The teleportation array that connected Heavenly Cloud City to the Sword Saint Region operated twice daily, carrying cultivators who sought to study blade techniques or challenge the region's legendary sword masters. Wei Liang and Zhang Wuji joined the morning departure, their scholarly cover story easily accepted by the array operators.
During the dimensional transit, Zhang Wuji continued his excited exposition about their destination. "The Sword Saint Region was established around the ruins of the Eternal Blade Sect," he explained, consulting his research notes. "According to historical records, the sect's founder achieved something called the Seventy-Third Demonic Body through a technique called 'Ten Thousand Blade Consumption.'"
Seventy-Third Demonic Body, Wei Liang noted with interest. High enough ranking to be genuinely powerful, but achieved through methods I can adapt and improve upon.
"The founder's name was Jian Wuhen—'Sword Without Trace,'" Zhang Wuji continued. "He supposedly consumed the blade techniques of every sword school in existence, integrating their essence into his own body until he could manifest any sword technique ever created."
"What happened to him?" Wei Liang asked, though he suspected he already knew the answer.
"Vanished mysteriously during a secluded cultivation session," Zhang Wuji replied. "His disciples found only an empty chamber and a single message carved into the stone floor: 'The blade that cuts all must eventually cut itself.' Most scholars interpret this as philosophical wisdom, but I believe it refers to a specific limitation of his demonic body."
Overextension of consumption abilities, Wei Liang concluded. He absorbed too many conflicting techniques without proper integration. A useful warning for my own advancement.
The teleportation array deposited them in Iron Sword City, the Sword Saint Region's commercial hub. The city's architecture reflected its martial heritage—every building was constructed like a fortress, with weapon displays adorning storefronts and sword-shaped decorations hanging from lampposts.
The local population consisted primarily of blade cultivators at various levels, their movements carrying the fluid grace of constant weapons training. Wei Liang observed dozens of different sword techniques being practiced openly in the streets, from basic forms taught to children to advanced methods that created visible distortions in space.
Rich hunting grounds, he assessed. Each practitioner represents years of accumulated blade technique knowledge. Consuming them systematically would provide an extensive foundation for sword-based abilities.
Zhang Wuji led him through the city toward their intended destination—the Archival Sword Pavilion, where historical records about the region's ancient sites were maintained. The building was designed like a massive sword thrust point-first into the ground, its blade-shaped architecture creating dramatic shadows that shifted throughout the day.
"The Pavilion's records should contain maps to Jian Wuhen's hidden laboratories," Zhang Wuji explained as they approached the entrance. "Access requires either significant payment or demonstrated scholarly credentials, but my research reputation should provide entry."
Inside, the Pavilion's atmosphere was reverently quiet, with researchers consulting ancient texts under the watchful eyes of sword-wielding guardians. Zhang Wuji approached the reception desk and presented his identification credentials to a stern-faced librarian.
"Scholar Zhang Wuji, specializing in pre-imperial blade techniques," he announced formally. "I request access to historical records regarding the Eternal Blade Sect's founder and his cultivation sites."
The librarian examined Zhang Wuji's credentials carefully before nodding. "Your reputation precedes you, Scholar Zhang. However, the materials you seek are classified as dangerous knowledge. Are you certain you wish to access them?"
"Quite certain," Zhang Wuji replied. "My research companion and I are conducting a comprehensive study of ancient cultivation methods. We understand the risks involved."
Dangerous knowledge, Wei Liang thought with predatory amusement. If only they knew how dangerous the knowledge seeker himself has become.
The librarian led them to a restricted section where the most sensitive materials were stored. The chamber was warded with formations designed to prevent unauthorized copying or removal of texts, but Wei Liang's enhanced memory would make such precautions irrelevant.
"The materials you seek are contained in this collection," the librarian explained, indicating a series of jade scrolls and metal tablets. "Please observe all safety protocols. Some of these texts contain technique descriptions that can be hazardous to unprepared readers."
Zhang Wuji immediately began examining the materials with scholarly enthusiasm. Wei Liang pretended similar interest while actually memorizing every detail of the historical records. The information was indeed valuable—detailed maps of Jian Wuhen's laboratory locations, descriptions of the resources he had accumulated, and most importantly, analysis of where his consumption techniques had failed.
He attempted to absorb incompatible sword principles without proper preparation, Wei Liang realized as he studied the records. Fire and ice techniques, creation and destruction philosophies, mortal skills and divine methods—all mixed together without conceptual framework for integration.
The records suggested that Jian Wuhen's final experiment had involved attempting to consume a technique called the "Universe-Severing Blade"—a sword method supposedly capable of cutting through dimensional barriers and severing connections between cause and effect. The attempt had resulted in his complete disappearance, suggesting either death or transportation to unknown realms.
His laboratory should still contain the Universe-Severing Blade technique, Wei Liang concluded. Along with whatever resources he accumulated during his rise to the Seventy-Third Demonic Body. Definitely worth investigating.
"Senior!" Zhang Wuji whispered excitedly, pointing to a particular passage in the records. "Look at this description of Jian Wuhen's final laboratory. It's located in the Whispering Valley, protected by formations that respond only to blade techniques of sufficient complexity."
Wei Liang examined the indicated text, noting the detailed access requirements. The laboratory's defenses were designed to test potential inheritors—only someone capable of demonstrating mastery over multiple conflicting sword philosophies could gain entry.
Perfect, Wei Liang thought. My consumption abilities should allow me to access any sword technique needed for entry. And once inside, I'll claim both Jian Wuhen's accumulated resources and his failed techniques for proper integration.
"Scholar Zhang's discovery is significant," Wei Liang said aloud. "When should we attempt to locate this laboratory?"
"The Whispering Valley is only a day's travel from Iron Sword City," Zhang Wuji replied eagerly. "We could depart tomorrow morning and reach the site by evening. However, we should probably recruit additional security for the expedition."
Wei Liang considered the suggestion. Additional companions would provide cover for their activities and potential targets for consumption if circumstances warranted. More importantly, local sword cultivators might possess techniques useful for accessing the laboratory's defenses.
Yes, he decided. Let's gather some expendable assistants. Their sword techniques will serve as keys to Jian Wuhen's treasure vault, and their cultivation bases will provide nourishment for the journey ahead.
"An excellent suggestion," Wei Liang agreed. "Let us find suitable companions for tomorrow's expedition. I'm sure we can locate individuals whose skills complement our research objectives."
As they prepared to leave the Archival Sword Pavilion, Wei Liang began planning the optimal approach for their upcoming expedition. The Whispering Valley would provide an excellent testing ground for techniques he would later apply to more challenging targets.
Another step toward the First Demonic Body, he thought with dark satisfaction. Each consumed technique brings me closer to absolute power. Soon, even the universe itself will tremble at the mention of Death.