CHAPTER 98: CHAPTER 98: FORMLESS SWORD MANTRA

"Shen’s Myriad Goods Pavilion truly has some capabilities."

Looking at the endless variety of Dharma Gates for Dao-Entering before him, Qi Xiu couldn’t help but chuckle, never having thought he’d one day suffer from such decision paralysis.

The Dharma Gates in the Scripture Storage Hall were generally grouped by category.

Martial Path, Daoist magic, Artifact Refining, Alchemy, Spirit Plant cultivation, Formations, Talisman Scripts...

So many choices made Qi Xiu’s head spin.

For a moment, he didn’t know where to start.

Artifact Refining, Alchemy, Spirit Plant cultivation, Formations—these were all massive systems, each capable of forming a Dao on its own.

To learn them meant starting from the very beginning and required extensive practice and application.

I don’t have the time or resources to start on them for now, so I can set them aside. My main focus is still on the Martial Path and Daoist magic.

After calming his mind and confirming what he wanted, Qi Xiu began to choose selectively.

[Leaf Body Escape Skill]

[Daoist Escape Skill]

[This skill originates from the ’Eastern Yimu Qingwang Scripture,’ a True Scripture of a major Righteous Path sect, and is one of its seventy-two Minor Escape Skills. Cultivating this skill transforms ordinary Escape Light into leaf-like Escape Light. When escaping through forests and wilderness, the vital energies of mountains and verdant woods will naturally gather around, resulting in extremely low consumption. Moreover, by harnessing the divine marvel of Yimu, one’s body can be nourished; with a single breath, one might travel a hundred li.]

[Taboo: The Gang Qi within the cultivator’s body must not be overly fierce or scorching. Otherwise, the clash of fire and wood can easily cause the Escape Light to shatter, leading to self-immolation.]

A speed boost in forested areas, and it even restores vitality?

Assessing the Daoist Escape Skill before him, Qi Xiu felt an even clearer understanding of the importance of Dharma, Wealth, Companions, and Location.

Without a suitable Dharma Gate in hand, even with a solid foundation, it’s hard to unleash one’s true strength. Just like with this Escape Skill. If he had possessed this Escape Skill when pursuing the three demons, he could have intercepted and killed them in an instant, instead of waiting until their strength was depleted and they were forced to stop.

He was quite interested in this "Leaf Body Escape Skill," and Qi Xiu silently noted the name, continuing to move forward.

Perhaps because Escape Light is one of the most commonly used means for cultivators in the Dao-Entering Realm, the section for Escape Skills in the Scripture Storage Hall was quite extensive.

In just under an hour, Qi Xiu had already seen nearly thirty different Escape Skills.

Regrettably, none of these skills had captivated him at first glance.

Because each of these Escape Skills, without exception, had various limitations or applicable conditions.

This only exacerbated Qi Xiu’s decision paralysis, making it difficult for him to choose.

Perhaps Dharma Gates for the Dao-Entering Realm can only achieve so much; it’s very difficult to find a perfect Escape Skill.

Consoling himself, Qi Xiu planned to finish looking at the remaining few Escape Skills in front of him. If there was nothing suitable, he would go back and choose the "Leaf Body Escape Skill."

"’Heavenly Guard Body Escape Skill,’ ’Eighty-One Minor Coming and Going Escape Skill,’ ’Minor Fixed Shadow Escape Skill,’ ’Minor Five Elements Water Patrol Evasion Skill’..." His gaze, which had just swept past, suddenly drifted back. "Hmm?" A hint of joy appeared on Qi Xiu’s face.

[Minor Five Elements Water Patrol Evasion Skill]

[Daoist Escape Skill]

[From the ’Great Five Elements Annihilation Scripture,’ the sect-guarding True Scripture of the now-defunct Perished Demon Teaching’s Five Emperors Holy Sect. It is one of three hundred sixty-five Minor Escape Skills. Once cultivated, one can command the Minor Five Elements Water Patrol Escape Light, traveling a hundred li in a single thought, silently and imperceptibly. Furthermore, this Escape Light possesses the divine marvel of formless water mist, capable of passing through ordinary matter and restrictive enchantments.]

