Chapter 5: A Hundred Million Sword Swings—And Sword Intent Shall Arise

Chapter 5: A Hundred Million Sword Swings—And Sword Intent Shall Arise

"Xiao Chen, tell me first—what kind of cultivator do you want to become?"

Chu Feng asked with a very serious expression.

"Reporting to Master, I was born with an Innate Sword Body. From the moment I began cultivating, I've aspired to become a Sword Saint. Unfortunately, fate has not been kind."

A trace of sorrow flashed in Xiao Chen's eyes, but soon his gaze became firm again.

"But now that I've met Master, I intend to pick up the sword once more and continue cultivating."

"Master, please teach me a supreme sword technique!"

"A Sword Saint? That's all you aim for with an Innate Sword Body?"

Chu Feng clicked his tongue and added, "You're my disciple now, for heaven's sake. You need some ambition—at least aim to become a Divine Emperor."

Xiao Chen froze where he stood.

In the Xuantian Continent, cultivators advanced through the following realms: Body Tempering, Dao Foundation, True Fate, Heaven Origin, Spirit Nourishment, Path Union, Life Nirvana, Half-Saint, Saint Realm, Divine King, Divine Emperor, and Immortal Emperor.

Becoming an Immortal Emperor meant ascending to the upper realm, so they rarely remained in the Xuantian Continent.

A Divine Emperor, however, was already considered a true god in this world—an existence revered by countless cultivators.

"Master… do I really have what it takes?"

Chu Feng patted his shoulder. "Trust your master. As long as you work hard, becoming a Divine Emperor—no, even an Immortal Emperor—isn't out of the question."

Selling dreams was something Chu Feng excelled at. In his previous life, he spun grand fantasies for pretty girls.

In this life, it was for his own disciples.

Xiao Chen looked as if lightning had struck him. His heart trembled as he stared at his master with awe and disbelief.

"Disciple will not fail Master's expectations!"

Chu Feng chuckled. "Good. Go rest for the night. Come to my courtyard tomorrow at mid-morning.

By then, I'll pass down to you an unparalleled sword technique."

Although Chu Feng had decided to bluff his way through, he still needed to carefully think things through.

After all, he had seen countless cultivation and sword techniques in his past life.

He just didn't know which one to teach Xiao Chen.

As for the late morning appointment—well, that was simply because Chu Feng couldn't get up any earlier.

Even after transmigrating, he hadn't changed his habit of staying up all night "cultivating."

"Yes, Master!"

Xiao Chen answered with confidence and left, full of hope.

Chu Feng watched him go and began to think.

What kind of cultivation method should he give to his first disciple?

He sat at his desk all afternoon, resting his chin in one hand, pondering.

Just as the sun began to set, inspiration struck. A peerless technique came to mind.

It was a perfect match for Xiao Chen's situation.

However, the technique was notoriously difficult. Everyone who had practiced it had been a top-tier genius.

He wasn't sure if Xiao Chen could handle it…

Maybe he should increase the training regimen.

Chu Feng picked up brush and paper and began to write down the technique, along with supplementary training routines, intending to give Xiao Chen a complete system to follow.

He kept at it late into the night.

Once his stomach started growling, he made his way to the kitchen and whipped up a midnight snack.

Only after eating did he drift off to sleep in satisfaction.

—

The next day, around noon.

Chu Feng slowly got out of bed. After stretching and washing up, he stepped outside.

The moment he opened the door, he saw Xiao Chen standing quietly in the courtyard.

"You didn't show up early, did you?"

Xiao Chen shook his head. "Disciple dared not disturb Master. I arrived at mid-morning as instructed and have only been waiting a short while."

"Good."

Chu Feng nodded slightly. "How much cultivation do you still have left?"

"Reporting to Master, less than one-third remains."

"How long until it's completely gone?"

Though puzzled, Xiao Chen answered respectfully, "If I don't resume cultivation, it will be gone within three months, and I'll become a complete cripple."

"That's not too long."

Chu Feng muttered, then added, "Starting today, you're not allowed to practice your old techniques anymore. Nor are you to replenish your spiritual energy."

"Ah?"

Xiao Chen was stunned and blurted out instinctively, "Why?"

"Naturally, it's to pass down to you an unparalleled divine technique."

Chu Feng paused, then continued, "But before I teach you this supreme cultivation method, you must first grasp sword intent. Only once you've mastered sword intent will you be qualified to cultivate this technique.

You were the chief outer disciple of the Sword Dao Academy, so I assume you're not unfamiliar with sword intent?"

Xiao Chen nodded. "I do have some understanding. I've already reached the threshold of sword intent, but taking that final step has been difficult."

Chu Feng smiled slightly. "For others, it might be difficult. But for me, your master, mastering sword intent is as easy as lifting a hand."

"Really?"

Xiao Chen stared wide-eyed in disbelief at his master.

"Would I lie to you?"

Chu Feng waved his hand. "Follow me."

"Yes, Master."

Xiao Chen forced down the excitement in his heart and followed behind Chu Feng.

The two left the Miscellaneous Dao Institute and headed toward the back mountain.

About half an hour later, they arrived beneath a waterfall.

Chu Feng said, "From now on, this will be your training ground. You know the basic sword forms, right?"

"I do."

Xiao Chen responded without hesitation.

"Starting today, take one move from the basic sword forms and practice it under this waterfall. When you can split the waterfall in one strike, you will have comprehended sword intent. And remember—don't use spiritual power. That won't help you understand sword intent."

Chu Feng spoke slowly and calmly.

"...?"

Xiao Chen looked at his master in confusion.

Seeing that pure confusion in his eyes, Chu Feng smiled and said, "Have you heard of this saying—swing your sword a hundred million times, and sword intent will naturally emerge?

Remember, when I say swing your sword, I don't mean blindly flailing it. You must refine this move to its absolute peak.

Only a perfected sword move can lead to the realization of sword intent.

This is what we call: 'The Great Dao is the simplest.'"

Xiao Chen was still full of questions at first, but as soon as he heard that final line, a gleam flashed in his eyes.

Yes—how could I have forgotten? In the Sword Dao Academy, those who wished to comprehend sword intent all trained their sword techniques to the state of Great Perfection.

Although the sword forms I practiced before were complete, they were far from truly perfected.

That was why I'd been stuck just short of comprehending sword intent.

Now that my dantian is destroyed, cultivating my old sword arts is no longer possible. Master must have come up with this method to help me understand sword intent.

A bright smile appeared on his face. He looked at Chu Feng and said, "Thank you for your guidance, Master. I understand now. From today onward, I'll follow your instructions and begin training."

"Good lad. You're teachable."

Chu Feng replied with a satisfied expression, thinking to himself: This kid really is the chosen one. I just spouted some vague theory out of thin air and he actually got it. I wonder if he'll really be able to pull it off.

If not, I'll wait until he completely runs out of spiritual power, then give him the cultivation method.

If even that doesn't work… well, I'll just have to go find the next disciple to bluff.

"Xiao Chen, train well. If anything confuses you, come find your master."

"Understood."

Xiao Chen replied, then drew the sword from his waist and stepped under the waterfall to begin swinging...