CHAPTER 367: 397TH CHAPTER: CHU RIVER AND BLACK LAKE

In the serene courtyard, Zhang Nianchuan was sitting cross-legged on a Celestial Meditation Cushion, eyes closed, consolidating his cultivation.

It was very quiet here, with no one to disturb him.

Lu Ping floated beside Zhang Nianchuan for a while, observing silently, without any intention of initiating Communication.

After more than half an hour of observation, nothing unusual was found.

In this manner, Lu Ping frequently came to observe Zhang Nianchuan’s actions.

On the fourth day, Lu Ping noticed that Zhang Nianchuan’s cultivation was becoming increasingly consolidated, and he had started to control his Flying Sword, learning the Sword Control Skill.

Every newly emerged Foundation Establishment Cultivator, after consolidating the Foundation Establishment True Essence within their body, would proceed to learn the Sword Control Skill.

Only after reaching the Foundation Establishment Stage can one learn the Sword Control Skill, controlling Flying Swords and other Magical Artifacts to roam the world, traversing various regions.

The learning of the Sword Control Skill took Zhang Nianchuan about two days.

As a result, during these two days, around Cyan Lotus Mountain, there were often disciples who saw Zhang Nianchuan flying between the mountain peaks using his sword.

Sometimes, Zhang Nianchuan flew unsteadily.

Sometimes, unable to control his speed, he shot straight up into the sky until he disappeared, frequently attracting the attention of the disciples.

Even those already at Foundation Establishment Stage like Lu Yuanshan, Lu Zhiwei, and Lu Changfeng would curiously glance at Zhang Nianchuan when they saw him learning the Sword Control Skill, recalling their own experiences when first learning it.

Zhang Nianchuan’s learning of the Sword Control Skill was just a minor episode, while it aroused envy among the Cyan Mountain Sect disciples and inspired them to cultivate diligently, yearning to reach Foundation Establishment.

As Zhang Nianchuan reached Foundation Establishment, this news quickly spread within Cyan Mountain Sect, sparking a wave of discussion.

"Senior Brother Zhang has succeeded in Foundation Establishment!"

"Our Cyan Mountain Sect has produced another Foundation Establishment Cultivator!"

"Only Senior Brother Zhang would have the courage to attempt Foundation Establishment without relying on Foundation Establishment Pills."

"I want to reach Foundation Establishment too...but I wish to use Foundation Establishment Pills."

"Haha, you coward."

Zhang Nianchuan’s successful Foundation Establishment brought about a surge of cultivation enthusiasm within Cyan Mountain Sect, with the disciples displaying unprecedented eagerness in their cultivation.

The cultivation atmosphere became significantly more intense.

On the second day after mastering the Sword Control Skill, Zhang Nianchuan proactively requested a meeting with Lu Yuanshan, expressing his wish to go downhill once.

Lu Yuanshan was not surprised by Zhang Nianchuan’s sudden request to descend the mountain.

For one, Zhang Nianchuan regularly went downhill to carry out various Sect tasks, which was no longer unusual.

Secondly, Lu Yuanshan had previously speculated that Zhang Nianchuan might be descending the mountain soon.

And sure enough, Zhang Nianchuan indeed wanted to go downhill this time.

"Nianchuan, although this isn’t your first time leaving the mountain, without your fellow disciples to watch over you, you must be cautious in your actions outside."

Lu Yuanshan cast a deep look at Zhang Nianchuan but did not inquire about the specifics of why he wanted to go downhill.

If Zhang Nianchuan wished to disclose, he would naturally do so openly.

If not, asking would be futile, thus affording the disciple some privacy.

Based on his understanding of Zhang Nianchuan, Lu Yuanshan was optimistic about him as a person, believing he wouldn’t act rashly after leaving, nor would he tarnish the Cyan Mountain Sect’s reputation.

"Thank you, Sect Leader."

"A chosen day is not as good as today; I shall descend now."

