137: The secret of the mountain behind Jiange!

Mo Fan walked towards Hidden Sword Peak.

Although he hadn't yet obtained a flying sword befitting an inner disciple, his speed had significantly increased after breaking through to the Foundation Establishment stage.

Now, it only took Mo Fan about ten minutes to get from his residence to the Hidden Sword Pavilion.

The sun was bright.

Chu Qian was already out airing swords early in the morning.

Perhaps it was due to cultivating the complete version of the Sword Nurturing Art, but Chu Qian's complexion had improved slightly.

However, Mo Fan noticed that her eyes still lacked luster.

"Good morning, Senior Sister," Mo Fan greeted her.

"Oh, Junior Brother, you're here!" Chu Qian's heart filled with joy and excitement.

She had only learned from her master that Mo Fan was the one who had comprehended the complete version of the Sword Nurturing Art.

And it was precisely because of the complete Sword Nurturing Art that her master was able to survive that great battle.

Otherwise, her master would most likely still have forcibly condensed that invincible sword to slay the great demon, but she would have perished in the process.

Compared to losing her life, the current outcome was already very good.

"Junior Brother, you are the great benefactor of our Sword Pavilion. I..." Chu Qian looked at Mo Fan with burning eyes.

Mo Fan shook his head and said earnestly, "There's no need for such formal talk."

Chu Qian was startled, then nodded with a smile. "Alright."

Mo Fan also smiled, holding up the pastries in his hand and saying,

"Should the pastries still be placed on the table inside? The two matcha-flavored ones are for the Elder."

"Mhm, yes, just put them on the usual table. I'll take them to Master after I finish airing the swords."

Mo Fan smiled and walked inside the Sword Pavilion with the pastries.

Watching Mo Fan's retreating back, Chu Qian swallowed, feeling hungry.

"Mmm, Junior Brother's pastries are truly irresistible. No, I need to finish my work quickly and eat the pastries!"

Chu Qian continued airing the swords.

However, not long after, Mo Fan came out again.

"Oh, Junior Brother, have you seen Junior Sister Xu already?" Chu Qian asked in surprise.

How could it be so fast?

"Yes, I have," Mo Fan nodded.

"Why was it... so quick this time?" Chu Qian's eyes widened.

"I just gave her the food and came out," Mo Fan said, his face darkening.

For some reason, Chu Qian's words always sounded a bit strange.

"Uh, aren't you going to chat with her a bit more?" Chu Qian asked, puzzled.

"I mainly came to see you this time," Mo Fan said.

"Ah? See... see me? What for?" Chu Qian was startled, a little bewildered.

Mo Fan didn't waste any words and said directly, "Show me how you circulate the Sword Nurturing Art."

Hearing this, Chu Qian understood.

So Junior Brother wanted to teach her the Sword Nurturing Art.

She already knew that Xu Jing's Sword Nurturing Art was taught by Mo Fan.

However, Chu Qian shook her head.

"Master has already re-taught me the Sword Nurturing Art. Because I have ten years of foundation, I'm converting to it quite quickly. Junior Brother, you don't need to waste your time on me—"

Mo Fan shook his head, firmly saying, "It's alright, I'm just idle anyway. Show me how you circulate the Sword Nurturing Art."

"Alright, alright then." Seeing Mo Fan's insistence, Chu Qian could only nod, put down the spiritual sword in her hand, and sat down cross-legged to circulate the Sword Nurturing Art.

"Don't stop. Open your mind, coordinate with the breathing technique, and circulate it for three cycles first," Mo Fan instructed.

"Okay," Chu Qian nodded.

Clearly sensing Chu Qian's breathing rhythm, as well as the circulation paths of the true qi and sword intent within her body, Mo Fan focused and began to ponder.

After three cycles, Mo Fan deliberated for a moment and then said,

"The rhythm of the third section of the breathing technique can be slowed down a tiny bit. Try circulating it again from there."

"How much slower?" Chu Qian asked blankly.

"Try slowing it down by a tenth of a breath first."

Smiling, Mo Fan explained,

"In reality, everyone's physique and circumstances are different.

