The Second Patriarch, Fang Yunhe, was a figure of immense stature on North Peak—no, not just North Peak, but one of the most significant individuals across all of Mount Hua. It was Fang Yunhe, single-handedly, who saved the entire sect from imminent collapse back then. It was also under his guidance that Mount Hua entered the Era of the Five Peaks. Eventually, Patriarch Fang Yunhe ascended to immortality. If one were to name the two most legendary figures in Mount Hua’s five-thousand-year history, they would be Fang Yunhe and Yan Cangtian. What treasures would be left behind by someone capable of ascension? How coveted were they! In every attempt at the Cloud Exit Trial, how desperately did everyone prepare and strive to break through? Yet, even so, over four millennia, not a single soul had passed the Cloud Exit Trial. The sheer difficulty of the Cloud Sword Array was thus evident, bordering on the utterly terrifying.

After resting for the night, the next day, Lu Yuan and his roommate, Ye Xiao, shared a simple meal of congee and light dishes before following Ye Xiao to listen to Martial Ancestor Uncle Sun Qingchi lecture the Dharma. Martial Ancestor Uncle Sun Qingchi held these lectures periodically. The so-called Dharma here did not refer to magical power or techniques, but the Daoist principles!

Daoist principles!

The truths of the Great Dao.

Simply put, Sun Qingchi would speak about his understanding of cultivation, and so forth. At the stage of the Longevity Realm, the Great Dao Realm, imparting knowledge could no longer be the rote, step-by-step instruction seen during the Qi Refining or Body Tempering stages; instead, it largely involved sharing personal insights and experiences. The location known as the “Tranquil Abode” held its lectures at the “Dharma Altar,” an expansive, open courtyard. Within the courtyard stood a high altar, upon which the lecturer sat, while those listening were seated around the perimeter. Lu Yuan, naturally unfamiliar with the layout, followed closely behind Ye Xiao.

They finally arrived at the spot. Ye Xiao found a place to sit, and Lu Yuan casually settled down nearby. Shortly after they were seated, others began to arrive—about three or four individuals appeared sequentially. Most of these cultivators possessed cultivation levels between the fifth and sixth layers of the Longevity Realm. These fellow cultivators looked curiously at the newcomers, somewhat puzzled by Lu Yuan’s identity. A moment later, the atmosphere shifted entirely with the arrival of one person. Lu Yuan immediately sensed the change. He looked eastward and saw an exceedingly handsome young man approaching slowly. This young man bore a small cinnabar mole between his brows, enhancing his striking appearance. Lu Yuan’s attention, however, was not on his looks, but on the dense, brilliant golden light emanating from his Upper Dantian—a dazzling, radiant spectacle. Lu Yuan, having broadened his horizons now, knew instantly: this man's Golden Core had reached the absolute peak of perfection, bordering on the eighth layer of Longevity where one tempers the Spirit Sword. Those seventh-layer Longevity cultivators Lu Yuan had encountered in the Divine Soul River, though of the same rank, were no match for this person.

“You are the tenth generation’s genius, Lu Yuan.” This golden-light-radiating man, whose eyebrows seemed to shine, approached Lu Yuan: “My name is Chu Lang. You will not defeat me in this Cloud Exit Trial.” His words were saturated with absolute self-assurance; he held unwavering faith in his own abilities. “So this is Lu Yuan.” “I heard he’s the number one genius of the tenth generation.” “Incredible—so young, yet so powerful.” “No matter how powerful he is, he definitely won’t beat Senior Brother Chu Lang in this Cloud Exit Trial this time.” “Of course not. Senior Brother Chu Lang is already tremendously formidable.” “Senior Brother Chu Lang is the foremost genius among the ninth generation, save for a few direct disciples.” “Indeed. Even Senior Brother Chu Fei, who is now counted among the Six Sword Immortals of North Peak, is not Chu Lang’s equal in terms of raw talent. If Senior Brother Chu Fei hadn’t chanced upon a mysterious inheritance, he likely wouldn't stand against Senior Brother Chu Lang. Senior Brother Chu Lang consistently suppressed Senior Brother Chu Fei back then.” “Yes, he is the one closest to becoming one of the Six Sword Immortals of North Peak from our contingent.”

Listening to their discussion, Lu Yuan realized that this Chu Lang was the figure who had kept the formidable Chu Fei suppressed. His current position just outside the Six Sword Immortals was apparently due to mere fortune. This man was indeed extraordinary. But, so what? A moment later, Tranquil Master Sun Qingchi arrived. He descended slowly from the sky before alighting upon the Dharma Altar. He glanced at Lu Yuan and nodded. “Greetings, Master.” “Greetings, Martial Uncle.” “Greetings, Martial Ancestor Uncle.” Lu Yuan’s solitary greeting stood out sharply among the crowd—the only tenth-generation disciple in the Cloud Immortal Realm.

“Today, I will lecture on the Ten Transformations of the Cloud Dragon,” Sun Qingchi announced. “Our North Peak values swordplay, magical techniques, and the realm of magical power equally. I am not skilled in sheer spellcraft, but I can offer guidance on the cultivation of swordplay and magical power. Today, we will explore Yazi Yan from the Ten Transformations of the Cloud Dragon.” “The Yazi beast resembles a shooting star, favoring blood and slaughter. It is often carved onto sword hilts and scabbards. The original meaning of Yazi is to glare furiously. Among the Seven Elements, the one most inclined toward combat is naturally the Metal Element. Therefore, the Yazi beast… is a method for transforming magical power into the Metal Element. Today, I will explain this transformation,” Sun Qingchi said. The audience was small, but comprised entirely of elites from the ninth generation, most of whom practiced the Ten Transformations of the Cloud Dragon.

