We began our journey—Chang Jin and I—seeking to deliver documents to the Tang family in Sichuan. This clan is said to attract many warriors and talents. From what I've heard, it's a family with a very old and prestigious history that spans over a century. They've produced a fair number of top doctors across Jianghu, and they're known for always raising a "Miracle Doctor"—a physician so skilled they can cure conditions deemed impossible, to the point that the healing itself becomes a miracle.
Our path led us to a village where we stopped at a tavern. After some drinks, we left and noticed someone tailing us. I called out, "Show yourself! Who's following us?" I threw my sword toward them, and the man managed to dodge it.
He replied, "Sir, I'm someone who fought you once over the documents. But I've decided to support you in reaching your destination."
I asked, "Where did you find me and how?"
He answered, "Through sources connected to the Phantom Shade gang. It wasn't hard to track someone who stood out in the public's eyes—a man clashing with guards, alongside another large warrior. But the reason I'm here is not just about tracking. I wish to join you."
I asked, "Why me? I'm still in the mid-stages of the Peak Realm."
He said, "It's your ambition and drive that impressed me—even with the records on you, your loyalty and conviction stood out. Despite being young, you have rare skill and potential."
He added, "Though honestly, my talent doesn't even compare to those of Jianghu."
I told him, "Talent is something innate, a gift found when a person discovers a field that suits them. But obsession and relentless effort can surpass hundreds—no, thousands—of raw talents. Your will exceeds all standards. So… will you join us?"
He replied, "Yes, sir. My name is Ching Yan. And you?"
"Tian Shi," I said.
"I salute the honorable Tian Shi," Ching Yan said respectfully. "May we succeed together. To celebrate, I'll pay for your lodging tonight. I'll stay in a room next door."
We refused at first, but he insisted so strongly that I eventually accepted. We brought in our belongings and settled in.
That night, I entered a dream world. An old man appeared and asked me to pick up a sword and fight him. I attacked, but he blocked my strikes effortlessly. He told me, "You've indeed reached the Peak of Sword Completion. You've become one with your sword. But your consciousness hasn't yet fused with it. You haven't awakened the 'Tenya' ability. What you do is replicate the best possible prediction of billions of outcomes by memorizing every possible movement and countering accordingly."
He continued, "With this level, you can defeat those in Sword Completion by technique and mind. But the next realm, the 'Realm of Ascendance,' merges body and consciousness. The sword is forged from one's own will. With your current level, you can face them—but not defeat them. You only need the proper enlightenment in the Peak Realm, and you might skip Ascendance entirely due to how deeply you've fused with the sword."
I tried to continue the conversation, but he disappeared. I woke up the next morning, and we set off, hurrying before sundown. Luckily, we arrived on time. I told the guards I had something for their lord, and though they doubted me, a young noble from the Tang clan arrived from training and welcomed us. He led me to his wing and sent servants to care for Chang Jin and Ching yan .
He said, "You've brought the documents, but now we need something more: proof. If we can confirm corruption and bribery, we can destroy them economically. Most of their trade relies on slavery and prostitution. Cutting off these sources would collapse 90% of their operations. The final 10% can be crushed under the pretext of war—but we need evidence first."
I remembered that the leader of the guards—who also managed transportation of goods and slaves—might be willing to testify. With Ching yan confession, we could destroy them internally. And if we rally the Black Fist Sect, their greatest rival, the rest will fall easily. A deal between us must be made.
I said, "I have the head of the White Phantom's guards on my side. He agreed to work with me." We asked the servants to summon him, and he entered, bowing. "Greetings, sirs. I am Ching yan . Honored to meet the young lord and the revered Tian Shi."
The young noble asked, "Can you testify against your gang's leader?"
Ching yan hesitated, "If I could, I would. But I have a family, and they'll be targeted."
The young noble replied, "Your family will be housed and protected in this manor. But you must testify in court."
Ching yan said, "I will never forget this debt. Of course, I'll testify if you protect my family. Thank you, young lord—I gladly accept."
With that matter resolved, I stepped out with Ching Yan and decided to train in the martial hall. I asked the young noble for permission, and he agreed. A warrior from the Tang clan led me there.
I took my sword, which now had changed—its edges were sharp, infused with purple-black and blue hues. The hilt had become a square-like, wavy form. I began the first form: a vertical cut. I unleashed my full aura, wrapping it into the sword and slashing. The earth cracked beneath me in a wide split.
I recalled the old man from the dream. Could it be that if I truly grasped the concept of foresight—not fusion—I could bypass even the Realm of Ascendance? I focused, trying to perceive everything in my range. I could hear things within 200 meters, noticing even the smallest insects. But something still felt missing.
Then I thought: What if I fused all my sword techniques from memory into one single strike? Not to cut, but simply to release it through the sword—channeling every slash, every form I ever learned? I poured all my aura into it and struck.
A man blocked the blow. Mist rose from the impact. He said, "Hohoho. If I hadn't blocked that, this strike might've destroyed the manor and a quarter of the city. It reminds me of my youthful days when I was obsessed with the sword. But boy, be careful with attacks like that. Even if you seek enlightenment, such power is dangerous."
He had an aura of majesty—mid-length beard, holding a wine flask, around six feet tall, green eyes, dressed in black with green lining, and bore the symbol of a serpent. No way… was this the former head of the Tang family!!!!