Chapter 138 – Taishang Dongxuan Wuhuo Dao Sovereign Sword Canon

Qi Wuhuo had no idea what had transpired. He merely stood within the Scripture Pavilion, sword in hand, his eyes half-closed. Unconsciously, he began to recall and ponder the essence of the Sword Dao. The many insights he had gained from his earlier, spontaneous sword swings now surged forth like flowing water. All manner of wondrous realizations, with sword in hand as brush, were inscribed upon a blank bamboo slip within the pavilion.

There was not much empty space left on the bamboo slip—barely enough for a few lines.

Yet Qi Wuhuo instinctively infused his own sword qi and spiritual resonance into the sword’s edge as he wrote, and naturally, cloud seal characters began to form.

Each cloud seal character, every stroke and turn, was imbued with profound contemplation.

Without pause, with a single breath, he poured out all the sword qi brimming in his chest.

In one unbroken flow, thoroughly and freely, he filled the bamboo slip with words. The young Daoist exhaled, feeling his inner energy finally settle. Suddenly, he heard a laugh: “Not bad, little Daoist. You’re already able to write a sword manual?”

Only then did Qi Wuhuo notice that the Great Dao Sovereign from before had taken on a dreamlike, illusory form.

He seemed like a shadow of bamboo under the moon—if one did not look carefully, he would vanish.

The black-robed Daoist, with a hint of a smile, gazed at the sword manual. With his level of cultivation, he could send countless thoughts to wander the mortal world, while his true self remained in the Shangqing Heaven, preaching the Dao. He had intended to leave earlier, but upon sensing the surge of sword intent from Qi Wuhuo, he decided to stay and observe what more the youth could accomplish.

After a brief inspection, he nodded slightly. “Not bad.”

“But it’s a pity—it only encompasses the Three Talents and the level of Innate Qi, and even then, it’s not fully comprehensive at the Innate Qi stage.”

“As for what comes after, it’s mostly just conceptual.”

“It still seems rather immature.”

He paused, then continued: “Still, considering you yourself have only reached the stage of Innate Qi, to be able to write something like this is already quite commendable.”

Qi Wuhuo shook his head and replied: “It was only thanks to your guidance, senior.”

“Otherwise, relying on myself alone, I could never have written this.”

“If, one day, this sword manual truly becomes complete, I should record this experience of discussing the sword with you, Dao Sovereign, at the very beginning, so that future sword cultivators know the truth. I must not claim that this was my own solitary insight.”

And I must also include Senior Sister Yumiao’s Hunyuan Sword Canon.

The black-robed Daoist could not help but burst out laughing. “You, you are interesting indeed! Most people are desperate to claim all the credit for themselves, to prove that they alone are the peerless talent, that everything they accomplish is their own doing, with no one else sharing in their fame. Yet you wish to share this renown with others?”

“Quite interesting!”

“It was only thanks to the Great Dao Sovereign’s guidance that I was able to gain any insight.”

“All right, all right, as you wish.”

With a sweep of his sleeve, the black-robed Daoist caused a layer of flowing light to ripple across the bamboo slip. Instantly, Primordial Qi from between Heaven and Earth gathered, transforming into another bamboo slip. The material’s grain, dust, sword marks, and even the lingering sharpness and fierce sword intent were exactly the same as the slip beside Qi Wuhuo. Seeing the young Daoist’s astonished expression, he smiled freely and said:

“The transformative arts of the Profound Gate can turn stone into gold, conjure something from nothing.”

“For those of lower cultivation, it’s merely the ability to change ordinary things.”

“With a bit of Dao attainment, all things under Heaven can be transformed. With a single thought, countless treasures can be condensed from the void.”

“What is it, little one? Do you wish to learn such a method?”

“If you acknowledge me as your master, I can teach you this art right now.”

The young Daoist let out a sigh.

Then, with hands joined in salute, he replied: “Great Dao Sovereign jests.”

“This humble Daoist already has a master.”

He paused, then solemnly declared: “Once a teacher, a teacher for life.”

“In this life, I shall have but one master.”

The Great Dao Sovereign smiled: “Oh? Is that so? I see—indeed, it should be so.”

Anyway, your teacher is also of the Shangqing lineage.

If you were to become my disciple in the future, it wouldn’t truly be leaving your school.

Still, to honor and respect one’s teacher, never to change allegiance—

Such a character.

Good, very good.

The Great Dao Sovereign inwardly admired this trait.

With this, there was no need to worry about that old stick-in-the-mud Yuqing keeping a close watch, afraid of having his disciple poached.

Though who knows who taught him this principle.

If it weren’t for the agreement with Yuqing not to seize those already chosen, he would have liked to see for himself who this little one’s master was.

Still, he had already glimpsed Yun Qin earlier, so Yuqing had likely noticed.

If he tried again and glimpsed a registered contender, even if Yuqing was in seclusion, he would remember it.

And would surely come knocking after leaving seclusion.

