After acquiring the Nine Yang Manual, Ye Fan could not wait to begin his cultivation.
He found a quiet place and, following the manual's guidance, practiced step by step. The Nine Yang Manual was an extremely profound internal cultivation method, but with his own comprehension and solid foundation from the early stages, Ye Fan quickly made progress. In less than an hour, he felt the true qi flowing more smoothly through his body, and a warm current surged in his dantian, clearly indicating that he had initially grasped the essence of the Nine Yang Manual.
After concluding his cultivation session, Ye Fan was in high spirits and decided to take Xiao Longnü to a legendary place known as the Sword Valley. It was said that the legendary swordsman Dugu Qiubai had left behind many legends in the Sword Valley. While in Qingfeng City, Ye Fan had inquired with local elders and martial artists about the Sword Valley, learning that not only was the scenery beautiful, but it also concealed numerous martial arts secrets.
Thus, the two packed their bags, left the inn, and embarked on their journey to the Sword Valley.
Along the way, Ye Fan told Xiao Longnü the stories he had learned about Dugu Qiubai, as well as his curiosity and anticipation regarding the Sword Valley. Xiao Longnü listened with great relish, equally filled with interest at the prospect of witnessing firsthand the place where this legendary figure had once operated.
After several days of trekking, Ye Fan and Xiao Longnü finally arrived at the Sword Valley. The environment here was secluded, surrounded by undulating mountains, and the valley was wreathed in mist, resembling a mortal wonderland. At the entrance of the Sword Valley stood a small town named Valley City. This was the only route to the Sword Valley and a place where travelers rested and resupplied.
Upon reaching Valley City, Ye Fan and Xiao Longnü found a clean and tidy inn in the town. The inn's decor was rustic and elegant, exuding a tranquil atmosphere. When Ye Fan asked the proprietor, he learned there was only one guest room left. He rented the room so they could have a proper rest.
Entering the room, Ye Fan and Xiao Longnü packed away their respective belongings and began to recover their stamina. Xiao Longnü sat cross-legged on the bed with her eyes closed, calming her mind and using cultivation to recover from the fatigue of the journey; meanwhile, Ye Fan paced back and forth in the room, sorting out his thoughts while planning their next steps.
Ye Fan said to Xiao Longnü, "Long'er, let's take a good rest here and enter the Sword Valley tomorrow to explore. After all, Senior Dugu's sword tomb won't be found in a moment, so we must make long-term plans."
Xiao Longnü nodded in agreement, "Brother Ye Fan is right; we should conserve our strength first."
Early the next morning, Ye Fan and Xiao Longnü set out, heading deep into the Sword Valley. In the Sword Valley, Ye Fan walked in front, vigilantly observing the surrounding environment. Xiao Longnü followed closely behind, the two maintaining a certain distance so they could support each other in the event of a sudden emergency.
The Sword Valley was lush with vegetation, and occasionally a few beams of sunlight filtered through the treetops, casting mottled light and shadow. Suddenly, a snake with fleshy horns atop its head darted out from the bushes, attacking Ye Fan with lightning speed. The snake's speed was extremely fast, but under Ye Fan's sharp perception, all these movements appeared much slower. With a raise of his hand and a stroke of his sword, he accurately pierced the snake's vital point, easily killing it.
At the same time, Xiao Longnü also sensed the approach of another snake. Reacting quickly, her figure flashed, and the longsword in her hand danced, its tip piercing precisely into the snake's body to subdue it. With tacit cooperation, the two instantly dealt with the two sudden attackers.
Ye Fan looked around and, confirming there were no other unusual movements, thought to himself, "It seems these two snakes must be the legendary Boziquan snakes; their speed is truly extraordinary." He stepped forward to carefully inspect the two snakes and discovered valuable snake gallbladders inside their bodies. Ye Fan carefully extracted the snake gallbladders, which were not only precious medicinal ingredients but also fine medicine for enhancing one's cultivation.
After dealing with the two snakes, Ye Fan and Xiao Longnü continued forward. As they walked, they kept an eye on the surrounding movements, constantly prepared to handle any situation that might arise.
By the afternoon, the sun gradually tilted westward, and Ye Fan and Xiao Longnü walked out of the Sword Valley. Although they had explored the valley for quite a while, they had not found the location of Dugu Qiubai's sword tomb. Ye Fan said to Xiao Longnü, "Long'er, although we didn't find the sword tomb this time, we at least understand the environment and potential dangers here, and we obtained ten snake gallbladders—you could say the harvest is huge."
...
Back in the room at the inn, after resting briefly, Ye Fan took out the two snake gallbladders he had previously retrieved from the Boziquan snakes. He knew that this type of snake gall bladder had the effect of enhancing internal energy, making it a very precious resource for cultivators.
