Chapter 206: Which Blade Technique is the Strongest?

Chapter 206: Which Blade Technique is the Strongest?

Name: Greenhill Qingfeng

Age: 47/3000

Realm: Mid-Stage Supreme Dao Master

Martial Arts:

- Heavenly Thunder Sword Technique (Beginner)



- Prajna Sutra (13th Level Complete, Prajna True Body Level 12)



- Heavenly Pulse Sutra (2nd Level)



- Longevity Technique (Complete, Longevity Level 5)



- Pure Yang True Body (Complete, Flesh Pure Yang Level 4)



- Heavenly Blade (Complete, Heavenly Blade Domain Level 1)



- Blood Refinement Sutra (4th Level, Divine Blood Level 4)



- Divine Speed Technique (Complete, Divine Speed Level 4)



Enhancement Points: 128

...

"One hundred and twenty-eight enhancement points!"

"Seems like I can upgrade the Blood Refinement Sutra again!"

Greenhill Qingfeng thought to himself.

At the same time, he considered trying to break the limits of his Heavenly Blade technique, which had already surpassed the Grandmaster level, to see how many enhancement points it would require. However, after seeing the required points, he temporarily gave up on the idea.

The reason was simple.

To break the limit of the Heavenly Blade:

Two thousand enhancement points.

This was twice the amount needed to break the limit of a Grandmaster-level martial art. If the Heavenly Pulse Sutra was taken into account, the Heavenly Blade technique would rank second in terms of the enhancement points required for improvement. The Heavenly Pulse Sutra, however, firmly held the top spot.

After all, the 3rd Level of the Heavenly Pulse Sutra required ten thousand enhancement points. Greenhill Qingfeng could hardly imagine how many points would be needed to Condense the Nine Great Celestial Channels. It would likely be an astronomical number.

So far, Greenhill Qingfeng was still unsure about the exact level of the Heavenly Pulse Sutra. After that, Greenhill Qingfeng's mind flickered, and he spent one hundred enhancement points to upgrade the Blood Refinement Sutra from the 4th Level to the 5th Level.

"Boom!"

A torrent of blood energy surged like a river, and a terrifying aura emanated from Greenhill Qingfeng. The powerful blood energy spread out, covering the vast grinding hall.

After a long while, the blood energy gradually subsided.

A moment later, Greenhill Qingfeng opened his eyes and took a deep breath.

"Mid-Stage Supreme Dao Master, finally achieved!"

With the Blood Refinement Sutra breaking through to the 5th Level and joining the ranks of Grandmaster-level martial arts, his realm also advanced, reaching the Late-Stage Supreme Dao Master.

This seemingly small breakthrough brought about a tremendous change in Greenhill Qingfeng's strength. When he examined his inner self, the blood energy he contained was already terrifying. Even a single drop of ordinary blood weighed as much as a thousand Jin (Chinese unit of weight, approximately 1.1 lbs).

Destroying mountains and splitting peaks was now a trivial matter for Greenhill Qingfeng.

"Pity!"

"There are no true strong opponents in the Nine Provinces worthy of my full strength. Otherwise, I could see just how far my current limits have reached."

Greenhill Qingfeng's expression flickered. He then continued to study the Blood Refinement Sutra. This martial art was extraordinary. Although Greenhill Qingfeng had only reached the 5th Level of the eight-level Blood Refinement Sutra, he could save a lot of enhancement points if he could advance it through his own efforts.

...

Greenhill Qingfeng's breakthrough in cultivation did not cause any ripples. Advancing from Mid-Stage to Late-Stage Supreme Dao Master, Greenhill Qingfeng showed no outward changes, and he certainly wouldn't go around proclaiming his increased strength.

Life returned to normal afterward. While Greenhill Qingfeng was in seclusion, refining the Blood Refinement Sutra, he also guided Gu Shengnu, Gu Xuan, and Gu Xiu in their cultivation. Perhaps realizing that their young niece had already broken through to the Blood Refinement Level at less than eight years old, Gu Xuan and Gu Xiu, though still young, felt a sense of urgency and put more effort into their cultivation.

