"What the First Estate Master left behind, the Dragon Shadow Sword Art, contained the cultivation methods from the first to the fifth level, with no other cultivation methods recorded at all." Jian Li sighed, "What exactly the so-called 'Arrogant Dragon Regrets' means remains a mystery to this day, and naturally, grasping that realm is impossible."

The so-called Arrogant Dragon Regrets represented the dragon's final form: after soaring into the heavens, the dragon had reached the very edge of the sky, unable to ascend any further. This was because the dragon had become overwhelmingly powerful, admitting no possibility of further breakthrough. Simultaneously, due to its sheer might, it was plunged into a state of isolation, experiencing the chilling loneliness of being too high up. It had no opponents, no confidantes—only power, the power to destroy all, the power to be invincible. The emotions experienced in such a state were beyond what Jian Li and the others could possibly fathom. Perhaps the realm of the 'lonely master' or the 'solitary seeker of defeat' refers precisely to the state of Arrogant Dragon Regrets.

The I Ching constantly emphasizes moderation and balance, vehemently cautioning against the extreme swing where 'what reaches an extreme must revert.' The Arrogant Dragon Regrets clearly embodies this state of ultimate excess described in the I Ching. This 'reversion' likely refers to the melancholic, negative emotions experienced by the First Estate Master. It could be said that the First Dragon Shadow Estate Master was utterly defeated by himself. However, this kind of experience was impossible for Jian Li and the others to understand—nor could I, yet I possessed a similar kind of experience. I vividly recall my past fondness for the game Legend of Sword and Fairy. I remember spending an entire week finally clearing all the stages. I remember the indescribable satisfaction and joy I felt.

But later, I downloaded a cheat program online. With the cheat tool, I cleared the entire game in just two days. The protagonist, Jing Tian, whom I controlled, was utterly invincible; even Chong Lou in the final stage was easily vanquished. Yet, at that time, I felt not a shred of accomplishment, only an inexpressible emptiness. From that day on, I never touched Legend of Sword and Fairy again.

I suspect the mood of the First Dragon Shadow Estate Master was not much different from how I felt when I beat the game using the cheat codes. Sometimes, being too powerful strips away the very meaning of existence. Of course, this is not something I could ever tell Jian Li; even if I did, he might not grasp it.

"But didn't you say the Dragon Shadow Sword Art has twelve levels? What about the remaining six?" I asked out of curiosity.

"Whether the latter six levels actually exist is unknown even now. Later generations only calculated that six more variations should exist after Arrogant Dragon Regrets by examining the First Estate Master’s notes and deductions while organizing his relics. But even the First Estate Master never managed to cultivate them." On the final page of the notes, only one sentence was written: 'Embody the Dragon, Shatter the Void.' Jian Li’s expression was filled with yearning and reverence: "Embody the Dragon, Shatter the Void—even the First Estate Master couldn't reach that realm. But I imagine anyone who truly achieves it might truly become a god."

'Embody the Dragon, Shatter the Void.' I was stunned. Could the highest level of the Dragon Shadow Sword Art actually achieve the realm of Shattering the Void spoken of in Taoism? If that were true, wouldn't it mean being able to traverse countless voids and return to the modern timeline?

The more I thought about it, the more sense it made. Perhaps the First Dragon Shadow Estate Master practiced the Dragon Shadow Sword Art precisely to return to his own world. Perhaps his loneliness and melancholy weren't due to a lack of rivals, but his inability to return home, leading to his depression and death. I was momentarily staggered by my own deduction.

Now, I am even more certain that the First Dragon Shadow Estate Master was a transmigrator from China, just like me. I just don't know which era of China he hailed from. What a shame that I arrived a thousand years late; otherwise, I could have discussed things thoroughly with this senior compatriot. Now, returning to the modern era seems far from impossible. The key lies in how to cultivate that final phrase in the Dragon Shadow Sword Art—Shatter the Void. Since I am now a disciple of the Dragon Shadow Estate, if I continue cultivating, perhaps one day I might reach the realm of Shattering the Void. But one thing is certain: even if I reach this state, it will be a very long time from now. I have only just begun. To reach the realm of Shattering the Void requires walking a very, very long road.

Haste makes waste. It seems I need to plan this carefully. At the very least, I must first fully understand the current stage of the Dragon Shadow Sword Art and its cultivation method. With this in mind, I quickly asked, "Then what about the cultivation method for the Dragon Shadow Sword Art?"

