Chapter 907: Clumsy Sword Transforms into a Wonderland

The Black Sword automatically filtered out all insights Li Qing transmitted, except for those related to swordsmanship. It accepted nothing else.

This was within Li Qing's expectations. The Wooden Sword of Heavenly Wonders, a creation purely of the Sword Dao, could not easily accommodate other principles. Undeterred, Li Qing tried various methods. Time passed slowly.

The Black Sword grew increasingly solid, its aura becoming more potent. Then, one day, the Black Sword, which had always strongly repelled external influences, suddenly absorbed a sliver more of the insights Li Qing was feeding it.

Li Qing's eyes lit up. A quick analysis allowed him to pinpoint the essence that seemed to resonate with the Black Sword: "Clumsiness" (Zhuo).

"Conceal the edge, embrace clumsiness, sheath the sword's keenness. By not attacking, one achieves ultimate victory..."

A continuous stream of inspiration surged in Li Qing's mind. Some images felt familiar, though he couldn't trace their origin. Li Qing paid them no mind, instead using this torrent of inspiration to continuously imbue the Black Sword. The Black Sword, previously aloof and indifferent to anything but the Sword Dao, was now exceptionally cooperative. It even seemed to crave the infusions, actively accepting Li Qing's guidance.

As the Dao of Clumsiness was slowly incorporated, the Black Sword, which had become noticeably sharp as it took its final form, now gradually lost its keenness. It once again became dark and unassuming. But Li Qing understood this signified the Black Sword had transcended the limitations of conventional swordsmanship, reaching a new level.

Inside the Sword Tomb, millions of forgotten swords remained completely oblivious. Only the Wooden Sword of Heavenly Wonders, at the very center, emitted a faint, almost imperceptible hum, seemingly expressing its delight. At this hum, the myriad swords once again bowed. Only the Black Sword beside Li Qing appeared to do the same, but in reality, it remained perfectly still.

"It's complete!"

Li Qing knew that his complete subjugation of the Black Sword of Heavenly Wonders was not far off. He immediately closed his eyes and poured the last of his profound sword dao insights into it.

Following the Wooden Sword of Heavenly Wonders' hum, the Sword Tomb descended into an even profounder silence. It was terrifyingly quiet; Li Qing even began to hear various auditory hallucinations. It was as if thousands of forgotten swords were whispering, subtly tempting Li Qing to abandon his quest for the Black Sword and instead claim other relic swords. Visions of other swords' world-shattering, magnificent powers continuously appeared in Li Qing's mind, attempting to destabilize his resolve.

But Li Qing was no ordinary person; how could he be so easily swayed? He knew this might be a subtle trick orchestrated by the Wooden Sword of Heavenly Wonders. The reason could be its apprehension about him claiming the Black Sword, making this a final test. Alternatively, it might be an instinctive resistance born from its reluctance to part with the Black Sword.

Regardless, these minor deceptions ultimately had no effect on Li Qing. Facing myriad illusions, Li Qing remained resolute, his mind completely merged with the Black Sword, oblivious to everything else. This state persisted for three months.

On this day, Li Qing suddenly opened his eyes. The next moment, he extended his right hand, naturally gripping the Black Sword's hilt, and gently drew it. There was no earth-shattering clamor indicating the emergence of a divine artifact. To be precise, not a single sound was made. With an effortless grace, the Black Sword settled into Li Qing's hand.

The myriad forgotten swords within the Sword Tomb seemed utterly unaware. Even the Wooden Sword of Heavenly Wonders, at its very heart, showed no sign of protest. Its silence was acceptance. The profound stillness in the Sword Tomb unequivocally signified Li Qing's success.

"Borrowing the wonder of heaven and earth to forge a Dao foundation."

Li Qing silently recited this phrase. Instantly, the Black Sword in his hand transformed into a faint, ethereal glow, merging into his body. It flew into his Dantian and settled there.

Moments later, the spiritual energy within Li Qing, already at the Golden Core Completion stage, instantly surged. Like countless rivers rushing to the sea, it flowed tumultuously towards the Black Sword. Under this powerful spiritual inundation, the Black Sword gradually dematerialized, dissolving completely into Li Qing's Dantian to become his Dao foundation.

"Perceiving the laws of heaven and earth to refine the Golden Core."

Li Qing chanted this phrase again in his heart. The surging spiritual energy within him continued unabated, rushing towards the Black Sword's Dao foundation. Within the vast spiritual energy vortex, the Black Sword's phantom grew increasingly faint. Finally, as it vanished into nothingness, it seemed to form an abyss, completely engulfing all the spiritual energy.

A brilliant light erupted, akin to the primordial radiance at the dawn of creation, completely illuminating Li Qing's body. The light flickered for several breaths. When the dazzling glow finally receded, a distinctive Golden Core appeared in Li Qing's Dantian, entirely black and exuding an ancient, unadorned aura. Upon closer inspection, one could faintly discern patterns of myriad sword shadows spread across the black Golden Core. Yet, it was as if this was an optical illusion caused by the darkness, for upon a second glance, the patterns would vanish.

The Golden Core was formed! From start to finish, it took only a few breaths. Li Qing's clone transformed from a cultivator who was merely an empty shell at the Golden Core Completion stage into a true Golden Core cultivator, having established his foundation and formed his core with the Black Sword of Heavenly Wonders.

However, Li Qing was not yet satisfied.

"Devouring the essence of heaven and earth to achieve a Nascent Soul."

Li Qing continued to chant this in his heart. Ordinary cultivators seeking to reach the Nascent Soul stage typically required a grotto-heaven as their foundation. However, those who established their Dao foundation with a Heavenly Wonder did not, because a Heavenly Wonder was inherently a part of the Heavenly Dao and could fully evolve into a grotto-heaven on its own.

A thought stirred in Li Qing's mind, and the recently formed black Golden Core instantly exploded. The spiritual qi that permeated it immediately diffused throughout Li Qing's entire body, while countless fragments of the black Golden Core scattered to various locations within him. Although their distribution appeared random, it concealed profound mystery. The arrangement of the Golden Core fragments subtly outlined the original form of the Black Sword.

Using these fragments as a base, Li Qing's spiritual energy, flesh, bones – indeed, everything within his body – began to liquefy, absorbed by these foundational remnants. From the outside, Li Qing instantly appeared distorted and grotesque, like a tattered rag doll. As his flesh and bones were forcibly extracted, horrifying creaking sounds emanated, compounding the gruesome appearance of his contorted body. The entire process seemed sinister and arcane.

Despite the overwhelming pain, Li Qing remained unconcerned. He merely accelerated the process by which the Golden Core fragments consumed his body. Once all traces of Li Qing's flesh and blood in the surrounding air were completely consumed, connections resembling human meridians seemed to form between the scattered Golden Core fragments. Strands of dark red tissue linked them, appearing eerie and sinister.

Suddenly, a unified burst of light emerged from the Golden Core fragments, instantly circulating throughout his entire body. Amidst the shimmering radiance, a miniature Sword Grotto-Heaven slowly began to take shape.