Chapter 206

Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/PazjBDkTmW

Chapter 206: Ancestor of the Sword Path

"I am the Supreme Elder of the Heavenly Sword Sect!"

The words crashed like thunder in Ye Yun’s ears, leaving him frozen in shock, scarcely daring to believe what he’d heard.

"You… you’re the Supreme Elder of the Heavenly Sword Sect?" Ye Yun breathed, his voice hushed.

"That seems right. Yet it’s strange—I’ve forgotten my own name, and the names of all others from the sect," the old man’s ethereal figure flickered faintly.

Not only had he lost his own name, but every trace of memory about those from his era had vanished.

"What *do* you remember?" Ye Yun pressed.

The old man furrowed his brow. "I recall practicing an unusual technique—the Little Absorption Technique."

The Little Absorption Technique!

Ye Yun stiffened, disbelief etched on his face. "Do you know Elder Zi? Elder Zishan?"

Even as he spoke, he realized the futility. Elder Zi was young; this ancient figure couldn’t possibly know him.

"Names mean nothing to me now," the old man snapped.

"Then what *else* remains?" Ye Yun sighed.

The old man chuckled dryly. "Almost nothing. But there’s one Sword Technique I could teach you, if you wish."

"Sword Technique?" A glimmer of excitement flashed in Ye Yun’s eyes before he shook his head. "I’ve yet to master the moves I already know. More would only hinder me."

"Moves? You dare call those crude swings ‘swordplay’?" The old man’s voice rose sharply. "Do you understand the origins of true swordplay? The essence of sword intent? The vastness of the Sword Path itself?"

Ye Yun blinked. Such rage over a simple question? Countless cultivators studied swordplay—surely not all met this man’s lofty standards.

"Show me these ‘moves’ of yours," the old man growled. "Let’s see if they deserve the name."

With a shrug, Ye Yun grasped the Purple Shadow Sword. "Since you insist."

The blade flickered. The suffocating heat of the Fire Dragon Cave stilled abruptly as snowflakes materialized, swirling around him in a radius of several zhang.

"Ice Sealing a Thousand Miles!"

The Purple Shadow Sword swept outward. Ice engulfed ten zhang, draping even the cave’s fiery stones in frost.

"Ice Spirit Qi?" The old man’s eyes narrowed. "A decent trick—for swordplay. But the Sword Path? You’ve not glimpsed its true depths."

"What *is* the Sword Path?"

"Heaven and earth hold countless Daos. The Sword Path is among them—a strike that cleaves worlds. Each warrior’s path differs, yet all converge at the same peak."

Ye Yun crossed his arms. "If my skills displease you, demonstrate yours."

The old man snorted. "My sword cannot be drawn lightly. A single strike would shatter this cave—and my ethereal form with it."

Ye Yun laughed. "If your blade could break the Fire Dragon Cave, why linger here eight centuries?"

"Fool!" The old man’s form rippled. "This is no true body, but a wisp of soul. Shatter the cave, and I vanish forever."

Ye Yun studied him closely. The figure *was* translucent, woven from light and shadow.

"Enough," the old man muttered. "Show me another technique. I’ll offer… guidance."

Sheathing his sword, Ye Yun stood motionless. His presence shifted suddenly—still as deep waters, unyielding as mountains.

The old man’s eyes glimmered with excitement, filled with anticipation.

Ye Yun rested his right hand on the Purple Shadow Sword and abruptly unsheathed it. Purple light and shadow rippled like flowing water, creating a breathtaking spectacle.

A single straightforward motion—drawing and thrusting—completed the action.

Ye Yun didn’t employ any true qi, merely executing a plain thrust.

"What’s your verdict, Senior?"

The old man stared dumbfounded, as though witnessing a ghost. After a long pause, he suddenly roared, "Born as a Sword! This is Born as a Sword! How could you possibly know this technique?"

Ye Yun’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. That this old man recognized Elder Seven’s secret technique completely stunned him.

"Who taught you Born as a Sword? This technique demands extreme talent—even geniuses often fail to grasp it!" The old man practically bounced in agitation amidst the shimmering light.

Caught off guard by this outburst, Ye Yun answered, "My Master taught me. You think I figured it out myself?"

"Your Master mastered it too? Lies! For centuries, no one in the Heavenly Sword Sect succeeded—not even me! Has someone cracked the technique’s secret?" The old man’s voice rose sharply.

Ye Yun waved dismissively. "Only Master and I can perform it. But why’s this technique so special? It rattled even a Sword Path Ancestor like you."

Flattery worked. The old man visibly preened at the title, his agitation subsiding.

"Sword Path Ancestor… Not bad. I’ll keep that name." He nodded approvingly.

Smiling, Ye Yun pressed, "Ancestor, I stumbled into learning this technique. Please enlighten me about its secrets."

The Sword Path Ancestor stroked his chin. "Born as a Sword isn’t just one move—it’s the foundation. Its simplicity aligns with the Dao itself. Master it, and you’ll wield unimaginable power."

Ye Yun recalled Elder Seven’s demonstration—a casual thrust that seemed to shatter reality itself.

"Through this basic motion, you’ll merge countless techniques," the Ancestor continued, enthusiasm building. "One sword becomes ten, then a hundred, then thousands! Enemies drown in sword rain with no escape."

"Doubtful. My earlier thrust felt ordinary," Ye Yun countered.

"Ordinary?" The Ancestor snorted. "You used no true qi! With your immense reserves—far beyond your first-level Qi refining cultivation—a powered strike could slay even peak Qi refining experts!"

Ye Yun remembered Elder Seven’s words about technique integration. "How do I merge other skills into it?"

"The thrust motion’s the key. Grasp that, and merging techniques becomes natural." The Ancestor waved impatiently. "You’ve cleared the hardest part. Now practice diligently."

Ye Yun closed his eyes, meditating on these words. After half an incense stick’s time, his eyes snapped open.

His right hand sword-finger thrust toward the cliff wall.

Had Duan Chenfeng and Yu Minghong been present, they’d have gasped. Familiar Celestial Techniques blended seamlessly in that single motion—perfect harmony where discord should reign.

The Sword Path Ancestor’s jaw dropped. He’d offered basic guidance, yet Ye Yun had instantly integrated multiple techniques flawlessly.

"Genius! A true Sword Path genius!" he bellowed, trembling with exhilaration.

Unhearing, Ye Yun remained entranced. Two distinct attacks merged smoothly within his thrust—no resistance, no disharmony.

This was Born as a Sword’s true wonder.