72: Chapter 72 Sword Intent Tempers the Heart, Ice and Fire Prove the Dao

Lin Ye slowly circulated the Ice-Fire Taiji within his body. A wisp of pure, frigid Sword Intent and a thread of scorching, fire-attributed Sword Qi rose from his body like two swimming fish. They circled and intertwined slowly in the Void Realm, emitting unique Dao rhyme fluctuations.

He transformed his spiritual sense into countless tentacles, actively probing the surrounding ten thousand Sword Intents.

The ten thousand swords Void Realm was silent, with only countless Sword Intents floating quietly like stars, each emitting its own radiance and aura.

As Lin Ye's unique Sword Intent Dao rhyme, which had fused the Dao of Ice and Fire, spread out, some Sword Intents in the Void Realm seemed to be awakened, producing a wondrous resonance.

An ancient, crystal-clear ice-blue sword emitting an extremely cold aura trembled slightly, transmitting a frigid Sword Intent of "Seal all things, protect the pure land," which faintly harmonized with the Concept of Lin Ye's Ice Soul Sword Art.

A giant flaming sword, red as blood with what looked like magma flowing across its blade, hummed, conveying a scorching Battle Intent of "Burn the eight wildernesses, charge forward unflinchingly," which stirred the Great Sun Golden Flame fire seed within Lin Ye's body.

A silver longsword with an archaic design, dotted with starlight, had light flowing across it, emitting a loneliness and determination of "Stars fall, destruction and Rebirth," creating a strong resonance with the "Starfall" and "Return to Ruins" Concepts of his Starfall Ice Soul Sword.

There were several other swords, some heavy as mountains, some swift as the wind, others ethereal as clouds... their Sword Intents also contained, to varying degrees, fragments of Dao rhyme related to "Ice," "Fire," "Star," and "Destruction."

Like the most patient fisherman, Lin Ye used his own Ice-Fire Sword Intent as bait, carefully contacting and guiding these resonating Sword Intents. He was not greedy enough to swallow them all; instead, he carefully screened them, selecting the parts that were purest and most compatible with his current Sword Dao Realm, slowly introducing them into his mind to perceive, verify, and absorb.

The integration of each wisp of external Sword Intent was like a small hammer, beating and tempering his Sword Heart. Pain and enlightenment were intertwined.

The "Guardian" intent of the ice-blue ancient sword made his understanding of "Sealing" in the Ice Soul Sword Art no longer limited to freezing and killing, but added a heavy sense of "protecting oneself, guarding one's original heart."

The "Charge forward unflinchingly" of the giant flaming sword harmonized with the sharp edge of "burning away all obstacles" that he had comprehended from the Blazing Sun True Explanation, making his fire-attributed Sword Intent more condensed and pure, reducing the stagnation caused by attribute conflict.

The "Destruction and Rebirth" of the silver star sword gave him a deeper understanding of the incomplete Starfall Ice Soul Sword, allowing him to vaguely touch upon the supreme Sword principle that "Return to Ruins" was not simple destruction, but breaking and then establishing, nurturing new life from extinction.

The Ice-Fire Taiji within his body, nourished by these homologous Sword Intents, rotated more smoothly and solidly. The ice-blue and crimson-gold light became more brilliant, and even a third color—silver light spots representing "Stars" and "Destruction"—faintly began to emerge.

His Sword Heart also became clearer and tougher through these repeated perceptions, verifications, and absorptions. The various vague understandings of Sword Dao from his past cultivation and battles were now gradually becoming clear and connected, forming a set of Sword Dao Concepts that, although immature, had already begun to take shape—based on Ice and Fire, fusing Stars and Destruction, upholding righteousness and warding off evil, charging forward unflinchingly!

Time passed quietly in deep comprehension.

I do not know how much time had passed, but when Lin Ye felt that his Sword Intent had reached the Perfection of his current Realm and could no longer absorb more nourishment from the surrounding Sword Intents, he slowly opened his eyes.

In his pupils, ice stars swirled in the left eye, and golden flames danced in the right; a silver sword mark faintly flashed and disappeared between his brows.

He stood up, his whole body exuding a unique Sword Intent that was harmonious, condensed, yet concealed a sharp edge. Although his cultivation had not Breakthrough, his Sword Dao Realm and control over his own power were no longer what they used to be.

It was time to try communicating with that piece of "Sword Bone."

He cast his gaze toward the center of the Void Realm, at the crystal-clear Sword Bone with a flowing galaxy inside, and the half-volume of the Lingyun Sword Canon True Explanation beside it.

He could feel that within the Sword Bone was contained a wisp of Origin from Sword Immortal Lingyun's lifelong Sword Dao essence, as well as a vast, desolate, yet infinitely expectant Sword Intent. That was a supreme existence that transcended his current level of understanding.

Communicating with the Sword Bone was not about immediately obtaining its entire Legacy (which was impossible), but about earning its recognition, receiving a gift, or... a "qualification."