After all, Gu Xuan and Gu Xiu were a generation older than Gu Shengnu. Gu Xuan was already thirteen, while Gu Xiu was just over seven, making the age difference quite noticeable. Teenagers are often concerned about their reputation. Moreover, Gu Xuan and Gu Xiu had always been known as prodigies in the Gu Family Village. Being outshone by Gu Shengnu would undoubtedly be embarrassing.

Thus, they put in more effort in their cultivation. As a result, within just half a year, both of them broke through the Blood Refinement Level and entered the Bone Tempering Level.

...

"Your descendant 'Gu Xuan' has broken through to the Initial Stage of the Bone Tempering Level!"

"Reward: 30 enhancement points!"

"Your descendant 'Gu Xiu' has broken through to the Initial Stage of the Bone Tempering Level!"

"Reward: 30 enhancement points!"

...

"So fast?"

Greenhill Qingfeng looked at the information panel, his expression slightly stunned, then he shook his head and smiled.

"It seems I was too lenient before. Now that Shengnu is about to break through to the Bone Tempering Level, it's given them some pressure. But that's good; pressure brings motivation. Otherwise, with such resources, it would be a complete waste!"

To be honest, Greenhill Qingfeng hadn't expected Gu Shengnu's talent to put pressure on Gu Xuan and Gu Xiu, but it was for the best. With some pressure, they wouldn't be as lazy as before.

The next day, in the main hall of the Gu Family Village, Gu Xuan and Gu Xiu arrived.

"Father!"

"Speak, what is it?"

Greenhill Qingfeng glanced at the two. They were now at the age of learning, and their bodies were much more robust than those of their peers.

Here is the rewritten chapter with non-English characters replaced with their English equivalents or transliterations:

The two shared a resemblance to Greenhill Qingfeng, with a third of their features mirroring his, and the rest reflecting Snow Lotus Yulan’s. Their appearances were naturally outstanding.

However, Greenhill Xuan, dressed in a flowing white robe, exuded the air of an elegant young master, while Greenhill Xi, despite his youth, displayed a robust and imposing figure, hinting at a rare and formidable aura.

"Father, we have recently Broken Through the Bone Refining Realm, and we have come to seek your guidance to learn some new martial arts!"

The two exchanged glances, and finally, Greenhill Xuan spoke up.

"New martial arts?"

Greenhill Qingfeng raised an eyebrow.

"What do you wish to learn?"

"Father, we have heard that you were once revered as the Tyrant Blade in the martial world, your blade techniques reaching the pinnacle of mastery. Therefore, I wish to learn blade techniques and hope for your guidance!"

Greenhill Xuan spoke without hesitation, well aware of his father’s reputation in the martial world. His fondness for blade techniques made him eager to receive Greenhill Qingfeng’s true teachings.

To this, Greenhill Qingfeng did not respond immediately but instead turned to Greenhill Xi.

"And you, what do you wish to learn?"

"I want to learn fist techniques!"

Greenhill Xi replied in a deep voice.

Upon hearing this, Greenhill Qingfeng nodded slightly. "In the realm of fist techniques, I have a Master-level martial art, the Sun Moon Fist Sutra, which was once the pinnacle technique of the Divine Fist Sect. If you can master it, you can cultivate a supreme true intent and refine your body and blood. It is truly a wondrous and extraordinary technique!"

With that, Greenhill Qingfeng raised a finger, and a powerful true intent surged into Greenhill Xi’s mind.

In an instant, Greenhill Xi felt the scene before him change. The sun and moon hung in the sky, their radiance overwhelming, and a figure of unparalleled might could be seen striking the sun, moon, and mountains with his fists, a sight that was truly unmatched in the world.

Immediately after, a flood of memories surged into Greenhill Xi’s mind, all related to the cultivation methods of the Sun Moon Fist Sutra.

After a long while, Greenhill Xi finally regained his senses, his eyes filled with awe.

"The Sun Moon Fist Sutra!"

He was amazed not only by Greenhill Qingfeng’s incredible means but also by the power of the Sun Moon Fist Sutra.

Although the information about the Sun Moon Fist Sutra had disappeared from his attribute panel, it did not mean that Greenhill Qingfeng had forgotten it. On the contrary, he had never lost control over it; it simply did not appear in the attribute panel.

The Sun Moon True Intent and various other true intent techniques had been fused to create the Heavenly Blade Technique, but Greenhill Qingfeng still held the Sun Moon True Intent.

