The Martial Saint Hall is located on a perpetually misty mountain in the heart of the Central Plains. Unaffiliated with any sect or power, it is universally recognised as sacred ground for the exchange of martial arts and is crucial for compiling the Hundred Knowledge Ranking.
By the time Xiao Wuchen arrived at the hall, the exchange conference had already begun. Top experts from all corners of the land had gathered around this magnificent hall. Among them were elites from various sects in their standard robes, solitary cultivators and several highly respected figures from the Earth and Heaven Rankings. Their auras were restrained, yet their every move exuded the power of heaven and earth.
Xiao Wuchen concealed his own aura and entered the hall as an ordinary martial artist in the Qi Establishment Realm.
The exchange conference wasn't just a martial arts competition; it focused on discussions of principles and demonstrations of martial intent.
On the towering jade plaza, some demonstrated the unparalleled power of the Great Sun Vajra Fist, with a blazing intent like the sun in the sky and an overwhelming momentum. Others displayed the ethereal and graceful Smoke and Rain Without a Trace Step, their movements as elusive as smoke and mist.
Xiao Wuchen listened quietly, absorbing the essence of these different martial arts styles. He realised that mortal martial arts were incredibly diverse, with each school pushing its own 'intent' to the extreme.
Then, when a swordsman ranked fifteenth in the Earthly Rankings demonstrated the "Breaking Army Sword", a respected white-bearded elder beside the Hall Master spoke up:
'Young man with the black-sheathed sword, you've remained silent all this time. Surely you must have some understanding of swordsmanship. Why don't you come forward and demonstrate a few moves?"
All eyes instantly focused on Xiao Wuchen.
Xiao Wuchen nodded slightly and calmly walked to the centre of the plaza.
Rather than employing the sword technique that pursued extreme speed, he chose the newly comprehended "Sword Intent of Vitality".
He slowly drew his sword; its light was cold and silent.
His movements were so slow that even the experts at the Foundation Establishment stage could clearly track them. However, it was precisely this slowness that contained a chilling power.
His sword intent was no longer cold and effeminate, but instead carried a gentle yet all-pervasive life force.
The thrust of the sword seemed not to be for killing, but for nourishment. The sect elders present could sense the sword intent brushing through the surrounding air, causing the withered vines entwined on the jade pillars to show faint signs of revival.
Then he turned his sword and that vitality instantly vanished, transforming into utter stillness. Where the tip of the sword pointed, a barely audible sound of withering seemed to emanate from the air; the sword intent carried an irresistible force of death and decay.
Life and death, destruction and rebirth, alternated perfectly within that small space.
The masters of the Martial Saint Hall who were watching were all astonished. They had witnessed fierceness, insidiousness and agility, but never such contradictory yet harmonious sword intent! This was no longer merely excellence in technique, but a profound mastery of martial arts philosophy.
After the demonstration, the arena fell silent. A moment later, the elder who had been called upon first, and who was in charge of martial arts assessment at the Martial Saint Hall, stroked his beard and spoke.
'Excellent sword intent! Young man, you use a gentle, yielding energy to embody the principles of life and death, glory and decay. You are truly a prodigy. Your sword intent far surpasses that of most swordsmen on the Earth Ranking and rivals those at the bottom of the Heaven Ranking.'
Receiving such high praise, Xiao Wuchen bowed in gratitude.
However, the elder's tone shifted and there was a hint of regret in his voice:
'But your sword intent is not upright and honourable enough.'
Xiao Wuchen was taken aback.
The old man explained, "While your sword intent possesses the principle of vitality, it originates from yin and softness, grounded in 'annihilation' rather than 'righteousness'. Its extreme yin nature makes it unpredictable and closed off. The righteous path of the martial world pursues a martial intent that can suppress evil, and that is upright and honourable. Although your sword possesses the principles of the Great Dao, it ultimately carries a trace of 'evil' energy, which makes it difficult for the mainstream of the martial world to accept."
The old man's criticism was like a wake-up call. He then realised that, while powerful and pure, his sword intent, inspired by the evil arts of the Xuan Yin Sect Master, carried an inherent 'original sin' — it was born in darkness, not light.
This criticism made Xiao Wuchen realise that, although his swordsmanship was powerful, it still lacked true "orthodoxy" and "righteousness" in the eyes of the Martial Saint Hall and the righteous martial world.
Following the public sword duel at the Martial Saint Hall, Xiao Wuchen's "Life and Destruction" sword intent won him praise but also attracted considerable scepticism and rejection. Many righteous masters avoided him, believing that he was following an unorthodox path.
Xiao Wuchen ignored these gazes. He walked alone to a side corridor within the hall to process the old man's criticism that his sword intent was 'not upright enough'.
'My sword intent does indeed originate from yin and corrosiveness, possessing a naturally dark undertone,' he mused. 'But must true light necessarily be supremely yang and powerful?'
Just then, a steady, authoritative voice came from behind. 'Young man, your swordsmanship is extremely impressive, but your temperament seems not yet fully formed.'
Xiao Wuchen turned around and saw a middle-aged man in a black robe who exuded a calm and composed aura. He had regular features, yet his eyes seemed to contain the stars of the universe. His inner strength was so profound that no one could sense any fluctuation. This was the Hall Master of the Martial Saint Hall and the undisputed number one expert on the Heavenly Ranking.
'Hall Master,' said Xiao Wuchen, bowing respectfully.
The Hall Master nodded slightly. 'I understand your swordsmanship. It's not evil, but it's too 'isolated'. It only concerns your own life and death, glory and decay. It lacks the capacity to encompass the 'world'. Righteousness is righteous because it encompasses all things. Your sword cannot do that at present."
The Hall Master's words precisely pointed out the deficiency in Xiao Wuchen's martial arts mindset and perspective.
'Thank you for your guidance, Hall Master,' said Xiao Wuchen sincerely, accepting the instruction.
'Guidance is too simplistic,' the Hall Master said, his tone shifting and his gaze deepening. 'However, I am very interested in your martial arts potential. You have a chance to challenge the Heavenly Ranking, but your foundation is not yet solid enough.The Hall Master took a jade tablet engraved with ancient patterns out of his sleeve and handed it to Xiao Wuchen.
'The Martial Saint Palace has a secret trial ground called the "Martial Intent Array". There, your energy can be strengthened very quickly, and you can experience the essence of different martial arts styles. This trial ground is not publicly known, but I will make an exception and give you this opportunity.'
Xiao Wu Chen accepted the jade tablet, feeling a warm and vast true energy emanating from it.
This formation is extremely dangerous. It will affect your mind and true energy by using the martial arts intent of other masters. If you can withstand it, your true energy level will improve and your mental state will be perfected, enabling you to truly achieve 'embracing all things'. At that time, I will personally grant you the right to challenge the Heavenly Ranking.'
Although the Palace Master didn't explain the specific principles of the 'Martial Intent Formation', Xiao Wuchen understood that this was a test and guidance from the person ranked number one. He put away the jade token without hesitation.
'This junior is willing to accept the trial!'
"Very good." The Palace Master revealed a hint of an approving smile. 'Go. The trial ground is in the forbidden area of the back mountain. The jade token will guide you.'