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

Chapter 8: Sword shadows flow through the years, seeking the truth at Xiaozhu Peak!

Returning to the courtyard, Chen Qiye eagerly opened the book "Detailed Explanation of Basic Sword Styles." The yellowed pages trembled gently in the breeze, emitting the scent of stale ink. He found an open space, sat down, and began to study carefully.

Although the text in the book was simple and obscure, it was not too difficult for Chen Qiye, who had a high level of swordsmanship, to understand it. After a moment, Chen Qiye stood up and drew out the Autumn Water Without Trace.

The longsword was unsheathed, a cold light flashing. Chen Qiye stood with the sword in hand, took a deep breath, and completely immersed his mind in the world of kendo. He followed the sword moves described in "Detailed Explanation of Basic Sword Styles" and slowly swung the first sword.

The sword seemed simple, yet it held a quaint rhythm. As the sword blew, fallen leaves on the ground were swept up in the sword energy, swirling and flying. Chen Qiye's eyes were focused, and every subtle movement was precise, as if he wanted to transform every word in the book into a tangible sword move.

As he practiced more, his sword moves became more fluent and his speed gradually increased. In his hands, Qiu Shui Wuhen was like a nimble dragon, flashing with cold light and overflowing with sword energy.

After practicing for an unknown amount of time, the sky gradually darkened and the courtyard was shrouded in twilight. However, Chen Qiye was completely unaware of this, immersed in the wondrous realm of swordsmanship. Every time he swung his sword, it seemed to resonate with the power of heaven and earth.

“…It feels so good, so good!”

Chen Qiye shouted, the longsword in his hand trembling violently. A stream of sharp sword energy burst forth, unexpectedly splitting a nearby boulder into a deep crack. Only then did he slowly sheath his sword, his chest heaving violently, his eyes filled with joy and satisfaction.

The seasons changed, and a year passed in a flash. During these three hundred days and nights, Chen Qiye devoted all his energy to studying and practicing the basic sword styles.

Every morning, before the first ray of sunlight completely falls on the courtyard behind the Yuqing Palace, Chen Qiye has already stood up, holding the Qiu Shui Wuhen, and started a new day of practice.

He practiced from the most basic starting positions, striving for perfection in every sword grip and every step forward and backward. Even a simple sword-drawing movement would be practiced hundreds of times, until his arms ached and his clothes were soaked with sweat, without slacking off for a moment.

As his understanding of "Detailed Explanation of Basic Sword Styles" deepened, Chen Qiye gradually grasped the profound meaning behind these seemingly simple sword styles. Each move and form felt like a dialogue with heaven and earth, a fusion with nature. He no longer simply mechanically repeated the sword moves, but began to try to incorporate his own insights and sword intent into them.

Over the past year, the ground in the courtyard had been scarred by Chen Qiye's sword energy, and the surrounding trees were often affected by his sword energy, with branches and leaves falling one after another. But Chen Qiye paid no attention to these things. His eyes were only on the sword in his hand and the sword path in his heart.

As time went on, Chen Qiye's swordsmanship became more and more sophisticated. He was able to integrate all the sword styles in "Detailed Explanation of Basic Sword Styles" and could flexibly apply them according to different situations. At this time, his attainments in swordsmanship far surpassed many disciples of Qingyun Sect who had practiced for many years.

Whether it was Daoxuan's deliberate concealment or some other reason, the other six sects of Qingyun Sect knew almost nothing about Chen Qiye's progress. The only thing they knew was that the faint whistling sound of sword energy could always be heard coming from the courtyard behind Yuqing Hall.

During this year, after replicating the Two Sleeves of Green Snakes, One Sword that Makes the Immortal Kneel, Sword Qi Rolling on the Dragon Wall, and the Sword that Opens the Gate of Heaven, Chen Qiye spent more than half a year replicating the Heaven-Cutting Sword Technique, Heaven and Earth Sword, and Sword Controlling Technique... After replicating the sword moves of most people one after another, Chen Qiye steadily improved two small realms and reached the seventh level of Yuqing Realm, Yuanhua.

