Chapter 72: The Six Realms of the Dao of the Sword

The old Daoist master sat calmly at the entrance, talking ceaselessly. The three disciples on either side of him simply listened.

Unfortunately, Zhou Yinglong found no guidance related to cultivation. To him, Yuan Pu Zhenren simply seemed to be rambling on about various anecdotes concerning sword cultivators.

Unlike him, Wang Sheng was quite engrossed. In his past life, meeting a white-bearded elder of such unparalleled cultivation—someone who stood at the very peak of the cultivation world—was nearly impossible, even more so getting the chance to hear the stories of one.

In truth, Wang Sheng did not feel that he had changed much compared to his past self. However, though his core remained the same, he now had the advantage of foresight. He had used it to alter his fate and obtain a fated opportunity, bringing about an earth-shattering transformation.

In his past life, he became utterly obsessed with cultivation through the internet, even abandoning everything else for it. Perhaps that was precisely the reason that the heavens had taken pity and allowed him to live once more.

As people grew older, they tended to talk more.

Yuan Pu Zhenren talked about everything—from sects of different mountains to renowned experts. He even mentioned the sword masters from the West and the East, recounting what his grandmaster had once told him.

When he brought up the "West" from 150 to 160 years ago—now known as the modern Western world—Zhou Yinglong curiously asked, "There are cultivators overseas as well?"

Yuan Pu Zhenren smiled and handed over his teacup. Zhou Yinglong quickly refilled it.

The old Daoist softly countered, "Would the Dao exist only within our sects?"

Wang Sheng chuckled. "Well, Buddhism did originate in ancient India."

"That's right." Yuan Pu Zhenren nodded slightly. "According to my research of ancient texts, cultivation flourished most between one thousand and two thousand years ago. In fact, many of the Hundred Schools of Thought during the Spring and Autumn period were actually sects of the Dao.

"However, it was Laozi—the venerable Li Er—who passed down the Dao De Jing, the most profound and mysterious scripture. His scripture allowed the Daoist sects to gradually flourish and become the orthodox path of cultivation.

"The Western world was yet to rise to prominence two thousand years ago, but it did have its own practitioners. At the time, they had little contact with the Great Divine Land, so we remained unfamiliar with them.

"However, when Buddhism was introduced to the Central Plains, it caused considerable conflict against Daoist sects. Strangely, ancient texts hold no record of direct confrontations, but for several hundred years, cultivators from the two traditions were at odds. Eventually, Buddhism was assimilated into the Central Plains and has since spread alongside Daoism.

"It seems that in those times, immortals may have intervened to mediate the matter. I used to dismiss the notion of immortals as mere myths, but now, I no longer see it as baseless. Perhaps those who had attained great cultivation stepped forward to intervene, unable to bear the thought of endless bloodshed."

Zhou Yinglong, who was still holding the teapot, asked, "Forefather Master, what about the East?"

Yuan Pu Zhenren's smile faded, and his expression turned solemn. "During the Qin Dynasty, Xu Fu set sail with five hundred men and women who had never been married, but they never returned. That was no mere legend.

"Later, a small nation rose in the East. They stole the outer forms of Daoist cultivation and refused to acknowledge their origins. Instead, they took pride in what they had stolen. It was utterly laughable."

Yuan Pu Zhenren sighed. He then continued, "Just recently, I overheard one of our disciples claim that the term 'wind, fire, forest, and mountain' came from a foreign country. They are unaware that our own military strategists came up with it. 'Swift as the wind, steady as the forest, fierce as fire, immovable as the mountain.' Every time this is mentioned, I feel a deep regret in my heart."

Sensing the change in Yuan Pu Zhenren's emotions, Wang Sheng and Zhou Yinglong glanced at each other.

Wasn't the elder's younger years around the time when the Great Divine Land suffered foreign invasions?

Wang Sheng thought.

Back then, many Daoist cultivators emerged from their seclusion to defend the nation, and countless perished.

