Free Web NovelChapter 3: Chapter 3: Heaven and Earth’s Blessing
’My cultivation has reached the Sixth Layer of the Acupoint Opening Realm.’
After an unknown amount of time, Shen Daoxing slowly opened his eyes and immediately checked his body.
’This Annihilation of Ten Thousand Swords Technique is truly incredible! Just my first session brought me all the way to the Sixth Layer of the Acupoint Opening Realm.’
"If you possessed the Venerable Bloodline, you might have already reached the Ninth Layer of the Acupoint Opening Realm by now. But no matter."
The Blood Dragon said nonchalantly, "This Annihilation of Ten Thousand Swords Technique was created by a peerless Sword God. From now on, the Sword Dao you cultivate will be vastly different from that of ordinary Swordsmen."
"Have you practiced the Sword Dao before?"
Shen Daoxing suppressed his excitement and said, "I’ve only practiced some Basic Sword Technique."
The Sword Dao was considered an extremely profound and mysterious discipline, so in the Martial Kingdom, only the most elite Martial Artists ever practiced it.
In all of Baiyun City, there were only a handful of remotely famous Swordsmen.
Shen Daoxing had also dreamed of becoming a top-tier Swordsman, but with no one to teach him, he had only ever practiced the Basic Sword Technique.
The Blood Dragon mused for a moment. "Live combat is the fastest way to cultivate the Sword Dao. The first level of the Venerable Domain’s prison holds quite a few at the Acupoint Opening Realm. You can go and test your skills against them."
The next moment, an illusory iron sword materialized in front of Shen Daoxing.
Shen Daoxing gripped the iron sword’s hilt and strode toward the prison’s first level. Before long, a towering giant appeared before him, its body a mass of solid muscle and bulging veins.
"Get lost!"
Before Shen Daoxing could even react, the giant roared and threw a punch at him.
The wind from the punch howled toward him, and the very air seemed to crackle.
Shen Daoxing scrambled to block with his iron sword. At the instant of contact, his vision blurred, and then his mind went blank.
When he opened his eyes again, he was already outside the prison.
Shen Daoxing exclaimed in shock, "How could that man be so strong?"
The Blood Dragon replied, "That was a member of the Giant Race. They possess Innate Divine Power. Although his cultivation is only at the Fourth Layer of the Acupoint Opening Realm, he has the strength of a Martial Artist at the Eighth Layer."
’Fourth Layer of the Acupoint Opening Realm with the strength of the Eighth Layer!?’
’And he’s the *weakest* one on the first level?’
Hearing this, Shen Daoxing’s mind reeled. ’What kind of monsters are locked up in this prison!?’
Such an astonishing being, and he was just the weakest one.
But this only fueled Shen Daoxing’s competitive spirit.
"Again!"
He began to fight the expert from the Giant Race over and over, and each time, the outcome was the same.
Soon, he adapted to the combat. He went from lasting a single move to two, and eventually, to dozens.
With every exchange, his combat experience grew. His reactions, speed, and control over his power all improved. Over this period, his comprehension of the Sword Dao also deepened.
「Ten days passed in the blink of an eye.」
Shen Daoxing spent every day in the prison dueling all sorts of experts, and his Sword Technique improved by leaps and bounds.
Techniques like the Thrusting Sword, Slicing Sword, Lifting Sword, Hanging Sword, Cloud Sword, Pointing Sword, Beng Sword, Intercepting Sword, and Wrist Cutting Flower now flowed from his hands with effortless ease.
"Hm?"
The Blood Dragon noticed the power behind Shen Daoxing’s strikes growing heavier and was inwardly surprised. ’This is Lifting Light as Heavy!? It seems the boy is about to take the first step.’
’It’s so hot...’
Just then, strands of profound, mysterious light began to emanate from Shen Daoxing’s body, as if a great providence was taking shape within him.
The Annihilation of Ten Thousand Swords Technique began to circulate on its own, and countless streams of Sword Qi erupted from Shen Daoxing’s body.
In the world outside, the heavens and the earth underwent a violent transformation.
’This is a Heavenly Blessing! The boy actually managed to earn a blessing from the heavens themselves!’
The Blood Dragon tilted its head back, marveling inwardly.
A Heavenly Blessing marked one as Heaven’s Chosen. For Shen Daoxing to receive such a blessing—the very recognition of heaven and earth—after having his bloodline stolen...
It was simply unbelievable.
’Could it be that the Venerable Bloodline in his body is actually regenerating?!’
And a newly-formed Venerable Bloodline would surely surpass the original.
If he succeeds, what terrifying heights will he reach?
At this thought, the Blood Dragon’s own heart surged with anticipation.
