Haoran Sword Technique

At this moment, Xiao Xuan looked up and asked curiously.

"Grandpa, is the *Haoran Sword Technique* really that powerful?" 

Hearing this, Xiao Zhongtian's expression turned serious, as though he were reliving the time when he first learned the Sword Technique. 

"Very strong," he said firmly, his voice carrying the weight of experience. 

"Extremely strong." 

Xiao Xuan's heart stirred with excitement. His eyes sparkled with desire as he stared at his grandfather. 

"You want to learn it, don't you?" Xiao Zhongtian asked, turning his blind eyes toward Xiao Xuan as if he could still see right through him. 

Xiao Xuan's excitement bubbled over. Recognizing this as a rare opportunity, he immediately stood up, walked over to his grandfather, and bowed deeply with great respect. 

"Grandfather, please teach me!" he said earnestly. 

Though Xiao Zhongtian's eyes were blind, his heart could see more clearly than ever. In Xiao Xuan, he saw a reflection of himself from years ago—determined, ambitious, and full of potential. 

But Xiao Xuan wasn't just like him. He was even more exceptional, born with the rare and powerful space-attribute Spiritual Roots. Beyond his talent, Xiao Xuan was humble, respectful, and cautious—qualities that Xiao Zhongtian had lacked in his youth. 

For a moment, Xiao Zhongtian hesitated, gripping his crutch tightly as if the weight of his decision could be transferred to the sturdy wood. 

Finally, after a long silence, he leaned closer to Xiao Xuan, his voice grave. 

"Do you understand that learning the *Haoran Sword Technique* comes with great Karma?" he asked. "Once you take this path, you'll have to bear its consequences." 

His blind eyes, though sightless, seemed to pierce straight into Xiao Xuan's soul. He didn't want the boy to take on the same burden that had once crushed him. 

Xiao Xuan raised his head slowly, his gaze steady and sincere. There was no hesitation in his bright eyes. 

"I'm willing,"

-------

Hidden Mist Peak.

In the open space in front of the small building, Xiao Xuan stood there holding a sword in one hand, like a slender pine and cypress, motionless.

Not far away, Xiao Zhongtian sat in his chair as usual, observing his great-grandson. 

"Do you understand the Karma of the *Haoran Sword Technique*?" he asked, his voice serious. 

Xiao Xuan thought for a moment before responding. 

"Since the Haoran Sword Technique is the inheritance sword technique of Haoran Sect, it must be kept secret," 

"Without the Sect's approval, passing it on is a huge taboo." 

"If the Haoran Sect finds out, the consequences are severe. The lightest punishment would be death, but if they are serious, they could destroy an entire family." 

In the Immortal World, Cultivation Techniques were the foundation of any sect. 

Each sect jealously guarded its own techniques to maintain its power and advantage. If the techniques were widely known, the sect would lose its strength and its purpose would vanish. 

Xiao Zhongtian nodded in approval, his face breaking into a smile. 

"I thought you might be confused, but I didn't expect you to understand it so quickly." 

"However, you've only said part of it. There's more to it than that." 

Before Xiao Xuan could respond, Xiao Zhongtian continued. 

"The first point you mentioned seems dangerous, but it's actually quite simple to solve." 

Xiao Zhongtian paused for a moment, then spoke again with confidence. 

"You are born with Earth Spiritual Roots, a rare talent. Even in Haoran Sect, you would be considered a genius. With your clear background, the Haoran Sect would never harm such a talent. Instead, they would welcome you." 

"Once you join the Haoran Sect, the issue of the Haoran Sword Technique will be solved." 

Xiao Xuan was impressed by his grandfather's insight, but as Xiao Zhongtian paused, he couldn't help but ask, 

"What's the other point?" 

A shadow of resentment flickered across Xiao Zhongtian's face as he slowly began to speak again. 

"Once you join the Haoran Sect, your identity will inevitably become public knowledge," Xiao Zhongtian said, his voice calm but heavy with concern. 

"When that happens, those in the Haoran Sect who are aligned with the Burning Flame Sect will undoubtedly work against you in secret." 

"Make no mistake, Xiao Xuan. The moment you step into the Haoran Sect, you will be walking into constant danger." 

"Even if my enemy says nothing, his subordinates will act on his behalf, seeking to win favor by eliminating you." He paused, his tone growing somber.

"And the reason? Because you are my descendant." 

After saying this, Xiao Zhongtian fell silent. His expression was firm, but a trace of worry lingered in his eyes. 

He didn't press further, quietly waiting for Xiao Xuan's decision. 

Deep down, Xiao Zhongtian harbored mixed emotions. He hoped Xiao Xuan would agree to join the Haoran Sect, to seize the opportunity for unparalleled growth. 

But another part of him wished his grandson would turn away from this dangerous path. 

The Haoran Sword Technique was indeed a rare and peerless treasure, unmatched across the Eastern Wastelands. But was it worth risking Xiao Xuan's life?

As the first Earth Spiritual Roots genius the Xiao family had seen in a century, Xiao Zhongtian couldn't bear the thought of his grandson meeting a tragic end, just as he had once narrowly avoided. 

Xiao Xuan, hearing his grandfather's heartfelt words, remained silent for a while. He understood the intention behind them. His grandfather wasn't trying to stop him out of selfishness but out of love and worry. 

Still, Xiao Xuan couldn't deny his feelings. The Haoran Sword Technique was not just a skill, it was a path, a calling, and an extraordinary opportunity. 

How could he give that up? 

After a moment of reflection, he turned his gaze toward the towering mountain in the distance. With unwavering resolve, he spoke, his voice clear and ringing with conviction. 

"My purpose as a cultivator is to seek the Dao, to strive for immortality, and to shatter the void!" 

"If I retreat now, if I abandon my path because of these small fears—then what is the point of cultivating immortality at all?!" 

His words carried an unshakable determination, leaving no room for doubt. 

Xiao Zhongtian froze, staring at his grandson's thin but unyielding figure. 

For a long time, he remained silent, his heart conflicted and overwhelmed. He hadn't expected Xiao Xuan to utter such profound and resolute words. 

Finally, he let out a deep sigh.

 "Ah!" 

He looked at Xiao Xuan with a mix of pride and resignation, and his lips curled into a faint smile. 

"Fine. The older I get, the more cautious I become, and yet here you are, bold as ever." 

"Then let this old man accompany you in your madness one more time!" 

With those words, Xiao Zhongtian's expression softened, and his pride in his grandson became unmistakable. 

After speaking, an old man and a young man looked at each other and smiled on the top of the mountain.