Chapter 357: Multiple Gains

"Cultivate two sword codices simultaneously?" Wu Yuan's eyes widened in surprise.

A single sword codex was already immensely profound. To attempt two at once? The difficulty would increase exponentially!

"There are some things you may not understand now, but as your strength grows, clarity will come," Earth Immortal Qing Feng reassured him. "While lifebound flying swords possess formidable power, consider this: which is mightier, a handful of lifebound flying swords or millions of ordinary flying swords?"

"It’s naturally the millions of ordinary flying swords," Wu Yuan said without hesitation.

When amassed in sufficient numbers, the resulting sword array was truly fearsome. Even if nine lifebound flying swords were assembled into a sword array, it wouldn’t be able to withstand one created by such a massive number of ordinary flying swords.

"Exactly," Earth Immortal Qing Feng nodded. "The function of the lifebound flying sword lies not only in its individual power, but also in its role as the core around which a sword array is assembled."

"Assembling a sword array?" Wu Yuan mused thoughtfully.

"Through eons of experimentation and research, sword cultivators have found that the most stable configuration for a sword array is often three lifebound flying swords," Earth Immortal Qing Feng explained. "Just as a triangle maintains balance, a trio of lifebound flying swords can create a secure foundation for a sword array."

"The 'Dark Earth Sword Array' you cultivate, for example, follows the three by three sword array methodology, embodying the principle in nine swords," he continued.

"When nine lifebound flying swords assemble in a single sword array, the resulting power surpasses that of an array based on three lifebound flying swords, but it can introduce vulnerabilities in attack and defense," Earth Immortal Qing Feng explained.

Wu Yuan nodded in agreement.

Indeed, he had experienced firsthand the drawbacks of the Dark Earth Sword Array in battle. When facing an opponent, the absence of lifebound flying swords by his side for defense left him dangerously exposed.

If the enemy was weaker, it wasn’t too big an issue as he could protect himself with ordinary flying swords or artifacts. But if the enemy was powerful enough? They could exploit this weakness!

"Thus, powerful sword cultivators believe that one must possess at least three lifebound flying swords in order to be considered a true sword cultivator," Earth Immortal Qing Feng remarked.

"Meanwhile, those who possess six lifebound flying swords and cultivate dual sword codices—one offensive and one defensive—can be considered to have reached the threshold of a sword genius."

"To reach the Archimmortal phase as a sword cultivator, one typically requires six lifebound flying swords to weather the Tribulation," he added.

"You possess nine lifebound flying swords," Earth Immortal Qing Feng said with a hint of admiration. "This represents the pinnacle of sword cultivation aptitude, and means that you are capable of forming three stable sword arrays, each focused on either offense or defense, with flawless precision."

"There may be ways to upgrade your immortal root. But increasing the number of lifebound flying swords? Anything that is lifebound must be established at the same time as one’s immortal root.”

"To cultivate them after one's immortal root is established is a task tenfold or hundredfold more difficult than upgrading the immortal root itself."

Qing Feng looked at Wu Yuan with a glint of anticipation in his eyes.

One had to understand that Qing Feng was an Earth Immortal with immense power and status. Though he was well acquainted with Zhuo Haiyue, this did not mean he had to follow Zhuo Haiyue's commands.

Previously, endorsing Wu Yuan had been a simple favor. As for why he was specifically giving Wu Yuan advice now? Apart from Zhuo Haiyue’s request, it was because Qing Feng saw great potential in Wu Yuan.

"I see now," Wu Yuan remarked, his eyes brightening.

In the past, he had been like a blind man trying to identify an elephant by touch alone. [1] Despite studying the initial segment of the Dark Earth Sword Codex, which covered sword arts, arrays, and essentia teachings, the level of insights they touched on was relatively shallow.

Although he had read numerous scriptures, most of them contained only common knowledge. Though his nine lifebound flying swords were undeniably powerful, Wu Yuan always felt that there wasn’t a qualitative difference between them and a large number of ordinary flying swords.

So it turned out that the secret lay there.

"Even with a strong soul, it would be exceedingly challenging to control a Thousand Swords Array made entirely out of ordinary flying swords, wouldn't it?" Earth Immortal Qing Feng chuckled.

Wu Yuan could not help but nod in agreement.

It was akin to how he struggled to control a Thousand Swords Array when battling the level 40 guardian of the one-star tower. Placing lifebound flying swords at the core of the array would make it much easier to control, as one’s thoughts were in sync with their lifebound flying swords.

"With your soul, you should be able to separate the nine lifebound flying swords and form three Thousand Swords Arrays. Each array might be weaker than a single Thousand Swords Array with nine lifebound flying swords at the core. But when the three Thousand Swords Arrays are wielded in concert, your overall power will be enhanced and you will gain far greater flexibility in combat."

Wu Yuan now comprehended the proper usage of lifebound flying swords.

"Thank you for your guidance, Elder," Wu Yuan expressed his gratitude sincerely.

