Chapter 25: Difference

The Dragon Transformation Sword Technique consists of nine moves and eighty-one forms. From the first move, the Wild Dragon Coils, to the final, Transforming into a Dragon, all swordplay methods are melded within. The technique is characterized by a perfect balance of offense and defense, upright and harmonious, each layer advancing swordsmanship to new heights through the momentum of a dragon’s transformation. It is the very foundation upon which all superior sword techniques of the Mount Wutai Sect are built.

Yet when wielded by Zhong Shenxiu, the technique is wild and unrestrained, brimming with killing intent—as if every strike is a matter of life and death. The way he performs the Dragon Transformation Sword Technique is not like an earthbound python striving to become a dragon, but rather like a celestial dragon descending from the heavens, stirring a cold current throughout the entire courtyard.

Chen Yang had intended to scold him, but suddenly recalled his own days of learning the sword. Was he not the same then? He had tried to apply various theories from novels of his previous life—whether sharp swords, soft swords, wooden swords, or the notion of “a sword in the heart, not in the hand”—all taken literally and awkwardly applied. The founder did not rebuke him for this, but instead patiently guided him, preserving his innate sword sense, which later enabled him to survive countless tribulations with the Azure Dragon Stirring the Sea Sword.

Had it not been for the Mount Emei Sect’s intolerable bullying and his own dissatisfaction, he would never have joined the Red Lotus Sect, humbling himself under that master for the sake of survival.

Reflecting on his own past, Chen Yang decided to follow the founder’s example, guiding Zhong Shenxiu with patience, so as to retain this natural affinity for the sword.

Seeing Chen Yang instruct Zhong Shenxiu in swordsmanship, Sima Changfeng and his grandson dared neither to interfere nor to observe. They bowed and withdrew from the courtyard, waiting outside.

About an hour later, a voice called, “Come in.” The two re-entered. Zhong Shenxiu had already sheathed his sword and was sitting in meditation after taking a drop of the Five Poisons Immortal Brew.

“Master,” Sima Changfeng presented the Supreme Gold Pearl.

“Excellent.” Chen Yang took the pearl and examined it closely: though it was only the size of a goose egg, it was forged entirely of Supreme Profound Gold and weighed a thousand catties. Only the array inscribed during its forging allowed it to change size at will, making it appear so small.

Satisfied, Chen Yang nodded and smiled. “You already have enough Primordial Pills. Giving you more would be pointless. As it happens, I am about to refine a furnace of ‘Qiankun Rebirth Pills.’ I will share some with you in exchange for this Supreme Gold Pearl.”

The Qiankun Rebirth Pill was Chen Yang’s own creation, drawing on the strengths of both the Emei and Wutai sects. It was designed specifically for rebuilding one’s foundation after returning to physical form, and for the subsequent cultivation of qi.

Taking a single pill could improve one’s natural endowments, strengthen the body, and make it more suitable for the Dao. If combined with the Foundation Establishment method and taken as a set of thirty-six, it could lay the groundwork for the immortal foundation and the Dao body.

The path of cultivation typically involved first training qi and then establishing a foundation, though “foundation establishment” here was merely a name for a realm rather than a literal act. In contrast, the Shushan Daoist method began with foundation establishment before progressing to qi training.

Foundation establishment, also known as “the hundred-day foundation,” varied widely depending on the method and the individual—from eighty-one days to several years, or even decades.

But what is foundation establishment? In essence, it is the process of adjusting mind and body, absorbing spiritual energy, purifying oneself, cultivating the Daoist body, and shedding acquired impurities, thus bringing mind and body to their optimal state for cultivation.

The entry levels for Shushan Daoism are threefold: Foundation Establishment, Resonance, and Qi Training. Foundation Establishment is the groundwork for cultivation; Resonance is the ability, after establishing a foundation, to sense the primordial energy and distinguish the fundamental qi.

