>Previous thread:
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/4483733/

(We're picking up from where we left off from the last thread, post should be completed by tonight!)

>>4526665
>>4526666

As you observe the disciples entering and leaving, you focus more on the waters. To put it simply, their movement was sublime. Waves crashed about each disciple, striking at seemingly random times. Yet, in this random barrage of water, the waves flowed rapidly and smoothly, like they were in some kind of harmonious rhythm too complex for anyone to grasp.

Strangely enough, from the approximately three hundred disciples that entered, the ones who could stay inside longer weren’t necessarily those that looked to be stronger or had more intrepid physiques. The duration of how long one could stay in the pools seemed independent of this. There must be some other factor at play, you deduce.

The elders looked on indifferently at the disciples as they entered one by one, until it was Ye Han’s turn. The crowd grew lively as Ye Han walked forward and greeted the six elders. All six nodded, as if telling him that they had high expectations of him.

Ye Han enters the pool unfazed by all of this and the scene of the waters becoming more turbulent shows up once more. However, he makes it to the center without any issue, worthy of his status as a core disciple. This fact alone impressed all the other disciples present, before Ye Han, every one of them struggled to even move.

The torrential waves did not falter, though. On the contrary, they seemed to become even more enraged, increasing the frequency at which they attacked Ye Han. Still, he stood still in the pools, like a stone pillar standing amongst a stormy ocean. He was resisting with all his might. Even the elders were surprised by his fortitude.

It was then that a thought arose. Perhaps the waters reacted to how much one was resisting! Without a doubt, Ye Han was the disciple that put up the greatest fight so far and the backlash he received far exceeded what every cultivator experienced before him. Thinking so, you recall the disciples that went before and come to the conclusion that this was plausible, but you wouldn’t know until it was your turn to enter.

An hour passed and the pain was too much even for Ye Han. Without delay, he was brought out personally by Sect Master Liu. While other disciples only managed to stay in the pools for a few trivial minutes, ten at most, Ye Han managed to survive several times longer. The benefits reaped must have been much greater, but also came at a greater cost so he was sent to rest somewhere in the palace.

(1/2)

>>4526712

Another hundred disciples entered, none managing to top Ye Han’s record. It was more or less the same as the first three hundred. This time, you make sure to pay closer attention to how the waters reacted to each disciple. After each disciple, you were more sure of your hypothesis.

Eventually, the 417th disciple was called. It was Wei Nan Ye’s turn. His performance was also far above that of every other disciple so far except Ye Han. The backlash he received was far less than that of Ye Han but still a great deal more gruesome than others. From how much he was struggling, this amount of backlash looked about right. Even as a disciple alchemist who did not place the pursuit of the martial Dao as his main focus, his strength was not to be underestimated, being able to last for at least forty minutes.

Similarly, Wei Nan Ye was brought to somewhere in the palace to rest.

There were now less than two hundred disciples until it would be your turn to enter. Luckily, each one of them didn’t take nearly as long as it took senior brothers Ye and Wei.

By the time it got to your turn, it had been another few hours and well into the night. You step forward, cup your fists and bow. “Disciple greets fellow Elders!”

Sect Master Liu and Elder Luo both smile at you. “Go forth. Regardless of how long you can stay inside, it will no doubt greatly help you with your current cultivation.” Elder Luo says softly.

You nod and take your first steps in. Instantly, a sharp pain rose from your ankles, reaching up to your knees, causing you to pause for a moment. Some of the disciples present scoff at this but you heed them no mind.

As you walk, you continue studying the waters, trying to gleam further insights into the pools.

When the water reaches your knees a quarter of the way to the center, you cease all movement. This pain was comparable to when you broke through to the first stage of the Body Tempering Realm.

You…

>Loosen your resistance. If your conjecture is indeed correct, the pain should decrease and allow you to move forward.

>Hold your ground. Faltering here could get you swept up by the waves.

>write in

(2/2)

>>4526716
>Loosen your resistance. If your conjecture is indeed correct, the pain should decrease and allow you to move forward.

>>4526716
>Loosen your resistance
Let's see if the hunch was correct.

I took the liberty of archiving the thread on suptg when I didn't find it already there, I hope the tags and descriptions were fine.

>>4526716
>Loosen your resistance. If your conjecture is indeed correct, the pain should decrease and allow you to move forward.

Makes sense, water has always been about redirecting force instead of holding ground.

>>4526716
>>Loosen your resistance. If your conjecture is indeed correct, the pain should decrease and allow you to move forward.

>>4526716
>Loosen your resistance. If your conjecture is indeed correct, the pain should decrease and allow you to move forward.

>>4526747
>>4526757
>>4526759
>>4526831
>>4526900

Writing now!

>>4526757

Thank you so much for archiving the last thread, the tags are fine!

yes be like water don't be the rock being crashed into let one's mind be at ease and meditate in the water

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>>4527156

>>4527040

You loosen your resistance. If your conjecture is indeed correct, the pain should decrease somewhat. Slowly, you let go of some of the tension in your legs and feel the pain subside a bit. You were correct! As you gradually relax your muscles, the waters around you calm down slightly but the pain is still paralysing. It looks like loosening some resistance was not enough.

For what seemed like thirty or so seconds, you remained at where you were, trying your best to endure the pain. What was the missing link? How would you overcome this? Fear and panic raced through your mind while you scoured for a solution.

The answer must lie within the strange characteristics of the pools. You needed to take this chance to closely analyze the waters, something you couldn’t do while simply watching the other disciples. You take a deep breath to calm your nerves. The last thing you needed was to act on your panic and endanger your life. However, as you finished your breath, you could feel the pain dissipate greatly just for a very brief moment. Was this your imagination? You try again, and confirm that this was the case.

Now, you at least had a way to continue moving forward. You could do so by synchronising your steps with your breath. Then, it hits you. One needed to do more than loosen their resistance. Perhaps one needed to completely let go of all resistance! Water flowed smoothly, in harmony, never conflicting with itself. So why did you have to conflict with its flow?

You take one more breath and fully relax, as if you were going to meditate. This was a huge gamble which could result in severe injury if not death.

Seconds pass after you give yourself to the waters. Your feet were no longer planted and half your body was submerged. Yet, you felt no pain! Instead, there was a certain blissful sensation accompanying this.

You float to the center of the pools. The waters were still turbulent, but now they seemed to flow around you, rather than against you. The waves encircled you, forming a formless samsara of water. This was not unnoticed by the elders watching on the sidelines or the other disciples present.

(1/2)

>>4530008

Staying motionless, you close your eyes and enter into a meditative state. You were once more on the cusp of understanding something.

