The Dynasty of Cultivating Immortality

C22 – The Power of the Longevity Sword

Ni Huibo stood alone in his courtyard, the Longevity Sword in hand. Strands of spiritual energy coursed through his body, converging into the blade.

“This High Clarity Mantra is truly bizarre. I’ve practiced it for so long with no apparent benefits.”

Since returning home, Ni Huibo had dedicated himself to mastering the sword technique, driven by a relentless desire to grow stronger. From the moment he began his cultivation journey, this urge had propelled him, leaving no room for pause. Yet, the first sword technique he had chosen proved to be a formidable challenge.

The High Clarity Mantra’s moves could infinitely vary, posing a significant challenge for him, particularly the requirement to forget his moves in battle. In such critical moments, forgetting could mean defeat, or worse.

Ni Huibo thrust his long sword against the worn courtyard wall.

“The book must have its reasons for this approach,” he mused, eyeing the faint marks on the wall with a hint of dissatisfaction.

​Closing his eyes, Ni Huibo expelled all thoughts from his mind. Clutching the Longevity Sword, it began to emit a subtle green glow, barely perceptible unless closely observed.

The emergence of the green light unleashed a powerful force that surged in all directions, causing the courtyard’s greenery to sway violently.

Completely absorbed in a state of clarity, Ni Huibo reveled in the celestial music that seemed to whisper in his ears. His body relaxed, filled with vitality, as an unseen strength gathered in his hand.

Then, he acted.

With a mere flick of his wrist, the Longevity Sword cut through the air, trailing a streak of green light. This ethereal light, seemingly delicate enough to dissipate with a breath, struck the old wall.

​A soft noise followed, and a palm-sized fissure appeared where the light had touched, its edges smooth as glass.

Ni Huibo’s eyes fluttered open, his mind foggy as if emerging from a deep slumber. He stretched, working through the stiffness that enveloped him.

“What just happened?” he murmured, eyebrows knitting in confusion. He recalled letting go of all tension, clearing his mind completely, then feeling an overwhelming power coalesce in his hand, his being enveloped by an ocean of spiritual energy.

“Longevity Sword!”

Ni Huibo’s heart skipped a beat. He quickly raised his right hand to inspect it. The blade of the Longevity Sword still shimmered with an odd light, and the surrounding spiritual energy was converging towards it, albeit at a snail’s pace, barely perceptible.

He gazed at the Longevity Sword for a while, pondering in silence.

The sensation he had experienced was peculiar. In that instant, he had lost all awareness of the technique he was practicing. He had nearly forgotten himself.

It was as though he had merged with the universe, with the Longevity Sword in his grasp dictating everything.

Ni Huibo’s eyes were fixed on the long sword, his expression grave.

His uncle had mentioned that his father was once a top-tier prodigy. Given that the Longevity Sword was his father’s chosen weapon, it surely held some extraordinary secrets.

With this thought, Ni Huibo lifted his head and looked ahead.

A gap had appeared in the gray-white wall. Ni Huibo stepped forward and touched the gap with his left index finger, feeling a surge of astonishment. Such a clean cut was beyond the capabilities of his current skill level.

Lost in thought, he was jolted by a sudden loud noise.

The courtyard door was forcefully kicked open, and several young men strode in. They appeared to be about Ni Huibo’s age, yet they carried themselves with an air of haughty arrogance.

Ni Huibo watched them with a hint of confusion. These were fellow clan disciples who usually paid him no mind. Since Ni Huibo had always stayed in this courtyard, they had seldom even seen him.

He bore no grudges against them, so what brought them here?

With this question in mind, Ni Huibo straightened his clothes and approached them. He was about to inquire when they preempted him.

The one leading the group was a youth who looked slightly more mature. If Ni Huibo’s memory served him right, this individual was slightly older than Ni Situo. He had encountered him once before; his name was Ni Zongzhao.

​”Ni Huibo, I’ve heard you’ve been receiving quite favorable treatment lately,” Ni Zongzhao remarked, his voice even but his face etched with mockery. The other youths behind him stepped forward, surveying the small courtyard with evident curiosity.

“The Chief has taken quite a liking to him lately.”

“I’ve heard as well that Ms. Teng has been spending a lot of time with him.”

Ni Huibo cocked his head, a bit puzzled. He responded promptly, “Gentlemen, I’ve merely been fortunate.”

“Who are you calling ‘gentleman’? You’re not in a position to say that.”

As soon as these words were spoken, the group’s brows furrowed, particularly Ni Zongzhao, who was leading them. A look of distaste crossed his face. He gave Ni Huibo a disdainful glance and said with a cold laugh, “You’re nothing but a waste. It would be in your best interest not to cross us!”

Ni Huibo’s brow creased slightly.

He was unclear about their intentions, but he was not about to tolerate such disrespect.

“Gentlemen, it’s rather chilly here. Perhaps it’s best if you leave soon.”