Chapter 121: Finality Moon, Liminality Flower (7)

Chapter 121: Finality Moon, Liminality Flower (7)

It is not until dawn before the spell of the proto-formation ends and the two sword cultivators lie on the ground, breathing heavily. Their expressions have all the tell-tale signs of mental confusion, but also awe and surprise as if they are aware of what happened during their trance.

To be precise, the proto-formation lost its power two hours earlier when they exhausted their Qi and could no longer power its enlightening features. Whether they were still in a state of martial trance or continuing their spar until physical exhaustion is not entirely clear.

But the moment the dawn reached them, the Ancient Sword Graveyard did return to a hibernating, stand-by mode. I wonder what it is exactly about the time of day that has such an effect on this formation. To me, this system is a marvel and worth studying, but in my current state and with my current knowledge, I cannot even begin to unravel its mysteries or optimize its functions.

They lie on the ground next to each other, their heads resting on each others shoulders. Cultivators can recover quickly, but something like this with so much exertion is not a simple matter to overcome or quickly.

It wouldnt surprise me if it even shortened their lifespan, but this hypothesis is only due to my own experience with the rather commonplace event of my lifespan being shortened for seemingly irrelevant reasons.

Wu Yulan is the first to speak, but not before she groans and tries to shift her position slightly, only to have her aching bones and muscles remind her that her current position in her inertial reference point is the one most convenient for her continued existence.

Was that a dream? she asks, but her tone suggests she already knows the answer. She is happy. There are glimmers of tears in her eyes which suggests that this happiness is not of the ordinary kind, but something that is a formative experience in her life.

Lan Xiaohui also tries to move, perhaps to look at her companion, but she also finds out very quickly that beyond the numbness in her physical structure, there is only pain and fatigue.

I dont think so, she says. My owner has far more experience with life-changing events than her companion, but even she is not immune to this. Her heart swells with pride and joy, not because of the benefits she has gained, but because this is the kind of pride and joy she has never felt before.

To Lan Xiaohui, cultivating the sword has always been for two reasons at least in her new life. To kill Yu Shun, and then to seek the Dao with me and become immortal.

In the short time that we have spent together, she has slain countless creatures and even other cultivators, but she has never experienced the joy of crossing swords with an equal and enjoying it.

I understand it because I am the same as them. The experience of putting forward that one thing that defines an entity and having it be deemed worthwhile is exhilarating and fulfilling. As it is for me to become the perfect tool; so it is for Lan Xiaohui and Wu Yulan to become the perfect sword cultivators.

We really received an Inheritance? Wu Yulan asks, her voice low as if to not intimidate the reality of what happened, and potentially scare it away.

Lan Xiaohui chuckles, a mild glimmer of disbelief in her own heart, and then nods. We did.

I wonder if receiving an inheritance is really such a special occasion. This [Transient Sword] cannot compare to the [Fractured Sword] that I taught to Lan Xiaohui, and with enough blood points, I could create countless more wonders that would make [Transient Sword] seem like a waste of energy.

Lan Xiaohui blinks, seems to think about it for a moment, and then realizes something. How long have you been carving jade?

Wu Yulan smiles. Since I was a child. Uncle Zhu Ye taught me.

You comprehended sword Qi when you were a child? This seems to be the most shocking revelation.

Wu Yulan nods. Mmm.

Wu Yulan may not be interested in martial arts or cultivation, but it is undeniable now that she was born to follow the path of the sword. It is no coincidence that Lady Yue is interested in this person, or that she has managed to climb all fourteen floors of the Pagoda of Introspection.

It is most likely that Wu Yulan does not realize this, but her entire life, in her own way, she has likely been walking the path of a sword cultivator from her isolation to her dismissive nature of practicing martial arts.

Wu Yulan is also a genius and prodigy the likes of which even Lan Xiaohui cannot compare to. My owners talent is in battle and improvement; Wu Yulans is in the very basics and extreme comprehension attributes.

What do we do now? Wu Yulan asks.

Lan Xiaohui smiles. We should continue practicing, she says. I want to show you Yaoyues inner world.

Yaoyue? Wu Yulan asks. Your sword?

Lan Xiaohui nods.

Your sword has already formed an inner world? That is amazing, Wu Yulan says, her eyes wide with genuine awe.

With pleasure, I gloat to myself, silently, at this entirely genuine admission of my excellence.

Time also flows differently inside. We can practice for a lot longer than a few days, Lan Xiaohui says.

With extreme dissatisfaction, I regret this entirely accurate assessment of my abilities that suggests Lan Xiaohui is not only aware of the variable time dilation of my inner world but also intends to use it and burn all of my Inner World Energy on a practice session.