Solar Essence [2k]

Translator: CinderTL

Sword Prodigy.

A unique existence within the core lineage of the sect.

Other sects might refer to them as Dao Prodigies, Holy Sons, Holy Daughters, or Buddha Prodigies.

They belong to the category of "Prodigies" within the sect.

To receive such treatment, the sect isn't merely cultivating them for Core Formation.

Core Formation is just the standard for becoming a "Prodigy."

The sect's aspirations for each "Prodigy"...

Are Nascent Soul!

Are Primordial Spirit!

And even...

Void Refining!

Of course, Void Refining is the highest aspiration.

Not to mention the disciples of Flaming Phoenix Peak, even Huan Ming dares not think too much about it.

But achieving Primordial Spirit cultivation would qualify one to become a powerful figure overseeing an entire realm in the main sect.

For the Taixu Sword Sect, this would also be an immense honor.

From this, one can see how much Huan Ming values Li Chunjun.

"Me? A Sword Prodigy?"

Li Chunjun couldn't help but glance at Jiang Wanyu beside him.

Each generation has only one Sword Prodigy.

The title is only relinquished when the current holder leaves or breaks through to a higher realm.

He had just arrived at the Taixu Sword Sect and joined Flaming Phoenix Peak, yet Huan Ming, the sect master, was placing his hopes on him, an outsider, instead of a native-born Flaming Phoenix Sword Cultivator?

Was this appropriate?

Soon, Jiang Wanyu had already expressed her stance through her actions.

"On behalf of Junior Brother Chunjun, I thank the sect master."

She gave a graceful bow.

Li Chunjun, unwilling to overshadow the host, was about to say something when a woman in her thirties or forties, dressed elegantly, stepped forward and said, "In the past twenty years, only Wanyu has successfully activated the Flaming Phoenix power. But... do you think Wanyu's personality is suited to become the Flaming Phoenix Sword Prodigy?"

Personality?

Li Chunjun glanced at Jiang Wanyu.

Recalling their interactions over the past half day...

Her personality was gentle, peaceful, understanding, and serene.

These were excellent qualities in any woman.

But for a Sword Cultivator...

Especially one from the Flaming Phoenix lineage!?

It was almost paradoxical.

But...

With such a personality, how could she have activated the Flaming Phoenix Bloodline and inherited its power?

Where was her indomitable will, her willingness to face death?

He couldn't understand it.

"Wanyu's situation is somewhat special. You'll understand it gradually in time."

The woman explained.

Then, she also looked at him with a gentle expression: "I am Jiang Yuqiu of Flaming Phoenix Peak... you've suffered."

Li Chunjun didn't know how to respond.

Jiang Yuqiu noticed his discomfort and nodded in understanding.

Immediately, she waved to the people behind her: "Alright, you've seen him now. A living Flaming Phoenix Sword Cultivator. Everyone, disperse."

"Haha, seen him, seen him. What a spirited young man."

"Li Chunjun? I'll remember that name! Keep it up, young man. I look forward to the day you grow up and make the other eight sects tremble at the name 'Flaming Phoenix Sword Prodigy' once more!"

"An eighteen-year-old Flaming Phoenix Sword Cultivator! And with such a strong killing intent, daring to charge into the Chiyang Sword Sect even when surrounded by so many of their disciples. If you don't become the Sword Prodigy, who will?"

"Sword Prodigy Li, I have a great-granddaughter, the same age as you, and she's been tested to have a top-tier Spirit Root. Would you like to meet her... Old Zhou, why are you pulling me? I haven't finished speaking..."

Soon, under the urging of Jiang Yuqiu and Huan Ming, everyone except the Elders of Flaming Phoenix Peak left.

The other Elders of Flaming Phoenix Peak, satisfied that Li Chunjun had safely returned to the peak, also returned to their respective courtyards.

At this point, Huan Ming handed a jade talisman to Li Chunjun: "This is a Message Jade Talisman. Take it. If you have any needs, you can contact me directly."

Jade Talisman!?

A treasure-grade Message Jade Talisman!

