My Swordsmanship Has No Upper Limit

The resonance of two Water Fluctuations had created a Phantom Ability. Zhong Ming didn’t even dare to imagine what five of them stacking together might produce.

As this thought crossed his mind, Zhong Ming could no longer hold back. The next moment, he sat down cross-legged, hoping to use the afterglow of his epiphany to stack his five Water Fluctuations and induce a qualitative transformation.

HUMMM...

With his eyes closed, Zhong Ming could feel countless points of inspiration emerging, colliding, and fusing within his mind like a brilliant display of fireworks.

However, after about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Zhong Ming’s brow furrowed deeply.

He had felt some flashes of inspiration and even grasped a few minor techniques.

Yet the fusion of the five Water Fluctuations refused to begin. He also had a sudden realization... he was still missing something.

This caused him to clench his fists and curse under his breath.

"Dammit... Five Water Fluctuations aren’t enough to trigger the qualitative transformation."

"I’m still missing one."

To think he had accumulated enough, only to fall short at the final step... The feeling was awful.

HUUU...

Fortunately, Zhong Ming’s will was sufficiently resilient.

After a few deep breaths, he managed to calm himself.

’Hmph, no need to rush. I’m only missing one. I’ll be able to complete it soon enough.’

’Besides, this is actually a good thing... The higher the requirements, the more powerful the transformation will be when I finally break through.’

With that, Zhong Ming opened his attribute panel again to review his current status.

He then found two possible methods to acquire the last Flow of Water.

[Zhong Ming]

[Cultivation Realm: Early-Stage Qi Cultivation]

[Reading: Fourth Realm, Minor Achievement (748/13600), Traits: ① Scholarly Aura, ② Calm Heart, ③ Mind Reading]

[Longxi Sword-Drawing Technique: Third Realm, Refinement (6678/13600), Traits: ① Quick Eyes and Swift Hands, ② Flow of Water]

[Longxi Breathing Technique: Second Realm, Insight (5367/8100), Traits: ① Flow of Water... Dragon Flood Dragon Dao Rhyme (Incomplete) (4.1%)]

[Longxi Swordsmanship: Third Realm, Refinement (1/14800), Traits: ① River and Sword Convergence, ② Flow of Water]

[Spirit Stream Finger: Water Dragon Technique: Third Realm, Refinement (1/14200), Traits: ① Water Attraction, ② Flow of Water]

[Wave-Surging Dragon Stream Step: Third Realm, Refinement (1/14600), Traits: ① Water Stepping, ② Body Like a Stream, ③ Flow of Water]

[Spirit Stream Finger: Jie Technique: Uninitiated]

’The Cultivation Techniques of the Longxi Peak lineage all share the same origin. My breakthroughs in Longxi Swordsmanship, Spirit Stream Finger: Water Dragon Technique, and Wave-Surging Dragon Stream Step increased my comprehension of flowing water. This also raised my Longxi Breathing Technique to 5367/8100, which is more than halfway through the Second Realm. With a little more effort, it can advance to the Third Realm.’

’As the Basic Technique, it’s the hardest to practice, but I also gain the most with each advancement. The Third Realm of the Longxi Breathing Technique touches upon the concept of ’life.’ I might be able to use that advancement as a catalyst to trigger a qualitative transformation in my Flow of Water.’

After glancing at the Longxi Breathing Technique, Zhong Ming’s gaze shifted to the very bottom of the attribute panel.

’The other method is to cultivate the Spirit Stream Finger: Jie Technique. I’m only missing one more ’Flow of Water’ trait. If I cultivate it to the Third Realm, I’ll have fulfilled all the conditions.’

Without a moment’s hesitation, Zhong Ming chose the second method.

’Since it was recorded in Longxi Peak’s Scripture Pavilion, it must be very useful. It’s also compatible with the Longxi Breathing Method. Seeing as I have to cultivate it sooner or later, I might as well do it now.’

Having made his decision, Zhong Ming immediately found the cultivation manual for the Spirit Stream Finger: Jie Technique, preparing to use his Mind Reading ability to study it thoroughly.

However, before Zhong Ming could begin cultivating, the sound of footsteps approached from a distance.

Turning his head to look, he saw Orchid leading a little girl who looked to be only thirteen or fourteen years old toward him.

Following behind them was an old woman dressed as a servant.

"What are you doing here?" 𝐟𝗿𝐞𝚎𝚠𝐞𝚋𝕟𝐨𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝕔𝕠𝚖

Orchid’s arrival was somewhat surprising to Zhong Ming. She was a diligent attendant and had never disturbed his cultivation before.

"Did something happen at the Sword Testing Platform?"

