"Of course I can tell."
The old man smiled.
"Senior, I would like to go in and see the senior inside," Ye Yunfei said.
"Very well, you may enter," the old man nodded.
Last time Ye Yunfei came here, he had to pass a test to enter the Small World within this grave, but this time the old man directly agreed to let him in.
"Thank you, Senior," Ye Yunfei said respectfully.
He then walked onto the altar on the platform. A surge of teleportation energy enveloped Ye Yunfei, and he was transmitted into the interior of the grave.
Entering the Small World inside the grave, Ye Yunfei saw densely packed graves everywhere he looked. From these graves, rays of dazzling sword Qi shot out and danced back and forth.
Ye Yunfei directly walked to the position of the final grave in this Small World. Before he could even speak, a figure slowly floated up from this last grave.
It was the green-robed man from before!
"Young man, you've come again," the green-robed man said.
"Yes, Senior. I am about to leave this stretch of spacetime to explore other worlds outside. As I was passing nearby, I specifically came in to see you, Senior," Ye Yunfei answered respectfully.
"I see."
After hearing Ye Yunfei's words, the green-robed man looked Ye Yunfei over and nodded.
"With your current strength, you indeed can venture to different realms. It would be very beneficial for your growth. In such a short time, you actually broke through to Golden Immortal and possess such combat power. Not bad at all. Even in the Ancient Era, your talent would be considered an exceedingly rare young prodigy," the green-robed man said in a tone of praise.
"Senior flatters me," Ye Yunfei quickly replied.
*What on earth is this senior's level and strength? I actually can't sense it!* Ye Yunfei had the moment he arrived already been secretly probing the green-robed man's realm and power using his Soul Power energy. But to his shock, he was unable to perceive what level the green-robed man's cultivation and strength were at. He then sent a Sound Transmission to Hun Lao.
"I can't sense it either. Before, I thought he was a Heavenly Emperor-level expert, but now it seems he is definitely not merely at the Heavenly Emperor realm. Moreover, even you and I cannot sense his current cultivation, which is rather frightening. It appears his true power surpasses our imaginations," Hun Lao, who had also been trying to sense the green-robed man's level, replied.
"I am rather shocked too."
Just as Ye Yunfei and Hun Lao were feeling deeply astonished, the green-robed man smiled and asked, "How have you progressed in cultivating the Myriad Swords Return to One Great Art I taught you before? Show me now."
"Alright, I will demonstrate it for you now, Senior," Ye Yunfei said, feeling somewhat ashamed upon hearing the request. Lately, Ye Yunfei had hardly spent any time cultivating the Myriad Swords Return to One Great Art. He had found that the higher the level of this sword technique, the more difficult it was to progress. Furthermore, as Ye Yunfei's strength in other areas grew, he now used sword techniques less frequently in combat.
In recent times, his main means of combat had been his body power, Immortal Power energy, and Soul Power energy. Sword techniques were almost never used.
*Clang!*
Ye Yunfei drew a Golden Immortal-level longsword and executed the Myriad Swords Return to One Great Art, slashing out a thick sword ray that howled through the air as it flew towards the distant space.
The Myriad Swords Return to One Great Art could be performed even without a sword in hand, but using a high-grade longsword would amplify its power.
The sword ray Ye Yunfei unleashed directly cleaved open a pitch-black spatial rift, demonstrating its formidable force.
"Hmm... Young man, you've currently achieved the level of around fifty thousand swords returning to one. While not poor, it can only be considered average, nothing particularly special. It seems you definitely haven't spent much time cultivating this sword technique. Otherwise, given your talent, you could have undoubtedly cultivated it to an even higher level," the green-robed man watched Ye Yunfei's display with a calm expression, speaking softly.
"Senior's words are correct. I indeed haven't spent enough time cultivating this technique. I have let you down after the high expectations you placed in me," Ye Yunfei replied hastily, feeling rather ashamed.
"It's alright, I don't blame you. Your talent is immense, not limited to swordsmanship but in all other aspects as well. Your time and energy are finite; inevitably, sometimes you focus on one thing and neglect another. However, I can tell you that the Myriad Swords Return to One Great Art is truly an excellent sword technique. Its power is far beyond what you imagine. I advise you to spend more time on this technique in the future; it will reward you with pleasant surprises," the green-robed man nodded and said.
