Chapter 97: The Gift of the Sword 'Qingzhu' and the Method of Breaking Through

Chapter 97: The Gift of the Sword 'Qingzhu' and the Method of Breaking Through

Upon hearing what Knife Bro had to say, Ji Jingqiu realized that he had not misunderstood.

The attitude of the federal higher-ups was to allow those below to use any means necessary to obtain the method of breaking through from Elder Zhuang, rather than implicitly supporting a particular faction.

The Heart Zen Training Ground, the Sunmoon Dao Ground, and other unknown forces had already become involved.

If everyone else was allowed, why wasn't he permitted to get involved? The answer was obvious—it was because the Starlight Corporation, which backed him, was not yet qualified to have a share in this.

"Knife Bro, thank you so much!" Ji Jingqiu said sincerely.

Cold Blade shook his head, "This matter is not a big deal for me. It's just about passing a message to those people. But I hope you can understand one thing from this—

The current Federation is too vast, and an individual's voice is too weak. You must align yourself with certain people, whether by becoming their central figure or relying on them. You need to unite a portion of the people and expand your influence so that your voice can be heard."

Ji Jingqiu asked, "For example, establishing a solid footing in the Starlight Corporation?"

Cold Blade nodded and then shook his head, "The connection between the Starlight Corporation and you is too fragile, unless Lou Qinglan can truly take control. Your top priority right now is to quickly make a name for yourself.

In three months, there will be a practical assessment test. You should try to make it."

Ji Jingqiu nodded solemnly.

"I came here for another matter," Cold Blade said as he took out a long wooden box from behind him and handed it to Ji Jingqiu, "Open it and take a look."

Ji Jingqiu had been curious about what was inside the wooden box that Knife Bro had been carrying on his back.

When the wooden box was opened, a long sword lay quietly in its wooden sheath.

"I heard that you wanted to learn the sword in the future, so I went home and found this sword for you."

"This sword is called 'Qingzhu'. It is about one meter and twenty centimeters long, thin as a cicada's wing, and extremely sharp. The sheath is specially made."

"Qingzhu?"

Ji Jingqiu muttered as he gripped the hilt and drew the sword from its sheath. Instantly, a dazzling light filled the room, and a high-pitched sword cry, like a dragon's roar, resonated.

"I really like this sword," Ji Jingqiu said with brightened eyes, "Thank you, Knife Bro!"

"Don't mention it," Cold Blade smiled, "With your talent, you won't disgrace this sword."

Ji Jingqiu gently caressed the blade, and a cool sensation seeped from the sword's edge to his fingertips, yet it did not feel cold. It was as if the sword had a spirit of its own.

Finally, he had a chance to use the sword-nourishing technique that Master Luo had taught him.

Cold Blade's expression became slightly solemn, "A Qiu, I have something else to ask you. Do you still remember my niece?"

"Of course," Ji Jingqiu's expression turned solemn.

Cold Blade's voice lowered, "During her Zhouli ceremony, she chose to live on, but my sister and brother-in-law still had a disagreement... I want to hear your opinion again."

These words reminded Ji Jingqiu of what his grandfather had said before.

He remained silent for a moment and then sent a prescription to Cold Blade through the terminal.

"This is a prescription left by my parents. Its advantages and disadvantages are..."

He explained the effects of this prescription and finally said softly, "Although it will cause pain that accumulates over time, it can at least confirm the time of the illness within a certain range."

Cold Blade's heart was shaken. Although he had expected it, he was still deeply moved when he saw the prescription before him.

Up until now, no one had made any progress or breakthroughs in the research on the evil toxin syndrome.

Although this prescription could not solve the problem fundamentally, it could address the most terrifying aspect of the evil toxin syndrome: the uncertainty of when the illness would strike, plunging the patient into hell.

The most despairing aspect of this illness was the unpredictability of its onset, as patients could fall into hell at any moment.

"A Qiu!"

With Cold Blade's temperament, he was so moved that he reached out and grabbed Ji Jingqiu's hand, not knowing how to express his gratitude.

However, Ji Jingqiu poured cold water on his enthusiasm and said softly, "Don't underestimate this accumulation of pain... After enduring it for six years, I almost couldn't hold on any longer."

Cold Blade calmed down and nodded heavily.

The two of them chatted some more, and Cold Blade mentioned that Zhuang Budong was one year ahead of him. Back then, he had also visited Zhuang Budong's training studio, and the situation Zhuang Budong faced then was not as severe as it was now.

Suddenly, Ji Jingqiu laughed and said, "Knife Bro, you should go find your niece quickly. Don't stand here with your mind wandering. I also need to cultivate the secret technique passed down by Elder Zhuang."

Cold Blade, who rarely showed embarrassment, blushed when he was caught. He stood up and said in a deep voice, "A Qiu, this prescription..."

