Dao Equaling the Heavens
Chapter 136 - 111: Opening of the Sword Pond at Heavenly Spring Mountain_2

Chapter 136: Chapter 111: Opening of the Sword Pond at Heavenly Spring Mountain_2

Indeed, it had its difficulties, it seemed he had no way to cultivate the Broken Sword Skill.

Gu Wen realized this and felt quite regretful, as there was no sword technique in the world better than the True Sword Dao.

Even if there was, it would be impossible for him to spend a great effort to learn it, only to break it down into nutrients. It would be better to honestly cultivate his Dao foundation.

Suddenly, he noticed a problem and said, "So Xiao Yunyi’s Sword Dao has already surpassed the Buddha, Tao, and Demon Sword?"

"It only surpassed the first six levels. He broke the first six levels of the Buddha, Tao, and Demon Sword, which allowed him to reach the realm of the Three Level Heavens. Moreover, he was originally the number one of his generation, but was delayed by losing his way in the madness of his pursuit."

Yu Hua corrected, and as Gu Wen gradually pieced together the cause and effect, he also understood why Xiao Yunyi could reach the Three Level Heavens.

It wasn’t because of cheating or doping, but rather because he had already accumulated enough to take this step.

"Looking at it this way, the outcome at Heavenly Spring Mountain is still uncertain. Xiao Yunyi might be able to take the lead, overpower everyone, and return to the pinnacle."

Gu Wen stroked his chin, suddenly feeling there was something worth watching. The once beaten and kicked Xiao Yunyi, the Dragon King, was making a comeback.

And naturally, he had no interest in mixing into the battle, as from the start, he was only responsible for taking Yu Hua up there.

Now with his Fourth Level Dao foundation, other people were starting at a Sixth Level Dao foundation—he felt like a monster in a fight, punching True Monarchs and kicking geniuses.

"Regardless, he is no longer your equal, just a loser. With the Sword Dao, once the True Sword Dao is revealed, no one can rival it."

Yu Hua’s tongue was as sharp as ever when it came to others, and her judgment was rarely wrong.

Xiao Yunyi himself thought the same, except he believed in the True Sword Dao, while she believed in Gu Wen.

"Go and cultivate for now, in three days Heavenly Spring Mountain will open. Perhaps you can witness the grace of the Immortal Sword."

Even Yu Hua was looking forward to it; after all, it was an Immortal Sword rarely seen in tens of millions of years.

Gu Wen, stroking his chin, wondered how much Heavenly Marrow he could save by just seeing the Immortal Sword.

Since it was an existence that could be considered an Immortal with a single sword, might there be a significant advancement in swordsmanship even with just one glance?

-----------------

At midnight, Gu Wen entered meditation to cultivate.

It wasn’t clear if Xiao Yunyi was genuinely aloof or crazed by his obsession with swordsmanship; his teaching to Gu Wen had never been reserved. One could tell from the reduced need for Heavenly Marrow for the sword techniques that if there had been any reservation, the reduction would not have been that significant.

This was because when Gu Wen had previously tricked others, many could only be milked for one year’s worth of Heavenly Marrow, and if asked for more, they would beat around the bush with excuses.

On the contrary, Xiao Yunyi, Lan Yongning, Chi Yu Zi, Jun Yan, and other top talents had no reservations, believing not being afraid of others learning and surpassing them. If it was that easy to surpass them, they would not be called the strongest of their generation.

For example, Chi Yu Zi’s Sword Control skill, Lan Yongning’s transformation of writing into a sword, and Jun Yan’s ability to turn Sword Qi into myriad forms.

What Gu Wen learned was only by analogy, having never thought of sneakily stealing their secrets. He sought advice for the sake of learning from the best, ultimately paving an invincible path of his own.

He examined the Buddha, Tao, and Demon Swords, as well as the Heavenly Marrow.

[Heavenly Marrow for ninety years]

Buddha Sword needed twenty-five years, Demon Sword needed ten years, and the Yuqing Sword dharma needed forty years.

Altogether, that was completely sufficient to cultivate the True Sword Dao to the Third Level as well as the Yuqing Sword Dharma, and it was highly likely some decades of Heavenly Marrow would be left over. Next month, Gu Wen could also save up some ’friend fees’ from the Divine Tree and cultivate his Primordial Spirit.

Fourth Level fulfilled, True Sword Dao, making Top Five on the ranking shouldn’t be a problem.

He felt that to go any higher would require a Sixth Level Dao foundation. People like Chi Yu Zi were not lacking, many aspects of them were much stronger than himself, and they also had the Immortal Skills.

"True Sword Dao, in three days let’s test the sword cry."

First was the Demon Sword, the pinnacle of condensation, the utmost of Sword Dao.

Ten years of Heavenly Marrow fell, and the darkness of the Demon Sword’s dharma visibly grew stronger, the Sword Intent of the Demon Sword emerged.

Twenty-five years of Heavenly Marrow fell, the brilliance of the Buddha light unfurled, and the Buddha Sword’s Sword Intent emerged, mixed with faint chanting sounds.

[Demon Sword Third Level, Sword Intent emerges]

[Buddha Sword Third Level, Sword Intent emerges]

The Buddha, Tao, and Demon Swords converged once again, pushing the True Sword Dao to another level.

Hum!

