Lin Fei and the Sovereign Yuan continued to refine their Saber Domain. However, Lin Fei's Saber Domain was now on par with the Sword Domain of Sovereign Yuan. Their current refinement served as a mutual honing.
To Sovereign Yuan's surprise, his Sword Domain had seen an improvement. Albeit a slight one, there was a definitive enhancement. Such progress was a delightful surprise.
As time passed, Lin Fei's Saber Domain also improved, but at an ever-decreasing rate. A month later, the progress of Lin Fei's Saber Domain had grown by merely 10%. More concerning, in recent days, there has been hardly any noticeable improvement.
"Sovereign Lin," Sovereign Yuan began, his voice measured, "I assume you've noticed? Your Saber Domain has barely improved. Similarly, my Sword Domain experienced initial growth but slowed down considerably, with little to no subsequent enhancement. It seems the pressure our Domains impose upon each other has lessened. There's little point in continuing this mutual refinement."
Lin Fei understood that their time together had come to an end. "Sovereign Yuan, it's time for me to take my leave," he remarked without further elaboration.
In reality, the two had sparred atop the mountain for over two months and had forged a bond of friendship. Sovereign Yuan had not left empty-handed either. Even though he wouldn't practice the Dual-World Saber, under Lin Fei's Gravity Domain, his third Divine Ability had advanced rapidly, nearing perfection. It would be perfected in a month.
Regardless, Sovereign Yuan was sure his third Divine Ability would soon reach its pinnacle. Thereafter, he'd commence his training in the fourth Divine Ability. Progressing from three to four Divine Abilities might seem minor, but for a Martial Sovereign, it signified the leap from an early to a mid-stage Martial Sovereign—a significant advancement. Furthermore, Sovereign Yuan's Sword Domain had also undeniably improved.
"Sovereign Lin," Sovereign Yuan's voice echoed as Lin Fei departed, "I hope, upon our next meeting, you won't disappoint me."
Without turning his head, Lin Fei responded, "Anyone who falls behind me will only find the gap widening."
His voice lingered in the void as he walked away, leaving Sovereign Yuan perched on the cliff, pondering for a long while.
...
Upon Lin Fei's return to the Xiao family, Xiao Yuchen immediately approached him.
"Sovereign Lin, where have you been all this while?"
A hint of relief graced her features upon seeing Lin Fei. Although Lin Fei had mentioned he'd be refining his Saber Domain, two months without a word had caused Xiao Yuchen some distress, especially when she couldn't locate Lin Fei.
"Aurora Sovereign, what can I do for you?" Lin Fei inquired, not divulging his time with Sovereign Yuan.
"Sovereign Lin, didn't you express a desire to cultivate your Saber Domain?" Xiao Yuchen inquired with a hint of mischief in her gaze. "I know of a place that might assist in its refinement."
"Oh? What place is that?" Lin Fei's eyes sharpened, locking onto Aurora Sovereign with keen interest.
While Lin Fei had achieved mastery in his Saber Domain, reaching Transcendence seemed a distant dream, leaving him somewhat exasperated. He was uncertain where to venture next for its further enhancement.
Xiao Yuchen chuckled, "It's quite serendipitous, actually. Recently, a martial arts sect under the Xiao family's banner sought our assistance. This sect is known as the 'Saber Sovereign Sect'.
A bold name, indeed. Due to their plea for aid, I delved deeper into their background. It appears the Saber Sovereign Sect once basked in glory. Established by a paramount Martial Sovereign, he wasn't titled 'Saber Sovereign' without reason. The sect's founding master was a saber enthusiast, having not only evolved a Saber Domain but attained its perfect Domain!
However, after the founder's demise, the Saber Sovereign Sect gradually waned. Eventually, unable to sustain themselves, they sought the patronage of our Xiao family. Initially, we welcomed them, they had a Martial Sovereign after all.
Yet, as time went on, they no longer boasted even a single Martial Sovereign, merely retaining some martial saints. Consequently, our family began overlooking the sect. Their recent plea indicates a dire predicament, even the potential of their complete obliteration.
Our family wasn't initially inclined to intervene. The Saber Sovereign Sect, while nominally under the Xiao banner, has progressively reduced its yearly tribute. We even contemplated expelling them."
"However," Xiao Yuchen paused for emphasis, "considering that the Saber Sovereign Sect once produced a Martial Sovereign with a perfected Saber Domain, I thought their knowledge could benefit Sovereign Lin. Hence, I've undertaken their case. Would Sovereign Lin be interested in visiting the Saber Sovereign Sect? With our Xiao family's token in hand, and should you resolve their predicaments, wouldn't their Saber Domain archives be at your disposal?"
Lin Fei's eyes gleamed with renewed interest. The Saber Sovereign Sect was established by a Saber Sovereign who achieved a perfect Saber Domain. Being called a "Saber Sovereign", it was clear that this was a true saber practitioner, someone who truly walked the saber path. Even if the Saber Sovereign Sect was now in decline, they surely still retained treasures or knowledge left by the great Saber Sovereign. Any information, especially concerning the perfect Saber Domain, was invaluable to Lin Fei.
