79: Chapter 79 Refining True Fire, Sword Intent Becomes Clear

One's own strength is the fundamental basis for dealing with any unforeseen changes. The mass of "Sun True Fire" energy obtained from the Nether Ravine was of extremely high quality, perfect for tempering spiritual power, strengthening the Great Sun Golden Flame seed, and even attempting a Breakthrough to the Late Stage of the Qi Refining Realm. The "Lingyun Sword Intent" seed also required time to be further comprehended and fused with his own sword Dao.

Taking advantage of the brief interval while Elder Liu refined the life essence and Su Waner gathered information, he had to race against time to improve himself!

Lin Ye's resolve was firm; he hesitated no longer. Outside the corner where Elder Liu was in seclusion, he set up another layer of soundproofing and protective Restrictions, then sat cross-legged and took out the crimson-gold ball of "Sun True Fire" energy, which radiated a scorching, pure Yang aura.

The energy ball hovered in his palm; even through the Seal, one could feel the vast heat and righteous Dao aura contained within. This was the perfect supplement for his current Cultivation Technique.

Lin Ye took a deep breath and circulated the basic route of the "Great Sun Golden Flame Technique" (though he did not have the full technique, he possessed the basic absorption method), cautiously guiding a wisp of crimson-gold energy into his body.

As the energy entered his body, it was like magma entering the sea, instantly igniting his Meridians! The scorching, pure heat, carrying a sense of Purification and sublimation, surged violently, scouring his entire body.

Lin Ye was prepared. He activated his "Mystic Jade Body," using icy spiritual power to protect his Meridians. The icy properties of the "Ice Soul Sword Art" also mobilized spontaneously, forming a subtle balance and harmony with the scorching energy, slowing its violence. At the same time, the "Lingyun Sword Intent" seed at the center of his brow radiated a majestic Sword Intent, stabilizing his mind.

He guided this wisp of "Sun True Fire" energy through his body in a large cycle according to a specific route. With each cycle, the energy became purer, its violence diminished, and its Fusion with his own spiritual power deepened. The Ice-Fire Taiji above his Dantian, nourished by this high-grade energy of the same origin, accelerated its rotation significantly. The crimson-gold portion became more dazzling, even subtly driving the icy-blue portion to become more refined and pure.

His cultivation grew at a visible rate. The Bottleneck of the Early Stage of the Qi Refining Realm loosened rapidly, moving toward the Middle Stage.

But this process was anything but comfortable. Ice and fire intertwined, cold and heat alternated, and his Meridians felt as if they were being repeatedly forged and widened. If not for his Physical Body and Meridians having been tempered many times, and the protection of the "Mystic Jade Body" and icy spiritual power, they would likely have collapsed long ago.

He gritted his teeth and persisted. Sweat evaporated as soon as it seeped out; frost condensed on his skin one moment, and crimson flames flared the next—a strange sight.

Time flowed by in silent pain and growth.

One day later, about thirty percent of the "Sun True Fire" energy had been refined. Lin Ye's cultivation had already broken through to the Middle Stage of the Qi Refining Realm and was steadily advancing toward the Late Stage. Under the tempering of the true fire, the strength of his Physical Body and Meridians had reached a new level, and the third layer of the "Mystic Jade Body" was more stable. His control and understanding of the Great Sun Golden Flame had also deepened significantly.

He temporarily stopped refining the true fire and immersed his mind into the center of his brow, beginning to comprehend the "Lingyun Sword Intent" seed.

The Sword Intent seed floated quietly, radiating a silver-white, restrained, and vast light. Previous uses had all involved triggering its instinctive power or using it as a guide. Now, Lin Ye attempted to use his own sword heart to truly "understand" it, to "communicate" with it, and to digest and absorb the sword Dao truths it contained bit by bit.

This was not a simple absorption of power, but an insight into the "Dao."

He seemed to see a towering figure on the Peak of a sea of clouds, striking out with a sword that split Chaos and evolved mountains and rivers. That sword contained the absolute confidence that "My Dao is the Heavenly Dao," the ultimate sharpness of "One sword breaks ten thousand techniques," and the heavy responsibility of "Protecting the common people."

