Ling Tian Sword God
Chapter 114 - 113: Wind Shadow Step_1

Chapter 114: Chapter 113: Wind Shadow Step_1

In the blink of an eye, ten days had passed since he had been comprehending in the Spirit Martial Hall. During these ten days, Ling Chen was not idle for a single day; after stabilizing his Sword Intent realm, he devoted all his energy to his cultivation.

Using the medicinal power of the two Solid Reality Pills, Ling Chen broke through the second realm of a Martial Artist, reaching the Third Level.

Once he reached the Third Level, the True Qi in Ling Chen’s Dantian surged once more, growing substantially.

Moreover, his True Qi Virtual Pill also swelled, becoming more stable and robust.

The true value of the Solid Reality Pill lay not only in its ability to condense True Qi but also in its power to enhance the meridians. Under the tempering of a Solid Reality Pill, Ling Chen’s physique grew stronger, his meridians wider, and his explosive power more ferocious.

Solid Reality Pills are truly exceptional. Unfortunately, such elixirs are very rare, and only figures like Elder Xie Chan can produce them.

Ling Chen savored their effects, reflecting on the priceless nature of Solid Reality Pills. Even if they could be bought with Gold, they would be hard to find; otherwise, Ling Chen would have bought dozens to fully boost his cultivation realm.

However, that was just a fleeting thought. Now that his cultivation had improved, the next step was to focus on martial arts.

The most refined sword techniques Ling Chen had previously practiced were the Thirteen God’s Gate Swords and the Da Feng Sword Song, but both were merely Earth-level Sword Techniques. Currently, he was primarily cultivating the King-level Sword Technique, Dragon Seeking Sword. However, this technique was incredibly difficult. Ling Chen had reached the fifth style, White Dragon Breath, but found it very hard to progress further.

Even though Ling Chen was a swordsman, he couldn’t neglect other forms of martial arts. He needed to broaden his skills by learning one or two auxiliary techniques to complement his swordsmanship.

These included External Kung Fu methods like Golden Bell Cover Iron Cloth, Light Skills such as Tread Snow Without a Trace and Ladder Cloud Leap, or supportive martial arts like the Grasping Hand and Flower Plucking Finger.

Having more skills was no burden; moreover, all these martial arts techniques had significant uses.

Ling Chen recalled his father, Ling Tianyu, once teaching him a Heaven-level Light Skill called "Wind Shadow Step." However, after his meridians were crippled, he had neglected this skill. Now was the time to cultivate it anew.

Cultivating a Light Skill, particularly a Heaven-level one, required considerable effort. Achieving even minor success would typically demand one or two years of painstaking practice. However, Ling Chen had previously cultivated it to a certain degree, and with his now formidable Mental Power, his learning speed for martial arts had significantly increased.

Ling Chen estimated he would only need three to four months to reach Great Accomplishment in this Light Skill.

Once he achieved minor success, his movement speed would greatly increase, allowing him to move like a wind-borne shadow.

The Wind Shadow Step comprised nine realms. Each mastered realm added two steps to one’s movement. The first nine steps each covered 20 meters, while the latter nine could each span 30 meters.

In other words, executing a full sequence of the steps allowed one to cover nearly a mile in an instant.

Whether for combat or escape, this footwork was extremely practical.

Beyond sheer speed, what made the Wind Shadow Step truly potent were its nine variations, which left opponents no time to react.

During close-quarters combat, employing these nine step variations could catch an enemy off guard. They would only see one’s shadow, unable to land a touch.

Initially, Ling Chen could only clumsily alter the rhythm of his strides. Gradually, however, he became capable of executing several variations.

Another half-month passed. As time went on, Ling Chen’s proficiency in the Wind Shadow Step progressed by leaps and bounds.

In the Wuchen Courtyard, Ling Chen’s body moved as lightly as a feather. He moved faster and faster until his legs seemed to become phantoms, leaving more than ten afterimages on the ground.

WHOOSH!

Ling Chen suddenly shot into the air, swift as wind and lightning, soaring over the courtyard wall in a single leap.

「At the Martial Arts Plaza.」

Xiahou Lin and Li Liuxing were practicing their martial arts when a blurred figure suddenly shot past them, stirring up a gust of wind.

"That’s Ling Chen! What kind of Light Skill is he practicing? It’s so peculiar!"

Recognizing the figure, Xiahou Lin was visibly surprised. Ling Chen’s Light Skill looked strange, yet it was undeniably powerful—far surpassing renowned techniques like Ladder Cloud Leap and Tread Snow Without a Trace.

"That guy is a maniac. Despite his superb talent, he cultivates harder than anyone. We have to step up our game; otherwise, it’ll be tough to keep up with him," Li Liuxing murmured, his eyes narrowing, a flicker of fighting spirit in their depths.

He withdrew his gaze from Ling Chen and refocused entirely on his own swordsmanship.

Xiahou Lin felt somewhat helpless. Yet, what could he do, being born in the same generation as cultivation maniacs like Ling Chen and Li Liuxing? If he didn’t push himself harder, he’d likely be left far behind by those two.

By then, Ling Chen had already crossed the plaza. He headed towards the Spirit Martial Hall, intending to visit Ling Yin.

Now that his Light Skill had greatly improved, traversing the entire Divine Intent Sect wouldn’t take him long.