Water had form, yet was formless. It acted only in accordance to itself, everchanging in myriad circumstances. It took the path of least resistance, the most elegant way forward, but not always. Water could be hard and sturdy when it was ice, but this in some sense was also a path of least resistance.

One had to adapt like water. To flow when needed, to resist when needed!

Indeed, one could strengthen their bodies in the pools by going against the waters like Ye Han. There was no right and wrong in cultivation, only causes and effects and what one made of them. But one could also flow with the waters. Though it’d take longer to temper the body this way, it came with less risk and other benefits. It was the difference between carving out a hole in a mountain with a sledge hammer and a chisel. One would get the job done faster but end up with a rough interior, while the other would take longer but result in something more refined and controlled.

With water as your chisel, your body is slowly tempered, accompanied by a radiant golden halo covering your body.

In the midst of this, you hear a… voice?!?!


“Nothing in the world is softer than water,

Yet nothing is better at overcoming the hard and strong.

This is because nothing can alter it.

The soft overcomes the hard.

And the gentle overcomes the aggressive.*”


With that, you awake from your trance. You don’t know how long you’ve been in the pools for, but that didn’t matter. What was that voice? Wrapped in confusion, you exit the pools with the help of Elder Luo.

“Good job young Wen. You’ve exceeded all of our expectations.” Elder Luo says

>Tell Elder Luo about the voice you heard.

>Ask about what happened while you were in the pools.

>Ask about Ye Han and Wei Nan Ye.

>write in

(2/2)

---
* From chapter 78 of the Dao De Jing (道德经)

>>4530012
>Ask about what happened while you were in the pools

>Ask about what happened while you were in the pools.
although i am also curious about the voice we heard.

>>4530012
>Tell Elder Luo about the voice you heard.

>>4530012
>Ask about what happened while you were in the pools.
>tfw once in a lifetime savant of the dao

>>4530012
>Tell Elder Luo about the voice you heard.
>Ask about what happened while you were in the pools.

>>4530012
>>Ask about what happened while you were in the pools.
>Tell Elder Luo about the voice you heard.

>>4530012
>Ask about what happened while in the pools.
>Ask "Is it normal to hear voices during this kind of exercise?" or something similar.
>Give information about cultivation progress if asked.
A very fruitful endeavor!

>>4530012
>>Ask about what happened while you were in the pools.

>Ask about what happened while you were in the pools.

>>4530012
>Tell Elder Luo about the voice you heard.
>Ask about what happened while you were in the pools.

>>4530017
>>4530034
>>4530046
>>4530058
>>4530081
>>4530186
>>4530226
>>4530267
>>4530268
>>4530899

I'll incorporate both options in. Writing now!

>>4531022
Did something happen OP? Please don't die on us.

>>4534239

Don't worry, this post just taking a while longer since this is pretty much the end of this 'arc' and I'm taking a while to decide how to move on with the story with this next post.

>>4526665
>Divine Autumn Sect (皇春宗)

春 is Spring...

>>4535557

Well, this is embarrassing... 皇秋宗*

>>4531022


“Elder Luo… what happened while I was in there?” You stammer a bit while asking. After reaching the center, everything outside of the pools felt like a blur. Your focus was solely placed on yourself.

“Worry not, everything went well.” Elder Luo says while motioning for one of the palace attendants to come over. “You probably need some time to rest and consolidate your gains. Follow her, she’ll take you to a private room in the palace. I’ll come visit you after the rest of the disciples finish.”

You bow, thanking Elder Luo and also Elder Liu for the chance to enter the Profound Autumnal Pools before following the attendant to the second floor of the palace. She leads you to a wide corridor leading to multiple rooms on both sides. The walls and pillars were decorated with magnificent gold trimmings of dragons and phoenixes and wisps of white light wandered the palace halls, providing illumination for the cultivators within.

“Elder Luo has instructed me to bring you to these chambers to rest. If there’s nothing else, this servant will take her leave.”

“En, thank you.” You nod.

The servant walks away and leaves you alone in the room. You take a seat on the floor. You were exhausted, both mentally and physically. It would take some time for you to recover but more importantly, it was pertinent that you pondered the mysterious voice you heard. Its words still echoed sharply in your mind, the profundities of which you cannot begin to even see through. That would come much later when you were well rested.

--A few hours later--

A knocking sound wakes you from your nap.

[Looks like Elder Luo is here.]

You open the door to find not one, but three people! Behind the esteemed elder were two familiar faces accompanying. Brother Wei and Ye were also here.

"Junior greets fellow seniors!" You promptly greet.

Elder Luo chuckles. "No need to be so polite, none of us are strangers here."

You give an embarrassed smile and invite the three of them in. All four of you sat around the low table in the middle of the room.

"Brother Wen, congratulations on your performance just now." Wei Nan Ye says.

Ye Han nods. "Indeed! Spending two hours in the Profound Autumnal Pools is a heaven defying feat. No other disciple could compare this year. This Ye apologises for still having underestimated you."

[Wait a moment, did he just say two hours?!?!?]

You refuse to believe it, but given the technique you discovered, this was a possibility. Still, it was shocking. If word spread that a cultivator, not even at the Qi Condensing Realm, spent two hours in those hectic waters, it would surely cause all the other disciples to lose a great deal of face.

(1/2)

>>4535828

Seeing the shock on your face, Elder Luo speaks. "It is as disciple Ye says. You probably have a few questions as to what happened while you were in there."

"Yes, after reaching the center, I felt like I was completely immersed in my mind. It was as if nothing beyond the edges of the pools existed. The strangest thing was, just before I awoke, I heard a strange voice that imparted some profound words to me…" You say in a serious tone.

The room is silent for a moment until Elder Luo replies. “A voice… Unfortunately, this old one is not certain of its source, but if I have to guess, perhaps it’s from a remnant spirit residing in the pools. What exactly did it tell you?”

You repeat the words to Elder Luo exactly as you heard them.

“This… It might be possible that it was an epiphany. A cultivator sometimes stumbles upon knowledge so profound that it induces a state of deep focus. Everything other than the present becomes a blur, and at the end of it, one attains greater wisdom than before. Now that I think about it, that voice may be a manifestation of this acquired wisdom.”

Ye Han and Wei Nan Ye couldn’t help but show looks of admiration as Elder Luo said this.

“As for what happened while you were inside…”

Apparently, your impressive performance was quite polarizing. On one hand, you managed to garner the respect of many disciples present. On the other, an equal number of disciples wrote off what happened as a fluke, further deepening their disdain for you. Regardless, the name Wen Shan Yi now reverberated through the younger generation of Divine Autumn Sect.

