Under the silver-white moonlight, crimson sword lights flashed intermittently, surging and swirling with the wind. Sword energy howled, graceful and free, as Ding Sheng's movements transitioned from slow to fast, then from rapid to an almost imperceptible slowness, immersing him in a mystical state.

In the blink of an eye, two hours had passed, and the moon was high in the sky.

Ding Sheng’s movements were now as slow as possible, almost like a slow-motion scene in a movie, yet there was a profound rhythm within. If anyone had been observing the trajectory of his rusty sword, they would have soon felt their spirit weary, dizzy, and perhaps faint.

This sword style had transcended the ordinary.

What was even more remarkable was that Ding Sheng wasn’t drenched in sweat as he usually would be; only a fine mist of sweat dotted his forehead, glistening like tiny crystals.

With a swift motion, Ding Sheng sheathed his sword, nodding with satisfaction.

“In the past, practicing the sword more than ten times in a row would leave me fatigued and drenched in sweat, with energy pouring uncontrollably from my pores. That was really my energy dissipating abnormally. But now, I can basically lock in my internal heat, practice for over three hours straight, and still feel little fatigue… This must be the secret unlocked by awakening my spirit seed.”

Ding Sheng was gradually beginning to understand the mysteries of spirit energy.

According to the “Qi-Gathering Technique,” Ding Sheng was now able to draw spirit energy and impact his internal meridians, specifically the "First Spiritual Meridian." This would mark his entry into the "Spirit Disciple" level.

However, Ding Sheng did not continue.

After all, the “Qi-Gathering Technique” was a common technique, lacking any true mystique. If he wanted to become truly powerful, he needed a higher-level technique. Once he formally joined the Sword Seeking Sect, he could learn the "Tale of Sensing Qi and Wielding Sword," a human-grade mid-level technique that would provide a solid foundation for his spiritual path.

Moreover, by reaching the level of a “Quasi-Spirit Disciple,” he should have no trouble passing the Sword Seeking Sect’s entrance exam.

Currently, Ding Sheng had mastered two sword techniques, but he lacked practical combat experience and evasive skills.

Taking out a manual called the “Graceful Step,” a low-level but agile footwork technique, he began to study it. As the name suggested, it allowed one to move swiftly and unpredictably, boosting the power of fast sword techniques. Mastering it could enable him to change direction up to ten times in a second, making it a gem among low-tier auxiliary techniques.

Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.

Time flew by.

Completely immersed in training, Ding Sheng was like a fervent devotee, throwing himself wholeheartedly into cultivation, experiencing an unparalleled sense of joy.

The following days passed in peace.

Except for his daily duties cleaning around the Sword-Washing Pool at the foot of the mountain, Ding Sheng dedicated all his time to cultivation. His basic sword techniques and Cross-Sword Slash had reached perfection, and he had become skilled in the Graceful Step.

Ding Sheng also noticed something curious: his talent for comprehending sword techniques was remarkable, while his progress with footwork and meditation was slightly slower, though still exceptional.

As for the incomplete knife technique manual he possessed, he planned to study it only after formally joining the Sword Seeking Sect.

Time passed quickly, and now, less than three days remained until the Sword Seeking Sect would open its doors to new disciples.

In recent days, numerous youths, accompanied by family members and guards, had arrived at the base of the mountain, preparing to take the entrance test for the sect.

As the largest human sect within a thousand miles, the Sword Seeking Sect held great appeal for aspiring young talents, making the annual recruitment a grand event.

Naturally, the journey through the wilds to reach the sect was perilous, and only the children of wealthy or noble families, protected by guards, could safely reach the sect’s base. Ordinary youths rarely made it here unscathed, as wild beasts and monsters often lurked, turning travelers into nothing but remains.

Growing up close to the sect grounds, Ding Sheng was an exception among these aspiring disciples.

...

One bright, sunny day, Ding Sheng had just finished a sword practice session by the Sword-Washing Pool.

Suddenly, the sound of galloping hooves thundered in the distance, and a cloud of dust rose from the forest. A group of about twenty to thirty warriors in gleaming armor rode out from the trees, heading his way. In no time, they had reached the Sword-Washing Pool.

“Whoa!”

A fair-skinned boy of about thirteen rode at the head. He waved his hand, and his men pulled their reins, coming to a halt.

“Hey, kid, is this the Sword Seeking Sect?” The boy called down to Ding Sheng, raising his whip arrogantly.

“Yes, it is,” Ding Sheng replied, nodding.

These past few days had brought countless visitors to the sect, many more arrogant than this young noble. These warriors were clearly tough and battle-hardened, and it was wise to avoid unnecessary conflict.

“Haha, we’ve been on the road all morning. We’ll rest here for a while before heading up the mountain.”

The young noble dismounted, tossing his reins to a nearby servant before striding over to the pool to wash his face. Laughing heartily, he said, “This area is already within the sect’s territory, free from monsters. We can finally rest. Chen Wu, set up the tents, we’ll camp here for now. Cousin Yilin, come and freshen up from the dust of the road.”

A burly, bearded man called Chen Wu replied loudly and began instructing the others to set up tents.

Then, a girl in a pure white dress emerged gracefully from the group, and suddenly, everything around seemed to lose color.

The girl appeared to be about fourteen or fifteen years old.

Her eyes were dark as ink, her face perfectly shaped with delicate features, her nose finely crafted, and her lips a rosy red. Her skin was as smooth and white as jade, radiant and seemingly untouched by the world. Her jet-black hair and pure white dress made her beauty shine even more, as though she was surrounded by a pure white glow, a vision of beauty so ethereal it seemed almost unreal.