At this moment, Greenhill Qingfeng was presenting the fully mastered and perfected Sun Moon True Intent to Greenhill Xi. This supreme fist technique naturally captivated him.

"I have imparted the Sun Moon Fist Sutra to you, but whether you can truly master it depends on your own talent."

Greenhill Qingfeng then casually handed a Master’s notebook he had obtained from the Divine Fist Sect to Greenhill Xi.

"This notebook was left behind by a Master of the Divine Fist Sect. It contains a trace of Master-level true intent, which will be beneficial for cultivating the Sun Moon Fist Sutra. When the true intent in the notebook is exhausted, or when you have officially entered the realm of the Sun Moon Fist Sutra and cultivated a true Master-level true intent, come to me."

"Thank you, Father!"

Greenhill Xi clutched the notebook tightly, his face filled with excitement. The Sun Moon Fist Sutra was the supreme fist technique he had long dreamed of.

Although Greenhill Xi knew that Greenhill Qingfeng was renowned for his blade techniques, in martial arts, it was not about choosing the strongest technique but finding the one that truly suited you.

For example, Greenhill Xi did not like blade techniques. Even if he received Greenhill Qingfeng’s true blade techniques, his future achievements would be limited.

During his years at the Greenhill Family Manor, Greenhill Xi often received guidance from Masters and discussed martial arts with others, forming his own views on the martial path. This level of martial insight was not something ordinary martial artists could match.

"Practice diligently, and never neglect your own cultivation. Martial arts cultivation is the foundation of all for a martial artist."

Greenhill Qingfeng gave another reminder.

Greenhill Xi nodded in agreement.

Then, Greenhill Qingfeng turned to Greenhill Xuan.

"You wish to learn blade techniques. I have several blade techniques, but only two are at the Master level or above: the Tyrant Blade Slash and the Heavenly Blade. Which one do you wish to learn?"

"May I ask, Father, which of these two blade techniques is the strongest?"

Greenhill Xuan asked seriously.

Greenhill Qingfeng smiled faintly. "The Tyrant Blade Slash is a top-tier Master-level blade technique created by a past Master in the martial world. If you can master it, you can reach the peak of the Master realm, just like the Sun Moon Fist Sutra.

As for the Heavenly Blade, it is a truly supreme blade technique that I created based on various martial arts.

If you ask which of these two techniques is the strongest, the Heavenly Blade is undoubtedly the most powerful!"

Upon hearing this, Greenhill Xuan did not hesitate. "I hope Father can teach me the Heavenly Blade Technique!"

"Very well!"

Greenhill Qingfeng did not delay, pointing a finger and unleashing a terrifying true intent of the Heavenly Blade, which instantly surged into Greenhill Xuan’s mind.

This true intent was far more powerful than the Sun Moon True Intent, by more than tenfold.

It took Gu Xuan a full hour to emerge from the profound essence he had absorbed.

However, he found that despite having obtained the Heavenly Blade technique, he still felt a strange, indescribable sensation. This feeling was both mysterious and unsettling, leaving Gu Xuan somewhat uncomfortable.

Gu Qingfeng, noticing his son's confusion, explained, "All martial arts have discernible techniques, but the Heavenly Blade transcends the realm of ordinary martial arts. This level of martial arts no longer relies on specific techniques; instead, it emphasizes the understanding and enlightenment of the martial path. I have planted the seed of the Heavenly Blade's essence within you. By meditating day and night, you can hope to truly master its power."

This is the essence of martial arts beyond the Grandmaster level. Other martial arts, even those at the Grandmaster level, still have discernible techniques. Strictly speaking, martial arts reach a point where they begin to break free from the constraints of ordinary techniques at the Master level, but they never truly transcend that step. Only martial arts like the Heavenly Blade, which surpass the Grandmaster level, truly break the bounds of the mundane. These martial arts cannot be described in ordinary words; they are more often transmitted through the essence of the Dao.

Upon hearing this, Gu Xuan took a deep breath and bowed deeply to his father. "Thank you, Father, for bestowing this technique!"

"Enough with the formalities. I have already passed on the martial arts to you. How much you can master depends on your own destiny," Gu Qingfeng said, waving his hand to dismiss them. One received the true transmission of the Heavenly Blade, and the other received the Sun and Moon Fist Manual. Gu Xuan and Gu Xi left with hearts full of joy.

