Eternal Swordmaster
Chapter 203 - 196 Integration Part 2

Chapter 203: Chapter 196 Integration Part 2

"The division of strength is mainly not very useful in terms of cultivation realm...." he gently flipped through the information he had compiled, whether it was opponents from the Underworld or experts on the surface, he had already become a veteran of many battles.

"What actually determines real combat should be decided by the grade of the magical artifacts, the cultivation of divine skills and martial arts, as well as the various one-time consumable items," he stated.

"Thus, how to categorize the actual levels has become an issue."

In fact, Lin Xin had always felt that the division of strength here was somewhat chaotic. Therefore, he had been working on establishing a specific level distinction.

"For instance, inner and outer disciples could be uniformly classified as Mortal Level. They could dominate among mortals."

He slowly wrote down the characters.

"For Qi Cultivators, Foundation Establishment stage, etc., beginning to make use of magical artifacts and spells, they could be uniformly classified as above ordinary, able to dominate among the regular disciples."

"Overall, it appears that the grade level of divine ability magical artifacts actually determines the combat power. Therefore, we can categorize based on this aspect."

He roughly categorized according to the grade level of magical artifacts, dividing it into five grades, from one to five, corresponding to inner disciples to Nascent Soul.

Within each grade, he meticulously divided them into three tiers: ordinary, expert, and top tier.

"Like myself, within the Qi Refinement Realm, I can be considered top tier, rarely encountering anyone who can challenge me. Whether in the Underworld or on the surface," he assessed internally.

"Just like Dugu Lin, who is also at the top tier within the Foundation Establishment stage, other cultivators at this stage appear to him as insignificant as chickens and dogs, easily defeated."

"Thus, the basis for determining the grade is based on the real combat effectiveness."

He carefully analyzed everything he currently possessed.

Red Flower Sword Intent: When wielding the Red Flower Sword, initially a single sword strike unleashed Sword Qi that broke through an opponent’s Foundation Establishment magical artifact. The power was tested several times afterward; it should be at the Third Grade level. As for which tier, perhaps at the expert level. Tentatively placed as Third Grade expert level.

Heart Eye Sword Path: As a self-created and still-perfecting sword technique, it seems somewhat at odds with the Red Flower Sword Intent, emphasizing speed and power, with ordinary requirements for precision, mostly a furious style. In hundreds of real combats, ordinary sword move level should be at Third Grade normal. With the use of Sword Technique, it can reach the expert level of Third Grade. Presently positioned at Third Grade expert level.

Yin Mantuo: It has evolved into something even Lin Xin couldn’t recognize a Man-Eating Flower Vine, with a wide area of attack, capable of extracting essence blood, suited for sustenance control, best helper in position warfare. With added attributes, when using its strongest ability, spraying venom, the power can reach the top tier of Third Grade. Positioned as Third Grade top tier.

As for myself, under normal circumstances, if I use nothing but my own physical abilities to wield a sword, and use standard sect swordsmanship, it should be at the pinnacle tier of Second Grade. After all, the enhancement from physical attributes is extremely strong. Lin Xin was confident he could reach this level even in the Qi Refinement Realm.

As for other objects like the Luminous Talisman Sword and the Solar Yang Talisman Sword, they have been phased out and not used anymore, including the Mundane Fire Formation, which Lin Xin now only uses for disguise; full power activation of fire would actually affect his speed.

Upon this detailed count, the strongest appears to be the top tier of Third Grade, Yin Mantuo.

"If not counting external equipment, my true strength is at the top tier of Third Grade, but some things must still be accounted for," he said.

He is currently wearing inner armor made from the finest materials, produced during the Golden Core stage, usually inlaid with Spirit Jade, consuming one piece every ten days, capable of withstanding one full power attack from a regular Foundation Establishment attack.

Plus, the outer garment worn, the Yen River Treasure Garment, is a rare magical artifact crafted and sacrificially refined for twenty years during the Golden Core stage recognized among the top tier of Third Grade defense treasures.

In addition, he had engraved dozens of different Fire Formations onto the Yen River Treasure Garment which greatly amplified effects, together with numerous formations he had on his body and on the standard longsword, he had yet to test out the full power of general usage in real combat.

"There are also various healing pills that can be taken without cost, as well as pills to replenish and recover Spiritual Energy."

He carefully inventoried his own secure resources, and surprisingly found a Great Thunder Pill previously acquired, embedded in a hole in his belt.

"If I’m not careful during a fight and get hit here, that would really be bad...." a cold sweat broke out on his forehead, and Lin Xin quickly removed and securely stored the Great Thunder Pill.

This item is a Third Grade one-time magical artifact from the Golden Jade Sect, limited release each year and can instantly turn a radius of several tens of meters around it to ashes when thrown. Initially obtained at an auction for a hundred Spirit Jade, he hadn’t found it afterward and hadn’t expected to have carelessly stuffed it into his belt hole...

Having organized everything, Lin Xin arranged his usual strategies; to outsiders, he was just an ordinary Innate Seventh Layer inner disciple, aside from the distinctive ability to stack miniature engravements and inscribe Third Grade magical artifacts, there wasn’t anything particularly remarkable about him.

"Therefore, in front of outsiders, I cannot use Spiritual Energy, otherwise, my blood-red Spiritual Energy would definitely reveal me, mistaking me for a practitioner on the Demon Path, which would be troublesome," he concluded.

Upon consideration, he generally used the Flameless Swordsmanship combined with the Mundane Fire Formation, which was also quite powerful. Even without using Spiritual Energy, just using Inner Qi, he could still reach the normal Second Grade level.

