Chapter 7: Retreat · Level One

Xu Yiyang nodded

The true energy gradually became docile, like a finger directing the arm. Xu Yiyang, with a mind free of distractions, spread the true energy into the finest membrane, enveloping himself. Starting from the five senses of the head... then gradually penetrating into the bones, entering the organs, tendons, and skin... Suddenly, his whole body trembled, and he knew he had succeeded

Thus, time and again, Xu Yiyang was completely immersed in it

What exactly is the cultivation level of a peak-level swordsman? I am not sure. The sword box spoke leisurely, "However, that Zhao Buqun, I have observed him closely. On that day, he had a conflict with Ye Xue'er, and the sword weapon formed by the condensed spiritual energy has already reached a considerable realm. Moreover, his internal aura is robust, and his physique is far stronger than yours"

The so-called immersion... requires you to be fully immersed! The sword case sighed deeply, appearing to be filled with frustration over unfulfilled potential. "Let me elaborate further, this sword case insists that at the beginning, you must refine both the inside and outside of your body simultaneously, so that they can adjust and merge. Do you understand?"

A month has passed swiftly, and the day of ascending the platform of life and death is finally approaching

This indicates that he has made certain progress in the control of his vital energy

The endless sky and the ethereal energy of the earth intertwined and flowed towards him, rapidly absorbed, refined, and transformed by the vortex of true energy in Xu Yiyang's dantian. Unbeknownst to him, the abundant true energy transformed into a thin membrane, enveloping him from top to bottom and from the inside out.

He then realized that it was not his strength that had increased, but rather his coordination that had improved

Calming his mind, Xu Yiyang fervently absorbed the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, condensing his true energy to fullness, and then began to radiate it throughout his body

Then, sitting cross-legged, the vital energy began to swirl like threads, initiating the refinement of the five senses

For the second time, Xu Yiyang cautiously controlled his vital energy, striving to cover the largest area with the smallest amount possible.

After numerous efforts and attempts, a result has finally been achieved

The sharpness of his gaze was even more surprising to Xu Yiyang. Even a tiny dot the size of a pea, dozens of steps away, was clearly visible to him, as if it were a boulder

How could the severed water in one's own hands fear the swords of the sword-wielders

Xu Yiyang immediately sat up straight and listened attentively

"In fact, whether I win or lose is of no consequence to me." Xu Yiyang was not one to be easily threatened, and he calmly stated, "However, on the Life and Death Platform, between Zhao and me, only one person can leave alive. Life and death are determined by victory and defeat; if I lose, it is equivalent to dying."

After yet another time, he discovered a gratifying scene— the speed of condensing true energy had significantly improved

This is a true rebirth through fire! Xu Yiyang felt that he was completely different from his former self. He could immediately and accurately determine the direction and distance of any sound he heard. As he stood up, he instantly felt an indescribable lightness throughout his body, and his strength and agility had improved beyond measure compared to before

The sword box sighed dejectedly: "You rascal! Fine, fine, this sword box is already intertwined with your honor and disgrace. To avoid losing face for this sword box, I will reluctantly offer you a few pointers!"

Xu Yiyang finally understood why it was called "bathing in fire"

At that moment, the sword box jumped out again: "Kid, you are truly disappointing! A full fourteen days, fourteen days! And you have only just completed your first trial by fire, tsk tsk..."

It is unclear how much time has passed, but those points of light suddenly coalesced into a human form. Immediately, Xu Yiyang felt every part of his body pulsating incessantly

As Zhao did not get along with the book group, in the final days, he quietly adjusted his state of mind in his small courtyard. He had already identified his problem—being prone to underestimating the enemy. Once in battle, this would be a fatal flaw.

This is a transformative change

At this moment, it is not about the degree of tempering, but rather the need to disperse the true energy and control its coverage, bathing the entire body. Consequently, Xu Yiyang must carefully regulate the amount of true energy used, distributing the limited quantity of true energy to every part of the body.

With experience, the following tasks will be easier to handle

Rising from the ashes

Xu Yiyang asked seriously, "What abilities should I refine first in order to confront a peak-level swordsman?"

Day after day

Xu Yiyang is now filled with confidence regarding the impending battle. He is well aware of the nature of sword practitioners at the innate level, and as for those at the peak level, it is likely that their sword energy is simply more robust and their weapons more incisive.

However... it failed. When the vital energy enveloped the five senses and the organs began to reach the bones, there was no surplus left. Pausing to reflect carefully, Xu Yiyang began his second attempt

Xu Yiyang nodded, the foremost among the inner sect, how could it be merely a name without substance

Next comes the refinement of the five senses and the skin membrane, as the *illustration* book has already begun to demonstrate its power. Even the slightest airflow caused by a small insect flying by can be perceived and felt. Not even the faintest sound from a distance of ten zhang can escape one's ears.

Xu Yiyang held a broken water sword and began to practice his swordsmanship

Indeed, there is unparalleled coordination. With casual punches and kicks, every muscle operates in harmony, working together towards a common goal. Breathing synchronizes with each movement, and the sensitivity of the skin becomes heightened; a gentle breeze brings a sensation distinctly different from before

To confront such an enemy... the sword box has never been so serious and solemn. "First, you must refine your five senses. You must see clearly, hear distinctly, and also be able to feel. Secondly, it is the refinement of the skin membrane. These two aspects can enhance your sensitivity, allowing you to respond correctly.

Only after enduring the trials of fire did he realize how poor his control over his body had been in the past; now he had truly grasped the essence. This even allowed him to deepen his understanding of swordsmanship.

... ...

The sword box chuckled ominously, remaining silent. However, on that face, full of excess flesh, there was an air of arrogance and pride, as if it were inscribing a line of text—"If you want to know, just ask me!"

There has been significant progress compared to the last time. At the very least, he successfully covered the skeleton this time. Xu Yiyang was not discouraged by this failure; on the contrary, he felt somewhat pleased.

Many actions that used to be accomplished with great difficulty are now performed with ease, and this feeling of being able to do as one wishes makes him almost want to laugh out loud

A resounding echo reverberated in his mind! He suddenly felt himself transform into countless specks of light, joyfully dancing and frolicking in the void. A trace of black impurity seeped out from his entire being.

A surge of ecstasy filled his heart as Xu Yiyang slowly opened his eyes, emerging from the ethereal realm

Xu Yiyang suddenly realized that "bathing in fire" actually means encompassing the entire body, both inside and out. No wonder the sword box has been emphasizing the character "bath".

Rising from the ashes, reborn

By the time the third session began, Xu Yiyang clearly felt a significant improvement compared to the previous instances where he either overexerted himself or lacked sufficient strength. He meticulously controlled his vital energy, allowing it to envelop his five senses, his internal organs, and his bones like a delicate veil. Yet, there remained some surplus. However, when he directed the vital energy towards his muscles, it once again ran out.

Once the surge of exhilaration subsided, he began to contemplate carefully how he should confront the challenges on the stage of life and death