Chapter 313: Terrifying Insight! Stunned!

Chapter 313: Terrifying Insight! Stunned!

On the Sword Intent River.

Li Bufan gradually moved farther away, his figure becoming a distant speck.

Meanwhile, Su Changqing, who was highly favored by everyone, remained rooted to the spot.

He had not broken through the second Sword Technique Barrier for a long time.

This scene left the onlookers stunned and caused a stir.

"What's going on? Li Bufan is almost grasping a thousand sword techniques, but Su Changqing hasn't even cracked the second one?"

"That shouldn't be the case. Su Changqing's sword path is divine, and he has condensed the Imperial Will; he shouldn't be so weak."

"Heh, in my opinion, his Imperial Will might be inherited from the Sword Emperor, and his own sword path is just average."

"Hiss, if that's true, it makes sense. It turns out this so-called Sword God is just a facade."

The surprise on people's faces slowly turned to disdain.

Some were unwilling to believe it, but the facts were right before their eyes.

Su Changqing had been stuck at the second Sword Technique Barrier for so long.

If he truly had a divine sword path, why would he be in this predicament?

Even the people of the Ancient Sword Li Family began to look doubtful.

Could it be that this so-called Sword God was just a coincidence?

Laughter erupted from the crowd, but Little Peng King, standing far away, was deep in thought.

He knew Su Changqing better than anyone.

Given Su Changqing's strength, understanding these sword techniques should be a mere thought.

But why was he stuck at the second barrier for so long?

"Is there more to these sword techniques?"

Little Peng King's eyes narrowed, and he immersed himself in contemplation once more.

...

Meanwhile.

After much contemplation, Su Changqing finally grasped the essence of the sword techniques.

He suddenly raised his eyes, which shone brightly.

"Transform Techniques into Dao!"

He felt a sense of familiarity while comprehending these techniques.

There was no method, only techniques, yet he had to condense a Sword Seal.

This was similar to the first time Niuniu taught him sword techniques in Green Mountain Village.

Back then, he had no cultivation method and had to condense a Dao Seal using pure sword techniques.

Now, the process of condensing a Dao Seal had been simplified to just a Sword Seal.

For others, this was a very difficult task.

After all, without a cultivation method, one could only mimic the essence of the techniques without a proper method.

But for Su Changqing, this was incredibly simple.

Back when he was just a mortal, he had condensed a Dao Seal after only a few attempts.

Now, with his Primordial Sword Body and the Imperial Will of the sword path, all he needed to condense was the simpler Sword Seal.

With all these advantages combined, transforming techniques into Dao was a matter of a single thought.

"You know how to transform the Seal?"

Xianxian, who was about to offer guidance, raised an eyebrow in surprise.

Cultivators have always valued methods over techniques.

Now, he had to bypass the method and achieve Dao through techniques, which was not only difficult but also required a significant shift in mindset.

After all, who would refine simple techniques to such a high level?

"This method is not hard."

Su Changqing smiled lightly. "I tried it before I even began cultivating."

As he spoke, he brought his fingers together in a sword gesture and traced them over his brow.

Instantly, a faint Dao Seal, like a ripple in the water, appeared in the air.

Xianxian's eyes widened in surprise.

"Transform Techniques into Dao!"

With his keen eyes, he could see that this Seal was different from a normal Dao Seal.

Its faint glow was due to the lack of a supporting cultivation method, as it was entirely condensed from techniques.

Moreover, this was not a Sword Seal but a Dao Seal!

A complete understanding of a technique, containing the essence of the universe!

This was a higher level of existence than a Sword Seal.

"Such terrifying insight, transforming techniques into Dao even before cultivation."

Xianxian's eyes flashed with shock as he scrutinized the young man beside him.

He had already held Su Changqing in high regard.

However, it seemed he had underestimated him.

"Ten Thousand Calamities Sword Seal, ten thousand calamities emerge, destroying stars and worlds."

"But this method has another level."

"Ten Thousand Calamities Dao Seal!"

