully was plowed into the ground, and the grass and trees on both sides were uprooted by the strong airflow and flew all over the sky.

Everyone was shocked by the powerful sword energy and took a few steps back involuntarily, their eyes wide open in disbelief and amazement.

In the blink of an eye, the sword energy collided with the mountain wall. With a resounding, earth-shattering roar, a massive crack appeared on the mountain wall, sending rubble flying and clouds of dust billowing. The crack continued to spread, spreading outward like a spider web, as if the entire mountain were trembling under the impact.

After a long time, the dust and smoke gradually dissipated, revealing the scarred mountain wall. The huge crack was shocking.

Everyone stared at the scene in front of them, speechless for a long time. Tian Buyi was secretly astonished, having never expected Chen Qiye's move to be so powerful. Su Ru was also shocked, muttering, "This kind of swordsmanship is truly unheard of."

When the heart-shaking roar completely dissipated and the dust in the air slowly settled, everyone finally came back to their senses from the aftermath of Chen Qiye's astonishing sword.

"I'm afraid this move is not weaker than the Divine Sword Controlling Thunder Technique, right?" Su Ru looked at Tian Buyi and said softly.

Tian Buyi frowned slightly, his gaze fixed on the shocking crack. He said in a deep voice, "Although its power is astonishing, the Divine Sword Controlling Lightning Technique is the unique skill of our Qingyun Sect, and it has its own immeasurable foundation. It is difficult to simply compare the two. However, Qiye, this child, can create such a sharp sword move on his own. His talent is truly extraordinary."

"In this Seven Clans Martial Arts Competition, Junior Brother Chen is undoubtedly the undisputed number one."

Song Daren's words were like a stone thrown into a calm lake, instantly stirring up a thousand waves. Everyone nodded, their eyes full of admiration and expectation for Chen Qiye.

Zhang Xiaofan recovered from the shock of the Sword Qi Rolling Dragon Wall, and his eyes looked at Chen Qiye with a bit more passion and yearning.

Chen Qiye looked at the reactions of the crowd without revealing too much complacency on his face. He slowly put away the Qiu Shui Wuhen Sword, bowed slightly and said: "It is just the result of diligent study. Brothers and sisters, you are too kind. There are so many talented people in the Seven Clans Martial Arts Competition. How dare I be arrogant?" Although he spoke modestly, the confidence supported by his strength could not be concealed.

At this time, Tian Ling'er came to Chen Qiye's side, her eyes full of admiration: "Junior Brother Chen, please teach me how to practice this Sword Qi Rolling Dragon Wall?"

Other disciples also gathered around and asked for advice on the secrets of cultivation.

Chen Qiye looked at the crowd gathered around him, their faces full of anticipation. A thought flashed in his eyes, and then he patiently explained, "The foundation of this technique lies in the deep control and exquisite use of spiritual power. Below the seventh level of the Jade Purity Realm, the reserves and concentration of spiritual power are insufficient. Forcing the practice will not only make it difficult to unleash its power, but may also cause harm to oneself due to the disorder of spiritual power. Instead of learning an uncertain technique, it is better to follow the path that you are most proficient in."

After hearing what Chen Qiye said, everyone felt a little disappointed, but they all understood the logic behind it and nodded thoughtfully.

"Alright, alright, everyone continue to practice. If you all advance to a higher realm before I return to Tongtian Peak, I will teach you a more practical method." Chen Qiye said with a smile.

When everyone heard Chen Qiye's words, fighting spirit instantly ignited in their eyes. They returned to their respective positions and devoted themselves to intensive training again.

Time slipped quietly as everyone practiced, and in the blink of an eye, it was evening. The setting sun cast its afterglow across the Dazhu Peak training grounds, draping the entire area in a golden hue. After a long day of practice, everyone was exhausted, yet each face beamed with satisfaction and fulfillment.

Dark as darkness slowly enveloped Dazhu Peak, broken only by the occasional flicker of spiritual energy above the training grounds. Though everyone was exhausted, Chen Qiye's words, "If you all advance, I will teach you practical skills," burned like a fire within their hearts, dispelling the weariness.

Tian Buyi and Su Ru were also happy to see this happen. As expected, cultivation requires a competitive spirit. Without it, progress would be greatly reduced. In the days that followed, the disciples of Dazhu Peak were like clockwork, immersed in cultivation day and night.

(End of this chapter)