Lin Ye took a deep breath, adjusting himself to his best state. Then, he poured all his heart and soul, all his insights into Sword Dao, and his sense of identity and protection toward the Sect and the Righteous Path, without reservation, into a pure and condensed Sword Intent message, slowly transmitting it toward the Sword Bone.

There were no flashy Moves, no powerful spiritual energy, only the most sincere Sword Dao insights and honest intentions.

The Sword Intent message was like a pebble thrown into a still lake, gently touching the surface of the Sword Bone.

Hum—!

The Sword Bone shook violently!

The speed of the galaxy flowing inside suddenly accelerated, erupting with incomparably brilliant silver-white light! A vast, pure, supreme Sword Intent that seemed capable of severing space-time and creating the world erupted like a sleeping Dragon awakening, sweeping across the entire ten thousand swords Void Realm!

Ten thousand swords chimed in unison, bowing to the Sword Bone!

Lin Ye bore the brunt of it, feeling his own Sword Intent like a candle flame in a gale, ready to be extinguished at any moment. But he guarded his Sword Heart tightly, using his own Ice-Fire Star Dao as a Foundation, standing like a pillar in the middle of a rushing river, stubbornly resisting the impact of that terrifying Sword Intent.

This was not an attack, but a test, a baptism.

If one could withstand this Sword Intent baptism, one could gain the recognition of the Sword Bone.

Lin Ye gritted his teeth and persisted, the Ice-Fire Taiji within his body spinning crazily, the Great Sun Golden Flame fire seed emitting a scorching light to protect his Divine Soul, and the Mystic Jade Body's jade-like luster flowing over his whole body. He treated this Sword Intent baptism as a tempering, actively guiding wisps of the supreme Sword Intent's aftermath into his own Sword Dao.

It was painful, but accompanied by rapid growth.

His Sword Intent was continuously purified, compressed, and sublimated during this baptism. The silver light spots in the Ice-Fire Taiji became more numerous, gradually showing a trend of condensing into a third "Star Destruction" Sword Intent.

I do not know how much time passed before the terrifying Sword Intent tide slowly receded.

The light of the Sword Bone gradually converged, returning to calm. But Lin Ye could feel that a subtle connection had formed between him and the Sword Bone.

A gentle, ancient, yet supremely majestic thought emanated from the Sword Bone, resounding directly in Lin Ye's heart lake:

"Junior of later generations, your Sword Heart is clear, Ice and Fire are balanced, and you secretly accord with the principle of Star Destruction... Your Foundation is unique, and your Heart-Nature is acceptable. Are you willing to inherit a wisp of my 'Lingyun Sword Intent,' and if you achieve success in the future, protect my Sword Sect's Dao lineage from being extinguished?"

This was... the residual thought of Sword Immortal Lingyun?!

"This Disciple is willing! I shall do my utmost to protect the Sect!" Lin Ye responded with his heart and soul, swearing solemnly.

"Good."

As the words fell, a wisp of silver Sword Intent, thin as a hair but condensed to the extreme, as if it could pierce through the heavens, separated from the Sword Bone and slowly drifted toward Lin Ye, silently merging into his brow and sinking into his Sword Heart.

Boom!

Lin Ye's whole body shook violently, feeling as if his mind had been filled with countless profound insights about Sword Dao. Although most were blurred, the basic yet incredibly deep principles regarding "Sword Intent Condensation," "Sword Qi Transformation," and "Man-Sword Unity" were clearly imprinted. Furthermore, the Concept of an incomplete, supreme Sword Move called [One Sword Lingyun] was deeply branded.

At the same time, a silver seed of Sword Intent, exuding Lingyun's arrogance, appeared in his Sword Heart. This seed of Sword Intent did not conflict with his own Ice-Fire Star Sword Intent; instead, it acted like a needle to calm the sea, hanging high in his heart lake, making his Sword Heart more stable and transparent, and elevating his perception of Sword Dao to a new level.

Although it did not directly increase his cultivation, the value of this "Lingyun Sword Intent" seed and the profound insights into the Foundations of Sword Dao far exceeded ten Profound Rank Cultivation Techniques! This was a Legacy that pointed directly to the essence of Sword Dao!

As the Sword Intent seed merged, the half-volume of the Lingyun Sword Canon True Explanation beside him also automatically opened to the first page. Countless golden characters flew out and surged into Lin Ye's mind. This was not a complete Cultivation Technique, but the general outline of the Sword Canon and the essentials of some basic Sword principles, which just happened to make up for many of the deficiencies in his Sword Dao theory, giving him a clearer understanding of his own Sword Dao and future direction.

The harvest was unimaginably huge!

"The three-day period is coming to an end, you should leave." The thought came from the Sword Bone again, and at the same time, a silver sword light enveloped Lin Ye.

"Thank you, Ancestral Master, for the teaching!" Lin Ye bowed deeply to the Sword Bone.

The next moment, the world spun.

When he came to his senses, he had returned to the Sword Comprehension Cliff at the entrance of the Sword Tomb.