Chen Yang used to wonder why cultivation required a “spiritual root” and what exactly that was. Only after reading extensively did he understand. The direct approach of training qi, without the hundred-day foundation, leaves one unable to sense the myriad energies of heaven and earth.

Spiritual energy is a general term; there are 19,600 types of primordial energy in the universe, half of them pure, half turbid. Spiritual energy refers to those types suitable for cultivation.

Without the foundational steps of foundation establishment and resonance, cultivators absorb both pure and turbid energies indiscriminately, making cultivation extremely difficult.

The so-called spiritual root is actually an innate imperfection in one of the five elements. This “lack” does not mean absence, but rather that in one element, there is either a pronounced strength or a deficiency. Perfect people are rare; all are born with some flaws—just as heaven and earth themselves are not flawless. How could man, who dwells within heaven and earth, expect to be?

Yet the Shushan Daoist methods aim to fill these gaps during cultivation, ultimately achieving perfection and transcendence.

Foundation establishment is the first step toward remedying these flaws.

Methods of immortal cultivation, by contrast, lack these steps. What comes at higher realms, Chen Yang does not know, but before the Nascent Soul stage, the aim is instead to push these flaws to their limits.

A “Heavenly Spiritual Root” is an extreme prominence in a certain aspect, granting a natural affinity for one of the five elemental energies. Thus, in cultivation, one can use only this energy as the basis for practice. As a result, progress is swift, power is pure, and there is no need to consume pills as if they were food. With so many advantages, such individuals become one-in-a-million geniuses.

This is the inevitable result of lacking a method for foundation establishment, but also the fruit of the ingenuity of cultivators.

If the Qiankun Rebirth Pill is not used in tandem with the Foundation Establishment method, but simply taken and refined according to the common cultivation methods, it can still enhance one’s constitution—in other words, improve the so-called spiritual root.

Sima Changfeng did not know the true effect of the Qiankun Rebirth Pill and felt a deep sense of regret. He had enough Primordial Pills, but such an elixir was truly invaluable. A single pill might not make a Nascent Soul cultivator lay down his life, but as a bargaining chip, it could entice one to serve for decades or centuries.

Despite his regret, he dared not show it. He replied respectfully, “Master, your words are too generous. To serve you is an honor for the Four Seas Mercantile Alliance, and for me as well.”

This fellow was truly worthy of managing the Four Seas Mercantile Alliance. Without the influence of demon magic, his intelligence was unmatched. In just a few words, he not only brought credit to the Alliance, subtly hinting that their contribution was collective, but also highlighted his own importance.

Chen Yang, of course, saw through this and smiled ambiguously, saying nothing. Since they were working for his benefit, there was no need to rebuke him harshly; better to let it pass and offer a gentle warning. He asked, “When is your wager with the Seven Immortals Alliance set for?”

Since Chen Yang did not respond to his earlier words, Sima Changfeng realized he had outsmarted himself and dared not say more. He quickly replied, “Though the Baohua Assembly has ended, many matters remain to be settled and profits distributed. Therefore, the date has been set for three months from now. If you…”

Before he could finish, Chen Yang waved his hand, cutting him off. “That’s perfect. I shall stay here for the time being.”

Originally, Chen Yang had not planned to accept disciples in this world. Even with Zhong Shenxiu, he had only thought to make him a nominal disciple, leaving behind a legacy and nothing more. But in teaching Zhong Shenxiu the sword, he was reminded of the founder’s guidance long ago. Moreover, Zhong Shenxiu did possess a certain innate affinity for the sword.

This made Chen Yang reconsider. With ample time now, he might as well establish a solid foundation for Zhong Shenxiu, lest the cultivators lead him astray.

As for bringing him back to Luoyun Mountain for personal instruction? The thought crossed Chen Yang’s mind, but he rejected it immediately.

As always, the necessary trials must be faced. If Zhong Shenxiu could overcome them, he would become a true disciple. If not, then such was fate.