Xianxian's expression remained calm, but his mind was in turmoil.

The method of merging realms was something he had guided the Sword Emperor to achieve.

The Ten Thousand Calamities Sword Seal was taught by an Immortal.

From the beginning, this method had two levels.

The first level: Myriad Techniques to Seal, forming the Ten Thousand Calamities Sword Seal.

The second level: Myriad Techniques to Dao, forming the Ten Thousand Calamities Dao Seal!

A single word difference, but the power was worlds apart!

Was a Sword Seal formed from ten thousand sword techniques stronger, or a Dao Seal formed from ten thousand sword techniques?

The two were almost incomparable.

But the second level was extremely difficult.

Simply condensing ten thousand sword techniques into a Sword Seal was a challenge for countless prodigies.

If one had to comprehend ten thousand sword techniques to their utmost and condense them into Dao Seals, it was almost impossible.

With ten thousand Dao Seals in the air, condensing the power of Dao Tribulation, and repeating this cycle, the combined power of ten thousand Dao Tribulations would result in

One sword strike, and a billion Dao Seals would appear!

The power of such a strike would not only make the Primordial Emperor retreat.

Even the 'Ancient' would have to take it seriously!

"Go ahead."

Xianxian looked at Su Changqing, his eyes gleaming with an indescribable light.

"Let me see how far you can go."

Su Changqing smiled, then stepped back to the first Sword Technique Barrier.

"Shatter!"

Just as the first time, Su Changqing held his long sword and delivered a light slash, shattering the barrier before him.

But unlike before, the radiance of Su Changqing's sword strike did not dissipate. Instead, it transformed into a Sword Seal that floated beside him.

This was just a Sword Seal; Su Changqing had not yet fully comprehended the ultimate essence of it. With the threat of the Heavenly Wasteland looming behind him, he had little time to spare. Once he obtained the secrets of the Ten Thousand Calamities Sword Seal, he would have ample time to delve into each one.

With this thought, Su Changqing looked ahead and murmured to himself, "It's time to speed up!"

As he spoke, Su Changqing took a large step forward, and a new barrier appeared before him. Flashes of sword light danced across the barrier, revealing intricate sword techniques. Su Changqing's eyes gleamed with understanding, as if the light of enlightenment was about to overflow.

In a single breath, he raised his sword and sliced it down with a subtle motion.

Crack!

As the barrier shattered, another new Sword Seal appeared beside Su Changqing. With his extraordinary comprehension, Su Changqing advanced at an astonishing speed, faster and faster!

At this moment, the sword intent in his mind surged like a tidal wave, with countless sword techniques intertwining and evolving. The barriers that appeared before him often crumbled the moment they formed.

These ten thousand sword techniques were not chosen at random. They shared the same essence, the same principles, and complemented each other. Each Sword Seal was deeply connected to the others. The more Sword Seals he accumulated, the more powerful the secret technique became!

Why did the sword techniques in the Sword Intent River become increasingly difficult as he progressed? It wasn't that the techniques themselves became harder, but that the techniques he had encountered along the way had not been thoroughly comprehended. This lack of understanding prevented him from grasping new techniques.

These sword techniques were like precise gears, forming a vast and terrifying Sword Dao Profound Art. Without understanding the movement of any single gear, he could not activate the profound art!

However, Su Changqing had thoroughly comprehended every sword technique he encountered, understanding their principles. These Sword Seals intertwined and evolved. With his extraordinary comprehension, he often deduced the true essence of a technique before moving on to the next barrier. This resulted in Su Changqing's speed not slowing down but increasing!

In the Sword Intent River, Su Changqing began by walking slowly, then took large strides, and finally, he seemed to ride the wind, moving as fast as lightning!

Crack! Crack!

The sound of barriers shattering almost formed a continuous roar, their fragments illuminating the entire Sword Intent River! Su Changqing walked through the light, with Sword Seals surrounding him, evolving the true essence of the Sword Dao!

