I Cultivate in a Government Office

Yang Wenqing knew Vice Director Gao was testing and guiding him, so he did not hesitate.

He first demonstrated his most commonly used spells: the Golden Light Body Protection Spell and the Anti-Demon Spell. As his hands formed the seals, a solid golden membrane of light instantly enveloped him. At the same time, several Anti-Demon Spell Dharma Seals, flickering with fiery light, rapidly condensed in front of him.

Thanks to the widened Spiritual Veins and overflowing Qi Sea that came with completing the Second Refinement, he could now cast these basic spells faster, and the condensed Dharma Seals were far more stable.

BOOM—

Without a bullet to empower it, the Anti-Demon Spell simply became a ball of fire that shot forward, exploding ten meters in front of Yang Wenqing and leaving a black scorch mark on the bluestone paving.

Vice Director Gao nodded slightly. "Your fundamentals are solid. The Dharma Seal forms in an instant, on par with even a late-stage Qi Cultivation cultivator. Excellent! Excellent!"

He nodded in satisfaction, unable to find a single flaw.

Yang Wenqing felt a surge of pride. Thanks to the Golden Core World, he was extremely confident in his technique for forming Dharma Seals.

As he spoke, Vice Director Gao casually flicked a finger. A subtle gust of wind shot out at a tricky angle, striking a relatively weak transition point in Yang Wenqing’s Golden Light Body Protection Spell. A chill went down Yang Wenqing’s spine. He hastily adjusted his Spiritual Power output to reinforce the spot. It was a rushed defense, but it held.

"Hmph. Your defense isn’t bad either. Now, show me your Sword Control Technique."

Vice Director Gao said.

At Yang Wenqing’s thought, the Cyan Blade short sword at his waist chimed clearly. It transformed into a streak of pale cyan light and hovered before him. He then guided the flying sword through basic maneuvers: forward, backward, circling left and right, and soaring up and down.

"Your control is passable and stable," Vice Director Gao commented, "but it’s too conventional. It lacks variation and killing intent. A flying sword isn’t a toy; it’s a lethal weapon. Every movement should have a purpose, whether it’s to misdirect the enemy, build momentum, probe for a weakness, or deliver a thunderous strike!"

The words had barely left his lips when his figure blurred, moving sideways with extreme speed. Simultaneously, a nearly invisible thread of Spiritual Power snaked silently toward the hilt of the Cyan Blade, attempting to interfere with Yang Wenqing’s control.

Caught off guard, Yang Wenqing felt the sword’s trajectory waver. He quickly focused his mind, forcing the blade to stabilize.

"Do you see? In a real battle, your enemy won’t just stand there and let you put on a show with your sword." Vice Director Gao retracted the thread of Spiritual Power. "Your Sword Control Technique lacks a set of effective offensive Sword Formulas."

He walked to the edge of the training area, retrieved a simple, ancient-looking jade slip from his Storage Bag, and handed it to Yang Wenqing.

"This is a set of Sword Control offensive essentials I chanced upon in my younger days. It’s called *Jingzhe*."

Vice Director Gao explained, "This method doesn’t rely on complex maneuvers. It focuses on a single point, emphasizing the principle of ’a hidden blade in its sheath, striking like a clap of thunder.’ Its core lies in achieving a high degree of resonance between your own Spiritual Power and the sword’s Spiritual Attribute, allowing you to unleash power far beyond your normal limits in a single instant, all for the purpose of felling your foe in one blow."

"These Sword Formulas contain three basic techniques. The first is called ’Thunder Rouses the Nine Heavens,’ which is perfect for your current level. It also suits your temperament—a calm exterior hiding a sharp edge."

Yang Wenqing accepted the jade slip with both hands.

"Thank you, Director Gao, for bestowing this technique upon me!"

He bowed, performing a fist-and-palm salute.

Vice Director Gao waved a dismissive hand. "Cultivating this *Jingzhe* technique is no easy task. It demands immense precision in your Spiritual Power control and a high degree of mental focus."

"Furthermore, because it pursues ultimate offensive power, it consumes a great deal of Spiritual Power. You must first build a solid foundation. Start with ’gathering power while concealing the edge.’ You need to practice condensing your Spiritual Power within the flying sword without letting any of it leak out. Only by achieving this state of a ’concealed edge’ will your strike have the effect of ’startling thunder.’"

"Tonight, use the jade slip to familiarize yourself with the Heart Method and the pathways for circulating your power. Starting tomorrow, I will personally train with you."

Vice Director Gao continued, "Remember, cultivation isn’t about reinventing the wheel in isolation, nor is it about self-torment. Go on. A meditation room has been prepared for you. Go and gain a good understanding of it."

Yang Wenqing carefully put away the jade slip containing the *Jingzhe* technique. After thanking the director once more, he followed a servant toward a small meditation courtyard at the rear of the estate.

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