Guang Fu walked up to the pile of swords and grabbed a random one. Just a few moments ago, he had finished receiving specific instructions on using the technique from Tian Ren.
Aiming at the sky, the sword began to twirl while floating above his hand. After a few seconds, it shot upwards.
The sword traveled a mile before exploding.
"We will practice using the technique for a while and speeding up your usage, before beginning to practice with moving targets." Tian Ren said.
Guang Fu nodded and grabbed another sword.
10 years passed quickly.
Halfway through the 10 years, Guang Fu broke into the 7th level of the nascent soul realm.
Guang Fu stood in the field while holding another sword from the pile. Despite his constant practice, the mountain of swords had only gone down about halfway.
Guang Fu held the sword up and pointed it at the sky. The sword quickly shot out of his hand while rotating. It went 5 miles before exploding in a condensed fashion.
"Good." Tian Ren said. "We will now practice with moving targets."
Another 10 years passed by.
Guang Fu stood in a field as 20 flying golems the size of Heavenborns weaved around. Guang Fu had three swords next to him.
Occasionally, a few of the targets would line up or bunch together. Guang Fu watched carefully for these moments as he picked up one of the three swords and aimed its point at the sky.
Time ticked by, and all of a sudden, Guang Fu moved fast enough to blur. Three swords were shot out and exploded almost simultaneously, destroying all twenty targets.
"Once again, well done." Tian Ren said. "The next move will be the hardest for you to comprehend. It has been named the formless sword."
Guang Fu listened attentively.
"This is not like most techniques. It will require you to attain a certain personality or feeling. You will train and hone that feeling until you can burst out with it. Only then will you touch a sword." Tian Ren explained.
"This is one of the reasons that this mountain was chosen as a training spot. It is peaceful, serene, and full of nature." Tian Ren said as he looked at the mountain peak.
"I will not lie or hide things from you. The war is taking a turn for the worse. Yao Mun has recently started an offensive campaign. Most of the talents have been killed by his hands. Now, there is even a flee on sight order. It may not help you in your training, but please, hurry up." Tian Ren spoke.
Guang Fu did not respond, but Tian Ren knew that he understood.
"There." Tian Ren said as he pointed up. "You will meditate on the mountain peak. You can cultivate while meditating, but focus on the outside world. You must become formless, a part of nature. You will know that you have succeeded when birds treat you as a resting point and grass begins to grow on you. This is as much as I can help you with this."
"I understand." Guang Fu said as he stood up and flew to the mountain peak.
Without wasting time, he began to follow Tian Ren's instruction. He meditated, and he attempted to become a part of the world itself.
What Tian Ren did not inform Guang Fu of was that only three Heavenborns had ever succeeded in achieving the formless state required to use the technique.
Even Tian Ren failed as he was held down by worries and desires concerning the Heavenborns.
Tian Ren had fueled Guang Fu's desire to help the people of the world, but it may have had a countering effect. Sadly, it was necessary.
Yet, despite his old age and wisdom, Tian Ren underestimated Guang Fu. He did not know just how much his words had affected him.
Knowing that, even in death, the mortal villagers he cared about would be protected, Guang Fu was ready to die. In fact, he expected it. The hope of defeating Yao Mun was slim to none. It would take a miracle.
After 50 years, Guang Fu stood up.
The birds perched on him and the grass covering his legs went away.
He jumped off silently and landed in front of the house.
"I am finished." He whispered.
The next second, Tian Ren was beside him. Tian Ren stayed silent and handed him a manual.
Guang Fu had already exceeded any expectations from before.
"You should understand this better than I." Tian Ren said as he walked back into the house.
Seeing Guang Fu show so much talent was making him emotional. He never thought he would see a day where another Heavenborn besides Yao Mun showed talent comparable to himself.
Guang Fu opened the book and memorized it in one go. He understood what needed to happen and how he needed to train himself.
20 years later, Tian Ren watched as Guang Fu's hand rested on the yellow sword strapped to his side.
Then, Guang Fu grabbed the sword and pulled it out in a swinging motion. As soon as the sword fully exited the sheath, the sword seemed to disappear. Of course, Tian Ren could see it, but any nascent soul realm cultivator couldn't. Even most soul formation cultivators couldn't.
The sword produced no wind or sound, and could not be seen. It was the ultimate surprise attack.
Yao Mun's strength was only in his offensive ability. He was above average in everything, but even if he was at the tenth level of the nascent soul realm, he would not have another aspect at the soul formation realm besides offense.
"Good." Tian Ren said once again. "This is the core of your fight against Yao Mun. Everything else will be additional."
Guang Fu nodded.
"Thank you." He said to Tian Ren.
"No. Thank you. You have allowed me to see hope once again." Tian Ren responded.
"We will work now on your detection techniques, followed by movement techniques, and finally creating your own sword style." Tian Ren added.