“However, this is not a bad thing. All rising stars eventually stir up a similar storm among their peers. In fact, this situation more than gives this elder an excuse to raise your standing in the sect.” Elder Luo continues.

“What does senior mean?” You ask.

Elder Luo responds in a dignified tone. “You have shown to the elders of the sect that, among the younger generation, you have great potential and aptitude. Thus, this old one wishes to make you into a core disciple.”

You remain silent, unsure of what to say.

>Accept. With greater access to cultivation materials as a core disciple, your cultivation speed should greatly increase, allowing you to delve deeper into the mysteries of the Dao.

>Decline. Someone with your low cultivation being accepted as a core disciple is sure to stir instability and outrage among the other disciples, leading to unwanted trouble for you and the elders.

>write in

(2/2)

>>4535829
>>>Accept. With greater access to cultivation materials as a core disciple, your cultivation speed should greatly increase, allowing you to delve deeper into the mysteries of the Dao.

Haters gonna hate. They will still find trouble even if we decline so we might as well get the resources to outgrow them.

>>4535829
>Accept. With greater access to cultivation materials as a core disciple, your cultivation speed should greatly increase, allowing you to delve deeper into the mysteries of the Dao.
>Thank the elder for the opportunity (of course) cause if hadn't invited us into the sect we could't even imagine being where we are now
will he tell us about the benefit of being a core disciple and other core disciple later?

>>4535829
>Accept. With greater access to cultivation materials as a core disciple, your cultivation speed should greatly increase, allowing you to delve deeper into the mysteries of the Dao.

>>4535829
>I am most flattered, honored Elder. However I must ask you counsel on this matter: wouldn't it be wiser to wait for this junior to completely break through the Body Tempering realm first, so that the announcement wouldn't cause outrage among other disciples? Or do you believe it to be more opportune for the announcement to happen immediately, in order to capitalize on the recent events and to speed up the cultivation process right away?

No point in turning away good fortune and opportunities, expecially when offered rather than forced. However carefulness is key so that good fortune persists. Be bold and be prepared.
This will cause a full set of new responsibilities to fall upon Wen, but he will bear them with his head high. It's not like he ever shirked from making efforts. More importantly this will likely cause much more social contact than before, so that will be interesting.

>>4535924
Support

>>4535924
Support

>>4535829
>>4535924
this

>>4535863
changing to >>4535924
Let's ask question about what a core disciples means and it's benefits

>>4535924
support as well.

>>4535924
Sounds good

>>4535852
>>4535863
>>4535899
>>4535924
>>4536025
>>4536197
>>4536263
>>4536379
>>4536682
>>4536869

Writing now!

>>4536994

In your silence, Ye Han speaks up excitedly. “This is a most auspicious event! We should drink to brother Wen’s success!” Wei Nan Ye nods in approval.

You return with a friendly smile, still considering the implications of Elder Luo’s offer.

“I am most flattered, honoured Elder. However, I must ask you counsel on this matter: Wouldn’t it be wiser to wait for this junior to completely break through the Body Tempering Realm first, so that the announcement wouldn’t cause outrage among other disciples? Or do you believe it to be more opportune for the announcement to happen immediately, in order to capitalize on recent events and to speed up my cultivation right away?” You ask.

Ye Han and Wei Nan Ye calm down upon hearing this. In their excitement, they had not considered the consequences of accepting such an offer. Though it was true that it would bring unimaginable benefits to you, everything came with a cost, this was no exception.

Elder Luo replies confidently, as if he expected your questions. “Your wisdom exceeds your age, young Wen. What you say isn’t wrong. A Body Tempering cultivator at your age becoming a core disciple would be taken as an insult to many disciples. Yet, there are also many who have seen your display of skill. We six elders have seen your potential, and have agreed to present you this opportunity. Indeed, there will be naysayers and people who doubt your true strength, but it is only temporary. In time, with your efforts, we believe you will be able to rise above and prove them wrong!”

A well of emotions builds up within you. Ever since your parents passed away, you’ve been travelling alone. In solitude for all these years, with no one to depend on but yourself. Hearing Elder Luo and your two senior brothers expressing their genuine happiness and confidence in you reminded you greatly of your family.

With a shaky voice and slight teary eyes, you give Elder Luo an answer. “I a-accept.”

Elder Luo puts out both his hands above the table.“Then hold out your bracer for this old one.”

You do so immediately and strange streams of golden energy flow from Elder Luo’s fingers. In a matter of seconds, the pale yellow of the embedded jade deepens, morphing into a majestic ochre colour, similar to the one on Ye Han’s bracer. At the same time, a distant “hong” sound could be heard.

“What was that?” You ask instinctively while looking out a window in the palace room. A bright golden light was shining down on a particular mountain peak in Autumn’s Rest.

“The Halls of Loyalty.” Wei Nan Ye answers.

“Halls of Loyalty?” You respond unsure of what exactly he was referring to.

(1/2)

>>4539763

“En, a hall in which its walls are engraved with the name of every member of Divine Autumn Sect. Whenever a new core disciple is appointed, golden light bursts from an ancient spirit array, formed by our ancestral founder, to carve their name onto the wall of core disciples.” Wei Nan Ye adds.

Ye Han’s excitement flares up again, “Brother Wen, now that we are fellow core disciples, I must ask, which training hall will you choose? … Ah - my bad, you’re probably not familiar with them yet.”

“Do explain, disciple Ye.” Elder Luo says.

Ye Han begins to speak of the core disciple training halls with great pride. In Divine Autumn Sect, there are numerous training halls for outer disciples, each presided over by a hall master all at least at the Soul Transformation Realm. However, there are only three training halls for core disciples, each led by an elder hall master. All three elder hall masters are experts at the Initial Ascension Realm, comparable in strength to Elder Luo, and well-known across the Heavenly Domain.

Given your origins, you were never placed in any training hall.

Golden Leaf Peak (金叶峰) is led by Sun Fang (孙方), an expert on offense-centered secret arts and Ye Han’s master. Like Ye Han, the other disciples of Golden Leaf Peak share his outspoken personality and practice powerful secret arts with grueling training regiments. Discipline and hard work are prized above all here.

Heavenly Mist Peak (天雾峰) is led by Fei Ning (费宁), the only female elder hall master, whose beauty and skill is renowned through the world. She specialises in illusion techniques and illusion arrays. Her disciples are the most varied, both in personality and martial arts, and cultivate a variety of techniques each with their own unique styles of fighting. Yet, she is able to effectively advise each of them on their training.

