106: Chapter 106 Purple Qi Diagram

The arguments and assignments within the Qixia Hall had finally settled.

The seven recommended geniuses each found their place. Although there were some disputes during the process, Sect Master Ling Canghai ultimately made the final decision, and no one dared to truly defy him.

The Peak Revered Masters had each obtained Disciples they favored or were at least satisfied with. With expressions ranging from joy to indifference, or even slight reluctance, they rose one after another to bid farewell to the Sect Master. They transformed into streaks of light, flying away from Xiaguang Peak to return to their respective dojos.

Peak Master Su Hanyan was in the best mood. Having obtained the unexpected 'unpolished jade' that was Lin Tian, a rare, faint smile appeared on her cold, beautiful face.

After returning to Zixia Peak, she did not immediately attend to other matters. Instead, she first summoned a female Personal Disciple who was waiting outside the hall and instructed, "Go to the 'Cuiwei Residence' halfway up the mountain and bring the newly admitted Disciple, Lin Tian, to see me."

"Yes, Revered Master." The female Disciple, who appeared to be in her twenties, had delicate features and a capable demeanor. Clad in a light purple martial outfit with a long sword strapped to her back, she immediately bowed in acknowledgment upon hearing the order and turned to leave quickly.

Lin Tian sat quietly in the courtyard of the 'Cuiwei Residence,' regulating his breathing as he silently familiarized himself with the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi here, which was far denser and purer than in Heishan City.

He knew that the decision of the Sect's higher-ups could arrive at any moment, so he did not delve into deep cultivation, instead keeping his mind clear and prepared for whatever might come.

Sure enough, after less than an hour, light footsteps could be heard outside the courtyard.

A young woman dressed in a light purple martial outfit with a long sword on her back appeared at the courtyard gate.

"Are you Lin Tian?" The woman's voice was crisp, and her gaze fell upon Lin Tian with a hint of scrutiny and curiosity.

It was rare for a newcomer to be personally named and summoned by the Peak Revered Master.

"That is me. May I ask who you are, Senior Sister?" Lin Tian stood up and asked with a cupped-fist salute.

"I am Liu Rusi, an Inner Sect Disciple of Zixia Peak. I am here on the orders of the Peak Revered Master to take you to Zixia Peak." The woman, Liu Rusi, nodded slightly, her tone quite polite.

"Thank you, Senior Sister Liu." Lin Tian's heart stirred. Zixia Peak? He remembered hearing people discuss it at a restaurant; among the seven branches of the Qixia Sect, Zixia Peak seemed to be known for its Sword Dao? "May I ask, Senior Sister, does our trip to Zixia Peak mean the Sect has already finalized the assignment? And this Zixia Peak... what kind of Dao techniques and martial arts is it proficient in?"

As he followed Liu Rusi out of the courtyard and headed up the mountain path, he took the opportunity to inquire.

Each of the seven branches had its own focus, and he needed to understand the branch he was joining as soon as possible to clarify his future cultivation direction.

To be honest, what he had learned so far was quite varied; he had dabbled in fist techniques, blade techniques, and movement techniques, all with decent proficiency. Moreover, with the Proficiency System by his side, he could theoretically Revered Master any martial art quickly.

However, if he could align with the core Legacy of a specific branch, it would naturally yield twice the result with half the effort.

Hearing this, a faint smile appeared on Liu Rusi's face, clearly satisfied with Lin Tian's thirst for knowledge. As they walked, she explained, "That's right, you have been assigned to our Zixia Peak. Zixia Peak focuses primarily on Sword Dao, pursuing lightning-fast strikes and one-hit kills, emphasizing the unity of person and sword, with sharp, piercing brilliance."

"The peak houses several superior sword manuals, as well as plenty of movement techniques and Qi Refining methods to assist in Sword Dao cultivation. As for other things... the Sect does not forbid Disciples from exploring side paths. As long as it does not affect your primary cultivation, it is not forbidden to also study fist techniques, blade techniques, or even Alchemy, formations, or Talismans, all depending on personal interest and energy. However, since you have entered Zixia Peak, your Sword Dao Foundation is the priority."

Sword Dao as the primary focus... Lin Tian understood. This did not completely conflict with the characteristics mentioned in Centurion Shen Lian's recommendation letter about his skill with the blade and his outstanding movement techniques.

Although blades and swords differ in form, their pursuit of speed, precision, and explosive power might share common ground. Furthermore, he had originally intended to come into contact with more profound martial arts, and Sword Dao might just be a brand-new, powerful option.

The two chatted all the way, climbing up the mountain path that became steeper and was flanked by strange purple bamboo.

The higher they went, the purer the Spiritual Qi became, faintly carrying a hint of sharpness. With every breath, it felt as if fine Sword Qi was circulating through his lungs and viscera, making his spirit feel invigorated.

Along the way, many Disciples dressed in purple could be seen coming and going, either hurrying along or sitting quietly and practicing sword techniques by the cliffs or under the bamboo. Each of them possessed a sharp Aura, their gazes like lightning.

