Sword spirit?
Yun Jin watched with curiosity for a while.
This sword spirit truly was versed in all the sword techniques under the heavens. Every slash she delivered looked completely different from the last, as if thousands of sword styles were flowing seamlessly through her.
"The sword spirit enjoys sparring. Through battle, she learns new sword techniques," An Tong said with a smile. "If the Young Master ever needs her assistance, she can trade a new sword technique in exchange."
Yun Jin glanced at An Tong.
This spirit of the Heart Testing Mirror was surprisingly astute.
He must have foreseen that her upcoming journey to the Tianxing Sect could involve a fierce battle. That's why he was carefully introducing each potential ally to her now.
Trading a new sword technique for the sword spirit's help didn't seem like a difficult bargain.
After all, the sword spirit hadn't left the pocket dimension in a thousand years. Any modern technique would likely be new to her.
Yun Jin thought for a moment, then stepped forward.
The sword spirit was still immersed in the world of swords, seemingly unaware of Yun Jin's approach.
An Tong reminded her, "Only swordplay will catch her attention."
Yun Jin nodded and immediately began demonstrating a sword technique.
It was the Qingmu Sword Technique, one she had learned inside the Qingmu Realm.
It was a low-tier Earth-rank technique—not particularly profound to someone like the sword spirit.
But even so—
The sword spirit immediately took notice, turning her head as if drawn by instinct.
She tilted her head, then began mirroring Yun Jin's technique. Suppressing her spiritual power to match Yun Jin's level, she engaged in a duel using the same sword style.
Yun Jin had only intended to get her attention, not to start a real fight.
But now that the sword spirit had taken the initiative, she rose to the challenge.
She wasn't especially proficient with the Qingmu Sword Technique.
After just a few moves, Yun Jin found herself struggling to keep up.
The sword spirit had clearly cultivated this technique to its absolute peak.
An Tong couldn't help but explain, "Young Master, the sword spirit has trained every sword technique in the Wushuang Sect to the highest level. If you can offer her a new insight in any style, she will reward you by taking action once on your behalf."
Yun Jin's eyes flickered.
Every sword technique mastered.
No wonder Wan Dao Saint had gone to such lengths to bring her out.
This one sword spirit contained the entirety of the Wushuang Sect's sword legacy.
In the future, any disciple of the sect could come here to spar with her, and their sword skills would advance rapidly as a result.
Wan Dao Saint had truly left behind priceless treasures for the Wushuang Sect.
Yun Jin managed to hold out for a few more exchanges using the Qingmu Sword Technique.
But in pure swordplay, she was completely outmatched.
Just as she was about to step back—
A system notification echoed in her mind.
[Received guidance from the sword spirit. Qingmu Sword Technique proficiency has increased significantly.]
In the next moment—
Her mastery of the Qingmu Sword Technique surged forward.
Yun Jin froze in place, surprised by the sudden sharpness in her movements.
The sword spirit parried a few more blows, tilting her head in confusion. A flicker of doubt crossed her flawless face. She clearly didn't understand—
Why Yun Jin's swordsmanship had improved so quickly.
Still, she followed instinct, continuing to feed Yun Jin moves.
[Received guidance from the sword spirit. Qingmu Sword Technique proficiency has slightly increased.]
[Received guidance from the sword spirit. Qingmu Sword Technique proficiency has increased significantly.]
The system prompts rang out in Yun Jin's mind from time to time.
Sometimes the gain was large, other times it was minor.
But after several hours of continuous sparring—
The speed of her progress left even Yun Jin stunned.
This sword spirit was truly a treasure.
Even if other disciples couldn't gain as much from her as Yun Jin could, it was still far more efficient than training alone.
If she had the time, Yun Jin honestly wanted to keep sparring with her endlessly.
But she had more pressing matters to attend to.
Waiting for an opening, Yun Jin leapt out of the sparring circle.
The sword spirit gave her a puzzled look, sword still in hand, as if she wanted to continue.
Yun Jin quickly called out, "Senior Sword Spirit, no need to continue! I came to ask a favor. Once I finish my business, I'll return for another lesson."
The sword spirit's expression dimmed slightly, almost human in her disappointment. Then, like a child learning to speak, she stammered, "You… why… improve so fast?"
She looked at Yun Jin with eyes full of childlike confusion.
Though she looked like a cold, graceful warrior, the way she tilted her head and stared made her seem no older than a child.
Yun Jin suddenly felt like a heartless employer exploiting underage labor.
"Sword spirit has vast sword knowledge, but mentally, she's still like a child," An Tong explained. "So don't give her tasks that are too complicated."
Yun Jin cleared her throat and said, "Maybe I'm just naturally gifted."
The sword spirit looked even more confused. "But… the others…"
"They didn't improve as fast as I did, right?" Yun Jin grinned. "Guess I'm just especially talented."
The sword spirit tilted her head again, let out a soft "Ah," and seemed to accept that explanation.
"Senior Sword Spirit, you've been here for a thousand years. I imagine you haven't seen many new sword styles. I'd like to offer you some new techniques in exchange for your assistance."
New techniques?
The sword spirit's eyes lit up at once.
Yun Jin handed over all the sword techniques she had collected.
Most of them weren't high-level.
But—
They were new.
And to the sword spirit, that alone made them valuable.
She flipped through the manuals quickly. Within moments, her gaze sharpened, and she turned to start practicing.
This time, it was one of the sword styles Yun Jin had just given her.
Yun Jin was dumbfounded.
"She already learned it? Even more of a cheat than I am."
An Tong lowered his voice. "When it comes to sword techniques alone, the sword spirit can master them instantly. In this regard, she's even more powerful than those born with a sword constitution. But she lacks human intuition. She can't comprehend the deeper essence or the Dao within sword techniques. No matter how far she polishes the form, she'll never become a true top-tier swordsman."
Yun Jin nodded.
Sword forms were only part of it.
What truly mattered was the intent and Dao behind them.
The sword spirit had refined her techniques to perfection, which gave them considerable power.
But her ceiling was clearly limited.
She continued practicing obsessively.
Each swing was smooth and precise.
Still, Yun Jin noticed—
After hearing An Tong's words, a faint trace of frustration flickered in her eyes.
Yun Jin sighed silently.
The sword spirit had been born on a sword arena.
She was a spirit, not a true living being.
Even though she instinctively knew every technique, she lacked the comprehension of a cultivator.
Yun Jin said softly, "Senior Sword Spirit has cultivated here for a thousand years and protected the Wushuang Sect all that time. One day, I'll do everything I can to help her become truly alive."
If that day came, with her abilities, she might rise to the very peak instantly.
"It won't be easy," An Tong murmured. "The master once thought about that too, but ultimately couldn't make it happen."
"Where there's will, there's a way," Yun Jin replied simply.
She had taken this to heart.
The sword spirit's expression didn't change, but she gradually stopped her practice. Looking at Yun Jin, she said, "Most of these techniques are Yellow-rank and Mystic-rank. They're new, but too low in grade. I can only help for one incense stick's time."
One incense stick?
That was enough!
Yun Jin agreed immediately.