The silver figure of the Guardian Spirit floated to the side, looking at Lin Ye, and nodded slightly: "Not bad, you were actually able to trigger the resonance of the Sword Bone and obtain the Ancestral Master's gift. It seems the Ancestral Master has high expectations for you."

"This Junior was lucky." Lin Ye said modestly.

"It is not luck. It is your own Sword Heart and Dao Foundation that won the recognition." The Guardian Spirit said, "Since you have obtained the Ancestral Master's Sword Intent, you are considered half a descendant of the Sword Tomb. In the future, if you encounter a crisis in the Sect, you may use this item to enter the Sword Tomb again."

As it spoke, it flicked a finger, shooting out a wisp of silver Sword Qi that merged into the lingyun token in Lin Ye's hand. The lingyun token lit up slightly, and a shallow sword-shaped mark appeared on its surface.

"This token can now briefly summon the Sword Qi of the Sword Tomb to assist you, and it can also serve as a token of identity. Use it well."

"This Junior will keep it in mind!" Lin Ye bowed again.

"Go. Within and outside the Sect, storms are about to arise. Take care of yourself." The figure of the Guardian Spirit slowly faded and disappeared.

Lin Ye gripped the lingyun token, which now had a sword mark, feeling the wisp of "Lingyun Sword Intent" seed at his brow and the vast Sword principles newly added to his mind. Pride and a sense of responsibility intertwined in his heart.

His strength had greatly increased, but the burden had also become heavier.

He turned around and looked toward Danxia Peak, his eyes firm.

It was time to go back and tidy up those monsters and demons.

Returning to the Purple Bamboo Court on Danxia Peak, Lin Ye immediately went into seclusion to digest what he had gained from the Sword Tomb.

Three days later, he came out of seclusion. His temperament had become more settled, and sword light flickered in his eyes when he opened and closed them. His cultivation had also naturally broken through to the eighth level of Qi Refining!

He was preparing to go see Elder Liu to report on his trip to the Sword Tomb (partially) when suddenly, Chu Yun and Su Waner came together, looking flustered.

"Junior Brother Lin, something terrible has happened!" Chu Yun said anxiously, "Elder Liu... has been taken away by the Law Enforcement Hall!"

"What?!" Lin Ye's heart sank, "Why?"

"It is said... that the Dark Hall found clues pointing to Elder Liu's involvement in the previous Yinkui Sect ambush on the mountain patrol team, suspected of colluding with external enemies and leaking information! Zhao Kun personally led people to take Elder Liu from the Pill Room and escorted him to the Law Enforcement Hall for interrogation!" Su Waner's voice trembled.

Elder Liu colluding with the Yinkui Sect? Leaking information?

This was simply absurd! Lin Ye understood instantly that this was Zhao Kun's counterattack! Using the name of the Dark Hall to frame him! The target was probably not just Elder Liu, but himself!

"Furthermore," Chu Yun lowered his voice, his face ugly, "The Dark Hall also found that among the part of the Legacy you offered before, there was an ancient Pill Formula called 'Red Sun foundation establishment pill.' One of the main ingredients, 'geocentric fire lotus,' is very similar in shape and aura to the auxiliary medicine 'Yin Underworld Fire Lotus' used by the Yinkui Sect to refine Blood Soul Puppets. They suspect... the Pill Formula you offered might be a trap deliberately thrown out by the Yinkui Sect to confuse the public! They want to re-examine you!"

The Pill Formula for the Red Sun foundation establishment pill is a trap? The geocentric fire lotus is similar to the Yin Underworld Fire Lotus?

Lin Ye sneered in his heart. This framing tactic really left no stone unturned!

"Where is Elder Liu now?" Lin Ye asked in a deep voice.

"He has been locked in the dungeon of the Law Enforcement Hall and is being interrogated by Zhao Kun personally. Revered Master (Elder Li) and several other Elders are writing a joint letter requesting a public trial, but Zhao Kun refuses to budge, citing 'involving classified secrets, led by the Dark Hall.'" Chu Yun said.

"Junior Brother Lin, what should we do now? Elder Liu is likely in grave danger, and it will probably be your turn next!" Su Waner said anxiously.

Lin Ye's eyes were cold.

Zhao Kun, this is to cut off all paths of survival!

First get rid of Elder Liu, his backer, and then use the Pill Formula as an excuse to cast him into an abyss of no return!

It seems he can no longer wait passively.

It is time to take the initiative and overturn this chessboard!

"Senior Brother Chu, Senior Sister Su, do you know where that 'Chi Yang' is being held after being taken away by the Dark Hall? What are the results of the investigation?" Lin Ye suddenly asked.

Chu Yun was stunned: "Chi Yang? It is said he is being held in the 'Shadow Prison' exclusive to the Dark Hall. As for the specific investigation results... they haven't been announced. Revered Master has inquired about it, but the Dark Hall seems to be very tight-lipped."

Shadow Prison? Exclusive to the Dark Hall...

A cold light flashed in Lin Ye's eyes.

Perhaps, it's time to "visit" this "old friend."

By the way, let's see just how deep the water in this Dark Hall really is.