I was just making up techniques… how did all of you become Emperors? Chapter 5: A Hundred Million Sword Swings—And Sword Intent Shall Arise
Previously on I was just making up techniques… how did all of you become Emperors?...
Chapter 5: A Hundred Million Sword Swings—And Sword Intent Shall Arise
"Xiao Chen, answer me this first—what path do you wish to walk as a cultivator?"
Chu Feng’s expression was uncharacteristically solemn as he posed the question.
"Reporting to Master, I was gifted with an Innate Sword Body from birth. Ever since I set foot on the path of Cultivation, my soul has been set on becoming a Sword Saint. Sadly, fortune has not favored me."
A flicker of pain crossed Xiao Chen's features, but his eyes quickly regained their resolute spark.
"However, now that I have found you, Master, I intend to take up the blade once more and resume my journey."
"Master, I beg of you, grant me the knowledge of a supreme sword technique!"
"A Sword Saint? Is that the extent of your goals despite possessing an Innate Sword Body?"
Chu Feng clicked his tongue in disapproval. "You are my disciple now. For heaven's sake, show some proper ambition—you should at least strive to reach the Divine Emperor realm."
Xiao Chen stood frozen, completely stunned.
In the Xuantian Continent, the hierarchy of power was clear: Body Tempering, Dao Foundation, True Fate, Heaven Origin, Spirit Nourishment, Path Union, Life Nirvana, Half-Saint, Saint Realm, Divine King, Divine Emperor, and finally, Immortal Emperor.
An Immortal Emperor would typically ascend to the higher realms, rarely lingering within the Xuantian Continent.
Consequently, a Divine Emperor was viewed as a literal god among men—a being worshipped by millions of practitioners.
"Master… do you truly believe I am capable of that?"
Chu Feng gave his shoulder a reassuring pat. "Have faith in your master. Provided you apply yourself, becoming a Divine Emperor—or even an Immortal Emperor—is well within your reach."
Selling grand visions was Chu Feng’s specialty. In his previous life, he used such fantasies to charm beautiful women.
In this life, he used them to motivate his disciples.
Xiao Chen looked as though he had been struck by a bolt of lightning. His heart pounded with a mixture of reverence and shock as he gazed at his teacher.
"This disciple will never betray Master's high hopes!"
Chu Feng let out a small laugh. "Excellent. Go get some sleep. Meet me at my courtyard tomorrow during mid-morning."
"At that time, I shall bestow upon you a sword technique without equal."
Even though Chu Feng was essentially making things up as he went, he knew he had to plan his bluff carefully.
He had encountered a vast library of cultivation and sword styles in his past life.
The problem was deciding which one would be suitable for Xiao Chen.
As for the late morning meeting—that was simply because Chu Feng found it impossible to wake up early.
Despite his transmigration, he still maintained his old habit of staying up through the night "cultivating."
"Yes, Master!"
Filled with newfound optimism, Xiao Chen replied with conviction and departed.
Watching him leave, Chu Feng sank into deep thought.
What sort of method should he provide for his very first student?
He spent the entire afternoon at his desk, chin resting on his palm, lost in contemplation.
Just as the horizon began to glow with the setting sun, a spark of genius hit him. He remembered a legendary technique.
It was the perfect fit for Xiao Chen’s current predicament.
The only issue was its extreme difficulty. Only the most elite geniuses had ever managed to practice it.
He wasn't entirely certain Xiao Chen could endure it…
Perhaps he should toughen the training schedule even more.
Chu Feng seized his brush and paper, meticulously recording the technique and its accompanying training drills to provide Xiao Chen with a comprehensive system.
He continued working well into the darkness of the night.
When his stomach finally began to protest, he headed to the kitchen to prepare a quick late-night meal.
Only after eating did he finally fall into a satisfied sleep.
—
The following day, near the hour of noon.
Chu Feng eventually climbed out of bed. After a bit of stretching and washing his face, he walked out the door.
The moment he stepped out, he found Xiao Chen waiting patiently in the yard.
"I hope you haven't been waiting here since dawn?"
Xiao Chen shook his head. "I would never dare to wake Master. I arrived at mid-morning as you commanded and have only been here a short while."
"Good."
Chu Feng gave a slight nod of approval. "How much of your original cultivation remains?"
"Reporting to Master, I have less than a third left."
"And how long until it vanishes entirely?"
Though confused by the questions, Xiao Chen answered with respect, "If I do not resume my training, it will dissipate within three months, leaving me a total cripple."
"That gives us some time."
Chu Feng whispered to himself before declaring, "From this moment on, you are forbidden from practicing your previous techniques. You are also not to absorb any spiritual energy."
"What?"
Xiao Chen was caught off guard and asked instinctively, "Why is that?"
"Because I am going to teach you an unparalleled divine art, of course."
Chu Feng paused for effect before continuing, "However, before I can grant you this supreme cultivation method, you must first comprehend sword intent. Only those who have mastered sword intent are worthy of this technique."
"You were the top disciple of the Sword Dao Academy's outer sect, so I assume you know what sword intent is?"
Xiao Chen nodded. "I have some experience. I have reached the very edge of understanding it, but crossing that final threshold has proven impossible."
Chu Feng gave a small, confident smile. "It might be hard for others, but for your master, teaching you to master sword intent is as simple as flipping a palm."
"Is that truly possible?"
Xiao Chen looked at his teacher with wide, skeptical eyes.
"Do you think I would deceive you?"
Chu Feng made a dismissive gesture. "Come with me."
"Yes, Master."
Xiao Chen suppressed his mounting excitement and followed closely behind Chu Feng.
Leaving the Miscellaneous Dao Institute, the pair trekked toward the mountains at the rear of the property.
After walking for about thirty minutes, they stopped at the base of a roaring waterfall.
Chu Feng announced, "This shall be your training ground from now on. You are familiar with the basic sword forms, yes?"
"I am."
Xiao Chen answered instantly.
"Starting today, choose a single move from those basic forms and practice it beneath this waterfall. Once you can cleave the falling water in two with one strike, you will have achieved sword intent. Note this well—do not use your spiritual power. It will only hinder your understanding."
Chu Feng spoke the words with a calm, deliberate tone.
"...?"
Xiao Chen stared at his master, completely perplexed.
Seeing the confusion written on his face, Chu Feng smiled. "Have you never heard the proverb—swing your sword a hundred million times, and sword intent shall arise naturally?"
"Remember, swinging the sword isn't about mindless movement. You must hone that single strike until it reaches absolute perfection."
"Only through a perfected move can one realize the truth of sword intent."
"This is the principle: 'The Great Dao is the simplest.'"
Xiao Chen was skeptical at first, but the moment he heard that final phrase, his eyes lit up with realization.
Yes—how could I have been so blind? At the Sword Dao Academy, those who sought sword intent always pushed their techniques to the stage of Great Perfection.
While my previous forms were complete, they were never truly perfected.
That is why I remained stuck at the threshold.
Now that my Dantian is ruined, I cannot use my old arts. Master must have designed this specific path to help me realize sword intent without them.
A radiant smile broke across his face. He bowed to Chu Feng and said, "I am grateful for your wisdom, Master. I understand. I will begin my training immediately according to your will."
"Good boy. You learn quickly."
Chu Feng replied with a look of satisfaction, thinking to himself:
"Xiao Chen, just keep training. If you get stuck, your master will think of something else."
"Understood."
Xiao Chen gave his reply, unsheathed the sword at his hip, and stepped into the heavy spray of the waterfall to begin his first swing...