"A fixed breathing technique may not necessarily be the most suitable.

"And the Sword Nurturing Art is a purely ancient method; perhaps the human race back then was also a bit different from us.

"Therefore, we can make small adjustments to find the threshold that is most suitable for ourselves.

"This way, cultivation will be twice as effective with half the effort.

"Similarly, the circulation path of true qi is the same."

Hearing this, Chu Qian suddenly understood and sincerely exclaimed,

"Junior Brother, you know so much! No wonder you were able to comprehend the complete version of the Sword Nurturing Art carved on the stone tablet!"

"Not really, it was just good luck. I'm quite interested in ancient texts and have studied them for a long time.

"I just happened to recognize the ancient characters on the stone tablet, and so I comprehended what you call the complete version of the Sword Nurturing Art."

Chu Qian shook her head, "Junior Brother, you're too humble!"

Chu Qian knew that even if one recognized ancient characters, comprehending the Sword Nurturing Art was not simple!

Moreover, Mo Fan's wasn't just simple comprehension!

He had already thoroughly understood the Sword Nurturing Art, reaching a level where he could use it effortlessly!

Otherwise, he wouldn't be able to help people calibrate their breathing techniques!

It's just that she didn't know why Junior Brother wasn't willing to cultivate in the Sword Pavilion, sigh—

Chu Qian sighed inwardly.

"Senior Sister, focus. Your breath is off," Mo Fan reminded.

"Ah? Oh, oh... alright!" Chu Qian quickly composed herself and circulated the Sword Nurturing Art.

Next, Mo Fan meticulously calibrated the Sword Nurturing Art for Chu Qian, bit by bit.

Of course, this was a massive undertaking.

It couldn't be completed in a day or two.

Mo Fan could only take his time, calibrating it little by little.

Fortunately, the secret realm was scheduled to open on the tenth of next month, so as long as Mo Fan came over every day, he would still be able to complete this major task.

It was a pity that Liu Xiyan's sword intent had already dissipated, leaving her with very little cultivation.

Otherwise, it would have been best for her to do this.

After repeated attempts, Mo Fan only stopped after two full hours of calibration.

"Let's calibrate this part for now. Practice it well, familiarize yourself with this feeling, remember it, and then repeatedly try it until it becomes instinctual.

"Senior Sister has been cultivating the Sword Nurturing Art for ten years, so her foundation is solid, and she learns quickly.

"As long as you put in some effort, it should be about right by this time tomorrow. I'll come back then to help you continue calibrating."

"Junior Brother—" Chu Qian hesitated, wanting to say something.

Mo Fan looked at her in confusion.

"Will this... waste too much of your time?" Chu Qian lowered her head, her eyes flashing with guilt.

She was almost certainly not going to make it past the life-and-death threshold.

Once a person died, everything would be gone.

She felt very bad about wasting Mo Fan's time like this.

Seeing this, Mo Fan seemed to guess Chu Qian's thoughts and frowned, saying,

"Don't say such things again. You just focus on cultivating, and leave the Sword Nurturing Art to me.

"As for the ten-year hurdle, as long as you cultivate the complete version of the Sword Nurturing Art well, I believe there's a good chance you'll overcome it.

"Of course, even if there's no chance, you can't admit defeat first. If you don't have the spirit to forge ahead, then don't be a sword cultivator at all.

"And don't bother trying to cross any life-and-death thresholds. Just cripple your cultivation, go home and raise pigs, live out your remaining years as an ordinary person, and be done with it."

Mo Fan's words were a bit harsh.

Chu Qian's head lowered further and further, eventually burying itself completely.

She was overwhelmed with shame.

Such a simple truth.

And Junior Brother had to teach her... Yes, wasn't a sword cultivator supposed to be indomitable?

What was death?

Living a life of mediocrity was what a martial artist, a sword cultivator, regretted and feared the most.

Since that was the case, let alone having hope.

Even without hope, there was no reason to shrink back!

Taking a deep breath, Chu Qian looked up, biting her red lips, her eyes slightly red, and whispered, "Junior Brother, thank you..."

