436: Chapter 371: Inheritance of Sword Intent, Obtaining the True Understanding of Sword Control Technique

The lights of the Shushan Sword Pavilion were like an undying star in the grayish-white Chaos mist.

Lin Zhou stood on the plaza in front of the Sword Pavilion, holding the legendary Flying Sword—Zhan Nian. The sword body was as transparent as crystal, and the golden crystal at the hilt glowed slightly, echoing the Fire of Civilization at the top of the tower. He could feel the Sword Intent contained within the Zhan Nian sword resonating deeply with his Fire of Civilization.

[Zhan Nian Sword · Resonance Status]

- Resonance Object: Fire of Civilization

- Resonance Intensity: 85% (continuously rising)

- Sword Intent Fusion: 72%

- New Ability Awakening: [Sword Heart Clarity · Civilization Version]

"Captain, what are you spacing out for?" Wang Meng walked over, looking curiously at the sword in Lin Zhou's hand.

"I was wondering what is hidden inside this sword," Lin Zhou said.

He sat down cross-legged, placed the Zhan Nian sword across his knees, and closed his eyes.

His consciousness sank into the sword.

It was a cyan-white Void Realm, boundless and endless. In the Void Realm, countless sword shadows floated—not physical entities, but phantoms condensed from Sword Intent. Every sword shadow represented a sword move, a Mind-Cultivation Technique, or a Legacy.

As soon as Lin Zhou's consciousness entered, a sword shadow flew towards him.

It was not an attack, but rather—guidance.

The sword shadow stopped in front of him, transforming into the phantom of an old man with white hair wearing Daoist robes.

The old man had a refined face and gentle eyes, holding a long sword similar to the Zhan Nian sword.

"Latecomer, you have finally arrived." The old man's voice was like an ancient bell, deep and distant.

"Who are you..." Lin Zhou asked.

"The third-generation Sect Head of Shushan, Qing Fengzi," the old man said, "and the first owner of the Zhan Nian sword."

Lin Zhou felt a sense of reverence: "Senior."

Qing Fengzi waved his hand: "No need for such formalities. You were able to pass the Sword Heart test and gain the recognition of the Zhan Nian sword, which shows that your Dao Heart has an affinity with the Shushan Sword Dao."

He raised his hand, pointing to the countless sword shadows in the Void Realm.

"These are the essence of the 36,000 volumes of Shushan Sword Dao Legacy. From basic sword moves to Advanced Mind-Cultivation Techniques, to ultimate sword skills, they are all here."

"However, you cannot learn them all."

"Why?" Lin Zhou asked.

"Because the Shushan Sword Dao emphasizes 'focus'," Qing Fengzi said. "A person can only master one path of Sword Dao in a lifetime. Being greedy and unable to chew, being broad but not refined, is a great taboo for a Sword Cultivator."

"You need to choose—choose the Sword Dao that suits you best."

Lin Zhou was silent.

"What is your Dao?" Qing Fengzi asked.

"The Way of Civilization," Lin Zhou replied.

"Civilization..." Qing Fengzi was thoughtful, "Using civilization as a sword?"

"Using civilization as a sword," Lin Zhou nodded, "To protect what should be protected, and to sever what should be severed."

Qing Fengzi smiled.

"Good. Then within the Shushan Sword Dao, there is one that suits you best."

He raised his hand, and a sword shadow slowly flew over from the depths of the Void Realm.

The sword shadow was pale gold, similar in color to the Fire of Civilization. On the sword body, two ancient Seal characters were engraved—[Hao Ran].

[Hao Ran Sword · Legacy]

- Type: Mind-Cultivation Technique + Sword Skill

- Core: Controlling the sword with "Vast Righteous Qi", using "principles of civilization" as Sword Intent

- Effects:

1. Damage to Chaos and Evil factions +300%

2. Sword moves carry the "Civilization Judgment" effect, which can weaken the target's rule resistance

3. When resonating with the river of civilization, sword power +100%

- Learning Conditions: Dao Heart stability above 90%, recognition of the Fire of Civilization

- Learning Difficulty: Extremely High

"Hao Ran Sword..." Lin Zhou murmured.

"Correct," Qing Fengzi nodded. "The Shushan Sword Dao has 'Chivalry' as its core. The greatest of chivalry is to serve the country and the people. Your Way of Civilization has 'people' as its core. If people exist, civilization exists. The two paths lead to the same destination."

"The Hao Ran Sword is the one in the Shushan Sword Dao that is closest to 'civilization'."

Lin Zhou reached out and touched the sword shadow.

The sword shadow merged into his palm, turning into countless streams of information that flooded into his consciousness.

[Hao Ran Sword · Legacy in Progress]

- 10%... 20%... 30%...

