World's No. 1 Swordsman
Chapter 71: Breakthrough! Seed Formation Realm!

Chapter 71: Breakthrough! Seed Formation Realm!

Wang Sheng had emerged defeated in their sparring match. However, at that moment, the fighters and onlookers couldn’t care less about the outcome.

The young disciples were deeply immersed in the rhythm, intent, techniques, methods, and forms that the two combatants had displayed. The more they contemplated, the more addicted they became to watching them spar.

The young cultivators held their breath, fearing that even a single exhalation would disturb the lingering Dao rhythm in the courtyard.

Yuan Pu Zhenren shook his head and sighed as he sipped his tea. He stroked his beard and chuckled softly, seemingly lost in his own thoughts.

Behind him, Chi Wen was experiencing a moment of realization as well.

She had once believed that cultivation was simply about acquiring techniques, practicing, and naturally making progress. Now, she was beginning to understand that the path of cultivation required far more than just techniques and resources. Talent, lineage, Daoist realms, Daoist arts, the Dao Heart, and countless other factors were at play.

Those who embarked on cultivation with incomplete foundational techniques could not truly be considered cultivators.

In the courtyard, Gao Shixing sighed with a hint of regret, yet also a sense of satisfaction. He turned to Wang Sheng.

Yuan Pu Zhenren sensed that Wang Sheng had comprehended enough from the battle. Since he was in good spirits, he decided to call the disciples over to discuss the Dao and offer them some guidance. However, before he could, he felt something and turned with surprise to gaze at Wang Sheng's back.

Threads of primal qi swirled around Wang Sheng. They seemed to be trying to seep into him but were being blocked outside.

Enveloped by a spiritual consciousness that was filled with a sense of completion, Wang Sheng stood motionlessly. It was as if a small world had formed around him—one that belonged to him alone.

He was undergoing a breakthrough.

The world knows not my existence, yet I carve out a mere foothold to stand.

The world should know my existence, as my heart, soul, breath, and spirit become one with it.

So, this is the Seed Formation Realm?

Wang Sheng could feel the surging true essence within his meridians. It flowed continuously, yet it was detached from external influences. He watched the initial form of his spiritual platform take shape and the profound Dao rhythm circulate within it.

His spiritual consciousness continued to grow, and his true essence became ever more refined. It was as if he had pushed open a long-sealed door, revealing a clear and unobstructed path ahead.

He wanted to bask in the sensation of comfort, the feeling of fulfillment, and the exhilaration, making him reluctant to wake from his moment of comprehension.

Through it all, Wang Sheng felt as though someone were whispering in his ear. Sometimes, it seemed like an immortal from the heavens; sometimes, it was more akin to a lonely spirit from the underworld.

Soon, a sword hummed within Wang Sheng's heart. The whispers instantly vanished.

His internal circulation was complete.

At the Seed Formation Realm, he could continuously refine himself, gradually reverting his Dao body to an innate state in preparation for the path toward the Golden Core Realm.

Moreover, through his internal circulation, he could now absorb true essence to sustain himself. He could also use it to make true essence flow through him, allowing him to hold his breath for extended periods.

At that moment, all his previous experiences with Daoist realms became obsolete. After all, he had reached a realm that he had pursued relentlessly in his past life but never attained.

Everything happened so naturally. It brought him immense satisfaction, yet he also found himself yearning to climb even higher.

Perhaps this was the true allure of the Dao.

Wang Sheng could not spare any thought or worry for his surroundings. He simply sat cross-legged, focusing on the transformations within himself.

Every breakthrough was a rare opportunity for cultivators. If grasped well, the benefits would be immeasurable.

Watching Wang Sheng enter meditation, Yuan Pu Zhenren stepped forward. With a casual wave of his hand, he created a protective barrier made of true essence around Wang Sheng, shielding him from external interference. He then gestured lightly, and the disciples respectfully took their leave.

