The True Martial Dao Temple was carved deep into the heart of Dragonspire Mountain, hidden away from the outside world. Its inner chamber was vast, with walls densely engraved with ancient calligraphy.
"These inscriptions," explained Elder Caden, the current palace master, "were carved by the Heavenly Masters of generations past. They contain the essence of their cultivation and enlightenment."
He turned and looked at the group of five young Taoists, who were already entranced by the markings. "But don't stare for too long. Overindulgence can hinder your progress."
Only then did the four disciples trailing Cliff Jensen reluctantly shift their gazes.
Elder Caden then led them deeper into the Dao Temple, where two stones rested at the center—one glowing red with heat, the other blue with chilling cold.
"These are the Sunfire Bead and the Moonglade Bead," he said. "Each was forged using rare sky crystals from the depths of the Eastern Daxia Sea. Every Heavenly Master over the centuries has poured their own energy into them. What remains is a potent echo of their power—sun and moon preserved."
Cliff narrowed his eyes at the stones. He could sense that while these artifacts held genuine energy, they were merely faint imitations of the true source. Compared to the luminous power sealed inside the True Martial Sword, these were like candles beside the sun.
"They're useful," Cliff thought, "but they're not enough."
As if sensing Cliff's thoughts, Elder Caden added, "Your goal is to understand either the Path of the Sun's Infinity or the Moon's Infinity. Choose one and comprehend it deeply. Mastery of even a fraction is enough to enter the Celestial Phenomenon Realm."
This was the standard progression for disciples of Dragonspire Palace. Most followed either the lunar or solar path. The records indicated that all Celestial Masters of the past had walked one of these two routes—but with profound insight from the True Martial Sword, they had gone further than any disciple who relied only on the beads.
After instructing the four other disciples to begin their meditation, Elder Caden turned to Cliff and said, "You don't need the beads. Focus on the inscriptions left by the past Heavenly Masters. Their insights will guide your path better than any imitation."
Cliff nodded silently, knowing that Caden had recognized his deeper potential. The palace considered Cliff the destined Heavenly Master, and he was given free rein to pursue his cultivation through the True Martial Sword.
From that day onward, Cliff remained inside the True Martial Dao Temple. Servants brought his meals. He didn't leave, didn't wander, and was rarely seen by anyone. Not that he could've left if he wanted to—the Palace strictly prohibited any Heavenly Master successor from leaving the mountain before succession.
It was all to safeguard the sword.
---
Half a year passed.
Cliff sat cross-legged beneath an ancient stone wall engraved with the insights of the 18th Heavenly Master, focused on the Path of the Sun's Infinity.
> [Your comprehension is heaven-defying. You gaze upon the inscription and deepen your understanding of Yin and Yang.]
Soon after, Cliff opened his eyes, a smile tugging at his lips.
"It's done."
He had completed the transformation. Over the months, he had converted all his Celestial Phenomenon Realm power into the refined forces of Solar and Lunar Essence. Where once he'd broken through using Martial Dao fundamentals from another world, he now stood upon a new foundation—one that was superior in both strength and future potential.
Such a foundation boosted power by 20% to 40% and would halve the time required to transcend the Celestial Phenomenon Realm.
"Instead of fifty years, I can make the leap in twenty… maybe even less," Cliff murmured.
Just then, a familiar voice called out, "Brother Cliff!" It was Quinn, the skinny, energetic Taoist boy.
"Still working hard, huh?" Quinn grinned but looked a bit dejected. "I've been staring at that Sunfire Bead for months. Still can't figure it out."
"Take your time," Cliff encouraged gently. "It's not about speed."
"But you're already ahead of everyone," Quinn sighed, "Look at me."
"Here," Cliff said, raising his fingers. Between them, a ribbon of lunar light twined with a thread of solar fire, intertwining like dancing snakes.
"Whoa…" Quinn's eyes widened. "You're amazing!"
Not long after, the other three disciples wandered over, drawn by the glowing display. They stared with admiration and envy, but none of them felt jealousy. The gap between Cliff and the rest had long been accepted. He was chosen by the True Martial Sword. His path was simply different.
---
Two weeks later.
The three Celestial Phenomenon Realm elders, including Caden, arrived to check the disciples' progress.
Quinn stepped up first. With effort, he summoned a flicker of solar essence—a faint heat shimmered in the air.
"Not bad," Caden nodded. "You've begun."
The others followed. One of them showed similar progress with lunar energy. The remaining two had yet to show any results, but the elders did not scold them. "The Paths of Sun and Moon are obscure and difficult," Elder Wendell reminded them. "It's normal to take time."
Then came Cliff.
He stepped forward, raised his hand—and both solar and lunar power burst forth, not in flickers, but in full-blown strands, twisting and coiling in harmony, their power unmistakable.
"Woooow!" Quinn and the others stared with open mouths.
Compared to their threadlike wisps, Cliff's energy was like a pair of dragons swirling through the air.
But while the younger disciples were cheering, Caden's face darkened.
"Who told you to cultivate both Sun and Moon?!" he barked.
The others fell silent.
"Do you understand what you've done? Taiyin and Taiyang are opposing forces. Combining them is forbidden. Even our third-generation Heavenly Master once tried—and died when his body exploded!"
Cliff's expression remained calm, but he lowered his hand respectfully.
"Master," he said quietly, "I am aware of the risks. But… I believe I've found a way."
Elder Caden's eyes trembled. The anger in him warred with something else—hope.
He turned away, fists clenched. "Foolish boy…"
But he did not stop Cliff.
Deep down, he knew that no one who wielded the True Martial Sword could be ordinary.
And perhaps, just perhaps… this time would be different.
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