The Lingyun Sword Intent was not just "high"; it was also "righteous," "sharp," and "protective."

Lin Ye compared it to his own sword Dao. His "Ice-Fire Tribulation" Sword Intent pursued ultimate destruction and rebirth, the destructive power of the explosive conflict between ice and fire, and the vitality of breaking and then establishing. This had similarities (sharpness) to the majestic and unstoppable nature of the "Lingyun Sword Intent," but also differences (his own leaned more towards change and conflict).

He attempted to incorporate the "majestic righteousness" and "unstoppable" essence of the "Lingyun Sword Intent" into his own sword heart, using it as the "righteousness" and "sharpness" of his sword Dao Foundation, while using his unique insights into "ice and fire," "stars," and "destruction" as the branches and variations.

Gradually, he felt his sword heart become more transparent and stable. The slight impetuosity and baleful Qi generated by rapid improvement and multiple life-and-death battles were quietly washed away by this majestic Sword Intent. Within his sword heart, the silver-white Sword Intent seed seemed to have grown slightly stronger, and his connection to it became closer. He even faintly touched the threshold of a higher Realm of "Human and Sword as One" and "Sword Intent Condensing into Form."

Although he did not immediately Master new sword moves, his sword Dao Realm and application of Sword Intent had undoubtedly reached a major new level. Now, when performing the "Ice-Fire Tribulation" sword style, the power might not increase explosively, but it would be more condensed, controlled with more precision, and carry a majestic righteousness that deterred evil spirits.

Two days passed in the blink of an eye.

When Lin Ye opened his eyes again, the divine light within them was restrained. The phenomenon of the icy star in his left eye and the golden flame in his right could be completely contained, with only a sharp, sword-like glint flashing occasionally. His aura was deep and heavy, and his cultivation was stabilized at the Late Stage of the Qi Refining Realm! He was only a hair's breadth away from the Peak!

His strength had greatly increased!

He removed the Restrictions and looked at Elder Liu. Elder Liu was still shrouded in the Chaos-colored light of life, but his aura was significantly stronger, his complexion ruddy. It seemed his injuries had mostly healed, and there were even faint signs of breaking through the Bottleneck of the Middle Stage of the Foundation Establishment Stage.

At this moment, the water curtain at the cave entrance moved slightly. Su Waner returned, looking tired but with bright eyes.

"Junior Brother Lin, Elder Liu, there is news!" Su Waner lowered her voice, speaking rapidly. "Senior Brother Chu risked sending a message: Zhao Kun will leave the Sect tomorrow at the Yin hour (3:00 AM), taking only four trusted aides (two at the Middle Stage of the Foundation Establishment Stage, two at the Early Stage of the Foundation Establishment Stage) via the secret passage at 'Hidden Dragon Abyss' in the back of the Sect, heading to the Ten Thousand Demon Mountain Range. His specific destination is unknown, but he is carrying a large number of Formation Materials and items for blood sacrifice; his movements are secretive. His Sect is temporarily being left in the charge of one of his trusted Elders and part of the Dark Hall."

Tomorrow at the Yin hour! The Hidden Dragon Abyss secret passage! Four trusted aides, all at the Foundation Establishment Stage!

Indeed, the operation was secretive, but the lineup could not be underestimated.

"How are Elder Li and Senior Brother Chu?" Elder Liu asked with concern, ending his cultivation.

"Elder Li is still under house arrest, but there is no immediate danger to his life. Senior Brother Chu is under close surveillance and his movements are restricted, but several fellow Disciples are secretly helping to maneuver," Su Waner said.

"Good. Thank you for your hard work, Waner." Elder Liu nodded and looked at Lin Ye. "Lin Han, what do you think?"

Lin Ye's eyes flickered with cold light: "Zhao Kun leaving the Sect is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. But he is carrying items for blood sacrifice and heading to the Ten Thousand Demon Mountain Range; his plans must be grand, and it is extremely dangerous. If we want to achieve something, we must act immediately."

"Do you want to intercept him halfway? Or follow him to find out his purpose?" Elder Liu asked.

