Chapter 225: One Yuan Restores the Beginning, Ten Thousand Images Renew

Amid the deep rumbling sounds like rolling thunder, the entire city's people faced the bleak cold wind, lifted their heads to gaze at the sky, and laughter rose and fell in succession.

This was not the Southern Region, not Fu Yu Lake, nor was it the Fengsi Festival.

It was the New Year festival.

It was New Year's Eve...

Today, the curfew had finally been lifted after a long time; the city dwellers locked their house doors and came out to set off fireworks and watch the lanterns.

Meanwhile, many nearby village households drove old donkey carts, bringing their whole families, supporting the elderly and leading the young, all coming together to enjoy this bustle that occurred only once a year.

The sky was filled with bewildering flames, flickering and vanishing in an instant, shimmering unpredictably.

Boom—boom—boom, as if the Silver River were pouring down upside down.

The world before their eyes seemed veiled by a gauze, hazy and indistinct, making it impossible to discern the detailed contours of objects, yet so magnificent it left one spellbound.

The steps exhale the fragrance of plums, while coiled flowers roll up the red candlelight.

"He is the master below, and I am the servant; originally, I should not have made such presumptuous words; I hope you will not take offense; I—"

Dun Dun Jiesuo took a step back from the Escape Realm shuttle, suddenly cupped his fists, and asked solemnly:

"As if viewing flowers through mist, vague and indistinct..."

Refining swords into threads in this manner makes them large yet hidden; they come and go leaving shadows, their momentum is evident, resembling ghosts and specters.

Far down the street, Chen Heng was pulling Dadian at a pleasure pavilion, watching performers do acrobatics.

The qi mechanism of the Yellow Talisman also soared to its peak accordingly.

"Even pondering it for a moment is utterly meaningless."

Before the surging colorful lights, countless fine specks of dust seemed to mix with the frost and snow, rustling upward to settle on clothes and fall upon sleeves.

A harbinger of a bountiful year.

The Yellow Talisman looked at Dun Dun Jiesuo and smiled:

"No matter which type one cultivates first, the distance to the other transformation will absolutely not be too far."

"..."

After pondering for a moment, the Yellow Talisman spoke urgently.

Monkeys present a hundred tricks, fish leap through knife gates, commanding bees and butterflies, chasing and calling ants.

Again, cheers suddenly erupted, rumbling like tidal waves.

"Indeed, this is bad news; but how was this talisman paper obtained?"

Dun Dun Jiesuo froze upon hearing this.

"Bad news! Absolutely bad news! These days of living in fear can finally be resolved; young one, look!"

"Judging by today, you have your own methods in your actions; unlike others, no one can be like you, with a heart of firm resolve that cannot be moved! It seems I was merely worrying unnecessarily; I was rash and impetuous, failing to clarify the situation.

Niu Chen, upon hearing this, lifted his head and also looked at the Yellow Talisman.

The only thought in his mind was how to cling to a broad piece of driftwood, how to draw near those reefs upon the water's surface, in hopes of survival."

Ingenious and varied in a hundred ways, it refreshed the eyes and ears.

Another few dozen days passed in a hurry.

At that moment.

After several dozen breaths had passed.

All these various matters were merely trivial details, entirely not worth mentioning.

He suddenly composed his expression, shook his head apologetically, and bowed sincerely amidst the bustling crowd:

Unable to enter a sword cave suitable for cultivation to realize the marvels of that supreme treasure.

"As for all these matters, let us just wait and see until eight years from now..."

If not for that house having been sealed earlier by the Yellow Talisman with true qi, covered as tightly as a lid.

"That is unknown; how can one be considered to have escaped the abyssal water and reached the shore?"

At the same time, an invisible great force seemed to rise faintly within the room, shaking the table, bed, teacups, and inkstone, causing them to sway left and right, restless and unstable.

Dun Dun Jiesuo asked in wonder.

Dun Dun Jiesuo shook his head and said:

"When thunder sounds, not all things respond simultaneously; only when the sound answers the four seasons does one recognize the phoenix, and only when it shocks a hundred miles does one know the dragon.

Dun Dun Jiesuo asked.

