System's Super Sect Chapter 984 920: Li Bai's Sword Dao Legacy (First Update)

Then it was unavoidable.

However, upon crossing the wooden sign, Wen Ping discovered only a fragile barrier stood in his path. This barrier was peculiar; constructed from Spiritual Qi, it repelled Spiritual Power but could not impede Wen Ping's simple step.

Wen Ping sensed it wasn't intended to obstruct passage but rather to swiftly draw attention to the location.

Fortunately, with another opportunity for survival, Wen Ping felt no apprehension and proceeded inward without hesitation.

As he advanced, a greater quantity of wine jars came into view, stacked higher and higher the deeper he went. Even after numerous years, the heavy aroma of wine permeated the cavern.

Wen Ping possessed no fondness for spirits, thus the wine's fragrance held no appeal for him. His curiosity, however, was piqued regarding the identity of the cave's original inhabitant.

The thought struck Wen Ping, causing him to pause.

Cyan Lotus Sword?

Wine Sword Immortal?

The Great Dao stretches like the heavens, yet I alone cannot ascend?

Why does this feel so familiar?

Wen Ping halted, rummaging through long-dormant memories. Then, with a sudden flash of understanding, he exclaimed, "So it was you, the Poetry Immortal Li Bai! Li Bai was known as the Cyan Lotus Scholar, hence the creation of the Cyan Lotus Sword. 'The Great Dao stretches like the heavens, yet I alone cannot ascend,' no wonder it seemed so familiar, it's a line from 'Walking Difficult·Second.' I never imagined Li Bai would actually cultivate..."

Wen Ping surveyed his surroundings, unable to contain a smile.

As a poet, he had a penchant for drink.

Upon commencing Cultivation, it appeared his inclination for drinking grew even stronger.

Continuing his exploration, Wen Ping soon entered a natural grotto, its walls covered with dense characters etched in a cursive style, presumably poems Li Bai had composed within this very place.

However, Wen Ping paid them little mind, for in the cave's center lay a figure. Clad in white, his garments rippled softly though the cave remained utterly still. He reclined upon the Earth Altar situated at the chamber's heart, a wine jar clasped in one hand, murmuring verses tinged with a gentle melancholy.

"Cyan Lotus Scholar?"

Wen Ping ventured a call.

The individual on the Earth Altar turned his head abruptly. Propping himself up with one arm, and still holding the wine jar, he offered Wen Ping a faint smile. "Cyan Lotus Scholar, no... no... they call me the Wine Sword Immortal now."

"Are you truly here?" Wen Ping refrained from using his Spiritual Power to probe, deeming it somewhat impolite.

Li Bai flashed another grin, the earlier poetic sadness vanishing, and inquired, "What brings you here, young friend?"

"To learn the Cyan Lotus Sword,"

Wen Ping stated directly.

"The Great Dao is as vast as the azure sky, yet the Cyan Lotus Sword offers no passage. This blade will not grant you immortality; it will only bind you to the mortal realm for untold ages, until you turn to dust—are you certain you wish to acquire it?" Li Bai queried.

Wen Ping affirmed with a nod. "I certainly wish to learn it, provided you are willing to impart it. Whether or not I attain immortality is a separate matter."

He now existed in the world of the Meridian Gate Cultivation, uncertain if true immortality was even attainable.

Attaining immortality?

That was not Wen Ping's ultimate objective.

His aim was to grow powerful enough to achieve his personal aspirations.

Yet, Li Bai appeared unaffected by Wen Ping's declaration and continued his inquiry, "Why is your perspective so limited, young friend? In this boundless existence, myriad paths lead toward immortality, yet this Cyan Lotus Sword forges its own way—it is neither grand nor insignificant, and will not forge you into anything remarkable. Learning it will simply make you a more potent mortal. However, no matter how powerful, a mortal remains a mortal."

"Enough lecturing. Our worlds are different; in my realm, we cultivate Meridian Gates, not Golden Cores or Nascent Souls." With that said, Wen Ping promptly activated his Meridian Gate.

Bang—

The moment his Meridian Gate unfurled, Li Bai was momentarily taken aback.

After a prolonged pause, he suddenly grasped the situation. "So, this place is no longer the world I once knew."

"Senior Li Bai, might you now teach me the Cyan Lotus Sword?" Wen Ping inquired.

Li Bai inclined his head. "Since you desire to learn, I shall instruct you. However, you must first give me your word on one condition."

"Please, tell me."

"The Cyan Lotus Sword must only be wielded against those who truly deserve to perish."

"I have ended many lives, but I never kill without justifiable cause."

"Excellent!"

Li Bai praised him, then drew forth a sword from the Earth Altar, commencing a fluid dance with it.

"Observe closely, young friend."

As he spoke, the sword unleashed the essence of the Cyan Lotus.

Thus, Wen Ping remained seated by the Earth Altar for several days, diligently committing each movement to memory.

In essence, the Cyan Lotus Sword is a swordsmanship of unbridled freedom. When advancing to strike, it charges forward with absolute fearlessness; yet, when compelled to retreat, it disregards all else, focusing solely on withdrawal.

This character trait perfectly matches Li Bai's disposition.

Summoned by the emperor, he refused to board, proclaiming himself the Wine Immortal!

Such was Li Bai's way.

Indeed, the Cyan Lotus Sword technique comprises just seven moves and isn't overly complicated. However, mastering the Cyan Lotus Sword Intent—its core and spirit—is paramount. Without this Sword Intent, the Cyan Lotus Sword becomes merely an empty shell.

Having committed the moves to memory, on the fifteenth day, Wen Ping inquired of Li Bai, "Senior, how ought I to cultivate the Cyan Lotus Sword Intent?"

"Cultivating the Cyan Lotus Sword Intent is not a task for a single day; commit the Sword Formulas to memory and practice diligently each day."

"Senior, how much time did it take you to achieve Great Success in cultivating the Cyan Lotus Sword Intent?"

"One thousand years."

Li Bai stated this with a leisurely air, a touch of self-satisfaction coloring his tone, as if a millennium had passed in the blink of an eye.

Wen Ping was rendered speechless and swiftly queried his system internally, "System, are you certain this is the opportunity presented to me?"

The system responded with a tinge of exasperation, "Host, it would be best to review your information panel before questioning me."

[Wen Ping]

[Gender: Male]

[Realm: Earth Unrestricted Lower Realm]

[Constitution: Earthly Cyan Lotus Body (Entry Level)]