The dark, becoming bright Sword Qi swirled open, the formless and Wuxiang Sword slightly strengthened.

Stream after stream of information descended; Gu Wen seemed to see the countless sword techniques of the world. At this moment, he thought he could create a sword technique comparable to the Xuanming Spear at any time, capable of establishing the pinnacle of the Foundation Establishment with just a thought.

Sensing above, for Golden Core and Nascent Soul, it would just take some time.

However, all of these were merely scraps cut from the essence of the True Sword Dao, dissecting an already perfect sword technique. Common sense dictated that a cultivation technique one created oneself should certainly be superior to that of others, yet with the True Sword Dao, all other sword techniques were incomplete.

[True Sword Dao Third Level]

As before, the True Sword Dao had no specific changes or detailed moves.

It was merely a very plain and unadorned fifteenfold increase in power, while the energy consumed was twice that of the previous tenfold period, meaning he could now only swing his sword twice with his current mana.

It seemed to offset the reduction in energy consumption from the previous level, but Gu Wen felt this was undoubtedly a gain. Because there had never been a magic skill that could achieve a simple multiplication in terms of numbers.

Even the heart sword, sword intent, and sword spirit of the Yuqing Sword Skill only changed the mode of attack, making the sword qi more solid and giving the sword techniques an air of divinity. But from start to finish, they never quantified the increase in power; in the end, it all depended on one’s own level.

A Qi Cultivation Stage wielding a dharma form could not compare to the casually emitted sword qi of a Golden Core Stage. The True Sword Dao also depended on one’s foundation, but a Qi Cultivation Stage’s True Sword Dao could kill someone at the Golden Core Stage.

And in reality, such a vast difference in magical combat rarely existed. Among those of the same level, possessing the True Sword Dao meant being invincible. No matter how many thousands of sword techniques you have, you cannot overcome the essence of the Sword Dao.

This was a source of despair for sword cultivators who diligently practiced their swordsmanship, which is why there had always been sword maniacs at Broken Sword Mountain generation after generation.

Gu Wen shifted his gaze from the True Sword Dao to the Yuqing Sword Skill.

[Yuqing Sword Dharma Form, inspired by the True Sword Dao, requires thirty years of Heavenly Marrow less, needs ten years of Heavenly Marrow]

He had spent this time seeking guidance without caring for his pride, all for the sake of this Sword Dao Dharma. Perhaps its effect on the current time was no longer significant. But some things have a meaning greater than their function, and not every action needs to be utilitarian.

Although born into a family of merchants, versed in commerce and profit, Gu Wen never lived by utilitarianism alone. Moving amidst the glitz and glamour of Dragon Bridge, he never indulged, and having seen much deception, he did not believe the world was wholly wicked.

Therefore, he pursued some extraordinary things, for a scholar would die for those who appreciate him.

Jiang Fugui trusted him, and thus he could live in peace in Nanshui. Gu Wen would also surely grant him a life of glory and wealth.

Yu Hua trusted him, and so Gu Wen left Bianjing, striving to become unmatched among his peers, the epitome of talent.

Today, the Daoist Sect trusted him, and Gu Wen would not disappoint the celestial treatment they demanded.

"But it is just the ringing of ten thousand swords, the Sword Dao Dharma Form."

Gu Wen calmed his mind and heart, completely immersing himself in the Jade Sword.

Not all cultivation techniques relied on Heavenly Marrow; the True Sword Dao was not merely an enhancement of power.

Killing and destruction were just the surface; it was more about the Dao, about the Sword Dao.

Once, when he first saw the Yuqing Sword Skill as clear as the sky in broad daylight, he, a mere mortal, could not conceal his joy at obtaining an Immortal’s sword technique.

Now, the Yuqing Sword Dharma Form before him was like specks of dust under the vault of heaven, glimpsing the grand sun.

With each breath, the Dharma Form began to appear.

Between the black and white of Luodu, the Dharma Form solidified.

Two days and two nights passed, and the prodigies of the city had already left for Broken Sword Mountain. Yu Hua was leisurely flipping through a book, while the old donkey at his side was somewhat anxious, casting glances outside now and then.

He was like the parents of a student rushing to take the imperial exam, forever worried.

Now that the agreed upon time to gather had come, the sun would rise tomorrow, and the gate of Heavenly Spring Mountain would open. At such a moment, with Gu Wen still not finished with his cultivation, how could people not worry?

Right until nightfall, there was still no movement next door. Ao Tang was getting impatient, saying, "Shouldn’t we go over and check the situation?"

"No need."

"But the Sword Pond will open in three hours."

"Mmm."

Mmm what!? What if someone takes the Immortality Pill ahead of time?

Ao Tang was very anxious, but he was no longer the one calling the shots; all actions depended on the young master before him.

Thud, thud, thud!

The door was knocked, and then Gu Wen entered, with Yu Hua just putting down his book.

"It’s time."

"Let’s go."

Rain began to fall from the sky, and on the streets, citizens were already getting up and preparing their shops for the day’s business.

Gu Wen and Yu Hua walked on the street, with the rain automatically avoiding them, an unseen Yuqing Sword Dharma looming over them, invisible to the ordinary eye.

A hundred miles away, Xiao Yunyi and a group of prodigies looked up almost simultaneously, nearly all showing expressions of surprise.

Someone puzzled, "Since when did the Taoist sect produce a Taoist Sword?"