After making his obeisance, Zhang Nianchuan turned to bid farewell and, on his own, summoned a sword light and left the Cyan Mountain Sect.

Lu Yuanshan watched Zhang Nianchuan leave, murmuring softly after a long gaze.

"Nianchuan, may you return safely."

Regarding Zhang Nianchuan’s downhill journey, Lu Ping was not unaware, as he was by Lu Yuanshan’s side.

He opened the system and activated Zhang Nianchuan’s personal status panel, keeping track of Zhang Nianchuan’s whereabouts.

Lu Ping was not worried about Zhang Nianchuan misbehaving after leaving the mountain; he had some trust in Zhang Nianchuan.

This youth was someone Lu Ping had watched grow step by step, from Qi Cultivation to Foundation Establishment.

Along with Lu Zhiwei’s regular guidance, Zhang Nianchuan was well praised in how he conducted himself and was a good disciple.

Lu Ping was concerned and wanted to pay attention to Zhang Nianchuan’s dynamics.

After all, he was the Cyan Mountain Sect’s disciple, being the first young talent in recent years to achieve Foundation Establishment independently.

He mustn’t encounter misfortune outside.

Lu Ping chuckled bitterly to himself.

In this manner, after paying attention for several hours, Zhang Nianchuan’s whereabouts were heading north from the Cyan Mountain Sect, traveling over a thousand miles before showing signs of stopping.

Lu Ping noticed Zhang Nianchuan was now situated by Chu River.

Chu River, the mother river of Chu Kingdom, the largest river within the kingdom, with numerous cities and Cultivation Clans populated along its banks.

Seeing Zhang Nianchuan lingering near Chu Kingdom, Lu Ping decided to redeem an item called [Instant Transmission] from the Mall to teleport beside Zhang Nianchuan.

As the scenery before him changed, the sound of the river’s flow came ringing in; the surrounding world expanded, with dense clouds overhead, as if a storm was nearing.

Zhang Nianchuan stood alone, controlling his sword above Chu River, gazing at the rivers and mountains below, seemingly searching for something.

Lu Ping quietly hovered beside Zhang Nianchuan, soon noticing Zhang Nianchuan making a move, flying toward a confluence of large and small lakes upstream on Chu River.

Lu Ping discreetly followed.

Before long, Zhang Nianchuan stopped above a giant lake at the center of the lakes, named Black Lake.

As Zhang Nianchuan overlooked below, cold glimmers flickered in his eyes.

Black Lake is one of the largest lakes upstream of Chu River.

The reason it’s called Black Lake is not because the water is black; the origin of its name is now unresearchable.

Getting closer, Lu Ping seemed to sense a hint of killing intent from Zhang Nianchuan.

The next moment, Zhang Nianchuan’s actions gave the answer.

Swish!

A crimson stream of light flew out from Zhang Nianchuan’s Storage Bag; it was a flaming red Flying Sword, emitting fierce Profound Fire Sword Qi, floating in front of Zhang Nianchuan.

Tier Three Lower Grade Magical Artifact Profound Fire Sword!

This level of Flying Sword was obtained by Zhang Nianchuan during the Water and Wood Cave Heaven treasure exploration.

Additionally, he acquired many Tier Two Spiritual Artifacts and a Tier Three Defensive Spiritual Artifact.

With one foot on the Cyan Bamboo Sword, Zhang Nianchuan raised his right hand high, controlling the Profound Fire Sword, the sword edge spewing forth fierce Profound Fire Sword Qi.

Although it’s a Fire-element Flying Sword, mismatched with Zhang Nianchuan’s Earth Attribute Spirit Root, its power is only one or two degrees weaker than that wielded by a Fire-element Cultivator.

"Go!"

With Zhang Nianchuan’s low shout, his right hand made a distant slicing motion, and the Profound Fire Sword turned into an arrow leaving the bowstring, carrying intense flames, directly striking toward Black Lake.