- Content includes:

1. Basic sword moves (Stab, Chop, Lift, Sweep, Point)—Mastered (Sword technique proficiency 100%)

2. Advanced Mind-Cultivation Technique (Vast Righteous Qi Technique)—Learning in progress

3. Advanced sword skills (Civilization Judgment, Hao Ran Slash, Righteous Qi Protection)—Unlocked

4. Ultimate sword skill (Ten Thousand Swords Return to Origin · Civilization Version)—Locked

- Estimated learning time: About one month (based on Lin Zhou's Comprehension Ability)

When the Legacy progress reached 100%, Lin Zhou's consciousness contained a complete Sword Cultivator Mind-Cultivation Technique—Vast Righteous Qi Technique》.

[Vast Righteous Qi Technique · Data]

- Type: Mind-Cultivation Technique (Passive + Active)

- Passive Effects:

1. Sword technique proficiency cap +50% (100% → 150%)

2. Sword move power +50%

3. Damage to Chaos and Evil factions +300%

- Active Effects:

1. Activate "Vast Righteous Qi", all attributes of friendly units in range +20%, lasting ten minutes (Cost: 1000 Divine Power)

2. Condense "Sword of Civilization", perform judgment on the target (Cost: 5000 Divine Power, Cooldown: one hour)

- Cultivation Method: Tempering the Sword Heart with the Fire of Civilization, nourishing Sword Intent with the Hundred Schools of Thought

Lin Zhou opened his eyes.

The Zhan Nian sword on his knees emitted a crisp hum.

The golden crystal on the sword shone even brighter.

[Zhan Nian Sword · Status Update]

- Resonance Intensity: 85% → 95%

- Sword Intent Fusion: 72% → 85%

- New Ability: [Hao Ran Sword Intent]—Sword moves carry the "Civilization Judgment" effect

"Captain, did you learn it?" Wang Meng asked curiously.

"I learned the basics," Lin Zhou stood up, "But it will take time to truly master it."

He turned around and looked at the seventy-two Sword Cultivator seedlings who had just obtained their Flying Swords.

"You will learn with me."

"From today on, every morning, we will practice sword skills at the Sword Mark Plaza for one hour."

"Yes!" everyone replied in unison.

For the next seven days, Lin Zhou took the Sword Cultivator seedlings to practice swords at the Shushan Sword Mark Plaza every day.

The one thousand sword marks on the plaza each corresponded to a basic sword move. Lin Zhou used the Vast Righteous Qi Technique to guide the Sword Cultivator seedlings to comprehend the Sword Intent within the sword marks.

[Sword Cultivator Training · Data (Seven Days)]

- Number of trainees: 72

- Sword marks comprehended: 1000 (all)

- Sword technique proficiency increase: Average 20% → 60%

- Basic sword moves comprehended: 72 people fully mastered

- Advanced sword moves comprehended: 12 people (higher talent)

- Triggered "Sword Heart Clarity": 3 people (rare talent)

On the evening of the seventh day, Lin Zhou was guiding a soldier to adjust his sword posture when Wen Yuan ran over in a hurry.

"Legion Commander! Something happened in the Divine Kingdom!"

Lin Zhou's heart tightened: "What happened?"

"It's not bad news," Wen Yuan panted, "It's good news! In your Divine Kingdom, those Literary Heart Elves... have started learning sword skills!"

Lin Zhou was stunned for a moment, then his consciousness sank into the Divine Kingdom.

In the Divine Kingdom, the river of civilization was still flowing. On the banks of the river, there were originally only the Literary Heart Elves' Academy, the Tiangong Dwarves' workshop, and the Law Fishmen's Law Enforcement Hall. But today, there was a new open space next to the Academy—on the open space, dozens of Literary Heart Elves were practicing sword skills.

Their movements were awkward, but their eyes were focused. The swords in their hands were not physical, but "Swords of Sword Intent" condensed from the Fire of Civilization.

[Literary Heart Elves · Sword Cultivator Job Change]

- Number of job changes: 47 (continuously increasing)

- Job change conditions: Sword technique proficiency above 60%, recognition of the Fire of Civilization

- New Profession: Civilization Sword Attendant (Elementary Sword Cultivator)

- Characteristics:

1. Sword technique talent: +30%

2. Civilization affinity: +50%

3. Vast Righteous Qi: Damage to Chaos factions +200%

4. Evolvable: Civilization Sword Attendant → Civilization Swordman → Civilization Sword Master → Civilization Sword Immortal

Lin Zhou looked at the Literary Heart Elves who were practicing sword skills seriously, and a warm feeling surged in his heart.

"How did they learn it?" he asked.

