Chapter 149: The Vast Sword Intent

According to the Canghao Sword Technique, the spiritual energy manipulation Ye Junze just performed to cleanse and refine several crucial acupoints was only the first step. Having successfully completed this initial phase, it was only natural that he now intended to embark on the next, most critical stage.

Since the vessel existed solely to nurture the sword intent, the second step required Ye Junze to cultivate a unique Canghao sword intent of his own.

He continuously adjusted his breathing, striving to return his state to peak condition.

After all, the forging of the vessel had already drained a significant portion of his mental focus and endurance. The subsequent cultivation of sword intent demanded even greater patience and spiritual strength. A single misstep during this process could lead to total failure, forcing the practitioner to start anew.

Therefore, thorough preparation—bringing his spiritual energy and mental state to full saturation—was both a responsibility to himself and to the venerable Canghao Sword Technique.

A sword legacy left behind by a formidable predecessor was not something to be taken lightly. If one had no affinity to it, so be it. But since he now had the opportunity to inherit it, Ye Junze was determined to treat it with utmost seriousness. The precious efforts and sacrifices of those who came before must not be wasted or disregarded.

With a calm mind, Ye Junze slowly adjusted his state. He did not rush forward simply because he had succeeded in the first step; he was not eager to hasten the cultivation of his sword intent.

He understood that matters of such importance required extreme caution, leaving no room for impatience or carelessness. Thus, his mindset remained tranquil, pondering his next moves without haste.

After some time, Ye Junze exhaled a breath of turbid air through nose and mouth.

Opening his eyes, he saw that nothing outside had changed—Ling Ling still sat serenely upon the Lingxu Sword, steadily cultivating, while Meng Yuan’s whereabouts remained unknown.

Satisfied, Ye Junze nodded quietly and closed his eyes once more.

He reviewed the crucial second step: the method to cultivate his own Canghao sword intent. After repeatedly confirming the finer details, an idea took shape in his mind.

Having adjusted his state to perfection, Ye Junze was now prepared to begin the cultivation of his unique Canghao sword intent.

Though he could not guarantee one hundred percent success, he believed the possibility was greatest that he would succeed. The final outcome, however, could only be known after attempting.

With these thoughts dispersed, Ye Junze settled his mind and prepared to commence.

The Canghao Sword Technique described sword intent as an ethereal and elusive concept, difficult for ordinary people to perceive. Only certain sword cultivators, or those who practiced diligently, could continuously sense the sword intent within themselves and others. Some individuals, due to innate constitution, were born with an innate sword body. For such people, perceiving sword intent came naturally, as if they were born swordsmen, able to detect the sword intent and sword qi of every other swordsman with precision. This bestowed them with great advantage in their martial cultivation.

Ye Junze understood that he was not one of those legendary innate sword bodies; otherwise, his unfortunate master or Meng Yuan would have long ago guided him onto the sword path, rather than leaving him to explore it alone.

Fortunately, Ye Junze held no envy toward those born with innate sword bodies. What was destined could not be forced, so he accepted things as they were. Moreover, what he currently possessed was by no means inferior to those gifted with such constitutions.

Since the Canghao Sword Technique acknowledged the intangible nature of sword intent, it naturally provided methods to overcome this challenge.

If sword intent was so elusive as to be imperceptible, why bother attempting to feel it? The text reasoned that if one cultivated a sword intent truly their own, then it could be bent and shaped at will, impossible to remain undetectable.

This was the wisdom left behind by the venerable Canghao predecessor.

Accordingly, the manual detailed the method for cultivating sword intent: “Through the practitioner’s own spiritual energy and personal insight, one nurtures a unique Canghao sword intent within the body.”

Though the explanation seemed simple, it was followed by detailed instructions which Ye Junze meticulously recorded.

---

Following the cultivation method prescribed in the Canghao Sword Technique, Ye Junze proceeded.

He circulated his spiritual energy along a strange path inside his body as described. The first time he did so, the sensation was far from pleasant; his complexion turned pale, as if this circulation placed great strain on his body.

Despite the pain, Ye Junze did not stop, considering it a necessary trial in cultivating the Canghao Sword Technique.

