National Division

Chapter 106 Shen Xian: What kind of battles hadn't he seen in his past life?

Kirin Court

Shen Xian and the princess approached the mahogany cabinet, their eyes sweeping over the booklet containing various sword techniques.

All are Xuan-rank martial arts techniques: "Sunset Blade Technique", "Dawn Blade Technique", "Night White Blade Technique", "Ice Soul Slash", "Mysterious Yin Blade", "Burning Wood Blade"...

Shen Xian suddenly had a thought. He took out a martial arts manual from the book and stared at the title with surprise.

The Xuan-rank top-grade sword technique, "Thunderbolt Sword Technique," yes, he wasn't mistaken.

"What's wrong, Scholar Shen?" The eldest princess stared intently at the sword technique, scanning it with her divine sense and praising, "The Swift Thunder Sword Technique is a top-grade Xuan-level martial skill, practiced by grandmasters. When this martial skill is mastered to its deepest level, the sword technique is as swift as thunder, driven by true qi, with thunder and lightning, capable of injuring the Yin spirit of a fifth-level immortal, the Divine Illumination Realm cultivator. This technique is truly ingenious."

In the realm of immortals and gods, the spirit leaves the body to roam the night, traveling eighty thousand miles into the azure sky, but is most afraid of thunder and lightning.

The Swift Thunder Blade Technique possesses the characteristics of thunderclaps, combining the martial artist's ultimate strength and yang energy with the true qi of a grandmaster to achieve the effect of injuring enemies across ranks.

Shen Xian nodded and said, "This martial art can be kept for future use."

There's only the Swift Thunder Blade Technique, but not the Quark Blade Technique. Hopefully, it's not a dead link.

The eldest princess said softly, "If a martial artist is no match for you, the only one who can harm you in secret is a cultivator. This sword technique can injure someone in the Divine Illumination Realm, but it requires reaching the peak of the Martial Arts Grandmaster Realm. You should choose two more high-grade martial arts techniques so that you can practice them regularly after you reach the Grandmaster Realm."

Both Grandmaster and Great Grandmaster realms use Xuan-rank martial arts techniques, but Grandmaster realms are best suited to low-grade and mid-grade techniques because they are most effective when activated with true essence.

Shen Xian nodded, accepting the princess's suggestion, and took the Xuan-rank high-grade martial arts techniques "Night White Blade Technique" and "Ice Soul Slash".

"Keep the Sunset Blade Technique and the Dawn Blade Technique safe as well; these might help you refine your blade intent." The princess picked up a few more books.

Shen Xian accepted the two martial arts manuals.

Anyway, you can just return it after you've finished reading it.

The eldest princess said softly, "You are still lacking in movement techniques, fist techniques, and finger techniques. We will find two more books on these."

Shen Xian said, "That's fine, but one or two books will do. There's no need to have as many as the swordsmanship manual. Trying to do too much at once will only lead to failure."

Although he can deduce and integrate various cultivation methods, he still needs human merit.

Only when one has accumulated enough merit and is in a period of leisure, and has mastered and integrated all the martial arts techniques in the Qilin Pavilion, can one be called the Pavilion Master.

I fear that in order to receive his guidance, all the martial artists in the world would be willing to serve him.

At this point, Shen Xian had acquired two mid-grade Xuan-rank martial arts techniques, "Wildfire Hundred Slashes" and "Seven Forms of Breaking Army," one top-grade Xuan-rank martial arts technique, "Thunder Blade Technique," and several high-grade Xuan-rank martial arts techniques, "Night White Blade Technique," "Ice Soul Slash," "Remnant Sun Blade Technique," and "Dawn Blade Technique," the latter of which was intended for use at the Grandmaster stage.

The eldest princess said, "Let's go take a look over there."

Shen Xian and the princess walked toward the cabinet on the other side, where they saw a dazzling array of various movement techniques and martial arts skills.

"These are all movement techniques, the Xuan-level ones are here," the eldest princess urged.

They were even more eager than when they were cultivating themselves.

Shen Xian's gaze swept over the martial arts manuals recording movement techniques: "Soaring Dragon Movement Technique," "Skywalking Movement Technique," and so on.

The eldest princess instructed, "Movement techniques are related to combat and daily life; it won't hurt you to master more of them."

"These two will do." Shen Xian didn't waste time choosing the techniques. He put the "Dragon Soaring Body Technique" and the "Heavenly Movement Body Technique" into his Sumeru Bag and said, "Find two more sword techniques."

