Sword Opens the Mountain Gate

"I was just about to slack off when someone came to bother me. Isn't that annoying?"

The room, decorated in an antique style, was filled with the aroma of ink and tea. Behind a mountain of documents on the desk, an elderly man in his sixties leaned back in a recliner, resting with his eyes closed. He was also idly swirling a teacup in his hand. When he noticed someone visiting, he muttered impatiently to himself.

"Name?" the old man asked coldly without opening his eyes.

"You Su," the black-robed youth said neither humbly nor arrogantly, adding, "You as in 'roaming,' and Su as in 'perilla'."

Upon hearing this, Elder Liu opened his half-closed old eyes, glanced at You Su in front of him, his eyes flashing with a subtle glint, but his tone was unfriendly:

"So you are You Su, the newly accepted True Disciple the Thirteenth Elder?"

"This junior is indeed you," You Su bowed respectfully.

"So you still know how to come!" Elder Liu snorted twice, his expression displeased. "No matter what kind of disciple you are, the first thing you must do upon joining the Xuanxiao Sect is to report to the Hall of Sutras. Yet you've been dragging your feet for more than five days. Do you think that just because you're True Disciple, you can disregard the rules? Or does your master, the Thirteenth Elder, think that it's my place as a junior elder to personally come and find you?"

You Su felt something was off. This Elder Liu was one of the twenty-three junior elders, and he had a feeling that the other party's complaints were not directed at him, but at his master's Mistress was the Grand Elder behind him.

"This junior had absolutely no such intention, and neither did Master."

You Su spoke sincerely, a slight thought stirring within him, and then added:

"It is my fault for being late, but the reason I am late is truly because of a single sentence from my master."

Elder Liu slightly raised his eyelids, his brows furrowing. "What did you say?"

"My master told me that Elder Liu has served diligently in the Hall of Sutras for a hundred years and is highly respected in the sect. As I am new here, I should prepare a small gift to show my respect on my first visit."

You Su straightened up and apologized, "Unfortunately, I am foolish and took a long time to decide on this small gift, which is why I am a little late."

As soon as she finished speaking, You Su was already holding a can of elegantly packaged tea in her hand. It was White Jade Orchid Tea with a cool, subtle fragrance and a refreshing, invigorating taste.

Elder Liu raised a slight eyebrow, pressed a light button on the armrest, and the recliner tilted forward automatically, straightening his posture. He glanced at the tea canister in You Su's hand, then at the tea in his own cup, and finally his gaze lingered on the young man's face before he smiled slightly and said amiably:

"You're quite thoughtful; I never expected my meager contribution would be noticed by the reclusive Thirteenth Elder. The report can be completed within seven days of joining the sect. However, I'm impatient, have many affairs to attend to, dislike procrastination, and am unable to ascend Lotus Peak, so I asked the Third Elder to urge it for me. You haven't done anything wrong; take the gift back."

You Su smiled calmly. At first, he thought Elder Liu harbored resentment towards his Mistress, but upon closer reflection, he realized something was amiss. Elder Liu's demeanor was exactly that of an old office worker who just wanted to retire as soon as possible; he would blame anyone who prevented him from completing his work smoothly.

"Elder Liu, you misunderstand. This is not an apology gift, but a greeting gift."

"Stop talking, let's finish the procedures first."

You Su then wisely shut up.

"Tell me your birth date, age, place of origin, family background, and your resume before joining the clan."

You Su then recounted the events one by one, her expression slightly surprised.

Because Elder Liu didn't need to lift a finger, the brush on the table started writing on its own.

"An eighteen-year-old at the Spirit Platform Middle Stage? And blind?!"

Elder Liu sized up You Su while picking up his teacup to take a sip to hide his surprise, but then he remembered the White Jade Orchid Tea in You Su's hand and suddenly felt no taste in his mouth, so he simply put it down.

"If he's blind, why doesn't he wear a blindfold?"

"My eyes are neither afraid of light nor are they frightening or strange eyes, so why should I cover them with gauze?"

Elder Liu stared at You Su's clear but lifeless eyes for a moment, then said:

"If a blind person doesn't use a cane or cover their eyes, how can anyone know they are blind?"

Upon hearing this You Su smirked slightly. "This junior has never thought there's anything special about being blind, so why must people know?"

Elder Liu gave You Su a meaningful look, then changed the subject:

"To have reached this level of cultivation at your age is indeed remarkable. However, the path of cultivation is about long-term development; being ahead in the short term is nothing. Moreover, the Xuanxiao Sect is full of hidden talents, so don't be arrogant."

"You Su will remember this."

Elder Liu then asked some simple questions, to which You Su answered truthfully.

"Then."

Elder Liu finally stood up and handed a wooden token to You Su, which was proof of his status as True Disciple of the Xuanxiao Sect.

Normally, he would just toss the token to his disciple. However, knowing the identity of Blind You Su, he couldn't help but feel more respect for him, so he presented it to him personally.

"Thank you, Elder Liu."

