Born as an ant, I was summoned to ascend to immortality.

Chapter 51 Chuan Shuchen

There was no roar as expected, only a crisp "snap"!

The azure sword energy, as if tearing silk and severing jade, cleaved the massive Xuanhuang sword in two! The broken sword crashed down onto the cloud platform, stirring up a cloud of dust.

The disciples were dumbfounded by what they saw. They all found it unbelievable. Zhou Li had only been a student for a little over a month. Even if he had great talent, how could he have unleashed such an amazing sword strike?

Zhou Li's current cultivation level was not enough to unleash such power. It was because the Misty Manifestation Heavenly Evolution Technique had gathered spiritual energy and amplified water-based techniques, thus creating this earth-shattering sword strike.

Shen Qing stared blankly at the overwhelming sword energy that seemed to cleave mountains and shatter peaks, his eyes sparkling with a strange light, as if he were sensing something.

"Real Qi being released outwards... How is this possible?" On the high platform, an elder exclaimed in surprise and doubt, "I remember that only when one has mastered Qi cultivation can one release real Qi outwards."

Another old man intently examined the situation: "It's not that his true energy is being released externally; Zhou Li's true energy is still confined to his body surface, drawn but not yet unleashed. However…" His voice trembled slightly, "This situation looks like… he has comprehended sword intent?!"

"Using sword intent to drive the surrounding water energy into sword energy to fight the enemy, this sword actually has some of the essence of Master Yan Qing's Still Water Sword! Ouch..." In his excitement, the elder tore off a few hairs from his beard.

"If I remember correctly, Zhou Li's Qi cultivation is still at the initial stage. He is truly remarkable. Our sect has struck gold."

What the cultivators don't know is that supernatural powers and sword intent are essentially spiritual energy resonance, only the way they resonate is different. Spiritual energy resonance is the manifestation of the "communication between heaven and man" that the cultivators of this world pursue.

Zhou Li's Heavenly Thunder Eyes could see through the essence of resonance at a glance, while others had no idea what resonance was. This was a gift from Heaven, not something that could be made up for later.

At this moment, Zhou Li's second "Dust-Cleansing Sword" had broken through the dust and smoke and was heading straight for Fang Lan!

Fang Lan was shocked and had no time to think about how Zhou Li could unleash sword energy so quickly. Seeing the sword energy approaching, she could only focus on circulating the "Mysterious Embryo Unbound Technique".

But how could Fang Lan, with only the Buzhou Gong of the Guanshan Realm, withstand this powerful sword energy imbued with sword intent? With a soft "hiss," the mountain phantom on Fang Lan's body shattered.

With his protective magic broken, Fang Lan was struck as if by a heavy blow, spitting out a mouthful of blood, his face turning ashen.

However, Zhou Li unleashed three moves of "Hundred Rivers Rinsing Dust," and before anyone could react, the third sword energy followed closely behind, slashing fiercely towards Fang Lan's face.

Although she knew that Elder Yuntai would protect her disciple's life, Fang Lan had never felt the threat of death so closely before when facing the sword energy that was approaching from afar.

The moment the sword energy touched her body, the glass jade pendant at Fang Lan's waist suddenly shone brightly, and a solid golden shield enveloped Fang Lan's entire body. It was the life-saving talisman bestowed by the Fang family elders that was activated.

The sword energy of Shuchen slashed at the golden shield with a "bang." The shield held for half a breath before shattering. Fortunately, the power of the sword energy was also exhausted, and Fang Lan was spared from death.

Zhou Li saw it from afar and thought to himself that it was a pity. He was already exhausted of spiritual energy and wondered if Fang Lan still had the strength to fight.

However, a smile appeared on Zhou Li's lips. After using all three moves, his dantian was empty of spiritual power, and he unintentionally sensed the opportunity for the coexistence of the five elements of spiritual power.

For the past month since he started learning, Zhou Li has been racking his brains day and night to figure out how to maintain the power of the five elements from gathering and dispersing due to the generation and restraint of the five elements when outlining the spiritual patterns in the "Five Elements Painting Technique". It turns out that the key is to first empty the dantian.

"Transforming from the mundane to preserve the true self, the five elements originating from the same source, so that's what it means..." Zhou Li understood in his heart.

"Inscription marks the Dao, lotus plate nurtures the spirit... Shedding the mortal to preserve the true, the five elements originate together... Mind unites with spirit, embracing the orifice to swallow the spirit." As Zhou Li murmured to himself, each incantation flowed through his mind without any further hesitation.

To his utter surprise, his battle with Fang Lan had actually resolved several of the difficult points in the "Five Elements Painting Manual." Zhou Li couldn't help but exclaim, "What a wonderful exchange of teachings! I have truly benefited immensely."