August Star Peak (威星峰) is led by Lin Wu Xie (林无邪), the oldest of the elder hall masters, a master swordsman famed for his sense of justice and wisdom. All disciples of August Star Peak cultivate sword-based secret arts of some kind and take after their master’s calm and reserved temperament.

You choose…

>Golden Leaf Peak

>Heavenly Mist Peak

>August Star Peak

>write in

(2/2)

>>4539765
>Golden Leaf Peak

>>4539765
>August Star Peak
After looking over all of them, I think this one fits Wen best. Also, they're all calm and reserved people who won't be too upset about a Body Tempering brat joining them.

>>4539765
>>Heavenly Mist Peak
Hmm this Peak seems to be a mix of the two in the terms of personality where some would be arrogant and some calm/collected maybe some who don't care
also i'm interested in these illusion techniques since not much info is given on what these techniques will entail this seems a bit in character for our scholar mc with the arrays
are there familiars?

but i also acknowledge that Star peak will be a suitable choice aswell

>>4539765
Let's take a moment to think about it:

Golden Leaf Peak is a great choice as we would already have a friend in and we would only be judged on the amount of effort we put in, possible cons are excessive strain and hot-blooded rivals who want to test us;
Heavenly Mist Peak has the most competent teacher and most variety to observe, drawbacks are illusion fuckery from jealous students and possibly being the coomer option;
August Star Peak has a just master and collected disciples so that would mean the least amount of shenanigans, but it also has probably the coldest atmosphere (reserved students) and the slowest developments (GLP has pressure, HMP has close tutorage) moreover we would need to include a sword in our training (but considering how symbolic the sword is for Daoists that was a given anyway).

Going about it IC means that (potentially speaking) GLP has companionship, HMP has easier access to knowledge and ASP has a favorable mindset.
While all three are desirable I get the feeling that Wen is starved for affection and camaraderie.
So that would be
>Golden Leaf Peak
However, I am too curious to not write this down:
>ask if there's a possibility to check the halls in person before choosing
It's worth a shot, and we may get shenanigans even with the halls that we don't eventually choose.

Sorry about WoT.

>>4539765
>August Star Peak
It's the one that fits Wen's personality and interests the best, but I have no problem with Golden Leaf Peak, maybe having a more agressive training could bring a balanced worldview and knowledge.

>>4540003

>>4540003

>are there familiars?

Some familiars can be summoned using spirit arrays, but this is an extremely esoteric field and it's likely no one in the current era is able to do this. This is an interesting idea though, not something you really see in Xianxia. I might explore it in the future.

>>4539765
>August Star Peak
I think this is the best fit, considering our scholar's personality.

>>4540008
>ask if there's a possibility to check the halls in person before choosing
interesting idea i like it so it'll be like either an introduction or trial run, leaning on introduction so we'll see how each peak behaves and the characters within it
we can also ask our friend in GLP what kind of techniques beginners learn
also what peak is our alchemy friend is in or is it's own peak?
>>4540036
cool so which one is likely to involve spirit arrays my money is on HMP
>it's likely no one in the current era is able to do this
that'll just make us more respected if we pull it off

>>4540003
changing to
support >>4540008
>ask if there's a possibility to check the halls in person before choosing (This)

>>4540048

Alchemists reside and study in the Medicine Pavilion which is actually quite close to the three peaks. To give a little more detail, the peaks lie on the points of a large triangle and are separated by a few thousand meters, and the Medicine Pavilion is another few thousand meters from the center of the triangle.

I think asking to see the peaks in person might be a bit much for a disciple, who probably has one of the lowest cultivation known in the current era.
That being said I don't think it can hurt to much to ask, assuming we use our usual politeness
Also, I vote for August Star Peak. After all, the sword is known as the scholars weapon.

>>4539765
>Wisdom
>Scholar

Name two things that go together better, Pro tip Swords and Badassery

Anyway, while I really think Gold leaf would be better, August star has the right mindset, likely to have less fuckwits trying to sabotage us and it's probably better to have a balanced circle of friends, using Ye as a connection point in Gold leaf while we cultivate, Ha, some allies and reputation in August star.

>>4540027
>>4540036
>>4540041
>>4540048
>>4540049
>>4540054
>>4540106
>>4540116

Interesting viewpoints. We'll ask Elder Luo if it'll be appropriate to see each training hall first! Writing now!

While we wait for OP to become not dead again, I'm not that well aquainted with Cultivator/Xanxia stories aside from the broad strokes, so I'm curious.

I believe we use our martial cultivation style until we break through to a new "realm" then discard it for a greater martial art that brings a greater amount of experience to allow us to progress to the next stage.
If this belief is correct, then what exactly is the difference between "body tempering" and "Ascendant realm" tier techniques, beside their 'powerlevel' and 'experience granted'? Do they perhaps grant an increased amount of options, like learning teleportation? Or is it merely something like "at this point, make your own martial arts style to improve"?

>>4543693

> I believe we use our martial cultivation style until we break through to a new "realm" then discard it for a greater martial art that brings a greater amount of experience to allow us to progress to the next stage.

Something like that. But if the secret art one practices is sufficiently powerful, they will not discard it after breaking through to the next realm.

> what exactly is the difference between "body tempering" and "Ascendant realm" tier techniques, beside their 'powerlevel' and 'experience granted'?

Body Tempering Realm techniques utilise only one's pure physical strength while secret arts at higher realms will begin to utilise Qi to do cool stuff, so yes, it opens up more options and powers. At this point, I'm not willing to reveal much beyond this cause I want to keep it a surprise.

>Do they perhaps grant an increased amount of options, like learning teleportation? Or is it merely something like "at this point, make your own martial arts style to improve"?

In the future, we may create our own secret arts, improve other secret arts, or uncover deeply profound secret arts and powers. All is up to our luck and opportunities.

>Update about the next few posts:

Next post will be up by tonight, we will be deciding on our training hall, then we will go through a series of shorter posts to decide on some stuff depending on which training hall we end up at.

>>4540669

“Elder Luo, as presumptuous as it may be, is there a possibility of seeing these training halls in person before I make my choice?” You ask politely.

“As is courtesy, tomorrow you will meet with the three hall masters in person before making your choice final. Whether you can see the halls beforehand though, that will be up to the discretion of the respective hall masters, but I understand your concerns Disciple Wen. Worry not, rest here till the day comes.” Elder Luo responds reassuringly.

Ye Han holds up his hand and after a moment, a jade white bottle materializes, similar to when Elder Luo handed you the black case containing your attire. “Shall we start drinking then? The night is still young! This Ye happens to have some fine wine in his space ring!”