Gao Shixing cast a few glances at Wang Sheng. Afterward, he bowed to his master and left with the younger disciples. He seemed to have no lingering attachment. With his sword in hand, he lightly and carefreely made his way down the mountain, a clear sign of his excellent mood.

The next day, Gao Shixing would enter secluded cultivation. He would no longer spar with Wang Sheng again regarding the Dao of the Sword.

Due to his sudden breakthrough, Wang Sheng didn’t get the chance to express his gratitude to the Dao master. The past two weeks had simply been immensely rewarding; they left a significant impact on his future cultivation.

Soon, only Yuan Pu Zhenren, Chi Wen, and Zhou Yinglong remained in the courtyard.

Yuan Pu Zhenren closed his eyes and remained silent, while Zhou Yinglong withdrew to stand guard at the courtyard gate. Slightly bewildered, Chi Wen was unsure of what had just happened.

Is Senior Brother injured?

A trace of nervousness rose in her heart, but she dared not make any noise. She could only hope that her senior sister would return soon.

Yuan Pu Zhenren stayed around, intending to offer guidance to Wang Sheng. Just like the several other Daoists who had come to observe Wang Sheng's spars with Gao Shixing in the past few days, Yuan Pu Zhenren had also developed an appreciation for his talent.

Though Wang Sheng did not belong to Wudang's Daoist lineage, he was still a cultivator residing on the Wudang Mountains. His future would inevitably be tied to this place.

Most of Wudang's younger generation followed a steady, traditional path. Many possessed excellent aptitude, yet no one stood out as a true prodigy who could represent the third generation of disciples.

Yuan Pu Zhenren saw not only a rare sword cultivator talent in Wang Sheng but also something even more precious—an innate spiritual insight. He just had to refrain from passing down Wudang's Daoist heritage techniques; merely sharing his personal insights would not violate the rules that the forefathers had set.

Wang Sheng was unaware of the fated opportunity that awaited him. He was far too immersed in stepping into the Seed Formation Realm and experiencing the profound wonders of internal circulation.

The Seed Formation Realm was the third step in unlocking the treasures of one’s Dao body. It was also a crucial phase in solidifying their personal Dao.

Within his spiritual platform, the phantasm of an ancient sword was beginning to take shape. Though its blade and edge had yet to fully form, its general outline was already visible.

As he ceaselessly made his true essence circulate, the meridians in his body gradually expanded.

Simply breaking through to the Seed Formation Realm had increased Wang Sheng's strength by more than thirty percent. Combined with his rapid improvement in the Dao of the sword over the past half-month, his power had surged significantly.

After maintaining a closed internal circulation for some time, Wang Sheng noticed that his body had adapted. Hence, he attempted to establish a connection between his internal circulation and the world around him.

He recited the Pure Yang Immortal Mantra and slowly opened the "gateways" throughout his body. A roar filled his ears, and waves of primal qi rushed into his Dao body in a frenzy. Like water bursting through a dam and flooding the area, Wang Sheng began to overflow with true essence in mere minutes.

His spiritual consciousness expanded outward, instantly covering several hundred meters around the small courtyard. He felt as though he was standing in the air, ready to step into the wind and ride it freely.

He could see his senior sister cultivating in the forest, Zhou Yinglong meditating on a large rock outside the courtyard gate, and even the elder standing beside him.

Shocked, Wang Sheng quickly withdrew his spiritual consciousness and calmed his mind. When he opened his eyes, the layer of true essence enveloping him dissipated.

He stood up and respectfully greeted the elder beside him. "Thank you for your trouble, Grandmaster."

"It's nothing," Yuan Pu Zhenren chuckled as he stroked his beard. He turned around and returned to the grand tutor chair.

Wang Sheng glanced at the sky, finding the sun already setting. His breakthrough had taken half a day.

"Fei Yu, come closer."

"Yes, Grandmaster.” Wang Sheng walked over to Yuan Pu Zhenren.

With a casual wave of his hand, the elder pulled a meditation cushion from the corner of the main house and placed it at Wang Sheng's feet. He then motioned for him to sit.

