Chapter 30: Chapter - 27: End of War! Yue Zifeng's Unparalleled Genius!
Long Chen's declaration of annihilation—his oath to exterminate the Corrupt Path and eradicate evil from the Primal World —Sovereign Realm did not merely shake the mortal realm but traversed also through Heavenly Daos of Martial Heaven Continent and to two mysterious Entities.
One of these entities was Long Chen's Guide of the Nine Star Heir. Historically, every heir of the Nine Star lineage had a guide, an enigmatic presence that subtly influenced their path. However, Long Chen had always been an anomaly—he was the sole Nine Star Heir to walk without a guide. His words, brimming with boundless conviction and an indomitable will, drew this elusive being's attention though a lot of time was left which had yet to come for the meeting between Guide and Long Chen. The guide had sensed something unusual, something beyond normal fate itself and pondered, 'Had this Nine-Star Heir, Long Chen, glimpsed a greater truth?'
Meanwhile, another entity, one merged with the Starry Sky itself, murmured to itself, "As expected of the one I have chosen." This being's connection to Long Chen remained unknown, but its chilling amusement suggested an intricate web of destiny yet to unravel.
Meanwhile in the Battlefield,
Over the next two to three days, with the destruction of the Corrupt Path's strongholds, the warriors scoured the land, cleaning up remnants of the war, collecting spoils, and ensuring no lingering threat remained.
During this time, Long Chen bestowed the Starry River of the Sky Art upon the elders and disciples of allied sects. This divine technique, originating from the upper heavens, was imbued with celestial purity, rejecting any practitioner with even a shred of malice in their heart. Those with evil intent who attempted to cultivate it would suffer immediate and irreversible backlash. With this art in their hands, the righteous path gained a formidable advantage, securing a future where only the virtuous could wield its power and a force that would help Long Chen and Dragon Blood Legion in the upcoming War.
As gratitude and camaraderie flourished among the victors, they celebrated with a small gathering. Stories of heroism and hardship were shared, solidifying bonds. When the time came to part ways, each sect returned to its domain. The righteous cultivators, having witnessed the horrors of the Corrupt Path, departed with renewed resolve and knowing that the destruction of the Corrupt Path in Su Prefecture will call forth the wrath of the entire Eastern Wasteland's Corrupt Path as well as other malevolent Powerhouses allied with Corrupt Path. Long Chen, along with the Dragon Blood Legion and the elders of Xuantian Monastery, made their way back to the 108th Xuantian Monastery, their hearts filled with the fire of triumph.
As everything finished Long Chen then inquired about Yue Zifeng's state.
Yue Zifeng's Enlightenment
Amidst these events, one individual had undergone a transformation unlike any other—Yue Zifeng. Unlike his companions, he had neither participated in the final battle nor in the recent celebration. Instead, he was in a statue like position as if in trance and awe of something like in that of greater truth which means in State of Enlightment.
Everyone including Long Chen was bewildered by Zifeng's capability to understand the nature and fall in Enlightment so quickly as if he was born for the sword and while so Long Chen knew why... Afterall how can the reincarnation of Sword God be not so special. Actually Yue Zifeng current condition was due to the fact that he had watched the Sect Leader of Xuantian Monastery cleaved the void apart with a single stroke of his sword intent.
For Yue Zifeng, this was not mere spectacle—it was a revelation. In that instant, he glimpsed the essence of the sword itself, an unfathomable truth that resonated deep within his soul. He entered a state of enlightenment, immersing himself in this newfound understanding.
When he finally emerged, Yue Zifeng was no longer the same. He had ascended to the peak of sword intent, stepping halfway into the realm of Sword Essence. With this evolution, he had awakened a terrifying ability—the essence of cutting everything in existence. His sword was no longer a weapon; it was an absolute force, capable of severing not just physical forms but concepts themselves.
Though Yue Zifeng was still far from the strength of sect leaders, his growth had made him an unparalleled force among his peers. More importantly, for the first time, Long Chen had a rival within his own ranks—a true contender who could match him in battle. Until now, Long Chen's power had been undisputed among his allies, but with Yue Zifeng's newfound mastery, the battlefield had gained another monstrous presence.
As the celebrations at the 108th Xuantian Monastery gradually settled, Long Chen, Sect Leader Ling Yunzi, and Yue Zifeng gathered in a secluded chamber. The room was quiet, the air heavy with a solemn atmosphere. The topic at hand was critical—Yue Zifeng's recent breakthrough.