"The cultivation method for the Dragon Shadow Sword Art refers to controlling the Dragon Shadow," Jian Li stated solemnly. "The Dragon Shadow Heart Method is divided into six levels based on the intimacy between the swordsman and the Dragon Shadow. The first level is Dragon Touch. At this stage, the Dragon Shadow exists only within the sword body, much like the move 'Latent Dragon, Do Not Act.' With the current Dragon Touch Heart Method, one can only perceive the Dragon Shadow's existence, not control it. Ordinary disciples spend two to three years just crossing this threshold. The second level is Dragon Taming, also known as Man and Sword as One. Built upon Dragon Touch, this level allows one to genuinely sense the Dragon Shadow's existence and materialize it using one's control over Dou Qi. Guided by thought and movement, one can direct the Dragon Shadow to attack. Jian Xin, myself, and the Senior Disciple Brother have all reached the Dragon Taming realm currently. The third level is Dragon Command, which is the realm of 'Nourishing the Dragon with the Body.' At this point, a preliminary spiritual connection can be established between the Dragon Shadow and the person, but the Dragon Shadow’s attacks become autonomous. At this stage, the swordsman actually takes a supporting role, coordinating attacks with the Dragon Shadow—it’s as if the Dragon Shadow is controlling the person. Only a few Martial Uncles have attained this level. The fourth level is Dragon Transformation, also known as Man and Dragon as One. This is your current realm. You control the Dragon Shadow’s movements through sheer intent; it's as if the Dragon Shadow has merged with your consciousness, allowing you to command the Dragon Shadow for attack and defense directly via thought. Not everyone gets the chance to reach this level; only a few Elders in the Estate have attained it. The fifth level is Dragon Attachment. When the Dragon Shadow Heart Method reaches this depth, one can fully and freely manipulate the power of the Dragon God, even condensing it onto external objects. This is the ultimate skill the Master just displayed. Because he has reached the Dragon Attachment realm, the Master can infuse the Dragon God's power onto your sword using his own Dou Qi energy. And only Estate Masters across generations have the qualification to cultivate Dragon Attachment. The sixth level is Dragon God. Over thousands of years, only the First Estate Master achieved this level, but what exactly this realm entails, nobody knows. Attaining this level transcends the scope of mere power; it reaches an entirely new height—it surpasses human strength and enters the divine. Hence, it is also called Dragon God."

"Ah." I was greatly shocked. Could it be that after the Dragon Transformation stage of the Heart Method, only Estate Masters throughout history could cultivate it? Thinking this, I momentarily froze. Does this mean I have no chance to cultivate the Dragon Attachment Heart Method? It is certain that the later stages of the Dragon Shadow Sword Art cultivation must rely on the Heart Methods beyond Dragon Attachment. But just overcoming the hurdle of the Estate Master’s level seems insurmountable for me!

Thinking this, I nearly wished I could immediately find the tomb of the First Dragon Shadow Estate Master and pry it open to see what other secrets this pretentious fellow had left behind.

"Regardless, reaching the realm of Dragon Transformation in one leap is certainly something worth celebrating," Jian Li remarked somewhat emotionally. "Unfortunately, I don't have time to celebrate with you, because tomorrow, I and your four Senior Disciple Brothers must venture out again."

"What? You've only just returned, and you're leaving already?" I asked, bewildered.

"Yes. You must have heard of the Scarlet Blood Demonic Sword," Jian Li said, unconsciously eyeing the imitation in my hand. "The external form is identical, but the inherent demonic nature is vastly different. Because the Scarlet Blood Demonic Sword has caused too much slaughter, this demonic sword must be utterly destroyed."

"Have you found a clue to the Scarlet Blood Demonic Sword?" I asked, startled.

"Yes, but whether it's true or false still needs confirmation," Jian Li replied.

"Legend says the Scarlet Blood Demonic Sword is a sentient demonic weapon," I hesitated. "Is that true?"

"The terror of the Scarlet Blood Demonic Sword is beyond your imagination," Jian Li said. "Though I have never seen it, my own grandfather died by its hand." As Jian Li spoke, he seemed to transform; a sudden, surging, sharp aura of murderous intent erupted from him. "So, no matter what, the Scarlet Blood Demonic Sword must be destroyed—not just to avenge my grandfather, but also to prevent future sacrifices."

".................."