Seeing this, the jeering crowd gradually fell silent. Everyone watched the lightning-fast youth, their mouths agape and eyes wide with shock!

The world seemed to fall silent, with only the constant sound of barriers shattering.

After a moment, the crowd erupted in a cacophony of astonishment!

"Damn! Su Changqing, he's flying!"

"Are you kidding me? Such terrifying speed, and he's really comprehending everything as he goes?"

"Good heavens, how can his speed keep increasing? Those sword techniques can't even hold him back for a moment."

The commotion grew, and everyone was stunned by Su Changqing's speed. They had all attempted to traverse the Sword Intent River and knew the difficulty.

At first, they could smoothly comprehend the techniques, but as they progressed, it became increasingly difficult until they could barely move forward.

But Su Changqing?

He actually moved faster as he progressed!

The sword technique barriers often shattered the moment they appeared.

This stark contrast left everyone feeling a sense of unreality.

Li Bufan's speed had been impressive, but compared to Su Changqing's, he seemed like a slow, elderly man.

At this moment, some people noticed the numerous Sword Seals surrounding Su Changqing.

"What are those? Why are there so many Sword Seals following him?"

"This looks like a Dao Seal, but it seems different."

"Are you serious? Don't tell me Su Changqing condensed over a thousand seals in such a short time?"

"Whew, that would require an unimaginable level of comprehension."

The shock in their eyes deepened.

Condensing Dao Seals using secret techniques was something all cultivators had to go through. They knew how difficult it was to achieve. Yet, Su Changqing had condensed over a thousand Sword Seals in such a short time?

Just thinking about it made their heads spin.

Could such comprehension be possessed by a living being?

At this moment, even Xianxian, who had lived for countless years and seen everything, was stunned. He watched the numerous Sword Seals surrounding Su Changqing, his eyelids twitching and his face pale with shock.

"How can this be so fast?"

Xianxian knew Su Changqing had strong comprehension, but he never imagined it to be this strong. Moving at such a speed and condensing seals in an instant was something even a born sword spirit like himself could not achieve.

"Such comprehension..."

After the shock, Xianxian's gaze turned serious as he looked at the rapidly advancing youth.

"Something isn't right."

...

At this moment, Su Changqing had entered the State of No Self. His eyes, mind, and consciousness were completely enveloped by the endless sword techniques. The Ten Thousand Calamities Sword Seal, though consisting of only ten thousand sword techniques, was a complex and intricate blend of various techniques, evolving into countless variations.

This technique, while not surpassing the Dao diagrams of the heavens and earth, was almost on par with them, truly an unparalleled secret technique!

At the same time, as Su Changqing dashed forward at an incredible speed, the several elders of the Li family initially looked shocked, then turned to bitter smiles.

"Such a prodigy truly lives up to the title of Sword God."

"We Li family have brought this humiliation upon ourselves."

Elder Lin felt somewhat ashamed.

At first, although he held respect for Su Changqing, he didn’t believe that Su Changqing could match the young master.

After all, the Sword God Body could rival an Imperial Body. How could it lose?

But now, it was clear that the current Sword God was far more terrifying than any of the previous ones.

Not to mention Li Bufan, even if the Sword God Li Ye were to come, he would only be able to bow in submission.

Seeing the young man walking on light, the several elders of the Li family couldn’t help but show reverence.

This was the Sword God of a prosperous era, a title of immense weight.

...

"This sword technique further ahead is quite challenging."

By now, Li Bufan, who had left much earlier, had already reached the three-thousand-step mark.

His talent was indeed remarkable. The Sword God Body, which condensed the Sword Dao Law, allowed him to perceive the essence of all sword techniques.

The first three thousand sword techniques took no more than five breaths to comprehend, and he moved at an incredible speed.

However, the three-thousandth sword technique seemed to be a turning point.

Just past the three-thousand-step mark, the sword techniques presented seemed to have undergone a transformation.

Not only did the moves become more complex, but their true essence was also incredibly difficult to grasp.

