273: Chapter 267 Surprise

Time flies like an arrow, and the years pass like a shuttle. The bloodshed and slaughter of the battle at the Thunder Punishment Sea seemed to have faded away with the passage of time, washed away by the peace and tranquility of the Ten Thousand Swords Sect.

In the blink of an eye, three months passed quietly. During these ninety days and nights, Chen Zhiwen had remained on Hidden Sword Peak, living in seclusion and never stepping a single step outside the Sect.

Hidden Sword Peak remained as cold and aloof as ever. The mountain wind blew through the bamboo forest, making a "rustling" sound, like the low murmur of time.

Chen Zhiwen sat cross-legged on the bluestone in front of his Immortal Cave, eyes tightly closed, his body surrounded by dense Spiritual Qi, as if he had merged into one with this Heaven and Earth.

However, his brows furrowed inadvertently. Inside his body, that Chaos-colored Golden Core had long since reached an unprecedented state of Great Perfection.

Upon the Golden Core, Dao rhymes circulated and radiance was restrained. It seemed to be separated by only a thin layer of window paper from gestating that spark of "Nascent Soul True Fire," which represented the leap in the level of life.

Yet, this layer of window paper was as tough as the distance between Heaven and Earth. No matter how he operated his Cultivation Technique, how he inhaled and exhaled Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi, or how he comprehended the Sword Dao Law, he could never break through this final layer.

His cultivation seemed to be locked tightly by an invisible shackle at the Great Perfection of the Golden Core Realm, unable to advance even an inch. This was the Bottleneck. A type of cultivation shackle that could only be understood, not described.

It was not simply a lack of spiritual power accumulation, but a lack of a higher level of understanding regarding the "Dao." Wanting to transform from "Core" to "Nascent Soul" was not just a metamorphosis of power, but a sublimation of life form; it was a critical step in leaping from the level of "Art" to the Domain of "Law."

This step required an Opportunity. An Opportunity sufficient to cause his Divine Soul to resonate with the Great Dao of Heaven and Earth, thereby igniting the Nascent Soul fire. Clearly, blind closed-door cultivation could no longer provide him with this Opportunity.

"Hoo…" Chen Zhiwen slowly opened his eyes and exhaled a long, turbid breath. He knew that he could not continue to sit here dryly like this. Anxiety of the state of mind was a great taboo on the path of cultivation.

Therefore, during this period, Chen Zhiwen gave up his day-after-day meditation. He began to spend most of his time on Hidden Sword Peak, using a way that was almost like wandering to rediscover this mountain peak where he had lived for many years.

He no longer deliberately pursued anything. He simply used his footsteps to measure every inch of land here. He used his eyes to observe every bamboo leaf and every rock here. He used his ears to listen to every wisp of wind and every bird call here.

He walked past the stone walls with sword marks left by his predecessors, his fingertips gently grazing those carvings that were either overbearing, elegant, or sharp, feeling the unyielding Sword Intent that remained within them, spanning thousands of years.

He stood on the peak of the cliff, overlooking the churning sea of clouds, feeling the vastness of Heaven and Earth and his own insignificance. He sat by the clear stream, watching the fish playing in the water, feeling the most primitive pulse and vitality of life.

He was searching. Searching for that legendary Supreme Secret Art of Hidden Sword Peak. He knew that this secret art was not recorded in any specific place in the form of text or pictures. It was Hidden Sword Peak itself.

It was its mountains and land veins, its vegetation's withering and flourishing, the eternal Dao rhyme of the sword that it contained. To comprehend it, what was needed was not powerful strength, but that Opportunity to resonate with Heaven and Earth.

Chen Zhiwen had clearly thought of this Supreme Secret Art too simply. Throughout the ages, spanning tens of thousands of years, how many astonishingly talented Sword Dao Prodigies had harbored the same thoughts as him, sneaking into this Hidden Sword Peak, attempting to catch a glimpse of the mysteries of that supreme Sword Dao.