"The risk of interception is too high. The opponent has four Foundation Establishment Stage cultivators, and Zhao Kun himself is at least at the Late Stage of the Foundation Establishment Stage, and he possesses Demonic Techniques. We may not be his match, and it would be easy to alert the enemy," Lin Ye analyzed. "Following him to find out his true purpose might allow us to find his fatal weakness or disrupt his plan. At the same time, this is also an opportunity for us to rescue Elder Li, Senior Brother Chu, and perhaps even contact other forces."

"Are you saying we should take advantage of Zhao Kun leaving the Sect, when the Sect is relatively empty, and launch a counterattack?" Elder Liu's gaze sharpened.

"Exactly!" Lin Ye nodded. "Zhao Kun's main force will surely accompany him. Although those left behind are his trusted aides, their strength and control will be greatly reduced. We can secretly sneak back, contact Elder Xing, the Sword Tomb Guardian, and even try to wake the Sect Master (if he is truly only feigning a coma), expose Zhao Kun's crimes, and work from the inside and outside to set things right in one stroke!"

"But the Sect is still dangerous, and those Zhao Kun left behind are no pushovers." Elder Liu pondered.

"Therefore, we need help, and we also need... to create a bigger distraction to attract attention." Lin Ye's gaze swept over Su Waner. "Senior Sister Su, do you have any way to contact those Disciples or Deacons who are dissatisfied with Zhao Kun but haven't publicly taken a side? Even if it's just to spread some news and create doubt."

Su Waner thought for a moment: "There are a few Senior Sisters and Junior Brothers I am familiar with who have long been dissatisfied with Zhao Kun's tyranny; perhaps we can try. But we must be careful not to expose ourselves."

"Very well. Contact them in secret. You do not need to do anything specific; just spread some rumors within the Sect after Zhao Kun leaves. For example, 'Elder Zhao has fled with the Sect's precious treasures,' 'Elder Zhao is meeting secretly with the Yinkui Sect in the Ten Thousand Demon Mountain Range,' or 'The truth about the assassination of the Sect Master is about to be revealed,' and so on. The more exaggerated and thought-provoking, the better. Muddy the waters so that those left behind become suspicious and too busy to look after themselves," Lin Ye said.

"This... I will try," Su Waner nodded.

"Master, how is your injury recovery? Are you able to move?" Lin Ye asked Elder Liu.

"It is no longer a major issue; my combat strength has recovered to eighty or ninety percent." Elder Liu stood up, his aura dense and composed. He had clearly broken through to the Fourth Level of the Foundation Establishment Stage! The effect of the life essence was extraordinary.

"Good! There is no time to lose. Let us depart immediately. First, we will head toward the vicinity of the Qianlong Abyss to confirm Zhao Kun has left the Sect, then we will wait for an opportunity to infiltrate the Sect and split up to act!" Lin Ye decided.

"How shall we infiltrate? Currently, the Sect's Formation is fully activated, and the guards are strict," Elder Liu asked.

Lin Ye smiled slightly and took out the lingyun token with the Sword Intent mark: "We have this. It is a token of the Sword Tomb and can bypass some Restrictions. Moreover, with Zhao Kun gone, the controllers of the Formation may not necessarily be united. There will always be an opportunity."

The three had made their plans and did not delay further. Su Waner left first to make secret contacts and spread the rumors. Lin Ye and Elder Liu packed up, quietly left the Water Curtain Cave, and snuck toward the "Qianlong Abyss" in the back mountain of the Sect.

The night was deep, and neither stars nor moon provided light.

The Qianlong Abyss was located at the bottom of an extremely hidden rift valley in the back mountain of the Sect, shrouded in clouds and mist all year round. It was one of the Sect's few secret passages, and very few people knew of it.

Lin Ye and Elder Liu hid in a rock crevice above the rift valley, concealing their auras and waiting silently.

The hour of Yin was approaching.

The clouds and mist below stirred slightly, and five black shadows rose silently from the bottom of the rift valley. The leader was none other than Zhao Kun! He wore a black robe, his aura cold and grim, and in his hand, he carried a bundle emitting a faint bloody light. The four people behind him were all dressed in black, masked, and possessed sharp auras; the weakest among them was at the Early Stage of the Foundation Establishment Stage.