Ling Yunzi, with his years of wisdom, was the first to speak. His gaze lingered on Yue Zifeng, his tone carrying both admiration and concern.
"Zifeng, your growth is unprecedented. To step from peak Sword Intent to half-stepping into Sword Essence in such a short time is an accomplishment beyond words. However, there is a problem," he said.
"Your body is not yet ready to house this level of enlightenment.", Long Chen was the one who finished the words who right now., leaning against the wall, narrowed his eyes.
While Zifeng's Sword Dao had evolved, his physical body had not kept up with the rapid surge in power.
Yue Zifeng, as composed as ever, met Ling Yunzi's gaze as well as Long Chen's and replied, "I understand, Sect Leader. My sword feels heavier, my body weaker. In battle, my strikes are sharper, but the exhaustion comes too quickly."
Long Chen's brows furrowed. "That's a major issue, Zifeng. If you tire too fast, it means that in prolonged battles, you'll be at a disadvantage. You're one of the strongest in the Dragon Blood Legion—Strongest after me, we can't afford to have you exhausted when we need you the most."
Ling Yunzi nodded. "The energy you have awakened is beyond your current vessel. Without refining your body to endure it, this power will burn through you. If you overexert yourself, your meridians could rupture, and your foundation could be damaged."
Yue Zifeng clenched his fists. He had long pursued the peak of the sword, and now that he had finally stepped beyond the ordinary, his body was holding him back.
Yue Zifeng, despite the challenge, smiled faintly. "Then, I will temper myself until my body can wield my sword's true strength without faltering."
Long Chen's expression darkened as he crossed his arms. His voice was firm, carrying an authority that even someone as resolute as Yue Zifeng could not ignore.
Ling Yunzi agreed. "You need a refinement method suited to a swordsman. A body that can endure the will of the sword itself."
"Zifeng, listen to me. No matter how tempting it is to push forward, you cannot attempt another breakthrough until you've fully merged the Starry River of the Sky Art with your sword intent."
Yue Zifeng looked up, slightly surprised. "Why?"
Long Chen sighed, "Because if you don't, you'll suffer. And I don't just mean a little backlash or some minor injuries—I mean real, agonizing pain that could cripple your cultivation path forever. Your body is already struggling to contain your current power. If you try to ascend again without balance, it won't just be exhaustion slowing you down—it'll be complete collapse. And that's something I can't allow."
Long Chen further explained that by fully immersing the [Martial Dao Intent] with the [Starry River of the Sky Art], not only Yue Zifeng but anyone could achieve the Soul, Body, Martial Dao Intent and Astral Qi Combination. This meant his Astral Qi, soul, energy, and body would become one. Any progress in one would enhance the others, creating a balanced, unstoppable though not a perfected growth afterall the growth of others will also depend on the type of Martial Dao Path one is walking.
Ling Yunzi nodded in agreement. "What Long Chen says is true. The Starry River of the Sky Art is a divine technique that can grow endlessly along with the Martial Dao Path one chooses and so for your sword intent, which is a force of absolute destruction for your current physical Body, it may be a great factor and remedy. If the two properly fused, the gains would be unthinkable."
The discussion continued, the weight of the moment pressing down on the three figures in the chamber. The implications of Yue Zifeng's rapid advancement weren't just personal—they affected the entire Dragon Blood Legion. His newfound power had granted him unparalleled swordsmanship, but at the cost of his endurance. If he didn't tread carefully, he would become a liability rather than an asset in prolonged battles.
For a moment, Yue Zifeng remained silent, his fingers tightening around the hilt of his sword. He understood. He had never been one to seek emotions, but Long Chen's words rang true. He could see the concern in his leader's eyes—not just as a commander, but as a brother-in-arms.
Finally, he exhaled and gave a small nod, "Then I won't break through until I've merged them. I'll compress my sword intent, refine it, and fuse it with the Starry River of the Sky Art. Only when the two become one will I attempt the next stage."
Yue Zifeng now had a goal, a path to follow, ensuring his next breakthrough was to completely balance himself.
Long Chen smirked, "Good, because I'm not going to let you throw yourself away for power. You're too valuable for that and also the fact that the battles ahead won't wait for you to catch up if you are not ready yet."
Well nonetheless, this was the key for Yue Zifeng to wielding his power without suffering backlash. The Dragon Blood Legion's other members have yet to reach the level of Yue Zifeng so they are yet not on stage of understanding and trying to complete this Concept.
To Be Continued...
[I may be uploading late because I am preparing for my Semester End exams as Well... But I assure that I won't quit this time... (^^)]