Chapter 22: Heaven Is About to Bestow a Great Responsibility Upon Such a Person

“Disciple, since you have made some progress in the Lingyun Sword Technique, I shall now teach you a more profound sword art,” the master said.

“If you can cultivate this sword technique to its utmost perfection, accomplishing what I described—cutting through the sun, moon, and stars with a single blade of grass—will be effortless!”

Li Tianyuan pondered for a moment. Given his disciple’s remarkable talent, he could not keep such treasures hidden. The finest things should be bestowed upon his best disciple. He could simply relax while she carried the burden.

With this in mind, he retrieved the grand sword manual awarded by the system and gently pressed his finger to Jiang Yueli’s brow.

In the next instant, an overwhelming sound of a mighty sword’s resonance echoed in her mind.

A radiant light emerged, revealing a flowing sword manual that trickled like a clear, tinkling spring.

Jiang Yueli felt her spiritual sea become ethereal and pure, filled with countless profound and intricate sword intents that contained the essence of the Dao, as if unveiling the mysteries of heaven and earth.

She was immersed in this wondrous realm, as a surge of righteous energy cleansed her entire being, refreshing her vital energy and spirit.

After a long while, Jiang Yueli opened her eyes, which shone with awe and excitement.

Merely catching a glimpse of this sword technique’s surface, she already sensed its extraordinary nature.

This was undoubtedly a supreme immortal art!

She believed that if she could refine it to perfection, she would indeed be able to cut through the sun, moon, and stars with a single blade of grass, just as her master had promised.

“This technique is called the Haoran Sword Classic—an ultimate immortal art. Upon cultivation, one is imbued with righteous vigor, and the sword intent becomes sharp and piercing enough to tear the heavens asunder,” Li Tianyuan explained.

“Especially when perfected, the righteous energy saturates every bone, tendon, and organ, condensing a Haoran sword embryo within the spiritual sea. Every action then carries the profound sword intent.”

Haoran sword embryo!

An ultimate immortal art!

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yueli’s eyes blazed with dazzling light.

She had underestimated her master; she had thought a supreme immortal art was already formidable enough.

Yet her master had imparted an ultimate immortal art—the rarest and most elite technique in the world.

Such a technique alone could spark fierce battles over power and influence, yet her master had handed it over to her with nonchalance.

What merit did she have to deserve such favor?

She looked at the towering figure before her, her heart trembling.

Although she had endured much hardship from a young age, forging a resilient spirit, she was still a girl at heart, with vulnerable places within.

Unconsciously, Li Tianyuan had filled that missing part in her heart.

“Master... You have shown me so much kindness, and I have no way to repay you!” Jiang Yueli suddenly knelt, bowing with solemn respect.

“Silly girl, get up quickly,” Li Tianyuan said with a smile, helping her to her feet.

“You will always be my most beloved disciple. No need for repayment—just focus on your cultivation!”

“Master, rest assured, I will never disappoint your expectations!” Jiang Yueli vowed earnestly.

“Good,” Li Tianyuan nodded with satisfaction, then produced a storage ring and a sword talisman given by Grandmaster Taixuan.

“This is the token to the Haotian Sword Tower within the sacred grounds. If you practice swordsmanship, you can go there; training inside will yield twice the results with half the effort.”

“There are also some pills and spirit fruits for your cultivation and recuperation. Work hard, but remember to rest well!” He handed the storage ring to Jiang Yueli, gave a few more instructions, then left.

Back in the Lingyun Hall, he settled into his chair leisurely, brewing a pot of Enlightenment Tea.

After a busy day, it was time to rest.

It was a pity he had only one disciple, and she was constantly training.

If he had two disciples now, they could rub his shoulders and massage his legs.

He resolved to find a second disciple soon; otherwise, Lingyun Peak would feel too lonely!

Sipping his tea, Li Tianyuan considered his next steps.

The grand disciple recruitment at Lingxiao Sacred Ground was over; to find new disciples, he would have to venture out.

However, with his current strength, if the Jiang family wished him harm, it would be dangerous to leave.

Moreover, seeking someone with a destined fate was like finding a needle in a haystack—hope was slim.

“It seems I can only explore within the sacred ground first, or perhaps visit the outer gates to see what’s happening,” he mused, stroking his chin.

As dusk deepened, he ceased his wandering and headed to his room.

But as soon as he lay down, he sensed a surge of spiritual power within—his cultivation had advanced.

No doubt, his disciple was training again.

Li Tianyuan shook his head in amusement.

He had not forced Jiang Yueli; all was her own will.

As the saying goes, when Heaven assigns a great task, it must first harden the heart and toil the body.

Anyway, this girl was stubborn to the core.

Well, let her be.

Sighing, Li Tianyuan closed his eyes and drifted into dreams.

The night was dense; the bright moonlight streamed through the window, casting silver patches on the floor.

A figure in white sat cross-legged on the bed.

She radiated a soft, precious light, faint golden strands swirling around her.

Jiang Yueli slowly opened her eyes, stretching her arms with a satisfied smile at the corners of her mouth.

After a night of cultivation, her strength had improved once more, now at the peak of early Profound Realm, just a step shy of mid-stage.

She believed that with some polishing, she would soon break through.

“No wonder my master taught me a supreme immortal art; it’s truly formidable—far superior to what I had at the Jiang family.”

“How fortunate I am to study under my master!”

“Jiang family! Just wait! One day soon, I will return!”

“And Jiang Lan! I will reclaim what is mine and shatter your false reputation as a genius!”

Clenching her fists, her eyes flickered with icy determination as she gritted her teeth.

Memories of the torment she suffered in the Jiang family flooded her mind, each one a piercing pain.

She swore she would make them pay and regret their deeds.

Seeing the sky still dim, Jiang Yueli resumed her cultivation.

Only when dawn fully broke did she emerge from her meditative state.

“Whew,” she exhaled deeply, slowly opening her eyes as a ray of morning light gently bathed her face in warmth.

Despite an entire night of training, she felt no fatigue—only clarity and rejuvenation.

“First, I will go greet my master, then I’ll visit the Haotian Sword Tower to train,” she decided.

Standing, she smoothed her dress and headed toward Lingyun Hall.