"Rest assured, Senior, I will firmly remember your words. In the future, I will devote more time and effort to diligently cultivating the Myriad Swords Return to One Great Art," Ye Yunfei answered.
"Alright, I will take you to a place. Practicing your swordsmanship there for half a month should significantly elevate your skill," the green-robed man thought for a moment before speaking to Ye Yunfei.
"Take me to a place to cultivate swordsmanship?" Ye Yunfei was startled by these words.
The green-robed man flicked his sleeve, and immediately a powerful teleportation energy descended from above, enveloping Ye Yunfei, initiating the transmission.
*Such potent teleportation energy!* Ye Yunfei inwardly marveled.
*It seems we truly underestimated this senior before. His true strength might be that of a Heavenly Immortal, or perhaps even stronger!* Ye Yunfei was utterly astonished and sent a Sound Transmission to Hun Lao.
Remember, when Ye Yunfei first came here, he thought this green-robed man was merely a Heavenly Emperor-level expert. Now, discovering that he might be a Heavenly Immortal-level powerhouse—the difference was vast beyond measure.
"Yes, his power is indeed formidable. I can't see through him at all," Hun Lao replied.
At that moment, the teleportation concluded.
Ye Yunfei found himself in a study. On the papered wall of the study hung a painting depicting a scholarly, elegantly-proportioned middle-aged man who looked like a scholar from the mortal world. Yet, shocking and oppressive waves of sword Qi continuously radiated from this middle-aged man's form in the painting. One overwhelming sword ray after another spun and sliced through the study, resembling schools of deep-sea fish.
*Such terrifying sword Qi!*
Although Ye Yunfei had attained a certain proficiency in the sword path, simply gazing at the painting and the middle-aged man within forced him to retreat step by step. Later, he even found it difficult to look directly at the figure in the painting.
*Absolutely terrifying! It's merely a painting, yet it possesses such astonishing sword Qi energy! If his actual person were here, how incredibly powerful would he be? Could the person in the painting actually be a legendary Deity?* Ye Yunfei was shaken to his core.
Recall that Ye Yunfei had seen Demigod-level experts before. He was certain that if a Demigod-level expert were painted into a portrait, it definitely could not possess such a horrifying energy aura.
"Senior..." Ye Yunfei looked towards the green-robed man, somewhat confused.
This green-robed man had said he would take him somewhere to cultivate, but now they were in this study. Within it, the frightening sword Qi energy released by the man in the painting permeated everywhere. Here, Ye Yunfei had to constantly resist these sword rays, making it impossible to focus on cultivation.
"Young man, this is Lord Sword God Zi, and also my master. Offer your respects," the green-robed man first paid an extremely reverent bow to the middle-aged man in the painting before speaking to Ye Yunfei.
"Lord Sword God Zi? He is your master, Senior?" Hearing this, Ye Yunfei couldn't help but gasp in surprise.
If this green-robed man's strength was already terrifying, then his master must be even more unfathomable. Thinking of this, Ye Yunfei promptly paid three respectful bows to the man in the painting.
Seeing Ye Yunfei's reverent attitude, the green-robed man nodded in approval.
"Young man, the Myriad Swords Return to One Great Art I taught you is actually the legacy of my master. In his time, my master was a celebrated master of the sword path throughout the myriad heavens and worlds. Even within the Sword Realm, a place where sword path masters gathered, my master was counted among the very best top masters. Starting now, you will cultivate the Myriad Swords Return to One Great Art in this room, facing my master's portrait," the green-robed man instructed Ye Yunfei.
"Very well, I will follow your instruction, Senior," Ye Yunfei said without hesitation, nodding in agreement. He knew the green-robed man definitely meant well for him.
"Mhm. I will take my leave then. Stay here and cultivate for now," the green-robed man nodded again, then turned and left the room.
Ye Yunfei turned once more and paid another respectful bow to the middle-aged man in the painting before sitting cross-legged to begin cultivating the Myriad Swords Return to One Great Art.
*Clang!*
Ye Yunfei brandished his longsword, slashing out a thick sword ray formed by the condensation of fifty thousand strands of sword Qi—the highest level he could currently unleash with this sword technique.
