Mirror Lake, Meng Residence.
Meng Chuan was training on the martial arena, practicing the Falling Leaf Blade. Blade after blade flashed like a gust of wind. In an instant, the form was complete, and he walked over to a stone bench to sit, lost in thought.
Memories of yesterday's conversation with Dean Ge Yu filled his mind.
"Dean, after comprehending the secret technique, the Falling Leaf Blade has reached perfection—nothing more to refine. What should I train next? How can I understand the Blade Momentum?"
"Meng Chuan, the further you advance in this blade art, the more you must rely on your own comprehension. There's little I can teach you," Ge Yu said, sipping wine with a gentle smile. "I can only tell you how I discovered Momentum. Back at Qinyang Pass battlefield, facing monsters time and again, life and death struggles… I found parts of my blade form cumbersome, so I gradually changed it."
"Do what feels natural for slaying monsters. After military service ended, I requested to stay at Qinyang Pass. Twelve years there, until one day, my self-created blade art reached perfection, and I understood Blade Momentum," Ge Yu continued.
"Self-created blade art?" Meng Chuan was astonished.
"Yes," Ge Yu smiled, taking a sip of wine. "Refine a top-tier blade art to perfection, and you can comprehend a secret technique, reaching the Unity Stage. But create your own top-tier blade art, and you can perceive a Blade Momentum unique to yourself."
"What kind of blade art did you create, Dean? Can I see it?" Meng Chuan asked curiously.
"Haha, I'll show you."
Half-drunk, Ge Yu's excitement came alive, and he demonstrated the technique.
The blade art was sinister, deceptive, and ferocious.
Though small in stature, Ge Yu wielded a long blade like a mighty monkey swinging, surrounded by blade light from every angle. The courtyard felt chilling; countless leaves were sliced in midair. Meng Chuan watched in awe, feeling a chill down his spine.
This was merely a demonstration, not full-strength combat. True battle would be ten times more vicious.
This was the fastest blade in Dongning Prefecture.
"This blade art isn't suitable for teaching you," Ge Yu said, sheathing his blade with a flourish. "It fits my physique—slender, long arms. For normal builds, the Falling Leaf Blade is best. It's a creation of the Godfiends of Yuanchu Mountain and perfect for laying foundations."
"Of course, your Falling Leaf Blade is already perfect. Mirror Lake Academy has little more to teach. From here on, it's up to you," Ge Yu said. "As Dean, I only wish to teach a Godfiend from Yuanchu Mountain in my lifetime. Haha, then I can brag forever."
…
Meng Chuan reflected on these words.
"Chuan'er." Meng Dajiang approached the arena.
"Father." Meng Chuan stood.
"Come, follow me to the ancestral residence. Meet your Great-Aunt."
Meng Chuan stiffened. "Great-Aunt? Father, you mean—"
"Immortal Aunt," Meng Dajiang said softly.
Meng Chuan's eyes shone. She was the pride of the Meng family—the family's pillar! Only the second Godfiend in Meng history.
"Let's go, Father!" Meng Chuan was thrilled, eager to meet his Great-Aunt.
…
At the ancestral residence, Immortal Aunt Meng resided in a modest courtyard, slightly larger than the average courtyard within the mansion.
"Come inside," Meng Dajiang led Meng Chuan cautiously, neither daring to make a sound.
Inside, an elderly woman leaned on a cane, inspecting a blossoming peach tree, examining each flower with care.
Meng Chuan studied her closely.
She was so quiet, seemingly one with nature, that if one closed their eyes, they might not sense her presence. Meng Chuan realized this must be his Great-Aunt, Immortal Aunt Meng.
"You're here?" she said, turning to smile at Meng Dajiang and Meng Chuan.
"Hurry and pay your respects, Great-Aunt," Meng Dajiang urged softly.
Meng Chuan stepped forward immediately, kneeling to bow. "Greetings, Great-Aunt."
"Stand up quickly," she said, sitting down. "You both may sit as well."
Meng Dajiang and Meng Chuan sat beside her.
Curious, Meng Chuan studied his Great-Aunt. Judging by her features, she must have been beautiful in her youth. He didn't know that before her injury, she looked like an ordinary forty-year-old.
"Meng Chuan, come closer," she said gently.
He sat on a nearby chair.
She took his hand, observing him more and more fondly. This was the hope of the Meng family!
"Meng Chuan, you should reach full refinement of the Marrow-Washing Stage in two or three months, correct?"
"Yes," Meng Chuan nodded.
"Foundation building, external refinement, Marrow-Washing… these are all foundational, refining the body to perfection," she explained. "The Transcendence Stage begins shedding mortal limitations, cultivating a Godfiend body, gradually attaining divine power. It is a transformation of life itself—from ant to tiger, from human to Godfiend. The first step is the Transcendence Stage."
"This step is crucial. With rare treasures of heaven and earth, one can forge an immensely powerful Godfiend foundation."
"Godfiend foundation?" Meng Chuan was puzzled.
"In some ancient Godfiend families, even the unborn fetus consumes heavenly treasures. When born, the child surpasses peers in every way."
"The Transcendence Stage is like the fetal stage of a Godfiend," she said. "It's the most critical period for altering potential. I've spent years accumulating the family's treasures to acquire a drop of 'Godfiend Marrow Elixir.' When you start cultivating the Godfiend body, take it immediately. It will lay a powerful foundation, making your body and true essence far superior to your peers."
"Godfiend Marrow Elixir?" Meng Dajiang was shocked. "Great-Aunt… to do this…"
The Meng family's years of accumulation might be almost entirely spent.
"This decision has been made and executed," she said. "Godfiend foundation is vital. Miss the earliest period of Transcendence Stage, and no amount of treasure later can change it. Using the family's wealth for a single drop—worth it."
Meng Chuan felt an immense pressure.
Great-Aunt risked everything, nearly exhausting the family's treasure for just one drop, only for him?
The family's long-standing fairness principles… he had only just comprehended a secret technique. Whether he could become a Godfiend was uncertain. And yet, she cultivated him so decisively?
"Meng Chuan," she said, smiling at the young family member, noticing his unease. "I am severely injured. I may only have seven or eight years left. I cannot wait—I must train you with all my strength."
Meng Chuan was stunned.
The family's pillar, only seven or eight years left to live?
"I have not only given you the Godfiend Marrow Elixir, but also all my merits accumulated over eighty years of fighting demons," she continued. "As long as you comprehend Blade Momentum before twenty, these merits will transfer to you directly."
"Great-Aunt, these are your lifetime achievements," Meng Dajiang said.
"If the family can gain another Godfiend, it is worth it," she said, looking at Meng Chuan. "You are the family's only hope. I believe you can shoulder this responsibility."
Having survived disaster at six, Meng Chuan's temperament was exceptional. He quickly accepted it. "Great-Aunt, I don't know if I can become a Godfiend. But I will give everything I have!"
"You remain calm under pressure," she smiled, nodding. "Good. I did not misjudge you."
Meng Dajiang looked uneasy.
"Dajiang," she said, "you may not agree with me placing all this on Meng Chuan, but to become a Godfiend, one must have a strong heart. Trust your son—he is far more extraordinary than you imagine."