[Taboo: This Escape Skill is extremely difficult to cultivate. Before their demise, the Five Emperors of the Holy Sect laid a Curse upon the ’Great Five Elements Annihilation Scripture’: anyone cultivating its contents who fails to make progress will inevitably be plagued by Heart Demons, never knowing a day of peace. Therefore, once cultivation of this Dharma Gate begins, one cannot stop until it is either fully mastered or one collapses and dies. Furthermore, activating this Escape Skill requires the presence of water, using existing water to guide more water, imposing a significant restriction. Please cultivate with caution!]

What an excellent Escape Skill!

To others, this Escape Skill—with its immense restrictions, difficult cultivation, active curse, and affliction by Heart Demons—might seem daunting. Yet, in Qi Xiu’s eyes, it was as if tailor-made for him.

With the proficiency panel, even the most difficult Dharma Gate to cultivate is merely a matter of time for him. It’s just a question of spending more time studying and practicing. As for the requirement of being near water to use this Escape Skill, that was even simpler. The seemingly bottomless pool within his Flood Dragon Pool Ring could likely fill several large lakes; why would he worry about the small amount of water needed to activate the Escape Skill? That’s the one.

His mind made up, Qi Xiu no longer hesitated, directly selecting the "Minor Five Elements Water Patrol Evasion Skill" as his chosen Daoist magic Dharma Gate.

Once I master this Dharma Gate, I’ll be able to traverse a hundred li in a single thought. Even if the world descends into chaos, I can ensure my own safety and avoid perilous situations.

Encountering an Escape Skill that fitted him so well, Qi Xiu’s mood greatly improved.

Next, he would look for an offensive Martial Path Dharma Gate.

My basic combat approach will be: fight if I can win, run if I can’t, then after a while, fight again. With that, my initial strategy for engaging enemies will be established.

Just as Qi Xiu was preparing to continue browsing the Scripture Storage Hall for a suitable Martial Path Dharma Gate, this private chamber, accessible only to high-ranking VIPs of Shen’s Myriad Goods Pavilion, welcomed its second visitor.

Dressed in a plain white robe and dark boots, a deep furrow of sorrow etched between his eyebrows, Li Jiufang—who rarely appeared alone—had suddenly materialized in the Scripture Storage Hall of Shen’s Myriad Goods Pavilion.

Li Jiufang was also somewhat surprised to see another person in the hall.

After all, not just anyone could enter the Scripture Storage Hall.

The two exchanged a glance and nodded slightly before each withdrew their gaze.

"County Magistrate Li, why have you come in person? My goodness, if you needed anything, you only had to say the word, and I would have had it sent directly to your residence!"

Li Jiufang had just stepped into the Scripture Storage Hall when an elderly man briskly walked in. He had a high forehead, a full head of silver hair, fair and ruddy skin, and a portly figure, somewhat resembling a shiny nectarine.

County Magistrate? Could he be that legendary County Magistrate Li Jiufang?

Never expecting to encounter such a legendary figure here by chance, Qi Xiu couldn’t help but glance up at him a few more times.

"You’re too kind, Mr. Yuan," Li Jiufang said humbly, raising his hand slightly. "I’m merely here to look for some Dharma Gates and secret manuals, so I didn’t wish to disturb you."

"Ah, County Magistrate, how can you say such a thing? If your esteemed father knew I had neglected you, he would surely have my hide! Come, come, let’s go to my reception hall. I’ve just received a batch of high-quality Spiritual Tea; you must try it first."

After a hearty laugh, the nectarine-like old man grabbed Li Jiufang by the wrist and began to pull him outside.

"This... this..." Li Jiufang looked troubled. He wanted to politely decline but couldn’t bring himself to offend this elder, a contemporary of his father. With a helpless sigh, he had no choice but to accompany him.

Qi Xiu chuckled. It’s true what they say, no tale is complete without a few coincidences. To think I’d meet the legendary ’Immortal County Magistrate’ here. His eyes flickered thoughtfully. Judging by County Magistrate Li’s expression just now, he seemed deeply troubled. Indeed, with high position and heavy responsibilities come their own troubles. Unlike me—I only have myself to feed, so I’m always content. It’s a carefree and unrestrained existence.