Just a few words from the Earth Immortal had set him on the right path.

"I neither contemplate the Earth Dao nor specialize in sword cultivation, so I can only offer some pointers but not direct guidance," Earth Immortal Qing Feng stated with a smile.

"If you wish to emerge victorious in your first Dragon Star Tournament, then besides contemplating the profundities of the Dao, you must also strive to increase your essentia and mana. Most hereditary disciples have already reached the ninth-stage Golden Core phase."

"Additionally, you should endeavor to upgrade your lifebound flying swords and procure more powerful artifacts," Earth Immortal Qing Feng advised.

Wu Yuan listened attentively.

The Dragon Star Tournament was a real-world competition, and as long as external means like puppets and ethercrystal weapons were not utilized, the sect would not intervene.

Hence, mana and artifacts held great importance. A sword cultivator required a staggering quantity of flying swords to form multiple arrays. This necessitated a substantial amount of ethercrystal!

“It is thanks to fate that our paths crossed. I cannot offer you much. The most I can grant is one million catties of ethercrystal and ten million dragon crystals." Earth Immortal Qing Feng said with a smile.

Wu Yuan’s jaw dropped. This was ‘not much’?

Immediately, he opened his mouth to protest.

"Li Xia, this is just a small token from me to you as a senior. The direct disciples of Earth Immortals are granted far more substantial gifts," Earth Immortal Qing Feng intoned with a genial smile. "Just accept it."

At that moment, the realm spirit of the Dragon Star Immortal Realm informed Wu Yuan that ten million dragon crystals and one million catties of ethercrystal had been deposited to his account.

"Remember, visit the nine treasure lands, select one that resonates with you, and contemplate it seriously. Then, choose two powerful sword codices—one offensive, one defensive," Earth Immortal Qing Feng advised. "As for the ethercrystal, utilize them to purchase artifacts, cultivate mana, and the like."

"I look forward to you astounding everyone at the upcoming Dragon Star Tournament," Earth Immortal Qing Feng remarked as he rose from his seat. "I shall take my leave now."

Before Wu Yuan could voice any objections, Earth Immortal Qing Feng took a single step and vanished, leaving no trace behind in the hall or even in Wu Yuan's senses.

Clearly, Earth Immortal Qing Feng had departed from Wu Yuan's world residence.

This Earth Immortal Qing Feng is treating me a little too well.

Wu Yuan mused to himself.

He understood well that the sect had its rules and did not freely dole out treasures to disciples. Regular disciples had to undergo various trial assignments to amass dragon crystals.

But when it came to the disciples of immortals, how could the sect's regulations stand in the way when the immortals themselves were inclined to bestow gifts?

However, even after numerous generations, few hereditary disciples managed to catch the eye of the immortals.

Logically speaking, even if Earth Immortal Qing Feng saw potential in me, this level of generosity seems excessive.

Wu Yuan furrowed his brow, sensing a discordance in the situation.

Suddenly, a name popped into Wu Yuan's mind—Zhuo Haiyue!

Is it her?

Wu Yuan pondered silently.

Accepting this gift now was equivalent to creating a karmic thread.

What was karma? It did not hinge on explicit promises, but rather on the cultivator's internal convictions.

Take for example a devil who believes that causing harm is the right thing to do. It never entertains the idea of repaying kindness regardless of the goodwill received. It can make a bunch of promises without any intention of fulfilling them, remaining indifferent to it all.

Wu Yuan contemplated.

Its cultivation will remain unaffected, perhaps even enhanced, as this devil is fortifying its Dao Heart. It might appear that a web of karmic threads is tying it down, yet in reality it is bolstering its strength.

If one adheres to the principle of reciprocating kindness, then failing to do so upon receiving benevolence will lead to self-doubt, disrupt one’s Dao Heart, and consequently impede cultivation.

Wu Yuan sighed inwardly.

Karma and Dao Heart all stem from a single thought.

It arises with a thought, and is extinguished with a thought. [2]

The heart of the strong is one that combines knowledge and action. Kindness should be repaid, vengeance exacted tenfold. This is my Dao Heart, and it must be diligently upheld.

If this is indeed Zhuo Haiyue's doing, then if there’s an opportunity to repay this kindness in the future, I will seize it.

Wu Yuan felt a sense of tranquility within.

It was not an obligation imposed upon him, as it was true that he sorely needed the ten million dragon crystals for his cultivation.

Wu Yuan was not a rigid person. Furthermore, this gift had come from Earth Immortal Qing Feng; Wu Yuan merely speculated on its origins. It wasn’t easy to decline such a gift.

Wu Yuan thought it through.

Even if I choose to repay this kindness and return the favor in the future, it does not mean I must jeopardize my life for it. Should it demand such a sacrifice down the line, I will make sure to keep my distance from her.

The gifts from Zhuo Haiyue did not warrant risking his life.

I, Wu Yuan, act with a clear conscience!

...

Why did her Highness Haiyue insist on sending it through me instead of giving it to Wu Yuan herself? And she even instructed me not to tell Wu Yuan.