.........

"I'm in some trouble. I can't replicate Yue Xi Hua Chen." Chen Qiye frowned, staring at the Qiu Shui Wu Hen in his hand, muttering to himself.

The "Moonlit Evening, Flowery Dawn" sword move seemed like an insurmountable chasm before him. Although he had replicated many exquisite sword moves and his realm had improved, he still couldn't quite get the hang of this one move. "Qiye, what's wrong? You look a little irritated?" Taoist Master Daoxuan came to the courtyard and saw Chen Qiye's frown, and asked with concern.

Chen Qiye saluted hastily, smiled wryly, and said, "Master, I'm trying to create a sword technique called 'Moon Sunset, Flower Dawn,' but I can't seem to get it right."

Taoist Master Daoxuan was slightly taken aback, his gaze falling on the well-thumbed Detailed Explanation of Basic Sword Styles. He said thoughtfully, "Master, although I don't know the specific sword move 'Moonlit Evening and Flower Dawn', the way of the sword is all about state of mind and understanding. We shouldn't rush into anything."

Chen Qiye nodded, but he still felt a little unwilling. He recalled how smoothly he had replicated other sword techniques over the past year. With repeated study, he gradually mastered and integrated each technique, but he still couldn't unlock "Moon Dusk, Flower Dawn".

Taoist Master Daoxuan looked at Chen Qiye, his eyes full of expectation. "Qiye, you are extremely talented. You have achieved such success in just one year, which is beyond the imagination of ordinary people. This 'Moon Dusk and Flower Dawn' may not be learned by relying solely on moves. Why not put it aside for now and experience nature? Go to Xiaozhu Peak, there is a moon-viewing platform there."

"Master, isn't Xiaozhu Peak restricted to female disciples?" Chen Qiye was stunned and asked.

Taoist Master Daoxuan nodded slightly, a smile flashing in his eyes. "Of course, ordinary disciples can't do this, but you are my personal disciple. I will discuss this matter with Master Shuiyue, the head monk of Xiaozhu Peak, in advance. She will definitely agree."

"Master, if I bring back another Taoist companion, will Uncle Shuiyue kill me?" Chen Qiye said after a moment of hesitation. After all, he had traveled through time and space, so he had to bring back "Naiqi" ​​at least.

Taoist Master Daoxuan was startled for a moment, then burst out laughing. He raised his hand and gently tapped Chen Qiye's forehead: "You kid, you haven't even gone to Xiaozhu Peak yet, and you're already thinking about these things. Although Junior Sister Shuiyue has a cold personality and the sect rules are very strict, she is not unreasonable. However, the female disciples of Xiaozhu Peak have always been dedicated to their cultivation. You'd better not harbor any frivolous thoughts."

"Don't you know what kind of person my master is? He is definitely a serious person." Chen Qiye said with a smile.

"A serious person never says that he is serious, but Master suggests that you go and bring Lu Xueqi back." Taoist Master Daoxuan stroked his beard and spoke out.

"Master, you said I am not serious, but you are the most non-serious person!" Chen Qiye teased.

Taoist Master Daoxuan feigned anger and glared at Chen Qiye. "How dare you, little brat, tease me? I offer this advice because I know Xueqi's character and talent are a perfect match for you. If we can practice together and support each other in the future, you will both go far in the path of swordsmanship."

Chen Qiye nodded and said, "Master, in fact, this disciple also thinks so. Then... I will leave first!"

"Go ahead, go ahead. It's okay for you, a little troublemaker, to cause trouble to others occasionally." Taoist Master Daoxuan waved his hand and said.

Taoist Master Daoxuan also had a love-hate relationship with his disciple. Chen Qiye was undoubtedly gifted, but every time he made a scene, it was quite a commotion. Just a few months ago, when he unleashed the "Heaven and Earth Sword," the devastating sword energy practically shook the entire Qingyun Sect. Taoist Master Daoxuan himself couldn't count how many times he had made excuses for Chen Qiye.

(End of this chapter)