Wen Yuan pushed up his glasses: "It should be the resonance of the Vast Righteous Qi Technique. After you, Legion Commander, learned this Mind-Cultivation Technique, there was an extra strand of 'Sword Intent' in the river of civilization. The Literary Heart Elves have lived by the river for a long time, so they were naturally influenced. Plus, they already had the foundation of the Confucian 'Vast Righteous Qi', so learning sword skills is twice the result with half the effort."

"Good," Lin Zhou smiled. "Let them continue practicing. Once they reach a certain level, they can come to the Shushan Sword Tomb to select their Flying Sword."

"Yes!"

Lin Zhou withdrew his consciousness and looked at the Shushan before him.

The Sword Mark Plaza, Sword Pavilion, Sword Tomb, and altar... every place contained the essence of the Shushan Dao of the Sword.

And he was only just beginning.

"Captain, what should we do next?" Qin Qing walked over.

"Continue exploring," Lin Zhou said. "Shushan still has too many secrets left unsolved. Those stone statues, those unopened Formations, those sealed areas... all require time to explore."

"But we cannot stay in Shushan forever," Qin Qing reminded. "In the Chaos Star Domain, there are other ruins and other threats."

"I know," Lin Zhou nodded. "Therefore, we must speed up."

He turned and walked toward the Sword Pavilion.

"Tonight, I will go into seclusion to comprehend the Advanced Mind-Cultivation Technique of the Vast Righteous Qi."

"Tomorrow, we will explore the sealed areas of Shushan."

"Yes!"

That night, Lin Zhou sat cross-legged in the Sword Pavilion with his Zhan Nian Sword across his knees.

He closed his eyes, and his consciousness sank into the Legacy space of the Vast Righteous Qi.

In the Void Realm, that pale golden sword shadow was slowly rotating.

[Vast Righteous Qi · Advanced Mind-Cultivation Technique]

- Unlock Condition: Sword Mastery 120%, river of civilization water level 100%

- Current Sword Mastery: 100%

- Current river of civilization water level: 99%

- Distance to Unlock: Still need 1% water level, 20% mastery

"Still need time," Lin Zhou murmured.

He was no longer eager for quick success, but calmed his mind and practiced the basic sword moves over and over again.

Thrust, slash, lift, sweep, point...

Every move was infused with the warmth of the Fire of Civilization.

Every style contained the firmness of the Vast Righteous Qi.

[Sword Mastery · Increasing]

- 100% ... 102% ... 105% ...

When the mastery reached 110%, the water level of the river of civilization finally rose to 100%.

[river of civilization · Saturated]

- Water level: 100%

- Status: About to Breakthrough

- Breakthrough Condition: Needs "Sword Intent" as a guide to sublimate the river into a "River of Sword Dao"

Lin Zhou opened his eyes.

He stood up, walked outside the Sword Pavilion, and stood on the mountaintop.

The Zhan Nian Sword unsheathed, pointing toward the firmament.

"river of civilization—Transform into Sword!"

He gave a low shout, and the river of civilization in his Divine Kingdom suddenly shook!

The river water began to surge backward, condensing from a rushing torrent into a huge, heaven-spanning longsword!

The sword was ten thousand miles long, its body flowing with the inscriptions of the Hundred Schools and seven-colored light. The blade edge was the benevolence of Confucianism; the sword spine was the justice of Legalism; the sword guard was the love of Mohism; the sword hilt was the naturalness of Taoism; the sword tassel was the courage of the School of Military.

[river of civilization · Sublimation]

- New Form: Civilization Sword River

- Characteristics:

1. Wherever the Sword River passes, Order descends (Rule stability +50%)

2. Wherever the Sword River strikes, Chaos is annihilated (Damage to Chaos faction +500%)

3. Wherever the Sword River protects, all dharmas are warded off (Friendly units in range all attributes +30%)

4. Wherever the Sword River transmits, the Dao of the Sword lasts forever (Can grant Sword Cultivator Legacy to others)

- Consumption: 5000 Divine Power per minute

- Cooldown: Seven days (Requires recovery after use)

Lin Zhou looked at the giant sword spanning heaven and earth, and a surge of heroism rose in his heart.

"From today on, the river of civilization is the Civilization Sword River."

"The Shushan Dao of the Sword and the Way of Civilization, fused into one."

He sheathed his sword and turned to look at the others.

"Tomorrow, continue exploring."

The next morning, Lin Zhou took the exploration team deep into the sealed area of Shushan.

The sealed area was behind the Sword Pavilion, covered by a cyan-white light shield. Countless Sword Intent runes flowed on the light shield, blocking the Chaos energy outside.

