Volume Two – The Map of the Nine Provinces Revealed, Entering the Spirit Ruins Chapter 103: The Artful Skill of Huapo

In the days that followed, Chen Yu lived a remarkably disciplined life. He typically moved back and forth between the Cultivation Hall, the Ten Thousand Books Pavilion, and the hill where he had initially broken through.

Having surpassed the One Elemental Realm and truly stepped onto the path of cultivation, Chen Yu felt a great sense of relief within. He felt less bound, as if a weight had lifted, leaving him light and unburdened.

Perhaps back in the Chen Kingdom, influenced by the teacher’s judgment of the three of them, he had worried for their sake—fearing he was truly unsuited for cultivation and unable to join the ranks of cultivators.

But now, having succeeded, all confusion, fear, and doubt within him naturally collapsed. The self-imposed restraints in his heart dissolved completely.

Chen Yu’s state of mind seemed to elevate accordingly.

Cultivating the spirit had always been his weakness. After all, he had not yet reached the Celestial-Human Realm and remained weak on the soul’s level. Of course, this was not unique to him; many others were the same, except for those born with exceptionally strong souls.

This was also why Chen Yu chose the Hundred Refinements Heart Method when selecting his cultivation techniques; as for the Sword Control Art, it was because he had obtained a magical sword; and the choice of the Tai Zhuo Sword Technique was simply due to its great power.

Chen Yu had already gained some enlightenment in these arts.

The Sword Control Art was not particularly difficult for him. Within a week, he could wield the flying sword with ease and even perform sword flight, which was truly his ultimate goal.

He soared on his sword daily, reveling in the freedom it brought.

He also made progress in the Hundred Refinements Heart Method, dedicating an hour each day to its practice.

However, the Tai Zhuo Sword Technique proved a challenge. After a month, he had yet to grasp even the basics. But Chen Yu was patient, knowing that inspiration would come in time.

On a flat stone atop the hill, with a peach tree leaning beside it, Chen Yu sat upright, his long sword resting on his lap. Deep in meditation, he was exploring the myriad variations of the first stance of the Tai Zhuo Sword Technique.

In his mind, he danced with the sword—moves dazzling and endlessly changing. It appeared complex, yet its true power was hidden. Chen Yu furrowed his brow involuntarily, thinking, “This is not right! The essence of elegance, simplicity, ingenuity, and antiquity should not feel like this.”

But how could one achieve all at once—elegance, simplicity, ingenuity, and rusticity?

He repeatedly reviewed and discarded his interpretations, as if possessed by a frenzy. Unconsciously, night had already fallen.

A gentle breeze stirred, its coolness awakening Chen Yu.

He glanced at the moon hanging high and said, “I didn’t expect the moon to rise so quickly. Cultivation knows no time; the passing of day and night is but a fleeting moment.”

Slowly rising, he brushed the dust from his clothes. Suddenly, he froze, a flicker of surprise in his eyes, then sat cross-legged once more.

With eyes half-closed, he murmured, “Day and night pass in the blink of an eye, yin and yang in an instant. Elegance and simplicity? Ingenuity and rusticity? Tai Zhuo… Tai Zhuo… rustic… rustic… that’s it. The first stance of the Tai Zhuo Sword Technique—elegant, simple, ingenious, rustic—is the essence of concealment.”

Chen Yu had a revelation. He sprang to his feet, sword in hand, standing tall. The moves in his mind shifted continuously—from elegant to simple, from ingenious to rustic—gradually evolving into pure, unadorned plainness.

Yet even so, Chen Yu smiled broadly, genuinely delighted. With a single sword stroke, seemingly ordinary, he sliced a section from a tree ten feet away.

“This is the Tai Zhuo Sword Technique—elegant, simple, ingenious, rustic—just as it should be,” Chen Yu said with satisfaction.

At that moment, he suddenly sensed a faint killing intent in the darkness. Although subtle, it was unmistakable.

Chen Yu frowned in confusion. He had no enemies in the Spiritual Ruins. Who could be targeting him?

Well... now that I have grasped the Tai Zhuo Sword Technique, I can test it against you.

He called into the darkness, “Whoever hides in the shadows, come out!”

The response was direct—a sword’s edge answering him.

A streak of sword light appeared in the night. The killing intent faded, replaced by a strong fighting spirit.

Chen Yu raised an eyebrow—interesting!

Without further thought, he immediately drew his sword to meet the challenge. After a swift clash, they quickly separated.

Chen Yu frowned slightly, recognizing that his opponent was powerful, even stronger than himself. Yet his nervousness vanished at once, for from the opponent’s aura and figure, he recognized the challenger.

“Senior Brother Chu, what is the meaning of this?” Chen Yu asked, looking at Chu Shu.

“Ha ha... didn’t expect to be recognized so quickly,” Chu Shu revealed his face, eyes filled with surprise. “So you have indeed mastered the Tai Zhuo Sword Technique?”

Chen Yu smiled calmly. “I’ve made some progress.”

“Well, some progress indeed. Heh heh... interested in a duel?” Chu Shu said, eager.

“Since Senior Brother Chu is so keen, I shall not refuse,” Chen Yu replied respectfully.

“Good... quick and straightforward!” Chu Shu exclaimed.

No sooner had they spoken than they charged at each other. Their speed was like a gale, swords clashing with crackling energy. Chen Yu was forced back several steps, while Chu Shu barely swayed.

Chu Shu was astonished inwardly: “Such profound magical power—several times stronger than ordinary disciples. Even those who have opened seven of the thirty-three orifices in the One Elemental Realm might not be his match. And yet he hasn’t cultivated any orifices himself? Could this be the power of the Hunyuan Scripture?”

His fighting spirit soared.

Chen Yu shook his head silently, thinking, “My cultivation is still somewhat lacking. But that doesn’t mean I’ll concede. Facing such an opponent, I can finally unleash my full strength.”

He dashed forward, sword pointed at Chu Shu, who welcomed the challenge without hesitation.

“Fight!”

Chen Yu unleashed techniques like the Wind and Rain Sword, Dragon-Subduing Tiger, Earth-Shaking Mountain Strike, among others.

Though Chen Yu’s sword qi was sharp, he still could not push Chu Shu back even a step. Chu Shu remained cautious and alert, deeply impressed.

“Impressive. Just these few Thirty-Six Heavenly Gang techniques can restrain me so effectively. Chen Yu is truly extraordinary,” Chu Shu thought.

“Ha ha... Junior Brother Chen, I was right about you. Your strength is formidable. Perhaps among equals, I might not be your match,” Chu Shu praised, then shifted tone. “But if you don’t use the Tai Zhuo Sword Technique, this will be rather dull.”

With a sweeping slash, Chu Shu’s powerful sword qi surged, sending Chen Yu flying several yards, his internal organs churning.

Chen Yu took a deep breath, suppressing the discomfort. “Senior Brother Chu is right! If so, I humbly ask for your guidance.”