Longevity Martial Arts: I have a Mysterious Water Snake Avatar-Chapter 185 - 178 Killing Moves Gather! The Initial Accomplishment of the Sword Tao!
「One and a half years later, Phoenix Creek Mountain Range.」
The blizzard was violent, the cold wind cut to the bone, and heavy snow swirled chaotically. The world was blanketed in white. Suddenly, a shadow emerged from the snow.
The forests and fields were withered, encased in frost. Even the hills were dressed in layers of frost, and the rivers had also frozen solid.
Ordinary Martial Artists would turn into ice sculptures within moments of venturing out in such weather.
BOOM!
A figure moved back and forth through the wind and snow with the ease and grace of rainbow-piercing Sword Qi.
"Thrilling, simply thrilling! After spending a massive amount of Energy Stones, I’ve finally advanced to the initial tier of the fifth stage. My various killer moves are now even more effortless to use."
Sword Tao Hong Yuan narrowed his eyes, and the Heavenly River Sword under his feet let out a cheerful sword hum.
After more than a year, Hong Yuan had successfully built up a combat system for his Sword Tao Incarnation, outfitted with various offensive killer moves, movement techniques, and trump cards like Sword Qi Thunder Sound and Sword Intent Transforming into Brilliance.
At this moment, he was using the movement technique killer move—Sword Qi Runs Through the Rainbow.
Hong Yuan flicked his hand. Six Sword Sparrow Worms flew out from the sleeve of his blue robe, cutting through the wind and snow as they searched for Spirit Grass and Ferocious Beasts.
Indeed, Hong Yuan had come to the Phoenix Creek Mountain Range to gain combat experience and hunt for bountiful resources.
The Sword Sparrow Worm was a third-tier Sword Tao Worm. It was sparrow-sized but had razor-sharp wings and keen vision, greatly enhancing Hong Yuan’s sensory abilities.
Suspended in the blizzard, Hong Yuan used the Sword Sparrow Worms to scout the vast mountain.
The Sword Sparrow Worms flapped their wings, flying according to Hong Yuan’s will.
Soon, a Sword Sparrow Worm to the northeast discovered a Rampant Flame Lion in a hot cave.
"A Rampant Flame Lion, a third-tier Ferocious Beast..." Hong Yuan pondered briefly. "A third-tier is somewhat weak, but since I’m already here, it won’t hurt to spend a little time on it."
A rainbow of sword light streaked past, and Hong Yuan rushed through the wind and snow.
Snowflakes barely touched his blue robe before being shredded by the Heavenly River Sword Qi.
Arriving above the cave, Hong Yuan looked down into the dark opening and waved his sword finger.
"Sword Qi Binding Net!"
A cluster of white Qi formed at his fingertip, spinning rapidly, imbued with a sharpness that could slice through the void.
As Hong Yuan unleashed it, this cluster of white Qi surged into the dark cave.
"ROAR!"
The Rampant Flame Lion, startled from its slumber, roared furiously. But ensnared by the white sword net, its struggles only caused its wounds to deepen and bleed more profusely.
Hong Yuan’s expression remained unchanged. He curled his sword finger, and the white sword net immediately constricted.
The sword net, containing countless strands of Sword Qi, sliced into the Rampant Flame Lion. Within a single breath, the beast was on the brink of death.
The Sword Qi Binding Net is a technique I specifically developed to trap enemies. You should feel honored to be caught by it, you little beast. Hong Yuan thought.
With a thought, a Sword Sparrow Worm bit into the white sword net, its aura connecting with the net.
Flapping its wings forcefully, it dragged the Rampant Flame Lion out.
Hong Yuan patted his Beast Control Bag, and the Rampant Flame Lion—a creature that held some standing within the Phoenix Creek Mountain Range—was secured inside.
In that brief exchange, Hong Yuan felt his Sea of True Essence deplete by twenty percent and promptly activated Sword Origin Water Lotus to absorb Essence Qi.
Within his Sea of True Essence, a blue water lotus with sword-like leaves blossomed, spreading its form.
As it unfurled, surge after surge of True Essence poured into his Sea of True Essence, rapidly refilling it. Even Hong Yuan’s physique felt somewhat invigorated.
This was his recovery technique, Sword Origin Water Lotus!
After the replenishment, Sword Origin Water Lotus retracted one of its sword-leaves, while the other eight leaves still radiated vibrant vitality.
In other words, Hong Yuan could use this technique at least nine times in a battle, showcasing his profound reserves.
"Oh? A flock of Phoenix Feather Butterflies."
Upon receiving a message from a Sword Sparrow Worm to the southwest, Hong Yuan’s eyebrows lifted in delight.
Although Phoenix Feather Butterflies were also third-tier Ferocious Beasts, their striking appearance and gentle nature made them highly sought after. They were popular as spiritual companions for countless female Martial Artists.