About the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the view suddenly opened up. A massive, expansive plaza paved with a type of purple jade containing Spiritual Qi appeared at the mountain peak.

At the end of the plaza stood a magnificent, towering hall that seemed to be cast entirely from amethyst and white jade. Its eaves pointed towards the sky like swords, and under the reflection of the clouds and the seven-colored dawn light, it shimmered with flowing radiance, solemn and dignified.

On the plaque in front of the hall were three large characters written with iron-drawn, silver-hook calligraphy—Zixia Hall!

"We have arrived. The Peak Revered Master is waiting inside the hall." Liu Rusi stopped at the plaza in front of the hall and signaled to Lin Tian.

Lin Tian nodded, took a deep breath to calm his mind, straightened his robes, and stepped onto the mirror-like purple jade steps, walking towards the Zixia Hall that seemed to contain endless Sword Intent.

Inside Zixia Hall, the space was even more vast than the exterior suggested. Dozens of purple jade pillars, requiring several people to embrace, supported the dome, and the floor was as smooth as a mirror, reflecting their silhouettes.

At the end of the hall, on a raised platform, there was a purple jade cloud bed. At this moment, a woman sat upright upon it.

The woman appeared to be in her thirties, but her true age was far beyond that.

She wore a wide-sleeved long dress embroidered with flowing clouds and purple mist patterns. Her hair was coiled high in a cloud bun, with a purple jade hairpin inserted at an angle. Her face was stunningly beautiful, her skin like jade, and her features picturesque. However, her phoenix eyes naturally carried an air of cold, aloof detachment that made one dare not look directly at her.

She sat there quietly, yet seemed to be the center of the entire hall. An invisible, sharp, yet profound pressure naturally permeated the space, causing Lin Tian, who had just stepped into the hall, to feel his breath hitch.

"Disciple Lin Tian pays respects to the Peak Revered Master." Lin Tian dared not be negligent; he stepped forward a few paces, stopped several yards from the platform, and bowed respectfully.

"Rise." A cold, melodious, yet indisputably majestic female voice rang out—it was Peak Master Su Hanyan. Her gaze fell upon Lin Tian like two invisible beams of sword light, scanning him up and down as if to see through him completely.

Under that gaze, Lin Tian felt his Qi and Blood slightly stagnate, and his skin faintly felt a stinging sensation, as if touched by countless tiny needle tips.

However, his will was firm, and his expression remained unchanged. He simply restrained his Aura even further, straightened his body, and accepted it calmly.

A moment later, a trace of almost imperceptible satisfaction flashed in Su Hanyan's eyes, and she nodded slightly. "Not bad. Your Foundation is solid, your Qi and Blood are dense and condensed, your sharpness is restrained, and your killing intent is hidden rather than displayed—you are indeed a good piece of material. That fellow Shen Lian certainly has a decent eye."

"Peak Revered Master, you overpraise me." Lin Tian replied, neither servile nor overbearing.

"I am Su Hanyan, Peak Revered Master of Zixia Peak." Su Hanyan introduced herself, her tone softening slightly. "I have carefully read your recommendation letter. To have reached the Third Rank at the age of nineteen, and to have slain opponents of equal or even higher cultivation on the battlefield—this talent and combat ability can be considered peerless in a frontier place like Heishan City. Since you have joined my Zixia Peak, it is fate."

She paused, her gaze becoming more serious. "According to the Sect's rules, Disciples who enter via recommendation must have their Heart-Nature, Comprehension Ability, and bone structure assessed by a Peak Revered Master or Elder. Over the next few days, I will personally provide you with some basic guidance and observation. If you perform well, and both your Comprehension Ability and Heart-Nature meet my approval..."

Before she could finish, the dozen or so Core Disciples standing on both sides of the hall involuntarily let out a low gasp of commotion and intake of breath!

Gazes filled with shock, envy, or disbelief all fell squarely upon Lin Tian!

The Peak Revered Master personally assessing and guiding him? If he performs well, he can meet the Peak Revered Master's approval? Doesn't this imply... that this youth is highly likely to be favored by the Peak Revered Master and taken in as... a Personal Disciple?!

A Personal Disciple! That would be a Personal Disciple of Zixia Peak Master Su Hanyan! Their status would be revered, far exceeding that of ordinary Inner Sect Disciples, and even more distinguished than the Disciples of many senior Elders!

With tilted resources, Cultivation Technique legacies, and guidance from a Revered Master... it would be a step to the heavens! What virtue or ability does this Lin Tian have to have such an opportunity right after joining?!

Lin Tian's heart also gave a violent thump, and an irrepressible surge of wild joy welled up within him. However, he quickly suppressed it, maintaining a calm expression, and bowed again, his voice steady and powerful: "This Disciple will definitely do his utmost and not fail the Peak Revered Master's expectations!"