A soft laughter resounds from the elder. “Then this old one will take his leave, his drinking days are long gone. Tomorrow I will return to bring Disciple Wen to meet the hall masters, and since it’s convenient, I can bring you two back to Golden Leaf Peak and the Medicine Pavilion as well.”

The three of you thank Elder Luo and he makes his way out, the door closing slowly behind him.


--In the morning--


The night was filled with booze and stories too incoherent for any of you to remember, the result of which was a core disciple and disciple alchemist knocked out on the cold wood floor. You woke up a few minutes ago in a rather dishevelled state and promptly fixed your attire, but the strong smell of alcohol still lingered on your clothes. It would certainly not give the hall masters a good impression of you.

A sudden creak in the wooden floorboards alerts you to where Wei Nan Ye was sleeping. It seems like he had just woken up.

“Brother Wen, take this.” Wei Nan Ye says with half opened eyes. It was a small jade bottle. After opening the cork, the room was wrapped in a pleasant flowery fragrance. When you turn to ask him what this bottle was, you found Wei Nan Ye lying unconsciously again.

“Seems like you three had fun.” A voice came from the door.

You don’t know when, but Elder Luo entered the room without you noticing. Staring at him with a look of embarrassment, you help pack Ye Han and Wei Nan Ye’s things.

“It’s fortunate Disciple Wei had that with him. The smell of alcohol should be gone now. Help them up on the cloud and we’ll set off.” Elder Luo says while trying to keep a straight face.

Your two companions woke up in the middle of your short journey, somewhat in shock because what greeted them wasn’t the fine palace halls but the vast blue sky and gushing wind. Naturally, the both of them understood that they drank too much and were now on their way back to their respective areas in the sect.

>>4544811

Elder Luo first dropped off Wei Nan Ye at the Medicine Pavilion, a relatively small area within the sect where alchemists went about their business. A strong medicinal smell surrounded the pavilion and stretched a few hundred meters out. In the distance were three tall and wide peaks, with grand buildings built on their sides and atop them.

After bidding farewell to Wei Nan Ye, Ye Han got off a few hundred meters from Golden Leaf Peak while you and Elder Luo continued making your way to your destination. The three peaks surrounded a large collection of buildings. From what you could make out, there was some sort of arena followed by multiple big and small buildings of which their purpose wasn’t clear.

“This is Red Feather Valley, a restricted area reserved only for core disciples and open only at certain times for other disciples to enter.”

A restricted area indeed. The whole place was barely inhabited, totally unlike the other parts of the sect which were booming with disciples.

At last you reach a tall building which could be considered a small palace. Around its perimeter were guards dressed in colours of the sect but in a different attire, each of them wielded a long glaive. From a glance, one could tell that any of these guards would be fearsome opponents.

Inside, you walk up a series of spiral staircases to the very top, upon which were seated three people.

One was a dignified old man in long red robes accented with gold, his appearance no older than Elder Luo's. On his side was a deep brown scabbard decorated with elegant gold dragons which perfectly held the blade within. Lin Wu Xie of August Star Peak!

Next to him was a young woman who gave off an irresistibly mature charm that would make any weak-willed man drown in his own lust. Her clothes clung tightly to her, clearly defining her round curves and revealing parts of her fine jade skin. Fei Ning of Heavenly Mist Peak!

The last person was a middle-aged man still burning with vitality, with a lively and proud visage which reminded you of Ye Han. Around his hands and fists were tightly bound bandages. Whatever their purpose was, it surely wasn't simple. Sun Fang of Golden Leaf Peak!

You bow with reverence and cup your fists. "Disciple greets fellow seniors. It is a great honour to be in the presence of the three great masters in front of me."

The three hall masters each stand up in turn and introduce themselves. Sweat oozed down your back from the sheer imposing presence the three gave off. Even from the enchanting Fei Ning, an intimidating pressure could be felt. The entire room was suffocating.

>>4544814

"I'm sure you know the reason for your being here. Rest assured, none of us here will force you to join our respective training halls. Everything will be voluntary, but do consider my Golden Leaf Peak! I've heard of your friendship with Ye Han, anyone worthy of being considered a friend by him is worthy to join my peak!" Sun Fang says.

Fei Ning scoffs subtly. “Do you have no shame, Hall Master Sun? The boy just arrived and you’re already coaxing him to join your training hall. Boy, what about you join this Queen in Heavenly Mist Peak? Regardless of what secret arts you practice, this Queen is confident she can properly advise you.”

An awkward silence fills the room, as if everyone here was waiting for the third hall master to say something. Only a few seconds later did Lin Wu Xie say something. “Young disciple, I believe your name is Wen Shan Yi? This master only has one condition for joining August Star Peak, and that is to pursue the Dao of the sword. That is all.”

Sun Fang sighed. “Hall Master Wu Xie, you never change at all. Regardless, I’m sure everyone here knows of the uniqueness of Disciple Wen. Does the young disciple have any questions for us old ones? Or is your choice already clear. Whatever the case, none of us here will take it personally, so speak your mind!”

“This humble disciple wishes to know what it is like to train as a core disciple in each of the respective training halls.” You ask.

The respective hall masters take their turns explaining.

The one thing in common among all three was that all core disciples were expected to conduct their own training, either by themselves or with their peers. There was no regiment that disciples had to strictly adhere to, rather, they were given the freedom to choose when to cultivate and when to rest. The only requirement was that they inform their hall master of their progress regularly. Of course, if any core disciple was caught slacking, they would be punished appropriately by their respective hall master.

However, due to the nature of the three training halls, there were also other expectations to follow depending on which training hall a disciple was in, along with this, the pills and cultivation materials received also differed accordingly.

As Golden Leaf Peak’s main focus is on offensive secret arts, there is an emphasis on building up one’s physical and mental fortitude, so much so that the disciples usually train together at the start of the day for this very purpose.

Heavenly Mist Peak is the only training hall with an array master, so disciples who choose to specialise in this field also receive materials to arrange arrays.

The Dao of the Sword is deep and profound, so disciples enter secluded retreat quite often in August Star Peak to meditate.

You choose…


>Golden Leaf Peak

>Heavenly Mist Peak

>August Star Peak

>To ask another question (write in)

>>4544815
>August Star Peak
Guys, I think we might get beaten up by the other disciples in the Golden Leaf Peak! I don't want to be bullied!
But seriously, I think Wen is going to meditate in seclusion quiet often, so August Star Peak is still my choice. It just fits him and I like Elder Lin.

>>4544815
>August Star Peak
Gonna switch to this one because our mc is an expert ma.. meditater.