After concealing his abilities, the strength he then displayed was at the normal Second Grade level. And this was also achieved by stacking up with Talisman Formation Path, aligning with everyone’s perceptions.

After arranging his own positioning, he then went on to determine the positioning for others from the manor.

Lin Luo practiced the Nine Heavens and Earth Extinguishing Great Law; cultivation deepened each day, and together with a Concealment Formation Plate, when bursting forth without regard for consequences, he could probably be at the expert level of Second Grade.

Ouyang Fei seemed to be at the normal level of Second Grade. Perhaps slightly better than average within the normal range, but still not reaching the expert tier.

The other manor disciples were at First Grade.

"With such classifications, it looks much clearer now," Lin Xin was pleased as he looked over the records and analysis he had written.

Folding up the papers, he continued his daily sitting cultivation.

Since the last time he increased his cultivation, until now. It seemed that due to the Red Flower Sword’s influence, along with intermittent feedback of essence blood from Yin Mantuo, his cultivation had clearly improved significantly.

’Return to Origin Formula——Qi Refinement Realm Sixth Layer. (Completion 55%) (Damage +15, Vitality +15,), additional effects: Sword Qi, Spiritual Energy infusion.’

"From the previous 45, it has risen to 55...." Much faster compared to the beginning, he reflected with some emotion.

Lin Xin glanced at his attributes and continued to slowly circulate his Inner Qi. A piece of Spirit Jade was held in his hand, continuously emitting Spiritual Energy into his nostrils.

********************

Two days had passed when there finally was some activity in the camp.

Lin Xin was gathered up early in the morning, along with other cultivators skilled in the Formation Path.

Hua Yunu was at the front of the line, standing on a Flying Sword, signaling everyone to follow.

"We’ve found the lair where the Insect Master resides. Please be on alert at all times. If attacked, do not panic; just unite in your attack. We, the Foundation Establishment Cultivators, will protect you from the sidelines," Hua Yunu announced loudly.

He and those beside him, including Dugu Lin and Su Wan, exchanged glances. They led the team along the trunk of a giant tree toward the core of the giant tree.

"When was it found?"

Lin Xin asked quietly to a Formation Talisman Master beside him.

"Villa Master Lin doesn’t know? Last night, Brother Hua returned and discussed it with a few others," the Formation Talisman Master, who had heard much about Lin Xin and greatly admired him, said. After all, to achieve such miniaturization of formations with such low cultivation was not something ordinary people could do.

"I heard they found two giant fruits. The inside of the fruits was hollowed out, and there were obvious artificial formation patterns inside, so we gathered early this morning to head there."

"What should we do if we really encounter the Insect Master to ensure our safety?"

"How about a Concealment Array Plate?"

"Maybe it would work if it’s Third Grade Level, but an ordinary Concealment Array Plate..."

"I heard the Insect Master can control many bizarre insects. Don’t think about hiding; rather, think about how to defend yourself."

Lin Xin didn’t say a word, just quietly listened to everyone discussing.

"I wonder what opinion Villa Master Lin has?"

Someone suddenly asked him.

Lin Xin pondered for a moment.

"With all the Foundation Establishment seniors ahead and so many other seniors and sisters around to protect us, we in the center only need to provide them with enough formation support to be sufficient," he said.

"What Villa Master Lin said is highly reasonable."

"Indeed, as long as we can provide maximum support to the periphery, then we will also be safer."

Everyone agreed.

As Formation Talisman Masters, they were best at using various array plates and talisman paper; they didn’t need to engage in combat themselves. Just by using talisman paper and array plates, wasn’t that simple?

While chatting with a group of Formation Talisman Masters, Lin Xin, leading the people of the manor, followed the team. They wound their way from one large tree branch to another, quickly approaching two huge fruits that nestled together.

The black fruits, each the size of a building, hung in front of everyone and resembled gigantic pears. Their surfaces were pitch-black, with a small patch of dark red at both ends.

"This is the place."

Hua Yunu casually threw out a green Jade Slip that exploded in midair, and countless jade particles condensed into a jade bridge connecting the top of the fruit with the branch where everyone was standing.

"This Jade Bridge Talisman will last for half an hour. Everyone, be on guard. When we provoke the Insect Master’s nest, we will undoubtedly encounter various dangers," Hua Yunu declared loudly.

"Will you go or shall I?" Dugu Lin challengingly looked at Su Wan.

The latter’s expression remained unchanged, merely turning away indifferently.

"I’m just here to assist."

"Afraid, aren’t you?" Dugu Lin scoffed, then leapt onto the Jade Bridge first, cautiously walking towards the fruit.

She was dressed in a pale moon-white robe and gradually gripped the hilt of a sword. The sword was the Red Jade Sword from the manor that Lin Xin had temporarily lent her, engraved with many of the powerful Solar Yang Formations. Limited by material, it couldn’t bear more engravings, but its power was still around the Second Grade, far surpassing ordinary weapons.

She had hardly taken a few steps on the Jade Bridge when something happened.

"There are insects!"

Suddenly, someone in the crowd shouted.

"Be alert!" Hua Lin and several Foundation Establishment Stage cultivators quickly yelled.

Lin Xin also suddenly realized something was wrong as the tough bark under his feet quickly bulged, the surface revealing variously sized holes. From these holes, worm-like yellow insects emerged. As soon as these long worms came out, their tails flicked, and they charged at the nearby cultivators.

They targeted any area of exposed skin. (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to vote for recommendation tickets and monthly tickets at qidian.com. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)

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