Orchid shook her head. "Everything is fine at the Sword Testing Platform. I came because this Miss Xie has business with you, sir."

"The Xie Family... The matter of forging my sword..."

At this thought, Zhong Ming looked at the little girl before him, feeling a mix of speechlessness and hesitation.

He couldn’t be blamed for it. The girl before him, while cute, was so short and young that it was hard for Zhong Ming to feel assured.

’She’s too young, isn’t she? A sword is a Sword Cultivator’s second life. Is it really okay to entrust the forging of my flying sword to a child like this?’

’My Master Sister wouldn’t screw me over, would she?’

Just as Zhong Ming was hesitating, the little girl noticed his attitude, and it clearly annoyed her.

"You’re judging a book by its cover. You think I’m not up to the task."

Zhong Ming: "Er..."

BOOM!

Before Zhong Ming could respond, a scorching wave of Magical Power erupted from the little girl.

That wave of Magical Power was several times more profound than his own.

This scene left Zhong Ming stunned.

’So strong... This is the mid-stage of Qi Cultivation! How can someone so young possess such dense Spiritual Qi?’

Zhong Ming didn’t voice his thoughts, but the astonishment in his eyes betrayed them.

This, in turn, caused Xie Yuzhu to snort coldly.

"Don’t look at me like that. I’m the same age as you. I’ve just consumed too many Spiritual Medicines, causing my very life essence to transform, which slowed my physical growth."

...

Xie Yuzhu’s words made Zhong Ming realize the extravagance of the Cultivation Families. They could induce a transformation in a person’s very life essence just by feeding them Heavenly and Earthly Treasures, without them even needing to cultivate.

’No wonder those people can reach the mid-stage of Qi Cultivation in just seven days. The resources of a Cultivation Family are truly unimaginable.’

’Wait, I remember three days ago, on the Cub Dragon List Master Sister showed me, there were only three people at the mid-stage of Qi Cultivation, and Xie Yuzhu’s name wasn’t on it... Did she break through in the last three days?’

’Did anyone else break through besides her?’

Zhong Ming felt a surge of pressure.

He also understood why his Master Sister, Mo Shuying, had looked so dejected.

Clearly, given Longxi Peak’s current circumstances, opposing Molten Fire Peak, Cuixiang Mountain, and Dharma Seal Peak would be incredibly difficult.

’I have to redouble my efforts.’

As these thoughts ran through his mind, Zhong Ming cupped his fists and spoke apologetically to Xie Yuzhu.

"My apologies, Miss Xie. I was wrong to judge you by your appearance."

"Hmph." Perhaps she was used to being treated like a child, or perhaps Zhong Ming’s apology was sincere. In any case, Xie Yuzhu didn’t press the issue. However, she stated her terms clearly: "A person chooses a sword, but a sword also chooses its master. The flying swords I create are all masterpieces. I would never allow a mediocre person to wield one. That would be an insult to the sword, and an even greater insult to me. If you want a good flying sword, you must pass my test. Do you accept this condition?"

"Of course. How do you wish to test me, Miss Xie?"

THUD!

Without answering immediately, Xie Yuzhu, having received his reply, casually extended her hand. A heavy sword taller than herself appeared at her side.

Grasping the hilt, Xie Yuzhu looked slightly arrogant and eager for a fight. "How will I test you? With a duel, of course. I want to know what difference there is between a Sword Cultivator from your Longxi Peak and a practitioner of Sword Cultivation like myself."

As she finished speaking, she seemed to think of something and added, "Don’t say I’m bullying you. I’m at the mid-stage of Qi Cultivation. As long as you can last one hundred... no, thirty moves against me, you’ll pass. I’ll even forge you a top-quality, mid-grade Magical Artifact."

"If you last a hundred moves, I’ll upgrade your flying sword for free once my skills have improved."

"Last three hundred moves, and I’ll even provide all the materials for your flying sword’s upgrade."

Xie Yuzhu’s attitude made Zhong Ming understand why his Master Sister, Mo Shuying, had arranged for her to forge his sword.

The wealthy Xie Family could ensure he wouldn’t have to worry about his flying sword all the way until he established his Dao Foundation.

Of course, to obtain these benefits, Zhong Ming would have to display his abilities and earn Xie Yuzhu’s approval.

But this world only favored geniuses. Zhong Ming had long since confirmed this fact, so he didn’t mind.

Right now, Zhong Ming was more curious about something else.

Staring directly at Xie Yuzhu, Zhong Ming asked calmly, "You’ll provide a free upgrade for my flying sword if I last three hundred moves. So... what happens if I win?"