Having grasped the incantation for sword flight and the method of circulating spiritual energy, Qin Changsheng slowly rose and took out the Black Wind Sword from his storage bag.
This Black Wind Sword was a treasure Qin Changsheng obtained after slaying the Black Wind Stronghold's chieftain.
Although the Black Wind Sword wasn't a high-grade magical artifact, it was sufficient for beginners learning sword flight, serving as a practice sword.
He gripped the Black Wind Sword and, following the instructions in the jade slip, slowly circulated the remaining spiritual energy within his body, channeling it along his meridians and gently infusing it into the longsword.
"Rise!" Qin Changsheng uttered a low shout, his mind focused, manipulating the longsword infused with spiritual energy, attempting to levitate it and lift his body into the air.
However, the expected scene did not occur. Although the longsword trembled slightly, emitting a faint glow of spiritual energy, it remained firmly planted on the ground, unable to levitate, even after exhausting most of his spiritual energy.
Undeterred, Qin Changsheng adjusted his breathing and once again circulated his spiritual energy according to the incantation, carefully controlling the longsword.
This time, the longsword finally lifted slowly off the ground, hovering half a foot in front of him, swaying slightly and appearing extremely unstable.
He took a deep breath, shifted his body slightly, and attempted to step onto the flying sword, but the moment his foot touched the ground, the longsword shook violently, its spiritual energy instantly becoming chaotic and unable to support his weight.
"Bang!" With a muffled sound, Qin Changsheng lost his balance and fell from the flying sword, crashing heavily onto the bluestone ground.
Qin Changsheng slowly got up, rubbing his numb knees, his eyes showing no sign of discouragement, only a resolute determination.
The path of cultivation is inherently fraught with thorns, let alone the initial learning of sword control; there's no reason to achieve it overnight.
He gripped the longsword again, circulated his spiritual energy, and repeated the previous movements.
Takeoff, swaying, crashing, then takeoff again, swaying again, crashing again.
The courtyard echoed with the muffled thuds of Qin Changsheng's falls and the trembling of his longsword.
Initially, he couldn't even maintain stable control of his flying sword. Even when he managed to levitate, it wouldn't last long; each time he stepped onto it, he would plummet to the ground.
Qin Changsheng gritted his teeth, rested briefly to recover his spiritual energy, and then threw himself back into cultivation, repeatedly refining his sword-riding techniques, familiarizing himself with the rhythm of spiritual energy control, and correcting his mistakes.
He gradually discovered that the most difficult part of learning sword-riding wasn't the injection of spiritual energy, but rather the coordination between his mind and the flying sword, and the stable circulation of spiritual energy.
His mind had to be highly focused, free of any distractions; the circulation of spiritual energy also had to be smooth and orderly, without haste. Otherwise, the flying sword would become chaotic, and he himself would fall.
His previous failures were all due to his impatience, his restless mind, and his rushed circulation of spiritual energy.
Having identified the key to the problem, Qin Changsheng adjusted his mindset, calmed himself, and stopped being impatient for quick results.
He first sat cross-legged to stabilize his internal spiritual energy and calm his mind. Then, he slowly manipulated his flying sword, practicing levitation and ascent little by little, before attempting to stand on it.
This time, he no longer pursued speed, but proceeded step by step, refining each movement repeatedly and carefully circulating his spiritual energy each time.
Several days passed in the blink of an eye, and the figures cultivating in the courtyard continued unabated.
Qin Changsheng had fallen countless times, yet his gaze grew ever more resolute, and his control over the flying sword became increasingly proficient. Gradually, he could keep the sword levitating stably, stepping firmly onto it without easily falling even after a short while.
Gradually, he could control the sword, lifting himself slowly into the air. Although the height and speed were not great, he could maintain his balance, no longer as clumsy as before.
"Hoo—" Qin Changsheng, controlling the flying sword, hovered three feet above the courtyard, slowly exhaling a breath of stale air, a faint smile appearing on his face, his heart filled with satisfaction and joy.
He looked down at the flying sword beneath his feet, at his own steadily standing figure, his heart overflowing with emotion.
From the initial repeated falls to now being able to barely levitate on the sword, these few days of training, though arduous, had been incredibly rewarding.
He controlled the flying sword, slowly descending, landing steadily on the bluestone ground, withdrawing his spiritual energy, and wiping the sweat from his face.
He was exhausted, yet still invigorated.
He knew he was only a beginner, barely able to levitate and fly short distances on his flying sword. He had a long way to go before truly mastering the art of sword flight, but it was already a good start.