"Thank you for the offer, Aurora Sovereign," Lin Fei responded gratefully. "I am indeed keen on visiting the Saber Sovereign Sect."
Xiao Yuchen nodded and handed Lin Fei the Xiao family's token, along with a map to the Saber Sovereign Sect's location. "Sovereign Lin, you can embark on your journey to the Saber Sovereign Sect whenever you please."
It was evident that Xiao Yuchen was going out of her way to assist Lin Fei. However, after some hesitation, Lin Fei spoke, "Aurora Sovereign, I wish to visit the Martial King Tower."
"The Martial King Tower?"
"Yes, I aim to challenge the third floor of the Martial King Tower. Once I succeed, Aurora Sovereign, you'll gain access to the blood pool on the same floor."
Lin Fei was well-versed with the rules of the Martial King Tower. Passing the third floor or any subsequent ones granted eligibility to use the blood pool. But whether one chooses to utilize it depends on the individual's decision.
Usually, warriors would only venture into the third-floor blood pool after mastering the third Divine Ability. And once their bloodline was awakened there, they could directly activate the fourth Divine Ability.
Xiao Yuchen looked surprised. She hadn't expected Lin Fei to be ready to challenge the third floor so soon. "Sovereign Lin, there's no need to rush. My own third Divine Ability might take anywhere from a year to even more than a decade to master. So there's ample time."
She thought that Lin Fei might be hastening his decision as a gesture of gratitude for her help. However, Lin Fei clarified, "Aurora Sovereign, I fear I might inadvertently perfect the Dual-World Saber and even begin cultivating the fourth Divine Ability. If that happens, I'll lose my eligibility to challenge the third floor. Wouldn't that deprive you of an opportunity to access the blood pool?"
Xiao Yuchen's smile faltered slightly. She seemed caught off guard, a touch of embarrassment evident on her face. Lin Fei's reasoning made sense. If he advanced too swiftly, surpassing a certain level and cultivating the fourth Divine Ability, then indeed she would lose a chance at the blood pool's benefits.
Such a logical argument, yet it left a strange taste in Xiao Yuchen's mouth. Anyone else making such a claim might be met with skepticism, but when it came from Lin Fei, she believed it wholeheartedly. Lin Fei's prowess was such that he could indeed return from a journey having mastered the fourth Divine Ability.
Lin Fei and the Sovereign Yuan continued to refine their Saber Domain. However, Lin Fei's Saber Domain was now on par with the Sword Domain of Sovereign Yuan. Their current refinement served as a mutual honing.
To Sovereign Yuan's surprise, his Sword Domain had seen an improvement. Albeit a slight one, there was a definitive enhancement. Such progress was a delightful surprise.
As time passed, Lin Fei's Saber Domain also improved, but at an ever-decreasing rate. A month later, the progress of Lin Fei's Saber Domain had grown by merely 10%. More concerning, in recent days, there has been hardly any noticeable improvement.
"Sovereign Lin," Sovereign Yuan began, his voice measured, "I assume you've noticed? Your Saber Domain has barely improved. Similarly, my Sword Domain experienced initial growth but slowed down considerably, with little to no subsequent enhancement. It seems the pressure our Domains impose upon each other has lessened. There's little point in continuing this mutual refinement."
Lin Fei understood that their time together had come to an end. "Sovereign Yuan, it's time for me to take my leave," he remarked without further elaboration.
In reality, the two had sparred atop the mountain for over two months and had forged a bond of friendship. Sovereign Yuan had not left empty-handed either. Even though he wouldn't practice the Dual-World Saber, under Lin Fei's Gravity Domain, his third Divine Ability had advanced rapidly, nearing perfection. It would be perfected in a month.
Regardless, Sovereign Yuan was sure his third Divine Ability would soon reach its pinnacle. Thereafter, he'd commence his training in the fourth Divine Ability. Progressing from three to four Divine Abilities might seem minor, but for a Martial Sovereign, it signified the leap from an early to a mid-stage Martial Sovereign—a significant advancement. Furthermore, Sovereign Yuan's Sword Domain had also undeniably improved.
"Sovereign Lin," Sovereign Yuan's voice echoed as Lin Fei departed, "I hope, upon our next meeting, you won't disappoint me."
Without turning his head, Lin Fei responded, "Anyone who falls behind me will only find the gap widening."
His voice lingered in the void as he walked away, leaving Sovereign Yuan perched on the cliff, pondering for a long while.
...
Upon Lin Fei's return to the Xiao family, Xiao Yuchen immediately approached him.
"Sovereign Lin, where have you been all this while?"
A hint of relief graced her features upon seeing Lin Fei. Although Lin Fei had mentioned he'd be refining his Saber Domain, two months without a word had caused Xiao Yuchen some distress, especially when she couldn't locate Lin Fei.