...

"Your son, Gu Yang, is secretly training troops, and his forces have grown significantly!"

"Your son, Gu Yang, has received a mysterious Master's legacy, and his strength has increased!"

"Your son, Gu Yang, has been guided by a Grandmaster, and his cultivation has improved!"

"Your son, Gu Yang, has slain a Blood Soul-level monstrosity!"

"Your son, Gu Yang, has slain a Demon Soul-level monstrosity!"

"Your son, Gu Sheng'an, has been refined by innate true qi, and his cultivation has passively advanced to the advanced stage of the Skin Tempering realm!"

"Reward: Enhancement Points 5!"

"Your son, Gu Shengxing, has been refined by innate true qi, and his cultivation has passively advanced to the advanced stage of the Skin Tempering realm!"

"Reward: Enhancement Points 5!"

"Your son, Gu Yang, has advanced to the middle stage of the Marrow Cleansing realm!"

"Reward: Enhancement Points 150!"

"Reward: Marrow Cleansing Pills 200!"

"Reward: Viscera Strengthening Pills 100!"

"Your son, Gu Xuan, has gained insight into the essence of the Heavenly Blade, and his strength has slightly increased!"

"Your son, Gu Xi, has gained insight from the Master's notes, and his strength has slightly increased!"

"Your son..."

...

"Yang has advanced!"

Gu Qingfeng's eyebrows raised slightly. It had been a year since he had taught Gu Xuan and Gu Xi their ultimate techniques, and Gu Yang had advanced from the initial stage of the Marrow Cleansing realm to the middle stage.

Gu Qingfeng was satisfied with Gu Yang's progress. Over the past year, he had been closely monitoring the information panel and the constant reports from his secret agents. Thus, he was well aware of the changes in Qingyun Province.

In the past five or six years, Gu Yang had been developing Qingyun Province intensively. After several years of recuperation, the province had largely recovered its vitality. The name "Guangyang King" had truly taken root in the hearts of the people, not just in Qingyun Province but also in the other eight provinces, where many had heard of his virtue and come to seek refuge in Qingyun Province.

As a result, Gu Yang's forces had steadily grown over the years. The larger the force, the more resources it controlled. Given Gu Yang's talent, his advancement to the middle stage of the Marrow Cleansing realm was to be expected.

However, when he saw that Gu Yang had slain monstrosities, Gu Qingfeng's expression changed slightly, but he quickly returned to his usual composure. Blood Soul-level monstrosities were equivalent to Marrow Cleansing realm martial artists, and Demon Soul-level monstrosities were equivalent to Viscera Strengthening realm martial artists. Such monstrosities would have been a significant threat a few years ago, when Qingyun Province was still in turmoil. The more lives they took, the stronger they became.

But now, Qingyun Province was internally stable. Such monstrosities could no longer cause significant turmoil.

It's worth noting that the secret agents, originally numbering less than a hundred, had been expanded by Gu Qingfeng to over three thousand. The reason for this was that the original three thousand agents, after being fully trained by the Gu Family, were now capable of handling important tasks. The weakest among them had advanced to the Bone Tempering realm, and some had even reached the Marrow Cleansing realm.

Thus, Gu Qingfeng had dispersed this group of agents, not just in Qingyun Province but across the nine provinces, to gather intelligence for him continuously. This allowed him to keep a firm grasp on the situation across the land, even without leaving his home.

At that moment, another report from a secret agent arrived. Gu Qingfeng read the message, memorizing its contents with a single glance, before it crumbled into dust.

The situation in Central Province is about to become clear. The Sword King, whom the Divine Sword Sect supports, is no ordinary individual. He has managed to gain such a significant advantage that, barring any unexpected developments, Central Province will soon fall into his hands!

Sword King.

He is the vassal supported by the Divine Sword Sect.

Currently, the various warlords are vying for control of Central Province, and the Sword King has managed to suppress all of them with his own strength, showing a strong presence in the region.

Once Central Province falls into the Sword King's hands, it would be equivalent to controlling two provinces. The remaining warlords would have no chance to resist.

Moreover, the battle for Central Province has seen all parties investing their full strength. The defeat of Central Province means that the position of the supreme ruler is now out of reach for the losing side.