Mo Fan smiled.

This time, he saw the light return to Chu Qian's eyes.

"Cultivate well. Don't worry about airing swords for now. I'm sure the Elder won't blame you."

"Mhm, I understand!" Chu Qian nodded vigorously.

Seeing this, Mo Fan also breathed a sigh of relief.

No matter how much help the complete Sword Nurturing Art provided, if Chu Qian herself lost faith, she wouldn't be able to overcome the ten-year life-and-death threshold.

Fortunately, Chu Qian had regained her belief.

"You cultivate on your own. I'm going to see the Elder."

After saying that, Mo Fan turned and walked towards the inside of the Sword Pavilion.

Seeing this, Chu Qian quickly reminded him, "Master should be in the back mountain right now."

"Back mountain?" Mo Fan was startled.

"Yes, the back mountain. Master seems to have been staying in the back mountain these past few days. You can find her there."

"Alright," Mo Fan nodded.

He first walked inside the pavilion, took out the two matcha-flavored pastries, then bypassed the Sword Pavilion and headed towards the back mountain.

Before long, Mo Fan saw Liu Xiyan.

At this moment, Liu Xiyan was staring blankly at the lush green mountain peak, her figure looking somewhat lonely.

Clearly, the loss of her sword intent had dealt her a significant blow.

Mo Fan walked over and handed her the pastries.

"Your favorite matcha-flavored pastries."

Liu Xiyan was startled, glancing in surprise at the suddenly appearing Mo Fan, her eyes momentarily blank for two seconds.

Finally, she broke into a radiant smile, took the pastries, and began to eat them directly.

"Your pastries are still so delicious. It's a shame you're not a chef."

Mo Fan: "?"

What are you joking about?

I'm a man destined to become a Martial Emperor!

How could I possibly become a chef?

"Elder, I've cleared the trial tower. In a few days, I'll become an inner core disciple," Mo Fan said directly.

Liu Xiyan wasn't surprised by this and slowly said, "How long did it take?"

"I broke the record," Mo Fan replied.

Upon hearing this, Liu Xiyan, who was eating the matcha pastry, paused for a second, then let out a sincere sigh of admiration, "As expected of you..."

"On the tenth of next month, I'll be going to the secret realm," Mo Fan added.

"Good. With your talent, two months in the secret realm can greatly improve your cultivation."

Pausing, Liu Xiyan continued, "Although the secret realm has been explored for a long time, there are still some opportunities hidden within.

"Pay close attention, and you might find something."

Gathering her thoughts, Liu Xiyan added,

"If possible, you can look at more information related to formations and domains during this time. It might be helpful."

Hearing this, Mo Fan was somewhat surprised.

Of course, he quickly understood.

After all, the secret realm was transformed from ancient ruins and contained many special areas.

Although many domains had been deciphered, there were inevitably some overlooked ones, as well as domains that could not be deciphered no matter what.

At this point, having more knowledge of formations and domains would be an advantage.

If he was lucky, he might even stumble upon some good opportunities.

Soon, Liu Xiyan finished both boxes of pastries.

She rubbed her lower abdomen, a satisfied look on her face, and a blissful smile.

Seeing this, Mo Fan smiled.

After some thought, he took out the sword talisman and handed it back to Liu Xiyan.

"Hmm?" Liu Xiyan frowned.

"Here, take it back. By fusing with the light of the primordial spirit on this sword talisman, your cultivation can recover somewhat."

Liu Xiyan shook her head, "My cultivation has fallen below the Return to Origin stage. The light of the primordial spirit is sealed within my martial arts foundation, so it cannot fuse with this sword talisman."

"Is the effect of the sword talisman still there?" Mo Fan asked in surprise.

"It is," Liu Xiyan nodded.

"Then you keep it. It can save your life when you encounter danger," Mo Fan offered the sword talisman again.

Liu Xiyan rolled her eyes at Mo Fan. "What danger could I possibly be in, staying in the Sword Pavilion all day long?

"Something I, Liu Xiyan, give out is like spilled water; it can't be taken back. You keep it yourself, and use it when you need to."