With another light chuckle, Qi Xiu turned his head and continued selecting Martial Path Dharma Gates.

Compared to Daoist magic Escape Skills, the variety and quantity of Martial Path Dharma Gates were far greater.

After all, the number of martial artists was much larger. Moreover, many prominent families and powerful clans established their standing through the Martial Path.

Perhaps for this reason, the Dao-Entering Realm Martial Path Dharma Gates collected in this Scripture Storage Hall were mostly of ordinary quality.

They were clearly inferior to the Daoist magic Escape Skills.

Oh well, these are free Dharma Gates after all. Beggars can’t be choosers.

After much consideration, Qi Xiu stopped before a Martial Path Dharma Gate titled "Formless Sword Skill."

[Formless Sword Gang Qi]

[Martial Path Dharma Gate]

[The 137th technique of the Sword Path of Carnage, from ’Sword Shocking Heaven,’ the True Scripture of the Sword Sect, a major near-ancient lineage. Cultivating this Dharma Gate allows one to transform their qi-blood and True Gang into an invisible Sword Qi. When activated from the fingertips, this Sword Qi forms a sharp, shadowless, and formless Qi sword to attack the enemy with immense power. The more Sword Qi one accumulates and transforms within the body, the more Qi swords can be unleashed, and the greater their power.]

[Taboo: This Dharma Gate inherently contains the Sword Dao’s obsession. Each additional strand of invisible Sword Qi accumulated deepens this obsession. The more profound the obsession, the slower the cultivation progress, making this Dharma Gate increasingly difficult to advance. There was once an unyielding cultivator who, after thirty-five years of arduous practice, had managed to accumulate only seven strands of invisible Sword Qi in his body—a gain not worth the loss. Please choose with caution.]

...

When Uncle Wu saw the two Dharma Gates Qi Xiu had chosen, his expression was indescribably complex.

Was this Mr. Bai doing this intentionally, or was he truly blind? These two Dharma Gates were practically defective items from the bottom of our Myriad Goods Pavilion’s stock, placed there merely to make up the numbers. To pick out both of these at once... this Mr. Bai was truly a ’hidden talent’ of a most peculiar sort.

After a brief hesitation, Uncle Wu still spoke up to advise, "Mr. Bai, forgive me for being presumptuous, but both Dharma Gates you’ve chosen are easy to learn yet difficult to master. While they appear to have marvelous capabilities, in reality, they come with significant constraints and offer little room for advancement. Heart Demons and obsessions are major taboos for cultivators. These two Dharma Gates, regrettably, encompass both. If you truly cultivate these two Dharma Gates, I’m afraid your Dao Path ahead will be fraught with hardships. Why not reconsider?"

"Uncle Wu, I appreciate your concern, and I am well aware of what you’ve said. However, I have my reasons for choosing these two Dharma Gates. Rest assured, the decision made today is my own. You’ve said what needed to be said and given the necessary reminders. Whatever happens in the future, I, Bai, will not hold your esteemed establishment responsible," Qi Xiu stated earnestly.

With these words from Qi Xiu, Uncle Wu also relaxed.

In business, one most fears customer complaints and the merchant being unfairly blamed. With things clarified upfront, there would be no disputes later.

This Mr. Bai came from an extraordinary background; perhaps he truly possessed some means to overcome the flaws of these two Dharma Gates.

Honestly, if one disregards these drawbacks and restrictions, these two Dharma Gates could be considered top-tier, precious items among those of the Initiate Realm.

The "Minor Five Elements Water Patrol Evasion Skill" is extremely fast and silent, truly an essential tool for travel, escape, and more clandestine operations.

The "Formless Sword Skill" unleashes invisible Sword Qi of extraordinary might—shadowless and formless—specializing in breaking through all kinds of protective True Gang, Talisman Scripts, and Magic Artifacts.

If cultivated to a profound level, with a wave of the hand, Qi swords would crisscross, flowing naturally and unceasingly, essentially guaranteeing invincibility against peers of the same realm.

Wait a moment! Silent and traceless, shadowless and formless... What kind of combination is this? What is he planning to do?