Li Bufan wasn’t sure if it was just his imagination, but he felt that many of the techniques in these sword arts seemed familiar, as if he had experienced them before.

But he had only comprehended the earlier sword techniques, not fully mastered them.

As a result, the difficulty of this sword technique was equivalent to the sum of the first three thousand!

Such difficulty made even Li Bufan, with his Sword God Body, stop in his tracks, frowning in deep thought.

"Even I find it so challenging to comprehend, Su Changqing probably won’t even reach this place."

"How many sword techniques has he comprehended? A hundred? Or a thousand?"

Despite encountering this obstacle, the thought of Su Changqing, who had spent a long time comprehending the second barrier, made Li Bufan smile with a touch of arrogance.

"Even if I stop here, I will still be better than Su Changqing."

"The winner is already decided. This title of Sword God..."

Boom!

Before he could finish his sentence, a gale of overwhelming sword intent almost brushed past Li Bufan’s shoulder.

Li Bufan was taken aback and looked ahead.

He saw a tall, calm young man dashing forward on light.

The sword technique barrier that had left him stumped and stopped in his tracks was torn apart like fragile cloth.

In the blink of an eye, the young man had vanished, leaving only his back in view.

Those extremely difficult barriers posed no obstacle to him, breaking apart at the slightest touch.

"That’s..."

Li Bufan’s face showed disbelief.

"Su Changqing?!"

While he was surprised to see Su Changqing here, he wasn’t entirely unable to accept it.

After all, as the current Sword God, Su Changqing naturally had some prowess.

But what left him incredulous was that Su Changqing could bypass the sword technique barrier that even he found extremely difficult to comprehend, without even a moment’s hesitation?

This wasn’t just a difference in skill; it was a crushing superiority that surpassed him by countless levels!

"How is this possible? Even if there is a gap, it shouldn’t be this large. Why is his speed so fast?"

Li Bufan looked at Su Changqing’s retreating back. When he saw the sky filled with Sword Seals, his expression changed.

"Sword Seals."

Something seemed to dawn on him, and his expression shifted.

"To achieve Dao through techniques!"

As a sword prodigy, Li Bufan was also exceptionally talented.

Seeing the Sword Seals around Su Changqing, he suddenly understood.

The sword techniques in the Sword Intent River weren’t just for comprehension.

They needed to be understood in their true essence, and the Sword Seals had to be condensed to reach the end!

Otherwise, using shortcuts to break through barriers would only make things increasingly difficult.

In the end, the myriad sword techniques would condense into a single, terrifyingly difficult technique.

"I only realized the true meaning of the Sword Intent River after reaching this point."

"But Su Changqing noticed something was amiss at the second barrier."

Thinking back to his own ridicule, Li Bufan couldn’t help but feel bitter and ashamed.

At that time, Su Changqing wasn’t failing to comprehend the sword techniques but was instead delving into deeper truths.

How foolish he had been to gloat over it.

He had lost.

From the moment he entered the Sword Intent River, he had been thoroughly defeated.

Moreover,

Even if he had also realized the need to achieve Dao through techniques, he would have had no chance of winning.

The terrifying insight and speed of Su Changqing’s mind were truly horrifying.

Li Bufan stared at Su Changqing’s retreating back for a long time, then smiled bitterly and muttered,

"With him around, no one in the World of Sword Dao can rise to prominence."

...

Su Changqing was completely unaware of what had happened behind him.

He paid no attention to Li Bufan’s competition or the discussions of the crowd.

At this moment, he was fully immersed in the endless sword techniques, utterly captivated.

However, just as he was about to reach the middle of the river, he slowly stopped, his mind returning to the present.

It wasn’t that he couldn’t comprehend new sword techniques, but there was someone standing ahead, blocking his path, standing proudly.

Sharp golden eyes, overwhelming battle intent, and surging bloodlines like a raging river.

Little Peng King looked at Su Changqing, who was surrounded by a dense, sky-obscuring Sword Seal, and said with the same arrogance as their first meeting,

"Su Changqing, come and fight!"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end