Yue Buqun and the others were filled with awe and joy, but Ning Changge paid no mind to their emotions. For him, deducing these four martial arts had consumed almost no energy. What truly delighted him was the acquisition of a natural sword embryo and numerous spirit items.
This also made him realize one thing: the Nine Provinces world was rich in spiritual resources. Although there were no cultivators, there seemed to be no shortage of spirit items. Especially among the treasures stored by major powers, there might even be some heavenly and earthly treasures.
"In the future, if I leave this mountain, I should pay attention to this," Ning Changge thought to himself. As the only cultivator in the Nine Provinces world, this world was essentially his garden. Only he could make full use of these spirit items. Others could, at best, consider them as unique treasures to collect and use.
Shaking his head, he shifted his focus to the huge stone in front of him. With a wave of his hand, his spiritual energy swept away the outer layer of the spirit stones, which he stored carefully for future use.
After removing the outer layer of the spirit stones, the natural sword embryo was finally revealed. It had a golden-red color, a subtle sharpness, and a rich surge of fire elemental energy coursing through it.
Ning Changge couldn't help but think, "For a spirit item to transform into a natural sword embryo, it's likely that it was influenced by a peerless swordsman who cultivated alongside it for years. This hidden sword intent is extraordinary; it's probably the work of a Land Immortal!"
He couldn't help but admire the peak martial artists of the Nine Provinces, the Land Immortals. Even though he had embarked on the path of immortality, he wouldn't underestimate anyone. Those who could reach the realm of a Land Immortal were not simple individuals. They possessed outstanding talents and comprehension. While he had a longer lifespan than Land Immortals, he probably wasn't their match at the moment.
However, with various techniques at his disposal, he should have no trouble protecting himself.
His attention returned to the sword embryo. Ning Changge contemplated how to forge it into a sword.
"A natural sword embryo doesn't need excessive refinement; doing so might destroy its innate sword aura. I'll slowly nurture it with spiritual energy and continuously inscribe seals into it. This is also a chance to comprehend sword control techniques!" He made up his mind and sat down cross-legged, placing the sword embryo on his thighs.
Threads of spiritual energy began to wrap around it, establishing a connection between him and the sword embryo. He held a manual in his hands, ready to study it.
The collection of manuals brought by the Five Mountains Sword Sects was substantial. Although there was some overlap with Wudang's teachings, there was enough material to occupy him for quite some time. These studies would further enhance his foundation.
Now that he had reached the seventh layer of Qi cultivation, he was beginning to contemplate the Foundation Stage of the Eternal Verdant Art. Once he digested this batch of Daoist texts, he might achieve it.
Ning Changge's life was highly regimented. He nurtured the sword embryo, studied Daoist texts, refined elixirs, and absorbed spiritual energy. Sometimes he secluded himself in the scripture chamber for days, while other times he meditated quietly on the cliffs, observing the ever-changing skies and landscapes.
He understood more and more from these natural phenomena as his cultivation deepened, enriching his knowledge. He realized that he was on the right path. Extraordinary comprehension wasn't merely a product of talent; it was a result of a solid foundation.
In the past, he would occasionally gain insights from observing the sun, moon, and other celestial bodies. Now, he was gradually grasping their essence.
"As the sun sets, the moon rises; as the moon sets, the sun rises; the sun and moon take turns, illuminating life…"
At this moment, Ning Changge was seated at the summit of the forested rear mountain, appearing to be floating three feet above the treetops.
Beneath him, a fiery-red spiritual sword lay horizontally.
This was the natural sword embryo that Yue Buqun had presented to him.
However, at this moment, this sword embryo, nurtured by Ning Changge's spiritual energy, was on the verge of maturation. It could no longer be called an embryo!
It measured four feet in length and three fingers in width. It resembled a piece of fiery-red jade with the hint of flames swirling within it. It was extraordinarily beautiful, but anyone who thought it was mere decoration would be gravely mistaken.
Occasional bursts of an astonishing sharpness emanated from within the swirling flames, making it terrifying to behold.
If an ordinary swordsman were to witness this, they would undoubtedly be overwhelmed with shock and awe.
"The birth of a spiritual sword is happening today!" Ning Changge exclaimed.
His eyes gleamed with joy and anticipation. As he spoke, he directed the profound techniques he had cultivated within himself, carefully incorporating them into the sword's restrictions. The sword, in turn, vibrated.
Ripples of invisible force radiated outward, accompanied by an unparalleled sharpness. Ning Changge deftly infused one restriction after another with a series of mystic gestures.
A clear, crisp sound echoed. The entire region seemed to tremble. The fiery-red spiritual sword, as if imbued with sentience, transformed into a streak of sword light, shooting toward the sky. It resembled a ribbon of fiery red, stunningly beautiful.
But it was more than just a spectacle. Waves of sword qi surged toward the surroundings.
Ning Changge laughed heartily. "From now on, I'll name you the 'Red Heaven Sword!'"
He could clearly sense the immense power of the Red Heaven Sword. With this spiritual sword in his hand, his combat strength would absolutely skyrocket.
The Red Heaven Sword continued to hum joyously, as if it were making a cheerful sound. With a swish, it enveloped Ning Changge, carrying him into the sky.
In Ning Changge's mind, countless insights began to flash. During these days of nurturing the sword embryo, he had accumulated numerous ideas. Now was the time for them to burst forth. It wasn't enough for the sword light; he needed to create a more powerful sword-control technique to fully unleash the Red Heaven Sword's potential.
Meanwhile, at Wudang, a commotion was erupting.
At the moment when the Red Heaven Sword was born and its resounding sword hum filled the sky, the entire Wudang trembled with the resonance of swords.
In the training grounds, Song Yuanqiao was instructing third-generation disciples in swordsmanship. Suddenly, he felt an eerie sensation, as if an edge had locked onto him. His waist-slung sword began to tremble inexplicably.
His face turned pale with astonishment. Even he, a Grandmaster, felt a sense of horror at the inexplicable influence on his personal sword.
Before he could speak, a series of metallic clangs filled the air.
In a strange and inexplicable manner, all the disciples' swords began to vibrate, and some even flew from their hands, as if influenced by an unknown force, heading toward the distance.
"What… what's happening?" Song Yuanqiao was baffled. He had heard legends of supreme swordsmen in the martial world who could command ten thousand swords to sing in harmony. Could it be that a Land Immortal had come to Wudang?
In an instant, he became nervous.