.....
「Martial Kingdom, Celestial City Academy.」
In the center of Celestial City Academy stood an enormous stone statue, so imposingly majestic that few dared to look directly at it.
The statue depicted the founder of Celestial City Academy, its first-generation Headmaster.
At this moment, many of the top figures of Celestial City Academy had gathered around the statue, each staring in astonishment at the distant phenomenon.
"A Heavenly Blessing... and it’s coming from the direction of Baiyun City."
"That’s just a remote backwater. How could a Heavenly Blessing occur there? Find out what’s going on, quickly!"
Soon, a message returned from one of the Academy’s experts.
"It’s the Shen Family’s newly emerged genius, Shen Shaotian! The reports say he’s awakened the Venerable Bloodline!"
"What!? A supreme genius like that actually exists!?"
Everyone was thunderstruck, and a flurry of discussion broke out.
One of the Academy experts stated with a grave expression, "If he’s truly a genius of that caliber, Celestial City Academy absolutely cannot miss this opportunity."
An elder beside him added with a solemn look, "If Shen Shaotian joins our Academy, our prestige will surely skyrocket."
The entire Celestial City Academy was thrown into a frenzy. The Headmaster himself gave the order: bring the genius who had awakened the Venerable Bloodline to the Academy at all costs.
At the same time, other academies got word of the news and began dispatching their own experts to Baiyun City.
.....
「Shen Family, Main Hall.」
Shen Shaotian said, his face flush with excitement, "Grandmother, this Venerable Bloodline is truly extraordinary! I had just finished fusing with it, and I’ve already triggered a Heavenly Blessing."
In his eyes, who else in all of Baiyun City was worthy of receiving this Heavenly Blessing besides him?
The old matriarch quickly asked, "After the blessing, how do you feel? Did your strength increase?"
Shen Shaotian shook his head. "I don’t feel anything yet. I’m cultivating the Nine Tides Heart Method you gave me, Grandmother, and I still only have nineteen acupoints opened."
The old matriarch smiled. "Don’t be anxious. Historically, anyone who experiences a Heavenly Blessing receives immense benefits. It’s likely just not your time yet."
Shen Shaotian lifted his chin, saying proudly, "Since the heavens themselves have blessed me, of course I’m not anxious."
"You must prepare diligently for the competition for the White Cloud Order."
The old matriarch, seated in the place of honor, instructed, "Obtaining the White Cloud Order will not only make you famous, but it will also solidify the Shen Family’s position as the number one family in Baiyun City."
Every few years, the younger generation of Baiyun City competes for the White Cloud Order.
The one who obtains it is recognized as the foremost expert of Baiyun City’s younger generation.
This not only brings great prestige to their family, but it can even earn them the favor of the Martial Kingdom’s top academies.
Shen Shaotian said with full confidence, "Rest assured, Grandmother. In one month, I will undoubtedly seize the White Cloud Order and leave everyone completely stunned."
The old matriarch’s face was filled with delight. "Good. I am eagerly awaiting that day. Let the other families get a good look at the Shen Family’s Venerable Supreme."
Shen Shaotian’s eyes narrowed. "Before that, shouldn’t we get rid of that bastard first?"
"Let’s wait."
The old matriarch mused for a moment before saying, "The experts from the Patriarch’s branch haven’t been completely purged yet. If we kill Shen Daoxing now, it will inevitably cause even greater turmoil. Besides, if a motivated party were to investigate, they might still uncover some clues."
"Besides, I’ve considered it carefully. The best way is for you to kill him yourself—openly, in front of everyone. That way, even if there’s an investigation, no one will be able to question the outcome."
"And the competition for the White Cloud Order is the perfect opportunity."
Shen Shaotian’s heart jolted as he instantly understood the old matriarch’s intentions.
’If I kill Shen Daoxing in public, the matter will be closed for good.’
’From that day on, no one will ever be able to question what happened.’
The old matriarch asked, "And about that other matter, has Shen Changqing talked?"
"No."
Shen Shaotian said in a cold voice, "That old bastard Shen Changqing is a tough one. Down in the mines, they beat him until his flesh split open and poured salt in his wounds. He just curls up like a dog without making a sound, refusing to submit."
"Tough, is he?"
The old matriarch sneered. "Don’t worry. I have plenty of ways to make him soften up. His granddaughter... she’s his weak spot."
Meanwhile, Baiyun City was buzzing with excitement as everyone discussed the Heavenly Blessing.
And thanks to the Shen Family’s widespread propaganda, everyone "knew" that the one who had triggered the Heavenly Blessing was none other than their own genius, Shen Shaotian, the man who had awakened the Venerable Bloodline.