The five gathered and whispered a few words. Zhao Kun took out a shuttle-shaped Magical Artifact, activated it, and it turned into a beam of black light that enveloped the five of them. Instantly, they tore through the air toward the Ten Thousand Demon Mountain Range, moving at incredible speed, disappearing into the horizon in the blink of an eye.

They had left!

"Let's go, we are returning!" Lin Ye and Elder Liu exchanged glances, immediately turned around, and sped toward the Sect.

Currently, the Sect's Formation was controlled by Zhao Kun's confidants, so charging in from the front would not be easy. However, Lin Ye remembered that the Guardian of the Sword Tomb had once said that holding the lingyun token with the Sword Intent mark would allow one to re-enter the Sword Tomb. The Sword Tomb had special passages connecting to various Forbidden Grounds of the Sect, so perhaps they could find a gap to enter.

The two arrived near the entrance of the Sword Tomb. Lin Ye took out the lingyun token, activated the Sword Intent mark, and a faint silver-white Sword Intent was transmitted into the entrance Formation.

A moment later, the Formation parted to create a gap, and the two slipped inside.

Inside the Sword Tomb, the Sword Qi was still chilling, and the ten thousand swords remained silent. The silver figure of the Guardian Spirit did not appear, but Lin Ye could feel an invisible gaze watching them.

"Senior Guardian, Disciple Lin Han has an urgent matter to report. Zhao Kun has colluded with the Yinkui Sect and practiced Demonic Techniques; he has now left the Sect to head to the Ten Thousand Demon Mountain Range to carry out nefarious deeds. The Sect is currently controlled by his cronies, the Sect Master is in a coma, and loyalists are being wronged. This Disciple wishes to enter the Sect to restore order and rectify the wrongs. I ask that Senior grant me convenience and point out a path into the Sect," Lin Ye bowed to the void.

After a moment of silence, an old voice resounded directly in their minds: "The internal strife of the Sect is something I should not interfere with. However, it is certain that Zhao Kun is tainted with Devilish Qi. Since you hold the Sword Intent mark, I will grant you convenience. At the third fork in the road ahead, at the end of the stone wall, use your Sword Intent to activate it, and it will lead to the back hall of the 'Ancestral Master Shrine.' Conduct yourself well."

"Many thanks, Senior!" Lin Ye was overjoyed. He and Elder Liu followed the instructions and arrived at the end of the third fork. In front of them was a smooth stone wall. Lin Ye activated the 'Lingyun Sword Intent' seed, and a wisp of silver-white Sword Intent shot into the stone wall.

The stone wall rippled like the surface of water, and the two stepped inside.

Light and shadow shifted, and they were now in the back hall of an ancient, solemn, and dignified hall where the memorial tablets of past Ancestral Masters were enshrined. This was a critical area of the Sect, usually guarded by specific personnel, but at this moment, the hall was empty and exceptionally silent.

It seemed that Zhao Kun's departure from the Sect had caused the defenses in many places to slacken, or perhaps the guards had been reassigned.

"Let's go save Elder Li and Chu Yun first!" Elder Liu whispered.

"No, Master, we must split up," a sharp light flashed in Lin Ye's eyes. "You go to Green Wood Peak to rescue Elder Li and Senior Brother Chu, and contact other trustworthy Elders and Disciples as much as possible. I will go to... Lingyun Peak!"

"Lingyun Peak? Are you going to see the Sect Master? Or the Dark Hall?" Elder Liu was shocked.

"If the Sect Master is only feigning a coma or has left behind contingency plans, now is the time. If he is truly in a coma, I still need to investigate his condition and try to contact forces that might be loyal to the Sect Master, such as those in the Dark Hall who have not been infiltrated, or even... that 'Supreme Elder Tianxuan' who is temporarily presiding over affairs," Lin Ye said quickly. "We must act on two fronts to stabilize the situation as quickly as possible."

Elder Liu pondered for a moment and nodded: "Very well! You must be careful! Lingyun Peak must be a dragon's den and a tiger's lair at this moment!"