>>4544815
>While all options are enticing, and friendship with Disciple Ye Han is of great value, Meditation and contemplation are my twin passions, I would like to choose August Star peak.

>>4544815
>August Star Peak
Meditation and cultivation are one and the same.

>>4544815
>>To ask another question (Ask if one can learn from more than one peak and if not can they receive specific teaching on a subject for example the arrays from HMP)
I'm fine with meditating, i understand it suits our Mc but i would also like to learn about these arrays and other techniques like some illusions

>>4544815
>>4544971
Support, but maybe reformulate it in such a way that explicitly shows we understand we can only join one peak. Maybe sone form of joint research/exercises or borrowing materials or shared lessons? The cultivation process itself seems rather indipendent, but I imagine that the resources do not consist of just medicines and study materials.

(Also, calling yourself Queen, Fei Ning? Seriously? Lol.)

>>4544971
>>4545175
While I do like this thought, we have to remember that our MC is very humble. If we do that, we're basically going out of character by being too greedy. It's going to ruin his character.

So, I support going to August Star Peak. We can learn all the other fancy stuff when we get stronger in cultivation.

Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>4544815
This is a tough one meditation and contemplation fit our character but arrays are also something I can see Wen being interested in. With that in mind
1 is Heavenly Mist Peak
2 is August Star Peak

>>4544822
>>4544829
>>4544956
>>4544971
>>4545175
>>4545601
>>4545736

August Star Peak it is! Writing now!

>>4545175
>Also, calling yourself Queen, Fei Ning? Seriously? Lol.

In Xianxia and other Chinese fiction, you'll often see the term "本宫" which is used to refer to oneself as royalty(?), or someone of high standing but I've seen it translated as "this King/Queen" which I think is decent translation.

I AM THE BONE OF MY SWORD

>>4545944
宮Gong refers to a eunuch, lol

>>4546151

>宮Gong refers to a eunuch, lol

Yes, it also means palace/temple. I guess the better word would've been 本座.

>>4545944

With a deep breath, you make your final decision. “While all options are enticing, and my friendship with Disciple Ye Han is of great value to me, meditation and contemplation are my twin passions, I would like to choose August Star Peak.”

“Is your choice final?” Sun Fang asks in a serious tone.

You nod. “Indeed, great elder.”

“Good! Then everyone here wishes you the best in your cultivation. Remember young Wen, regardless of whichever training hall you choose, you are a core disciple of Divine Autumn Sect. Do not disappoint us!” Sun Fang says before his figure flickers, leaving but a gust of wind where he sat.

The lone beauty stands up and walks towards you, causing you to stumble somewhat. “It is a pity that you didn’t join me at my Heavenly Mist Peak, but oh well. If there is a chance, do visit some time.” Fei Ning says softly before also disappearing.

Only three people remained in the room now, you, Lin Wu Xie, and Elder Luo.

You prostrate yourself and bow once more. “Disciple greets honoured master.”

“En, whether you will be suited for my August Star Peak remains to be seen. The Dao of the Sword is not for everyone, I hope you chose wisely. Meet this old master over in the training halls at dusk.” Lin Wu Xie says indifferently. His tone unsettled you a little but you don’t dare show any discomfort while he still remained. Thankfully, like the other two, his figure flickers away shortly after.

Elder Luo sighs. “Don’t mind Senior Lin, that’s just his character. When this Luo and him were still disciples, he was just as reserved. Let us retrieve your items from Lone Star Peak.”

Hearing Elder Luo address Lin Wu Xie as his senior surprised you. It seems like the history between them was not so simple, you thought.

>>4548383

--A few hours later: dusk--


You and Elder Luo went to collect all your possessions from the cave and returned to Red Feather Valley, then meditating for a while before it was time to make your way to August Star Peak. Elder Luo had other matters in the sect to deal with so you had to make your way there on foot, fortunately, the entire journey would take an hour or so going at a decent pace. A tempered body was truly useful in times like this.

Above the seemingly endless steps, you reach the entrance of the training halls. There was a tall gate with August Star Peak engraved on it leading to an open courtyard. Standing at the entrance of the large building situated at the back of the courtyard stood a familiar old man with a sword at his side.

“Let us begin,” the old man says.

You follow Lin Wu Xie into the building until you reach what appears to be his private study. Inside were seated three other people, who promptly stood up and greeted him. These should be your fellow peers. On a table was a round piece of colourless jade which gave off a mysterious aura.

Lin Wu Xie sits behind the table. “As is tradition, all disciples of August Star Peak will receive a sword personally forged for them by the sect’s best artifact refiners, but first, we will need to determine what blade will be suitable for you. This piece of jade is imbued with a potent amount of sword intent, meditate near it and tell me what you see.”

The other disciples stare at you coldly as you take your seat in front of the piece of jade and begin meditating. The more immersed you were in your meditation, the stronger that mysterious aura emanating from the jade felt. It also seemed to be reacting to your presence, glowing faintly with a strange five-coloured light.

Half an hour later, you feel a distinct change within your mind. Your eyes were closed, yet in front of you was an image so vividly clear that it was hard to focus on it all at once.

You look up and see…

>A clear blue sky, pure and untouched, illuminated by the brilliant sun, its radiant rays stretching infinitely across.

>A cloudy sky, shrouded with a blanket of grey, roaring with vicious lightning and mighty thunder.

>An orange sky, fading away as the sun retreats, darkening ever slowly, embodying the eternal chase of the sun and moon.

>A starry sky, lit with the myriad stars of the cosmos, shining in from the vast universe.

>write in

>>4548386
>A starry sky, lit with the myriad stars of the cosmos, shining in from the vast universe.

Dark sword go

>>4548405
Support.
The sky is endless, as is the knowledge of the universe which we desire to watch.

>>4548455
Also come on, we're at August STAR peak. Options 1 and 2 sound like they describe the other two halls.

>>4548623
August is indeed, both orange and with stars. You have a logical basis.

>>4548405
Forgot to say support

>>4548386
>A starry sky, lit with the myriad stars of the cosmos, shining in from the vast universe.

>>4548405
Support.

>>4548386
>A starry sky, lit with the myriad stars of the cosmos, shining in from the vast universe.

>>4548386
>A starry sky, lit with the myriad stars of the cosmos, shining in from the vast universe.

>>4548405
>>4548455
>>4548623
>>4548636
>>4548821
>>4548986
>>4549044
>>4549153
>>4549174

Writing now!

>>4549192

The sky above was dotted with infinite spheres of pure light, shining in from the vast universe. Occasionally, stars would fly across the endless black, their direction random, in accordance with the purest nature. It was rare to see a night sky such as this, breathtaking in all its majesty. To describe it as deeply moving would be an understatement.

