Path to Dual Cultivation

Chapter 21: Apex of Sword Talents

"Innate Sword Instincts? What is that?" Su Yang overheard Huang Xiaoyun's mumbling and decided to ask her.

Senior Wu, who had just managed to regain control of his emotions, stepped forward and answered, "Innate Sword Instincts is something similar to the Perfect Sword Body, a talent that lets you learn sword techniques faster than others. However, the Innate Sword Instincts is related to one's soul more than their body, allowing one to grasp sword technique even faster, as if it was their second nature."

"In a race, if an ordinary runner is walking and a genius is jogging to the goal, then someone with a Perfect Sword Body would be sprinting. As for the runner with Innate Sword Instincts, they are basically soaring in the sky with a flying treasure."

"In the world of swords, Innate Sword Instincts is the apex of all sword talents. There is nothing better, but they are also exceptionally rare, almost nonexistent. Since ancient times, we can count on one hand the number of people born with Innate Sword Instincts."

Su Yang wore a surprised look on his face as he listened to Senior Wu explain about Innate Sword Instincts. He then said, "Master, while such a talent does sound impressive, how do we know that I actually possess said talent? You said I had the Perfect Sword Body, but that turned out to be a misunderstanding. What if this is a misunderstanding as well?"

It all seemed too good to be true in Su Yang's eyes, as he had already tasted the bitterness of a misjudgment once before.

"Unfortunately, our Sect does not have the capabilities to confirm whether you truly have the Innate Sword Instincts or not." Han Jianzhi answered. "However, judging by your performance, there's a very good chance that you possess such talents. Even if you don't, at the end of the day, you have sword talents that rival it."

"Indeed. I still cannot believe that you have already learned the second stage so quickly. At this rate, you'll learn the third stage within a year." Senior Wu nodded.

Seeing how everyone had reacted thus far, Su Yang didn't dare to reveal the fact that he'd already learned a portion of the third stage, fearing that they might actually go crazy.

"Anyways, now that I have confirmed your talents, let's talk about my reason for being here today." Han Jianzhi spoke a moment later.

"Disciple Su, you will become my disciple starting today and start training as our Sect's Prime Disciple."

"Huh?" Su Yang's eyes widened after hearing such words.

"Of course, you'll still be Grand Elder Wu's disciple, but since he wasn't supposed to accept another disciple so soon, you'll have to become my disciple in public."

Su Yang looked at Senior Wu, waiting for his response.

"It's true." Senior Wu spoke as he caressed his beard. "The other Sect Elders will cause a scene if I accept another disciple, especially one as talented as you. Don't worry, you'll still be my disciple, and I will not treat you any differently. If you think it's weird to have two masters, it's actually very normal."

"If Master says so, I won't refuse." Su Yang nodded.

Han Jianzhi smiled and said, "Do you know what it means to be a Prime Disciple?"

He shook his head.

"Most Sects divide their disciples into three different ranks. Outer Disciples, Inner Disciples, and Core Disciples." Han Jianzhi began explaining the disciples' structure.

"Those who just joined the Sect are typically given the rank of Outer Disciple. After training for some time and earning enough qualifications, an Outer Disciple may take an examination to be promoted to Inner Disciple. The majority of disciples remain as Inner Disciples until they graduate while the most talented ones may be promoted to the position of Core Disciple."

"As for the position of Prime Disciple, since there can only be one Prime Disciple at any given time, it isn't categorized with the others. Only the Sect Leader's disciple may become the Prime Disciple, and the primary duty of a Prime Disciple is to undergo training with the ultimate goal of succeeding as the next Sect Leader."

"Typically, the Sect Leader selects several Core Disciples as potential candidates for the position of Prime Disciple, with the most suitable one ultimately being chosen. However, in this generation, there will be a deviation from the norm, as I will be designating a new disciple as the Prime Disciple. Although this isn't unprecedented, it is certainly a rare occurrence."

Senior Wu suddenly interjected, "While this approach may spare me trouble from the other Sect Elders, it certainly won't quell all disturbances, as there will inevitably be those who question the Sect Leader's decision."

In the Fleeting Sword Sect, merely comprehending a portion of the third stage of Sword Tyrant's Void Insights would render an Inner Disciple eligible for promotion to the status of Core Disciple. Thus, Su Yang had more than enough qualifications to ascend to Core Disciple. However, the challenge lay in his unfamiliarity within the Sect.

As an unknown entity to the other disciples and Sect Elders, he was akin to a stranger, and the prospect of accepting a stranger as the Prime Disciple and potential future Sect Leader would likely face resistance.

Han Jianzhi nodded in agreement and said, "Moreover, while this revelation will likely sway many to accept your position, I've chosen to keep the possibility of you possessing the Innate Sword Instincts a secret. After all, if word were to spread that an individual with such rare aptitude had emerged in our Sect, it could draw unwarranted attention and trouble from the outside, endangering our Sect."

He turned to look at Huang Xiaoyun and continued, "Do you understand, Disciple Huang? You are not to utter a single word about what transpired today to another soul."

Huang Xiaoyun, who wore a dazed expression on her face, nodded in a stiff motion, saying, "T-this disciple understands..."