The function of a Message Jade Talisman is extremely simple, and their grade is usually quite low.

A treasure-grade Message Jade Talisman—there is likely no method on Blue Star that could restrict its message transmission.

At this moment, Li Chunjun accepted the talisman and then said, "I'd like to see the Taixu Sword Scripture."

"Of course, I'll bring it to you tomorrow."

Huan Ming nodded: "But your cultivation is still shallow. If you feel you can't comprehend it, don't force yourself."

"I understand."

Li Chunjun responded.

Huan Ming gave a few more instructions before directly leaving on his flying sword.

As for the fact that the Taixu Sword Sect had mobilized over a hundred Core Formation Sword Cultivators to confront the Chiyang Sword Sect in order to retrieve Li Chunjun, he didn't mention it at all.

As the sect master, standing up for one's own talented disciple was only natural, wasn't it?

...

"You must have obtained the Flaming Phoenix Bloodline from the descendants of Jiang Chukuang, and through it, you inherited the true Undying Flaming Phoenix legacy."

Jiang Yuqiu looked at Li Chunjun, speculating.

"It's Jiang Linxian."

From his conversation with Qin Zhou and the Taixu Sword Sect's grand display of force, he had already realized that the Flaming Phoenix Peak lineage didn't actually care much about this matter.

If simply borrowing some blood could allow others to gain the Flaming Phoenix power and become Flaming Phoenix Sword Cultivators, the Taixu Sword Sect would have long since dominated the world.

"Back then, he was unable to activate the Flaming Phoenix Bloodline no matter what, so he became desperate. He stole a precious treasure from Lingyun that could activate the bloodline and fled the sect... Little did he know, that treasure was originally prepared for him by Lingyun..."

Jiang Yuqiu's expression was somewhat wistful: "After fleeing Flaming Phoenix Peak, he likely still failed in the end and thus felt too ashamed to return to the sect, instead marrying and having children within the Great Shang territory."

At this point, she shook her head: "Enough of that."

Jiang Wanyu curiously raised her head. She was quite interested in hearing more.

At this moment, Jiang Yuqiu had already turned her gaze back to Li Chunjun, her voice gentle: "Regardless, this is our fate, your fate with our Flaming Phoenix lineage. From now on, consider Flaming Phoenix Peak your home. Although our resources are limited, we will spare no effort to provide you with the best cultivation opportunities to help you become the next Flaming Phoenix Sword Prodigy."

"Alright."

Li Chunjun nodded.

"You've come a long way and endured much hardship. Rest for today. Tomorrow, I'll gather the members of Flaming Phoenix Peak to welcome you."

Jiang Yuqiu said.

"It's still early today, no need to rush."

Li Chunjun said: "I'd like to know more about the cultivation methods of Flaming Phoenix Sword Cultivators."

Jiang Yuqiu nodded: "Before Core Formation, I'll have Wanyu teach you. The fact that you've reached Sword Qi Thunderclap in such a short time after becoming a Flaming Phoenix Sword Cultivator shows your extraordinary talent. I've only managed to develop the bloodline to the first level, so I can't fully understand that feeling."

"Alright."

Li Chunjun turned to Jiang Wanyu.

Jiang Yuqiu also said to her: "I know you've been under the immense expectations of everyone on Flaming Phoenix Peak for a long time, and it's been overwhelming. Your personality... also makes it difficult for you to bear the glory of Flaming Phoenix Peak. So, focus on teaching Chunjun well."

"Okay."

Jiang Wanyu happily agreed.

On the entire Flaming Phoenix Peak, only she and her Master had activated the Flaming Phoenix Bloodline.

Her Master had activated the bloodline a hundred years ago but had remained at the first level, having long given up hope.

Thus, the responsibility of upholding the glory of Flaming Phoenix Peak naturally fell on her.

But she...

Cultivated only to protect, not to kill.

Because of this, many had been disappointed in her.

Now that Li Chunjun had arrived, showing extraordinary talent and willing to take on the glory of Flaming Phoenix Peak, she was genuinely delighted.

