Starry Sky Professional

"Sigh... I don't want trouble, so why does it always find me?"

In the world of cultivation, by the Drunken Moon Pool.

Fang Xing leaned against the railing, casually tossing fish food, with a hint of lament.

"Now that Wei Shentong has set his sights on me, it won't be more than two years before I have to intern... It's almost certain I'll be sent to the secret battlefield. Although the treatment is slightly better than that of soldiers, it's still very dangerous."

"I must quickly improve my strength!"

"In the secret realm, it's all about low-level, high-explosion... Such cultivators have the highest survival rate. If one possesses power far beyond their current level, it's almost like walking on flat ground, without much danger."

The secret realms reject technological weapons and have realm suppression.

Martial artists entering will only encounter enemies of the same tier, or at most, one tier higher.

If one can wield power far beyond their tier, they naturally ensure their safety.

"Thinking about it this way... Gu Jiantong has always suppressed his own level and hasn't broken through to the Outer Realm. Apart from consolidating his state and creating his own martial techniques, maybe he's also considering this. Truly a clever little fellow... or perhaps his family or a major power tipped him off?"

"Right, after all, coming from one of the three major educational planets, with such strong backing, he wouldn't face coercion from Wei Shentong."

"In truth, encountering these factions early can be an opportunity for some students... These major powers often have many good things, like the 'Cosmic Yin-Yang Qi,' and other rare items that enhance the foundation of the golden core... Without these, relying on one's own martial efforts, one might reach at most a seven-turn Vajra Realm..."

"Actually, even a seven-turn Vajra isn't bad; there's a high chance of breaking through to Martial Sage, and advancing to Martial God isn't entirely out of the question..."

Though the treasury has Cosmic Yin-Yang Qi, the exchange price is high, very high!

Even for the average genius, it's enough to induce despair.

If joining a major power grants it for free, surely many would choose that path.

"But that's different with Wei Shentong, only speaking of responsibilities, not benefits; it's outright bullying a novice like me..."

In truth, Wei Shentong merely sought to recruit talented individuals for his faction at minimal cost.

Benefits and such, he would discuss after signing a service contract.

It was this attitude that greatly displeased Fang Xing, leading to a breakdown in negotiations.

"Currently, I can't break through to the Golden Core Realm in the short term. The matter of the Solar True Power is important, but not the top priority..."

"The top priority should be elixirs like the Bodhi Sap that can promote the advancement of Mighty Vajra Prana!"

If I enter the battlefield with a Golden Core Realm, I'll inevitably be placed in even more dangerous secret realms!

It's far less cost-effective than mastering the Dragon Elephant Vajra Unbreakable Technique!

Now, Fang Xing's Dragon Elephant skill has long reached the master level; as long as the Mighty Vajra Prana is similarly advanced, achieving the Dragon Elephant Vajra Unbreakable Technique will be as natural as flowing water.

"Once the Mighty Vajra Prana advances to the master level, the effect of Bodhi Sap significantly declines..."

"Perhaps... I need a higher-level body-strengthening elixir, maybe even... a third-tier one?"

"Still no results from Zheng Qian's side, as expected, Purple Orchid Immortal City is still too low-level?"

With this thought, Fang Xing flicked his 'Wind Snow Sword' lightly in hand.

Amidst the sound of the sword's cry, he soared into the sky!

A Foundation Establishment cultivator can fly with their own body, though long journeys greatly tax their mana, necessitating the use of spiritual tools.

At this moment, he barely managed to fly with his sword, simultaneously attempting to merge with it.

‘The Snow Wind Sword is ultimately not a specialized flying artifact...’

‘And the path of the sword cultivator is even more challenging... Even though I’ve gathered a few books on sword cultivation from the market, the most of them are only first or second rank.’

Sword cultivators!

They are a category among cultivators, renowned for their astounding combat power.

It is said that at their peak, they can ‘break all laws with a single strike’!

Not every cultivator who wields a flying sword can be called a sword cultivator.

“The foundation of sword cultivation lies in forging one’s life-bonded sword... Once it is achieved, your life is intertwined with the sword, and whether in cultivating sword energy or battling in duels, you progress rapidly...”

“It’s even rumored that sword cultivators don’t form a golden core, but a ‘sword core’!”

“This means... if I want to truly transition to a sword cultivator, it’s best to do so before forming my core; otherwise, at best, I’ll only be a dual cultivator...”

High above the sky, the wind roared fiercely.

Fang Xing’s form was like a dragon, the Snow Wind Sword becoming a streak of white light, piercing through cloud after cloud.

“This body has celestial-grade metal spirit roots; it would truly be a pity not to walk the path of sword cultivation...”

The power he currently cultivates naturally carries a sharp edge.

If converted into sword energy, it would only grow stronger!

The way of the sword cultivator is to make the strong stronger!

“The ancient path of sword cultivation comprises four major stages—Qi, Gang, Intent, and Force!”

The first stage of the sword path is ‘Condensing Sword into Qi’!

One only needs to cultivate sword Qi to be considered a novice.