At this moment, Zhou Li, with a more open-minded attitude, looked at Fang Lan again and found her face to be somewhat more approachable.

Fang Lan's heart sank to the depths of despair; shock, shame, and frustration intertwined, finally coalescing into a furious roar: "With my abilities, how could I possibly lose!"

Enraged, Fang Lan raised her sword and hurled it at Zhou Li with all her might. At the same time, she propelled herself forward like an arrow released from a bow!

Zhou Li'an stood in the mist, his eyes already discerning that Fang Lan's spiritual power was exhausted, and that this was merely an act of release. His expression remained calm as he waited for Fang Lan to approach.

Although Fang Lan had no spiritual power, her physical strength was terrifying. She caught up with the thrown sword just three zhang away from Zhou Li, grabbed the hilt, and thrust it straight at Zhou Li.

A clear and resonant metallic sound echoed throughout the Yuntai Terrace.

Upon hearing this, the disciples exclaimed in surprise, "It hit?!"

The mist surrounding the two slowly dissipated, and everyone could see that Fang Lan's sword was perfectly positioned, firmly embedded in the empty scabbard in Zhou Li's hand.

To be more precise, Zhou Li, in the blink of an eye, accurately predicted the trajectory of the sword and met it with his scabbard. Such composure impressed everyone present.

Meanwhile, the unsheathed sword in Zhou Li's hand was coldly pressed against Fang Lan's throat! With just a slight thrust forward, Fang Lan, whose skills had already been compromised, would be decapitated.

A bead of cold sweat slid down her temple. Fang Lan looked at Zhou Li, trembling, and said incredulously, "You...how could you defeat me?"

Zhou Li sheathed his sword, offering no reply, but instead posed a cryptic remark: "It is precisely because one is at the bottom of a well that one knows the bright moon hangs high; without reverence, how can one see the clear sky?"

After saying that, he turned and left, leaving Fang Lan alone, standing frozen on the cloud platform like a clay statue.

…………

Changtian Sect, Yuqing Palace.

Master Yanqing was watching the battle from afar on the high steps in front of the hall. Standing beside him was a woman with a cool and aloof temperament, none other than Ning Yue, the teacher of Zhou rites.

"Junior Nephew Ning, what do you think of this duel between the two?" Yan Qing asked gently, his gaze fixed on the battle.

Ning Yue tilted her head slightly, her gaze lingering on the two for a moment: "These two are both outstanding among their peers. Fang Lan has been a body cultivator for generations, with a profound foundation. His cultivation is meticulously sculpted, tempered into steel. His fighting style is both courageous and resourceful, using overwhelming force to break through intricate techniques. His aura is overwhelming yet conceals sharpness. The path he walks can be summed up in the word 'madness'."

Her gaze shifted to another figure, her delicate brows furrowing slightly: "I find this disciple, Zhou Li, somewhat unfathomable. The techniques he chooses seem casual and unrestrained, yet they possess a subtle charm that arises naturally, as if crafted by heaven."

After a moment's thought, he added, "During a battle, I often felt that the tide had turned against me, yet I was able to devise a flawless strategy and turn the tide unexpectedly. Moreover, I gained insights into swordsmanship on the spot, displaying divine skill. Such actions deserve the word 'wonderful'."

Upon hearing this, Yan Qing stroked his beard and smiled, "My junior nephew's assessment is insightful. However, Zhou Li's sword strike lacked concentration of spirit and was not in harmony with the sword. It was not that he had grasped the essence of swordsmanship, but rather that he used a trick. This tactic cannot last long, and if he is unaware of it, his foundation may become unstable."

After a moment's thought, he instructed, "When you return, pass on the true essence of the 'Still Water Sword' to Zhou Li. It may help him clear his mind, return to the right path of swordsmanship, and prevent him from going astray."

"I will obey the Master's decree," Ning Yue replied, bowing her head.

Yan Qing turned his gaze from the martial arts arena to Ning Yue, his tone shifting to concern: "Nephew, your journey to Mirage Continent was fraught with peril. Did it go smoothly?"

A hint of coldness flashed across Ning Yue's brows: "Uncle-Master, this trip has indeed been fraught with difficulties. There seems to be some unusual activity at the Thousand Images Pavilion. Senior Brother Wen has been making arrangements in the Mirage Continent for many years, and it is speculated that a third party has entered the game. We need to plan this carefully."

She paused, then looked up at Master Yan Qing: "This junior has returned to the mountain gate to seek a treasure. After obtaining this treasure, this junior will immediately return to Mirage Continent to ensure everything goes smoothly."

"What does my junior disciple desire?"

"The Great Void illuminates the form."

"……allow."