Chapter Eleven: The Celestial Evolution Sword Technique

“This ancient tree truly is a marvelous treasure.”

Feeling the two energies within his body continuously merging without the slightest resistance as before, Bai Jingyan exhaled calmly.

...

“Young master, this is still too risky. For safety's sake, allow me to escort you out,” said a figure cloaked in black, kneeling respectfully in a dim corner.

In the shadowy forest, Chu Yao of the Southern Gate stood tall. Sunlight filtered through sparse branches, casting a resolute expression upon her cold visage. She held a jade slip emitting a faint glow, her eyes revealing a trace of urgency and unwillingness. Before her stood a figure shrouded entirely in a black robe, face hidden in shadow, with only a pair of deep, cold eyes gleaming sharply.

“Young master, this mission is too perilous. The Star Feather Sect has already sensed our movements. If we proceed any further, I fear...” the black-robed figure’s voice was low, laced with caution and concern.

Chu Yao furrowed her brows but replied firmly, “No. This opportunity comes once in a lifetime. If we give up now, finding the ‘Heavenly Star Stone’ again will be nearly impossible. Father’s condition cannot wait.”

The black-robed figure fell silent for a moment, then spoke with a hint of helplessness, “Young master, your safety is paramount. Should anything befall you, the sect leader... it would be even harder for him to bear.”

Clenching the jade slip tightly until her knuckles paled, Chu Yao looked toward the distant Star Feather Sect’s mountain gate, faintly visible through the mist, its defenses evidently heightened. She knew the black-robed figure was right—the Star Feather Sect had sensed the anomaly, and rash action could lead to grave danger.

Yet, thinking of her father’s weakening body, her heart twisted in agony. The Heavenly Star Stone was the sole remedy; she could not relinquish hope.

“I will not return,” Chu Yao’s voice was soft but unwavering. “If you fear for yourself, leave on your own.”

---

The black-robed figure sighed and shook his head. “If you insist, young master, I swear to follow you to the death. Just... please be extremely cautious.”

Chu Yao nodded and was about to speak when faint footsteps and whispered voices came from afar. Her expression shifted. Holding her breath, she slipped silently into the nearby shadows. The black-robed figure vanished just as silently, as if never there.

“I clearly sensed spiritual fluctuations here just now. Why have they suddenly disappeared?” a Star Feather disciple holding a long sword looked around warily.

“Maybe it was an illusion. The sect has tightened security so much lately, not even a bird can fly in,” another disciple dismissed with a wave.

After a brief search and finding nothing unusual, they turned to leave. Chu Yao exhaled quietly but felt a heavier burden. The Star Feather Sect’s vigilance was far stronger than she had anticipated; the next moves must be even more careful.

The black-robed figure reappeared beside her silently, whispering, “Young master, it’s not too late to turn back now.”

Chu Yao shook her head, her gaze resolute. “I will not give up. No matter what, I must obtain the Heavenly Star Stone.”

...

At the Star Feather Sect’s plaza,

Bai Jingyan sat cross-legged with his eyes gently closed, his spirit immersed within. He sensed the sword energy and spiritual energy flowing slowly through his meridians, no longer clashing violently as before but gradually merging into a new force. This power was gentle yet mighty, like a trickling stream nourishing his parched meridians and dantian.

As the sword energy and spiritual energy fused, Bai Jingyan’s consciousness grew hazy, as if drawn by an invisible force into a strange dimension. Here, there was no distinction of heaven or earth; a faint mist swirled all around, within which ancient runes shimmered mysteriously in the void, exuding profound and arcane aura.

His awareness drifted through this realm until suddenly a colossal scroll appeared ahead, floating midair. It radiated soft golden light, its surface densely inscribed with countless runes, each seeming to harbor infinite secrets.

Bai Jingyan’s heart trembled, sensing a certain connection between the scroll and himself. Cautiously, he reached out and gently touched it. The moment his finger met the scroll, it unfurled abruptly, golden light blazing forth. Countless runes flew out, transforming into streams of light that surged into his consciousness.

“This is... the sword Dao inheritance?” Bai Jingyan was awestruck as a flood of information poured into his mind. It contained the essence of swordsmanship, the manipulation of spiritual energy, and an unparalleled technique called the “Heavenly Evolution Sword Art.”

He studied the knowledge carefully, discovering that the “Heavenly Evolution Sword Art” was not a mere sword technique but the supreme method to perfectly integrate sword energy with spiritual energy. Cultivating this art not only harmonizes both energies but also harnesses the force of heaven and earth, unleashing power far beyond one’s own realm.

“No wonder my sword energy and spiritual energy kept clashing before—it was because I hadn’t found the correct way to fuse them...” Bai Jingyan’s understanding suddenly cleared, as if a new door had swung open.

Following the guidance of the “Heavenly Evolution Sword Art,” he began to circulate the sword energy and spiritual energy within. As he practiced, he felt the internal forces gradually balancing; the sword energy and spiritual energy no longer repelled each other but resonated in a wondrous harmony. His meridians became sturdier under this nourishment, and the spiritual power in his dantian grew ever fuller.

Immersed in cultivation, the runes on the scroll flickered again, and a venerable, commanding voice echoed in his mind: “He who inherits from me must clarify his sword heart and resolve, and prove the Dao through spiritual energy. The Heavenly Evolution Sword Art is a secret of heaven and earth, capable of cleaving the void and defying fate. However, this art carries tribulations; if one’s heart and will lack steadfastness, backlash will ensue, and the soul will be scattered.”

Bai Jingyan’s heart tightened, understanding this was the inheritance spirit’s warning. He took a deep breath and solemnly replied, “I, Bai Jingyan, shall not betray this trust. With a clear sword heart and spiritual conviction, I will prove the Dao!”

The voice seemed pleased and nodded before fading away. The scroll slowly closed, transforming into a golden light that entered Bai Jingyan’s brow.

His consciousness returned to his body as he opened his eyes slowly. A sharp brilliance flashed within them. He felt his power had multiplied many times over; the fusion of sword energy and spiritual energy radiated a completely new aura from him.

“Heavenly Evolution Sword Art... is this my destiny?” he murmured, clenching his fist as surging strength filled his being.