During this period, Lin Yun focused on only one thing: practising the sword and comprehending swordsmanship.
Over the course of a century, his application and insight into swordsmanship did improve, yet he still failed to master the eighth level of the Flying Shadow Sword Art.
Moreover, for the final decade, his progress in swordsmanship completely stalled. He could not advance even a fraction.
After finishing practice, Lin Yun and Dong Jian returned to the pavilion as usual.
“I can clearly feel that the eighth level is not far away, yet I just cannot grasp it,” Lin Yun said, shaking his head with a sigh.
“After all, the advanced section of the Flying Shadow Sword Art is extremely difficult to master. You have already learned the first level of it, which is already very impressive,” Dong Jian said in consolation.
Lin Yun lifted his teacup, took a sip, and then said, “Senior Dong Jian, I have decided that from today onward I will stop practising the sword for now. Since I cannot reach the eighth level of the Flying Shadow Sword Art, there is no need to force it further.”
Ten years without the slightest progress had made it clear to Lin Yun that continuing like this would simply waste time, because he could not find the breakthrough point.
Everything Dong Jian could teach him about swordsmanship, every piece of guidance he could offer, had already been fully imparted. It could no longer serve as the key to Lin Yun’s next step.
Dong Jian nodded. “That is probably for the best. In your current situation, training blindly will no longer help you improve. You need a new direction, which is no easy matter, and I am afraid I can no longer assist you.”
“Senior Dong Jian, thank you for all your guidance over these years.”
With that, Lin Yun stood and bowed deeply to Dong Jian.
The years of study under Dong Jian had greatly advanced Lin Yun’s swordsmanship.
Without Dong Jian, Lin Yun would have had no idea how to master even the advanced section. Now he had not only learned its first level, but was actually not far from the second. He only lacked that final spark of realisation.
More importantly, Dong Jian had helped him correct small errors and imperfections in his swordsmanship. This would be of enormous benefit to his future development. Had those flaws remained unaddressed, his swordsmanship might never have progressed further.
“Friend Bei Chen, there is no need for such courtesy. I merely offered guidance. The progress was yours alone. In any case, I wish you success in stepping into the Supreme realm one day,” Dong Jian said sincerely.
“Then I shall gladly accept your auspicious words. I must now continue preparing for the Peak Competition, so I will take my leave. I will never forget Senior Dong Jian’s kindness. If you ever need anything from me in future, I will certainly not hesitate to help,” Lin Yun replied.
“If you wish to fight for a place in the Peak Competition, you do indeed need thorough preparation. I will not keep you. When this Peak Competition takes place, I will definitely be there to watch your performance,” Dong Jian said.
After bidding farewell to Dong Jian, Lin Yun left the ancient temple.
Before he departed, Dong Jian gave him some more tea leaves.
Upon leaving the temple, Lin Yun decided to return first to the Infinite Heavenly Palace and raise his physical-body realm.
During his previous seclusion, his body had already entered the Saint level, reaching the early Saint Body stage.
Now Lin Yun wanted to advance further, to the mid Saint Body stage, thereby increasing both his strength and defence.
…
Back in his cave palace at the Infinite Heavenly Palace, Lin Yun went straight to one of the seclusion chambers.
Inside the chamber, he took out the One-Thought Bright Heart Pagoda, entered it, and began circulating his divine veins to cultivate his physical body.
When inner force flowed through the divine veins, it was transformed by them into a special energy that surged into his body, nourishing and strengthening it.
Although his six divine veins could still strengthen a body that had reached the Saint level, the efficiency was now quite low. Progress could only be accumulated slowly over time.
One thousand six hundred years later.
Lin Yun noticed a jade slip shatter. He immediately opened his eyes, returned to the seclusion chamber, and picked up the broken jade slip.
“It is a message from Lord Destruction Golden. It seems he has recovered to the Supreme realm,” Lin Yun said, looking at the shattered slip in his hand.
Through the jade slip, Lin Yun could now sense a location in the Ancestral Heart Realm.
Judging by the timing, it made sense. Lin Yun had cultivated for over one thousand six hundred years inside the One-Thought Bright Heart Pagoda, which equated to more than three hundred years in the outside world. Adding the one hundred and twenty years he had previously spent training with Dong Jian, it was more than enough time for Lord Destruction Golden to restore his realm.
“Since Lord Destruction Golden has regained his strength, it is time for me to go,” Lin Yun said, a look of anticipation on his face.
Guidance from a Supreme powerhouse regarding one’s realm was an extremely valuable opportunity.
