Chapter 40: Shangqing Sword Art

Three days later, in the main hall of Lin Fan's Cave Abode, the four master and disciples were all present. At this moment, everyone's face was beaming with smiles, especially Lin Fan's. Ever since he discovered that Zhang Nuo had opened up a double "Divine Sea," the smile on his face had not ceased; for someone who had always been unflappable in the face of honor or disgrace, such a situation was rare.

During this period, Zhang Nuo had become the focus of everyone's attention. Whenever they chatted, there was only one topic, and that was Zhang Nuo. By comparison, Ye Ling'er's successful Foundation Establishment seemed less surprising.

"Alright, all of you, listen to me!"

As soon as Lin Fan spoke, Zhang Nuo and the others immediately quieted down, the joy on their faces somewhat restrained. Lin Fan continued:

"The matter of Nuo Er succeeding in Foundation Establishment and being a dual 'Divine Sea' cultivator must be kept a strict secret. You are not to tell anyone, including the Sect Master!"

The four looked at each other in dismay; no one knew what medicine was in Lin Fan's gourd. Why could such a great event not be told to others? One had to know that even if one searched the Tianyuan Continent with a lantern, one might not find a few dual Divine Sea cultivators.

"You should also know the meaning of the saying: a tall tree catches the wind! If the news were announced now, the Elders of the other branches would surely come to watch. But there is less than a year left until the Chief Disciple Assembly, and what Nuo Er needs now is not those empty titles, but to cultivate properly. Firstly, to stabilize his cultivation, and secondly, to learn new techniques as soon as possible. As for fame and fortune? Heh, they will come uninvited after the Chief Disciple Assembly!"

Zhang Nuo looked at his master with gratitude. His master, who was usually more drunk than sober, was still thinking of everything for him at this critical moment. The "Sword Control Art" he had practiced during the Qi Refining stage had already reached the ninth level, and continuing to practice it further would be meaningless; he had to find a technique suitable for the Foundation Establishment stage.

"Linger, Nuo Er, before you reached Foundation Establishment, I promised you that once you succeeded, I would pass on new Foundation Establishment stage techniques to you."

As he spoke, Lin Fan flipped his hand, and a green Jade Slip the size of half a palm appeared in his palm. With a gentle movement of his arm, the Jade Slip arrived in front of Ye Ling'er.

"This is the Jade Slip for the 'Heavenly Profound Scripture' technique. As for how to cultivate it, there is a detailed introduction inside."

"Many thanks, Master!"

Ye Ling'er reached out and caught the Jade Slip. After releasing her Divine Sense into it, she withdrew it a moment later with a smile on her face. She had seen this 'Heavenly Profound Scripture' technique several years ago, and its profoundness had left her unable to extricate herself. That was why Ye Ling'er had told Lin Fan back then that if she ever succeeded in Foundation Establishment, she wanted the 'Heavenly Profound Scripture' technique.

The words spoken many years ago were still vivid in her mind, and now that the technique was in her hands, the joy in her heart went without saying.

Zhang Nuo looked at Lin Fan with anticipation. Lin Fan had once promised him that when he reached Foundation Establishment, he would select a technique that complemented the 'Nine Dragon Sword Case' to pass on to him. For the past few days, Zhang Nuo had been nearly driven mad thinking about it. What was the technique his master was going to pass to him? And what kind of miraculous effect would it have when paired with the Sword Box?

"Nuo Er, this is yours!"

Lin Fan flipped his palm again, and another Jade Slip appeared. Before his master could even say he was giving it to him, Zhang Nuo stepped forward and received the Jade Slip with both hands, his Divine Sense instantly entering it.

"Shangqing Sword Art!"

As if talking to himself, he uttered the four words. Lin Fan picked up the wine gourd beside him, took two light sips, and then said slowly:

"This 'Shangqing Sword Art' was originally an incomplete technique, but the first half can still be practiced normally; it is just that the latter half of the technique was destroyed by someone, I know not whom. Do not look down on this first half of the technique; to cultivate it to completion, one must reach the Nascent Soul stage. As for its power? I cannot say for sure, but looking at the content, it does seem to match the Sword Box you use."

Fearing that Zhang Nuo would be dissatisfied with an incomplete technique, Lin Fan explained deliberately.

"An incomplete technique? It's fine, I will practice it well!"

After withdrawing his Divine Sense from the Jade Slip, Zhang Nuo hesitated for a moment before saying happily. Do not let his master's talk of an incomplete technique fool you; Zhang Nuo understood after reading just a little of the recorded technique that this technique was definitely created by a master. Its profoundness was not something that could be understood in a short time. In any case, the days ahead were long, and there would always be a day when he understood it thoroughly.

Thinking this in his heart, Zhang Nuo tossed the technique Jade Slip into his Storage Bag. Lin Fan gave Zhang Nuo and Ye Ling'er a few more instructions before letting them leave on their own.

Soon, everyone except Zhang Nuo had left. At this time, Lin Fan turned his head and looked at Zhang Nuo, who had not yet left, and said:

"Do you still have something?"

"Master, I would like to ask, now that I have reached the Foundation Establishment stage, can the Killing Intent inside the 'Nine Dragon Sword Case' no longer affect me?"

"It should not. With your current cultivation, the Killing Intent remaining in the Sword Box cannot pose any threat to you. But Nuo Er, you must remember, nothing is absolute; just be a little more careful in the future!"

Lin Fan had not sensed much 'Killing Intent' in the Sword Box back then, and Zhang Nuo's current strength was enough to suppress it. However, he thought again, fearing that Zhang Nuo might be careless, so he gave him a few more instructions.

Zhang Nuo nodded gently, the heart that had been hanging finally put to rest. After bidding farewell to his master, he walked toward his room.

As soon as he walked into the room, Zhang Nuo was startled by the scene before him! He saw his three senior brothers all surrounding the 'Nine Dragon Sword Case,' sighing incessantly while looking at it. Seeing Zhang Nuo return, the three of them restrained themselves.