A single one could fetch tens of thousands of Energy Stones, a price even higher than some fourth-tier Ferocious Beasts!
「In the southwest, in a valley where vines decorated the trees and flowers bloomed along the cliffs, a group of Phoenix Feather Butterflies warily watched the Sword Sparrow Worms, emitting warning chirps to drive them away.」
For these butterflies to have such a spring-like valley amidst the heavy snow season was indeed a stroke of luck.
As Hong Yuan sped towards this peculiar valley, someone else was also rushing to the same location.
"Phoenix Feather Butterfly King of Ten Thousand Beasts, if Bamboo Sword Transformation can’t defeat you, I refuse to believe my newly mastered Green Phoenix Transformation won’t! Butterfly Rhyme Grass, you will be mine!" Zhu Wenlan said, a smile on her face.
Zhu Wenlan was a True Disciple of the Phoenix Creek Sect and a fifth-stage Martial Artist of the Transformation Tao. Her strength ranked high among the many True Disciples of the sect.
If any holder of the Phoenix Creek Tutelage were to initiate the Saint Achievement Immortal Transcending Tribulation, she might very well have a chance to contend for that position! 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺
Ever since discovering this unique valley, Zhu Wenlan had been returning every few days, relentlessly trying to conquer it.
If she could obtain the Butterfly Rhyme Grass, she could master the Butterfly Sword Transformation killer move, elevating her strength to a new level.
At this moment, Zhu Wenlan had just exited the Sect gates. She stood on a cliff in the outer region of the Phoenix Creek Mountain Range, overlooking a deep, bottomless abyss.
Gazing at the fierce snowstorm and white mountain peaks, Zhu Wenlan leaped. The instant her limbs left the cliff, she transformed into a Green Phoenix.
A Transformation Tao killer move!
The Green Phoenix shrieked, wrapped in a fierce wind, as it dove towards the valley.
"Sword Qi Thunder Sound!"
Hong Yuan wielded the Heavenly River Sword, unleashing a great clap of thunder. Many Phoenix Feather Butterflies, stunned by the sonic wave, froze mid-air and fell to the ground.
Only the Thousand Beast Kings and Beast Kings among the Phoenix Feather Butterflies managed to maintain their flight. Ultimately, the only one with enough strength remaining to resist Hong Yuan was the Phoenix Feather Butterfly King of Ten Thousand Beasts.
The Phoenix Feather Butterfly King of Ten Thousand Beasts fluttered its wings, unleashing streaks of cyan slashes.
Its slender figure darted through the air—up, down, left, right, in every direction—flickering like a streak of pink light, its movements impossibly agile.
"Sword Intent Transforming into Brilliance!"
Hong Yuan swept his heavy sword horizontally. Led by the Sword Intent Worm, other Worms promptly activated, unleashing two slashes of blue, radiant wind.
The two slashes of blue, radiant wind cut through layers of space, tearing a void as they pressed down.
"SCREECH..."
The harsh, grating sound was ear-piercing, causing the many Phoenix Feather Butterflies on the grass to whimper pitifully.
In that exchange, the blue, radiant wind slashes instantly devoured the numerous cyan attacks. Visible shockwaves rippled out, scattering the Phoenix Feather Butterflies across the ground in a pitiful state.
Witnessing the tragic state of its kin, the Phoenix Feather Butterfly King of Ten Thousand Beasts faltered for a moment.
Sword Light flashed in Hong Yuan’s eyes. Suppressing the turbulence in his Sea of True Essence, he decisively activated Sword Qi Runs Through the Rainbow.
A flash of blue light, and in an instant, Hong Yuan appeared before the Phoenix Feather Butterfly King of Ten Thousand Beasts.
In its terrified gaze, the Heavenly River Sword thrust out.
With a soft tearing sound, like fabric ripping, the Phoenix Feather Butterfly King of Ten Thousand Beasts was pierced by the Heavenly River Sword, falling into a near-death state.
After dealing with the Phoenix Feather Butterfly King of Ten Thousand Beasts—an entity comparable to a late-stage fifth-tier Martial Artist—the remaining Phoenix Feather Butterflies were all trapped by Sword Qi Bundle Net, none escaping.
"One hundred fifty-three..."
"One hundred sixty-seven..."
"One hundred seventy-two..."
"If a single Phoenix Feather Butterfly is worth, say, thirty thousand Energy Stones, then this trip alone has netted me over five million Energy Stones. Oh ho, I’ve struck it rich, I’ve struck it rich!"
After counting the Phoenix Feather Butterflies, Hong Yuan couldn’t help but perform a sword flourish, his joy beyond words.
His battle against the Phoenix Feather Butterfly swarm wasn’t as simple as it looked. It was mainly because he, as a Sword Tao Martial Artist, held inherent advantages.