"Aurora Sovereign, what can I do for you?" Lin Fei inquired, not divulging his time with Sovereign Yuan.
"Sovereign Lin, didn't you express a desire to cultivate your Saber Domain?" Xiao Yuchen inquired with a hint of mischief in her gaze. "I know of a place that might assist in its refinement."
"Oh? What place is that?" Lin Fei's eyes sharpened, locking onto Aurora Sovereign with keen interest.
While Lin Fei had achieved mastery in his Saber Domain, reaching Transcendence seemed a distant dream, leaving him somewhat exasperated. He was uncertain where to venture next for its further enhancement.
Xiao Yuchen chuckled, "It's quite serendipitous, actually. Recently, a martial arts sect under the Xiao family's banner sought our assistance. This sect is known as the 'Saber Sovereign Sect'.
A bold name, indeed. Due to their plea for aid, I delved deeper into their background. It appears the Saber Sovereign Sect once basked in glory. Established by a paramount Martial Sovereign, he wasn't titled 'Saber Sovereign' without reason. The sect's founding master was a saber enthusiast, having not only evolved a Saber Domain but attained its perfect Domain!
However, after the founder's demise, the Saber Sovereign Sect gradually waned. Eventually, unable to sustain themselves, they sought the patronage of our Xiao family. Initially, we welcomed them, they had a Martial Sovereign after all.
Yet, as time went on, they no longer boasted even a single Martial Sovereign, merely retaining some martial saints. Consequently, our family began overlooking the sect. Their recent plea indicates a dire predicament, even the potential of their complete obliteration.
Our family wasn't initially inclined to intervene. The Saber Sovereign Sect, while nominally under the Xiao banner, has progressively reduced its yearly tribute. We even contemplated expelling them."
"However," Xiao Yuchen paused for emphasis, "considering that the Saber Sovereign Sect once produced a Martial Sovereign with a perfected Saber Domain, I thought their knowledge could benefit Sovereign Lin. Hence, I've undertaken their case. Would Sovereign Lin be interested in visiting the Saber Sovereign Sect? With our Xiao family's token in hand, and should you resolve their predicaments, wouldn't their Saber Domain archives be at your disposal?"
Lin Fei's eyes gleamed with renewed interest. The Saber Sovereign Sect was established by a Saber Sovereign who achieved a perfect Saber Domain. Being called a "Saber Sovereign", it was clear that this was a true saber practitioner, someone who truly walked the saber path. Even if the Saber Sovereign Sect was now in decline, they surely still retained treasures or knowledge left by the great Saber Sovereign. Any information, especially concerning the perfect Saber Domain, was invaluable to Lin Fei.
"Thank you for the offer, Aurora Sovereign," Lin Fei responded gratefully. "I am indeed keen on visiting the Saber Sovereign Sect."
Xiao Yuchen nodded and handed Lin Fei the Xiao family's token, along with a map to the Saber Sovereign Sect's location. "Sovereign Lin, you can embark on your journey to the Saber Sovereign Sect whenever you please."
It was evident that Xiao Yuchen was going out of her way to assist Lin Fei. However, after some hesitation, Lin Fei spoke, "Aurora Sovereign, I wish to visit the Martial King Tower."
"The Martial King Tower?"
"Yes, I aim to challenge the third floor of the Martial King Tower. Once I succeed, Aurora Sovereign, you'll gain access to the blood pool on the same floor."
Lin Fei was well-versed with the rules of the Martial King Tower. Passing the third floor or any subsequent ones granted eligibility to use the blood pool. But whether one chooses to utilize it depends on the individual's decision.
Usually, warriors would only venture into the third-floor blood pool after mastering the third Divine Ability. And once their bloodline was awakened there, they could directly activate the fourth Divine Ability.
Xiao Yuchen looked surprised. She hadn't expected Lin Fei to be ready to challenge the third floor so soon. "Sovereign Lin, there's no need to rush. My own third Divine Ability might take anywhere from a year to even more than a decade to master. So there's ample time."
She thought that Lin Fei might be hastening his decision as a gesture of gratitude for her help. However, Lin Fei clarified, "Aurora Sovereign, I fear I might inadvertently perfect the Dual-World Saber and even begin cultivating the fourth Divine Ability. If that happens, I'll lose my eligibility to challenge the third floor. Wouldn't that deprive you of an opportunity to access the blood pool?"
Xiao Yuchen's smile faltered slightly. She seemed caught off guard, a touch of embarrassment evident on her face. Lin Fei's reasoning made sense. If he advanced too swiftly, surpassing a certain level and cultivating the fourth Divine Ability, then indeed she would lose a chance at the blood pool's benefits.
Such a logical argument, yet it left a strange taste in Xiao Yuchen's mouth. Anyone else making such a claim might be met with skepticism, but when it came from Lin Fei, she believed it wholeheartedly. Lin Fei's prowess was such that he could indeed return from a journey having mastered the fourth Divine Ability.