"I'll prepare all the necessary resources. For a Flaming Phoenix Sword Cultivator, besides mastering Sword Qi Thunderclap and Refining Sword into Gang Qi through practice and accumulating strength, the most important thing is the Lifebound Flying Sword, which is crucial for Refining Sword into Core, the most critical step."

Jiang Yuqiu said, glancing at Qin Zhou before leaving.

Qin Zhou stepped forward, smiling: "It's good that you're safe. I was terrified when I heard you hadn't returned to Yandang Mountain."

"Sorry to worry you."

Li Chunjun said.

"No! You did well. It was my oversight. If you had truly gone to Yandang Mountain as I suggested..."

Qin Zhou's face showed a lingering fear.

After a while, he shook his head, not daring to dwell on it, and quickly said: "You're here now, and it's all over. Focus on cultivating on the mountain. I'll be waiting for the day you Refine Sword into Core and become the Flaming Phoenix Sword Prodigy."

Li Chunjun nodded slightly.

Qin Zhou said a few more words before also taking his leave, following Jiang Yuqiu.

Li Chunjun watched them go and said, "This matter has nothing to do with Qin Zhou."

"The Peak Master will consider the dangerous situation at the time. Senior Brother Qin likely won't be punished too severely."

Jiang Wanyu said.

Then, she smiled at Li Chunjun: "Junior Brother, from now on, I'll be counting on you."

"Counting on me?"

Li Chunjun was puzzled.

"Yes, counting on you to grow quickly."

Jiang Wanyu clasped her hands together: "Shine like the sun, dominating the world. That way, no one will keep pushing me anymore."

This...

Li Chunjun didn't know how to respond.

"Alright, let me explain the Qi Refining stage of our Flaming Phoenix Sword Cultivators."

Jiang Wanyu glanced around and soon spotted a stone on a clean patch of grass.

The stone had been smoothed, making it a perfect seat.

She quickly ran over, patted the spot beside her, and said: "Junior Brother, come here."

Li Chunjun sat down beside her, waiting for her to begin.

He was severely lacking in basic cultivation knowledge and urgently needed someone to explain it to him.

"In the Qi Refining path, after drawing in Qi and condensing True Qi, one must form Talismans within the body, cultivate spells, and then use the Talisman seeds to refine Mana. Spells are the precursor to Divine Abilities, and Divine Abilities are the foundation for forming a Core. To lay this foundation, Qi Refining Stage Three cultivators will choose several spells that can be combined into Divine Abilities, forming their own cultivation system, also known as the Dao Foundation."

Jiang Yuqiu didn't explain the cultivation methods of Flaming Phoenix Sword Cultivators, but instead began discussing the Qi Refining system.

"Once the spells that can be combined into Divine Abilities are chosen to form the Dao Foundation, one must refine the clear and turbid Qi, Condense Gang Qi, and then refine the Five Elements, allowing Mana to grow through more channels. When Mana possesses the transformations of the Five Elements and Yin-Yang, one can unify the Five Elements, ignite True Fire, and use the True Fire to refine the body, thus extending one's lifespan."

Li Chunjun nodded.

"After refining the body, it becomes purer, allowing one to absorb the essence of the sun and moon to enhance the quality of Mana. However, Solar Essence is fierce and domineering, so one should start with the gentler Lunar Essence first. This is why the Lunar Essence Realm comes before the Solar Essence Realm."

Jiang Wanyu said: "But we Flaming Phoenix Sword Cultivators start with Solar Essence from the Solar Essence Realm."

Li Chunjun thought about how he had refined various energies using Solar Essence...

Indeed, the quality was superior.

"So, Yin-Yang and the Five Elements—don't worry about them. They're just inferior substitutes for the essence of the sun and moon. Our cultivation before Qi Refining Stage Eight... doesn't involve them. Those are only for ordinary cultivators."

Jiang Wanyu said, winking at Li Chunjun: "Flaming Phoenix Sword Cultivators, we start from Qi Refining Stage Eight. Impressive, right?"

(End of the Chapter)

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