But at the same time, he suddenly discovered an astonishing truth:
The essence of the Sword Array lies in using the Formation to achieve a transformation in the form of Spiritual Power, thereby enhancing the Power of Killing.
In other words, the essence of Sword Qi itself is a "Shape Transformation" of Spiritual Power.
The Sword Array is merely the method to transform Spiritual Power into Sword Qi.
"A transformation at the level of Spiritual Power..."
Mo Hua was startled, his thoughts raced, drawing connections, and he instantly recalled two other forms of spiritual transformation:
The reversal of the Reversed Spirit Formation and the fusion of the Mini Meteorite Skill.
Formation Collapse, Spell Fusion, Swordsmanship Transformation...
The forms of these three differ, but their essence lies in the internal structure of Spiritual Power, derived from the Dao Laws and giving rise to various transformations.
And the so-called "Swordsmanship" is essentially also a method of "Shape Transformation" of Spiritual Power.
This technique doesn’t involve profound internal changes to Spiritual Power, but rather alters its external form, sharpening it until it becomes as cutting as a sword, thereby enhancing the Power of Killing.
Spiritual Power as substance, Sword as form.
Mo Hua suddenly saw the light.
Soon after, a bold idea sprang to life:
If Spiritual Power could be transformed into Sword Qi through the Sword Array...
Doesn’t that mean, even without a foundational Swordsmanship, and without cultivating Sword Qi, he could still generate powerful, lethal Sword Qi through the Sword Array?
Play to strengths; avoid weaknesses.
Leverage the strengths of Formations and avoid the weaknesses of Swordsmanship?
Mo Hua’s heart skipped a beat.
Wouldn’t that mean he could tread the path of a "Sword Cultivator," even without any foundation in Sword Dao?
Not by cultivating Sword Qi within himself, but by relying heavily on the Sword Array.
Of course, Mo Hua didn’t care.
Whether it’s Sword Qi or Sword Array, a Sword Cultivator who can defeat enemies is a good Sword Cultivator.
But... how to kill?
Mo Hua leaned on the desk in the Disciple’s Residence, silently contemplating.
First, he needed to forge swords.
This was beyond question.
Without forging Spirit Swords, there would be no medium to carry the "Sword Array." Without a Sword, the Array wouldn’t exist, and "Sword Cultivation" wouldn’t amount to anything, let alone Sword Dao and the Power of Killing.
The exact methods for sword forging could be discussed later.
The issue was, after forging Spirit Swords and inscribing Sword Arrays, then what?
How would he wield the swords for killing?
Mo Hua frowned.
Fighting at close range by slashing with the swords? Definitely not feasible.
He lacked the physical strength for that.
Using Sword Qi for long-range attacks?
Mo Hua shook his head.
That wasn’t viable either...
His insufficient Spiritual Power would result in weak Sword Qi, incomparable to other Sword Cultivators.
Additionally, both methods of attack are typical for regular Sword Cultivators and have little to do with the Sword Array; they wouldn’t utilize his advantages.
On top of that, his own Swordsmanship was rudimentary. Mimicking a Sword Cultivator wielding swords would merely turn his efforts into an imitation, detracting from rather than enhancing his combat prowess.
Mo Hua sighed deeply.
As expected, everything sounds simple in theory but is hard in practice.
The principles of Tao Cultivation are one thing; practical application is quite another.
"I wonder if there’s a way to play to strengths and avoid weaknesses, cover for my insufficient Spiritual Power and lack of Swordsmanship, and maximize the potency of the ’Sword Array’..."
Mo Hua mentally sifted through all the combat methods of Sword Cultivators he was aware of, and then, startled, he recalled two words:
Sword Control.
For a moment, his memories blurred.
Long ago, beneath the large old locust tree at the Forgetful Residence.
The excited voice of his Junior Brother echoed in his ears again:
"After Foundation Establishment, you can use Divine Sense to control objects..."