"Uh—" Mo Fan scratched his head, unsure what to say for a moment.

Liu Xiyan looked at him, and said seriously,

"The secret realm is not absolutely safe. Some restricted areas have always been forbidden to enter.

"Of course, even if you don't seek death by going to the restricted areas, there is still a certain amount of danger.

"Even with a protector secretly guarding you, something could still happen. This sword talisman might be able to help you at a critical moment, so take it.

"Don't worry about me. I can still be lively for a few more years, and I didn't lie to you; the light of the primordial spirit on the sword talisman really can't be fused anymore..."

Seeing Liu Xiyan say this, Mo Fan no longer insisted, put away the sword talisman, and prepared to bid farewell.

Before leaving, he seemed to remember something and quickly asked, "Was the stone tablet in the backyard dug out of the secret realm?"

Liu Xiyan looked at Mo Fan in surprise.

After a moment of hesitation, she still said, "It was indeed dug out of the secret realm."

Pausing, she continued, "It's not really a secret. The secret realm controlled by the Jade Void Academy is actually an ancient ruin.

"The Jade Void Academy also started with it. The inheritances of each peak, including the Jade Void Ancient Seal, were all dug out from the secret realm. The Sword Pavilion's stone tablet is no exception.

"Even the trial tower itself was dug out whole—"

"Ah?" Mo Fan was surprised.

He had originally thought that only some facilities within the trial tower were dug out.

He hadn't expected the entire thing to be dug out whole.

"No wonder there are three thousand complete formation source patterns and domain origins—" Mo Fan sighed with emotion.

Of course, what he was concerned about now wasn't that.

After thinking for a moment, he looked at Liu Xiyan and directly asked, "Elder, do you know the location where the Sword Pavilion stone tablet was dug out..."

Hearing this, Liu Xiyan frowned. "The places where various inheritances were dug out are now the designated restricted areas within the secret realm.

"Those places are filled with ancient formations and domains; touching them means instant death.

"When the secret realm was discovered, spiritual energy had not yet recovered, so those formations and domains naturally had no power—

"Now, spiritual energy has been recovering for a thousand years, and the originally dormant formations and domains have all revived. It's best if you don't go near them."

"So that's how it is," Mo Fan smiled.

"So it's in the restricted area. That seems pretty easy to find..."

"What are you thinking?" Liu Xiyan rolled her eyes at Mo Fan.

She felt that with his personality, he was very likely to seek death.

Seemingly knowing what Liu Xiyan was thinking, Mo Fan grinned and said,

"Elder, you're overthinking. I cherish my life very much. At most, I'll just look from afar. If there's danger, I definitely won't go near it.

"Besides, I'm also someone who has cleared the trial tower, so the protector shouldn't just let me seek death."

"That's true." Hearing Mo Fan's words, Liu Xiyan finally relaxed.

"Elder, I'm going back now. See you tomorrow," Mo Fan said.

"Go on," Liu Xiyan waved her hand.

"Farewell," Mo Fan turned and left.

However, after only a few steps, he stopped, turning his face to look in a certain direction on the back mountain.

For some reason, at a certain moment, he sensed a distinct domain fluctuation.

"Is it a delusion?"

Mo Fan frowned.

"It shouldn't be a delusion. I've comprehended a little bit of domain origin, so I'm quite sensitive to domains..."

Finally, Mo Fan shook his head, didn't linger, and left the back mountain directly.

Even if there was a hidden domain in the back mountain, he was helpless right now.

"It seems I need to quickly comprehend the formation source patterns and domain origins.

"Then, perhaps I'll discover something."

Mo Fan was still very concerned about the back mountain.

After all, the Heavenly Demon Cult had sent people to investigate it before.

Mo Fan even suspected that the Demon Cult's attack on the Jade Void Academy last time was for the back mountain of the Sword Pavilion.

The back mountain of the Sword Pavilion was definitely not simple.

Gathering his thoughts, Mo Fan continued walking forward, quickly leaving the back mountain and Hidden Sword Peak.