At that moment, Elian was struck by a flash of insight. Without hesitation, he released a wisp of Primordial Purple Qi from his body, ignoring the presence of the old patriarch.
The instant the Primordial Purple Qi appeared, the sword embryo trembled violently. The wisp of purple energy transformed into a radiant cloud, merging into the sword embryo.
"Clang—"
In that instant, the sword emitted a resounding hum.
The Fiery Void Sword turned into a dazzling azure streak, soaring out of the Eight Desolations Cauldron before merging into Elian's brow.
Lowering his gaze, Elian sensed the sword settle into his dantian, floating gently at its center. Through his connection with the sword, he discovered something astonishing: after absorbing the Primordial Purple Qi, the sword's potential had broken past the limitations of a life-bound artifact, its rank elevated by an entire grade.
Normally, the rank of a life-bound artifact could not surpass the wielder's cultivation stage. For a Foundation Establishment cultivator, a life-bound artifact crafted in the early stage would remain at the lower grade of the second tier, never exceeding mid-grade.
However, with the infusion of Primordial Purple Qi, the Fiery Void Sword had shattered these constraints. With enough Blazing Flame Essence and Metal Essence, Elian could refine it to the mid-grade second tier.
"This means that when I advance to the late Foundation Establishment stage, the Fiery Void Sword could reach the lower grade of the third tier?"
Realization dawned on Elian, and a surge of joy lit up his expression.
Jiang Linglong had achieved near-unmatched dominance in the Chu Kingdom with her fourth-tier Tianxu Immortal-Slaying Sword. Even Golden Core elders showed her deference. Now, Elian's life-bound sword carried similar potential.
Beyond that, the Fiery Void Sword was already an exceptional weapon among life-bound swords. With this newfound enhancement, when it reached the mid-grade second tier, Elian would possess the strength to dominate most mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators and even challenge late-stage ones.
Pulling himself from his thoughts, Elian turned toward the old patriarch.
"There's no need to overthink or explain," the old patriarch said with a knowing smile, shaking his head.
"I've watched you grow up. If not for my protection, this secret wouldn't have stayed hidden for so long."
Elian's face reddened slightly. He had assumed he had concealed the truth well, but it turned out the old patriarch had long known about his practice of the Primordial Scripture.
Thinking it over, Elian realized it was inevitable. Before turning sixteen, he had cultivated the energy of the sun and moon under the patriarch's watchful eye. For a Foundation Establishment cultivator like the old patriarch, it was impossible not to notice after such a long time.
Elian decided not to hide any further. He tried teaching the Primordial Scripture to the patriarch, explaining it word by word.
To his shock, the old patriarch couldn't retain any of the scripture's content. Moments after hearing it, he would forget everything, as if the knowledge were erased from his mind.
Even when Elian attempted to write the scripture down, the text would vanish almost instantly, dissolving like snow in the sun, leaving no trace behind.
After half an hour of futile attempts, both were left astonished. The old patriarch's expression turned solemn.
"Only those destined can comprehend it, and no earthly medium can hold it."
"This scripture must have an extraordinary origin, something beyond mortal understanding—perhaps it is a manifestation of the Dao itself in the mundane world."
The patriarch sighed, equal parts amazed and disappointed.
"I am starting to believe you may truly be a reincarnated celestial or a fragment of some great power."
Hearing this, Elian was equally dumbfounded. The Primordial Scripture had been etched into his mind from the beginning, clear and unwavering. He always knew it was extraordinary, but he hadn't imagined it could defy all mortal boundaries, existing beyond the grasp of even high-level cultivators or earthly materials.
"Let it be. Apart from your closest kin, you must never reveal this scripture to anyone else," the old patriarch instructed firmly.
"I understand," Elian replied, nodding solemnly.
Refining the Fiery Void Sword had been an arduous process. Just melting the materials had taken nearly a month, followed by 49 days to temper the sword. When they finally emerged from seclusion, more than two months had passed.
After leaving the refining chamber, Elian sought a secluded area to test his new weapon.
The Fiery Void Sword expanded as it emerged, transforming into a three-zhang-long sword radiance that filled the air. The blazing azure glow exuded an overwhelming sharpness, slicing through the atmosphere with unrelenting force.
"A fine sword!" the old patriarch exclaimed, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
Though the sword was only a lower-grade second-tier artifact, its power was evidently far superior to ordinary weapons of its level. Any second-tier defensive artifact would likely shatter upon clashing with it.
"When this sword advances to the upper grade of the second tier, its radiance will extend ten zhang. Imagine the power then," the patriarch marveled.
"Even my bronze tower might not withstand such a superior sword."
Elian smiled humbly. "Patriarch's Blazing Fire Divine Flags
combined with the bronze tower is unmatched, capable of holding off dozens of Foundation Establishment beasts for two incense sticks' time. My Fiery Void Sword pales in comparison."
Though his words were modest, Elian's heart brimmed with excitement. Once he acquired more Blazing Flame Essence and Metal Essence, his sword would reach the mid-grade second tier.
At that point, its six-zhang sword radiance could rival the power of a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator's strikes.
Unfortunately, most of the five-elemental essences at Tianxu Mountain had been purchased by Jiang Linglong. Even the essences Elian used for his weapon had been purchased from her, and he was hesitant to ask for more.
Elian resolved to have his family procure large quantities of Metal Essence and Blazing Flame Essence once he returned to Qingyuan Mountain. Not only would this strengthen his sword, but it would also aid him in cultivating the family's divine art, the Heavenly Flame Sword Art.
Though the old patriarch had only mastered the technique to a small degree, it was already potent enough to threaten late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators. In the hands of the previous clan head, who had reached the pinnacle of the Foundation Establishment stage, it was said to even frighten Purple Mansion beasts.
Thinking of these possibilities, Elian couldn't help but smile as he envisioned his future battles.
...
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