Earth Immortal Qing Feng’s thoughts swirled as he soared through the sky towards the distant Dragon Star.

“Qing Feng!” Suddenly, a cold voice echoed in his mind.

“Abbot.” Qing Feng shivered and bowed in respect. A trace of unease crept into his heart.

"Li Xia has great potential and is a sword prodigy that our sect rarely sees once in 10,000 years. The sect has its own training plan for him, do not interfere anymore," the cold voice warned.

"Also, do not get too close to Zhuo Haiyue. Although she is a disciple of an Astral Monarch, she is ambitious and has a deep enmity with the Fang Family. She might stir up a huge storm in the future."

"Our Dragon Star Immortal Sect fears no faction on the Immortal Continent, but we do not need to get involved in these disputes," the voice continued. "Although Li Xia joined our sect because of Zhuo Haiyue, he is a disciple of our sect, not a servant of Zhuo Haiyue.”

"Keep in mind – you are an elder of our sect before all else," the icy voice was laced with warning.

Earth Immortal Qing Feng broke out in cold sweat.

"Disciple acknowledges my error," Qing Feng hastily replied.

"I believe you should know what must be done," the cold voice continued. "I hope that this will not occur again."

"Understood," Earth Immortal Qing Feng replied respectfully, his heart pounding in his chest.

With that, the cold voice vanished. Earth Immortal Qing Feng felt the suffocating tension in his spirit ease as the abbot's Soul Force withdrew.

Both of us are addressed as ‘immortal’, but the Tribulation phase...

Qing Feng shook his head.

As an Earth Immortal, he held a high status within the sect. However, he knew that the Tribulation High Immortals, led by Sword Immortal Dong Yang and the abbot, were the ones who truly held the power. It was precisely because of their existence that the Dragon Star Immortal Sect could flourish for countless ages!

It seems that Li Xia has indeed caught their attention.

Earth Immortal Qing Feng realized.

He vaguely understood the reason for it. One had to remember that there was only one Tribulation Sword Immortal within the Dragon Star Immortal Sect.

I must inform Her Highness Haiyue.

His brows furrowed. He dared not defy the abbot's wishes.

From the moment he joined the sect, the abbot had been its leader. Even as he rose to prominence in the Redmoon Immortal Continent, becoming a Divided Soul Earth Immortal, the abbot’s position had never changed.

...

Within a super mansion in Starsword City, in the stronghold of the Redmoon Immortal Army.

Emerging from seclusion, Zhuo Haiyue inquired, "He rejected it?"

"Yes,” Old Yu, clad in black robes, confirmed. “Earth Immortal Qing Feng relayed that the sect's highest echelons have given orders. They have their own plans for nurturing Li Xia and do not wish for any further interference."

"He even returned all 100 million catties of ethercrystal," Old Yu added.

"The Dragon Star Immortal Sect indeed lives up to its reputation. Their means are impressive," Zhuo Haiyue mused, shaking her head. "In that case, we shall refrain from further involvement. For now, let’s await Li Xia's growth."

Old Yu nodded slightly. He understood that Zhuo Haiyue, despite her impressive background, was still feeble in terms of personal strength. She was far from the level of the Dragon Star Immortal Sect.

...

Meanwhile, Wu Yuan remained unaware of the machinations behind the scenes.

All he received was a message from the realm spirit of the Redmoon Immortal Realm.

The ethercrystal, dragon crystals, and guidance from Earth Immortal Qing Feng all represent the will of the sect, and their wish for me to mature swiftly?

Wu Yuan pondered as he read the news.

This support comes directly from the sect, and is unrelated to Zhuo Haiyue? That's good, the debt of gratitude is the hardest one to repay.

Regardless, as long as no one expected him to return the ethercrystal and dragon crystals, it was all good.

Let’s have a look around the nine treasure lands of the sect.

Wu Yuan decided, following Earth Immortal Qing Feng’s advice.

After sending a message to Lu Zhu, he made his way to the small teleportation array within his world residence.

Due to the immense size of the headquarters, it established numerous small teleportation arrays to facilitate transport and communication. The array in Wu Yuan’s residence could transport him directly to any of the nine treasure lands.

First stop: The Immortal Ruins Mountain.

1. Used to describe a situation in which people have a limited understanding of something because they are only able to perceive it from their own perspective. In the story, a group of blind people are asked to describe an elephant. Each person touches a different part of the elephant and comes up with a different description. The person who touches the trunk says the elephant is like a snake. The person who touches the leg says the elephant is like a tree. The person who touches the ear says the elephant is like a fan. And so on. ☜

2. Passage from ‘Treatise on the Response of the Jade Emperor’. “Arises with a thought” means that a single thought can give rise to a karmic connection. Karma is the law of cause and effect. When we have a thought, we create a karmic connection with the object of that thought.

“Extinguished with a thought” means that if we then have another thought that contradicts the first thought, we can extinguish the karmic connection. ☜