The deadly poison raged through Xiao Wuchen's body and his consciousness flickered like a candle in the wind, on the verge of being extinguished at any moment. However, it was precisely this near-death experience that pushed him into an extraordinary mental state.
He abandoned all attachment to techniques and the flow of internal energy, allowing his internal energy to become chaotic and focusing solely on one image.
The Xuanji Elder's supremely yin, poisonous and corrosive black energy represented pure destruction and death.
His own 'Flowers Bloom to Reveal the Buddha', which pursued 'softness', had never reached a level capable of resisting this destruction.
'Flowers bloom... flowers bloom...'
He suddenly realised that he had been wrong all along. The core concept of 'Flowers Bloom to Reveal the Buddha' was not simply about using softness to overcome hardness, nor was it about achieving the fastest speed possible. If "yin softness" is the "yin" in the Tai Chi diagram, then the Xuanji Elder's poison is the extreme of "yin". To overcome this, one cannot rely on "yang", but rather on "yang within yin" — that is, the most essential life force contained within the yin softness's true energy.
A lotus can bloom in mud not because of its corrosiveness, but because it can transform its nutrients into ultimate vitality.
Xiao Wuchen's consciousness sank into his dantian. In his ocean of true energy, he no longer saw the rapidly flowing sword energy, but countless tiny yet vibrant 'seeds of energy'.
These seeds of energy were his yin-type internal force, possessing yin attributes yet containing a tenacious, resilient and inexhaustible life force!
The ultimate yin type is not greater softness, but rather greater 'life'.
Ultimate destruction is decay, while ultimate life is the bursting power that breaks through all shackles the moment a flower blooms.
At this critical moment, the system within his body sensed the tremendous leap in the host's thinking and the reconstruction of martial arts, and immediately intervened to provide assistance.
System prompt: The host's understanding of martial arts has undergone a fundamental transformation, touching upon the true meaning of 'When Flowers Bloom, Buddha Appears'.
Meridian Guidance activated. Assists the host in regulating rampant true energy and guiding it towards "Ultimate Vitality".
[Martial Arts Analysis] Activated: Analysing the toxic structure of the Mysterious Elder's Mysterious Yin Corrupting Heart Technique, deriving a countermeasure — the ultimate life reversal.
Martial Arts Proficiency: Flowers Bloom to Reveal the Buddha proficiency greatly increased!
With the system's powerful assistance, Xiao Wuchen's shattered true energy began to reorganise.
This time, the yin-like true energy he guided was no longer chaotic gentleness; it carried an indescribable, boundless vitality born from the brink of death. Though still yin-like, this newly born power underwent a radical transformation, flowing through his meridians like a spring breeze sweeping across the earth and carrying the essence of nurturing all things.
When this "Vitality Sword Intent" encountered the residual Mysterious Yin Corrupting Heart Poison within his body, a miracle occurred.
It was no longer a simple confrontation, but a process of absorption and transformation!
The ultimate vitality regarded the destructive toxin as nourishment, rapidly enveloping, decomposing and transforming it into fuel for his own true energy. The Corrosive Poison that had tormented Xiao Wuchen for so long was eradicated completely in a short period of time and even boosted his true energy slightly.
Xiao Wuchen suddenly opened his eyes, a soft glimmer flashing within them. He stood up and casually wielded his longsword; he was no longer pursuing the limits of speed.
The sword's strike was no longer just a fast, unseen movement; it now had a deep rhythm.
The tip of the sword sliced through the air, leaving a trail of alternating phantoms of life and death.
When the sword intent condensed, it carried the chill of death and the destructive power of annihilation.
When it unfolded, it instantly transformed into the gentle warmth of spring rain and boundless vitality.
At that moment, his swordsmanship sought to achieve an instantaneous balance between life and destruction. With a single thought, he could create or destroy everything.
His "Flowers Bloom to Reveal the Buddha" had truly reached its zenith.
'Flowers bloom, and life begins. Seeing the Buddha, and perfection is achieved. Only by pushing yin to its most vital extreme can I truly achieve 'overcoming the strong with the weak' and subdue that extremely yin, poisonous evil art."
He could feel the new true energy within his body. Although he hadn't broken through to a new realm, the quality of his internal energy and the level of his sword intent had increased significantly. He knew that, with his current sword intent, he no longer feared Elder Xuanji!Having experienced enlightenment and been cleansed of the poison, Xiao Wuchen's body and sword intent had reached an unparalleled level of purity. Rather than rushing on his journey, he stayed in the nearby mountains and forests for two days to consolidate this sudden breakthrough.
His true energy had completely transformed into a 'Life-Generating Sword Intent', imbued with boundless vitality. When he tried to circulate his inner force, he discovered that it was no longer merely yin and soft as before. Instead, it possessed a gentle, nourishing quality, like jade.
He channelled this true energy into the meridians and skin that had been corroded by the Profound Yin Corrupting Poison. Wounds that had been difficult to heal began to close, form scabs and peel away at a visible speed, revealing smooth new skin.
Xiao Wuchen thought, 'This is the effect of ultimate vitality. My sword can kill and heal. Compared to mere yin or yang, this power possesses a greater sense of 'righteousness and honour'."
This new power deepened his understanding of martial arts. The cultivation of a martial artist is not merely about the quantity of true energy, but also about comprehending the essence of life.
After consolidating his cultivation, Xiao Wuchen re-examined his goals.
The appearance of the Mysterious Elder made him realise that the power of the evil path was far greater than he had imagined. Although defeating Su Mubai demonstrated his exceptional talent, he still seemed inexperienced compared to seasoned peak-stage Foundation Establishment experts.
'To truly establish myself in the martial world, gain the ability to confront the Xuan Yin Sect and the imperial court, and acquire greater resources and influence, I must ascend to the Heavenly Ranking.'
He opened the map and set his sights on the Martial Saint Hall.
This martial arts sanctuary, which transcends sects and the imperial court, hosts an annual exchange conference that attracts experts from the Earthly and Heavenly Rankings to discuss the Dao. This is the best opportunity to demonstrate his strength openly and gain the qualification to challenge the Heavenly Ranking.
En route to the Martial Saint Hall, Xiao Wuchen slowed his pace deliberately, mingling with the bustling townspeople.
He watched children playing in the streets, farmers working diligently in the fields and vendors trying to earn a living. The sword in his hand now carries extreme power — the power of life and death — yet he contemplates its true meaning.
He once practised swordsmanship for revenge, fought for survival and honed his skills to climb the ranks. Now, however, his swordsmanship embodies the essence of "life", and he begins to grasp more deeply what he is protecting.
While the Xuan Yin Sect Master's evil arts represent the corruption and destruction of life, his "Life-Giving Sword Intent" embodies the protection of all beauty and vitality in this world.
This shift in mindset has made his sword intent increasingly refined and strengthened his connection with the world. He is no longer a vengeful figure who only knows how to pursue speed, but a true seeker.
This shift in mindset has made his sword intent more refined and strengthened his connection with the world. He is no longer a vengeful figure who only knows how to pursue speed, but a true seeker of the Dao, beginning to bear its weight.
Like an ordinary traveller yearning for martial arts exchange, he conceals all his aura as he heads towards the sacred place symbolising the pinnacle of the martial world: the Martial Saint Hall.