But ultimately, there was still a layer of separation.

And two days later.

Trees of fire and flowers of silver unite; the starry bridge and iron locks open.

"I was originally born and raised within the mortal world, so naturally I have witnessed the bustling fireworks of the human realm; as for the previous time, it was still during the Fengsi Festival in the Southern Region..."

"And if even those aforementioned matters are merely external trifles, then as for glory, status, enjoyment, or love and affection, they must all yield way even further aside.

When touched by divine intent, the body of the small sword suddenly emitted a monstrous suction force.

His figure also became indistinct within that endlessly wandering sword light, as if wrapped by clusters of thick fog, making it difficult to distinguish his appearance; one could only see a forest of sharp qi, shocking to behold.

Killing intent stretched endlessly, filling the entire house.

"What is this?"

Dun Dun Jiesuo nodded upon hearing this, and after discussing a few more sentences, settled the matter.

"That Preceptor Shen Yuan from their Changying Courtyard?"

The Yellow Talisman swept his sleeve, pointed slightly toward the sky, and spoke no further.

Pearl curtains adorned the ground, while lamps and candles shimmered brightly.

"Most people in Yiyi City are mortals who took this scene as a manifestation of immortals; several neighboring households even set out offering tables and are burning incense, having already enshrined Master Qiao Rui as a deity. Had I not been slow-eyed, I fear they would have rushed to snatch him from us."

Its twisting and turning embodied Wang Wang Ruyi, dancing through the air like a small red snake awakening with spiritual intelligence, scattering shards of brilliance.

……

The voice beside him surged forth again with intense fervor:

Finally, after an unknown duration, the sword qi, thick as an arm, suddenly stiffened; its movements lagged for an instant, and after merely one more circuit, it halted behind the yellow talisman's brows, utterly motionless.

"Together we rejoice in the new year's old ties, welcoming and seeing off within a single night—"

My eyes burned fiercely, as if hidden flames flickered within them, and I spoke in a heavy voice.

"So that is how it is. When do you all depart? Since all seven academies have gathered under public scrutiny, Heming Mountain can no longer serve as a temporary safe haven! Staying here brings no benefit; if no one comes seeking us, it will instead become a perilous situation."

"As for whether soaked clothes will bring on a chill, whether filthy water will cause malaria, or what value the goods beneath one's body hold—if lost in the water, how shall one account for them?"

"I once sincerely admired Senior Sister and once hoped she might feel affection for me, but that is all in the past; to speak of such things now would be quite inappropriate."

A clear, resonant whistle suddenly rang in Huang Fu's mind; when he turned his gaze inward to inspect—

Half a moment earlier.

Often, the deeper one's Mei Mei Gongxing under the Sword Dao, the more formidable the power when wielding a flying sword.

……

"It has come."

I had barely completed half the bow when Huang Fu forcefully lifted me up, smiling as he interrupted.

Niu Chen spoke first.

At that moment.

The seven converged in one place, instantly releasing a burst of darkness so blinding it became a vast expanse of white.

Drifting within the eight directions, leisurely yet taking form.

"One cycle renews; all phenomena refresh—"

The eight hundred and eighty-seven minor acupoints in my body swelled faintly, as if something hid within my flesh, eager to burst forth, yet the timing was not ripe, lacking that final sliver of opportunity.

He chuckled heavily, his expression a chaotic mix of warmth and excitement, and said:

The sword qi dispersed powerlessly, the brilliance vanished abruptly, revealing the true form of the Abi Sword.

This is like a person submerged in abyssal waters, on the verge of drowning...

New Year's Eve snow.

"Mi Houbei, that is not what lies in your heart."

Soaring sword qi erupted, shaking heaven and earth, surging toward the four celestial lights, and reflecting far across the eight platforms!

Huang Fu raised his hand slightly, suddenly pointing at this writhing sword qi, dragon-like and serpent-like, gradually altering its nature and form with a sense of intent.

Yet within the next breath, the sound of "knock, knock, knock" at the door rang out.

……

Rising to look, I saw that outside the door stood Dun Dun Jiesuo and Niu Chen, both wearing expressions of delight on their faces.

