Cultivation Starts from Farming Chapter 998 - 429: True Explanation of the Sword Dao; Method to Break Through from Sword Intent to Sword Domain (2)

"No, absolutely incorrect!"

He muttered to himself, his brows knitted in a tight line. "This is merely a facade, an artificial binding of ten thousand swords into one using mana. Its true 'essence' remains fragmented."

"The intent within each sword light has not been truly retracted or integrated. Consequently, the power of this unified sword light has seen no fundamental improvement compared to simply using scattered light for strangulation."

"Furthermore, my understanding of the Sword Dao realm shows no sign of breaking through."

This technique was merely an empty imitation of unity, falling short of the true "Condensing One" as described in the "True Explanation of Sword Dao."

It was akin to forcefully gathering loose sand into a pile; it appeared whole on the surface but was internally chaotic, poised to crumble at the slightest disturbance.

Genuine "Condensing One" requires melting those individual sand grains into an unbreakable, solid steel!

He had attempted numerous iterations, altering various mental techniques and sword paths, even minutely adjusting his Divine Sense to control each distinct sword light. Yet, no breakthrough presented itself.

The seemingly thin barrier, like a sheet of paper, proved extraordinarily resilient, keeping him barred from the true sanctuary of the Sword Dao.

Another hour elapsed.

"Sigh."

Xu Ping halted his efforts with a sense of helplessness, exhaling a prolonged sigh.

Three full years dedicated to rigorous cultivation, expending immeasurable effort.

Despite this, he hadn't even grasped the superficial aspects of the initial phase. The challenge presented far exceeded any Divine Techniques he had previously practiced.

"However..."

A sharp, determined glint flashed in Xu Ping’s eyes. "I possess a strong premonition: if I can truly master this technique of gathering scattered Qi back to its origin, thereby completing the first phase."

"Even without advancing through the subsequent two phases, relying solely on this Condensing One Sword technique, its power would be sufficient to pose a threat to cultivators in the Early-Stage Divinity Transformation."

This was not mere wishful thinking.

The act of condensing the power of ten thousand swords into a single blade, with its intensely concentrated destructive force, was precisely what could induce a qualitative leap in power.

This realization fueled his resolve to continue his arduous endeavor.

"This matter cannot be rushed. Cultivation in the Sword Dao emphasizes proceeding naturally with the flow. Forcing it will only lead to eventual failure."

Xu Ping suppressed a flicker of frustration stemming from prolonged stagnation, resolving to temporarily emerge from his seclusion to refresh his perspective.

He rose to his feet and exited the subterranean cavern.

Outside, the sunlight was brilliant, and the ocean breeze, carrying a briny, humid fragrance, swept towards him.

However, the moment he stepped out of the cave, preparing to survey the horizon where the sea met the sky, an unexpected event unfolded.

Buzz!

A subtle yet distinctly perceivable wave of Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi emanated outward like widening ripples, originating from the abyss of the outer sea and rapidly engulfing the entire expanse.

Even Xu Ping, situated far away on Blood Bone Island, clearly sensed the sudden upheaval and disturbance in the surrounding Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi.

Although this fluctuation subsided quickly, it caused Xu Ping’s expression to shift dramatically.

"Hmm?"

"What has transpired?" Xu Ping’s brow furrowed intensely, his gaze sharp as lightning, fixed upon the depths of the outer sea.

...

Deep within the outer sea, hovering above a colossal, ancient oceanic whirlpool.

Two figures stood in a tense standoff, their mere presence radiating an aura that caused the whirlpool below to falter, distorting and blurring the space within a thousand-mile radius as if it could not bear their existence.

On one side were the Saints of the Star Palace – Star King and Moon God. Their auras emanated from a common source, perfectly complementing each other. Their immense mana was as unfathomable as a star-filled sea, enveloped by dazzling starlight and serene moonlight.

Yet, upon closer examination, one could discern a subtle disharmony between their combined presence and the natural aura of this world, as if an unseen law were rejecting and suppressing them.

Their adversary was a Five-Clawed Golden Dragon, stretching for thousands of feet. Its scales, exquisitely detailed, shimmered with an incandescent golden light. It hung suspended in the air, its draconic eyes blazing like twin golden suns. Its terrifying dragon might commanded the heavens, churning the surrounding seawater into a tempestuous roar.

Even more astonishing was the phenomenon of the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi of the entire outer sea spontaneously converging towards it, as if it were the favored child of this world, uniquely blessed.

"Star King, Moon God, how dare you trespass upon this king’s sovereign sea territory and wreak such havoc!"

The Five-Clawed Golden Dragon spoke in the human tongue, its voice resonating like a great bell. Each word seemed to echo the very laws of Heaven and Earth, propagating outward as tangible sound waves.

Regarding Star Palace’s numerous incursions and subtle actions within the outer sea over recent years, their long-standing displeasure had reached a boiling point. However, they hadn't anticipated such boldness, with their Saints arriving together on its very territory.

Star King’s visage was obscured by a haze of starlight, his expression unreadable, only a frigid snort breaking the silence:

"The pursuit of the great Dao brooks no retreat. Today, our objective is to eradicate this insignificant obstacle, terminating your Demon Race's destiny!"

At these pronouncements, the Five-clawed Golden Dragon was instantly incensed: "Presumptuous!"

All further discourse ceased, and both factions violently clashed.

Star King gestured, channeling the pervasive star power of the cosmos, manifesting into a multitude of blinding star-spears that pierced the very sky.

Moon God, with a gentle sweep of her hand, unleashed a lunar cold tide, freezing everything within the void.

Simultaneously, the Five-clawed Golden Dragon let out a resonant roar, extending its draconic claw as if imbued with the entirety of the outer sea's might. It churned colossal waves, invoking the fundamental laws of Heaven and Earth to bear down with crushing force.

Boom!

A battle at the Divinity Transformation level commenced, its power utterly earth-shattering.

The terrifying shockwaves of energy surged outward like an unstoppable tsunami in every direction. The sky itself tore open, revealing a colossal chasm, while the evaporated seawater instantly reformed, spawning numerous immense voids and violent tornadoes.

... Days later.

News capable of igniting the entire Wind Origin Realm spread with the speed of an uncontrollable plague:

The Saints of Star Palace had engaged in a breathtaking confrontation with the Five-clawed Golden Dragon of the True Dragon Hall in the outer sea's hidden depths.

Both parties fought with unrelenting ferocity for an extended period, ultimately resulting in a stalemate.

"A Divinity Transformation level clash, with no clear victor!"

Upon hearing this extraordinary news reach Blood Bone Island, Xu Ping was considerably taken aback.

Duan Shuang’s heart was even more profoundly stirred, finding it difficult to regain composure for a long time.

For the vast majority of cultivators, Divinity Transformation realm experts were already figures of legend. Currently, only three such beings existed within the Wind Origin Realm, maintaining a delicate balance, and direct conflict between them had been unheard of for over a millennium.