The great hall fell silent for a time. After a long pause, Jian Li calmed down considerably. He looked at me: "Originally, since you just joined, I should teach you a few moves, but time is pressing, so we’ll have to wait for another day." Jian Li apologized slightly. "However, with your current cultivation, you don't need me to teach you swordsmanship. In my view, your current sword style is the most suitable for you. Practicing other sword arts would only detract from it. So, from now on, just focus on vigorously cultivating the Dragon Shadow. Remember, since you possess the Dragon Transformation realm, you don't need to rely on Dragon Taming to control the Dragon Shadow. This means the Dragon Shadow Sword Art has absolutely no conflict with your Lightning Sword. For you, the Dragon Shadow simply adds two flying swords you can command at will. Once you adapt to this state, your strength will surely advance further. Additionally, your future cultivation must prioritize Dou Qi. In this regard, I believe you have more experience than anyone, don't you?"

"Well, hehe, Master praises me too highly," I could only respond with a dry laugh. Thinking about it, I mastered the Raging Fire Sword Art before I turned sixteen. Describing my progress in Dou Qi cultivation as 'meteoric' would be an understatement. No wonder Jian Li said that.

"I have only one requirement for you: within two years, elevate your Dou Qi intensity to the peak of the Scarlet Moon. Only then will I teach you the third level of the Dragon Shadow Sword Art," Jian Li’s expression grew serious. "For an ordinary person, advancing from the initial stage of Scarlet Moon to the peak takes at least fifteen years. Even a prodigy of extraordinary talent needs eight years. But I believe you are different, because achieving the initial stage of Scarlet Moon before the age of sixteen proves your talent is absolutely no less than Long Yuan Feixue’s. Long Yuan Feixue reached the Scarlet Moon peak before the age of nineteen; I believe you can achieve it before you turn eighteen."

"What! Within two years?" I was astonished.

"Yes." Jian Li nodded firmly; his expression allowed for no refusal. The four Senior Disciple Brothers beside him also stared intently at me. "Junior Brother, the reputation of the Dragon Shadow Estate now rests on your shoulders. The four of us were defeated by Long Yuan Feixue in succession; the rest is up to you."

"Um, do you want me to fight Long Yuan Feixue?" I admitted, feeling a bit uneasy.

"In half a year, there will be the Martial Arts Competition among the Seven Great Sects," Jian Li said. "We have no hope for this session, so we place our hopes on the one four years later. But don't worry, once you break through to the peak of Scarlet Moon Dou Qi, I will teach you the fourth level of the Dragon Shadow Sword Art. Even Long Yuan Feixue might not be your match then."

"Ah." I truly couldn't understand why the Master and Senior Brothers placed such importance on these competitions.

"As the contemporary Sword God, how can I tolerate the antics of a jumped-up clown like the Long Yuan Gate flexing its muscles in front of me?" Jian Li said darkly. "Just because they have one young genius disciple? Now, we have one too."

No wonder the ancients said, 'In arts, there is no first; in martial arts, there is no second.' Perhaps this is a common affliction among all martial artists.

"Disciple will exert full effort." What else could I say? I was certain that if I showed even the slightest sign of lacking confidence, the four Senior Brothers would beat me senseless even if Jian Li didn't lift a finger. Clearly, the disgrace brought by Long Yuan Feixue to the Dragon Shadow Estate was far from minor.

No wonder that as soon as I joined, Jian Li was eager to pass on the Dragon Shadow to me—it was clearly a matter of honor. Thinking this, I instinctively gripped the demonic sword in my hand.

"Give me your sword first," Jian Li seemed to recall something.

"Yes." Though I didn't know what Jian Li intended, I handed the sword over.

"This sword looks too much like the Scarlet Blood Demonic Sword," Jian Li remarked. "If someone else saw it, it would cause immense trouble. I'll modify it for you first."

Saying this, Jian Li channeled his Dou Qi energy into the demonic sword once more. Soon, the fiery red body of the sword turned a crystal-clear, deep azure. Although its shape was very similar to the Scarlet Blood Demonic Sword, the color of the blade was completely different, lacking the captivating, eerie seductiveness of the demonic sword. Instead, it possessed an aesthetically pleasing quality.

"That should do it," Jian Li said proudly.

"............" I stared blankly at the sword in my Master’s hand. "Master, how did you do that? To change the color of a sword?"

