Unrivaled Comprehension: From Mortal to Immortal King

The news of Bai Yunfei's breakthrough into the Ninth Restriction sent shockwaves through the cultivation world. However, before people could fully digest this astonishing revelation, another rumor began spreading like wildfire, causing an even greater upheaval. 

The rumor claimed that Bai Yunfei's rapid succession of breakthroughs—culminating in his entry into the Ninth Restriction—was due to an "Immortal's Treasure" hidden within the Yuhua Sect. Allegedly, this treasure had granted him the power to advance at an unprecedented speed. 

No one knew where the rumor originated, but within three days, it had reached every corner of the cultivation world. 

Some believers were eager to see if they, too, could use this so-called treasure to achieve breakthroughs. Skeptics, on the other hand, felt compelled to investigate, given that Bai Yunfei's Ninth Restriction was an undeniable fact. Even if the treasure itself was a fabrication, gaining insight from Bai Yunfei's experiences could be invaluable. 

As a result, all eyes turned toward the Yuhua Sect. The sect, which had nearly been wiped out, was now experiencing an unexpected resurgence. 

Yet, none of this had anything to do with Lin Jiufeng. 

He remained in the library, reading, training, and steadily improving himself. 

The chaos outside? That was Bai Yunfei's problem to handle. Lin Jiufeng simply focused on his own cultivation—practicing sword techniques, refining his artistic skills, and comprehending Daoist principles. 

Every so often, he entered the sect's mystical domain, where the teachings of past Yuhua Sect masters were recorded. These ancient texts broadened his horizons and deepened his understanding. He knew that with enough study, he might even trigger his "heaven-defying enlightenment" ability. 

Days passed peacefully. Ever since his battle with Wen Yuan and his insights from the World Scroll, Lin Jiufeng's cultivation had reached the peak of the Eighth Restriction—just one step away from the Ninth. 

But he wasn't in a hurry. 

His approach was steady, allowing his comprehension to accumulate naturally. 

Then, one night, all of that accumulated understanding erupted at once. 

[Through continuous refinement and profound insight, you have activated "Heaven-Defying Enlightenment" and comprehended the Heavenly Cleaving Sword Technique.] 

Lin Jiufeng's eyes widened in surprise. 

"Another sword technique?" 

Previously, he had comprehended the Grass and Wood Sword Technique, which was both mystical and formidable—capable of turning any blade of grass or fallen leaf into a deadly weapon. 

Could this new sword technique surpass it? 

With great anticipation, he let the knowledge flow into his mind. 

The Heavenly Cleaving Sword Technique—the name alone was imposing. 

And once he grasped its essence, he was stunned. 

This technique was all about sword intent. At its peak, it could even cut down the heavens themselves. 

"Sword intent…" Lin Jiufeng muttered, narrowing his eyes. He raised his hand and pointed at the sky. 

Whoosh! 

A radiant sword light shot forth, piercing the evening clouds. A dazzling white streak tore through the dusk, lingering in the sky long after the initial strike. 

The sight left many cultivators watching from afar utterly speechless. 

Having already cultivated deep sword intent while practicing the Grass and Wood Sword Technique, Lin Jiufeng found that the entrance requirements for the Heavenly Cleaving Sword Technique were practically nonexistent for him. 

Without hesitation, he climbed onto the roof of the library and sat cross-legged. Under the celestial expanse, he meditated, observing the stars and tides, immersing himself in the essence of the technique. 

Time passed. 

Dusk faded into night, night into dawn. Days went by, and finally, Lin Jiufeng condensed all his accumulated sword energy into a single strike. 

That strike contained the full power of the Heavenly Cleaving Sword Technique. 

Instead of unleashing it, he sealed it within his dantian, nurturing and refining it. From now on, every sword strike he made would originate from this unparalleled energy. 

Satisfied, he stretched, ready to return inside— 

"Senior Brother! Please, help me out!" 

Bai Yunfei's voice rang out in distress. 

Lin Jiufeng turned to see Bai Yunfei rushing up, grabbing his arm with an expression of utter frustration. 

"What's going on?" Lin Jiufeng asked with a frown. 

Ever since Bai Yunfei had recruited three hundred new disciples, Lin Jiufeng had distanced himself from sect affairs. He had no idea what was happening in the outside world. 

Bai Yunfei let out a long sigh before explaining, "After my breakthrough, the entire cultivation world was in an uproar. But then, out of nowhere, rumors started spreading—saying that Yuhua Sect possesses an 'Immortal's Treasure' capable of helping people break through to the Ninth Restriction. Now, the situation is spiraling out of control." 

He clenched his fists in frustration. 

"Every day, top-tier cultivators—veterans at the peak of the Eighth Restriction—send me letters requesting a visit. They're all extremely polite, but we both know what they really want. They're after this supposed 'treasure.' But I don't have anything like that!" 

Bai Yunfei paced back and forth. 

"I've tried explaining, but they don't believe me! They insist I hand over the method to break through the Ninth Restriction. Some of them are even using threats and bribes! And worst of all, they refuse to leave—if I turn them away today, they just come back tomorrow!" 

Bai Yunfei's voice was filled with frustration. "Senior Brother, are they insane? Why are they so persistent?" 

Lin Jiufeng shook his head. "They're not insane. They're desperate." 

Bai Yunfei stopped pacing. "Desperate?" 

Lin Jiufeng sighed. 

"Think about it. These are old cultivators at the peak of the Eighth Restriction. Their lifespans are nearing their end, and they've been unable to break through for decades—perhaps even centuries. They've resigned themselves to waiting for death. 

"Now, suddenly, you've broken through in just a few years. To them, you are their last hope. They're clinging to you as if you were a lifeline." 

Bai Yunfei fell silent. 

"Forget the idea of some treasure," Lin Jiufeng continued. "They probably don't even believe that part themselves. But they do believe in you. They think you must have some insight, some secret method. So, they won't leave until they get an answer." 

Bai Yunfei groaned. "But my breakthrough was because of you, Senior Brother! That painting—the World Scroll—it was a one-in-a-million chance! I don't even know how it worked, let alone how to explain it to them!" 

Lin Jiufeng's eyes turned cold. 

"This whole situation is no accident. Someone is deliberately fanning the flames." 

Bai Yunfei's expression darkened. "Who?" 

"Who is Yuhua Sect's greatest enemy?" Lin Jiufeng asked. 

"That's obvious—the Taishang Dao Sect and the Wen Family!" Bai Yunfei answered immediately. 

"Exactly," Lin Jiufeng said. "The Wen Family is an isolated hidden clan. They don't have the means to spread rumors like this. But the Taishang Dao Sect? They have influence. They have resources. This has their fingerprints all over it." 

Bai Yunfei gritted his teeth. "So what do we do, Senior Brother? I'm at my wit's end!" 

Lin Jiufeng's gaze sharpened. 

"This won't be easy. But if we handle it right, we can turn the situation to our advantage…"