A true disciple!

A slight commotion arose within the main hall. True disciples, holding a position of utmost prestige second only to elders, are the true core and future of the sect, enjoying the best resources and the strongest inheritance! The Qingxuan Sect has not appointed a new true disciple for nearly a century!

"Bestow upon you the 'True Inheritance' jade tablet, granting you priority in the allocation of sect resources, free access to the top floor of the 'Myriad Manifestations Pavilion,' and the right to choose a sword embryo to nurture deep within the 'Sword Tomb.'" The sect leader's voice was calm, yet carried an undeniable authority. "Furthermore, I will reward you with one million contribution points, ten thousand high-grade spirit stones, one seventh-tier 'Enlightenment Pill,' and one high-grade Xuan-level flying magic treasure, the 'Sun Chasing Boat'!"

The generous rewards rained down like a machine gun, each one enough to drive an ordinary Foundation Establishment disciple mad! A million contribution points! High-grade spirit stones! Enlightenment Pills! The Sun Chasing Boat! And the privileges of a true disciple!
This is not just about allocating resources, but also about the sect's boundless confidence in and investment in his potential!
"Disciple thanks the sect for its generous gifts! I will certainly cultivate diligently and never cease, and live up to the sect's expectations!" Fu Shaoping suppressed the turmoil in his heart and bowed solemnly once again. He knew that behind these rewards lay a heavy responsibility.

The sect leader nodded in satisfaction and said, "Now that you have established your foundation and made such a great contribution, according to sect custom, you can choose to serve as an elder on a peak, or take charge of the affairs of a hall in the sect, or you can continue to cultivate with your master. What will you choose?"

All eyes were once again focused on Fu Shaoping. Being appointed as an elder in name only meant real power and status, and taking charge of affairs would hone his management skills, while continuing to cultivate under Shen Qingshan meant focusing on the way of the sword.

Fu Shaoping looked up at Shen Qingshan almost without hesitation, then said to the sect leader, "Sect leader, this disciple is willing to continue to cultivate with my master and study the way of the sword."

This choice did not surprise most people. Given Fu Shaoping's demonstrated talent in swordsmanship, focusing on cultivation was the right path for him.

A barely perceptible hint of satisfaction flashed in Shen Qingshan's eyes.

The sect leader nodded: "Good. In that case, you will remain at Luoxia Peak. However, as a true disciple, you must also bear corresponding responsibilities. Three years later, the 'Sky Dome Sword Tournament' will restart. At that time, sword cultivators from all over the world will gather to make a name for themselves, which will also affect the sect's reputation. You will be one of the core disciples representing the sect in the competition. I hope you will prepare well."

The Celestial Sword Tournament! Fu Shaoping's gaze sharpened. This was a once-in-a-century grand event in the cultivation world, gathering sword geniuses from all corners of the land. It was the perfect stage to test one's swordsmanship and clash with heroes from across the land!
"Disciple will give it his all!" A surge of heroic spirit welled up in his chest; his sword yearned to clash with an even stronger opponent!

"Yes, go down." The sect leader waved his hand.

Fu Shaoping bowed again and withdrew from the main hall. As he stepped out of the hall, bathed in sunlight, and holding the "True Inheritance" jade tablet that symbolized supreme honor and responsibility in his hand, he knew that his life had entered a completely new chapter.

True disciples, the Heavenly Sword Tournament... The road ahead is full of challenges, but also full of infinite possibilities.

His gaze passed over the many palaces and towers, looking towards the higher and more distant sky.

The brilliance of the Sunset Sword Path will surely shine most brightly in this magnificent era!

Holding the warm yet incredibly heavy "True Disciple" jade token, Fu Shaoping returned to Luoxia Peak. The sea of ​​clouds at the summit remained the same, but his state of mind was different. The identity of a True Disciple was not merely about honor and resources, but also a form of encouragement, signifying that he had officially entered the core ranks of the sect, and that every word and action was inextricably linked to the fate of the Qingxuan Sect.

He didn't slack off at all, carefully storing the million contribution points and ten thousand high-grade spirit stones bestowed upon him by the sect. The "Enlightenment Pill," which was enough to tempt even a Core Formation cultivator, was especially treasured and stored away, ready to be used when breaking through a bottleneck or comprehending key sword principles. As for the dazzling and incredibly fast "Sun Chaser," it became an important asset for his future travels.

First, he used the True Inheritance Jade Token to enter the true foundation of the Qingxuan Sect—the top floor of the Myriad Manifestations Tower.

Unlike the vast collection of ancient texts on the lower levels, the top floor was small, displaying only a hundred or so jade slips. Each one, however, exuded an ancient and powerful aura, at least a low-grade Earth-rank cultivation technique or secret art, and even a few incomplete Heaven-rank inheritances! Furthermore, there were numerous notes left by powerful predecessors, containing insights into rules, the Great Dao, and even the mysteries of ascension!

Fu Shaoping didn't try to do too much; he knew the saying "don't bite off more than you can chew." He spent several months carefully reviewing the descriptions of these jade slips, and finally chose a secret manual that was neither an offensive technique nor a stealth technique—"The Chapter on Star Sensing."