After finishing his digestion, Huang Fu heavily scattered the Master Qiao Rui in his hand, now reduced to gray dust, smiled, and spoke:

At that moment, Huang Fu joined his fingers and pointed; the Abi Sword slashed through empty air, transforming into a crimson rainbow that struck forward, then, just as it nearly touched the doorway, it nimbly turned, circling ahead to display its supple, writhing posture.

The sword qi's power rose several levels; once unleashed, it was like a rainbow crossing the sky, swift as flying lightning!

As his words fell.

And gazing far and wide, one saw the city filled with Jin Bi reflecting off one another, brocades and embroideries intermingling in brilliance.

It was precisely as follows:

"In this old man's humble opinion, your disposition truly aligns with Thunder Methods; should the opportunity arise in the future, you must not miss that Tai Yi Shen Thunder among the Shi Qi Zheng Fa!"

If refining a sword into steel follows the upright path of direct confrontation in battle,

Huang Fu's gaze flashed, and he thought to himself.

Chen Heng suddenly spoke in a faint tone.

Songs, dances, and hundred entertainments unfolded; carriages and horses raced back and forth; sounds echoed calmly for tens of li, the scenery vast and bustling, each vying to boast of splendor.

"Moreover, given your bearing, how could you ever have been so narrow-minded?"

At this moment, I had already cultivated to the eighth realm of the Sword Dao, attaining the method of "Refining Sword into Steel."

It likewise carried no small weight...

"Only by preserving this life does one qualify to dare dream of anything else!"

With this formless vibration, Huang Fu's body tensed, and his robes stirred automatically as if caught by wind.

I fear that the moment this Bai Jin Guang emits, it will immediately slice open the roof beams, pierce through the ceiling, and radiate light so clearly that every household along this entire street will see it distinctly.

"... After entering this Fang Xue Xuan Sect under Yu Yu Yuchen, for him, it truly resembles a dragon roaming the small seas, a tiger roaring in the mountain forests."

Before entering the Liuhuo Liuhuo Honghua Fan Fan Dongtian, being able to cultivate this particular technique would further increase combat power; naturally, Niu Chen felt indignant in his heart.

It can hide within rainwater, vegetation, flesh, Jin Shi, or the great qi, making detection extremely difficult.

Dun Dun Jiesuo paused, sighed, and remarked with genuine emotion:

"I have always regarded you, Mi Houbei, as an elder; how would I dare act thus? Moreover, your intentions stem from a heart of pure truth without falsehood, harboring no other thoughts. Heng is not a man of stingy kindness; how could he take offense at you?"

The two looked at each other, both shaking their heads with a smile.

At this time, after employing it for a while.

Though one does not know how fortune will ultimately turn this time.

If it does not move, all is still; but once it moves, it startles all, like thunder striking dry land, possessing the force of ten thousand jun!

"I sense the bottleneck loosening; wait two more days, and we shall depart for Heming Mountain!"

Even without intending to restrain it, the force made the roof beams tremble, sending dust cascading down.

"..."

No matter what obstacles lie behind you.

Huang Fu smiled carelessly: "The words on the talon paper state that the seven courtyards of Yu Yu Yuchen have gathered at Heming Mountain to conduct the affair of guiding and drawing the Liuuhuo Liuhuo Honghua; the mountain ranges have been cordoned off, and entry without cause is prohibited. Though this appears on the surface as a warning, in truth it serves as a reminder. This must be the handiwork of Master Shen! Fearing you might miss the timing, he deliberately used this to remind you?"

Finally, before the fourth tremor sounded.

That day.

His eyes flashed briefly; he sighed and suddenly spoke.

One must know that "Refining the Sword into Steel" and "Refining the Sword into Silk" are merely two variations of the same realm.

At this moment, as Huang Fu's mind stirred, this fierce sword qi, which had been like dragons and snakes, was shrinking in form and substance inch by inch, its momentum gradually subsiding.

It was not only the objects within the dwelling that were emitting crackling sounds of shattering.

In the silence lasting but a few breaths.

If one possessed such ability, they would all be cleaved in two!

Eighty days had passed within the Yizhen Fa Zhi Jie, while only eight days had elapsed in the present world.