Ye Fan said to Xiao Longnü, "Long'er, consuming these snake gallbladders can increase our internal energy, which will be of great benefit to us. Let's split them evenly so both of us can profit from them."
Hearing this, Xiao Longnü smiled faintly and agreed with a nod, "Brother Ye Fan, let's do as you say. However, you have been continuously cultivating the Nine Yang Manual recently, and your internal energy is growing faster; you might as well take a larger share."
Ye Fan shook his head and insisted, "There's no need for that. Facing danger together and sharing the fruits of our labor is the righteous path. Furthermore, your cultivation is equally important; we need to support each other."
Each took one snake gallbladder. Subsequently, the two each swallowed a snake gallbladder, then sat cross-legged to circulate their internal energy and refine the medicinal power within. As time passed, they distinctly felt their internal energy increase, and their bodies became lighter and more robust.
After finishing their cultivation, Ye Fan and Xiao Longnü exchanged their respective feelings. Afterward, they discussed their next action plan and decided to re-enter the Sword Valley the next day to continue searching for Dugu Qiubai's sword tomb.
Soon, Ye Fan and Xiao Longnü entered the Sword Valley once again to continue their journey of exploration. After several days of repeated searching, they had become quite familiar with the terrain of the Sword Valley. On this day, as they walked along a winding path, they suddenly discovered a hidden cave not far ahead. The cave entrance was obscured by dense vines, and without careful observation, it would have been easy to miss.
Ye Fan and Xiao Longnü exchanged a glance, a spark of hope rising in both their hearts. They approached the cave, pushed aside the vines, and found the entrance wide enough for two people to pass through.
Ye Fan walked into the cave first, with Xiao Longnü following closely behind. The light inside the cave was dim, but they could still dimly make out the path. As they went deeper, the air inside the cave became cooler and cooler, and traces of water droplets sliding down the surrounding rock walls were faintly visible.
After walking for about a quarter of an hour, they finally reached a relatively open space. Right in the center of this space stood an ancient tomb. Inscribed on the gravestone were a few vigorous and powerful characters: "My name is Dugu Qiubai. Throughout my life I have sought an opponent, only to find that no one could receive my second sword. How lamentable."
Ye Fan and Xiao Longnü stopped in their tracks, gazing at the scene before them. The existence of this gravestone confirmed that Dugu Qiubai had indeed left his footprints here.
Ye Fan said softly, "Long'er, we have finally found Senior Dugu's resting place."
Xiao Longnü nodded, her expression solemn. She looked around and found that the interior layout of the tomb chamber was simple; apart from the gravestone in the center, there were some simple stone tables and chairs, evidently intended for later generations to pay their respects.
Ye Fan walked up to the gravestone and carefully read the rest of the inscription. The inscription read: I have left the sword techniques I created carved upon the stone walls; those with an affinity may learn them of their own accord.
...
One year later, Ye Fan and Xiao Longnü had achieved remarkable progress through continuous cultivation and exploration. Relying on the exquisite techniques of the Nine Yang Manual, coupled with the assistance of the Boziquan snake gallbladders, Ye Fan finally reached the realm of Nine Yang Completion. His internal energy was incomparably profound, his body robust, and every single move he made contained formidable power. The cultivation of the Nine Yang Manual made Ye Fan's internal energy even purer, reaching a new height in both attack and defense.
At the same time, Xiao Longnü's cultivation had also achieved leap-and-bound progress. Originally at the Fourth Layer of Houtian, over these three years, by virtue of unremitting effort and Ye Fan's help, she had successfully broken through to the Seventh Layer of Houtian. Xiao Longnü's martial arts were more skillful, her moves more fluid, and her application of internal energy more effortless. Every strike she made appeared unhurried and full of might.
During these three years, the two had not only made significant improvements in their martial arts cultivation, but their tacit understanding of one another had also grown deeper. They frequently discussed the principles of martial arts together, sparred with each other, and progressed side by side.
At night, as Ye Fan lay beside Xiao Longnü, he silently chanted in his mind for the System to open his personal panel.
Host: Ye Fan
Cultivation: Ninth Layer of Qi Martial (Houtian Completion)
Martial Skills: Shattering Cloud Palm (Grandmaster), Lingyun Step (Grandmaster), Nine Yin Manual (Incomplete), Nine Yang Manual (Completion), Dugu Nine Swords (Completion)
Dharmic Treasures: None
Origin Coin: 5
He then pondered to himself: To break through to Xiantian, I might need the Nine Yin Manual, which means I will have to go to Xiangyang.