In the past, Yuqing Yuanshi Heavenly Venerable divined that there would be twelve True Sages of Yuqing, so he took twelve disciples to fulfill the mandate of Heaven. Yet one of them, relying on this status, acted recklessly and was eventually cut down, body and soul destroyed, never to reincarnate.

At present, there were only eleven direct disciples under Yuqing’s lineage—one spot remained.

He would need to be vigilant.

Hmph, one of these days, he ought to write a letter to Old Brother Taiqing. Yuqing’s choice of Taishang Xuanwei might not be out of goodwill. [TL_Note: In case it’s confusing, Taiqing is the Taishang Great Heavenly Venerable]

Who could say if it was a test, with the intent to eventually take him as a disciple?

The black-robed Daoist’s expression remained calm as he looked at Qi Wuhuo and said: “However, I will not take you as my disciple. But according to my custom, whenever a junior in the Dao encounters me, I always bestow some benefit.”

“For any cultivator who has attained even a fraction of cultivation and meets my true form, they must never leave empty-handed.”

“Tell me, is there anything you desire? I possess three thousand wondrous arts, countless divine abilities. If there is something you wish for, simply speak.”

“Whether it is a method to sever calamity and avert disaster…”

“Or the art of refining supreme magical treasures…”

“Any method you can think of, I possess. Even those you cannot imagine, I have as well.”

As he spoke, faint spiritual radiance began to appear in the void before them, resplendent and majestic. There seemed to be a long sword, bright and dazzling, capable of cleaving through ten thousand miles of emptiness; there appeared a bell and seal, gently trembling, with thunder and fire entwined—one strike could shatter all evil. Besides these two, many other mysterious treasures manifested, all emanating immense spiritual light and awe-inspiring presence.

Qi Wuhuo felt that he had already received great fortune today.

He truly did not wish to ask for more.

Yet he also knew that if he said as much, this proud Great Dao Sovereign before him would never accept it. So he replied:

“Did you not say, Dao Sovereign, that today you are here neither in person nor in true form, and that there is no need for excessive courtesy or words?”

“[There is no distinction of status or rank here, only discussion of the Dao and the sword].”

“If there is no difference in status, then what talk is there of senior and junior?”

 “How then could I accept anything from you?”

The black-robed Daoist raised his gaze to Qi Wuhuo and, smiling, asked: “Then, in this case, you and I…”

The young Daoist replied: “Are we not here to discuss the sword?”

“Discussing the sword?”

The black-robed Daoist repeated the words to himself a few times, then suddenly burst into hearty laughter. His laughter was bold and unrestrained, ringing out in the hall as he exclaimed: “Hahaha! Good, good, good! Well said, well said! What a fine ‘only discussion of Dao and sword’—though it was my own words, for you to say them at this moment, you are indeed bold and proud. I like it!”

Still laughing, he swept his sleeve, and all the treasures vanished.

He could perceive Qi Wuhuo’s true heart, knowing that his refusal to accept a gift was sincere, not a calculated move for future gain.

His appreciation deepened, and he said: “Then let this meeting gift await our next encounter.”

“When you and I truly meet in person.”

The Great Dao Sovereign paused, then added: “Who knows, I may have a favor to ask of you then.”

“But don’t worry, it’s nothing major—just a simple sparring match with someone. With me watching over you, you won’t come to any harm, nor will your foundation be affected.”

“The disciples of that lineage are all pure-hearted and highly talented. If you cross swords with him, it will be a rare opportunity for you as well.”

“I am not like that Yu… that old stick-in-the-mud. He is like the elders in your mortal world.”

“The more he values his disciples, the harsher the trials he sets for them.”

“He even plans out their future paths, making decisions for them without telling them in advance. Even if the disciple objects, it’s of no use. I am not so rigid—if you do not wish to go, you can simply say so.” 

At worst, I’ll just break my agreement with Yuqing.

Breaking a promise, that’s all

In these endless years, it wouldn’t be the first time.

The young Daoist was about to reply.

But the Great Dao Sovereign raised his hand to stop him and said: “There’s no need for you to decide now. I am only informing you of this.”

“Time is long; you need not decide in haste.”

“Just remember: follow your heart, act naturally as you walk the world, and that is enough.”

This last line was a sincere and gentle teaching, his tone slow and calm. The young Daoist bowed deeply and replied that he would respectfully heed the advice. The Great Dao Sovereign smiled faintly, swept his horsetail whisk, and though nothing seemed to change in Qi Wuhuo’s eyes, the Great Dao Sovereign’s presence had vanished. The Scripture Pavilion now felt subtly emptier, save that the sword qi lingered, and on the desk, the bamboo slip inscribed with traces of sword intent remained, proof of all that had just transpired.

The young Daoist rested his hand on the bamboo scroll.

This was the very first scripture he had created and written himself.

In this world, cultivation scriptures are roughly divided into five categories: [Mysterious Methods], [Profound Chapters], [Jade Formulas], [Dao Canons], and [True Scriptures].