"Hehe, Junior Brother, Master’s Dragon Attachment is not just about passing on the Dragon Shadow," Second Senior Brother interjected. "The Master just used the Dragon Attachment method to forcibly infuse the Dou Qi inside him into the sword body, allowing the Dou Qi and the blade to fully integrate. The color of the Master’s Dragon Shadow Dou Qi has reached the fifth level, Flying Dragon in the Heavens, making its color a very rare azure blue. So your sword has also taken on the color of the Master's Dou Qi."

"Not only that," the Senior Disciple Brother added. "Now, besides the Dragon Shadow the Master attached to it using Dragon Attachment, this sword also condenses a significant amount of the Master's strong Dou Qi energy. If you use it skillfully, it can provide a surprising boost to your Dou Qi energy."

"Indeed," Second Senior Brother said enviously. "Although this sword isn't a divine artifact, I doubt any weapon in the world, short of a divine one, could surpass it."

"............" Good heavens, that impressive. I was dumbfounded for a moment, but quickly recovered. Seeing the proud looks on my four Senior Brothers and Master, a sudden inspiration struck me: "Master’s divine skills have truly opened this disciple's eyes. Now, please give this sword a name."

"Heh, this..." The Master was immensely pleased, his old face flushed bright red with excitement. He instinctively stroked his chin—if only he had a beard, I would have joked about him stroking his long whiskers.

"Yes! Since this sword has been reborn in the Master's hands, it deserves a resounding name," Third Senior Brother, ever the smooth operator, delivered the flattery perfectly.

"How about this: since this sword is imbued with the Dragon Shadow, let’s simply call it the Dragon Shadow Sword. I hope one day this sword can defeat the Flying Snow Sword wielded by Long Yuan Feixue, thus restoring honor to our Dragon Shadow Estate," Jian Li decided.

"Dragon Shadow Sword, a good name," I exclaimed happily.

"Junior Brother, you must work hard," Senior Disciple Brother urged through gritted teeth. "You must beat down that girl Long Yuan Feixue so she stops being so arrogant."

"Yes." I stood at attention, chest out, practically saluting.

"Haha." The Master and Senior Brothers were amused by my peculiar reaction.

"Alright, you need to complete this Dou Qi cultivation quickly," Jian Li said. "Can you tell me where you plan to cultivate your Dou Qi?"

"Well, I think for the current stage, I'll head to the Zuma Temple in Mengzhong," I considered. "As for what comes next, I haven't decided yet."

"Zuma Temple?" Jian Li pondered. "That location is indeed suitable for you at your current stage. But once your Dou Qi reaches the mid-stage of Scarlet Moon, Mengzhong won't have suitable spots. At that time, go to the Bone Membrane Cave on Cangyue Continent. When you reach the high-stage of Scarlet Moon, then proceed to the Dragon Blood Domain on the Demon Dragon Continent. I believe this pace will accelerate your progress."

"But Master... getting to Zuma Temple from here is fine, but getting to the Cangyue Continent or the Demon Dragon Continent would take several months just on the road. I'm worried I won't make it in time." I expressed my concern.

"Hmm!" Jian Li’s expression turned grave. After thinking for a long time, he pulled a token from his robe and handed it to me. "This is an Imperial Edict, exclusively used by the Royal Family. The Dragon Shadow Estate only possesses five of these. You can use this one temporarily for now. As long as you take this token to the Veteran Guard Captains in the Guard Posts of the major cities, they will use the Teleportation Thunder Eagles to send you to your destination at the fastest speed possible. Even traveling to the Cangyue Continent or the Demon Dragon Continent will take at most half a month."

"Ah! That’s incredible!" I was ecstatic, carefully examining the golden token in my hand. It was palm-sized, forged from pure gold, bearing a large 'Emperor' character on the front and a coiled azure dragon symbolizing the Qi Royal Family on the back. With this treasure, where in the world could I not go?

"Don't ever lose it, or you'll be in deep trouble," Second Senior Brother warned cautiously. "This token does not signify the noble status of a royal family member, understand? Besides using it for teleportation travel, absolutely do not use it for anything else. Otherwise, even if the Dragon Shadow Estate lets you off, the Royal Family’s Heavenly Demon Warriors will not."

"Ah!" I was greatly shocked. Royal family members? Heavens, this status was terrifying! "I will certainly guard it closely and dare not act recklessly."

"Alright, the rest is up to your own efforts," Jian Li concluded. "We leave the Estate tomorrow. Since we can gather today, you four Senior Brothers should exchange insights."

"Yes," my four Senior Brothers and I replied in unison.

The Master then rose and left the great hall, clearly depleted from the two uses of Dragon Attachment just now.