Therefore, whoever can occupy Central Province will have already won half the battle. By consolidating their forces and conquering the remaining provinces, they can become the ruler of the entire realm.

Furthermore, Gu Qingfeng can predict that once the Sword King secures Central Province, his next target will be Green Cloud Province.

The reasoning is simple.

In recent years, all the provinces have been in turmoil, with the various warlords expending a large amount of their military resources on Central Province. Only Green Cloud Province, under the leadership of Gu Yang, has been focusing on recuperation and quietly building up its strength.

If Gu Qingfeng were the Sword King, he would not allow Green Cloud Province to continue developing unchecked.

Otherwise, it’s only a matter of time before Gu Yang snatches the victory.

Thus, once Central Province is pacified, the Sword King’s next target will undoubtedly be Green Cloud Province.

With this thought in mind, Gu Qingfeng once again looked at his attribute panel. After Gu Yang's breakthrough, his enhancement points had increased to 252, enough to raise the Blood Refinement Canon by two levels.

Without hesitation, Gu Qingfeng used 200 enhancement points, and the Blood Refinement Canon advanced from the fifth level to the seventh level.

This time, a vast, unprecedented memory surged in Gu Qingfeng's mind—memories of his cultivation of the Blood Refinement Canon.

Breaking through two martial arts levels is equivalent to several hundred years of cultivation for Gu Qingfeng. This shows that, even with his exceptional talent, it would normally take several hundred years to advance the Blood Refinement Canon from the fifth level to the seventh level.

These long stretches of memory flashed through Gu Qingfeng's mind like a rapid procession.

Immediately after, his physical vitality began to tremble and boil.

The transformation brought about by advancing two martial arts levels was significant.

A terrifying aura emanated from Gu Qingfeng, covering the vast Grinding Hall. All the divine weapons trembled lightly, as if bowing to a supreme being.

The powerful surge of vitality continued to condense and transform.

This change did not last long before gradually stabilizing.

Then, Gu Qingfeng opened his eyes and exhaled a turbid breath.

"Whew!"

The exhalation was like a gale, sweeping through the entire Grinding Hall.

Fortunately, the materials used to construct the Grinding Hall were extraordinary; otherwise, Gu Qingfeng’s single breath would have been enough to destroy the entire hall.

"Seventh level of the Blood Refinement Canon!"

"Breaking through two levels at once has brought about significant changes!"

Gu Qingfeng focused his mind on his body, feeling the changes within, and a faint smile appeared on his face. However, he quickly regained his composure.

Although he had advanced the Blood Refinement Canon, he had yet to reach the pinnacle of the Supreme Master realm.

This shows that advancing two levels of the Blood Refinement Canon was not enough to boost his cultivation.

In his view, even advancing to the eighth level of the Blood Refinement Canon might not be sufficient to break through his current cultivation.

However—

Despite the lack of a cultivation breakthrough, the increase in his strength was substantial.

This change pleased Gu Qingfeng greatly.

---

Spirit Province.

Tai Su Sect.

"Lord Sect Master, the Sword King is making steady progress in Central Province, and our forces are retreating step by step. If this continues, the Spirit King will likely have to completely withdraw from Central Province!"

An elder of the sect bowed and said with a heavy expression.

After years of conflict, the vassal supported by the Tai Su Sect has not gained any advantage, which is certainly not good news.

If the Sword King secures Central Province and replaces the Tai Xuan Dynasty as the supreme ruler of the Nine Provinces, the Divine Sword Sect will have three thousand years to strengthen itself.

This would likely place the Tai Su Sect under the shadow of the Divine Sword Sect.

Tai Xuan’s face darkened. "The Sword King’s methods are indeed formidable. If the situation becomes untenable, have the Spirit King preserve his strength and temporarily retreat from Central Province. He should return to Spirit Province, consolidate his forces, and then challenge the enemy again!"

If the situation is hopeless, there’s no need to force it.

In Tai Xuan’s view, as long as they retain their strength, there will be a chance for a comeback.

If the Spirit King is defeated and killed in Central Province, the Tai Su Sect would not have enough time to support another vassal.

Hearing this, the other sect elders nodded in agreement.

However, before they could speak, a terrifying aura suddenly appeared, causing the faces of everyone, including Tai Xuan, to change dramatically.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end