Chapter 177 : Sword Shadows Follow the Heart

Chapter 177: Sword Shadows Follow the Heart

The struggle among the four great forces of the Yue Kingdom grew ever more intense.

Even Tianxuan City had organized cultivator squads several times to support the frontlines.

If not for a late third-rank Xuan Shui Turtle holding the front, then with only Tianxuan City and Xuanyin Pavilion joining forces, their high-end battle strength would truly have been unable to withstand the pressure.

Similarly, the two great sects of Shensword Sect and Lihuo Palace only pressed forward step by step.

After all, Master Lu, the number one rogue cultivator, was still alive. Cultivators who did not have many days left to live were always the most dangerous.

If he suddenly lost his mind and appeared secretly on the battlefield, dragging one or two Core Formation cultivators to self-detonate with him, would that not be a tremendous loss?

Therefore, the two sects also engaged in a war of attrition, waiting for Master Lu to die. By then, Su Miaoyin, the only Core Formation cultivator of Tianxuan City, would inevitably have to return to sit in defense.

And would she dare to leave this late third-rank Xuan Shui Turtle behind, or lend it to others?

Not only in the Yue Kingdom, but forces in several neighboring countries had also started to clash in recent years.

The flames of war burned across the Seven Kingdoms.

However, none of this was within Lin Chang’an’s control. All he could do was exert himself to the utmost, striving to grow stronger in this ever-changing cultivation world.

Inside his cave abode.

“Sword Shadows Follow the Heart! For other cultivators, the greatest difficulty lies in the fear that their meridians will be damaged by backlash, but for me, I only need to stabilize the flow of mana within my body.”

Lin Chang’an sat cross-legged, brows tightly furrowed, as fine beads of sweat seeped constantly from his skin.

At this moment, the meridians within his body already showed faint cracks under the violent surge of mana. If not for the effect of the Meridian-Protection Pill, the balance maintained by this power would have long since collapsed.

He did not know how long had passed before his internal injuries reached a subtle equilibrium between rapid healing and repeated damage.

Finally, a sword cry reverberated throughout the cave abode, radiating with a powerful aura.

【Sword Shadows Follow the Heart +1 (Beginner 1/100)】

“It’s done!”

After half a year of bitter cultivation, he had finally mastered this divine ability.

As Lin Chang’an opened his eyes, looking at the sword light flickering with azure brilliance before him, an uncontrollable smile of excitement surfaced on his face.

As expected, with his late Foundation Establishment divine sense, combined with his mana that was in no way inferior to that of ordinary late Foundation Establishment cultivators, being thick and pure—

Through step-by-step attempts, he had finally mastered this divine ability.

“The sword light can move as my will dictates, combining both offense and defense.”

As his thought shifted, the sword light instantly circled around him, forming a protective barrier.

To test its defensive strength, Lin Chang’an even directly commanded the Azure-scaled Sword to fly out, looping around the cave and striking toward him.

With a crisp collision sound, the top-grade spirit artifact, the Azure-scaled Sword, was actually bounced away.

Seeing this, Lin Chang’an grew even more excited. “This defense is no weaker than a top-grade spirit artifact.”

Afterward, Lin Chang’an threw out five Second-rank High-grade Vajra Talismans.

In an instant, golden phantom bells manifested one after another, layering into five barriers.

“Next, I’ll test its offensive power!”

Taking a deep breath, Lin Chang’an willed the sword light before him to suddenly transform into an azure streak.

In the next moment, the golden bell phantoms cracked apart one after another, pierced straight through, only halting barely at the third layer.

“This power!”

The fourth golden bell phantom already showed fractures.

Seeing this, Lin Chang’an could not help but reveal a look of shock.

Worthy indeed of being a divine ability obtained by a Core Formation cultivator risking his life within a secret realm. He had only just begun cultivation of it, yet it already possessed such might.

“Offense and defense in one—now I finally understand why Blood Fiend True Lord cherished this divine ability so much.”

Lin Chang’an swallowed dryly. He was still only in the Foundation Establishment stage. If he reached early Core Formation, would not three sword lights be the same as gaining three attack-and-defense integrated magical treasures?

And in late Core Formation, nine of them!

“It’s indeed powerful, but the mana consumption is also tremendous. Fortunately, my cultivation method grants me exceptionally profound mana reserves.”

In just a short moment, Lin Chang’an felt a tenth of his mana consumed, which secretly shocked him.

Then, with a thought, the sword light landed into his palm. The sensation brought a full smile to his face.

