Chapter 49

《Three Mystic Dualities Technique》…

What kind of cultivation technique is this?

Shang Xia pushed the bamboo slip away a bit, feeling somewhat puzzled, and began to read the visible content.

It turned out that the creator of this Wuji Realm cultivation technique was highly innovative.

This martial cultivation technique not only discussed a single duality but attempted to integrate three dualities into one!

In the description of the technique's lineage, the creator started with one duality and then, through the enlightenment of the other two dualities and their relationships, evolved the technique to possess the characteristics of all three dualities simultaneously.

In other words, if this lineage of cultivation technique could be successfully practiced, the martial artist would be able to easily transform their primordial energy between three extremes.

If this were true, the path of cultivation for the martial artist would undoubtedly be greatly broadened, and the process of cultivation would become much smoother.

The most direct benefit would be in the selection of extraordinary elixirs for cultivation, which would become more flexible and diverse, at least doubling the choices compared to others.

Moreover, in the cultivation of martial techniques, the practitioner would no longer be confined to a single duality but would be more flexible and unpredictable, making it difficult for opponents to grasp their movements. Even in the comprehension of divine abilities, there would seem to be more choices.

This invigorated Shang Xia, as it seemed to align with some ideas that had been vaguely lingering in his heart.

After advancing to the Wuji Realm, Shang Xia named the transformed dual primordial energy within his body as "Yin-Yang Primordial Energy," and even the dantian he had manifested required a large Taiji diagram to support it.

In Shang Xia's traditional memory from his homeland, "Yin-Yang" was originally a totem-like symbol that almost comprehensively and vividly explained the relationship between any two corresponding things.

The concept of the "Three Mystic Dualities Technique" indeed aligned with some of Shang Xia's ideas, but it was only a part of his overall vision.

In Shang Xia's understanding and imagination, true "Yin-Yang Primordial Energy" was supreme and could encompass all dualities, being the fundamental source that could freely transform between any duality!

The "Three Mystic Dualities Technique" was at most a transformation between three dualities, which, compared to Shang Xia's true vision of the "Yin-Yang Path," was like a firefly's light competing with the moon's brilliance.

Moreover, Shang Xia's ideas were not mere conjectures. In fact, after manifesting the Taiji diagram in his dantian, his primordial energy already possessed certain characteristics of free transformation.

For example, when he advanced to the Wuji Realm, the small lake where he was located had one half with surging earth fire and the other half with freezing cold energy, allowing Shang Xia to easily transform his primordial energy into ice and fire dualities.

Another example was when he advanced, with the sun and moon in the sky, a point of celestial energy suddenly appeared, which he captured and comprehended, allowing his primordial energy to transform into Yin and Yang.

Yet another example was when the clear and turbid energies converged, and the primordial tide erupted, allowing him to evolve his primordial energy into clear and turbid chaos…

Shang Xia lacked not a martial cultivation technique. In this world, there might not be a Wuji Realm cultivation technique that suited his philosophy, so what he truly needed to do was to create a new Wuji Realm cultivation technique.

However, he lacked a catalyst, a stepping stone to bridge his ideas with reality!

And now, he had found it!

It was the lineage in his hand—the "Three Mystic Dualities Technique"!

"Do you want to cultivate this lineage of the technique?"

The librarian looked at the bamboo slip Shang Xia handed over, first raising his head to look at him, then asked for confirmation.

Shang Xia nodded and said, "Yes, this one!"

The librarian thought for a moment and said, "You are a member of the academy, not someone from outside. I need to remind you that this technique is indeed refreshing, but the transformation of extremes is inherently risky. Few dare to practice it, and even fewer succeed. Although there are many benefits after success, there are also many who suffer from cultivation mishaps."

Shang Xia replied, "Thank you for the reminder, I have already carefully considered it."

The librarian confirmed again, "Are you sure? Don't you want to discuss it with your elders at home?"

The librarian clearly knew Shang Xia's identity, so he deliberately reminded him in this way.

Shang Xia smiled helplessly and said, "I am sure!"

Seeing this, the librarian did not say more, smiled, and took the bamboo slip, unlocking the seal. The previously blurry characters immediately became clear.

Handing the unlocked bamboo slip to Shang Xia, the librarian reminded him, "This lineage of the technique is divided into upper and lower volumes. The one you have now is the upper volume, which is sufficient for your current cultivation. After returning to the academy, you can go to the scripture hall to find the lower volume to complete the technique."

Shang Xia thanked him and then a thought suddenly came to his mind. He turned and asked, "May I ask, if someone outside the academy wants to cultivate this technique, what would you do?"

The librarian smiled and said, "I would strongly recommend it, and even lower the threshold for obtaining the second half of the lineage if they succeed in cultivation!"

Shang Xia immediately understood the academy's intentions.

