Sword soul clones could transform into swords, take human form, or imbue a martial artist’s attacks with unique effects based on the martial soul.
The two sword martial souls Ling Xiao bought were only at the first stage of complete soul—transparent form—so their effects were weak.
Most martial souls at this stage had two abilities: enhancing the martial artist’s capabilities or aiding in attacks.
The Mountains and Rivers Martial Soul was an exception.
These two sword martial souls followed suit: one was a Speed Sword Soul, the other a Strength Sword Soul.
They increased Ling Xiao’s attack speed and power by ten percent each.
It didn’t sound like much, but against an evenly matched opponent, it was a significant edge.
…
After forming the two sword soul clones, Ling Xiao stopped using <Shadow Clone Technique> and switched to <Shadow Sword Art> for cultivation to boost his progress.
He was currently at peak Mortal Realm first level.
The Mortal Realm’s nine heavens were vastly different from the Martial Vein Realm’s nine levels.
The Martial Vein Realm’s nine levels were about awakening nine martial veins and building a foundation.
In contrast, the Mortal Realm’s nine heavens were distinct stages, like nine steps to the Heavenly Human Realm.
Each step brought a transformation of soul and body, with far greater gaps between stages than in the Martial Vein Realm.
Thus, breaking through each Mortal Realm heaven was immensely difficult.
Martial artists with shaky foundations could remain stuck at the first heaven for life—a common occurrence.
Master Baiyun, who reached the Mortal Realm in his twenties, was over a hundred yet still at the first heaven.
He was a prime example.
This was why he always urged his disciples to solidify their foundations and avoid overreaching.
His own haste had allowed him to reach the Mortal Realm, but breaking through to the second heaven, let alone the Heavenly Human Realm, was likely impossible.
Each of the Mortal Realm’s nine heavens had a specific name to clarify their nature:
First Heaven: Marrow Cleansing; Second Heaven: Blood Renewal; Third Heaven: Meridian Opening; Fourth Heaven: Hard-Soft Balance; Fifth Heaven: Divine Strength; Sixth Heaven: Fusion; Seventh Heaven: Divine Courage; Eighth Heaven: Divine Transformation; Ninth Heaven: Divine Power!
The first three heavens focused on physical transformation.
Most martial artists had to complete these stages after entering the Mortal Realm, a challenging process.
But Ling Xiao, with <Nine Dragons Divine Art>, the primordial blood of the ancient Golden Dragon, and the transformation of his Mountains and Rivers Martial Soul, had already undergone these stages upon reaching the first heaven.
For him, the first three heavens posed little difficulty—just a natural progression.
The real challenges began at the fourth heaven.
“Is Ling Xiao here?”
A voice called from outside his cave dwelling.
“Elder Bai?”
Ling Xiao recognized it instantly.
Among the outer sect, Elder Bai valued him highly and had helped him greatly.
“I’m here!”
Ling Xiao stood, exiting the dwelling.
“Greetings, Elder Bai. Is something up?”
“The outer sect’s head hall master, Immaculate Heavenly Venerable, requests your presence.”
Since joining the sect, Ling Xiao had never met this head hall master.
Immaculate Heavenly Venerable? An interesting title.
Was he a clean freak?
Ling Xiao mused mischievously.
“I obey.”
Since he planned to stay in the outer sect longer, he couldn’t afford to offend the head hall master.
Besides, this visit likely held some benefits.
He was the outer sect’s top disciple, the “star of hope” for the outer sect’s elders to vent their frustrations.
Ling Xiao didn’t mind helping them.
He also found the inner sect disciples a bit too arrogant.
In the inner sect, only geniuses handpicked by elder-level figures, like Leng Hao or Ming Tian, enjoyed privileges and high status.
Disciples promoted from the outer sect, even in the inner sect, were looked down upon by these prodigies.
This was their tragedy.
And the outer sect’s.
No outer sect promotee had ever challenged the prodigies’ status.
Talent was one factor.
But more critically, promoted disciples were unpopular, receiving insufficient resources. While cultivation wasn’t an issue, they couldn’t compete with the prodigies.
Zhao Zhi had told him as much.
As royals, Zhao Zhi and Zhao Ci felt this discrimination keenly. Their royal uncle elder largely ignored them, focusing on nurturing a prodigy brought from outside.
Dai Yuling was luckier.
Lan Yu’er treated her like a sister, her sole disciple.
Ling Xiao expected similar treatment if he entered the inner sect.
So, he planned to deliver a wake-up call to these prodigies beforehand.
He disliked relying on “fate” or “opportunities.” He preferred controlling his own destiny.
Otherwise, even if chances came, he wouldn’t seize them.
He was methodically following his plan. If the Immaculate Heavenly Venerable’s task aligned with it, he’d give his all.
If not, he’d just go through the motions.
No need to overcommit.
“Ling Xiao, I’ve called you here to discuss something.”
Immaculate Heavenly Venerable, clad in spotless white, was indeed a clean freak. His attendants stood at least ten meters away, wary of discomforting him.
Ling Xiao’s guess was spot-on.
“Whatever the hall master commands, I’ll brave fire and water to fulfill!”
Ling Xiao cupped his hands.
Such formalities were necessary.
“Hahaha, that’s the spirit. This is also a rare opportunity for you.”
Immaculate Heavenly Venerable smiled. “To help outer disciples advance to the inner sect sooner, every month, the top three outer disciples are invited to train with the inner sect for a period—long or short. You’ll live and cultivate like inner disciples, but it won’t exceed three months.”
“Hall master, that’s too generous. It’s not about helping outer disciples advance—it’s about boosting the confidence of low-ranking inner disciples,” Elder Bai interjected, feeling Ling Xiao deserved the truth.
