Chapter 3 - Chapter 3 The Trial of the Spiritual Monkey

After Jack had mastered the art of breathing and meditation, his master decided to teach him a more advanced immortal technique—the art of sword control. The Sword Tomb, located deep within the fairy mountain, was a place where generations of immortal cultivators tempered their swords. When the master led Jack inside, countless sword qi assailed them instantly. Jack felt an intense chill penetrate his body, and his teeth chattered uncontrollably.​"The art of sword control emphasizes the unity of man and sword, using the mind to command the sword," the master said as he took out an ancient bronze sword from the Sword Tomb. The sword's body was covered in mottled rust, yet it faintly emitted a mysterious glow. Jack reached out and touched the blade. A cold force spread through his body from his fingertips. Enduring the discomfort, he sat cross - legged as his master instructed, closed his eyes, and concentrated, attempting to establish a connection with the sword.​However, for three consecutive days, the bronze sword remained motionless. Jack sat dejectedly on a stone outside the Sword Tomb, staring blankly at the birds soaring in the sky. At that moment, a rustling sound came from behind him. When he turned around, he saw a golden - furred spiritual monkey holding a crystal - clear fruit, looking at him curiously.​The spiritual monkey seemed to sense Jack's frustration. It hopped over to him, offered the fruit, then pointed towards the Sword Tomb and chattered a few times. Jack took the fruit and took a bite. The sweet juice instantly invigorated him. Guided by the spiritual monkey, Jack entered the Sword Tomb again. This time, instead of insisting on making the sword fly, he calmed down, felt the traces of time on the sword, and listened to the ancient stories seemingly told within the sword.​At that moment, a miracle occurred. The bronze sword let out a clear chime and slowly levitated into the air. Jack was overjoyed and tried to control the sword's direction using the incantations taught by his master. The bronze sword moved as smoothly as his own arm, darting freely within the Sword Tomb. Standing by the side, the master nodded in approval but also reminded, "Jack, this is just the beginning. The real test lies ahead."​Sure enough, before long, a fierce gale swept through the Sword Tomb, and countless sword qi intertwined to form a net, rushing towards Jack and the bronze sword. In a panic, Jack maneuvered the sword to dodge, but was still scratched on the arm by the sword qi. Blood dripped onto the bronze sword, and the blade's light flared brightly. It actually took the initiative to charge towards the sword qi net, carrying Jack through the obstacles.​After this trial, Jack not only mastered the basics of sword control but also became good friends with the spiritual monkey. The spiritual monkey often brought various rare fruits to play with Jack, and in his spare time from cultivation, Jack would teach the spiritual monkey some simple breathing and meditation techniques. With the spiritual monkey's companionship and the study of new immortal arts, life on the fairy mountain became more fulfilling and interesting. Jack steadily advanced towards a higher realm of cultivating immortality with each challenge.​