Chapter 31: "Transformation of Spirit" and "Transmission of the Way"

A few days ago, during the savage beasts’ assault on the city, Yang Tian activated a cultural spiritual treasure and turned the tide of battle, annihilating over five hundred beasts in one stroke. The soldiers had all witnessed the spectacle: the phantom formed from literary energy, unleashing invisible sword qi that slaughtered indiscriminately.

After the battle, it was natural for the soldiers to discuss what had occurred. Yet no one expected that the scene would leave more than just shock and idle conversation. The following night, rumors began to spread among the troops—some claimed it was as if an immortal had imparted swordsmanship to them. They felt an urge to practice the sword.

At first, Yang He paid little attention to these reports. That display of swordsmanship’s might would naturally inspire admiration; it was only human for warriors to be drawn to strength. Cultivators all pursue power, and are often influenced by those stronger than themselves. For instance, in the Marquis Champion Yang family, famed for their peerless spear techniques, those in the household all tended to favor the spear. Yang He himself, having witnessed the phantom of the Azure Lotus Sword Immortal, felt his own heart stir; had he not practiced with the blade for so many years since his first steps in cultivation, he might have believed himself better suited for the sword.

On the battlefield, soldiers typically wield long blades, spears, and other polearms; such weapons are most suited for coordinated charges and close combat. Shorter weapons are ill-suited to ordinary troops. Even the Yang family’s personal guards, when they took to the field, all practiced the family spear technique.

Given this, Yang He initially assumed the soldiers’ newfound interest in the sword was merely psychological. Yet as more and more soldiers expressed this sudden urge, it became clear this was no simple case of hero-worship or infatuation with swordsmanship. Yang He grew thoughtful.

He summoned those soldiers who had felt the impulse to practice the sword and sent word to Yang Tian.

Upon hearing of this phenomenon, Yang Tian too found it strange. Speculation was useless, so he instructed Yang He to conduct an experiment.

The soldiers were divided into two groups: those who had suddenly developed an interest in swordsmanship, and those who felt nothing unusual. Both groups were taught the basics of swordplay, and their progress was compared.

Yang He, having cultivated since childhood and learned some foundational sword forms before ultimately choosing the blade, was fully capable of giving rudimentary instruction.

Most of the thousand-plus soldiers stationed at Desolation City were native citizens—ordinary folk before joining the army. Only after enlisting did they begin simple training, learning the basic techniques taught by the military; none had practiced swordsmanship before.

Thus, the two groups selected by Yang He offered an objective basis for comparison.

Now, several days had passed.

It seemed the results had become clear.

Yang Tian had his suspicions, and hoped they would prove correct.

“Young Master, the difference is striking,” Wang Fu reported excitedly. “Those soldiers who felt the urge to practice the sword after the battle learned far more quickly. In just a few days, the sword techniques you taught them have become second nature, as if they possessed a natural talent for the sword. Some can even improvise new moves, as though, just as they claimed, an immortal had imparted the art to them. The others, by contrast, show only ordinary progress; any real accomplishment in the way of the sword would take much time and effort.”

Wang Fu’s heart was pounding. This experiment spoke volumes. If out of a thousand soldiers, a handful or even a dozen turned out to have talent for the sword, that would be within reason. But to have over a hundred display swordsmanship talent at once? It was impossible to explain by calling Desolation City a place of great fortune, or saying these talents had simply gone undiscovered until now.

Wang Fu understood the reason. The look he gave the young master burned with fervor. The light in his heart shone brighter than ever.

The young master would surely illuminate the path ahead!

Yang Tian wore a faint smile. This was good news; his hypothesis was confirmed. The soldiers’ transformation must be tied to the cultural spiritual treasure. In this world, such treasures are usually only of use to a select few for enlightenment; never do they have such a powerful effect. His own spiritual treasure, it seemed, was uniquely special.

Not only could it summon heroic spirits to fight, it could also impart knowledge and awaken or strengthen latent talent.

After some thought, Yang Tian gave these abilities names. The first—manifestation—was an effect similar to the attack power of local cultural treasures, though those did not conjure visible phantoms to do battle. The second—transmission of the Way—remained a tentative name, for this had only occurred once. If, upon using the treasure again, the same phenomenon occurred, then he could be certain his spiritual treasure truly possessed the power of “transmitting the Way.”

Such an ability would be invaluable.

He was already planning to test it again soon, but would add a new variable.

“Uncle Fu, inform Yang He: keep the news from spreading. Set these hundred-plus soldiers apart as a distinct unit, assign them a swordsmanship instructor to guide them, and raise their cultivation as swiftly as possible,” Yang Tian instructed.

If Desolation City did not suffer from a shortage of soldiers and weak defenses, he would have recalled these men immediately. Different people require different methods of training; once these soldiers matured, their value would far exceed the ordinary. For now, though, they would have to remain on the border, guarding the walls—casualties in war were unavoidable.

“Yes, Young Master. Yang He has already made preparations; the groups were kept separate for the experiment, and he’ll keep things quiet as best he can…” Wang Fu understood all too well the gravity of the matter. If only the Yang family had never been struck by disaster! Completely sealing off the news was likely impossible, but Desolation City’s isolation and small force—only a thousand soldiers—would make it difficult for rumors to spread. A few days of secrecy should be feasible.

He believed that before long the young master would fully seize control of Desolation City. Hardship, after all, was only temporary.

After Wang Fu departed, Yang Tian sent his consciousness into his spiritual sea.

He could see the power of destiny slowly growing.

Desolation City was changing, imperceptibly but daily, moving in a better direction. With continued development, he believed destiny would soon undergo a true transformation.

Gazing at the “Book of China,” Yang Tian longed for the day he could open every page, and let masterpieces from his past life shine in this world.

Two days later.

“City Lord, there are still no other merchants coming through. How should we deal with the carcasses of those savage beasts?” Chen Qinglin reported, his face dark.

Yang Tian decided, “No matter. The materials can be preserved for now. Distribute one jin of beast meat per person according to the population, send half the remainder to the border troops, and salt the rest for storage.”

His tone was calm.

He would not break his word to the people. If the trade could not be made, then he would distribute the meat as promised. The citizens of Desolation City rarely had the chance to taste meat; though a pound or two of beast flesh would not change their lives, at least they could try something new and perhaps grow a little stronger.

“Understood, City Lord.” Though Chen Qinglin felt a pang of frustration, this was the best solution; better to give it to the people than let it rot. Those wretched merchants would get their comeuppance sooner or later!

There was another matter to report. “City Lord, just now we received word from the south gate—a group of over a hundred people, young and old, have arrived together, wishing to enlist…”