“It can even serve as a weapon when I lose my sword, and furthermore—!”

In the next instant, the sword light expanded, transforming into a massive blade one zhang long, exuding terrifying pressure.

Within Lin Chang’an’s grasp, this sword light moved as smooth as flowing water.

Whether in defense, offense, or as a towering greatsword—

“This is practically an upgraded version of the Giant Sword Technique, able to shift freely with my will.”

Only when his mana consumption neared one-third did Lin Chang’an finally withdraw the divine ability.

“No wonder it is called Sword Shadows Follow the Heart—these words ‘follow the heart’ are truly profound to the extreme.”

As the divine ability faded, Lin Chang’an’s eyes flickered. He could clearly sense the scars in his meridians being swiftly repaired under the effect of his Regenerative Body.

“The mana consumption is immense, and the side effects are heavy, but for me, it’s nothing. Yet cultivating beyond my level is limited to this point.

The higher my cultivation, the greater the difference between each minor realm.”

Lin Chang’an contemplated silently. He knew that cultivating this divine ability with mid-Foundation Establishment strength was a form of taking a shortcut.

With the Meridian-Protection Pill, his body had reached a balance. Thus, in the future, he would need to keep a stock of these pills.

Only after breaking through to late Foundation Establishment would he no longer need to rely on external pills.

“But all of this is worth it. Though its power may not match a Talisman Treasure, in terms of casting speed and flexibility, it far surpasses one.”

Lin Chang’an pondered deeply, envisioning ways to utilize this divine ability in battle.

He could suddenly launch ambushes, or, when knocked down and stripped of his artifacts, lure the enemy closer and then unleash this sword light as if it were an artifact.

This instant-cast ability, which could also compress or expand into the size of an ordinary sword shadow or a greatsword, suited his style perfectly.

“If it’s at close range and instant-cast, even late Foundation Establishment cultivators may not dare claim they could withstand it unscathed.”

Lin Chang’an smiled unconsciously. Now he had gained another hidden trump card.

Over the years, as his strength grew, many of his older methods had gradually fallen behind.

This divine ability, however, filled that gap.

“It’s just a pity these pills are rare, and many ingredients for refining them are found only in the Sea Abyss of Beasts.”

Thinking of this, Lin Chang’an sighed softly.

Now he finally understood why the Sea Abyss of Beasts was also called the Sea of Ten Thousand Demons.

When Yun Yao heard of his need for this pill, her first reaction was to think he was cultivating a demonic art.

This showed just how abundant the Sea Abyss of Beasts was in resources—rich enough to raise so many demonic cultivators.

In the days that followed, Lin Chang’an returned to his daily bitter cultivation.

Drawing talismans, alchemy, studying formations, cultivating divine abilities and spells, as well as digesting the experiences left in the memories of that Core Formation cultivator and those jade slips.

He had too much to do. Fortunately, the lifespan of a Foundation Establishment cultivator far exceeded that of mortals, giving him plenty of time to learn slowly.

…

Time flew, and in the blink of an eye, two or three years had passed.

At Juxian Tower.

【Lifespan: 87/251】

【Realm: Foundation Establishment Mid-stage (45/100)】

“Eighty-seven years old, mid-Foundation Establishment cultivation. At my current speed, I’ll only break through to late Foundation Establishment before one hundred and ten.”

Looking at his cultivation progress, Lin Chang’an sat in Juxian Tower, silently pondering.

His cultivation speed could not be considered slow. Breaking through to late Foundation Establishment before one hundred and ten years old already surpassed many others.

After all, countless cultivators spent their entire lives stagnating in early Foundation Establishment.

“But compared to Daoist Yun and Old Hu, I still fall a little short.”

At this moment, he was secretly calculating in his mind—the Three-turn Core Condensation Secret Method required a low-grade third-rank demon core, as well as the time to refine it.

During this period, he also needed to prepare a Core Formation Spirit Item. Both the third-rank demon core and the refining process required time.

“Adding it all up, the time really is pressing.”

Thinking of this, Lin Chang’an sighed softly. No wonder Yun Yao had begun preparations for Core Formation so early.

Time was merciless; it waited for no one.

“To condense a Golden Core—in this boundless sea of people, how many cultivators could only long for it in vain?”

Through the window, his gaze drifted toward the countless lives of Tianxuan City.

One by one, cultivators hurried about each day. Some wore smiles, others bore numb expressions. No matter how they faced it, time quietly slipped away.