This text is not part of the Qingxuan Sect's original lineage; it is said to be a fragment obtained by a powerful senior figure during his travels through outer space. Its effects are profound; it allows one to sense the celestial bodies in meditation, drawing upon their power to refine one's divine sense and strengthen the origin of one's soul. Furthermore, it subtly enhances one's perception of the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, and even the trajectory of destiny. For Fu Shaoping, who requires extremely high comprehension to comprehend the Falling Clouds Sword Dao and is destined to face various complex situations in the future, this text is of immeasurable value.

After making his choice, he went to another secret realm that only true disciples were qualified to enter—the depths of the Sword Tomb.

The Sword Tomb is not a place to bury broken swords, but rather a place where the predecessors of the Qingxuan Sect, before passing away or ascending to immortality, sealed their own swords or a wisp of their original sword intent here, leaving it for their destined descendants. In the outer area, Foundation Establishment disciples can enter to seek opportunities, while in the depths, only true disciples or those who have made great contributions can step into.

Stepping into the depths of the Sword Tomb was like entering a kingdom of swords. Countless swords, some real and some illusory, floated in the air, emitting sword cries that were sometimes passionate, sometimes deep, sometimes mournful, and sometimes peaceful, weaving together an ancient lament for the sword. The boundless sword intent filled every inch of space. If Fu Shaoping had not had a firm sword heart and a fully formed sword domain, he would probably have had his mind torn apart by this myriad sword intents in an instant.

Instead of trying to communicate with those powerful physical ancient swords, he closed his eyes and carefully sensed them, using his own Sunset Sword Intent as a guide.

After an unknown amount of time, in the most secluded corner of the Sword Tomb, he sensed an extremely faint fluctuation that resonated subtly with the "eternal icy silence" intent within his sword spirit.

He walked over and saw an inconspicuous black stone lying there quietly, like an ordinary rock. On the surface of the stone was a thin, almost invisible, seemingly naturally formed indentation, emanating a faint chill and a sense of annihilation.

"A sword embryo?" Fu Shaoping was somewhat surprised. This was not a finished sword, not even an embryo; it was more like a strange stone containing a special sword intent.

But he could sense that this "stubborn stone" was extremely compatible with him, especially the icy and desolate feeling within it. If he could use it as a foundation and integrate his own chaotic sword essence and sunset sword intent to nurture it, it might become a unique natal flying sword in the future!
Without hesitation, he used the Jade Token of True Inheritance to activate the restriction here and put away the black stubborn stone.

Upon returning to Luoxia Peak, Fu Shaoping began a period of secluded and arduous cultivation.

He majored in the "Starry Sky Perception Chapter," using the power of the stars at night to temper his divine sense. He could feel his divine sense growing and transforming at a slow but steady pace, and his perception of the spiritual energy of heaven and earth becoming increasingly acute. Many previously obscure aspects of swordsmanship became clear under the illumination of the starlight. At the same time, he used his own chaotic sword essence as fire and the Sunset Glow sword intent as a furnace, tirelessly nurturing the black, stubborn stone from the depths of the Sword Tomb day and night. Initially, the stone showed no reaction, but as time passed, under the constant influence of the Sunset Glow sword intent, especially the "Setting Sun" conception, the indentations on the stone's surface seemed to light up slightly, and the icy desolation emanating from it became even more perfectly integrated with his sword intent.

Of course, his cultivation of the Sunset Sword Dao itself never stopped. He constantly refined the three forms, "Morning Glow," "Flowing Clouds," and "Setting Sun," deducing their deeper variations and integration. His use of "Triple Waves" became increasingly proficient and powerful. He even began to try to integrate the subtle perception of the trajectory of heaven and earth brought by the "Stellar Sensing Chapter" into his swordsmanship, making his sword moves more in harmony with the Dao of Heaven and more elusive.

During this time, he did not completely isolate himself from the world. True disciples were required to regularly complete high-level tasks assigned by the sect or assist in handling sect affairs. With his formidable strength and calm mind, he repeatedly completed tasks brilliantly, and his prestige within the sect grew daily. Those like Zhao Gan, who had previously had conflicts with him, now greeted him with respect and genuine admiration.

Time flies when you're on a spiritual journey; in the blink of an eye, more than two years have passed.

Less than half a year has passed since the "Sky Battle".

On this day, Fu Shaoping was practicing his swordsmanship atop the peak when he suddenly sensed something. He sheathed his sword and looked up at the sky. There he saw a sword light as blazing as the sun, domineering and unparalleled, heading straight for the Qingxuan Sect's mountain gate with an incomparably arrogant attitude! Within the sword light was a scorching, destructive sword intent, making no attempt to conceal its provocation!

"Who are you, fellow Daoist, to grace the Qingxuan Sect with your presence?" Within the sect, the elder's majestic voice rang out, and a thick, earth-yellow sword aura shot into the sky, attempting to block the way.

"Get out of my way! I am Xiao Lie from the Li Huo Sword Sect. I have come to pay a visit to Shen Qingshan from the Qingxuan Sect and to see just how good his disciple, who is hailed as a once-in-a-century sword genius, really is!"

