Sword Sect Outer Sect

Chapter 349 Golden Core Summoning
At that time, the wisp of sword energy left by Senior Shen pierced through the restriction and went straight into Song Yan's body, flowing along the meridians to the Sword Mansion and falling into the lotus.

It combined with the original radiance and then gradually condensed into this brilliance.

Although Song Yan felt a little guilty at this moment, there was no doubt that this could not hide his surprise.

In the past, when he used the Mirror Flower Water Moon Sword Intent, although he marveled at the power of the sword intent, he always felt like he was looking at flowers through a fog, and the sword intent was incomplete, something was missing.

However, he was unclear about what was wrong and how to make up for it.

However, as the sword energy merged into the lotus and the radiance gradually began to condense, Song Yan clearly felt that the sword intent of Mirror Flower Water Moon was approaching perfection.

Sword intent is the foundation of all cultivation for sword cultivators; it can be said to be the most important thing.

After all, it affects not only the grade and power of one's natal flying sword, but also its "special effects," which can be manifested and utilized through any swordsmanship method.

It's not just sword formations; for example, sword-path eye techniques like the Void-Viewing Sword Eye, sword qi methods like the Green Serpent in the Sleeve, and even the Six Void Heavenly Falling Sword Finger activated by sword qi techniques—all of these are possible.

Even an incomplete sword intent is already very powerful; once this sword intent is truly perfected, who knows what terrifying effects it will have.

Unfortunately, Song Yan currently has no idea how long this radiance will take to condense, and he can't even estimate it, so he can only wait patiently.

My thoughts wandered. How should I improve the killing intent I gleaned from the sword's sharpness in the future?
and.

Song Yan had always had a question: how could he possibly comprehend the original, truly unique Myriad Manifestations Sword Intent that belonged to him?

Just as he was deep in thought, a figure from the Nangong family appeared in Tingtao Valley.

Moreover, this person was none other than Nangong Ming, the head of the Nangong family.

"Hahaha, young friend Song, I have come uninvited, please forgive me."

Nangong Ming was dressed in the usual clothes of a family head, and his face looked noticeably more haggard than at the banquet.

However, when facing Song Yan, he insisted on being gentle and polite.

“Patriarch Nangong.” Song Yan’s heart skipped a beat, and he immediately cupped his hands in greeting.

Putting aside his noble status as the head of a powerful family, Nangong Ming is also a cultivator at the Pseudo-Core Formation stage, so basic respect is still due.

"Young friend Song looks well, so I am relieved."

Nangong Ming's voice was a little hoarse. He bowed slightly and adopted a very humble posture: "The incident in the middle of the river was extremely dangerous. Fortunately, all of you young friends are unharmed."

"Thank you for your concern. I was just overexerted, but after a short rest, I'm fine."

At this moment, Song Yan's mind was already racing.

The fact that the head of the Nangong family, a pseudo-core cultivator, personally came to visit him suggests that it couldn't possibly be just a simple visit.

As expected, after some casual conversation, Nangong Ming got straight to the point, saying, "Young friend Song, besides visiting you, I am actually here on the orders of the Ancestor..."

He paused, then looked directly at Song Yan with a complicated expression: "The Ancestor would like to invite you to Shuiyun Pavilion for a chat. There are some things I need to discuss with you privately."

"Shall we talk privately?"

Song Yan felt a chill run down his spine, realizing something was wrong.

This unfathomable Golden Core Realm senior eventually realized it.

However, he remained outwardly calm: "This junior will certainly obey. May I ask when?"

"Young friend Song, there's no need for formalities. The ancestor has stated that if it's convenient for you, you may come with me now."

Nangong Ming stepped aside to make way, gesturing for him to proceed, his demeanor remaining polite.

It was nothing like the head of a prestigious family facing a junior disciple.

"Thank you for leading the way, sir."

Song Yan followed Nangong Ming and left Tingtao Valley.

Nangong Ming led the way, with Song Yan following closely behind.

They walked in silence, but their thoughts were quite different.

Nangong Ming is mainly worried about the future of the Nangong family. He is constantly thinking about how to ensure the family's stable development.

After what happened, he no longer placed his hopes on Song Yan and the others.

However, Song Yan felt uneasy.

What does this senior in the Golden Core realm want from me alone?
Demand compensation, hold those responsible accountable, and suppress the news?

Or some other requirement...

In this enormous upheaval, the Nangong family suffered considerable losses, which cannot be forgiven with a few apologies or some compensation.

It's unlikely that the Nangong family would kill him out of anger, given the prestige of the Dongyuan Sect and his own status.

But what if this patriarch has a fiery temper, or some elders of the Nangong family secretly exert pressure...?

Isn't this a trap?

Compensation is likely inevitable, and the cost will certainly be substantial.