Enduring the agony, he persisted, guiding the spiritual energy repeatedly along the unconventional route.

At the same time, he tightened his focus, carefully attempting to perceive any trace of sword intent amidst the flow of energy.

According to the manual, circulating spiritual energy in this manner would enable one to gradually sense the faintest glimmer of Canghao sword intent.

Yet Ye Junze had to withstand not only the physical torment but also the challenge of grasping an unknown, intangible sword intent. The difficulty was immense.

Several times, as he concentrated intensely, the intensity of pain surged unexpectedly, causing him to tremble involuntarily and furrow his brow.

Nevertheless, he refused to give up, gritting his teeth to persevere.

He reasoned that the hardship was temporary and could be overcome with endurance.

After countless cycles of energy circulation, Ye Junze gradually grew accustomed to the pain, even becoming somewhat numb. When the agony struck again, he barely reacted beyond a slight frown, like a cell that had developed immunity to a virus—unyielding no matter how relentless the assault.

Sensing this change, Ye Junze’s heart lifted. Now he could focus entirely on perceiving the sword intent without being derailed by sudden pain.

He devoted himself wholly to the comprehension of the Canghao sword intent along the path of spiritual energy flow.

Since he was neither a sword cultivator nor born with an innate sword body, Ye Junze naturally progressed more slowly in grasping sword intent, requiring more time.

Fortunately, time was not a concern. Once immersed, the passage of time lost all meaning.

After an indeterminate period, a strange sensation spread through Ye Junze’s consciousness. Surprised, he sensed something stirring.

“Could this be the so-called sword intent?” he wondered.

Realizing time was precious, he quickly composed himself, directing a sliver of his divine awareness onto the faint sword intent as instructed by the Canghao Sword Technique.

Upon contact, his mind went blank, then flooded with strange visions.

His awareness seemed to enter a tiny, unknown world—a mustard seed realm—where he appeared minuscule, nearly invisible without close inspection.

This world was desolate, barren, with not a blade of grass in sight. Endless yellow sandstorms roared, threatening to engulf all.

Ye Junze’s divine sense carefully surveyed this realm. Uncertain of what it signified, he remained still, observing patiently.

Though barren, subtle movements betrayed that this world was not completely lifeless.

After some time, a tall figure appeared in this desolate land, turning his back to Ye Junze, so his face remained unseen. The figure held a sword in hand.

---

The figure seemed to be scrutinizing the place. Soon, he raised his sword and thrust it toward the desolate sky with a single stroke.

Immediately, boundless sword qi surged throughout the world. The once overwhelming sandstorms and whirlwinds paled and retreated before this powerful strike, eventually dissipating entirely.

The tall figure nodded in satisfaction upon seeing the sand vanish.

However, he then shook his head, as if reconsidering something.

With renewed resolve, he swung his sword again toward the heavens.

Ye Junze felt the seemingly endless sword qi ripple with this second stroke, and from it, he sensed a profound familiarity and warmth in the sword intent.

With each swing, the desolate world began to awaken with vitality.

Numerous plants and trees sprouted rapidly, growing before Ye Junze’s eyes.

A tiny sapling quickly matured into a towering tree.

It was as though the figure’s sword stroke contained infinite life force, transforming the barren wasteland into a thriving landscape in an instant.

Having completed this, the figure surveyed the now vibrant world with a pleased nod.

He sheathed his long sword, clapped his hands, and then soared away on the wind as if he had never appeared.

After his departure, a mysterious presence descended upon Ye Junze’s divine sense.

Suddenly, his vision darkened, and he found himself pulled from the mustard seed realm.

Returning to his body, Ye Junze quickly examined his inner self.

Along the path of spiritual energy circulation, a faint but steady sword intent now rested firmly.

This was undoubtedly the authentic Canghao sword intent.

Relieved, Ye Junze exhaled deeply.

“I’ve finally done it. Thankfully, it only took some time, and no other mishaps occurred.”

He seemed to have forgotten the earlier pain he endured.

But now that he had successfully cultivated a true Canghao sword intent, all previous suffering seemed insignificant.