Yet in the end, they all returned in failure, regretting it for the rest of their lives. This secret art seemed to possess its own will; it was quietly waiting for that destined person who truly belonged to it.

Clearly, at this moment, Chen Zhiwen was not yet that unique person. For several days in a row, he walked through every corner of Hidden Sword Peak, yet he remained empty-handed. That legendary secret art remained, to him, like flowers in a mirror and the moon in the water—visible but unattainable.

Seeing that he could never obtain that Supreme Secret Art, Chen Zhiwen was not discouraged. His state of mind was peaceful, and he quickly put this obsession aside for the time being. If the Opportunity had not arrived, forcing it would be of no use.

Therefore, he turned his attention to the four Disciples of Hidden Sword Peak. Zhang Hu, Li Xiu, Wang Meng, and Zhao Linger. Since these four little ones had entered under his tutelage, they had been cultivating diligently on this Hidden Sword Peak.

Chen Zhiwen began to set aside a fixed time every day to supervise and guide their cultivation. In the bamboo forest.

"Zhang Hu, your 'Vajra Art' emphasizes overcoming ten techniques with one force, big openings and big closings, and courageous advancement." Chen Zhiwen looked at Zhang Hu, who was practicing his fist techniques, and spoke slowly.

"But hardness cannot last long, and fierceness cannot be sustained. When you throw a punch, you only focus on the explosion of power, but you neglect the circulation of Qi. Watch closely."

As he spoke, Chen Zhiwen casually threw a punch forward. This punch looked unremarkable, without the slightest gust of wind. But the moment the fist was delivered, the surrounding air seemed to suddenly freeze!

Zhang Hu only felt an invisible pressure rushing towards his face, making even his breathing stagnate! "Did you see clearly?" Chen Zhiwen withdrew his fist and asked calmly.

"Fist power should be like the tide. Where there is a rise, there is a fall. When a punch is thrown, before the old force is exhausted, the new force is already born; only in this way can it be continuous and never-ending."

Zhang Hu stood in place, eyes wide open, a thoughtful expression appearing on his face. He closed his eyes, carefully savoring the charm of Chen Zhiwen's punch just now, and after a long while, he suddenly opened his eyes and bowed respectfully to Chen Zhiwen. "Disciple understands!"

On the other side, by the side of the stream. Li Xiu was holding a wooden sword, practicing a set of agile and elegant sword techniques. Her sword technique was like a butterfly flitting through flowers, and her figure was like willow catkins drifting in the air, looking pleasing to the eye.

"Li Xiu." Chen Zhiwen's voice came from behind her. "Your sword technique is fast enough and agile enough. But, it is missing one thing."

Li Xiu heard the voice and withdrew her sword, turning around with some confusion. "Please instruct me, Revered Master." "Killing Intent." Chen Zhiwen only said two words.

"The sword is a tool of slaughter. Your sword is too 'good-looking,' yet it lacks the edge it should have. Remember, no matter how exquisite your sword moves are, the ultimate goal is only one, and that is to defeat your enemy."

As Chen Zhiwen spoke, he casually snapped off a willow branch. With a flick of his wrist, the willow branch seemed to come alive, turning into a green lightning bolt, instantly pointing at Li Xiu's throat!

Li Xiu was greatly alarmed and subconsciously wanted to swing her sword to block. But the speed of the willow branch was truly too fast, and the angle was truly too tricky! Chi. The tip of the willow branch stopped steadily less than half an inch from her throat.

A cold chill instantly rushed from her tailbone straight to her crown! She could even feel the stinging sensation brought by the faint trace of Sword Qi contained on the willow branch. "Now, do you understand?" Chen Zhiwen withdrew the willow branch and asked calmly.

Li Xiu's face was already dripping with beads of sweat; she looked at Chen Zhiwen, her eyes filled with shock and awe. She nodded heavily.

