The Joys of Cultivation, Liu Clan’s Historical Conflict

A few days had gone by.

Liu Ming had already mastered the Sacred Sword Formation stage and had moved on to the Sacred Sword Dance stage.

The first level of this new stage was called Twin Sword Harmony.

In this level, he had to control two sacred swords at the same time.

This technique needed him to perfectly utilize the Two-Fingered Sword Gesture to synchronize and balance the sacred swords, making sure they moved together perfectly.

"Twin Sword Harmony is the dance of duality, representing balance and coordination. It teaches the cultivator to control multiple aspects of their energy with precision."

Liu Ming stood in the training grounds with two sacred swords floating in front of him. He closed his eyes and focused on his breathing. With each breath in, he drew in sacred Qi and let it flow through his meridians. As he breathed out, he split the energy and directed it into the two swords.

"Flow..."

The swords moved together, their blades shining in the sunlight. Liu Ming guided them through a series of complex patterns, their movements smooth and elegant. He practiced day and night to perfect his control over the twin swords. Each move was like a dance, showing his growing skill.

"Now I know why it's called the Sacred Sword Dance."

In a short time, Liu Ming's control over the Twin Sword Harmony became flawless. The swords moved as if they were extensions of his own body and their movements were synchronized to perfection.

He could feel the balance and coordination.

The duality of the swords represented the harmony within himself!

"Hahah! I, Liu Ming, truly am a genius!"

He grinned sharply and spread his arms wide.

"On to the next!"

...

The second level, called the Quadruple Sword Array, needed Liu Ming to control four sacred swords at the same time. It focused on using strategy and being able to deal with multiple threats at once.

"The Quadruple Sword Array shows how skilled a cultivator is becoming. It's a clear sign that they can handle several flows of sacred Qi at once with skill and ease."

Liu Ming sat cross-legged in his courtyard, surrounded by four sacred swords. He took a deep breath, dividing his spiritual energy into four streams and using the Two-Fingered Sword Gesture to channel it.

The swords moved in intricate patterns, forming complex formations.

He practiced tirelessly, staying sharp and focused.

"Hmm, we're getting there..."

After a few days, Liu Ming's mastery of the Quadruple Sword Array improved. The swords moved precisely, coordinated and fluid. He could now handle various threats, directing the sacred swords to attack, defend, and even create barriers!

Finally, after nearly a week of intense training, he perfected his control over the Quadruple Sword Array. The swords moved gracefully, showcasing his refined control and peerless skill!

Liu Ming leaped out of his lotus position and raised his arm triumphantly.

"I've fully cultivated the second stage of the Sacred Qi Sword Formation Art!"

He waved his hand, dispersing the sacred swords, then did a powerful backflip, spinning high into the air and landing on the roof of his house. From there, he admired the secluded forest surrounding his home, stretching out beautifully before him.

He held out his hand and performed the Two-Fingered Sword Gesture, focusing his sacred Qi and splitting it into countless streams of spiritual energy.

'Focus...'

These streams wove themselves into sacred swords, and within moments, Liu Ming was surrounded by over sixty golden, glowing swords, all suspended in mid-air, waiting for his command.

Leaving the swords stationary, he clasped his hands behind his back and continued gazing at the beautiful horizon, kissed by nature itself.

"I've experienced the joys of cultivation before, and I want to keep living a fulfilling life as I pursue the Greater Dao. I refuse to be like these lesser cultivators who will be stuck here forever. Watch out, world! One day, I, Liu Ming, will make history and become unrivaled, even by the Heavens!"

That was his goal!

━ ◦ ❖ ◦ ━

It had been about three or four days since Liu Ming reached the third level of power in the Sacred Sword Dance.

With this level of control over a sacred sword, he decided to take a break from the Sacred Qi Sword Formation Art, even though he hadn't yet practiced the third stage, Sacred Sword Convergence.

Now, he focused on comprehending the Immortal-rank jade slip he had taken from the Scripture Pavilion since he had already learned the last technique he needed to move forward.

Liu Ming was walking through the dense forest on Ancient Script Mountain, reading a scroll.

He had written down a revised edition of the powerful Daoist magic from the Immortal-rank jade slip after intense practice and comprehension.

As he read, he whistled casually, enjoying the cool wind on his face and the sounds of birds chirping.

"Hmm, Sealing Sword of the Sacred Cloud Mountain.

