Chapter Forty-Six: Guiding the Sword with Qi

Xiao Yue’s words left Chu Feng feeling bewildered. Though he didn’t know much about cultivation, he understood that no matter how profound a technique, there would always be geniuses capable of comprehending it. According to Xiao Yue, among the legacies left by the supreme human expert, all but one had been deciphered, at least in part, by powerful figures or prodigies. Only “The Way of the Sword” had never been understood—no one had managed to enter its gates in thousands of years. This was truly unbelievable.

Reflecting on this, Xiao Yue’s expression was full of regret as he spoke again, “Such a thing is unprecedented. Before that, there were even figures stronger than that elder, but never has something like this happened. Even the five elders of the human race at that time couldn’t grasp what path this book described. It was revered as a priceless treasure of humanity, yet its mysteries remained untouched. So later, the elders decided to lower the requirements for accessing it, placing copies in all the main camps—even the newcomers’ camp—in hopes that more students might discover its secrets.”

He paused, then continued, “This book, our race’s treasure, was written by that elder whose spiritual weapon was a sword. People speculated it contained a secret art related to sword cultivation, sparking a wave of enthusiasm. But the efforts were futile; no one unraveled its mysteries. Gradually, interest faded, and it became more legend than subject of study.”

Chu Feng was dumbfounded. The book struck him as nothing but mysterious and bizarre; the entire human race’s efforts had failed to unlock its secrets.

“What kind of book is this?” Chu Feng exclaimed.

Xiao Yue replied, “It was written in the elder’s later years, possibly containing a sword-related cultivation secret, though that’s just speculation. The content does concern swords, but not swordsmanship—it’s not a cultivation method, more like insights and reflections. It mainly discusses three different realms.”

“Three realms?” Chu Feng asked, puzzled. He realized that the so-called sword cultivation secret would require spiritual power and a spiritual sword, quite distinct from swordsmanship.

“Exactly. The three realms: the first is ‘Guiding the Sword with Qi,’ the second is ‘Unity of Man and Sword,’ and the third is ‘Unity of Heaven and Man,’” Xiao Yue explained.

Chu Feng frowned, feeling the book was related to swords but not to sword techniques, leaving him full of doubts.

“You’re not suggesting I cultivate from this book, are you?” Chu Feng looked at Xiao Yue.

Xiao Yue nodded, not denying it. “I think you should give it a try.”

He only suggested trying, clearly not expecting much from Chu Feng’s attempt.

“I can’t even achieve spiritual transformation—do you really think I could manage it?” Chu Feng obviously didn’t believe he could unlock its secrets.

Xiao Yue said, “Even prodigies failed to comprehend it. Perhaps it has little to do with cultivation itself. Since it’s called ‘The Way of the Sword,’ although it has no specific sword technique, maybe it truly relates to swordsmanship. That elder excelled in the sword, though his achievements in cultivation overshadowed that. As for you, your talent in swordsmanship is extraordinary—why not try? I’ve always believed this book is not simple. If its brilliance is forever buried by history, it would be a pity.”

“Have any skilled swordsmen studied the book before?” Chu Feng asked.

Xiao Yue nodded, “Of course, but none could enter its gates.”

Chu Feng was speechless, sweating inwardly. “And you still want me to study it? My swordsmanship is good, but that doesn’t guarantee anything.”

“No, you’re different,” Xiao Yue shook his head.

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“What’s different about me?” Chu Feng asked.

Xiao Yue spoke earnestly, “Your talent in swordsmanship is unparalleled, truly unique. Even in eras filled with prodigies, you would be the brightest star. Swordsmanship—few reach its pinnacle, rarer than holy warriors, yet you mastered it in just two months.”

Chu Feng was unmoved by the praise. “Even so, what use is it? You’re making me your experiment.”

Xiao Yue smiled calmly. “What’s wrong—are you afraid to try?”

Chu Feng shot him a glare, took up “The Way of the Sword,” and said, “Why wouldn’t I dare?”

In truth, Chu Feng was deeply curious about the book and determined to study it.

Xiao Yue smiled and nodded. “It’s extremely difficult, so don’t push yourself. I’ve studied it too. Take the realm of guiding the sword with qi—it’s hard to understand. On the surface, it’s simple: use spiritual power to drive the sword, producing sword qi naturally. But that mysterious intent is absent. It seems ‘guiding the sword with qi’ is not so simple.”

Chu Feng nodded, growing more curious. He opened “The Way of the Sword” and began to read.

