388 - Rebirth of a Star: Another Day, Another Drama

Chapter 388: Comprehension of the Sword Stone Feng Li stared at Ye Linglong with a perplexed look. He couldn't grasp any part of the enigmatic conversation she seemed to be having with herself. "What do you mean by that? Who's scheming against whom?" he asked, visibly confused. Observing his rather simple expression, Ye Linglong pondered for a moment. She thought about how bird species typically have small brains, which might explain his lack of understanding. Feeling a tad sympathetic, she patted his shoulder and said, "It's okay, you wouldn't understand even if I explained." Feng Li: "..." He couldn't shake the feeling that she wasn't exactly being kind. After all that fuss, they hadn't even had the time to examine the newly acquired sword stone. Ye Linglong, with a few dismissive remarks, sent Feng Li into a special space to see Xiao Hei. She then followed him inside. At the time, Xiao Hei appeared to be covered in blood, but it was only superficial wounds. Given Xiao Hei's outstanding healing ability, he was almost fully recovered. Ye Linglong handed over some new rare herbs she had procured to the little ginseng doll and prepared to study the sword stone she had just obtained. She decided to stay within the confines of the space and found an open area, where she used her mind to seal off a portion of the space. This method of manipulating the space was a random discovery of hers. As her cultivation increased, she felt a growing mastery over this dimension, almost as if she were its sovereign and could create anything she desired. Of course, this was merely a feeling—creating something from nothing was just wishful thinking. After sealing off the space, Ye Linglong took out the sword stone. It appeared unremarkable, devoid of any noteworthy features. However, she could vaguely sense a trace of sword intent within it, affirming that this was no ordinary stone. At that moment, Qian Jun emerged from his essence and, upon seeing the sword stone on the ground, was also taken aback. "A sword stone, this is a prized item," he remarked, though his tone carried a tinge of disdain. "Its level doesn't seem very high, but for you right now, it should suffice." Ye Linglong was intrigued. "So what level would you say this is?" "It's considered a middle-grade one," he explained, "In the Lower Immortal Realm, it's already a valuable item. But speaking of treasures, my master, your teacher, has a trove packed with much more superior items. Inside those hidden vaults, known only to me, there are self-condensed sword stones of his own making, and those are truly unbeatable." Ye Linglong rolled her eyes. "What good is telling me that if I can't access them?" Qian Jun fell silent. It was true; back in those days, Emperor Changling was a Supreme Immortal, and it was unlikely he would store his treasures in the Lower Immortal Realm. Most were likely in the Upper Immortal Realm, with scarcely any in the Middle Immortal Realm. He did remember placing two vaults in the Middle Immortal Realm, though... where were they again? Unconcerned with Qian Jun's ruminations, Ye Linglong chose to rely on herself for now, deciding to study the sword stone personally. She enveloped the sword stone with her spiritual consciousness, and as soon as her mind made contact with its surface, she felt her consciousness sinking into what felt like a quagmire. Gradually, she found herself standing under a star-studded sky, where a figure formed from stars was performing a sword technique. Eventually, it seemed as if Ye Linglong herself had become a star, endlessly executing that sword technique over and over. From the outside, Ye Linglong seemed to be sitting cross-legged, her eyes shut in meditation, her whole being immersed in a profound trance. Seeing her in such a state, Qian Jun couldn't help but smile, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "Master, your disciple's talent far surpasses even your own from back then. To reach enlightenment the first time using a sword stone... once she awakens, her grasp of sword intent will surely reach new heights." Comprehending sword intent involves an understanding of laws. This sword stone contained a fragment of its original owner's insights into the sword, and if Ye Linglong could assimilate it, it could significantly advance her path in swordsmanship. Days passed, with Ye Linglong remaining motionless and unresponsive. It wasn't until the fourth day that her eyes suddenly opened, and for a fleeting moment, a cosmos seemed to flash within them. With a sudden leap, Qian Jun appeared in her hand. Her figure blurred at incredible speed, leaving only traces of afterimages, and with each swing of the sword, one could feel the forces of the stars being subtly drawn. After flawlessly executing the Star Sword Technique, Ye Linglong's eyes gleamed with excitement. The sword stone, it turned out, was forged by a Sword Cultivator Lord known as the Star Sword Sovereign thousands of years ago. The Star Sword Technique was his original creation, harnessing the power of the stars with each move, its might unparalleled. What thrilled her even more was the trace of sword law present within it. Though minuscule, one must not underestimate the power of even a fragment of law. It greatly enhanced Ye Linglong's previously rudimentary understanding of such forces. Where once she had merely dipped her toes in, now she had firmly stepped in. Sword intent imbued with the power of laws was formidable, and her cultivation had ascended directly to the pinnacle of the Golden Immortal late stage, just a hair's breadth from stepping into the Immortal King realm. Reflecting on encountering that group of black-cloaked men again, Ye Linglong was confident she could manage without relying on her domain, physique, or Xiao Huang. Her sword alone would suffice to deal with them. Glancing down at the sword stone, she saw it had turned to dust after she had completely absorbed it. Noticing her newfound strength, Qian Jun was pleased. After all, with Ye Linglong's enhanced power, the day she could journey to the Upper Immortal Realm was closer. Releasing the surrounding seal, Ye Linglong prepared to exit the space, mindful that lingering too long might arouse suspicion. Upon her reappearance, Feng Li immediately came over. During her time of sword stone study, he'd been trapped, unable to leave on his own. "Finally, you're out! I thought you'd forgotten about me," he complained. The invisible seal on the space made them believe Ye Linglong hadn't been inside it all that time. "I got held up dealing with something," she explained. Feng Li waved off her explanation, indifferent since the dense spiritual energy of the space made cultivation doubly effective. Yet, he turned his gaze toward a particular direction, expressing, "For some reason, the past few days, I've felt this unpleasant presence lurking around here." Ye Linglong was curious. "Unpleasant presence? I didn't notice anything." Feng Li frowned. "I'm not sure what it is... just an innate sense of aversion." As he spoke, he seemed to notice something, rushing over to a spot and digging out a small piece of a seal from the soil. "This is it! The aura from this seal is utterly repugnant!"