Three days later, Wang Quan finally recovered from his closed-door healing session. Despite his loss to the black-robed disciple in the Outer Sect Tournament finals, he wasn't discouraged. On the contrary, the battle had made him more aware of the gap between himself and the top-tier geniuses, giving him a clearer path for his future cultivation.
Today, the sect officially awarded the Outer Sect Tournament prizes, and Wang Quan, along with the other top ten disciples, was summoned to the Inner Sect to receive their rewards.
As he stepped into the Inner Sect for the first time, Wang Quan felt a refreshing difference. The atmosphere here was distinct from that of the Outer Sect—the spiritual energy was richer, the architecture grander and more majestic, and the Inner Sect disciples he passed exuded confidence and power, with all of them being at least at the seventh level of Qi Refining.
Wang Quan couldn't help but think to himself, "This is the true realm of cultivation. The gap between the Outer and Inner Sect is vast."
Inner Sect disciples enjoyed far superior treatment compared to those in the Outer Sect. Every month, they received a certain number of contribution points, which could be exchanged for various cultivation resources, treasures, pills, and even high-level techniques—privileges that Outer Sect disciples didn't have.
Moreover, every disciple who entered the Inner Sect had the opportunity to select a master from among the elders, joining their faction and becoming a personal disciple—a crucial step for growth within the sect.
After the rewards were distributed, the top ten disciples were taken to meet their chosen elders to complete the apprenticeship process.
Wang Quan's performance, particularly his swordsmanship in the tournament, had already caught the attention of Swordmaster Qing. As one of Cloud Sky Sect's Golden Core elders, Swordmaster Qing was renowned for his exceptional swordsmanship and was considered one of the sect's top swordmasters.
As Wang Quan stood among the other disciples, Swordmaster Qing approached him. His sharp gaze scrutinized Wang Quan for a moment before he spoke in a calm, even tone:
"Wang Quan, your swordsmanship is still in its foundational stages, but your sword heart is resolute, and you show great potential. If you are willing to become my disciple and study my sect's sword techniques, I will teach you the 'Azure Sword Art.'"
Swordmaster Qing's voice carried no emotion, but the affirmation in his words made Wang Quan's heart race with excitement. He knew that this was the opportunity he had been hoping for.
Without hesitation, Wang Quan bowed deeply and respectfully said, "Disciple is willing to enter Swordmaster Qing's tutelage and learn the way of the sword."
Swordmaster Qing gave a slight nod of approval and then said, "From this day forward, you are a disciple of my Azure Sword lineage. I will teach you the 'Azure Sword Art,' a sword technique perfectly suited for your current cultivation level."
After Wang Quan was accepted as Swordmaster Qing's disciple, the other top-ranked disciples were also paired with their chosen elders, each choosing the faction that aligned with their talents and future aspirations.
With the initiation ceremony over, Swordmaster Qing took Wang Quan to a serene mountain peak, the residence of the Azure Sword lineage. The air here was thick with spiritual energy, the mountain surrounded by clouds and mist, exuding an aura of peace and immortality.
Swordmaster Qing stood with his hands behind his back, gazing out at the sea of clouds below. His voice was calm but filled with wisdom as he said, "Wang Quan, I know you earned your place in the Inner Sect through the Outer Sect Tournament, which shows your talent. But on the path of cultivation—especially the way of the sword—what matters most is not just cultivation but the heart and perseverance of the sword. Cultivation is important, but mastering the sword is about cultivating the mind."
Wang Quan nodded inwardly, understanding the weight of his master's words. Sword cultivators' growth was often tied to their personal mindset and willpower. While external techniques and skills were essential, honing one's mind and spirit was the key to advancing in the sword path.
Turning back to Wang Quan, Swordmaster Qing raised his hand, and a cyan sword appeared out of thin air. The sword gleamed with sharpness, its blade glowing faintly.
"This is the introductory technique of the 'Azure Sword Art.' The Azure Sword Art is the core technique of my lineage. Practicing this technique will not only enhance your swordsmanship but will also help you comprehend the true essence of swordsmanship when you reach the Foundation Establishment stage. Swordsmanship emphasizes the harmony of the heart, the sword, and the person. Only when you achieve unity can you bring out the full potential of the Azure Sword Art."
With a flick of his wrist, a faint blue glow flashed, and the sword in his hand danced through the air, effortlessly slicing through the void, producing a soft but resonant sword hum.
Wang Quan's eyes brightened. He realized this was swordsmanship at its highest level and couldn't help but feel a deep sense of admiration. After retrieving the sword, Swordmaster Qing said, "I will now impart the basics of the 'Azure Sword Art' to you. Take time to comprehend it carefully."
Swordmaster Qing raised his hand, and a beam of cyan light shot into Wang Quan's forehead. In an instant, the techniques, sword forms, and mental principles of the Azure Sword Art flooded into Wang Quan's mind.
As soon as the technique entered his consciousness, Wang Quan felt an incredibly sharp sword intent, as though it could pierce through the heavens and the earth. This sword technique was unlike anything he had practiced before. The Azure Sword Art focused heavily on condensing sword energy and blending it with one's state of mind. At its highest levels, the sword energy could be projected outward and merge with the surrounding spiritual energy, transforming into true sword-based divine abilities.
Swordmaster Qing continued, "You are currently at the seventh level of Qi Refining. Although you have not yet reached Foundation Establishment, you have set foot on the path of the sword. The Foundation Establishment stage is the first major threshold in a cultivator's journey. Only by breaking through to Foundation Establishment can one truly embark on the path of immortal cultivation."
He paused briefly before adding, "Our sect's founding ancestor was a sword cultivator who reached the Nascent Soul stage. Only after you achieve Foundation Establishment will you be able to truly comprehend the essence of swordsmanship. As for other techniques and resources, you can go to the sect's exchange center and use contribution points to acquire whatever you need."
Wang Quan respectfully replied, "Disciple understands. I will give my all in my cultivation and strive to break through Foundation Establishment as soon as possible!"
Swordmaster Qing nodded with satisfaction. He then explained in detail the stages of cultivation. From being a mortal to a cultivator, the first step was the Body Refining stage. Even with the aptitude for cultivation, this was still just the beginning. After Body Refining came the Qi Refining stage, where cultivators built their foundation by increasing their spiritual energy reserves and expanding their dantian capacity.
Foundation Establishment was the key stage where a cultivator truly entered the world of immortal cultivation. Once a cultivator achieved Foundation Establishment, their spiritual energy would undergo a qualitative change, drastically increasing their cultivation speed, strength, and lifespan. More importantly, achieving Foundation Establishment allowed a cultivator's body and soul to gradually transcend mortality, making them a true practitioner of the immortal path.
Swordmaster Qing gave one final piece of advice: "Your main goal now is to break through to Foundation Establishment. Though the Foundation Establishment Pill is valuable, the process of breaking through is more about testing your willpower and insight. I will guide your swordsmanship, but the path to Foundation Establishment is something you must walk on your own."
Wang Quan's eyes were filled with determination as he silently vowed to seize this opportunity and achieve Foundation Establishment, stepping onto the true path of immortal cultivation.
After returning to his residence from Swordmaster Qing's peak, Wang Quan devoted himself entirely to practicing the introductory techniques of the Azure Sword Art. As he meditated on the sword forms, he began to grasp the profoundness of this sword technique—condensing sword energy, circulating spiritual power, and integrating it with his state of mind, giving him newfound understanding.
"This journey in the Inner Sect marks the true beginning of my cultivation."
Wang Quan's heart was filled with both resolve and anticipation for what lay ahead.