Reappearance of the Evil Spirit

Three months flew by, and during this time, Wang Quan had immersed himself in cultivation. He had finally reached the entry-level mastery of the Azure Sword Art, and his swordsmanship had greatly improved. His cultivation level had also progressed—he had now reached the eighth layer of Qi Refining.

During his closed-door training, Wang Quan could feel the significant transformation of his internal spiritual energy. As he continued to practice the Azure Sword Art, his sword energy became increasingly refined. Every sword strike carried a sharp sword intent, as though it could slice through the void itself. He knew that the Azure Sword Art was not merely a sword technique but a cultivation method focusing on heart and sword intent. If he persisted in practicing, his future in swordsmanship would undoubtedly be promising.

Today, Wang Quan decided to step out of seclusion to adjust his state of mind and also gather information on recent happenings within and outside the sect.

As soon as he emerged from his cave dwelling, he noticed a tense and oppressive atmosphere hanging over the sect. The once tranquil and harmonious aura of the Cloud Sky Sect had given way to a subtle but unmistakable heaviness. Disciples moved about with grave expressions, their demeanor somber.

Wang Quan's heart stirred, and he thought, "It seems much has transpired while I was in seclusion."

He made his way to the Inner Sect's plaza and inquired about recent events. As expected, he soon gathered several pieces of important information.

The first piece of news concerned Li Cang and the black-robed disciple named You.

Over the past three months, both Li Cang and the mysterious black-robed disciple—who had performed impressively in the Outer Sect Tournament—had successfully broken through to the Foundation Establishment stage, becoming rising stars in the Inner Sect.

You, in particular, had officially revealed his name after achieving Foundation Establishment and was now known as "You." His rapid rise to power had drawn considerable attention, and the air of mystery that surrounded him only heightened his perceived danger. Many disciples speculated about the fortuitous encounters he must have had to achieve such a dramatic leap from the Qi Refining stage to Foundation Establishment in just a few short months.

As for Li Cang, who had already been regarded as a genius within the sect, his successful Foundation Establishment only cemented his fearsome reputation.

Upon hearing that both Li Cang and You had reached Foundation Establishment, Wang Quan furrowed his brow slightly.

"Li Cang has finally succeeded in breaking through to Foundation Establishment... and even the black-robed You has done so as well."

Though this news didn't stir any great emotions in Wang Quan, he remained focused. The Foundation Establishment stage was still a future goal for him, but it did not hinder his dedication to refining his skills and progressing steadily. His attention was now more focused on planning for the road ahead.

The second piece of news concerned Cloud Mist Mountain, the superior sect of Cloud Sky Sect.

Cloud Mist Mountain was an influential power in the cultivation world of the eastern continent, far surpassing Cloud Sky Sect in strength. Recently, however, a troubling development had occurred within Cloud Mist Mountain's territory—a growing menace of wandering evil spirits.

These spirits varied in strength, with the weakest being at the Qi Refining stage and the strongest reaching as high as the Nascent Soul stage. Reports had even surfaced of a Nascent Soul-level spirit causing chaos near Cloud Mist Mountain, though it was eventually subdued by the sect's elders. Nonetheless, this incident had sparked widespread concern across the cultivation world.

"A Nascent Soul-level evil spirit..."

Wang Quan felt a shiver run through him. His mind immediately went back to the time he had encountered an evil spirit at the Wang family's ancestral grounds. Back then, he had barely escaped with his life. Now, the increasing proximity of these evil spirits to Cloud Sky Sect raised unsettling suspicions in his mind. Could these malevolent beings have something to do with his reverse-law bloodline?

"It seems the spread of these evil spirits is connected to the defiant law bloodline. Fortunately, they haven't pinpointed my exact location yet, but this means I must remain even more cautious and keep the secret of my bloodline hidden."

Wang Quan understood that, until he found a way to fully control the power of his reverse-law bloodline, he could not risk exposing it. For the time being, he resolved to continue cultivating using the Five Elements Secret Art. At least until he reached the Foundation Establishment stage, it would be wise to maintain a low profile.

The final piece of news involved the sect elders. Due to the increasing threat posed by the evil spirits, Cloud Mist Mountain had dispatched a team to deal with the menace, enlisting the help of several elders from Cloud Sky Sect. Some disciples had also been conscripted to assist.

Swordmaster Qing, as one of Cloud Sky Sect's renowned sword elders, had been summoned by Cloud Mist Mountain to aid in the battle against the evil spirits and was currently away from the sect. In his absence, the disciples of the Azure Sword lineage were being overseen by Swordmaster Qing's senior disciple, Qinghuang.

Qinghuang was a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator whose swordsmanship was highly respected throughout the Inner Sect. He was now responsible for guiding the disciples of the Azure Sword lineage in their sword cultivation and training.

After thinking for a moment, Wang Quan decided to visit Senior Brother Qinghuang. With Swordmaster Qing away, Qinghuang, as the acting leader of the Azure Sword lineage, might be able to offer him valuable advice, especially on the matter of breaking through to Foundation Establishment.

When Wang Quan arrived at the Azure Sword training grounds, he saw Qinghuang seated in meditation. His presence was calm and immovable, like a towering mountain peak that could not be shaken. Several disciples of the Azure Sword lineage were gathered around him, listening intently as he discussed swordsmanship.

Qinghuang opened his eyes, his gaze serene. After glancing at Wang Quan, he nodded and said, "Junior Brother Wang, I hear that your cultivation has advanced recently, and you've reached the eighth layer of Qi Refining. You've also achieved entry-level mastery of the Azure Sword Art. It seems your diligent cultivation has borne fruit."

Wang Quan bowed respectfully and replied, "Senior Brother is too kind. Though my cultivation has progressed, I am still far from achieving Foundation Establishment. Today, I came to seek your guidance on this matter."

Qinghuang pondered for a moment before replying, "Foundation Establishment is the first true step on the path of immortal cultivation. Breaking through not only requires a powerful accumulation of spiritual energy but also a stable mind and a resilient body. When your spiritual energy is sufficient, it will condense into a spiritual foundation, and that is when a cultivator undergoes a transformation."

He continued, "Junior Brother, you're now at the eighth layer of Qi Refining, on the verge of Foundation Establishment. But the difference between Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment is like a vast chasm. You'll need a great deal of spiritual energy, and, more importantly, your mind must be steady. The Azure Sword Art emphasizes unity between heart and sword. Only by merging your state of mind with the sword will you avoid being disturbed by inner demons during your breakthrough."

Wang Quan listened carefully, deep in thought. He understood that the challenge of Foundation Establishment lay not only in the accumulation of spiritual energy but also in the test of one's heart and mind.

Seeing Wang Quan's contemplative expression, Qinghuang smiled slightly and said, "There's no need to rush, Junior Brother. Right now, your priority should be stabilizing your cultivation. Once your spiritual energy has reached a certain level, the opportunity for Foundation Establishment will naturally arise."

After leaving the training grounds, Wang Quan headed to the sect's exchange center to use the contribution points he had accumulated to acquire some cultivation resources in preparation for his upcoming breakthrough.