“At the very least, I’m more fortunate than them, because I’ve already found my direction forward.”

At that moment, in contrast, Lin Chang’an seemed to understand something and let go, a faint smile gradually appearing on his face.

“Old Lin, what good thing are you thinking about? Look at you, suddenly looking so relaxed. You’ve got an ethereal aura about you. Could it be you’re about to ascend to immortality?”

Suddenly, Old Hu’s teasing laughter sounded by his ear. Lin Chang’an turned his head to see Old Hu laughing heartily as he approached, waving his hand as he laughed.

“If I could ascend, that would be fine. At that time, I would certainly take you, Old Hu, as my boy-servant outside the cave, making you refine artifacts for me every day.”

“Haha, Old Lin, you sure are dreaming, wanting to take me, Old Hu.”

With a hearty laugh, Old Hu strode to the table. He then put away his jokes, clasped his fists, and said:

“Congratulations, Old Lin, on comprehending your true heart.”

Such sudden insights were like dust being wiped away from the mind, allowing a cultivator to see themselves more clearly.

It carried a sense of enlightenment.

Though there was little progress in cultivation, such a shift greatly helped future cultivation.

“Old Hu, speaking of cultivation, I can’t compare to you. I’m afraid it won’t be long before you break through to late Foundation Establishment, right?”

Lin Chang’an also teased in return. But Old Hu, bold and straightforward by nature, simply lifted his wine cup and shook his head with mock irritation.

“How could it be so easy? To break through, I, Old Hu, will probably need at least another ten years.”

Though he said this, the pride on Old Hu’s face was hard to conceal. After all, it was late Foundation Establishment!

Foundation Establishment cultivators were many, but nearly seventy percent of them lingered their entire lives in early Foundation Establishment.

This was not only due to talent, but also the lack of cultivation resources, and the willpower to persist.

As for those who could step into late Foundation Establishment, they were few indeed.

“But Old Lin, lately some robber cultivators have been impersonating us, ruining our reputation. Truly hateful.”

When speaking of recent affairs in the marketplace, Old Hu became indignant, but Lin Chang’an only chuckled and shook his head.

Had there been few tricks from robber cultivators these years? Which renowned cultivator had not been targeted?

Especially for cultivators dealing with the black market, they were always at the eye of the storm.

While Lin Chang’an and Old Hu chatted idly, Old Ghost, He Yan, Old Jia, and Yun Yao arrived one after another.

Bound by the shared interests of the marketplace, these six Foundation Establishment cultivators had grown quite familiar with each other over the years. Today was a rare gathering.

“Recently, the frontlines haven’t been looking good. Xuanyin Pavilion and Tianxuan City have been stuck on the defensive, and Lihuo Palace and Shensword Sect keep probing. I fear that Master Lu…”

Around the wine table, their casual conversation soon shifted to the current situation.

After He Yan and Old Ghost recounted the news from the frontlines, the group’s expressions grew heavier.

“To think the situation at the front has already grown so dire.”

Even easygoing Old Hu sighed gloomily after hearing this.

“Right now it’s just a battle of attrition. If the four great forces all wear themselves down, perhaps there’ll be some breathing room. Otherwise, when Master Lu passes, True Lord Su will surely have to return to guard Tianxuan City. Then the frontlines…”

Lin Chang’an frowned. The situation was grim.

Among the Yue Kingdom’s four great forces, the most anxious now was likely Xuanyin Pavilion.

“It’s not just that. Large numbers of demon beasts in the Yunwu Mountain Range are migrating outward. Something is clearly wrong. Yet the cultivators of the Seven Kingdoms care only for immediate profit…”

“Has no one gone to investigate the Yunwu Mountain Range’s anomaly?”

“How could they not? But with miasma blanketing the Yunwu Mountain Range, even Core Formation cultivators who go deep will lose their way. How can they investigate? Now, everything is being attributed to the upheaval of the miasma.”

“Alas, miasma upheaval is a natural disaster. According to the oldest sect in the Seven Kingdoms, from Liang Country, seventeen hundred years ago the Yunwu Mountain Range also experienced this upheaval…”

As they exchanged information, Lin Chang’an’s heart suddenly thumped at the mention of the Yunwu Mountain Range’s anomaly.

“In that Blood Fiend True Lord’s fragmented memories, there seemed to be the true cause of the Yunwu Mountain Range’s anomaly. But what exactly was it?”

Lin Chang’an pondered silently, fragments flashing through his mind.