A wild and unruly voice came from within the blazing sword light, completely ignoring the elder's obstruction. The sword light veered and, like a meteor falling to earth, headed straight for Sunset Peak!

Before the person even arrived, the scorching and domineering sword intent had already erupted like a volcano, enveloping the entire summit of Sunset Peak, causing the sea of ​​clouds to boil and evaporate!

The Li Huo Sword Sect, along with the Qing Xuan Sect, is a major sect in the sword path and has always been somewhat competitive. This Xiao Lie is one of the most prominent true disciples of the Li Huo Sword Sect in recent years. It is said that he has cultivated the Li Huo Sword Technique to an extremely high level, and his personality is as fiery as a flame.

Fu Shaoping narrowed his eyes, sensing the aggressive sword intent. Instead of being afraid, his long-dormant fighting spirit was ignited.

What is supposed to come will always come.

This might be the best warm-up before the Sky Domination Sword Tournament.

He took a step forward, and a chaotic sword domain silently unfolded around him, subtly dissolving the oppressive, scorching sword intent. The Flowing Fire Sword hovered in front of him, emitting a clear, melodious hum.

"Fu Shaoping of Luoxia Peak awaits your instruction." The blazing sword light descended like a meteor, crashing onto the platform atop Luoxia Peak, stirring up a scorching wave of air that instantly dispelled the surrounding clouds. As the light faded, a young man in a crimson brocade robe appeared. He was tall and handsome, yet possessed an undisguised arrogance. His eyes, like two leaping flames, pierced directly at Fu Shaoping, who stood motionless in place.

"You're Fu Shaoping?" Xiao Lie sized him up, a scrutinizing smile playing on his lips. "Mid-Foundation Establishment stage? Your aura is quite composed. I've heard your Sunset Sword Intent is quite unique, and Senior Shen Qingshan has praised you highly. What I love most in my life is to assess the true worth of so-called 'geniuses'!"

Before he finished speaking, a scorching, domineering sword intent emanating from his body, seemingly capable of incinerating everything, rose up like a tangible flame. The air distorted under the intense heat, crackling softly. This was the Blazing Fire Sword Intent, violent and direct, filled with destructive power.

Fu Shaoping felt the wave of heat and the oppressive sword intent emanating from him, but his expression remained unchanged. Only the subtle shift of the invisible chaotic sword domain around him quietly dissipated the heat and pressure, like a raging torrent crashing against a bottomless pool, creating only tiny ripples. He calmly spoke, "Senior Brother Xiao is a guest from afar. If you wish to spar, I, Fu, will gladly oblige. But I wonder, would you prefer a literary contest or a martial one?"

"What about a battle of wits? What about a battle of wits?" Xiao Lie raised an eyebrow, quite intrigued.

"Literary duels are contests of sword intent, sword principles, and even the clash of sword domains, without harming harmony. Martial duels, of course, are about proving one's true skill through skill, where swords have no eyes." Fu Shaoping's tone remained calm, but his eyes gradually sharpened, like a drawn sword.

"Haha! That's satisfying!" Xiao Lie laughed. "I, Xiao Lie, have always preferred to be straightforward! It'll be a fight, of course! Take my sword!"

He didn't even wait for Fu Shaoping to reply, and with his fingers like a sword, he slashed through the air!
"Hey!"

A sword aura, condensed to its extreme and only as thick as an arm, yet dark red in color, like flowing lava, instantly tore through the sky, carrying terrifying heat capable of scorching mountains and boiling seas, and pierced straight at Fu Shaoping's face! Wherever the sword aura passed, the ground was scorched black by the dissipating high temperature.

This sword strike was fast, ruthless, and precise! Without any frills, it perfectly showcased the ferocity and penetrating power of the Blazing Fire Sword Intent, clearly intended to test Fu Shaoping's abilities.

Faced with this lightning-fast sword strike, Fu Shaoping's pupils contracted slightly, and the Flowing Fire Sword emitted a clear hum as it leaped into his hand.

Instead of directly confronting its edge, he slightly trembled his wrist, and the Flowing Fire Sword drew a mysterious arc, with the Flowing Cloud Sword Intent bursting forth on the blade.

In an instant, an invisible, flowing cloud seemed to appear before him, ethereal and uncertain, seemingly gentle, yet containing boundless power to deflect and transform force. The dark red, scorching sword energy pierced into this "flowing cloud," and its speed visibly slowed down. The violent power was dispersed and guided layer by layer, as if sinking into a quagmire.

It is precisely the exquisite change in the "flowing cloud" style—the cloud vortex!
However, Xiao Lie's sword energy was indeed incredibly domineering. Although "Flowing Clouds" deflected most of its force, the extreme heat and residual impact still penetrated through. Fu Shaoping used the momentum to drift backward several steps, each step leaving a clear footprint on the hard blue rock. The surrounding rock melted, making a hissing sound.

He steadied himself, his sword-wielding arm slightly numb, and a chill ran through him: "The Blazing Fire Sword Intent truly lives up to its name!" (End of Chapter)

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