He does not intend to integrate these different techniques for the time being.

Because he felt that the fusion of Grandmaster-level techniques, unlike the first and second levels which only consumed two or three digits of merit points, might involve four or even five digits of merit points.

Even with a massive number of 520,000, it couldn't sustain continuous fusion.

Moreover, his initial purpose in fusing was because he lacked cultivation techniques and martial arts skills, so that he could seek a way forward.

Since the Qilin Pavilion has such a complete collection of martial arts techniques and skills below the sixth realm, there is no need to expend human merit to fuse them for the time being.

Instead, it is sufficient to use human virtues to increase the proficiency of martial arts skills.

Leaving behind more human merit serves two purposes: first, as resources for immortal arts; and second, to facilitate future derivations... the eighth and ninth realms of martial arts.

He didn't believe that the path of martial arts was blocked!
Of course, it's estimated to be a massive amount of humanitarian merit points.

Shen Xian and the Eldest Princess then went to the swordplay area and took two mid-grade Xuan-level martial arts techniques: the Azure Lotus Swordplay and the Shattered Star Swordplay.

The princess paused slightly, her beautiful eyes showing concern, and reminded her, "The Azure Lotus Sword Technique can generate Azure Lotus Sword Qi, which is golden, white, and azure in color. You need to cultivate a technique that combines the three elements."

Shen Xian said, "It's alright, I happen to be practicing these three cultivation techniques."

As he spoke, he reached out his hand, and the true energy in his palm sometimes possessed the unparalleled sharpness of Geng metal, sometimes the vibrant vitality of Yi wood, and at the same time, the gentleness of the vast water.

This is the characteristic of the "Azure Jade Lotus Skill" technique; after all, it is the finest selection from the millstone.

"Your cultivation method is also extraordinary. Your true essence contains the power of the three elements of metal, wood and water. The five elements transform and change unpredictably, yet they are harmonious and unified, able to nourish the internal organs." Upon hearing this, the princess suddenly realized and said, "No wonder your cultivation was slower in the early stages. Most people only cultivate one or two elements in their martial arts techniques, and three elements are very rare."

I originally thought the young man in front of me had mediocre martial arts talent, so when we first met, he was only at the seventh level of the Acquired Realm when he was a teenager. I didn't expect that he was a fellow practitioner of the Three Paths, so it's normal for him to be slower in the early stages.

Shen Xian did not mention that he planned to gather the power of the five elements, otherwise the power of other martial arts techniques would be greatly reduced due to the different techniques.

Right now, it can only be considered as... a partial return to the origin.

He plans to use two sets of sword techniques to refine his martial arts sword intent.

Similar to the previous "Night White Sword Technique," it is used to condense the sword intent.

"I'll find another master-level technique." Shen Xian remembered that he needed to combine the five elements in order to use fire-based martial arts.

The eldest princess said, "I will help you choose two fist techniques and two finger techniques."

Then, Shen Xian chose a master-level martial art called "Yan Yun Gong" in order to integrate it into the "Qing Yu Run Lian Gong" martial art.

The eldest princess also helped Shen Xian choose a mid-grade Xuan-rank martial arts manual called "Xuanwu Zhenyue Fist" and a mid-grade Xuan-rank martial arts manual called "Jingshen Finger".

Seeing that everything was settled, Shen Xian said, "Let's register and then head to Qingxuan Cave Heaven."

The princess nodded, and the two asked a clerk to record the names of the books they borrowed before leaving the Qilin Pavilion.

"Didn't Qingxuan Cave Heaven set up teleportation nodes in the Divine Capital Formation?" Shen Xian asked.

The eldest princess said, "The capital city is protected by the magic restrictions of great supernatural beings, which prevent the power to break through the void. Only the Vermilion Bird Blessed Land can break through the void."

Upon hearing this, Shen Xian nodded and said, "I heard Miss Xue mention before that there is a Nine Realms True Immortal Forbidden Array above the capital."

The eldest princess smiled and teased, "She tells you everything."

Shen Xian paused for a moment.

"However, she only knows one side of the story, not the other," the princess said with a smile, without offering further explanation.

As the two were talking, the eldest princess grabbed Shen Xian's arm, rose into the air, and said, "I will take you there."

The eldest princess suddenly asked, "How do I compare to Zhihua?"

