C3 To Recognize the Master

The Sword Pavilion, despite its name, was not a wooden structure. It was filled with enigmatic stones, each pierced with numerous swords. The periphery was manageable, with only common weapons and plain iron.

Upon entering, one was immediately met with gusts of spiritual wind. The further one ventured, the higher the caliber of the swords and the more intense the sword qi became.

Typically, visitors to the Sword Pavilion would select their swords from the outer or middle areas, but Fu Chengyang was an exception. He strode purposefully inward, not sparing a glance for the Yellow Grade swords that were a rarity outside.

His sole objective was the Heavensfall Blade.

As he penetrated deeper into the Sword Pavilion, Fu Chengyang's pace finally slowed. The pervasive sword qi was like knives slicing through the air, and in a brief moment, Fu Chengyang's body was marked with dozens of cuts.

Yet, Fu Chengyang seemed oblivious to the pain, clenching his teeth as he continued toward the southwest corner.

One step, two steps...

When the wounds on Fu Chengyang's body were nearly bone-deep, his Golden Core erupted with a blinding light. The Five Spiritual Arts began to operate autonomously, a potent force enveloping his body, temporarily shielding him from the spiritual wind while his flesh rapidly regenerated.

To Fu Chengyang's amazement, the newly healed flesh was even more resilient. What was once a wound deep enough to bury a finger was now reduced by half.

But this superficial strength was quickly shattered as Fu Chengyang moved through an area dense with swords.

"Ugh!" Fu Chengyang grunted, yet his steps never faltered, and he soon became drenched in his own blood.

In this cycle of destruction and repair, a formidable power steadily built up within his sinews. Eventually, his entire vascular system glowed with a five-colored radiance.

Fu Chengyang took his final step and stood before a massive stone. Embedded in it was a rust-covered, broken sword.

"To the uninformed, this would seem nothing more than a piece of scrap iron," Fu Chengyang mused, reaching out to grasp the sword's hilt.

Suddenly, the sword radiated a peculiar brilliance, and a domineering force surged from the hilt into Fu Chengyang's body.

A searing pain, a hundredfold more intense than before, assaulted his soul!

Yet, Fu Chengyang's grip on the sword tightened even more!

The Divine Sword was sentient! Fu Chengyang understood that this was the Divine Sword's test, determining whether he was worthy to be the master of the Heavensfall Blade!

Unwilling to be outdone, Fu Chengyang grasped the blade with his other hand. Blood surged forth as if it cost him nothing.

Simultaneously, Fu Chengyang clenched his teeth, resolutely channeling all his spiritual power into the divine sword.

Amid the deadlock between man and sword...

Outside the Sword Pavilion, an elder seemed to sense something and looked toward Fu Chengyang.

"He's chosen that sword!" The elder was momentarily taken aback, then sighed, "So be it, it's destiny..."

Time lost meaning, and Fu Chengyang's vision began to darken. At last, the Heavensfall Blade flickered like a dying light bulb before dimming.

The fresh blood on the blade ceased to flow, absorbed by the steel!

The divine edge dimmed, accepting the blood as its master!

Fu Chengyang was elated. He had triumphed!

In stark contrast to the previous brute force, a gentle power now flowed into Fu Chengyang, transforming his very essence.

A white glow enveloped him, and to his amazement, spiritual energy naturally converged around him, forming an ocean of spiritual power.

Bathed in this radiance, he felt as comfortable as if immersed in a hot spring, unaware that his body was undergoing earth-shattering changes.

The Golden Core within him vibrated in harmony with the Heavensfall Blade, pulsating with a rhythmic glow.

His Qi and blood followed these extraordinary signs, cleansing his bones. Gradually, his bones evolved, with enigmatic runes materializing on every fragment.

At last! Once his bones were fully inscribed with runes and bathed in light, he convulsed, and sword qi burst forth from his body, dispersing the spiritual energy tide.

He had achieved it!

Fu Chengyang's eyes snapped open, a divine light flickering within before slowly fading. He instantly recognized the transformation.

It was the Innate Sword Bone, a term Fu Chengyang had only heard whispered about in his early morning classes—a treasure that every sword cultivator dreams of possessing. Throughout the history of the cultivation world, those blessed with such an opportunity were the elite, the chosen ones, with fortune beyond compare. From this moment on, Fu Chengyang's path was set to be far smoother than that of his peers.

Lost in thought, Fu Chengyang watched as a white apparition slowly ascended.

"Master," the apparition said, taking shape and transforming into a stunningly beautiful woman with an air of aloofness.

Master? Fu Chengyang was stunned. Who was this woman? Could she possibly be...?

Clad in white, the ethereal figure bowed slightly, "I am Han Xiao, the sword spirit of the Heavensfall Blade, at your service, Master."

Sword spirit!!!

Fu Chengyang's composure shattered. A sword spirit? The Heavensfall Blade had a sword spirit! It was common knowledge that ancient swords, despite their centuries of existence, had only a one in a million chance of developing a sword spirit.

This was a treasure even rarer than the Sword Bone!

A sword with a spirit not only meant an additional ally in battle but also the potential to wield vastly superior power.

Though a tempest raged within him, Fu Chengyang managed a composed nod, "Hmm, and where is your scabbard?"

The sword spirit paused, a hint of pride flickering across her otherwise stoic face, "The Heavensfall Blade is too keen to be contained by a scabbard."

...

Having gleaned a wealth of information from the sword spirit, Fu Chengyang gestured for her to retreat back into the blade. He knew that with the sword sheath in his possession, his current level of cultivation would surely attract envy.

With only ten days remaining until the Outer Sect Competition, Fu Chengyang reflected that breaking into the top ten should be easily within his grasp. However, to confidently claim first place, he needed to become fully attuned to his newfound abilities. He strode out alone, his presence at the doorway a stark contrast to the man who had entered.

Elder Lu's eyes flickered open, a smile gracing his face, "Congratulations, you've achieved the Great Perfection of the Golden Core."

Fu Chengyang responded with humility, "I am but a novice and owe much to your guidance, Elder. However..."

He withdrew a jade talisman and set it on the small table next to him. "This is just a token of my appreciation. If you ever need my assistance in the future, simply activate the jade talisman."

Had it not been for the elder's guidance, he might have departed with just any sword, like the rest. Furthermore, he had interfered with another's chance. Even though the elder was unaware, it didn't mean he could just skate by. The universe has its own way of balancing accounts.

Should the opportunity arise, he was determined to repay this debt of karma.

"What are you going on about?" The elder asked, waving his hand dismissively. He assumed Fu Chengyang was referring to the advice given before his entry and was unconcerned. "I didn't help you expecting anything in return."

Fu Chengyang simply smiled, his silence speaking volumes. His demeanor made it clear that he wouldn't leave until the elder accepted his gift.

"Ah, you young rascal, so headstrong!" The elder said, resigned to accepting the jade talisman. "Fine, fine, I'll take it. Now off you go."

Though his words carried a hint of impatience, his eyes betrayed a flicker of joy. It was indeed rare to encounter such genuine gratitude!

He concluded with some advice, "While innate talent is crucial, insight and fortune can compensate. You've been given this opportunity; remember to keep your Sacred Heart and dedicate yourself even more to your path."