"Not enough?"

Gu Yuan furrowed his brows, contemplating He Ling True Master's earlier point.

That point seemed ordinary and simple, yet it was like a stroke of genius. Whether in speed, timing, or power, all were just right.

Though it appeared to be a point, it was actually a sword.

Compared to his own sword strike, He Ling True Master's was more restrained, but its power fully erupted upon impact, and the power released multiplied many times over!

Only thus could Gu Yuan's sword light be obliterated!

"Although your sword strike was at full strength, it could at most only release tenfold power."

He Ling True Master explained earnestly:

"But my sword strike, with only a fraction of your power, can unleash a force stronger than your Swordsmanship by more than ten times because this sword of mine achieves the unity of mind and Sword Intent, commonly known as the unity of man and sword."

"This is precisely why we sword cultivators rank first in combat strength across various systems!"

"The way of the sword is unparalleled in its sharpness, capable of slicing through all transformations of divine techniques with a single sword!"

He Ling True Master gazed at Gu Yuan:

"Your swordsmanship already carries a hint of the Sword Cultivator's spirit, but it lacks a certain spirit of being skillful and sincere in the sword."

"The power of the physique is limited, but the power of the mind is infinite. Only with this spirit can one leverage a fraction of power to unleash ten times or even more power! The same principle applies to Celestial Human Realm Cultivators mastering divine techniques."

"Achieving the unity of mind and Sword Intent is naturally not easy, requiring sufficient enlightenment, but with your Sword Heart Talent, it shouldn't be too difficult."

"Skillful in the sword, sincere in the sword..."

Gu Yuan murmured to himself, seemingly deep in thought.

Truth be told, He Ling True Master's guidance was indeed spot on, like a lightning bolt tearing through his somewhat confused inner self.

Since he began cultivating sword techniques, he had always regarded Swordsmanship as a means to protect and vanquish foes, rather than as the "Dao" he pursues throughout his life in line with his heart's will!

Hence, his swordsmanship had a hint of spirit but lacked heart.

But thinking about it, it was not his fault.

Gu Yuan, having been exposed to Swordsmanship for less than half a year, was already quite remarkable to have cultivated several sword techniques to perfection in such a short time!

Although he had learned several Martial Arts Swordsmanship techniques, he mostly explored and cultivated on his own, missing essential guidance from a mentor.

Naturally, he was unaware of the profound principle of being skillful and sincere in the sword.

As the saying goes, "A true inheritance in a word, a false one in thousands of scrolls."

Though He Ling True Master just said a word, it precisely pointed out the direction Gu Yuan needed to strive toward at this moment.

After pondering for a while, Gu Yuan gradually gained some insight, showing a contemplative look.

Seeing Gu Yuan like this, He Ling True Master timely closed his mouth, saying no more.

The room suddenly became quiet.

Not long after, Gu Yuan raised the long sword in his hand.

Clang clang—

His movements were slow, but the Qiushui Sword resonated with a faint yet crystal-clear sword buzzing!

However, Gu Yuan did not infuse it with True Qi, merely communicating with the long sword through his mind.

At this moment, Gu Yuan's heart seemed to merge into the Qiushui Sword.

"Hmm? This is..."

He Ling True Master raised an eyebrow, evidently showing a trace of astonishment.

Suddenly, Gu Yuan moved.

He thrust out a sword, the sword body shimmering a jade-like green light, emitting a faint yet soul-stirring chilling killing intent.

Compared to the sword he previously executed, this one naturally lacked in momentum, but He Ling True Master almost couldn't resist applauding.

Because the power in Gu Yuan's present sword was evidently more restrained.

Yet once that power erupted, it could unleash several times the force!

This indicated that after hearing his guidance, Gu Yuan gained some understanding, precisely grasping the crucial point.

If he continued to comprehend, he would sooner or later reach the realm of unity of man and sword.

"Such enlightenment... Even compared to my past self, it is no less, perhaps even stronger."

He Ling True Master's eyelid twitched, being shocked at Gu Yuan's strong enlightenment, yet also secretly determined, such a good talent in Sword Dao must not be let to others' advantage!

"No, this kid's brilliance is too glaring. It can't be kept under wraps. Baochan Old Monster, after all, is an outsider, whom I can handle. But if a few of the old fellows within the sect fancy this kid and intentionally make things difficult for me, I might not necessarily win."

The more He Ling True Master thought about it, the more inappropriate it seemed.

Such a naturally gifted sword-wielding talent, if snatched away by someone, would have him regretting to his core!

"This kid's reputation in the past has been good, not the kind to be ungrateful, so I might as well win him over early."

Thinking of this, He Ling True Master made up his mind and, appearing as if nothing happened on the surface, evaluated:

"Hmm, although this sword is still a bit raw, it's overall considered quite decent."

"All thanks to the Elder's guidance."

Gu Yuan turned the sword hilt upward, with a grateful expression.

He was still the same person, but he seemed somewhat different from before.

In the eyes of Niu Youde beside him, Gu Yuan at this moment seemed to have become one with the sword in his hand, inseparable.

"I don't like that title of Elder."

He Ling True Master shook his head.

Inspired, Gu Yuan bowed: "Disciple pays respect to Master!"

He Ling True Master was initially stunned, then burst into hearty laughter: "Good! Good boy!"

He didn't expect Gu Yuan to be so understanding, directly calling him Master, hitting him right in his heart's desire.

Since that was the case, nothing else needed to be said.

He naturally should accept it.

He Ling True Master nodded, solemnly saying:

"Since you've called me Master, from now on, you are a disciple of He Ling True Master."

Without another word, Gu Yuan bowed deeply: "Master above, please accept this bow from your disciple!"

He Ling True Master remained unmoved, calmly accepting Gu Yuan's bow, and once Gu Yuan had finished saluting, he nodded: "Rise, for I am not fond of redundant formalities, there's no need for such in the future."

"Yes!"

Gu Yuan still respectfully saluted, then stood up.

He Ling True Master nodded quietly.

Say what you will, at least this kid respects his teachers and values the Dao. Coupled with excellent talent, that's enough for him.

Niu Youde to the side was, however, bewildered, unable to comprehend how Gu Yuan suddenly became He Ling True Master's disciple.

Yet he felt no jealousy, sincerely feeling happy for Gu Yuan instead.

Having accepted Gu Yuan as an apprentice, He Ling True Master's mindset naturally shifted. Thinking of Gu Yuan's Swordsmanship, he pondered:

"I see the sword techniques you've learned should be 'Life-taking Sword Formulas,' one of the basic sword techniques of the Xuantian Sword Sect from the ancient Sword Immortal Dao Lineage. This technique is potent, albeit a bit extreme, yet poses no problem for you; it is suitable for laying a foundation."

"However, now you've reached a point where you're about to break through to the Celestial Human Realm phase, and you need a sword formula for the next phase."

Saying that, He Ling True Master took out two items from his Storage Pouch and handed them to Gu Yuan.

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