"Master, you must also be careful. After rescuing them, if there is no better place to go, you can temporarily come to the Ancestral Master Shrine to meet up. This is a critical area of the Sect and has the Sword Tomb passage, so it is relatively safe," Lin Ye said.

The two said no more. Exchanging a glance, they each unleashed their movement techniques, like two wisps of light smoke, silently merging into the deepest darkness before dawn.

Lin Ye's target was aimed straight at the core of the Sect: Lingyun Peak, Lingxiao Hall!

Borrowing the final darkness before the dawn and the lingering effect of the 'shadowless veil,' Lin Ye moved like a ghost, quickly threading through the familiar Sect buildings. Along the way, he encountered several patrols of Disciples, all of whom he detected in advance and easily avoided.

Soon, he arrived at the foot of Lingyun Peak. Looking up at the main Peak that towered into the clouds with Sword Qi soaring to the heavens, Lin Ye could feel that the guards on the Peak had been significantly strengthened, and the light of the Formation was circulating, revealing an aura of grim solemnity.

Charging in by force was definitely not an option.

He circled to the side and back of Lingyun Peak. There was a secluded place called 'Cliff of Reflection,' with a bottomless abyss below the cliff; usually, no one came here. But Lin Ye remembered that on the cliff wall here, there was an extremely hidden, ancient plank road leading to the 'Cloud-Watching Terrace' at the Peak. It had fallen into disrepair and was almost covered by vines, and very few people knew about it. He had heard about it by chance from an old servant when he was a servant himself.

He found the entrance to the plank road covered by vines and tested it. Although the plank road was decayed, it could barely support a person. He carefully climbed up.

It took a full half-hour for him to climb from this treacherous plank road to the 'Cloud-Watching Terrace' on the mountainside of Lingyun Peak. This was a protruding stone platform, usually a place for Disciples to watch the clouds and comprehend the sword, but at this moment, it was empty.

From the Cloud-Watching Terrace upwards, it was the core area, and the guards were even stricter.

Lin Ye lay on the edge of the stone platform, observing above. He saw that on the stairs leading to Lingxiao Hall, there were Disciples guarding every ten zhang, and there were faint traces of Divine Sense sweeping through the shadows.

He had to find a way to sneak in, or... create a distraction.

His gaze swept over, and suddenly he saw that in the direction of 'Danxia Peak' in the distance, there seemed to be faint firelight and commotion coming from there? Was it the rumors Su Waner spread starting to take effect? Or had Elder Liu and the others made their move?

Regardless, this was an opportunity!

He spotted the gap during the handover of a patrol of Disciples, pushed his speed to the limit, and simultaneously triggered the last bit of the 'shadowless veil' effect. His figure became almost completely transparent, like a clear breeze, sweeping through the gap between the guards and sneaking toward the side and back of Lingxiao Hall, in the direction of the 'Heart-Nurturing Pavilion' where the Sect Master usually meditated.

If the Sect Master was present, he would likely be in the Heart-Nurturing Pavilion; if he was in a coma, he should also be receiving treatment there.

Outside the Heart-Nurturing Pavilion, there were indeed heavy guards; not only were there Law Enforcement Disciples, but there were also two Dark Hall Deacons with obscure auras sitting in command.

Lin Ye held his breath and focused, looking for an opportunity. He noticed that there was a window on the side of the Heart-Nurturing Pavilion that was slightly ajar, seemingly for ventilation.

Perhaps... he could infiltrate from there?

He was just about to act.

Suddenly, from inside the Heart-Nurturing Pavilion, a voice, old and flat yet carrying supreme majesty, rang out:

"Little one outside, since you have come, then come in. Sneaking about, what kind of behavior is that?"

This voice... it was not the Sect Master! It was... Supreme Elder Tianxuan?!

Lin Ye's heart shook violently; he had actually been discovered?!

Is it a blessing or a curse?

He gritted his teeth. Since he had already been discovered, retreating was useless. He adjusted his robes, revealed his figure, and bowed toward the gate of the Heart-Nurturing Pavilion:

"Disciple Lin Han has an urgent matter to request an audience with the Grand Elder to report on the Sect Master!"