Sun Qingchi began his exposition on the Yazi Yan transformation. His explanation was vivid, simplifying complex concepts and outlining the general circulation of magical power. However, the precise circulation of power always varied subtly from person to person, making a complete, universal explanation impossible; some aspects required personal enlightenment. As he lectured, Sun Qingchi glanced below, anticipating the reactions of two individuals. The first was his favored disciple, Chu Lang. If anyone present was set to master the Yazi Yan transformation among the Ten Transformations the fastest, it would likely be Chu Lang. He looked over and saw Chu Lang appearing deep in contemplation, seemingly grasping the concepts. His second expectation was Lu Yuan’s response. Rumor held Lu Yuan to be a genius among geniuses. Looking at him now, however, Lu Yuan was frowning in thought, appearing somewhat unable to comprehend.

In the following several lectures, the focus remained on the Yazi Yan. Chu Lang undoubtedly benefited the most. Several times when Sun Qingchi posed critical questions, Chu Lang provided correct answers and could smoothly circulate the required magical power, fulfilling partial conditions for the Yazi Yan transformation. Lu Yuan, conversely, seemed to gain very little. When Sun Qingchi questioned Lu Yuan a few times, the younger disciple expressed confusion about several points. This perplexed Sun Qingchi—wasn’t this youth hailed as the genius of the tenth generation? The disciples of the ninth generation, who were now Martial Uncles, inwardly smirked. Having the tenth generation catch up naturally displeased them, and seeing Lu Yuan display such limited skill now prompted outright ridicule. “Didn’t I say it? This is all he amounts to.” “Yes, and they called him the tenth generation’s genius.” “Far inferior to Senior Brother Chu Lang.” “It’s understandable, though. He is a tenth-generation genius, and the tenth generation has yet to mature. What Martial Uncle Sun is teaching is probably too advanced for him.” “Precisely, precisely.” Lu Yuan paid no heed to these barbs. He knew his talent lay primarily in the Dao of the Sword; his aptitude for foundational mental cultivation methods was mediocre, and his proficiency in other areas was equally average. In short, he was a genius in one domain, and ordinary in others. Therefore, it was entirely normal that he couldn't immediately grasp the Yazi Yan as taught by Martial Ancestor Uncle Sun. Although Lu Yuan grasped little, he did learn enough to lay a foundation for mastering the Yazi Yan later.

The magical power within his body began its conversion toward the Metal Element. The shift from the Cloud Element to the Metal Element was quite difficult. Lu Yuan followed the teachings learned from Martial Ancestor Uncle Sun Qingchi and began his practice. The first step succeeded, the second step succeeded. He felt a subtle change in the power within his body, but just then, the power reversed its flow, and he felt the energy inside him surge turbulently. Damn it, the Yazi Yan transformation had failed again. Just as he thought, he was a genius in one area, not all-encompassing.

Lu Yuan shrugged, not dwelling on it. He was an inherently easygoing person. He raised the wine gourd in his hand, intending to take a hearty swallow. Of course, drinking required ambiance, and the secluded courtyard offered none. Lu Yuan left the courtyard, walking and drinking as he went. This mountain was not high, and the environment was quite tranquil and serene. After all, those cultivating under Martial Ancestor Uncle Sun Qingchi numbered barely a dozen people; the entire mountain held only about a dozen practitioners, ensuring its peace.

Lu Yuan wandered the mountain until he reached the edge of a lake. This body of water nestled within the low hills appeared exceptionally quiet. The lake wasn't very large. Lush green grass bordered its edge, where a ring of willows had been planted. The weeping willows swayed gently, their leaves dipping into the lake, dyeing the water a deep emerald green. It was a perfect setting. Lu Yuan stopped walking altogether, sat by the lake, leaned against a willow tree, and began to drink. Good wine, good weather, good willow, good lake.

Lu Yuan tilted his head back and drank deeply, then raised the gourd in offering to the lake for the second sip. Optimists find joy wherever they are. Haha.

Just as Lu Yuan mused this, he suddenly noticed a set of footprints. These prints were peculiar; each impression bore a profound trace of Sword Intent carved into the earth. He looked again at the lake surface, scrutinizing it carefully this time, and seemed to catch a fleeting image of someone practicing sword forms in the water. After observing intently for a long while, Lu Yuan finally confirmed it: this must be a cultivator who had grasped the Sword Intent of the Lake practicing here.

Could it be… It must be Martial Ancestor Uncle Sun Qingchi practicing here. It was rumored that Martial Ancestor Uncle Sun Qingchi’s mastery lay in a set of Lake Sword Arts—highly probable! Here were the traces of Martial Uncle Sun’s practice; perhaps he could borrow this Lake Sword Intent? Lu Yuan’s heart stirred slightly, and he immediately focused his gaze.

The willows swayed softly. The lake water remained still. But Lu Yuan suddenly perceived a different kind of scenery.