Chapter 1581 - 176: Harnessing Strengths for Personal Benefit

Chapter 1581: Chapter 176: Harnessing Strengths for Personal Benefit

Zhang Yan stood in the Cave Mansion, hands behind his back, looking at the stone wall in front of him, which was already densely covered with text, all obtained from the annotations of predecessors on the Shaoqing Jade Treasure Scroll.

The last time, due to the urgency of time, he merely glanced at it briefly, temporarily memorizing it, without delving deeply. Now he could examine it thoroughly, comparing and verifying with the spells he had deciphered, to complement and enhance his understanding.

However, upon this review, he found that out of all the annotations left by the Cave Heaven True Masters, four-fifths pursued the path of dividing into thousands of sword lights.

He nodded, acknowledging that this method is indeed the correct path. Once cultivated deeply, a majestic Sword Force emerges, and unless the opponent has formidable means, they can hardly confront it head-on.

The remaining few, mostly adhere to the method of evolving Sword Array.

However, this method is extremely difficult to practice. The cultivator must be proficient in Array Dao, and the arrays that can be set up are only a few. Once engaged in combat, one must find ways to change the array; otherwise, if the opponent understands it, one could be easily defeated.

Zhang Yan’s gaze was sharp, and he could see a significant flaw within this Dharma technique; after setting up an array, not only does it consume a lot of mana, it also loses the advantage of free and easy sword escape. Using it a few times is fine, but once the opponent is cautious, it becomes easy to be plotted against.

However, he also understood that if he could see this point, those Cave Heaven True Masters would certainly not overlook it and would find ways to compensate for their shortcomings.

Therefore, compared to those dedicated Sword cultivators who focus solely on sword transformation, they are undetectably left behind.

He pondered further, and then looked at the least common Sword Transformation path. It is merely a niche sect’s secret spell blended into the sword, with no reference to its power, making it impossible to judge.

However, the few predecessors mentioned in their notes that they turned to this path because they couldn’t find a way through the division of sword light and weren’t familiar with arrays. Thus, if following the correct path is the Upper Method, and Sword Array is the Middle Method, then this path is considered the Lower Method.

As Zhang Yan thought carefully, he shook his head, for he didn’t hold the same view. Any spell used by Cave Heaven True Masters, when taken out individually, is hard to find in the world. The issue does not lie in the cultivation technique itself, but whether it is suitable for oneself.

People of the Shaoqing Sect dedicate their lives to studying Sword Dao, with the sword as their focus and secondary techniques as support. Thus, their approach to attack and defend revolves around the Flying Sword Skill, which they are most adept at.

But he is not a Sword Cultivator who only focuses on the sword; he cannot accommodate solely to Swordsmanship, but must find ways to adapt it for his own use.

Additionally, he has another reason: although the Green Jade Scroll contains sword techniques, it lacks Divine Skills. In fighting, only when the Flying Sword combines with a Divine Sword technique can its power be maximized. Currently lacking this component is like having a lame leg.

However, Shaoqing allowed him to read the Ancestor Master’s Inheritance Book because Sect Leader Qin owed him a favor; he cannot demand too much more.

Besides, the divine skills of Shaoqing are not easy to practice; they require cooperation with their cultivation technique. His foundational Dao Technique is the Five Directions Five Elements Tai Xuan True Skill, which is on a different path. It’s impossible for him to divide his focus and practice another sect’s Dharma technique, so he cannot follow the path of the Shaoqing disciples.

With these thoughts in mind, he began contemplating how to utilize this Sword Transformation Skill to its fullest potential in his own way.

Currently, with one hundred and eight sword transformations, attempting to divide into more sword lights in a short time is impossible. This requires gradual practice and casting, even with Derivation Technique, several hundred years of cultivation are necessary. He can only make use of this number of sword lights.

As for the Sword Array path, it is quite suitable for him.

He is fairly proficient in Array Dao. Even if lacking the Sword Escape Skill, he has the Little All Heaven Moving Technique and the Five Elements Escape Technique, ensuring he won’t be confined to one place.

Yet, further contemplation revealed that this was still too limited. He does not need to rely solely on sword transformation. Many constraints and considerations need not be bothered with; as long as he can enhance his combat power, why not combine the strengths of both approaches?

Regarding whether he can transform the sword into thousands in the future, that need not be excessively considered now. If the opportunity arises, it will naturally come to fruition; if not, it’s no great concern.

Having decided on his path, he was about to practice the spells when outside, Jing You spoke joyfully, "Master, Tian Dalang has successfully cultivated Nascent Soul and exited seclusion. He, along with Miss Wang, is waiting outside to pay his respects to Master."

Zhang Yan was slightly surprised but promptly said, "Quickly invite them in."

A sound of footsteps came from outside as Tian Kun and Wang Caiting entered together. They approached the couch, respectfully knelt down, and bowed, saying, "Disciple greets the esteemed teacher."