Song Yan had already begun to quickly take stock of the belongings in his Qiankun bag, and even started to calculate what he could use to pay off his debts, secretly lamenting his predicament.

Before long, the two arrived at the entrance of a quiet garden.

The garden gate is simple and elegant, with the words "Water and Clouds" written on it in neat handwriting.

There was no one on duty at the entrance, and even Nangong Ming, who was leading the way, stopped there.

"Young friend Song,"

Nangong Ming turned around: "The Ancestor is waiting quietly in the Shuiyun Pavilion in the garden."

He bowed slightly, clearly indicating that he would not enter with Song Yan.

"Thank you for guiding me, senior."

Song Yan took a deep breath, trying to appear calm and composed. He returned Nangong Ming's greeting and then stepped alone into the garden of Shuiyun Pavilion.

Upon entering the garden, Song Yan immediately sensed an atmosphere completely different from that of the other clan territories of the Nangong family.

The path underfoot is paved with pebbles, winding and turning, with tall bamboos standing on both sides, swaying in the wind and making a soft rustling sound.

The stone path is dotted with lake stones of various shapes, and occasionally small streams of water trickle down from the cracks in the stones, then flow into shallow clear channels and eventually disappear without a trace.

The entire garden layout is subtly structured and brimming with spiritual energy.

This must be the place where this senior Zhang practiced his secluded cultivation.

Speaking of which, doesn't the Nangong family now have several Golden Core cultivators in charge?
Otherwise, why would only non-family Golden Core cultivators appear at this Jiangtian Night Banquet?

It's highly unlikely that any cultivation family would only have one non-family member with a Golden Core cultivation level.

After all, in that situation, this non-family Golden Core cultivator could have easily established his own sect or supported his direct blood relatives within the family, thus undermining the authority of the main family.

The Nangong family doesn't seem to have this situation, so theoretically speaking, the possibility that the Nangong family has at least a second Golden Core cultivator is quite high.

but……

It's rather strange that Nangong, a family that can't be considered a top-tier cultivation clan, has two Golden Core cultivators secretly overseeing things.

As my thoughts raced, I stepped deeper into the garden.

There were no servants, no guards; the place was completely empty.

Such an elegant and tranquil environment, coupled with Xiao Song's already guilty and uneasy mood, made the deliberate emptiness feel even more oppressive.

He took each step with extreme caution, his hand already gripping the Taixu Sword Nourishing Chapter, ready to teleport at any moment.

If this senior were to actually attack him, Song Yan would have no chance of survival against a Golden Core cultivator. Passing through a dense bamboo forest, the view suddenly opened up before him.

A tranquil lake comes into view, next to which stands an extremely elegant wooden building, mostly extending into the lake.

It is Shuiyunzhu.

Right at the entrance of the small building, Song Yan saw a figure.

The old patriarch, Zhang Cheng, was dressed in a faded gray linen robe, his body hunched over. He was holding a worn bamboo broom, intently sweeping away the bamboo leaves and petals that had fallen in front of the wooden steps.

Wow...

Wow...

The sound of the broom scraping the ground was particularly clear in this tranquil garden.

His movements were simple and unpretentious, and his expression was calm and indifferent. He looked like an ordinary old servant of the Nangong family, doing a household chore that he did every day.

He showed absolutely no trace of the demeanor of a Golden Core Realm cultivator.

Zhang Cheng must have noticed Song Yan's arrival, but he continued sweeping intently until he swept the last few fallen leaves in front of the wooden steps into the grass next to him. Only then did he slowly straighten up and gently lean the broom against the doorpost.

He turned around, his seemingly cloudy eyes landing on Song Yan. A gentle smile appeared on his face as he slowly said, "Young friend Song, you've arrived? Come in and sit down. The tea is freshly brewed."

Song Yan then realized what was happening and said, "This junior greets Master Zhang."

"No need for formalities, come on in."

Zhang Cheng turned around, pushed open the ebony door of Shuiyunzhu, and stepped inside, with Song Yan following closely behind.

This was a secluded side room, simply furnished, almost shabby, truly like a servant's quarters.

The space was small, with only a narrow wooden bed by the window, and the only furnishing in the room was a small low table in the center.

The charcoal stove on the table was glowing red, and a ceramic teapot sat on it, with steam rising from the spout. The rich aroma of tea filled the not-so-spacious space.

Several landscape paintings hung on the wall, a few scrolls of scriptures stood in the corner, and an ordinary-looking flying sword leaned casually against the wall in the corner. That was all.

Seemingly noticing the doubt in Song Yan's eyes, Zhang Cheng said, "Hehe, the place is a bit simple, young friend, please don't mind, make yourself at home."

Zhang Cheng sat on a cushion at the side of the low table, picked up a ceramic teapot, poured a cup of hot tea, and pushed it in front of Song Yan.

"Yes, senior."