This step is quite simple, something even Fang Xing has achieved.

His current Geng metal sword Qi is lethal enough that an ordinary Qi Condensation cultivator would die if merely brushed by it, let alone directly hit.

With a thought, the Snow Wind Sword emitted a delightful hum, transforming into a sharp, unparalleled golden sword Qi, slicing through the air in front, propelling his flight speed even further.

“The second stage of the sword path is ‘Forging Sword into Gang’!”

This step is as elusive as looking at flowers in fog; he knows that once the sword gang is condensed, the power of the flying sword will multiply, making it an almost unbeatable technique even among the Foundation Establishment stage.

Yet he is unable to enter this stage.

This is likely not due to a lack of aptitude or talent, but a lack of proper guidance and a truly bonded sword.

“The third stage of the sword path is perceiving Sword Intent... It feels somewhat akin to a martial artist’s will, but with subtle differences. I should have an advantage, but without forming the sword gang, it’s like building castles in the air.”

As for the fourth stage, ‘Sword Intent into Force’, it remains only in legends.

Moreover, the path of the sword is continuously evolving.

In contemporary times, there are additional branches such as ‘Unity of Man and Sword’, ‘Sword Qi Thunder Sound’, ‘Refining Sword into Threads’, ‘Sword Heart Clarity’, and so on...

This shows that the present may not necessarily fall behind the ancients.

However, these are supplementary techniques within each realm; the major realms of the sword path should still be Qi, Gang, Intent, and Force.

To master sword aura, one must first be able to use the technique of Sonic Sword Thunder.

Only by refining the sword gang can one weave sword into a thread, splitting sword light!

Finally, one must comprehend the 'Sword Heart' to achieve clarity of mind and wield sword intent.

These insights were gleaned from a manual on sword cultivation he had read.

Unfortunately, the book only provided an overview of levels without specific cultivation methods.

As Fang Xing traveled north towards Li Xian City, he practiced the Snow and Wind Sword technique, hoping to gain some enlightenment on Sonic Sword Thunder.

"Sonic Sword Thunder is likely an enhancement to sword aura, making it not only substantial but also drastically increasing its speed…"

"Once mastered, a Qi Refinement stage cultivator could be unbeatable, even posing a threat to Foundation Establishment cultivators…"

"This implies that the Sonic Sword Thunder emitted by a Qi Refinement stage sword cultivator could potentially penetrate a Foundation Establishment cultivator's True Essence shield."

Fang Xing casually unleashed several Geng Metal sword auras.

Though impressive, they lacked the accompanying thunder sound.

"As expected, I'm still missing a sword cultivation technique... Perhaps joining the Heavenly Sword Sect in Qi Country would be wise? They are famed for their swordsmanship, surely they have numerous sword cultivators…"

After some playful trials, Fang Xing recalled the Snow and Wind Sword, casting an incantation.

The sword transformed into a giant sword, about ten feet long, beneath him, allowing him to fly.

"This is rather wasteful… The Snow and Wind Sword isn’t a true flying artifact…"

"Strictly speaking, it’s only slightly better than a Foundation Establishment cultivator flying with their body…"

Fang Xing estimated that even flying like this, it would take nearly six to seven days.

During the day, he traveled; at night, he’d casually land, find a place to rest, and restore his magic.

In the blink of an eye, three days passed, and he reached the eastern frontier of Zheng Country.

He saw the craggy mountains, where once scattered residences had vanished, and occasionally the tracks of demonic beasts appeared—truly a region of desolate mountains and rivers.

It was impossible for ordinary people to cross the borders.

Even large merchant caravans needed to follow carefully charted safe routes, yet Qi Refinement cultivators could still face danger and suffer losses.

The perilous journey and difficult communication laid the foundation for many merchants' profits!

However, for Foundation Establishment cultivators capable of flight, crossing mountains and ridges was an effortless task.

Fang Xing plunged into the mountains, but soon his brow furrowed.

At the horizon, there was a mass of dark clouds, with faint thunder and violent magical fluctuations.

“A formation?”

“Is there a cultivator battle? Or are they besieging a demonic beast?”

Approaching slightly, he discovered a formation and became cautious.

“Better not meddle, just leave quietly…”

Fang Xing immediately maneuvered the Snow and Wind Sword, intending to steer clear of the area.

At that moment, an unforeseen change occurred!

Amidst the dark clouds, an immense force emerged, as if it were absorbing everything around it. The black clouds quickly expanded and engulfed him entirely!

...

Just moments before.

On a mountain peak.

Senior Brother Lian and Junior Brother were guarding a pitch-black formation flag. The flag was painted in a deep black hue, featuring a thunderous beast that spewed lightning, exuding a ferocious and ancient aura.

On the surrounding mountain peaks, other formation tools were faintly visible.

The many formation patterns combined to form a shroud of dark clouds, covering an area several miles across.

At the center of the dark clouds, a figure with long purple hair was being relentlessly bombarded by lightning.

They wielded a violet treasure, emanating a brilliant purple light, barely holding off the thunderous assault.