...

In the nearly month Ling Chen had been cultivating, great upheavals had occurred throughout the Five Kingdoms.

These upheavals had a massive impact on the prevailing political landscape of the Five Kingdoms.

War erupted between the Earth Country and the Fire Country. In just one short month, more than half of the Fire Country’s territory was conquered. The conflict only ceased when the Sky Void Palace and the Myriad Dao Sect dispatched troops, terminating the war.

As a result, however, the Fire Country lost more than half its territory. Its national power was severely diminished, and it began to show signs of decline.

The current political alignment of the Five Kingdoms was as follows: the Sky Void Palace controlled the Aqua Country, the Myriad Dao Sect led the Thunder Country, the Divine Intent Sect primarily supported the Wind Country, and the Demonic Sect’s influence dominated the Earth Country.

The Fire Country, by comparison, was a relatively independent and neutral state, a melting pot of various factions, both righteous and demonic. Conflicts frequently erupted there.

However, a war on such a large scale was unprecedented.

In the past, the Earth Country had often bullied the Fire Country, forcing it to cede territory after defeats, pay tribute, and even swear allegiance. Despite all this, the current war could not be averted.

「Divine Intent Sect, Council Hall.」

The upper echelons of the Divine Intent Sect were gathered, with Vice-Head Ye Nantian seated in the main position.

Sect Leader Shentu Yan had been in seclusion for many years, his whereabouts difficult to ascertain. Aside from a single appearance to appoint his successor, he had not shown himself since. Consequently, Ye Nantian handled the current affairs of the Divine Intent Sect.

Of course, while Ye Nantian was the Vice-Head, the decisions of the Elderly Meeting held decisive weight. Even he could not exercise sole control over the Divine Intent Sect.

"Everyone, I trust you are all aware of the news from the Fire Country. Ever since the Saint Witch Religion’s attack, the forces of the Demon Way have begun to expand aggressively. The Saint Witch Religion Master, Sikong Yi, has been acting with outrageous impunity, first exterminating the Fire Blade Sect and now annexing more than half of the Fire Country. I fear our Divine Intent Sect may also become their target."

Ye Nantian surveyed the assembly, his voice tinged with concern.

"There’s no need for excessive worry," a voice responded from the Elder’s section. It was the Purple-robed Elder, Bai Kui. "After all, the Sky Void Palace and the Myriad Dao Sect are currently vying for leadership of the Righteous Path. They are the Demonic Sect’s primary targets. We should remain relatively safe for now."

"Elder Bai is correct," another Elder, robed in gold, stood up. He was seated at the foremost right position, indicating his high status; this was Shangguan Hong, the Chief Great Elder of the Divine Intent Sect. "Our Divine Intent Sect is currently neither a colossal power like the Sky Void Palace or the Myriad Dao Sect, nor a second-rate sect like the Fire Blade Sect. While this position is somewhat awkward, it is, relatively speaking, safe."

"Great Elder, what is your counsel?" Ye Nantian asked immediately, his eyes brightening.

"Strengthen our defenses and focus on development," the Great Elder stated, looking at the others before continuing, "The highest priority is to enhance the strength of our True Disciples. These dozens of True Disciples are the hope for our Divine Intent Sect’s resurgence."

"Indeed," the other Elders nodded in agreement.

"Then, what specific measures should be taken?" an Elder inquired. Everyone understood the principle, but they sought concrete methods.

"I propose we advance this year’s trial for the True Disciples," the Great Elder said after a moment of contemplation. "Increase its difficulty, enhance the rewards, and change the trial location to... Black Wind Ridge."

"Black Wind Ridge?" Several Elders exclaimed, their expressions shocked. "That place is exceedingly dangerous! It’s said to be frequented by Third Grade Exotic Beasts. Shouldn’t we deliberate further before choosing such a perilous location for the trial?"

"If a place holds no danger, can it even be called a trial? We might as well call it an excursion!" the Great Elder scoffed. "My idea is that as long as we dispatch a few powerful Elders to guard against the appearance of Third Grade Exotic Beasts, it should be manageable. If any of you have better suggestions, feel free to voice them."

With that, the Great Elder stepped back and resumed his seat.

Hearing this, the others hesitated. Indeed, they couldn’t immediately conceive of better countermeasures. Moreover, if they wished to rapidly enhance the strength of the True Disciples, danger was a necessary catalyst. Only thus could their potential be stimulated and progress achieved.

The strong are always forged in crucibles of blood and fire.

Observing the expressions of all the high-ranking members, Ye Nantian stood up after a moment. "Since no one has a better proposal, we shall proceed with the Great Elder’s suggestion. The trial will commence in ten days, at Black Wind Ridge."

"This matter is of great importance. The Great Elder will personally lead the team. Additionally, Elder Bai Kui and Elder Shen"—Ye Nantian looked at the Great Elder, Bai Kui, and the others—"you two Purple-robed Elders will accompany them. You must ensure the safety of our disciples!" he declared firmly.

"Understood." The Great Elder and the others bowed in acknowledgment.

"You must all keep the details of this trial confidential. The operation should not be publicized, to avoid attracting the attention of Demonic Path Followers."

True Disciples are the core strength of the Divine Intent Sect. If they were to be wiped out, it would be a fatal blow—a catastrophe potentially more severe than the previous upheaval.