"Two days? That is also bad."

But not long after, accompanied by a "Crack!" sound.

Cultivation in the Way of the Sword.

His aura was like a sharp blade; even standing still without making the slightest move, he made it impossible for others to ignore him, chilling their muscles and bones.

Only after Niu Chen's figure emerged from the vast Bai Jin Guang within the dwelling did it become apparent that his entire body was now permeated with a grim, sharp energy, humming with a metallic ring.

This realm, ever since I was at the Golden Drum Cave in the Earth Abyss, had already revealed faint clues, granting me a vague sensation of it.

The Way of the Sword is different from others.

In just an instant, that thin sheet of Niu Chen ignited spontaneously, and at that same moment, a new piece of information suddenly appeared in my mind.

"After passing over the State of Zhao, that flock of crane spirits flew toward several surrounding small kingdoms, continuing to scatter talon papers along the way; such actions clearly indicate someone is deliberately orchestrating this."

Wait another two days, and it will be time for the Formless Boundary Sword Cave to open once again.

Huang Fu showed slight surprise.

Dun Dun Jiesuo spoke little more; he handed a sheet of Master Qiao Rui from his sleeve to Huang Fu. Seeing this, Huang Fu already had a conjecture in his heart, yet he still accepted it, sending his divine sense inside to inspect it.

But regardless of the method, one must personally test it to know for certain.

Dun Dun Jiesuo had not yet recovered his senses.

Within this, the Xian Dao Jing Zhi Jie is certainly important, yet it is not entirely determined solely by the Xian Dao Jing Zhi Jie.

Or perhaps continue staying deep within the Sword Cave, enduring the agony of being sliced by a thousand knives and ten thousand cuts...

"It was a flock of crane spirits; as they passed through the cloudy sky, they suddenly scattered some Niu Chen down. You and I each took a few sheets."

At the Si hour of this day, Huang Fu sat cross-legged on a meditation cushion, assuming a posture with seven hearts facing the heavens; a sword qi as thick as an arm revolved around him, spinning up and down, its cold light bleak and dazzling, making the four white walls appear as though splashed with water.

Since one is already within the abyssal waters, the only task remaining is nothing more than to escape from the water, exerting all one's strength to struggle onto the shore!

Niu Chen did not speak, merely shifting his gaze slightly to look.

It was not until today that he finally truly ascended to this realm, becoming a genuine eighth-realm cultivator of the Way of the Sword.

Within the vast qi, it seemed as though countless Jin Ge existed, humming faintly.

This tremor sounded repeatedly eight times, like overlapping waves upon the sea, each layer higher than the last.

In the indistinct depths, he felt only that some barrier had suddenly loosened; the obstructed matter no longer encountered any hindrance, flowing like a hundred rivers merging into the sea.

Huang Fu explained: "Master Shen has always favored cranes; even within the Green Snail Palace, he kept a flock of crane spirits, and the phrasing in this letter indeed closely resembles his tone."

Just as he was withdrawing the Abysmal Sword into his sleeve, suddenly, as if sensing something, he retracted his divine sense and returned from the True Dharma Realm to the present world.

Huang Fu lowered his eyelids, calmly withdrawing his gaze, and turned his sight toward the sky.

There, the small sword serving as the token for entering and exiting the Formless Boundary Sword Cave was flowing with light and color, darting restlessly within his Purple Palace.

Huang Fu shook his head slightly; regarding this failure, he felt no surprise, simply storing away the Abysmal Sword, grasping the Jade Cicada from his sleeve, and retreating into the True Dharma Realm to practice...

He opened his mouth and exhaled, sending forth a ray of brilliant light from within, which crashed directly into the sword qi that neither flashed nor dodged!

Following the direction of his pointing finger, Dun Dun Jiesuo looked up and immediately understood.

It seemed that with but a single thought from him, he could at any moment carry his divine sense away to another world.

The sky was filled with brilliant, dazzling misty light.

Like a bright pearl from the Eastern Sea emerging from the water, illuminating the interior thoroughly, making everything above and below clear.

The sound of footsteps came muffled from behind the door.