Shen Xian was stunned for a moment upon hearing this, wondering what the princess was referring to.
I haven't used any of them, so how can I make a comparison?

"Your Highness is referring to the speed of soaring through the clouds?" Shen Xian composed himself and asked.

The princess's alluring eyes sparkled with seductive charm as she asked in surprise, "Otherwise what?"

No, what was Scholar Shen thinking just now? His expression seemed a bit strange.
Shen Xian pondered and said, "Your Highness is a master of immortality. When it comes to the speed of cloud-riding, Zhihua is naturally far inferior."

The eldest princess smiled and explained, "Danxia can rise up like clouds, while Shenzhao can merge with heaven and earth. Did you see the spiritual energy shield just now?"

Shen Xian said, "The escape method is more natural, like a fish entering the sea." The princess's beautiful eyes showed appreciation, and she said, "Yes, it is like a fish entering the sea, while a martial arts master who takes to the air has to face the wind resistance."

Shen Xian looked thoughtful and asked, "If one comprehends martial intent and integrates it into movement techniques, can one borrow the power of heaven and earth?"

“That Soaring Dragon Body Technique actually involves the changes of clouds and mist, while the Skywalking Body Technique is about the essence of wind,” the princess said. “In fact, immortal martial arts are quite similar in their understanding of the essence of the art.”

"We've arrived." The eldest princess looked at the towering Mangshan Mountains in the distance and said in a clear voice, "I often visit Qingxuan Cave Heaven and enter Chixiao Cave Heaven from there."

Shen Xian asked, "Is it only possible to teleport there from Qingxuan Cave Heaven?"

"The entrance to the Great Crimson Cloud Cave is in Zhongnan Mountain in Xijing. If we go there, it's quite far." The princess paused slightly, uncertainly saying, "There might be other entrances, but outsiders wouldn't know."

Upon hearing this, Shen Xian's eyes showed a thoughtful expression.

The secret passage, the shortcut to Zhongnan Mountain, was where countless people went to live in seclusion before the Great Jing Dynasty moved to the capital.

The eldest princess said, "Let's go inside first."

As he spoke, he took out a jade tablet with a palace carved on the front. He infused the tablet with spiritual power and sent it toward the void above the mountains and forests, whereupon ripples appeared.

Shen Xian asked in surprise, "Your Highness is a member of the Jade Purity Sect?"

The eldest princess smiled and said softly, "Previously, I was a disciple of Lady Chi Yao of the Jade Purity Sect."

Shen Xian did not ask any further questions.

This is not surprising. After all, the eldest princess is a member of the Li Jing clan. If she wanted to become a disciple, the three religions would probably be vying to accept her. Becoming a disciple of Yuqing does not mean that she is on the same side as Yuqing. On the contrary, she can become a mouthpiece for Yuqing and Dajing.

The two remained silent as they re-entered the Azure Profound Cave Heaven. Without any delay, they used the cave heaven's teleportation array to re-enter the Great Crimson Sky Cave Heaven.

Just as the two entered the Xuanzhen Temple, two gray-robed old Taoists appeared in mid-air. The thin old man said in surprise, "This kid is back again."

"There's a new person by my side." The slightly plump old Taoist in gray robes smiled, his face as round as a red date.

Beneath the thin old man's delicate eyebrows, black and white vortexes swirled in his eyes before returning to normal. He said softly, "The power of the Vermilion Bird belongs to a member of the Great Jing royal family."

"There must be some good shows going on in Luodu City lately. Let's go and see." The fat old man chuckled, stroking his beard as he looked at Shen Xian.

"I don't want to deal with that Vermilion Bird." The thin old man looked troubled and sneered, "It looks like it wants to eat me alive the moment it sees me."

"Who told you to take away many of Suzaku's old acquaintances with the Death Star back then?" The fat old man laughed and said, "When you suppress your death aura later, I'll put in a good word for you, and Suzaku won't bother you anymore."

The thin old man thought for a moment and nodded.

The two figures gradually disappeared, as if they had never appeared at all.

Xuanzhen Temple, the Evergreen Pagoda—

The princess raised her head, her long black hair flowing like a waterfall, and looked at the ancient and simple-looking pagoda with its green eaves. She said softly, "You've been here once before, so don't delay any longer."

Because the competition with the Cui and Lu clans would take place in two days, the time was rather rushed.