Qin Changsheng sat cross-legged, took out a spirit stone, and began to replenish his depleted spiritual energy, while silently reflecting on his training insights from the day.
He could feel that with each practice session, his control over his spiritual energy was becoming increasingly precise, and the connection between his mind and his flying sword was becoming more and more seamless.
He believed that with just a few months of diligent practice, he would successfully master the art of sword flight.
...
Several months passed in the blink of an eye.
During these months, Qin Changsheng almost completely cut off all contact with the outside world, immersing himself entirely in the practice of sword flight, refining his skills day after day without ever stopping.
From initial stumbles and difficulty even controlling his flying sword, to later stable hovering and short-range flight, and now to effortless control and swift sword movement, Qin Changsheng, through his unwavering will, precise control of his spiritual energy, and the subtle enhancement of the golden inscription, has finally mastered the art of sword flight.
At this moment, Qin Changsheng stands in the open space of the courtyard, his spiritual energy surging slightly. The Black Wind Sword instantly unsheathes, transforming into a streak of light, hovering steadily in front of him.
Qin Changsheng leaps lightly, his toes touching the flying sword. His movements are fluid and natural, without the slightest hesitation. His spiritual energy and the flying sword are perfectly synchronized, his mind and spirit in perfect harmony, as if the flying sword were an integral part of his body.
"Go." Qin Changsheng uttered a low shout. With a slight thought, the flying sword beneath his feet instantly erupted with dazzling spiritual energy, carrying his body like an arrow shot straight into the sky. Its speed far surpassed his initial learning a few months ago, even exceeding the sword-riding speed of some late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators.
The wind howled past his ears, the clouds rushed past him, and Qin Changsheng stood steadily on his flying sword, his robes fluttering in the wind. His expression was calm and composed, his gaze sharp as an eagle's as he surveyed the rapidly passing mountains and land below.
He could clearly feel that after mastering the Sword Control Technique, not only had his flight speed increased dramatically, but his spiritual energy consumption had also decreased significantly. Even after long periods of flying on his sword, he wouldn't feel too tired.
Furthermore, with the blessing of the golden mana source, even if Qin Changsheng flew for a whole day, his mana wouldn't be depleted.
A thought struck Qin Changsheng, recalling Qingyun Town, where he had stayed when he first arrived at the Heavenly Sword Sect.
Qingyun Town was over a thousand miles away from the Heavenly Sword Sect.
Back then, to slay that evil cultivator, he had walked to Qingyun Town, which took him a full three days.
With this thought in mind, Qin Changsheng's mind stirred slightly. He controlled his flying sword, changing its direction and speeding towards Qingyun Town.
The flying sword sliced through the sky, leaving a faint trail of spiritual energy. Its speed was astonishing; mountains, rivers, and villages flashed past beneath his feet. What would have been a three-day journey now seemed like a leisurely stroll.
In a short while, Qin Changsheng sensed the vibrant atmosphere of everyday life below. He focused his mind, controlled his flying sword to descend slowly, restrained his spiritual energy, and landed lightly, firmly on Qingyun Town.
The sounds of vendors hawking their wares and conversations rose and fell on both sides of the town, a bustling and lively atmosphere that contrasted sharply with the coldness of the Heavenly Sword Sect.
Qin Changsheng knew this town all too well. Years ago, when he was a novice, full of dreams and eager to learn from a master and embark on the path of cultivation, he spent his last mortal years in this town before joining the Heavenly Sword Sect.
Qin Changsheng slowly raised his head, his gaze sweeping over the shops and watching the passersby. A faint trace of emotion flashed in his eyes.
In just over a decade, everything had changed. The naive and inexperienced boy who had come on foot was now a Foundation Establishment cultivator, his swordsmanship mastered.
Qin Changsheng didn't linger. He lightly leaped onto the flying sword hovering beside him, and with a slight thought, the sword soared into the air once more, hurtling towards the Heavenly Sword Sect.
This time, he didn't deliberately slow down. The flying sword streaked across the sky like a streak of light, its speed leaving only a blur.
The journey of over a thousand miles seemed incredibly short. Less than a few minutes had passed when Qin Changsheng looked up and saw a magnificent mountain gate standing atop the distant mountains, shrouded in mist. It was a grand structure with blue bricks, gray tiles, and upturned eaves.
Above the gate, the three large characters "Heavenly Sword Sect" were ancient and powerful, exuding a faint aura of authority, still shining brightly despite the passage of time.
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"Now that my sword-flying technique is perfected, it's time to go to the Scripture Pavilion to choose a cultivation method!"
"Then I'll see how my natal magic weapon is made!" Qin Changsheng had made his decision.