Wang Sheng was not overly reserved. He calmly sat down and looked up at the elder.

Yuan Pu Zhenren then instructed, "You there outside the courtyard. Come in as well."

Zhou Yinglong, who had been meditating at the entrance, was startled awake. He froze for half a second, then his face lit up with joy as he rushed inside. After guarding Wang Sheng since morning, he was now met with an unexpected reward.

Zhou Yinglong was not particular about formalities. He simply sat cross-legged on the ground beside Wang Sheng. Chi Wen hurriedly brought over a small stool, but Zhou Yinglong waved her off.

"Shixing is my most cherished disciple. He is devoted to the Dao of the Sword and has achieved remarkable success. However, of all my disciples, I worry about him the most,” Yuan Pu Zhenren said. “I fear that his deep obsession with the sword may one day trap him within it. Fei Yu, you bear some resemblance to Shixing in this regard. That is why I stayed behind to wait for you."

Wang Sheng nodded slightly. In a hushed tone, he replied, "I will keep your teachings in mind, Grandmaster."

"With your master by your side to guide you, I shouldn't have to worry," Yuan Pu Zhenren remarked, gazing at Wang Sheng with a touch of sentiment. "Your master can be considered half a disciple of mine, so calling me Grandmaster is not entirely unwarranted.

"You practice the Dao of the Sword, but your master has only dabbled in it. I fear that if he pretends to understand what he does not, he may end up ruining a rare, unpolished gem like you.

"Therefore, today I will share with you more insights on cultivating the Dao of the Sword. If you have any questions, feel free to ask."

Wang Sheng bowed his head. "Thank you for your guidance, Grandmaster."

"Forefather Master, what about me...?" Zhou Yinglong asked softly.

Yuan Pu Zhenren chuckled as he stroked his beard. "You may ask questions as well, but if they are subpar, I will have to punish you."

Zhou Yinglong chuckled bitterly. He actually wanted to ask who was truly considered the grandmaster's disciple between him and Wang Sheng.

"Since we have nothing urgent at hand, I will share more with you both today. Hmm... Let's start with the famous sword cultivation sects in the Daoist world."

Yuan Pu Zhenren spoke about whatever came to his mind. A moment ago, he had said that he would guide them in sword cultivation, but he immediately shifted to a different topic.

"Sword cultivation has existed since ancient times, but it was never a distinct Daoist path. It is merely a term that has gained popularity in recent years. One to two thousand years ago, all cultivators were simply practitioners of the Dao. There was no real distinction between using a sword or a saber.

"When it comes to sword cultivation sects today, the foremost is the Shu Sword Sect. In my younger years, I once visited Shu, and though their legendary sword-controlling techniques have declined due to the depletion of spiritual energy, the sect still has many dedicated sword practitioners.

"There are also Mount Hua, Mount Lao, and the Qingcheng Mountains. Among those in my generation, a significant portion has dedicated their entire lives to the sword."

"Forefather Master, where does Wudang rank?" Zhou Yinglong asked.

Yuan Pu laughed and scolded, "A poorly thought-out question already?! Go get me another cup of tea!"

Zhou Yinglong had just gotten up to fetch the tea when Chi Wen came running over with a teapot. Just before she could leave, Wang Sheng called her back, signaling for her to stay and remain on standby for errands.

In truth, listening in on the teachings of such an esteemed person was also a small opportunity for Chi Wen. Not that it would be of much use to her.

"Fei Yu, you answer Yinglong's question."

Wang Sheng smiled. "Grandmaster, what you mentioned are lineages that primarily cultivate the sword. Unlike them, the practitioners of Mount Wudang draw on the strengths of various sects. We are not a sword sect, so we cannot be directly compared to other Daoist heritages."

Yuan Pu Zhenren stroked his beard and chuckled. "Well said. You are truly perceptive."

Zhou Yinglong couldn't help but rub his forehead with a wry smile, suddenly feeling a deep sense of melancholy.

He wanted to go back and ask his master, "Does Forefather Master even still remember my name...?"