Unsure of what to say, Wang Sheng and Zhou Yinglong just subtly nodded.

Yuan Pu Zhenren sighed once more and then quickly regained his composure. "This is not the time to dwell on such matters. Where was I? Yinglong, stop interrupting me."

"

Huh? Ah...

Yes." Zhou Yinglong quickly lowered his head in response, not daring to set down the teapot.

The old Daoist resumed his leisurely storytelling.

Wang Sheng and Zhou Yinglong heard many fascinating anecdotes and also gained insight into the hardships and solitude that their predecessors had endured. They guarded the Daoist heritage for a thousand years despite the absence of primal qi.

After over an hour of casual talk, Yuan Pu Zhenren finally began talking about the sword.

Zhou Yinglong, who had been growing drowsy, immediately perked up. Wang Sheng listened attentively too, refusing to miss a single word.

Yuan Pu Zhenren had mentioned before that he had spent decades immersed in the Dao of the Sword. If he was not a true master of the art, then who could possibly claim the title?

"Back to the topic of the essence of the Dao of the Sword. At its core, a sword is a weapon. No matter how often it is associated with noblemen, it remains a tool for killing.

"All weapons have a natural aura of violence. If one uses the sword to slaughter, it will inevitably affect their Dao Heart and nature. Excessive bloodshed will hinder their cultivation, allowing inner demons to take root and run rampant.

"Therefore, I want to make this clear to both of you: you can practice the Dao of the Sword all you want, but in the end, you're the one who must attain enlightenment, not the sword in your hand."

Wang Sheng nodded solemnly. Zhou Yinglong seemed to be deep in thought.

The old Daoist stood up, clasped his hands behind his back, and started pacing slowly. His white hair and beard fluttered gently in the wind, making it seem as though he was about to ascend and vanish at any moment.

"In my opinion, the Dao of the Sword has six realms. The first is the Realm of Sword Techniques, which goes beyond simply knowing a few sword techniques. One must also fully internalize them and wield them effortlessly in battle. It requires diligence and practice.

"The second is the Realm of Formless Sword, also known as the Realm of Sword Intent. Every sword technique has its own intent. Hence, to learn one is to comprehend its intent. Fei Yu, I'm sure you understand what I mean."

Wang Sheng nodded. After all, he was currently at the Realm of Sword Intent. However, he still couldn't achieve a truly formless sword due to his limited cultivation experience.

The grandmaster's sword realm classifications weren't perfectly precise, but they could certainly help him avoid unnecessary detours.

"The third realm is the Realm of Sword Momentum, an extension of the formless sword. Sword momentum is akin to the concept of unity with heaven and earth. It allows one to merge with the world even while just standing still, overwhelming opponents with sheer presence and striking their spirit without ever lifting a sword."

Sword momentum?

The first three realms didn't seem to be all about linear progression.

Sword intent could be vast and varied. The more sword techniques one mastered, the more sword intents they could grasp. There was no set limit. Although Wang Sheng had yet to master formless sword, he had already condensed the Seven-Star Sword Intent.

Sword momentum, on the other hand, was about the connection between the self, the sword, and the world. It depended on one's comprehension of the Dao of the Sword.

As if to confirm Wang Sheng's speculations, Yuan Pu Zhenren chuckled and said, "The first three realms are not bound to an unbending progression path. It is not as simple as fully mastering one and then advancing to the next. Techniques, intent, and momentum are all fundamental aspects of the Dao of the Sword."

"However, most accomplished sword cultivators first grasp the formless sword, then comprehend sword intent, and only then perceive sword momentum. That is why they are generally arranged in this order."

Wang Sheng felt a great sense of clarity. This was exactly what he had been eager to understand. The Six Realm of the Dao of the Sword—if the first three were form, intent, and momentum, what could be the latter three?

