As soon as the Heavenly Demon left, Xiahou Shan's unusual state returned to normal.

"Thank you, Elder. During my pursuit of quick success, I let my Heart Demon take advantage, truly a disgrace," said Xiahou Shan, now fully awake and deeply ashamed.

Having been marked by the Innate Dao Mark, he had surpassed his peers in cultivation since childhood, standing out as extraordinary.

He never expected that during a time of smooth success, he would stumble so significantly.

It was indeed embarrassing.

"Understanding this point, this calamity was not in vain. You learn from your mistakes, which will benefit your future cultivation." Qi Xiu nodded as he watched Ge Ping and Xiahou Shan leave.

He then proceeded to inform Dongfang Qing about the matter mentioned by the Heavenly Demon woman.

Upon hearing the Heavenly Demons' proposal for cooperation, Dongfang Qing initially scoffed instinctively:

"Can the words of the Heavenly Demons be trusted?"

But with a second thought, the matter of the calamity was extraordinary, better to believe in its possibility than dismiss it.

If they could truly secure the Heavenly Demons as allies, it would be a considerable advantage for the Tianyuan Human Race.

Having pondered and hesitated, Dongfang Qing then set out for the Dao Alliance, as this matter was of great importance and required the Twelve Members of the Dao Alliance to decide personally.

"I hope this matter can be accomplished."

After this unexpected turn, Qi Xiu continued his leisurely life.

Over the years, traveling endlessly, he had been neglecting self-reflection.

Gently rocking the wicker chair, Qi Xiu held a purple clay pot, eyes clear, gazing up at the firmament.

Ever since entering the Dao Body Realm and cultivating the Hunyuan Myriad Laws Immortal Body, my cultivation had reached an ambiguous state where thoughts follow the law.

For the True Monarch of the Dao Body, who needs to laboriously condense Dao Yuan, I can spontaneously generate countless by a mere thought.

The vastness and magnificence of the Primordial Path had reached its peak.

In terms of divine marvels, with various true scripture volumes under the operation of "Immortal Scripture of Myriad Laws and Primordial Unity," almost all had attained the Ninth Realm.

To break into the Tenth Realm like the Great Five Elements Path, I must complete the final cycle of Dao Embodiment.

"Grand Primordial Technique nourishes a hundred scriptures.

Excluding the special skills like calligraphy, all of the methods I've cultivated have reached their zenith.

Seeing this, indeed it's time to prepare for the next Dao Embodiment."

Surveying the panel showing the proficiency levels where each cultivation technique lined up in the Ninth Realm, Qi Xiu stroked the slightly warm teapot in his hand.

If he fought with all his strength, utilizing all methods, he could be considered the foremost True Monarch of the Dao Body in the Human Race today.

Not to mention those hidden prodigies of the Ancient Sect Nobility, even some Primordial Spirit True Honors unskilled in combat could be matched.

Given that among his Primordial Spirit Level hefty weapons, he possessed three.

Dragon Binding Rope, Flying Immortal Pot, Great Saint's Remains.

The Flying Immortal Pot, as an Alchemical Dao Divine Instrument, lacked offensive ability and was temporarily excluded.

But the Dragon Binding Rope and Great Saint's Remains were real weapons of slaughter!

Trapping with the Dragon Binding Rope followed by a full-force strike from the Great Saint's Remains, who could withstand such an onslaught?

But according to cultivation realm.

Having completed only two cycles of Dao Embodiment, among True Monarchs of the Dao Body, he was absolutely at the bottom tier.

"Which Great Dao to entrust with a cycle, that's where contemplation is needed." Qi Xiu pondered thoughtfully.

The techniques he learned were quite diverse.

Involving the paths of Dao, Buddhism, and Demons, he had explored them all.

He had already entrusted himself to the Thunder Path and the Great Five Elements Path. Among the remaining Dharma Gates, the [Yama's Golden Chapter] derived [Primordial Gold Chapter] was the most mysterious, directly pointing to the Divine Soul Dao. If successfully entrusted, his dominion in the Dao Body Realm would rise even further.

But this [Primordial Gold Chapter] was one of his few Dharma Gates not yet cultivated to the Ninth Realm, requiring further time to delve into.

Aside from the [Primordial Gold Chapter].

Only two cultivation techniques were suitable.

"Heaven and Earth Imperial Sword Skill, Gourd Sword Skill..." His gaze landed on these two sword techniques, and Qi Xiu pondered deeply.

Both of these cultivation techniques are supreme swordsmanship volumes.

One is the foremost of the thirty-six sword techniques from the contemporary first sect Sword Sect, and the other is the Great Xia's Ancient Sword Sect's signature inheritance.

The Taibai Sword Sect was once a branch of the contemporary Sword Sect.

Theoretically, these two techniques also share a common ancestor and lineage.

Compared to the other methods he mastered, the grade of these two sword techniques is the highest, making them suitable for Dao Embodiment.

After a moment's thought, Qi Xiu decided to use these two sword techniques as a foundation for attempting Dao Embodiment.

And this time, he planned to proceed as he had before.

Still adhering to the system of harmonizing the body with Dao.

His Hunyuan Myriad Laws Immortal Body was all-encompassing, capable of governing myriad energies and integrating myriad Dao, without worrying about the incompatibility or conflict of diverse Great Dao powers.

With such a divine physique, it would be a shame not to follow the harmonizing with Dao route.

Having resolved internally, Qi Xiu then transformed into a streak of Thunder Light, traversing countless spaces instantly, arriving at a solitary ice peak enshrouded in layers of ominous clouds.

Here lies the Ten Thousand Ridges Peak.

The place where Yun Generation Elders of Shenxiao Sect retreat for breakthroughs.