"To perform this powerful sealing magic, a cultivator must first master the Sacred Qi Sword Formation Art to the peak level of the second stage and possess a Core Spirit cultivation base. However, the most important requirement is one's bloodline. Those with the Sacred-Emperor's bloodline will have a strong connection with the secret ninth mountain of the Sacred Cloud School... the Sacred Cloud Mountain.

"There are four stages needed to perform this Daoist sealing magic. Each stage was created by different echelons and allies of the sect during the war between the Sacred Cloud School and the Azure Dragon Clan.

Liu Ming paused, placing a hand on his chin and looking thoughtfully to the side.

"Hmm, Azure Dragon Clan... if I remember correctly, isn't the Eastern Reaches bordered by a range called the, uh, Azure Dragon's Crest? Could they be related?"

He asked no one in particular.

Surprisingly, an answer came from nowhere. "YES!"

Liu Ming looked up and saw a blue anthropomorphic cat fall on his face. Sighing heavily, he pulled the cat off and looked closely at him. "Sect Master Maomao, what are you doing here?" he asked with half-open eyes.

The cat rubbed his hands together and grinned widely.

"Err, I was simply surveying the sect with my divine senses. As you know, I am the Great Demon Immo──"

Not interested in hearing the ridiculously long name, Liu Ming gently placed the cat on the ground and crouched to stay at his level. Looking closely at Maomao, Liu Ming opened his mouth to speak.

"So, I have a question..."

Maomao dusted off his robes and then cleared his throat with a smug grin. "Alright, alright, ask away. I shall spare you a bit of my boundless knowledge."

"Well, I was reading about the Sealing Sword of the Sacred Cloud Mountain and saw a mention of a war between our sect and the Azure Dragon Clan. What's that about?"

"Oh, yes... that. It wasn't exactly a war between our Sacred Cloud School and the Azure Dragon Clan."

"Wait, really?" Liu Ming leaned in closer, showing interest.

Sect Master Maomao nodded and explained.

"Actually, the conflict started between the patriarchs of the Liu Clan and the Azure Dragon Clan, with an agreement to keep their clan members out of it. The Azure Dragon Clan wanted to expand their influence in the Yuande Continent to boost their rank among the Five Dragon Families of the Profound Sky Domain. This expansion required them to dominate the Eastern Reaches and eventually extend their control over the entire continent.

"However, Liu Zong, the founding ancestor of the Liu Clan, opposed this because it would mean suppressing the Sacred Cloud School. At that time, the patriarch of the Azure Dragon Clan was one of the most powerful beings on the continent, typically known for his benevolence. No one understood why he suddenly changed his approach. Liu Zong realized his 2nd-order cultivation wasn't enough to defeat this supreme being.

"Therefore, with the help of the Chen family and the Sword God School, he created the Sealing Sword of the Sacred Cloud Mountain and used it to seal the dragon. Since then, the Azure Dragon Clan has considered the Liu family their sworn enemy. However, I've heard rumors that a member of the Liu family is actually married into the Azure Dragon Clan.

While the entire story seemed interesting, it was Maomao's last few words that really caught Liu Ming's attention. His eyes widened and glimmered like stars as he asked, "Could a Liu family member really be married into a Dragon Clan?"

The cat tiredly stretched out his arms and yawned in the form of a meow before replying.

"I don't really care, but yes. The Liu family is very prestigious in the Yuande Continent, so you should know that you can't mess up and bring shame to your family's name. That would be like a slap in their face."

Liu Ming placed a hand on his chin and hummed thoughtfully.

"Fair point..."

Maomao waved his small paw dismissively and said, "Alright, forget about that, now carry me on your head."

He missed the days when he would rest on Liu Changsheng's head like an elegant creature while disciples of the sect bowed their heads in reverence.

Liu Ming frowned at the cat and gave him a suspicious side-eye. "You're not going to fart on my head again, right?"

Immediately, the cat took offense. "HOW DARE YOU SAY THAT?!"

Liu Ming chuckled softly, "Chill out, I'm only joking."

As he was about to pick up the blue cat, he sensed someone's presence and looked back.

It was the beautiful Su Yan.

She looked more serious than usual.

The beauty immediately knelt and bowed her head.

"Greetings, Patriarch!"

Liu Ming chuckled and said, "Haah, no need for all that. Get up."

Su Yan stood up and adjusted the ornate red and gold saber at her waist. "I'm sorry to bother you while you're busy with Sect Master Maomao, but a young master from the Sword God School is here to challenge our sect."

"Huh?" Liu Ming tilted his head in surprise.