Under such teaching from Chen Zhiwen, who taught according to their aptitude and pointed straight to the core, the cultivation of the four had progressed by leaps and bounds within these three months, advancing a thousand miles a day. They were originally Genius Disciples carefully selected from within the Ten Thousand Swords Sect, with solid Foundations.

Now, having received personal guidance from Chen Zhiwen, this "little Grandmaster," their cultivation speed was naturally incomparable to before. In just three short months, the four of them broke through one after another, all successfully condensing their Golden Core and stepping into the ranks of the Core Formation Realm!

If this kind of cultivation speed were to spread, it would be enough to shake the entire Ten Thousand Swords Sect!

On this day, the Ten Thousand Swords Sect's once-in-a-decade Disciple Grand Competition was getting closer and closer. Throughout the entire Sect, an atmosphere of tension and anticipation was permeating.

Chen Zhiwen called all four Disciples to his front. The four stood side by side, their expressions solemn, looking at the Revered Master before them, their eyes filled with reverence.

"In a short while, it will be the Sect Grand Competition." Chen Zhiwen's gaze slowly swept across the four faces. "All four of you will represent my Hidden Sword Peak and participate in this Grand Competition."

Hearing this, the breathing of the four became slightly rapid. They knew that Hidden Sword Peak had always been a special existence within the Ten Thousand Swords Sect. It held a transcendent status, yet it had few people and had never participated in these Sect competitions. But this time, clearly, it was different.

"I know that you have only entered the Sect for a short time." Chen Zhiwen continued, his voice calm and powerful. "But you are my, Chen Zhiwen's, Disciples. You are people of my Hidden Sword Peak. Therefore, I have only one request."

He paused, his eyes suddenly becoming sharp. "In this Grand Competition, you must win some face for my Hidden Sword Peak! Let everyone see that the Disciples of my Hidden Sword Peak are definitely not mediocre!"

Chen Zhiwen's words were like a thunderclap, exploding in the hearts of the four! A fierce Battle Intent instantly ignited in their chests! That's right! They were the Revered Master's Disciples! They were people of Hidden Sword Peak! They enjoyed the best cultivation resources and received top-tier guidance; how could they tarnish the Revered Master's reputation!

"Revered Master, rest assured!" Zhang Hu, who had the most fierce temper, was the first to step out. He patted his sturdy chest and loudly promised. "Even if this Disciple has to risk his life, I will never embarrass you or Hidden Sword Peak!"

"That's right!" Wang Meng also said, his eyes flashing with excitement. "This Disciple will definitely go all out to win glory for Hidden Sword Peak!" The two girls, Li Xiu and Zhao Linger, although they did not speak, their tightly clenched fists and firm gazes already indicated their determination.

With their current strength, among the batch of new Disciples participating in this Grand Competition, they already belonged to the absolute top tier. Therefore, Chen Zhiwen was still very confident in them.

"Very good." Chen Zhiwen nodded with satisfaction. What he wanted was this sharp spirit that did not fear strong enemies and dared to strive for the lead! "Go, in this final period, Cultivate well and consolidate your cultivation." He waved his hand, signaling the four to withdraw.

"Yes, Revered Master!" The four replied in unison, then bowed respectfully and turned to leave. Looking at their energetic backs, a faint smile also appeared on Chen Zhiwen's face.

And just at this moment, a familiar, beautiful figure suddenly flew over on a sword from the clouds in the distance. That figure, with clothes fluttering, was like a fairy from the Nine Heavens descending to the mortal world, carrying an otherworldly Spiritual Qi.

A moment later, the figure landed gracefully and stopped steadily in front of Chen Zhiwen. Who else could it be but Xiao Linger?

Not having seen her for three months, her aura had become even more distant and long-lasting, and her cultivation had clearly improved quite a bit. Those eyes, which were originally exceptionally lively, were now like gems washed by spring water, clear and bright, as if containing little specks of starlight.

Three months of closed-door cultivation had not made her look haggard; instead, it had added an indescribable, otherworldly temperament to her whole being.

