After the battle with the Bald Old Demon’s avatar, Zhang Yan’s greatest gain was the birth of True Recognition within the Star Sword Ball.
Initially, his intent was merely to comprehend the method of Unity of Heart and Spirit, and he did not have such extravagant hopes. After all, sword balls capable of birthing True Recognition were one in ten thousand.
Among the Ten Great Profound Sects of the East Splendor Continent, the Shaoqing Sect boasts the most Sword Cultivators. It is said that when elders evaluate disciples to determine whether they are worthy of the true transmission of the great methods, the ability to birth True Recognition within their sword balls becomes one of the criteria.
Although the Mingcang Sect is not a sect specialized in sword cultivation, it also possesses upper-grade Sword Scripture inheritances. Yet, even so, those in the sect who achieve this are still few in number.
After Dharma Treasures undergo sacrificial refinement for a prolonged period, those destined may nurture True Recognition within them. Once this step is achieved, cultivators invariably treat them as treasures, carefully nurturing them on their person.
However, the True Recognition of sword balls is different—it is born amidst battles and killings. Only through continuous tempering in combat can it further refine into True Spirit.
Zhang Yan mused to himself that, though he possessed many Dharma Treasures, none could claim to have greater power than his Star Sword Ball.
Moreover, this sword ball had only ever been refined by him. Since it had birthed True Recognition, it acknowledged only him as its sole master, and no one else could seize it from him.
Additionally, after achieving Unity of Heart and Spirit, wherever the sword ball traveled felt as though he was personally present. Every scene and sound were vividly perceivable, unclouded by any mist.
Zhang Yan sighed with heartfelt emotion: it seems one must endure the trials of life-and-death battles to temper oneself, face one’s true self, and attain true enlightenment.
He raised his head to glance at the sky. With a leap, he activated the prohibition and ascended to the heavens, where a familiar green light traversed Perch Eagle Land in an instant before heading his way once more. Stepping forward to greet it, he cupped his hands and smiled, saying, "Greetings, Brother Ning."
The green light retracted, and Ning Chongxuan stood aloft in the air with his hands behind his back. His expression was indifferent as he said, "Junior Brother, recount everything you know to me in full. Do not omit a single detail."
After some thought, Zhang Yan relayed everything he had heard from the Bald Old Demon, concluding with, "I have already sent word to the sect, reporting this matter."
In his view, it was sufficient to report this matter upwards. Regarding its veracity, that was naturally for the Sect Leader and the True Masters to determine—it was not his concern.
Ning Chongxuan pondered briefly before saying, "I conducted a circuit around Perch Eagle Land. Indeed, there’s a magical array deep within, but I did not see any Demon Cultivators’ presence. It’s evident that it has become a vacant array. Although the demon’s words cannot be entirely trusted, the claim that many of our fellow disciples are trapped appears to be true. I must return to meet the Sect Leader."
Zhang Yan, knowing to seize the moment, replied, "If there’s anything Brother Ning needs, feel free to assign it to me, your junior brother."
Ning Chongxuan nodded slightly and said, "I recently slew a Demonic Cultivator of Hua Dan. There are still over ten disciples there who remain unconscious, seemingly under a demon curse. Go and move them to Bamboo Island and contain them. Stay here to guard, and with the Jinluo Great Array protecting this place, there should be no incidents. If there are any disciples arriving—be it Hua Dan Cultivators—you need not heed them. If anything arises, I will take the burden myself."
Zhang Yan cupped his hands and said, "I understand, Brother Ning."
Suddenly recalling something, he took out the Ruyi Divine Shuttle and said apologetically, "Brother Ning, I have no further use for this Divine Shuttle, but it sustained damage during this encounter. I feel regretful for letting you down."
Ning Chongxuan smiled faintly, reclaimed the Divine Shuttle, and said, "I currently cultivate the ’Yunxiao Thousand Sword Scripture’ and no longer require this Divine Shuttle. However, since this was crafted by my mentor, I am reluctant to simply discard it. Initially, I thought to wait until your cultivation reached higher levels to fully pass it on for your use. Who could have anticipated your great creation, achieving Sixteen Swords of One Breath Division? This is far superior to mastering the Divine Shuttle. Just be cautious—do not reveal this to others, lest you provoke envy or trouble."
With Unity of Heart and Spirit, the Star Sword Ball moved as Zhang Yan willed, proving incredibly versatile. After the division, it essentially functioned as sixteen sword balls simultaneously. If it could further divide in the future, its power would only grow exponentially. Though the complete set of Ruyi Divine Shuttles currently outperformed the Star Sword Ball, it would eventually fall behind. It was far better to focus solely on nurturing the sword ball, as its potential was boundless and its prospects immeasurable.
Ning Chongxuan offered some more instructions to Zhang Yan before transforming into a streak of rainbow light and departing.
Watching Ning Chongxuan leave, Zhang Yan remembered his earlier orders and flew toward Perch Eagle Land to retrieve the over ten unconscious disciples. However, when he arrived, he saw a ten-zhang-long gully from the air and couldn’t help but feel astonished.