Master, and you still say this isn’t a dual cultivation technique?

Yun Zhanyi paused for a moment, then nodded gently. “Of course I remember.”

She regarded Ning Huanhuan as a sister. That day in the Dark Forest, when they were separated due to a demon clan attack, Yun Zhanyi had been desperate with worry.

She’d asked Xiao Lingchen for help in finding her, promising to grant him one condition in return.

Curious, Yun Zhanyi asked, “Have you decided what you want?”

Her heart suddenly beat faster. She silently scolded herself for making such an open-ended promise in her panic. What if Xiao Lingchen asked for something outrageous?

Yet, oddly, a flicker of anticipation stirred within her.

Xiao Lingchen replied, “Actually, I decided long ago. I just never had the chance to say it.”

“That day, I saw the sword technique you used—it seemed extraordinary. I was wondering if you could let me study it for a couple of days?”

He wielded ten divine abilities, but none were powerful offensive sword techniques. The first time he saw Yun Zhanyi unleash hers, with hundreds of sword shadows swirling around her, he’d been captivated.

When she later offered him a condition for finding Ning Huanhuan, that technique had immediately come to mind.

Yun Zhanyi frowned slightly. “That’s it?”

A hint of disappointment crept into her heart. She’d thought he might ask for something more… personal. And it was just this?

Xiao Lingchen tilted his head. “What’s wrong, Senior Sister?”

“If it’s not okay, I won’t push it.”

Yun Zhanyi rolled her eyes and huffed playfully. “Hmph, my whole self already belongs to you. It’s just a divine ability—am I that petty?”

With a flick of her jade-like hand, a manual appeared. She handed it to Xiao Lingchen.

“This technique is called Myriad Swords Return,” she said. “It’s only a yellow-grade ability, but if your swordsmanship talent is strong enough, its power can surpass even heaven-grade techniques!”

Xiao Lingchen blinked, puzzled. A yellow-grade ability outshining a heaven-grade one? He’d never heard of such a thing.

Yun Zhanyi explained, “Its power doesn’t just depend on the technique itself—it hinges on the caster’s swordsmanship talent. The stronger your talent, the more sword shadows you can summon. The more shadows, the greater the power!”

“Legend says the genius who created it summoned ten thousand sword shadows, unleashing heaven-grade might. That’s why it’s called Myriad Swords Return.”

Hearing this, Xiao Lingchen’s eyes lit up. He marveled at how wondrous this technique was!

Better yet, he’d just obtained the Supreme Sword Bone from the True Martial Space. Once refined, his swordsmanship talent would soar to terrifying heights.

Wouldn’t that mean he could push Myriad Swords Return beyond heaven-grade power?

Clutching the manual, Xiao Lingchen felt like he’d struck gold. He couldn’t love it more.

Seeing his delight, Yun Zhanyi felt a twinge of jealousy. She was one of Taixuan Sect’s top beauties, pursued by countless admirers. Was she really less appealing than a mere technique?

She spoke up abruptly. “Consider this technique a gift from me.”

“I’ll let you ask for one more condition. As long as it’s not too outrageous, I’ll fulfill it~”

Her voice carried a hint of nervousness, her alluring demeanor unmistakable. If Xiao Lingchen couldn’t catch her hint now, he’d be denser than a log!

…

After their fun, the two parted ways.

Xiao Lingchen made his way back to the mountain.

“Master, I’m back,” he called, stepping into the wooden hut.

Jiang Luoxian sat on a meditation cushion, deep in thought as always. She spent ten hours a day like this, every day on the mountain.

Xiao Lingchen often wondered what she contemplated so tirelessly.

At the sound of his voice, Jiang Luoxian slowly opened her eyes. They were clear and cold as autumn waters, yet breathtakingly beautiful.

“You’re back. Good,” she said softly. “What did you gain from this trip?”

With Jiang Luoxian, Xiao Lingchen held nothing back. He recounted his journey in full detail.

Then, he took out the Supreme Sword Bone from the True Martial Space and handed it to her for inspection.

The moment she saw it, even Jiang Luoxian—ever composed—showed a rare flicker of astonishment.

She clicked her tongue in amazement. “I knew your talent was heaven-defying, but your luck is just as terrifying.”

Xiao Lingchen beamed. “Master, what do you mean?”

Jiang Luoxian explained, “That Guan Xunzhi you met didn’t lie. This is indeed a Supreme Sword Bone.”

“At first, it’s just an ordinary bone. Its bearer has slightly above-average swordsmanship talent—nothing noticeable.”

“Only after enduring life’s greatest joys and sorrows can it transform. Guan Xunzhi faced loss and betrayal by blood kin, forging this supreme state.”

Xiao Lingchen asked, “What can it do?”

Jiang Luoxian replied, “Its power is extraordinary.”

“Ancient texts say the Supreme Sword Bone is exceedingly rare and immensely potent. It holds absolute dominance over all swords!”

“Once you refine it, your swordsmanship talent will peak. Every sword in the world will bend to your will and be unable to harm you.”

“Swords will become nourishment for the bone. One day, when it’s absorbed enough, you’ll become the Lord of Ten Thousand Swords!”

“Lord of Ten Thousand Swords!”

Her words shook Xiao Lingchen to his core. He knew the True Martial Space held incredible opportunities, but this was beyond imagination!

“Absolute dominance over all swords… every blade in the world at my command, unable to scratch me!”

Incredible! Beyond incredible!

It was like a fireworks show of sheer awesomeness!

No wonder even his cool, unflappable master showed such astonishment at the sight of it.

Xiao Lingchen felt he’d hit the jackpot this time!

Jiang Luoxian returned the bone to him, then instructed, “For now, focus solely on refining this bone. It’ll bring you immense benefits.”

“But it’s a heaven-defying treasure, and refining it won’t be easy. I’ll stay here to guard you and assist in the process.”