"Senior Brother Chen." Xiao Linger looked at Chen Zhiwen, a brilliant smile appearing on her face, like the brightest sunshine in spring.

Chen Zhiwen first took Xiao Linger for a rough tour of Hidden Sword Peak. He introduced her to the bamboo forest, the stream, and the bamboo building he had built with his own hands. Then, he brought her back to his Immortal Cave.

Inside the Immortal Cave, stone tables and stone stools were all provided; although simple, it was clean and tidy. The two sat opposite each other, exchanging simple pleasantries for a moment, and sharing their respective cultivation insights from these past three months. The atmosphere was warm and harmonious.

Suddenly, Xiao Linger seemed to remember something, and a flash of sly light flickered in those bright eyes. "Senior Brother Chen, do you still remember what I said before I went into closed-door cultivation?" She looked at Chen Zhiwen and asked mysteriously.

"You said you wanted to give me a surprise." Chen Zhiwen smiled slightly and answered.

"That's right!" Xiao Linger snapped her fingers, a somewhat smug expression appearing on her face. "Look, what is this!"

As she spoke, she carefully took out an exquisite small white jade bottle from her Storage Pouch. She opened the bottle stopper, and instantly, a medicinal fragrance so rich it was extreme, accompanied by wisps of thunderous aura, instantly permeated the entire Immortal Cave!

Chen Zhiwen only smelled this medicinal fragrance, and he felt that the Bottleneck in his body, which had been silent for a long time, seemed to have a slight, imperceptible loosening! A look of surprise flashed in his eyes.

Xiao Linger tilted the jade bottle and poured out a Medicinal Pill, the size of a longan, deep purple all over, with fine golden electric arcs lingering on its surface. The moment the Medicinal Pill appeared, the Spiritual Qi in the entire Immortal Cave seemed to be attracted by it and began to gather towards it crazily!

"This is…" Chen Zhiwen's gaze landed on that Medicinal Pill, and his eyes became serious. With his discernment, he could naturally tell that the grade of this Medicinal Pill was definitely not low!

"This is called 'Purple Gold Thunder Origin Pill'." Xiao Linger's face was filled with a proud smile as she introduced it to Chen Zhiwen. "It is what I successfully refined after spending three full months, using that nine-leaf thunder bamboo as the main ingredient and supplementing it with dozens of precious Heaven And Earth Treasures."

Her tone carried a trace of imperceptible fatigue; clearly, in order to refine this Medicinal Pill, she had also put in great effort. "It is a type of Grade 7 Medicinal Pill." Xiao Linger looked at Chen Zhiwen and said word by word.

"After taking it, it can cleanse the Physical Body, refine the Divine Soul, and most importantly, it can greatly increase the chance of a Golden Core Realm Cultivator breaking through to the Nascent Soul Realm!"

Boom! This sentence was like throwing a boulder into the lake of Chen Zhiwen's heart, raising a monstrous wave! Increasing the chance of breaking through to the Nascent Soul Realm! He was just worrying about encountering a Bottleneck and struggling to find a way to break through in vain, and Xiao Linger had actually brought him such a huge surprise!

"I only successfully refined three in total." Xiao Linger continued, extending three crystal-clear fingers. "One of them, according to the agreement, I gave to the Sect in exchange for Sect contribution points and Alchemy resources."

"The other one, I kept for myself, to use when I hit the Nascent Soul Realm in the future." Speaking of this, she gently pushed the Medicinal Pill in her hand, which was surrounded by purple light and flickering with electric arcs, in front of Chen Zhiwen.

"And this last one, I want to give to you." Her eyes were clear and sincere, without a single trace of impurity. "Senior Brother Chen, I know what this Medicinal Pill means to Cultivators like you and me."

"But, if it weren't for you, I would never have been able to obtain that nine-leaf thunder bamboo, and even less would I have been able to refine this 'Purple Gold Thunder Origin Pill.' Therefore, this one, you must accept!"