There was profound insight hidden in this, but at this moment, it was too deep for you to grasp. Great longing fills your heart as you wonder if you’ll ever return to this place...

In your ponderings, you turn your gaze downwards, observing the earthly scenery around you.

You are…

>On a misty mountain range, glorious and valiant in their formation, overlooking all of existence.

>Standing among a vast grassland, as far and wide as the night sky, as calm and tranquil as the stillest lakes.

>In a lush bamboo forest, where the verdant bamboos stretch high in the sky, rooted yet swaying free in the eternal winds.

>write in (feel free to describe any of the above options in more detail, or write something of your own, all will be factored in)

>>4549223
>In a lush bamboo forest, where the verdant bamboos stretch high in the sky, rooted yet swaying free in the eternal winds.

>>4549223
>On a misty mountain range, glorious and valiant in their formation, overlooking all of existence.

>>4549223
>On a misty mountain range, glorious and valiant in their formation, overlooking all of existence.

>>4549223
>A misty mountain range, water spilling from their peaks in trickles and torrents to fall down, down to the ground in a rush of foam and serene violence, spreading out to fill a deep lake nestled in the ring of mountains. Perhaps it's depths as deep as the mountains are high, perhaps the remains of a mountain itself, which the water has worn away.

Way I see it, Water and it's nature has been a source of great wisdom for us, in our meditation and contemplations. I see no reason to exclude water here, especially given our meditations and revelations in the autum pool.

>>4548405
Supporting

>>4549225
Support

>>4549324
+1

>>4549223
It looks like we might be tied for a while, so I'm switching from >>4549233 to support >>4549324.

I don't want to further complicate things, but how about
>standing on a small barge in the midst of a huge and serene lake, a perfect mirror of the starry sky above

it's a quiet and contemplative scene, with hidden depths both below and above.

>>4549545
Its just a vision, you could get rid of the barge altogether

>>4549548
like Jesus? works as well!

>>4549558
>>4549545
If we roll that in with my write in here >>4549324 then we can maintain a clear majority while fitting in more details for the QM

>>4549674
That Sounds awesome, misty ancient mountains with with waterfalls flowing through only for it to converge in to an impossible serene lake a perfect reflection of the stars above

>>4549703
Yeah it does.
I was kinda using the lake as a stand in for "How deep knowledge of the Dao goes" so any future meditations could have us trying to swim down in our mindspace, a sorta meterstick for how much we have yet to learn if you get what I'm saying.

>>4549674
I'm down with that. The mountain obviously works well for 山意

>>4549324
+1

>>4549324
Supporting

>>4549324
+1

>>4549674
Support

>>4549324
Support

>>4549225
>>4549233
>>4549317
>>4549324
>>4549348
>>4549351
>>4549359
>>4549362
>>4549545
>>4549548
>>4549558
>>4549674
>>4549703
>>4549720
>>4549747
>>4549754
>>4550115
>>4550214
>>4550289
>>4550566

Alright, sounds good. Writing now!

>>4545944
I expected it to be some sort of Chinese banter, so no surprises there.
Also holy shit I've missed quite a bit, including some really interesting choices!

>>4551325
OP when's the update?

>>4553921

Today, in about 2-3 hours.

>>4551325
>>4553921
>>4553951

Your gaze falls upon the earthly landscapes. Around you was a misty mountain range, water spilling from their peaks, trickling and falling in torrents, down to the ground in a rush of foam and serene violence, spreading out to fill a deep lake nestled in the ring of mountains. In its midst was a perfect reflection of the starry sky above, forming an indescribable beauty.

Taking a step forward, you feel the smooth, almost soft, touch of the ground. Except, it wasn’t the ground. You were in the middle of this mystic lake, held up ever softly by the waters below.

With each step you take, ripples travel outward until they fall out of your sight. You have not a clue where you were headed, following only your instincts.

After an unknown amount of time, a strong cold wind blew against you and along with it a bright flash descended from the sky above, blinding you for a moment. When you next opened your eyes, you found yourself back in the study together with Lin Wu Xie and the other three disciples.

>>4554002

“What did you see, Disciple Wen?” Lin Wu Xie asks while looking at you with an inquisitive look. This was possibly the most emotion he’s shown to you at this point. The other three disciples also looked at you with slight curiosity in their expressions.

You pause and collect your thoughts before beginning your description “So it is like this…”

“It’s just like Senior Brother Feng (风)!” One of the disciples, a female, says with mild shock in her tone.

“Indeed.” Lin Wu Xie responds.

Confused, you ask “Forgive this Wen for his ignorance but what does Senior Sister mean by that?”

“The starry sky.” another disciple, a male, replies. “Not many swordsmen receive visions of the starry skies. Out of all of us disciples, only Senior Brother Feng who has accomplished this.”

Lin Wu Xie stands up and walks toward a window, staring out at the bright moon. “En, it is as your Senior Martial Brother says. The starry sky is a symbol of vastness, infinity, the unknowable, the unobservable, much like the Dao, and yet much unlike it. The mountains you see, yet to climb, represent wisdom yet unraveled. The lake, a profound metaphor for the depths of the Dao, the reflection within it being one’s own perception of the heavenly way!”

Turning around, a wooden sword and bamboo scroll materialises in Lin Wu Xie’s hands. “In one month, you will receive your newly forged blade. This scroll contains the very basics of swordsmanship, study it well until you completely master it. For now, cultivate by yourself and whenever you meditate, do so in front of this sword.”

You stand up and bow. “Disciple thanks Master Lin and fellow Seniors for their wisdom.”

Lin Wu Xie and your fellow disciples bow and return the courtesy, each returning to their usual calm and reserved demeanor.

“This Chi (赤) will take you to your quarters.” mutters the disciple who has kept silent so far. He was particularly quiet and showed no reaction to anything that was said so far. In this young man’s eyes, there was a peaceful glint that looked to be able to pacify the most enraged of beasts.

After reaching your new room, you part ways with your fellow martial brother, a solemn melancholy pervaded his every step as he walked away. You couldn’t help but wonder about his origins.

Inside was a nice change of scenery, the space here was much more comfortable than your lone cave at Lone Star Peak. There was even a small bed! It was simply a luxury you didn’t have for years. Before you sleep you decide on what to do the next day.

>Meditate with the sword.

>Continue cultivating the Four Seasons Tempering Art.

>Practice the techniques in the bamboo scroll.