Meanwhile, an emaciated elder stood atop a Second Grade Superior winged flying serpent, wielding a pitch-black saber treasure, launching continuous attacks.

Under the combined assault of the formation and the elder, the figure with purple hair was in extreme danger.

"Good, with the intervention of the sect elder, we'll capture that wretch for sure this time!"

Senior Brother Lian laughed heartily at the scene before him: "Our ambush has not been in vain. Even our ancestor ventured into the wilderness to lower her vigilance... By then, Ziyuan Immortal City will belong to our Lian family and the Ten Thousand Beast Sect."

The one under siege was none other than the ruler of Ziyuan Immortal City—Master Ziyuan!

"Hmm... Our sect will gain a substantial source of wealth, benefiting numerous disciples," the late-stage Qi Refinement Junior Brother chuckled, his eyes revealing an inexplicable gleam: "It's a good thing our sect can so accurately track Master Ziyuan's movements... allowing for this ambush."

"Haha, our sect aims to dominate the Kingdom of Zheng, how could we not prepare in advance? Naturally, there are insiders from our Ten Thousand Beast Sect within Ziyuan Immortal City!"

Senior Brother Lian laughed heartily: "With the foundation collapsing, even those merely passing messages eagerly offer more, rallying more to our cause..."

"I see... Hmm? A cultivator is approaching... It's a Foundation Establishment cultivator!"

Junior Brother took out a formation disk, observing a light point that was rapidly closing in, his expression shifted.

"Hmph, our Ten Thousand Beast Sect is conducting business here, those with sense should retreat of their own accord... For a mere Foundation Establishment cultivator to dare step into our 'Ancient Thunder Thousandfold Formation', it would mean death for him!"

The Lian-named cultivator pointed a finger, chanting incantations under his breath.

On the formation disk, the light point expanded, revealing a young cultivator in silver robes riding a sword, appearing extraordinarily carefree. At this moment, he seemed intent on avoiding the area by a wide margin.

"It's him?!"

Senior Brother Lian laughed heartily: "An unexpected stroke of luck... The Ancient Thunder Thousandfold Formation can extend its reach. We should expand the formation's scope immediately, drawing him into the formation's core... With this near-Third Grade formation, suppressing a Foundation Establishment cultivator is a mere trifle... He'll cough up all the fortune he's acquired!"

He had long since claimed the opportunity of Fang Xing's Foundation Establishment for himself, making the decision without a second thought.

Even if the Foundation Establishment opportunity had been expended, the storage bag and spirit tools of a Foundation Establishment cultivator were ample compensation.

"This isn't a good idea, is it? We're already handling something important, it's best not to complicate matters further," Junior Brother hesitated slightly.

"I'm in charge this time, do it. Any problems, I'll handle it,"

Senior Brother Lian took out a medallion, pouring in his magical power with determination.

In a corner of the Ancient Thunder Formation, a mass of dark clouds suddenly expanded, engulfing Fang Xing's figure...

“What's happening?”

The disciples from other directions, upon seeing this scene, couldn't help but cast their gazes over: “Turns out it's Senior Brother Lian planning to grab a bite in the wild... But dealing with a mere Foundation Establishment cultivator, he can suppress them with a turn of his hand."

...

“Hmm?”

When Fang Xing's vision cleared, he found himself atop a small hill, with thousands of thunderbolts crackling overhead.

On the opposite side stood two very familiar figures.

“Haha, Fang, you’ve finally fallen into my hands. Let’s see who will save you this time...”

Senior Brother Lian laughed heartily, preparing to mock Fang Xing mercilessly, unleashing the pride swelling in his chest.

With his Qi Refinement cultivation, dominating the life of a Foundation Establishment cultivator indeed filled him with satisfaction.

Whoosh!

Before he finished speaking, the Blizzard Sword transformed into a streak of white light, fiercely slashing forward.

Sizzle!

A web of lightning appeared, completely blocking the sword's energy.

“Now that you’ve fallen into the formation, you still want to turn the tables?”

Senior Brother Lian’s smile grew wider.

Facing a Foundation Establishment cultivator, he had naturally prepared thoroughly.

With a near third-grade formation guarding him, even though most of its power was on Master Ziyuan’s side, it wasn’t something a mere early Foundation Establishment stage...

Whoosh!

Suddenly, within his eyes, a sword light appeared.

That gleaming, cold sword light, dotted with gold, shook the lightning web, carving out a narrow gap.

And then...

There was a flash of light.

Senior Brother Lian’s head was instantly vaporized, his body crumbled to the ground.

His nearby junior was frozen with a look of horror, not having time to react before his head too vanished...

“I hadn’t intended to find you, yet you dare to walk into my hands?”

Fang Xing smiled faintly. Before the cries of the other disciples reached him, he raised a finger.

Whoosh!

The Blizzard Sword turned into a streak of white light, striking fiercely upon the formation flag at the mountain peak!

Boom!

The entire Ancient Thunder Formation shuddered suddenly!