[Seal · Data]

- Type: Sword Intent Seal

- Caster: Successive Sect Heads of Shushan

- Sealed Object: Unknown (could be some dangerous existence, or could be a precious Legacy)

- Seal Strength: Extremely high (Requires Zhan Nian Sword as a key)

Lin Zhou walked to the light shield and raised the Zhan Nian Sword.

The moment the sword tip touched the light shield, a gap cracked open.

[Seal · Opening]

- Opening Method: Zhan Nian Sword authentication

- Opening Range: Can accommodate one person passing through

- Duration: Ten minutes

- Interior: Rule stable, Chaos energy concentration extremely low

Lin Zhou stepped in first.

Inside the Seal was a small hall.

The hall was not large, about one hundred square meters. In the center of the hall, there was a stone platform. On the stone platform, there was a Jade Slip and a token.

[Jade Slip · True Explanation of Shushan Sword Control Technique]

- Content: The core Legacy of Shushan Sword Cultivators—Sword Control Technique

- Completeness: 100%

- Learning Condition: Sword Mastery 150%, Vast Righteous Qi Major Achievement

- Effects:

1. Can fly by controlling a sword (Speed +500%)

2. Can perform remote sword control attacks (Attack range +1000%)

3. Can control multiple Flying Swords simultaneously (Quantity related to Divine Soul strength)

4. Can perform "Ten Thousand Swords Return to Origin" (Ultimate Sword Skill)

[Token · Shushan Sect Head Token]

- Function: Can mobilize all defensive Formations of Shushan

- Effects:

1. Activate Stone Statue Guardians (Three hundred)

2. Open all Restrictions of the Sword Pavilion

3. Summon ten thousand swords of the Sword Tomb

4. Control Shushan core Formation

- Master Recognition Condition: Zhan Nian Sword holder

Lin Zhou picked up the Jade Slip and pressed it against his brow.

A massive flow of information flooded into his consciousness—the principles, techniques, Mind-Cultivation Techniques, and taboos of the Sword Control Technique... everything was engraved into his Divine Soul at that moment.

[True Explanation of Shushan Sword Control Technique · Learning Progress]

- 10% ... 20% ... 30% ...

- Estimated full mastery: About three months

When the learning progress reached 100%, Lin Zhou's Sword Mastery surged from 110% to 150%.

[Lin Zhou · Sword Mastery Data Update]

- Sword Mastery: 150% (Cap 200%)

- Number of controllable swords: 3 (Current)

- Sword control flight speed: +500%

- Remote attack range: Ten kilometers

- New Skill: [Ten Thousand Swords Return to Origin] (Requires Zhan Nian Sword + Civilization Sword River)

He opened his eyes and picked up the token.

The moment he held the token, the entire Shushan vibrated.

The three hundred stone statues at the mountain gate lit up simultaneously!

Their eyes were no longer cold crystals, but burning with the cyan-white fire of Sword Intent!

[Stone Statue Guardian · Activated!]

- Quantity: Three hundred

- Rank: LV400 - LV500

- Characteristics:

1. Sword Intent Body (Physical immunity 80%, Energy immunity 60%)

2. Guardian Heart (Automatically attack intruders)

3. Can Evolve (After absorbing Sword Intent, Rank can increase)

- Loyalty: 100% (Recognizes Lin Zhou as master)

Three hundred stone statues stepped forward simultaneously, walking toward the mountaintop.

Their steps were uniform, and the ground trembled.

Lin Zhou walked out of the sealed area, looked at those stone statues, and the corners of his mouth turned up slightly.

"From today on, you are members of the Civilization Guardian Legion."

"Your mission—guard Shushan, guard the Firewood Outpost, guard the Way of Civilization."

The three hundred stone statues stopped simultaneously and knelt on one knee.

[Stone Statue Guardian · Vow]

- Vow Object: Lin Zhou

- Vow: "If the sword is here, we are here; if the sword is lost, we perish. Guarding Shushan, we will not refuse even death."

Lin Zhou nodded.

"Rise."

The stone statues stood up and lined up on both sides of the mountaintop.

Lin Zhou turned and looked at the crowd.

"The exploration of Shushan has come to an end."

"But, the exploration of the Chaos Star Domain has only just begun."

He pointed to the gray-white mist in the distance.

"There, there are more ruins, more secrets."

"We, continue forward."

"Yes!" everyone replied in unison.

Lin Zhou stepped forward, unsheathed his Zhan Nian Sword, and flew by controlling his sword!

The sword light pierced through the Void Realm and flew deep into the mist.

Behind him, the three hundred Stone Statue Guardians followed closely.

Further behind, were the five thousand soldiers of the Civilization Guardian Legion.

At the top of the Firewood Outpost tower, the Fire of Civilization was burning.