Hong Yuan completely outclassed the Phoenix Feather Butterfly King of Ten Thousand Beasts in terms of movement techniques and attack power. Even so, it had still taken considerable effort.
After dealing with the Phoenix Feather Butterfly swarm, Hong Yuan walked towards the valley, intending to gather all valuables within it.
He was only halfway there when the Heavenly River Sword sent an excited signal, its focus aimed straight at a patch of bushes ahead.
The closer he got to the bushes, the more agitated the Heavenly River Sword became, like a Taotie spotting a delicious feast.
This is the Native Sword Embryo, perfectly in tune with the Sword Tao Incarnation, like its third hand. But why does it have the appetite of an Ice Armor Python...? Hong Yuan’s sword-like eyebrows drooped slightly, a hint of puzzlement in his heart.
Parting the bushes, Hong Yuan discovered clusters of small, purple grasses shaped like Phoenix Feather Butterflies.
The Heavenly River Sword was already stirring restlessly, waiting only for Hong Yuan’s command to devour these purple grasses.
Hong Yuan observed for a moment and finally recognized the purple grasses.
Butterfly Rhyme Grass... A precious Transformation Tao Spirit Grass that allows a Martial Artist to sense the grace of a butterfly. It’s also an indispensable ingredient for many high-grade medicinal pills. A single stalk is worth twenty thousand Energy Stones...
This must be the final reserve of the Phoenix Feather Butterfly swarm. Hong Yuan mused.
There were nearly a hundred stalks of Butterfly Rhyme Grass here. Selling them could earn Hong Yuan close to two million Energy Stones.
But Energy Stones were transient; true value lay in converting them into actual strength.
Hong Yuan released the Heavenly River Sword, allowing it to devour the Butterfly Rhyme Grasses.
The Heavenly River Sword hovered mid-air, drifting gently towards the Butterfly Rhyme Grasses.
The Butterfly Rhyme Grasses seemed to possess Spiritual Wisdom, each one bowing its head as if trying to hide.
SWISH! SWISH!
The Heavenly River Sword swept back and forth, cutting through the Butterfly Rhyme Grasses. Wisps of white mist rose from them and flowed into the Sword Body of the Heavenly River Sword.
The Sword Tao Incarnation was one with the Heavenly River Sword. As the sword received nourishment, Hong Yuan’s own aura also grew more condensed.
Hong Yuan looked inward at his Sea of True Essence. It was roiling ceaselessly, pounding against his stone apertures, striving to elevate his cultivation from early fifth-tier to mid-fifth-tier.
However, moments later, the Sea of True Essence receded, and the stone apertures remained unmoved.
Time waits for no one. I must head to Qing State. Once my trump card, Heavenly River Sword Cascades, is condensed into a Sub-Divine Power, then I shall set off. Hong Yuan thought.
Heavenly River Sword Cascades was his trump card. It merged his understanding of both Water Tao and Sword Tao, perfectly embodying the Heavenly River Sword Tao.
Once activated, the Heavenly River Sword, the Heavenly River Sword Body, and his Sword Tao and Water Tao Worms would all exert their combined strength, virtually exhausting all the reserves of his Sword Tao Incarnation.
The might of this move was comparable to the peak of the fifth tier!
Once the absorption was complete, Hong Yuan promptly took up the Heavenly River Sword and departed.
He disappeared into the snowstorm, returning to his Sect. He needed to prepare for condensing Heavenly River Sword Cascades into a Sub-Divine Power, thereby gaining a Saint-level technique.
「A short while later.」
A Green Phoenix descended from the sky. Gazing at the ravaged valley, crisscrossed with Sword Qi, she immediately let out an angry shriek.
When she saw that not a single Butterfly Rhyme Grass in the undergrowth had survived, she cursed loudly.
"Damn Sword Cultivator! Don’t let me find out who you are! How dare you be so excessive!" Zhu Wenlan was furious.
Her actual strength was much greater than that of the Phoenix Feather Butterfly King of Ten Thousand Beasts; she just wasn’t as agile.
And she had been greedy, wanting to claim both the Phoenix Feather Butterfly Ferocious Beast swarm and the Butterfly Rhyme Grass. That was why she had planned meticulously, repeatedly scouting the location.
After mastering Green Phoenix Transformation, her agility had greatly increased. She had believed she could defeat the Phoenix Feather Butterfly King of Ten Thousand Beasts and get rich overnight.
She had even aspired to master the Butterfly Sword Transformation killer move, which combined offense and agility! Her plan was to make a name for herself on the Phoenix Roaring Battlefield and become a strong contender for one of the nine positions of Phoenix Creek Tutelage!
Now, it seemed all her plans were ruined.
The more Zhu Wenlan thought about it, the angrier she became. She immediately took flight, searching for Hong Yuan.