Smiling faintly, Yuan Pu Zhenren leisurely stroked his beard. Only when Wang Sheng's anticipation became evident did he finally added, "The fourth realm is called sword control."

Zhou Yinglong blurted out, "Sword-controlling technique?"

The old Daoist laughed heartily. "

Hahaha!

The sword-controlling technique is merely an extension of the Daoist art of controlling objects, but that is an entire discussion in itself. What I mean by control..."

Yuan Pu Zhenren skillfully redirected the conversation, delving into the similarities and differences between the sword-controlling technique and the Dao of the Sword.

Wang Sheng gave Zhou Yinglong a somewhat exasperated look.

Zhou Yinglong smiled sheepishly in response, pouring himself another cup of tea and sipping quietly. He had heard from his master that their forefather loved to ramble, but he had not expected it to be this extreme.

Still, at least they learned more about the sword-controlling technique.

According to Yuan Pu Zhenren, the technique was an extension of object-control techniques. It originated from Daoist sects in the Shu region and flourished around 1600 years ago. To practice it, one first had to reach the Spirit Convergence Realm, select a sword embryo, and then nurture it around the clock with spiritual consciousness.

After three to seven years, the sword embryo would transform, allowing the cultivator to refine it into a true flying sword.

A flying sword required specific seal inscriptions, sword-controlling technique mastery to control it, and a sufficiently strong spiritual consciousness to wield it effectively.

"But this is merely the process required for the early stage of the sword-controlling cultivation," Yuan Pu Zhenren explained with a smile. "If you can reach the fourth realm of the Dao of the Sword and gain the fortune to acquire the proper techniques, you will find it twice as easy. You might even grasp it instantly."

𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂

Wang Sheng chuckled. "Then, Grandmaster, please explain what the Realm of Sword Control is."

"Patience. Let me explain it properly. The Dao of the Sword's fourth realm is an advanced level of mastery, representing absolute control over the sword. Perhaps it would be easier to understand if we were to call it the unity of man and sword.

"From the moment a swordsman picks up a sword for the first time, their journey will eventually lead them to this realm. Reaching it will be much easier with primal qi available for cultivation. After all, upon stepping into the Illusory Core Realm, one's lifespan would increase dramatically.

"However, in the thousand years when primal qi had vanished, countless swordsmen naturally grew old. They ultimately took their regrets with them to the grave.

"Now, while the first four realms are closely tied to the sword itself, the final two... are far more elusive."

Wang Sheng couldn't quite understand what the grandmaster meant.

"In truth, when you one day develop your primordial spirit and become a true great cultivator, attaining the Realm of Sword Control will make all other defensive techniques unnecessary. With a sword in hand, you will be able to walk the cultivation world unchallenged."

Yuan Pu Zhenren sighed lightly before continuing, "The fifth realm is called the Realm of the Sword Heart. Even I have only recently begun to glimpse its mysteries. My cultivation is limiting me from fully stepping into the realm, but observe."

Yuan Pu Zhenren raised his left hand. White light began to gather in his palm and condense into a small, three-inch sword, though its form remained somewhat indistinct.

As it slowly rotated and ascended, a profound sword intent spread outward. At times, it was as gentle as a mountain stream. Sometimes, it was as sharp as a blade that could slice through the heavens.

Wang Sheng was utterly amazed. Before him was the sword heart that Yuan Pu Zhenren had spent countless years refining!

From a sword with form, he had stepped into the realm of the formless!

At that moment, Wang Sheng felt incredibly fortunate.

Had he not chosen the Wudang Mountains—had he not met Qing Yanzi and learned the Seven-Star Sword Formation as his first Daoist art—his path might have been completely different.

If that had been the case, Yuan Pu Zhenren would never have taken an interest in him, shared so much about cultivation, or demonstrated the concept of the formless sword.

Yuan Pu Zhenren's forehead glistened with sweat. Exhaling deeply, he gradually withdrew the sword heart.

"And that is how you put away the sword."