Each isolated peak here is lined with intricate talismanic prohibitions, ensuring that any accidental activation of power by a True Monarch of the Dao Body does not spread outside.

And the core of these peaks is composed of mysterious stones called Ancient Prison Granite.

This type of rock cannot be used to refine treasures or as materials for divine constructions. However, it is incredibly hard and highly resistant to various forces, making it perfect as a barrier to prevent the dispersal of power.

Choosing a secluded isolated peak, Qi Xiu raised a hand and cast a spell. The previously dim and indistinct talismanic prohibitions on the peak suddenly lit up, transforming into a swirling golden veil that enveloped the entire mountain.

Settling down upon the isolated peak, Qi Xiu formed the Primordial Seal with his hands.

In the next instant!

The Hunyuan Palace descended, and the River of Time was severed.

Sitting in the Hunyuan Palace, Qi Xiu casually gave a wave.

He directly adjusted the cosmic light flow speed to its slowest.

In this way, a year in the Hunyuan Palace equated to only a month outside.

Having arranged everything, Qi Xiu exhaled a divine light from his mouth.

As the divine light touched the ground, waves of light shimmered, and from within the glow, an external incarnation with a smile emerged, standing with sleeves gathered.

"Greetings to the true self."

A hundred incarnations stood resolute within the Hunyuan Palace, saluting Qi Xiu in unison.

"Cultivating and comprehending the Dao is not the work of a day, thank you for your effort, fellow Daoists." Lifting a hand in return salute, Qi Xiu said with a smile.

"The true self is courteous; we are one and the same. If the true self wishes to achieve the Great Dao, we are bound to assist with all our might!"

In an instant, the hundred external incarnations encircled Qi Xiu's true self, sitting cross-legged with hands resting on their knees. A profound and mysterious aura slowly emanated from them.

What Qi Xiu knew, the incarnations knew as well.

This naturally included the method of "Body Fusion with Dao."

With the dual support of the incarnations and the method of Body Fusion with Dao, Qi Xiu was confident in preparing everything needed for his Dao of Sword within ten years.

In the Hunyuan Palace, the atmosphere gradually filled with the fierce and vast power of the Sword Dao, seemingly freezing time itself.

Behind each of the hundred incarnations, countless sword phenomena manifested with astonishing impact.

At times a longsword cut through the air, its blade like a roaming dragon, releasing a fierce presence as if capable of severing all obstacles; at other times, sword light overflowed like radiant stars bursting, illuminating the entire palace; at times, a single sword sliced the heavens, its grand momentum seemingly splitting the sky, displaying invincible power; at times, the sword transformed into thousands, innumerable sword shadows flickered, creating a dreamlike scene that dazzled the eyes.

All kinds of sword techniques unfolded in the air, bringing the marvels of the Sword Dao to their utmost!

And Qi Xiu sat cross-legged at the center, his figure steady and magnificent.

He slightly closed his eyes, with an expression of focus, as endless insights and spiritual light continuously emerged in his heart through an enigmatic connection, as if he was the core of this Sword Dao world, leading everyone in exploring the mysteries of the Sword Dao.

This realm of comprehending the Dao.

Lasted for a full eight years and seven months.

Until one day.

The hundred external incarnations all opened their eyes, turning to Qi Xiu at the center, smiled subtly, and said softly:

"The true self's wondrous method has been accomplished, and we can now retire in success."

Suddenly.

Those incarnations transformed into one divine light after another, returning to Qi Xiu's body, and at this moment, the meditative Qi Xiu opened his eyes.

Buzz——

In the snap of a finger!

The void trembled!

In the nether, as if billions of longswords unsheathed simultaneously, the sound of their clanging resonated like the raging tide of an ocean, echoing within the Hunyuan Palace.

On the proficiency panel, the former "Heaven and Earth Myriad Dominance Sword Skill" and "Gourd Sword Skill" had already disappeared.

Replaced by a new Sword Dao method.

"One Sword to Three Thousand"!

During these eight years, Qi Xiu had integrated the essential secrets of the "Heaven and Earth Myriad Dominance Sword Skill" and "Gourd Sword Skill," with portions of the "Immortal Scripture of Myriad Laws and Primordial Unity."

He had reforged this Sword Dao volume, combining the Sword Sect's path with his own Primordial Path.

And he intended to use this Sword Dao volume to realize his plan of entrusting his Dao of Sword.

"The external incarnation can no longer be used, maintaining it for eight years has left my divine soul utterly exhausted. Continuing any longer would surely damage my soul, or worse, lead me astray."

Although he could no longer use the method of external incarnation, Qi Xiu had other means to assist in comprehending the Dao.

With a thought, a monumental, majestic golden wheel emanating infinite merit radiance appeared behind his head.

And in the center of this merit golden wheel, an ancient and simple, unadorned shining ancient lamp glowed vibrantly.

Strands of enlightenment golden light descended, merging into Qi Xiu's body, immediately causing his spiritual light to surge, his mind to expand, and thoughts to frantically emerge and collide in his mind, sparking the flames of wisdom.

The Hunyuan All-Encompassing Luminance, as a merit treasure, had greatly astonished even the Ancient God Shui Bo upon its birth years ago.

Beyond providing the merit golden radiance that protected Qi Xiu from any divination, foretelling, or curses.

It could also emit this enlightenment golden radiance.

Beneath this golden light, Qi Xiu significantly shortened his contemplation time, and enhanced the outcomes of his reflections.

Paired with his extraordinary mastery proficiency, the results complemented one another.

The effect of comprehending and understanding the Dao was entirely comparable to the prior method of utilizing a hundred external incarnations.

In researching the essence, the results were even more surpassing.

In no time.

On the proficiency panel, the proficiency numbers following "One Sword to Three Thousand" began to rapidly increase visibly.

1%… 7%… 15%… 27%…

...