Ji Jingqiu interrupted, "Knife Bro, given our relationship, there's no need to say these things. You've already helped me a lot, and today you even gave me a good sword!"

Cold Blade smiled and said, "That's true. Let's not mention gratitude between us. I'll take my leave first."

"Mmm."

After seeing off Knife Bro, Ji Jingqiu returned to the independent training room.

He organized the events that had occurred over the past few days and finally set a short-term goal for himself—

He wanted to help Elder Zhuang break through the sixth limit within a week.

To achieve this, he first needed to thoroughly research the secret technique left by Elder Zhuang.

The secret technique originated from the Eternal Blade Technique but incorporated elements of psychic energy, which required time to study.

Soon, Ji Jingqiu placed the Qingzhu horizontally on his knees and closed his eyes to enter a meditative state.

Back in the Pure Land, Ji Jingqiu sat cross-legged under the Bodhi tree.

The branches and leaves of the Bodhi tree above swayed, showering down clear light, making Ji Jingqiu's mind clear and bright. He rubbed the hard-working Fat Tiger and played with him for a while.

In the past few days, one of the four Eternal Blades had been re-forged, and Fat Tiger's contribution was undeniable.

After playing, Ji Jingqiu sat under the Bodhi tree, pondering Elder Zhuang's secret technique and trying to unravel it layer by layer to understand its true nature.

Mastering this secret technique was not difficult, and it could even be considered simple. Ji Jingqiu grasped it smoothly, but during the process, he discovered that this secret technique seemed more complex than he had initially thought.

As time passed, Ji Jingqiu gradually peeled back the layers of this secret technique, gradually uncovering its true nature.

At one point, he suddenly opened his eyes, and his mind was shaken. He realized that this secret technique was not only derived from the Eternal Blade Technique but also incorporated the art of nourishing the mind!

If this was a sword technique, then it was a technique for nurturing the sword or, more accurately, a technique for forging the sword—

Using one's body as a furnace and one's essence, energy, spirit, and intention as fuel, to forge a sword within the mind!

However, could this mind-forged sword truly break through the sixth limit? Ji Jingqiu suddenly understood why so many people believed that Zhuang Budong had held something back.

He could deduce the nature of this secret technique within a short time, and those in the dojos couldn't possibly fail to deduce it, even if they were the dullards that Elder Zhuang had mentioned. After all, they had martial arts masters!

This secret technique, when viewed from its essence, was indeed extraordinary. However, to say that it could break through the Heavenly Gate seemed a bit far-fetched.

There were two critical points:

First, could this mind-forged sword truly break through the Heavenly Gate?

Second, even if it's enough to break through, where should it be directed? The Sixth Limit is so ethereal, as if it's in another world. How did Grandmaster Zhuang lock onto it?

The second point is the most crucial!

This was also the problem Ji Jingqiu faced before.

The first five limits are clearly visible, each standing out.

But the Sixth Limit is completely incomprehensible.

From this perspective, it seems that Grandmaster Zhuang did hide something.

In his contemplation, Ji Jingqiu suddenly realized something.

He wasn't one of those from Heart Zen Training Ground.

Why not just ask Grandmaster Zhuang directly?

...

...

Heart Zen Training Ground.

Mu Yun's face was solemn. Seeing his teacher's expression, Yun Jinghe couldn't help but laugh, "Teacher, who's bothering you again?"

Mu Yun glared at him, "Congratulations, you've gained another formidable opponent!"

"Who is it? Who can still get involved at this point?" Yun Jinghe was curious. Although he was against this plan, he also knew that some things were beyond his control. This matter is of great importance, and our Heart Zen Training Ground is just one of the parties involved."

"The Xilin Commerce Alliance, Tian Gong Heavy Workshop," Mu Yun took a deep breath and said through gritted teeth, "That Lengdao guy dares to threaten me."

Yun Jinghe's eyes lit up, "You mean the previous generation's 'Heavenly Blade'?"

The title of the generation's top warriors was undoubtedly held by the strongest few of their time!

Mu Yun scoffed, "Have you finished cultivating the secret technique improved by your grandmaster?"

Read the original on Book 9@Book/Bar!

Yun Jinghe suddenly lost interest.

This refers to the secret technique improved by Zhuang Bubu and then completed by their grandmaster.

He had already cultivated it, and this secret technique was indeed profound and unparalleled. With it, he nurtured a heart sword, which, combined with psychic energy, had many wondrous uses.

The more he thought about it, the more he admired Grandmaster Zhuang.

Grandmaster Zhuang is truly a genius! If they were of the same generation, he would undoubtedly become one of his greatest rivals!

Mu Yun warned, "You must be careful about this matter. For the next month, don't leave the dojo, and always keep your body and mind in peak condition."