Shen Xian hummed in agreement, and then descended from the clouds with the Princess Zhenguo, arriving before the steep and precipitous Hundred Dragons Ladder.

The mountains and forests on both sides of the stone steps are lush and verdant, and a gentle breeze makes the greenery even more eye-catching.

Princess Zhenguo said softly, "We are not allowed to use Taoist magic and martial arts here, so we can only climb up."

Shen Xian said softly, "Your Highness's health is precious, it would be better to proceed slowly."

The princess gave a soft "hmm," and then followed Shen Xian, climbing step by step up the stone steps paved with blue flagstones.

Midway through, a fine layer of sweat appeared on the beauty's temples and face, and beads of sweat covered her delicate neck, dripping down her exquisite collarbone and dampening her undergarments. The fragrance of cosmetics mixed with perfume, along with the natural scent of her snow-white skin, wafted towards Shen Xian's nose.

Martial artists have abundant yang energy, so they are somewhat prone to distractions.

Shen Xian turned to look at the Princess and asked, "Your Highness, would you like to rest for a while?"

This princess, pampered and virtuous, has never dissipated her spiritual power to walk on such a mountain path.

The princess wiped her fair, snow-white cheeks, her soft voice tinged with a slight panting: "The stone steps are sealed with magic, so it is indeed a bit tiring."

As she spoke, she sat down on a blue stone bench and took out a beautifully embroidered handkerchief with lotus flowers from the sleeve of her dress.

The beautiful woman used her slender hands to wipe the glistening beads of sweat from her clear forehead and neck with a handkerchief. The jade earrings on her earlobes swayed gently, like a water plant stirring the surface of the water bathed in the setting sun, creating endless ripples in people's hearts.

Shen Xian turned to look at the beautiful woman whose fair and radiant face was like a rosy cloud, and thought to himself, "Truly, her skin is as white as snow and as beautiful as a pear blossom."

I don't know about Shirley either...

Shen Xian quickly suppressed a sudden, unfounded thought. His eyes were dark and unfathomable. It must be because he had just broken through to the Grandmaster level, his blood and qi were vigorous, and his yang energy was at its peak, which was why he had such a thought.

"You should wipe yourself too, you're all sweaty right now," the princess said softly, handing a handkerchief to Shen Xian.

Shen Xian was caught in a dilemma: whether to accept the offer or not.

This noble lady is dignified and poised, unpretentious, yet exudes the charm of a mature woman at all times.

"People of the martial world, why would they care about such things?" The princess suddenly realized, her beautiful eyes sparkling beneath her delicate eyebrows, carrying a hint of amusement.

Previously, that fleeting, burning gaze filled with desire seemed almost fake.

However, the boy in front of me was actually quite young, which always made me want to tease him, and it seemed that even my own mindset had become much younger.

Actually, this is similar to how Lao Deng in later generations liked to chat with young girls, which helped him maintain a youthful mindset.

Shen Xian thanked him, took the lotus-shaped handkerchief, and gently wiped the sweat from his forehead.

Since the beautiful lady didn't care, he had nothing to be coy about.

What kind of battles hadn't he seen in his past life?

However, the handkerchief had just been used by the beautiful woman, and a lingering sweet and rich fragrance still remained on it.

The eldest princess raised her eyebrows, but her gaze held a hint of strangeness.

She figured the handkerchief was long and there was a clean side, so she didn't care whether it was the side she was using or not, and just started wiping with her hands.

He wiped his sweat, folded the paper, and asked, "Your Highness."

"Keep it yourself, it's all sweaty," the beautiful woman said softly, her eyes sparkling with laughter.

They probably all tasted mixed up.

Shen Xian simply tucked the handkerchief into her sleeve, her expression nonchalant.

Whether it was his imagination or not, the princess seemed to be subtly flirting with him, as if she found it amusing.

It wasn't about romantic feelings; he didn't consider himself to have any great pride.

Perhaps it's more like a mischievous pleasure of an older "young woman" towards a younger man.

However, all he could say was that if that were the case, it would undoubtedly be a dangerous game for this noblewoman.

The beautiful woman raised her exquisitely styled head, her beautiful eyes gazing at the Everlasting Pagoda, and said softly, "Let's go up in one go."

Shen Xian hummed in agreement, then walked along the stone steps paved with blue flagstones toward the Everlasting Green Pagoda.

……

……

(End of this chapter)