“When inspiration arises, the sword finds its place, acting as the heart desires, following the natural course. Detached from the world, the sword is as my heart…”

The deeper he read, the more serious Chu Feng’s expression became. Indeed, there was no concrete method—only a profound intent was expounded.

Even with written words, the intent was elusive, almost beyond expression. Chu Feng felt that only by using the sword as a vessel could such a mysterious intent be partially conveyed, though it remained vague.

But what deepened his seriousness was that this ethereal, mysterious intent was somewhat similar to the feeling when he released sword qi.

He continued reading, encountering: “In the mist and azure, thought and intent merge, mind focused, qi gathered, sword qi arises naturally—thus is guiding the sword with qi.”

It was not lengthy, only around two thousand characters, detailing the realm of guiding the sword with qi.

“Mind focused, qi gathered, sword qi arises naturally—is this guiding the sword with qi?” Chu Feng muttered, his eyes suddenly brightening and a hint of excitement appearing on his face. “Could this be another realm of swordsmanship?”

Seeing Chu Feng’s expression, Xiao Yue was surprised and asked, “What do you mean, another realm?”

Chu Feng then recounted in detail the night he had inadvertently released a stream of sword qi.

The more Xiao Yue listened, the more shocked he became—he hadn’t expected Chu Feng, with no spiritual power at all, to release a powerful sword qi.

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After hearing Chu Feng describe that mysterious, ethereal intent, Xiao Yue’s face became excited. He couldn’t help but say, “Mind focused, qi gathered, sword qi arises naturally—could this be the true essence of guiding the sword with qi!”

It took Xiao Yue a long time to calm down; he thought a great deal, and finally was almost certain that Chu Feng had indeed reached the realm of guiding the sword with qi at that moment.

“It seems The Way of the Sword is likely another realm of swordsmanship,” Chu Feng murmured, unable to restrain his excitement.

Xiao Yue looked at Chu Feng as if he were a marvel. He never expected this youth, whom he had initially disliked, to be so extraordinary—within two months of practicing swordsmanship, he had glimpsed the realm described in The Way of the Sword.

To Xiao Yue, The Way of the Sword must relate to swordsmanship, but not in a simple way. A supreme human left this book—not just to elevate swordsmanship, but surely to conceal greater mysteries.

But what those mysteries were, Xiao Yue didn’t know. He realized there was no use in racking his brains. He wasn’t worried; now that Chu Feng had glimpsed the path, there was hope, and with hope, all things were possible.

Xiao Yue looked at Chu Feng and couldn’t help but laugh heartily, feeling immensely pleased. “At last, our human race has someone to study The Way of the Sword. Well done, lad—if word spreads, you’ll rise overnight, even the elders will take notice.”

Chu Feng secretly marveled, realizing only now just how difficult that sword was. Unexpectedly, he had stumbled upon a profound path, yet it didn’t conflict with his chosen path of body refinement, filling him with hope for the future.

But he didn’t want fame now. For someone unable to achieve spiritual transformation, it brought no real benefit—if anything, it might bring trouble.

“Let’s keep this secret for now. It was a chance occurrence; whether I can truly succeed is uncertain. When I’ve genuinely reached the realm of guiding the sword with qi, then it won’t be too late to reveal it,” Chu Feng said.

“Good, fewer distractions are best,” Xiao Yue agreed.

Chu Feng saw how Xiao Yue’s smile never faded, seemingly more excited than himself. “Instructor, aren’t you getting a bit too carried away?”

Xiao Yue’s smile only grew. He seemed happier than ever, saying, “From now on, The Way of the Sword will no longer gather dust. Our race’s supreme classic will shine again; of course I’m delighted.”

Chu Feng grinned at Xiao Yue. “I doubt it’s that simple. By the way, what’s your relationship with Senior Xiao Butian?”

Xiao Yue’s expression stiffened, staring at Chu Feng in surprise. “You know?”

Chu Feng raised the Domain Sword triumphantly. “When you gave me this sword, you should have expected your identity to be exposed. But you’ve hidden it well—no one else in the newcomers’ camp knows your true origin, I bet.”

“I never intended to hide it from you. Yes, Xiao Butian is my ancestor. I’ve always watched your swordsmanship, and now I’ve asked you to study The Way of the Sword, hoping to find an heir for my ancestor’s legacy. Unexpectedly, you’d already glimpsed that realm,” Xiao Yue smiled, full of admiration, then grew somber. “But now I’ve fallen so far—what right have I to speak of lineage? It’s nothing but a joke. All my hopes rest on you now.”