"Is Grandmaster Zhuang about to open the path?" Yun Jinghe's face turned solemn.

"He doesn't have the time," Mu Yun said coldly, "Even if he's unwilling to hand over the true secret technique, he must still force his way through the limit within the remaining time. At that time, you may be able to take advantage of his momentum!"

Yun Jinghe shook his head, "I don't think Grandmaster Zhuang would hide it."

"You know nothing," Mu Yun sneered, "Can this secret technique even open the door to the Sixth Limit?"

Yun Jinghe said solemnly, "I've studied this secret technique. For us, it's a mind-shaping technique, but for Grandmaster Zhuang, it's also a sword-nourishing technique. The heart sword forged with Grandmaster Zhuang's accumulated essence, energy, and spirit over thirty-one years may be able to sever the Heavenly Gate!"

This secret technique seemed simple, but its threshold was incredibly high.

The first threshold was that one must be a top genius who resonates with the Sixth Limit.

The second threshold was time accumulation.

But such geniuses were treasures in the hands of their respective forces. Which force would be willing to let such a genius waste so many years, gambling on an ethereal possibility?

The most important thing was, wasn't there already a Zhuang Bubu?

It wouldn't be too late to wait until he finished his journey.

Mu Yun couldn't bear to hear his disciple mention Grandmaster Zhuang again and said coldly, "I ask you, after cultivating the heart sword, do you know where to strike?"

Yun Jinghe was speechless.

Indeed, the location of the Heavenly Gate was completely unfathomable!

The key was having the power but nowhere to use it, not whether it was possible or not.

Mu Yun placed a jade pendant in Yun Jinghe's hand.

"Keep this well. You should also prepare. Even if Zhuang Bubu fails to hand over the secret technique, he will open the path with his own body. Under the guidance of your grandmaster, you will all have the chance to compete for the first place to break through the limit!"

"This jade pendant contains a strand of your grandmaster's mind power, which may assist you at that time!"

Yun Jinghe frowned, "Is it really necessary? This isn't fair!"

"There's no such thing as fairness," Mu Yun said mysteriously, "We're not the only ones preparing for this. Even the top-ranked Heavenly Sword Dojo is doing the same."

Yun Jinghe's eyes narrowed as he spoke two names, "Bian Rong and Hong Qizhun, they're also taking this action?"

Mu Yun knew that his disciple had a high-spirited personality and seemed to act without inhibition, but he was actually very law-abiding and had a strong sense of justice. He softened his tone, "You don't need to feel burdened about this. If Zhuang Bubu fails to open the path, you and the others will take his place, which is also a form of insurance."

"Additionally, according to Li's calculations, Zhuang Bubu's chances of success are extremely low..."

Yun Jinghe lowered his gaze and remained silent.

...

Ji Jingqiu ended the communication, deep in thought.

Grandmaster Zhuang didn't hide anything and answered his two questions, but the answers were concise.

The first question, he wasn't sure, as he had already nurtured two heart swords, giving him two chances to break through the limit.

The second question was about psychic energy, which could be used to find the location of the Heavenly Gate.

Temporarily setting aside the first answer, Ji Jingqiu clearly sensed that Grandmaster Zhuang was holding something back.

Ji Jingqiu stared at the electric sparks in his hand, deep in thought.

Within psychic energy, besides mind power, what else was there?

Psychic energy was mind power, and using mind power as a guide seemed unreliable. At least, with Ji Jingqiu's extraordinary wisdom, he couldn't find any direction.

Instead of doubting his abilities, it was better to look for problems in others.

As his thinking shifted, Ji Jingqiu suddenly became clear.

【Psychic energy is essentially mind power, a product of the planet's own mysterious magnetic field...】

Ji Jingqiu's heart suddenly trembled.

Perhaps Grandmaster Zhuang wasn't holding back.

He was protecting!

From Grandmaster Zhuang's previous attitudes and words, such as the so-called "world's response" and "bringing the same misfortune," it wasn't difficult to see that Grandmaster Zhuang had indeed been holding back.

He had always stopped short and never delved deeper.

Ji Jingqiu's mind settled, and he calmly analyzed the situation.

If he wanted to help, he didn't necessarily need to find a direction.

As long as Grandmaster Zhuang could lock onto it, he could follow.

Ji Jingqiu closed his eyes and sat under the Bodhi tree.

This secret technique originated from the Eternal Blade Technique, and only a trace of its original intention remained. Ji Jingqiu prepared to try to merge it with his own Eternal Blade Technique and the sword-nourishing technique taught by Master Luo.

The first two techniques came from the same source, and the latter two were complementary.

As long as they could be merged, he could use the sharpness of his own Eternal Blade Technique to help Grandmaster Zhuang.

Through continuous failures, he gradually found a direction.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end