Song Yan sat down on the futon opposite him as instructed and accepted the teacup with both hands.

Looking down at the tea in his cup, his mind raced, wondering what this old ancestor intended to do.

Zhang Cheng didn't exchange pleasantries or formalities. He took a sip of tea, his gaze falling on Song Yan's face, and went straight to the point.

"Young friend Song, you must be a disciple of the sword cultivators, right?"

"?"

Upon hearing this, Song Yan was startled, and his pupils contracted slightly.

Zhang Cheng took in his reaction without showing any surprise or smugness. Instead, he revealed a knowing smile, as if confirming his thoughts.

Before Song Yan could answer, he continued unhurriedly, "If I am not mistaken, young friend, you should also have some connection with the senior who left behind the sword energy of Lingyang River a thousand years ago."

"senior……"

Zhang Cheng smiled and waved his hand, indicating that Song Yan did not need to be nervous, and said in a calm tone: "Young friend, do not be alarmed. I once left the State of Chu to venture into the Central Regions."

"Although I can't say I have much profound knowledge, I have been fortunate enough to get to know a few senior figures who are highly accomplished and knowledgeable."

"In my spare time, I have learned some anecdotes about ancient sword cultivators."

"A true sword cultivator's sword energy naturally possesses a Daoist charm, containing the Great Dao of Heaven and Earth, and is extremely refined, far surpassing ordinary spiritual power."

"Such sword energy, as long as its origin is not damaged, will not easily dissipate into the world even after thousands of years. On the contrary, it may become more refined due to its interaction with the world."

"If that senior had been just an ordinary cultivator back then, the sword energy would probably have dissipated long ago."

Zhang Cheng was right about what he said.

This point is actually mentioned in the Taixu Sword Chapter, but in reality, this situation is relatively rare.

The reason for this is that the sword energy of most sword cultivators is collected by the sword box, sword gourd, or their natal flying sword and nurtured and refined.

As for why Senior Shen didn't retrieve it back then, Song Yan had no way of knowing.

Even if we have the chance to meet again in the future, I will not waste this precious opportunity to ask for advice on something meaningless.

Zhang Cheng's voice carried a hint of emotion: "Even the cultivators of this era, with the power of their inner core, find it difficult to mobilize that wisp of sword energy."

"Therefore, I have this guess."

Whether it's true or not, you don't need to give me any answer.

He said gently, "Young friend Song, please don't misunderstand, and there's no need to be nervous. The Nangong family, including myself, has absolutely no ill intentions towards you."

"On the contrary, this sword energy can help you improve your cultivation, and we are extremely honored."

Hearing this, Song Yan finally felt a little relieved.

Zhang Cheng's words were not mere empty talk or polite formalities.

He was experienced and his vision had long since transcended the Nangong family and even the small pond of the State of Chu.

Unlike the people of the Nangong family, he never regarded the sword energy at the bottom of the river as any kind of treasure.

No one in the Nangong family, or even the entire Chu Kingdom, could truly comprehend its meaning, let alone truly evoke even the slightest influence.

Its high-hanging presence, aside from displaying an empty reputation and attracting covetous eyes, does not contribute in any substantial way to the improvement of the family's strength.

There is some deterrent effect, but compared to the harm it causes, it is negligible.

Patriarch Nangong's idea is too radical and risky. Leaving aside whether that desperate measure is even feasible, even if it could actually trigger...

Zhang Cheng did not want to see the lives of his entire clan tied to a single sword aura.

Therefore, in his view, this change was not a disaster, but rather a good thing.

The sword energy found its true home, settling its karmic debts.

The Nangong family also got rid of a burden. If they were surrounded by powerful enemies in the future, they could move the whole family or even leave the State of Chu as a way to survive.

Many of the small families and forces that have taken root in the Chu Kingdom today, if you go back a few generations, were cultivators from other regions.

Zhang Cheng said solemnly, "Young friend Song, to be honest, I am now 512 years old and am nearing the end of my life."

Song Yan raised an eyebrow slightly, first surprised, then somewhat puzzled.

Why did Senior Zhang tell me this?

"The Nangong family now only has me, a Golden Core cultivator. Once I am gone, the family will lose its leader."

"Many forces in Jiangxian Pass are eyeing it, and the Qin family of Southern Chu is also coveting it. This thousand-year-old family is now on the verge of collapse."

"Although the head of the family, Nangong Ming, has the will, he cannot do it all alone."

Zhang Cheng's expression was extremely solemn: "I am telling you frankly today, and I have no other requests."

"I humbly request that, for the sake of this matter, if the Nangong family ever faces a crisis of collapse in the future, I hope that you will do me a favor to preserve a trace of the Nangong family's bloodline and incense."

"I hope you will not blame the Nangong family for taking advantage of our kindness."

"I am deeply grateful."

(End of this chapter)