Senior Sister Yumiao, in her youth, had traveled the world with their teacher. The cultivation method she created, the “Hunyuan Sword Canon”, had already reached the level of a [Dao Canon]—her talent unmatched, her sword qi peerless. As for himself, he had only just created the first two sections of his own sword manual; he wondered, what level might it be classified as?

The young Daoist brushed his fingers over the characters on the bamboo slip, feeling the faint threads of sword intent woven within.

He rolled up the bamboo slip, treasuring it deeply, and tucked it carefully into his sleeve.

When he pushed open the window, he paused in surprise.

He saw the morning mist, thick and heavy, and the sunlight as if newly born—dawn’s brilliance streaming through the fog, dreamlike and ethereal.

Though he had just spent what felt like several hours discussing sword arts and techniques with the black-robed Daoist, the sun had not yet risen, and the morning mist had not yet dispersed.

It was as if only a single instant had passed.

In his palm, the sword filled with killing intent let out a piercing cry, as if the suppression upon it had been lifted. Its fangs bared once more, its edge fierce and domineering, exuding a ruthless aura. Yet the young Daoist merely raised his hand and tapped the sword; instantly, the sword qi reversed, surging straight into the blade itself.

In a single thought, it could be used for killing or for protection.

That boundless, murderous sword qi circled the young Daoist once—

Like a flowing wind.

He tapped the sword again and said softly, “Go.” The long sword leapt from his hand like a streak of light, returning to the scabbard hanging atop Luzu Tower, the seal renewed, unable to break free again. Only the lingering sword cries stirred the flowing wind, causing the ancient bells hanging from the eaves of Luzu Tower to tremble gently, releasing a crisp, lingering sound that shattered the morning mist.

The little Daoist Mingxin, still half-asleep and muddle-headed, awoke and pushed open his door, feeling the cool breeze on his face, so refreshing and clear.

He saw the shifting mist, and below the mountain, the young Daoist was reading his bamboo slip.

The wind stirred the temple bells.

Huh? Was the Luzu Sword always hanging on the tower like that? Somehow, it seemed a little different.

Had someone drawn it?

The little Daoist was full of questions, staring wide-eyed but unable to spot any real change. He dismissed it, thinking he must have been mistaken—besides, that sword had been there for hundreds of years, likely rusted through by now. How could it suddenly be drawn, suddenly “come to life”?

He didn’t pay it any mind, just stretched lazily with a big yawn.

His eyes were bright as he waved energetically: “Uncle-Master Qi, Uncle-Master Qi!”

“How did you sleep last night?!”

On the second floor of the Shangqing Library Pavilion, the Shangqing Lingbao Great Dao Sovereign lowered his gaze slightly. The memories of that strand of his divided spirit surfaced in his mind. With a spread of his five fingers, the bamboo slip silently appeared before him. Smiling faintly, he said: “Interesting, interesting. I hadn’t expected that, once again, instead of giving something away, I would end up gaining something.”

“How amusing.”

He looked at the bamboo slip, pondering for a moment what name to bestow upon it according to his judgment.

Was it a Mysterious Method, a Profound Chapter, a Dao Canon?

Or perhaps the highest category: a [True Scripture]?

The Three Pure Ones were always extremely cautious when determining the rank of a Daoist scripture.

In the end, the Great Dao Sovereign murmured with a smile: “Though immature, its intent is lofty. Based on the level of a Sword Canon, its vision is far-reaching, and its foundation is solid. Though it has only just reached the standard for this level of scripture, it is worthy of the title.”

He wrote down the name, then released the bamboo slip, letting it fall gently to the first floor of the Shangqing Library Pavilion.

Qingyang Miaodao Heavenly Lord poured himself a cup of tea.

Taking a small sip, he felt that these past few days had been idle and uneventful, with nothing of note occurring.

It was the perfect time to browse a Daoist Canon to accompany his tea.

He had already read through many Daoist scriptures before and was extremely familiar with them, but today, he seemed to notice something different. The old Heavenly Lord was surprised: “This is… there’s actually a new volume that I’ve never seen before…”

With the delight of meeting a new friend, he took out this new Daoist scripture, at first feeling a hint of regret:

“It’s only a fragment, just the first two sections.”

Then he looked at the title at the very front.

The first two characters were “Taishang”.

Used in a scripture’s name, it signified “supreme” or “most exalted,” not referring to the Taiqing Great Heavenly Venerable.

Qingyang Miaodao Heavenly Lord paused in surprise, then unrolled the bamboo slip to read its title. His heart trembled slightly, and he subconsciously read aloud:

“[Taishang Dongxuan Wuhuo Dao Sovereign Sword Canon]

“Dongxuan, Wuhuo Dao Sovereign?”

PS:

Lingbao Heavenly Venerable also bears the honorific title of Taishang Daojun (Supreme Dao Sovereign).