Even the late Core Formation Blood Fiend True Lord, upon seeing that spiritual spring radiating terrifying miasma, had fled in horror without daring to linger.

In those broken memories, he could even see with his own eyes a Core Formation late-stage cultivator’s magical treasure being corroded before his very eyes under the eruption of that miasma.

“What on earth is it? And why did the Blood Fiend True Lord harbor such resentment toward Master Lu?”

Lin Chang’an frowned. The memories were too fragmented, yet what stood out most was him cursing Master Lu furiously.

Just what had Master Lu done to make a late Core Formation cultivator lose all composure?

“But such matters are far beyond what a small figure like me can touch. I’d best just focus on cultivation.”

With a sigh in his heart, Lin Chang’an stopped thinking about it.

Even if there were some great opportunity, if a late Core Formation cultivator had already fallen, he would not dare take such risks.

“Daoist Yun, with your profound cultivation, you’ll surely be leaving Yue Kingdom soon, won’t you?”

As their talk wound down, Old Jia looked at Yun Yao with some envy and spoke these words.

Old Jia truly could not bear to see her leave. Not for other reasons, but because their marketplace had been so peaceful for years largely due to this late Foundation Establishment cultivator’s presence.

But to seek Core Formation, she would have to leave eventually.

“If one wants to prepare a Core Formation Spirit Item, one must certainly leave this place.”

“Yes, this land of the Seven Kingdoms is barren. Even sects and great clans must head to the Sea Abyss of Beasts to seek Core Formation Spirit Items.”

As the others sighed, Yun Yao lightly shook her head and said:

“I’ve only just broken through to late Foundation Establishment. I still need to stabilize my cultivation.”

Hearing that Yun Yao would not be leaving for now, Old Jia secretly let out a breath of relief. The profits of the marketplace in these years had left him reluctant to part with them.

Yet among the group, Yun Yao was already at late Foundation Establishment, while Hu Jin and Lin Chang’an both had firm Dao hearts, remaining mid-Foundation Establishment for many years, still persisting in bitter cultivation.

When the time came, the two of them would likely go together to seek Core Formation opportunities.

As for He Yan, who had only just broken through to mid-Foundation Establishment, his demonic cultivation had left him with the appearance of a mature middle-aged man. But his nature seemed more easygoing, without great ambition.

As for Old Ghost, after years of acquaintance, they knew he bore some hidden hatred. Silent as always, his heart contained only cultivation.

Among the six Foundation Establishment cultivators, only Old Jia had already settled down over the years, no longer wishing to struggle.

“Come, to everlasting longevity in the Dao for all fellow Daoists.”

But having lived nearly a century, their hearts were no longer like ordinary people’s. Old Jia suddenly seemed to have thought things through, laughing freely as he raised his wine cup in blessing.

On this path of pursuing immortality, as his companions continued forward, he who had stopped could only offer blessings.

The others all raised their wine cups as well, smiling.

“Come, cheers!”

With laughter and joy, they toasted one another.

In a life of a hundred years, to find several true friends along the path of cultivation was already a heavenly fortune.

Meanwhile, Shen Lie and Lu Qingqing, who had brought wine and food for the group, descended the stairs. Seeing Lin Chang’an still wearing the same youthful face as back then, they could not help showing envy.

Now, as husband and wife exchanged a glance, nearly ninety years of age, they saw in each other’s faces the marks of age, yet both bore affectionate smiles.

“Qingqing, perhaps I regret not cultivating well back then, but I never regretted having you, and having our Fan’er.”

Hearing this, Lu Qingqing glared at her husband and whispered via transmission:

“Shameless old man, we’re already about to be buried in the ground.”

Then the two smiled together.

Lin Chang’an and Yun Yao had their own paths to walk.

And they too had their own. Husband and wife hand in hand for a century, with their son also becoming a Foundation Establishment cultivator.

They had no regrets about their chosen road.

With his old man’s appearance, Shen Lie suddenly grew cheerful, a bright smile appearing on his face. As he descended the stairs, his expression was full of vigor.

Above, Lin Chang’an’s late Foundation Establishment divine sense naturally noticed this. Meeting Yun Yao’s gaze, both of them smiled.

At the very least, their old companions were living well.

“In life, who doesn’t have a few regrets along the way?”

Lin Chang’an and Yun Yao’s eyes flickered, memories of their lives rising in their minds.

Bittersweet joys and sorrows—such was life.

Though the path of cultivation was destined to be lonely, the scenery along the way, even regrets, was still unique and unrepeatable.