"Don't be happy too soon." Su Hanyan's lips curved slightly, revealing a very faint smile that was enough to make all flowers lose their color. "My test is not so easy to pass. However..."

She changed the subject, a flash of confidence passing through her eyes. With her ability to judge people, combined with what was said in the recommendation letter and her preliminary investigation just now, this youth's Heart-Nature was steady and tenacious, and his talent and bone structure were excellent. Barring any accidents, passing her assessment and becoming a Personal Disciple should be a sure thing.

The reason she pointed it out in public was also to temper and motivate him, and to use this to establish Lin Tian's special status within the peak.

"Alright, enough idle talk." Su Hanyan restrained her smile, returning to her cold and majestic posture. "Our Zixia Peak stands on Sword Dao. The sword is the sovereign of all weapons, swift, sharp, and unparalleled in offense. However, to Cultivate superior Sword Dao, one must first strengthen the physique and solidify the Foundation."

"Whether it is fist, foot, blade, or spear, or even our Zixia Sword Technique, the Foundation of their power lies in the control and application of 'Qi and Blood' and 'energy'."

Her gaze was like lightning as she stared directly at Lin Tian: "You are now at the Third Rank; your Bright Energy reaches all parts of your body, and your Qi and Blood are condensed. But above the Third Rank, the Fourth Rank, Dark Energy, is the true beginning of entering the hall of Martial Dao."

"The wonder of Dark Energy lies in the transition of power from bright to dark, allowing it to penetrate the body to injure enemies. It can also temper the internal organs and generate internal breath, which is infinitely mysterious. To glimpse the threshold of Dark Energy, one must have the guidance of a 'Fundamental Diagram'."

As she spoke, Su Hanyan lightly raised her slender hand and pointed into the air at a seemingly ordinary scroll hanging on the side wall of the hall.

"Hum—!" The scroll moved without wind, slowly unfolding to both sides!

On the scroll, there were no portraits, landscapes, or flowers and birds, but a painting with a mysterious and wondrous artistic conception: a towering, precipitous isolated peak surrounded by purple mist, piercing straight into the clouds! Above the peak, a red sun was about to burst forth, and ten thousand rays of golden brilliance pierced through the sea of clouds, spilling onto the dense purple mist permeating the peak!

When the purple mist was illuminated by the golden light, it seemed to come alive, slowly flowing, rising, and changing on the painting, faintly outlining some mysterious and unpredictable trajectory!

The moment the scroll fully unfolded and Lin Tian's gaze touched that "Illustration of Purple Qi Coming from the East"—"Boom!" Lin Tian felt his mind tremble!

The scene before his eyes suddenly blurred and twisted! The towering purple peak, the bursting red sun, and the flowing purple mist in the painting seemed to break through the constraints of the scroll, suddenly magnifying and rushing towards him!

Especially that dense, flowing purple mist, which seemed to become tangible, carrying an indescribable sharpness, agility, and a vibrant vitality, a strange Dao rhyme, instantly filling his entire field of vision and his entire perception!

He felt as if he were standing on the summit of the purple peak, enveloped by infinite purple mist. The purple mist, in wisps and strands, was pervasive, as if it wanted to drill into his skin, seep into his Meridians, and produce some mysterious resonance with his Qi and Blood!

"Hiss—!" Lin Tian gasped, subconsciously taking half a step back. His Qi and Blood uncontrollably boiled slightly, and his pupils constricted sharply!

When he looked again, the phantom of the purple peak that had rushed at him had disappeared. The scroll was still a scroll, and the purple mist was still flowing within the painting, but the trajectory of that flow seemed to have become clearer and more mysterious in his eyes.

"This... is this the Fundamental Diagram?!" Lin Tian was shocked. A painting could actually stir a Martial Artist's Qi and Blood, creating such realistic hallucinations and Dao rhyme resonance! Such a treasure was truly miraculous! No wonder it was the key to breaking through to Dark Energy!

"Not bad." Su Hanyan took in Lin Tian's reaction completely. Seeing that he had quickly recovered his clarity after only a moment of distraction, the look of approval in her eyes deepened. "This is one of the inherited Fundamental Diagrams of my Zixia Peak—the 'Purple Qi Diagram'. The Fundamental Diagrams of the seven branches each have their own mysteries, and their cultivation methods and focuses are also different."

"The Fundamental Diagram of my Zixia Peak emphasizes 'visualizing the purple mist, drawing Qi into the body, tempering Qi and Blood, and condensing Sword Intent', ultimately condensing a wisp of 'Zixia Sword Qi' within the body. This is the Foundation of Dark Energy, and also the root of my Zixia Sword Dao."

She slowly stood up, walked down from the cloud bed, and came before the 'Purple Qi Diagram'. With her back to Lin Tian, her voice was clear and melodious, like the ringing of a sword: "Next, I will personally teach you how to visualize this diagram, how to draw that wisp of Innate purple mist, and how to use it to temper yourself, taking the first step from Bright Energy to Dark Energy."

"Watch closely."