Chapter 491 - 352: Replenishing the Source (Part 2)

Chapter 491: Chapter 352: Replenishing the Source (Part 2)

The Sui Xian Sword Spirit gently shook its head and gave Yu Changsheng a long, searching look, lost in thought.

’This kid is strange. Does this level of Comprehension even exist? ... But never mind. As my master’s junior brother, it’s normal for him to be extraordinary.’

Muttering to itself, the Sui Xian Sword Spirit paused in thought. It suddenly looked up, its tone a complex mix of emotions as it said:

"I didn’t expect you to comprehend this sword technique. It was one of my master’s rare, signature skills. Ah, well. For you to grasp it... I suppose it must be fate."

Yu Changsheng was visibly startled and immediately listened with rapt attention.

"This sword technique is called Taichu, the Heaven-Opening Sword. It is incredibly powerful and domineering. Its power is unparalleled. It cannot be found anywhere else; it was created by my master himself."

The Sui Xian Sword Spirit spoke softly, its gaze softening with fondness and nostalgia.

"There might be versions of it circulating out in the world, but those are all incomplete fragments. Their power is greatly diminished. Only what you have here is the complete technique."

"Phew..."

Upon hearing this, Yu Changsheng let out a long breath and nodded, a look of understanding on his face.

"No wonder... So that’s how it is."

This wasn’t the first time Yu Changsheng had encountered the Taichu Heaven-Opening Sword. He had last seen it at Si Jian Cliff in Cloud Mist Valley.

Back then, it was a strike unleashed by Meng Wuan. That version of Taichu, Opening the Heavens, was stunning, its power astonishing, but the feeling it gave Yu Changsheng was a far cry from the one he had just comprehended.

To put it simply, the version Meng Wuan used lacked the true soul of the technique, and its power was severely diminished as a result.

However, Yu Changsheng had never imagined that Cao Jinxian had created this technique himself.

’Then again, with his astonishing talent, it’s not surprising he could create a technique like this.’

Yu Changsheng fell silent for a moment, thinking to himself.

The Sui Xian Sword Spirit, however, glanced at Yu Changsheng, the complex emotion in its eyes deepening. After a moment, it slowly shook its head.

"As my master’s junior brother, it’s fitting that one of his ultimate techniques has fallen into your hands; at least it won’t be forgotten. But let me warn you: this technique was your senior brother’s signature move. Therefore, if you use it, make sure no one is left alive to talk about it. Don’t reveal it. Otherwise, schemers might start suspecting your connection to my master."

"In his day, my master had countless enemies, and many people coveted this swordsmanship. After all, this technique has reached the standard of a Quasi-Saint Level Technique."

"A Quasi-Saint Level Technique?"

Yu Changsheng was taken aback, muttering the words subconsciously.

The Sui Xian Sword Spirit looked up, paused for a moment, and then slowly explained.

"As the name suggests, a Quasi-Saint Level Technique is one that is just a single step below a Saint-level Technique. Saint-level Techniques can only be chanced upon, never sought. They are the absolute pinnacle; every single one is priceless and of immeasurable value. There isn’t a single one on the entire Martial Continent. Only a few Holy Lands, with their long-standing legacies, are qualified to possess them."

"However, the requirements for cultivating a Saint-level Technique are extremely strict. Those who don’t meet them cannot force it. And if we’re being honest, the Ten Thousand Spirits Technique that you primarily cultivate is a genuine, bona fide Saint-level Technique."

The Sui Xian Sword Spirit spoke softly, its tone gentle and its gaze holding a subtle, profound meaning.

Yu Changsheng’s expression froze. He listened quietly to the Sui Xian Sword Spirit’s explanation, lost in thought and inwardly speechless with awe.

’Just cultivating a Quasi-Saint Level Technique requires so many Essence Points. I can’t even imagine what a true Saint-level Technique would cost.’

’Still, to create such an ultimate swordsmanship, one that verges on the Saint Level... my senior brother truly lived up to his reputation as a genius.’

Yu Changsheng was filled with emotion. He couldn’t help but feel a sense of reverence for this senior brother he had never met.

Yu Changsheng knew clearly that his ability to comprehend these cultivation techniques so quickly was entirely due to his Golden Finger. It wasn’t because his own Comprehension was truly heaven-defying.

Without his Golden Finger, he never would have made it this far. As for creating his own cultivation techniques, that was nothing but a daydream.

