Dashing Student Chapter 1387 1387: Heaven-Slaying Sword Technique

Within the secluded cave mansion of Master Canglan, his gaze was fixed upon the life plates laid out before him. Out of an initial seven, a grim tally showed six had already been extinguished, while the sole remaining plate bore an ominous network of cracks, appearing exceedingly fragile.

"My disciples..."

A wave of profound sorrow washed over Master Canglan. It was at this precise moment that Guo Yun's life plate too succumbed, shattering completely, sealing the fate of all seven of his disciples – none remained alive.

"No!"

Clutching the broken life plate, a single tear traced a path down his weathered cheek.

Master Canglan retreated into his cave mansion, emerging only after three full days and nights had passed. The sorrow that had once etched his features was gone, replaced by an unnerving calmness, as if the preceding tragedy had never occurred.

He returned to the fold of the Righteous Alliance, resuming his imposing position as an Elder.

Meanwhile, Chen Nan, oblivious to Guo Yun's demise, harbored lingering anxieties about a potential confrontation with him.

"Have no fear, I shall dispatch someone to handle him. He certainly won't be a threat to you anymore," a voice assured him through the Communication Jade Talisman – it was Tu Susu.

"It's alright. Guo Yun is now like a cornered rat; he likely won't dare to show his face openly. Besides, he's gravely injured and can't pose a threat for now," Chen Nan replied, a slight smile playing on his lips.

He then inquired, "Have the discussions with the Righteous Alliance concluded?"

"Naturally. Though the bulk of the strategic planning was handled by my father and Jiang Wuyue; the others remain in the dark," Tu Susu revealed.

"Excellent, that ensures the Demon Clan won't be alerted," Chen Nan said with a grin.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, their communication ended, and Chen Nan's expression immediately turned grim.

Despite his outward nonchalance, how could he not feel a tremor of apprehension regarding a Nascent Soul Realm cultivator consumed by hatred towards him?

What if Guo Yun, in a fit of desperate rage, decided to pursue him, consequences be damned? Who could possibly intervene?

A Nascent Soul Realm cultivator acting without inhibition was a truly terrifying prospect.

"It appears I must exercise extreme caution," Chen Nan mused.

With a sigh, he resolved to remain within the camp and dedicate himself to cultivation – the true path of a cultivator.

After erecting a defensive Array around his dwelling, he promptly entered the Jade Seal Space. Though only a fragment of its former self remained, the ambient spiritual energy within still surpassed that of the outside world.

Moreover, practicing within its confines meant he could unleash any amount of noise without attracting unwanted attention.

His initial intention was to plunge directly into cultivation, but he abruptly halted upon laying eyes on the main hall.

For in the hall, which had been bare moments before, a considerable collection of Jade Scrolls had materialized!

Chen Nan recognized them instantly – these were the very Jade Scrolls that had been consumed by the spatial rift within the Library Pavilion. He had previously theorized it was an intricate anti-intrusion measure employed by the Library Pavilion.

He had presumed these scrolls lost to the spatial vortex, but their unexpected reappearance in the main hall brought forth a wave of elation.

"Could the act of using the Jade Seal in combat have dislodged these scrolls from that dimension?" he pondered.

Chen Nan frowned, but quickly dismissed the thought, hurrying into the main hall to sort through the scrolls and examine each one. Thanks to his possessing a Token, the inherent restrictions on the Jade Scrolls posed no impediment to him.

Before long, he discovered that the majority of the techniques contained within these scrolls were only applicable at the Nascent Soul Realm, requiring the mastery of the Power of Laws. These were beyond Chen Nan's current reach.

Another significant portion detailed Body Refining Techniques, hinting at the immense importance the Immortal Dynasty once placed on physical cultivation, even advocating for Dual Cultivation. Otherwise, such a profusion of Body Refining Methods would not exist.

These, too, were of no immediate use to Chen Nan, leaving only a select few.

"Heaven-Slaying Sword Technique... this one holds promise," Chen Nan murmured.