However, as soon as this sword ray was unleashed, a massive surge of overwhelmingly powerful sword Qi rushed forth, forcibly repelling Ye Yunfei's own sword ray and sending it flying back... directly at him!
Startled, Ye Yunfei swiftly wielded his Golden Immortal-level longsword to slash out another thick ray. *Clang!* The rebounding sword ray was blocked.
From then on, every time Ye Yunfei launched a sword ray, it was immediately repelled by the frighteningly numerous and powerful sword Qi within the room, attacking Ye Yunfei himself and forcing him to defend.
Thus, Ye Yunfei found his own unleashed sword rays continuously rebounding to attack him. It seemed as if he were fighting himself, and it was an intensely stressful struggle because Ye Yunfei discovered the returning sword rays became even more powerful, compelling him to defend with his full strength.
*I understand now. That senior brought me here precisely to make me cultivate in this manner. Well, I cannot disappoint his kindness,* Ye Yunfei inwardly thought.
He subsequently continued to swing his Golden Immortal-level longsword, unleashing one thick sword ray after another, only to constantly engage in combat with his own rebounding attacks.
Admittedly, this cultivation method was highly effective. As time passed, Ye Yunfei felt his swordsmanship level beginning to steadily improve. What delighted Ye Yunfei even more was that the terrifyingly dense sword Qi pervading this room seemed to contain the essence of the world's most exquisite sword energies, sword laws, and sword doctrines...
Utilizing his two Soul Bodies simultaneously, Ye Yunfei immersed himself in contemplating the sword Qi in the room, gradually gaining insights.
About seven or eight days later, Ye Yunfei realized he had achieved the sixty thousand swords return to one level.
*Continue! Cultivating in such an environment greatly benefits me. I cannot let this opportunity pass by,* Ye Yunfei firmly thought.
From then on, Ye Yunfei wholeheartedly dedicated himself to cultivating swordsmanship within the room.
"Hmm, very good. This young man not only has excellent talent in the sword path, but his will and determination are also remarkable. He is promising material," the green-robed man, sensing Ye Yunfei's diligent cultivation state, nodded with approval.
Time flowed on. Unbeknownst to him, Ye Yunfei had spent an entire month cultivating in that room.
Initially, the green-robed man intended Ye Yunfei to cultivate for only half a month, but seeing Ye Yunfei so engrossed, he let him remain and continue.
After a month.
"My Myriad Swords Return to One Great Art has reached the one hundred thousand swords return to one level! My progress is truly immense!" Ye Yunfei was ecstatic.
"Continue cultivating!" Ye Yunfei had no intention of leaving the room early, as it was an excellent place for sword practice.
Just then, the green-robed man suddenly reappeared in the room.
"Senior," Ye Yunfei immediately stood up.
"I've come this time to impart you the next higher level of the Myriad Swords Return to One Great Art's mental cultivation method. Combine this with the sword technique and continue cultivating; see if you can achieve even greater improvement. The Myriad Swords Return to One Great Art is an extremely profound sword technique, embodying the world's most profound sword path principles. I can only teach it to you level by level. That way, you can comprehend and master it more effectively. If I transmitted the supreme esoterics of the Myriad Swords Return to One Great Art to you all at once, given the quality of your current Soul Body, you likely couldn't endure it," the green-robed man explained to Ye Yunfei.
"I see. Thank you, Senior," Ye Yunfei replied, a mix of astonishment and joy filling his heart.
*So it seems this Myriad Swords Return to One Great Art is definitely far, far more profound than I imagined!* he inwardly thought.
Furthermore, Ye Yunfei suspected the middle-aged man in the painting might be a Deity. If true, then the Myriad Swords Return to One Great Art technique was a Deity-level sword art! That was truly astonishing!
At that moment, the green-robed man extended a finger and sent a stream of Soul Power information into Ye Yunfei's mind.
Indeed, it was a mental cultivation method for the Myriad Swords Return to One Great Art, and it was one level higher than what Ye Yunfei had cultivated before.
"Well, now continue cultivating according to the mental method I've imparted to you," the green-robed man instructed Ye Yunfei.