"In any case, this single sword technique is indeed only at the Quasi-Saint Level," the Sui Xian Sword Spirit said, then paused, lost in thought. After a long moment, it continued, "However, it seems there’s more to this swordsmanship. If all its parts were combined and fully unleashed, it could reach the level of a Saint-level Technique."

"Unfortunately, I don’t have any record of it."

The Sui Xian Sword Spirit said softly, shaking its head. It let out an almost imperceptible sigh, its expression dimming.

"Is that so?"

Yu Changsheng was surprised, but he didn’t dwell on it. Such things could only be chanced upon, not sought. Obtaining this one sword technique was already an incredible stroke of luck; he didn’t dare to hope for a complete Saint-level Technique.

"Wait a second." Yu Changsheng froze again. Recalling the Sui Xian Sword Spirit’s words, his eyes narrowed in confusion.

"Did you just say that the Ten Thousand Spirits Technique I cultivate is a Saint-level Technique?"

"That’s right," the Sui Xian Sword Spirit nodded, its expression completely matter-of-fact.

"Huh?"

Yu Changsheng’s mouth fell slightly open in surprise.

"What else would it be? If it weren’t a Saint-level Technique, do you think any ordinary technique would have its characteristics? The affinity with all things and the favor of the Celestial Dao alone blow everything else out of the water, alright?"

"Once you reach a higher Realm, you’ll be able to feel even more keenly the immense advantage the Ten Thousand Spirits Technique gives you in touching upon the Great Dao."

The Sui Xian Sword Spirit said irritably, shooting Yu Changsheng a glare, clearly dissatisfied with his reaction.

"Besides, you’ve experienced the profound wonders of heaven-defying abilities like Touching and Controlling Spirits, haven’t you?"

The Sui Xian Sword Spirit’s tone was filled with pride as it spoke.

"Only a Saint-level Technique could possibly compare to a technique that allows one to directly touch upon the Great Dao."

The Sui Xian Sword Spirit’s tone then shifted, and it paused in thought.

"However, the Ten Thousand Spirits Technique you’re cultivating is incomplete. That’s why you probably feel many of its abilities aren’t as powerful as they could be. The version you have will only support your cultivation up to the Golden Core Peak at most."

"Please, Senior, I ask for your help."

Yu Changsheng’s expression turned serious as he offered the Sui Xian Sword Spirit a cupped-fist salute.

The problem with the Ten Thousand Spirits Technique was one of the very reasons he had to come to these ruins. To be honest, after experiencing the convenience it offered, he was naturally unwilling to switch to another cultivation technique.

After all, the technique was a perfect fit for him. And besides, it wasn’t even an option to switch anymore. The Profound Turtle was relying on this very technique to continuously mend its Origin; it would be the first to object if he tried to change.

For every reason, both personal and practical, Yu Changsheng had to obtain the subsequent parts of the Ten Thousand Spirits Technique.

"Mm."

The Sui Xian Sword Spirit nodded. Its body slowly floated into the air and its gaze grew somber. After a moment of thought, it spoke calmly.

"Very well. I’ll see this through to the end. Since you are my master’s junior brother, it is only right that you cultivate the Ten Thousand Spirits Technique. Your karmic connection to this technique runs too deep..."

The Sui Xian Sword Spirit sighed softly, pushing aside its other thoughts.

"Sometimes, I feel you’re an even better fit for this technique than my master was. Ah, well. The second trial is about the Ten Thousand Spirits Technique. If you can pass it, then there’s nothing more to be said."

"Okay. Thank you, Senior."

Yu Changsheng had no objections. He breathed a silent sigh of relief and shot the Sui Xian Sword Spirit a grateful look.

"Take a moment to recover. When you feel you’re ready, the second trial can begin."

The Sui Xian Sword Spirit nodded as it spoke. Normally, the three trials were meant to be completed back-to-back without any breaks. In this, it was making a small exception for Yu Changsheng.

After the first trial, even though the sky full of Sword Shadows had vanished, the constant, explosive overexertion of his Divine Sense Power and the physical toll of enduring the onslaught had placed a considerable burden on Yu Changsheng.

Thus, Yu Changsheng didn’t hesitate. He swallowed another elixir and began to quietly refine it, focusing on his recovery.

His strength had improved significantly after this, but he had no idea what the second trial would bring.

At the same time, Yu Changsheng’s heart filled with even more awe for the senior brother he had never met.

’He’s so strong...’