Clearly, the academy was willing to promote and improve such a creative and flexible technique as the "Three Mystic Dualities Technique."

However, this process required someone to actually practice it, meaning that every martial artist who cultivated this lineage could potentially be a guinea pig for the academy.

The academy would not use its own students as guinea pigs, but for outsiders, it was a matter of mutual consent.

In that case, am I volunteering to be a guinea pig?

Shang Xia was not at all bothered by this, even finding it somewhat amusing.

However, seeing the librarian's amiable personality, he was moved and asked again, "I not only need to choose a cultivation technique but also a suitable martial technique. Librarian, you have been in the scripture hall for a long time and have extensive knowledge. Could you guide me?"

The librarian was initially surprised, but for him, it was a minor matter, so he smiled and said, "The number of Wuji Realm martial techniques stored here is much greater than the cultivation techniques. Do you have any specific requirements?"

Shang Xia thought for a moment and said, "Sword techniques, compatible with the 'Three Mystic Dualities Technique,' and preferably with a record of divine ability comprehension."

The librarian thought seriously and then smiled, "There is indeed a complete lineage of sword techniques."

"A complete lineage?"

Shang Xia's eyes lit up, but he was also slightly puzzled.

The librarian did not elaborate, instead walking towards a higher stone platform and gesturing for Shang Xia to follow.

On a bookshelf just below the platform for cultivation techniques, the librarian found a sheepskin scroll about one and a half feet tall with enthusiasm.

"This is…" Shang Xia looked puzzled.

The librarian did not say more, untied the thin rope on the scroll, and slowly unrolled it about a foot, revealing part of the content.

"Ji—Sword—Strategy…"

Shang Xia read the ancient characters at the beginning and then looked at the librarian in surprise, "Sword Strategy?!"

In the world of extraordinary martial artists, there was a saying about sword techniques.

If a set of sword techniques was simply called "sword techniques," it was definitely a low-quality general martial technique.

As the name suggests, anyone could learn it, without any restrictions on their primordial energy or cultivation technique.

Of course, in most cases, the power of such "sword techniques" was extremely limited, often referred to as "showy" or "for show"…

Above "sword techniques" were "sword formulas."

Sword formulas had unique methods of using primordial energy, allowing the sword techniques to combine with the martial artist's primordial energy to unleash powerful force, becoming true sword techniques.

However, to cultivate sword formulas, the martial artist's cultivation technique and primordial energy could not conflict with the energy manipulation method of the sword formula.

Above "sword formulas" were "sword strategies."

Sword strategies originated from sword techniques that had achieved divine abilities. Once someone cultivated a sword technique to the point of divine ability, the techniques they had practiced, if the connections were found, could become a shortcut for future practitioners.

Dedicated individuals, or even those who had achieved sword techniques with divine abilities, would collect and organize these techniques, passing them down to future generations, forming "sword strategies."

Above "sword strategies" were "sword scriptures," which had even more complete cultivation methods and could become more stringent.

Each lineage of "sword scriptures" not only included multiple sword techniques and the path to divine ability comprehension but also had its own unique cultivation technique.

This meant that once a martial artist reached the cultivation requirements of a certain "sword scripture," from the choice of cultivation technique to the practice of sword techniques and the potential comprehension of divine abilities, a clear path was laid out before them.

The possibilities for cultivation were reduced, but the path became smoother.

According to Shang Xia's knowledge, it was said that above "sword scriptures," some people had attempted to compile "sword canons," but this might be just a concept.

However, even the concept of "sword canons" was already shocking.

It was said that some "sword fanatics" aimed to construct a pure path for "sword martial artists."

Specifically, from the advancement formula of the Wu Yuan Realm, cultivation techniques, martial techniques, and divine abilities must all serve the core of "sword," extending to the second Wuji Realm, the third Wu Yi Realm…, forming a completely dedicated path to "sword."

"Devoted to the sword" meant that this path would be extremely exclusive to anything other than "sword."

Even if other martial artists obtained the lineage, they could not practice it.

Although this was just a concept and many people found it impractical, the influence of this idea was widely spread among extraordinary martial artists.

In the scripture hall, Shang Xia put away his surprise and asked the librarian, "Why is it called 'Ji Sword Strategy'?"

The librarian explained, "This lineage of sword techniques follows the 'path of hardness and softness.' One of the three dualities in your 'Three Mystic Dualities Technique' is also the 'path of hardness and softness,' so they can smoothly connect. As for why it is called 'Ji Sword Strategy,' it originates from a concept proposed by the creator. You can check and comprehend it yourself. If I explain it, it might influence your judgment due to preconceived notions."

"Balancing hardness and softness?"

The thought flashed through his mind, and Shang Xia immediately decided to obtain the lineage of the "Ji Sword Strategy."

——

The new book is growing, ready for slaughter, don't forget to collect it!