"Is someone helping you earn Merit Points and you refuse? Are you an idiot?"
...
Mo Hua spoke with crisp clarity and rapid pace, unleashing a torrent of words.
Ling Huxiao was left dumbfounded by Mo Hua’s remarks.
He wasn’t truly averse to strangers; it was merely that his extraordinary aptitude had spurred envy and caused others to distance themselves.
Over time, this led to his isolation.
He grew reluctant to engage in communication.
If this persisted until Core Formation or even Feather Transformation, he’d likely become an incomparably powerful, yet eccentric and socially disconnected Sword Cultivator.
But now, things had begun to shift.
Mo Hua’s words echoed in Ling Huxiao’s ears. After pondering for a long time, he silently nodded:
"Alright..."
Mo Hua, who had expected to spend more effort persuading him, was slightly surprised.
Nevertheless, Ling Huxiao’s agreement was undoubtedly good news.
Mo Hua habitually patted Ling Huxiao’s shoulder with a friendly demeanor and natural motion.
Ling Huxiao stiffened momentarily but did not reject the gesture.
"Next rest period, go to those hills near the Refining Demon Mountain’s entrance and find the disciples of Taixu Gate. Just report my name."
"Your Swordsmanship is so extraordinary—one sword, one Monster Beast. You could earn plenty of Merit Points in a single day."
Mo Hua painted him a "grand picture."
Naturally, it wasn’t an exaggeration but rather the truth.
Ling Huxiao nodded again.
At the crossroads, the two parted ways and went back to their respective Sects.
Back in the Sect, Ling Huxiao spent several consecutive days preoccupied with his thoughts.
Mo Hua’s words and deeds would often surface in his mind.
From their initial meeting—the latent killing intent, the enigmatic and overwhelming aura, along with the fluid ease of Mo Hua’s Spells and movement techniques;
The slain Demon Wooden Eagle with its unusually sharp golden Sword Qi penetrating its flesh and bone, alongside the fragmented sword blade embedded within;
The later moment when the killing intent dissipated—like being bathed in a springtime breeze, accompanied by an utterly sincere and composed smile;
And the radiant warmth and casual grace conveyed in his words...
All these conflicting and somewhat incongruous images intertwined.
Ling Huxiao etched this name deep into his memory:
"Mo Hua..."
...
As for Mo Hua, upon returning to the Sect, he completely forgot about Ling Huxiao.
His schedule had become overwhelmingly packed, juggling cultivation, classes, Formation practice, and considerations related to Artifact Refining and Sword Casting, leaving little space for other thoughts.
Occasionally, when researching Sword Arrays, Ling Huxiao would cross his mind.
Ling Huxiao’s Sword Qi was, without doubt, the strongest Sword Qi Mo Hua had encountered within the Foundation Establishment Realm.
It far surpassed the Gold-Cutting Imperial Sword Technique of Sever Gold Sect by more than one level.
Of course, given Ling Huxiao’s current cultivation level, his strong Sword Qi might not yet be wielded with total mastery.
Additionally, limited Spiritual Power might prevent him from unleashing multiple strikes at full strength.
In actual combat scenarios, vulnerabilities could still be exploited.
Nonetheless, his power was undeniably formidable.
If utilized properly, within the Foundation Establishment Realm—particularly among cultivators in the Middle Phase—it could wreak havoc.
And then there was the matter of the Chongxu Sword Qi...
Mo Hua was greatly intrigued. Chongxu Sect was renowned for its Chongxu Sword Qi, but what was the true source of its strength?
Could this Sword Qi perhaps be amplified or simulated through a "Sword Array?"
If a Sword Array could generate Chongxu Sword Qi, wouldn’t that elevate the power of his own Sword Control to a whole new level?
"Someday, I’ll have to delve further into this."
"It wouldn’t be appropriate to steal knowledge of Chongxu Sword Qi, but if I don’t learn it, merely studying it should be fine..."
Mo Hua pondered silently to himself.
...
Meanwhile, at the Elder’s Residence of the Taixu Gate.