He lifted a Jade Scroll, holding it to his brow to study it intently. This sword technique was classified as a Fifth-grade Art, notably possessing the rare characteristic of being usable by cultivators below the Nascent Soul Realm.

The technique consisted of a single, unadorned move, devoid of superfluous flourishes. Its core principle involved a unique method of nurturing Sword Intent, with its potency escalating in direct proportion to the duration of nurturing.

Abilities of this nature – potent yet demanding – were precisely what Chen Nan favored for executing decisive, surprise attacks. He therefore committed the sword move to memory.

Understanding the principle of not overextending himself, Chen Nan chose to temporarily master only this singular move before commencing his cultivation anew.

Following the stipulations of the technique, Chen Nan guided the Qi within his body through its circulation, directing it through specific meridians before finally refining it ceaselessly within his Dantian.

This endeavor proved more taxing than the grueling work of a blacksmith. In a short span, Chen Nan found himself slick with sweat, yet he had only managed to forge a rudimentary form of Sword Qi.

Furthermore, the moment Chen Nan let his guard down even slightly, the nascent Sword Qi would immediately disperse, leaving him utterly speechless.

"As expected, this technique is far from simple."

Chen Nan drew in a deep breath. After regaining a measure of his strength, he resumed the process of refining the Sword Qi.

Time becomes a blur during cultivation. Before he realized it, three months had already slipped by.

News of Guo Yun's treachery against the Righteous Alliance and his subsequent apprehension by the Law Enforcement Hall had become common knowledge throughout the alliance.

Master Canglan's reputation, built over a lifetime, had been tarnished by his disciple's actions. However, outside speculation seemed to have no effect on Master Canglan; he remained as composed as ever.

Meanwhile, the conflict between the Righteous Alliance and the Demon Sect had finally erupted in full force. Both sides were committing their utmost efforts, with even cultivators in the Nascent Soul Realm engaging in the fray.

This mobilization underscored that both factions were prepared for a conflict that would only conclude with annihilation.

"Senior, are you within?"

A cultivator at the Foundation Establishment Realm stood before the entrance to Chen Nan's quarters, calling out persistently. Just as he prepared to conclude the room was vacant, the door swung open unexpectedly.

Chen Nan emerged from his room, a smile gracing his features as he inquired, "What is the matter?"

The individual hastily executed a respectful salute and responded with deference, "Senior, we are now at war with the Demon Sect. The Alliance Hierarch has decreed that all members must join the battle, and thus I have been dispatched to summon you."

Chen Nan harbored no surprise, given that this event had been long in the making.

"What is the current state of affairs?" he inquired casually.

The messenger shook his head with a sense of helplessness, "I cannot say for certain, but I do know that a significant number have already fallen."

A faint sigh escaped Chen Nan. He was aware that the conflict between the Righteous Alliance and the Demon Sect was orchestrated as a ruse, a fact unknown to the cultivators at the lower echelons who remained unaware of the Demon Clan's involvement.

They were mere pawns in a larger game; the more casualties incurred, the higher the likelihood of the Demon Clan revealing its hand.

"Very well, I understand. You may leave now." Chen Nan gestured dismissively, and the cultivator withdrew.

Extending his hand, Chen Nan produced a semi-transparent strand of Sword Qi at his fingertip. Though minuscule, akin to a needle's point, this represented the Sword Qi he had painstakingly refined over three months.

Without the need for further nurturing, Chen Nan could discern the potency of this Sword Qi, finding it in no way inferior to the Golden Rule.

Indeed, Chen Nan surmised that this "Heaven-Slaying Sword Technique" was specifically designed to counter the might of the Nascent Soul Realm, for the Sword Qi felt utterly identical to the Golden Rule that Yuan Xi had unleashed previously.

"Could this be a method for cultivators below the Nascent Soul Realm to unleash the destructive power of a Nascent Soul Realm expert? Truly befitting of the Immortal Dynasty!"