>write in

>>4554003
>Meditate with the sword

>>4554003
>Before sleeping, take a glance at the scroll so you are at least familiar with the starting sword technique
>Starting tomorrow, Meditate with the sword.

I want to continue cultivation of the four seasons tempering art, but this being the Dojo of the sword and given express orders to practice till we master it, we'd better at least become proficient in it's use before returning to the four seasons tempering art.
I like to think that Wen is dedicated to finishing what he starts. We still have.....3? sections of body tempering to go through.

>>4554010
+1

>>4554010
This

>>4554010
Support

>>4554010
Yeah, this plan is fine.
>>4554003
I just a thought come to me: 99% of martial arts, including those which require weapons, are based around footwork not only because of mobility, managing reach and stability but also because of how the human body generates motion and power for the upper body.
So how would the Ever-changing step interact with the rigidity of practicing Kata? Would it be counter productive for practice? Make our movements unreadable during an actual fight? Generate a endless, if minor in entity, number of variations of our blows? I wonder.
(It's fine if you don't answer, expecially if you have something planned IC, but I thought it was interesting)

>>4554010
Support

>>4554003
>Go take a bath, hopefully there is a hot spring
>Before sleeping, take a glance at the scroll so you are at least familiar with the starting sword technique
>Starting tomorrow, Meditate with the sword.
have the body relaxed

>>4554005
>>4554010
>>4554023
>>4554049
>>4554079
>>4554181
>>4554214
>>4554633

Okay nice, we'll go take a bath, look through the scroll, and tomorrow meditate with the sword. Writing now!

>>4554181
>So how would the Ever-changing step interact with the rigidity of practicing Kata?

That is an interesting question, one which will be addressed. Don't want to give too much away right now, stay tuned for the following training post hehe.

>>4554010
Support

>>4554964
oops

>>4554959
When is the post? Also, we're on page 7

>>4554959
>>4558166

A wave of fatigue hits you as you sit down, most of it mental. Taking in the pure sword intent from the jade stone turned out to be more involved than you initially expected. If only you could take a bath to wash away your exhaustion… But wait, surely Core Disciple Training Halls, as exclusive and luxurious as they were, would have some form of bath or hot spring, you thought.

You had time to kill and it was still relatively early in the evening, so with the remainder of your energy, you walk out of your room to explore more of the peak.

Making your way through a now-familiar series of corridors, you finally exit the main building. Pure white moonlight illuminated the fine stone tiles that lined the floor and a cool night breeze danced around the courtyard, accompanied by the wonderful view of the sky above. It reminded you greatly of the world within the vision, even if the heavens looked rather vacant on this fine night.

On a whim, you walk in a random direction, taking long and curious gazes at the few buildings dotted on the peak. Signs hung from their entrances, informing you of their function. There were storehouses for pills, medicines, artifacts, secret arts, and even some buildings for when honoured guests visited. All in all, everything looked well organised but small compared to the colossal pavilions and structures found elsewhere in Autumn's Rest.

This was expected though, since most of the time there were only six people present including yourself.

After walking aimlessly for a bit, another disciple crosses your path.

You bow, introducing yourself as you do so. “Junior Brother Wen Shan Yi greets Senior Martial Sister.”


“En, Tang Yu Rou (唐雨柔). What might Junior Brother be looking for?” She returns the courtesy.

“Some form of bath or hot spring, but I’m mostly looking around.” You reply politely. She didn’t seem too keen on talking.

“The Spirit Spring is just ahead.” She says indifferently while pointing forward.

“So it is the Spirit Spring. Many thanks!” You say gratefully.

Tang Yu Rou nods and parts ways with you.

The Spirit Spring was just a few dozen meters up ahead. Inside a cave, a warm yet refreshing air permeated all around, rising from the clear jade white waters. One could tell from a glance that this was no simple hot spring.

Stepping inside, a blissful feeling immediately fills your entire body, greatly relaxing your mind and soul. This was exactly what you needed right now.

>>4558193

-- An hour later--


Back in your room, you take out the bamboo scroll. It would be good to have a quick skim of the techniques you would be cultivating for the foreseeable future. The technique it contained was called the Hundred Sword Forms (百剑法). Everything seemed to be ordinary, there were drills to carry out, certain stances to learn and perfect. This was much in line with the initial sections of the Everchanging Step. However, upon a closer look, whatever was presented could only be taken at face value. There didn’t seem to be any profound hidden insight to uncover like with the Ever-changing Step. You couldn’t be sure until you cultivated it though. Whatever the case, tomorrow you were going to meditate with the sword.


--The next day--


Warm sunlight drapes the whole of Autumn’s Rest. As planned, you take out the wooden sword. Feeling the fine craftsmanship and grooves of the wood, you place it down in front of you before you yourself take a seat. Since this blade was given to you by Lin Wu Xie, it should be no ordinary blade.

A few breaths in, nothing happened. Like with all the other times you meditated, your mind empties, stray thoughts fade away, leaving a tranquil blank state. This carried on for some unknown length of time, you estimate it to be at least an hour or so when suddenly, you see a faint outline in your mind’s eye. It resembled the wooden sword, but only in shape. From this strange object, you could feel a slight sword intent.

Waiting for a bit, you notice the outline getting faintly more distinct, together with the sword intent growing purer and more intense ever slightly.

Eventually, the ethereal blade in your mind stopped gaining, leaving it incomplete, yet it was recognizably the wooden sword, and as expected, the sword intent also remained constant.

>Grab the sword in your mind

>Study the construction of the blade

>Stop meditating and cultivate something else (write in; Four Seasons Tempering Art, Hundred Sword Forms)

>write in

>>4558196
>Study the construction if the sword spirit.

Kahum, a curious manifesto. Let us understand it, at the risk of being over cautious.

>>4558196
>Grab the sword in your mind
The dao of the sword is a dao of action

>>4558206
Support

>>4558206
Support

>>4558196
>>Grab the sword in your mind, Feel it and if possible mold it

>>4558206
We are a very curious being

>>4558206
This

>>4558206
+1

>>4558196
>Study the construction of the blade

>>4558196
>Grab the sword in your mind

>>4558196
>firmly grasp it

If it's too nebulous and it disappears, then it just means we need to familiarize ourselves more with the sword and that means drills!

>>4558201
>>4558206
>>4558217
>>4558222
>>4558230
>>4558370
>>4558646
>>4558764
>>4559240
>>4559289
>>4559397

Writing now!

>>4560482
just saying, we're on page 9. we have to make a new thread soon QM

>>4560482
OP were on page 10 barely staying you need to make the next post on the next thread

>>4562755
>>4563092

Yes, posting now.

>>4563096

Next thread:
>>4563107