"Yes, come with me. It will be over after the test." Elder Liu then walked slowly towards the door.

You Su was not in a hurry to follow, but instead placed the tea canister in her hand on the table.

"What are you doing? Didn't I tell you to take it back?"

"I'm afraid I won't be able to take my hands off during the test, so I'll put them down for a moment."

"Remember to take it."

Elder Liu gave the blind boy a deep look before continuing to lead the way.

"Aren't you going to ask what the test is for?"

Elder Liu walked ahead without turning around and casually asked.

"When soldiers come, we'll block them; when water comes, we'll dam it. Whether we ask or not, it's all the same."

"That being said, this test is somewhat unfair to you."

As soon as he finished speaking, Elder Liu stopped in his tracks. Before him stood two enormous stone doors.

Together they form a double gate, above which is carved a magnificent and imposing Mount Henggao, exuding a sense of grandeur and sanctity. The ethereal clouds and majestic mountain are so lifelike that they seem to be alive rather than inanimate objects.

You Su could not see the patterns on the stone gate, but he could still feel the overwhelming sense of heaviness emanating from it.

"Only those personally taught by elders are called True Disciple, and every True Disciple is of great importance to the Xuanxiao Sect. Throughout history, countless geniuses have emerged, but not all those with exceptional talent can become True Disciple of Xuanxiao. Only those whose character and temperament pass the test can enter the Divine Mountain and become True Disciple. Although the Thirteenth Elder is willing to accept you as a disciple, he must have considered your character and temperament, but the procedures still need to be followed."

"This door is a divine artifact passed down from five thousand years ago. Legend has it that it was personally carved by the Immortal Ancestor Henggao, specifically for the purpose of enlightenment. It is now kept here by the Xuanxiao Sect. Everyone who comes to the sacred mountain has their own reasons and desires. You can see the desires in your heart by looking at the mountain above the door. The key to opening the door is hidden within it."

After listening to Elder Liu's explanation, You Su finally understood why Elder Liu had said the test was unfair to him. He was blind; he couldn't even see the mountains, so how could he possibly find the key?

"Although the Hall of Sutras is open to all disciples, this is not because of the mediocrity of its collection, but because of its profound and inclusive nature. Behind this door lies the Hall of Sutras's most precious collection. True Disciple who opens the door can obtain an ancient book within the hall."

"Would there be True Disciple who couldn't open the door?" You Su asked.

"Of course, those who fail the test of character should be stripped of their qualification as True Disciple. The Xuanxiao Sect would not do something that would cause future trouble. However, True Disciple are all carefully selected by the elders, and very few fail."

Elder Liu saw that You Su was only silently scanning the stone mountain table in front of him, and sighed inwardly. The eyes are the gateway to the soul, and without sight, there will be many obstacles on the path of cultivation. He was not optimistic about You Su's future.

"If you can't figure it out, I can open the door for you, since you're blind and your situation is special. However, I can't guarantee what book you'll get, or even if you'll get any at all."

Elder Liu stroked his white beard, trying to discern any negative emotions such as unease or distress on the calm blind man's face, but to no avail. You Su simply stared silently at the stone gate. Elder Liu nodded inwardly; the young man's temperament alone was enough to earn his admiration.

He had known for a long time that You Su was blind. It was the esteemed First Elder who personally came to greet him and granted him the privilege of opening the door for You Su if he was unable to do so.

I want to try it.

You Su suddenly spoke, Elder Liu looked at him with surprise:

"Can you see the mountain gate?"

You Su shook his head. In You Su's vision, there was only a large expanse of blurry ancient blue, the appearance of the sacred mountain shrouded in mist.

"If you can't see the mountain gate, you can't open it; why trouble yourself unnecessarily?"

Elder Liu could understand You Su's stubbornness and pride as a blind man. He was clearly a rare blind prodigy, yet he was blocked by a door because of his blindness. It was understandable that he was unwilling to give up easily.

You Su continued facing the mountain gate in front of him, unwavering.

Just as he stared directly at the door, a sudden, inexplicable sense arose within him—something was calling to him from behind that door.

This spiritual sense was extremely strong, and You Su clearly perceived that the only way to obtain it was to push open this door himself.

Elder Liu is mistaken.

You Su took two more steps forward and laughed:

"The Immortal Ancestor possesses boundless Divine Ability powers. The significance of creating this gate lies in seeing one's true nature, not in seeing the gate itself. My eyes are clouded by dust, but my heart is no different from that of an ordinary person. How can a blind person not attain enlightenment? Elder Liu, do not underestimate the blind man."

Elder Liu stared blankly at You Su, whose demeanor had suddenly changed, and actually felt that he had underestimated the blind boy.

"Suit yourself. Call me if you can't get away. Young people shouldn't be so concerned about saving face."

At the same time, You Su's Divine Sense had completely covered the stone gate, but unfortunately he could only scan out its general outline and could not see its true form.

You Su frowned deeply. Had he really guessed wrong? When the Immortal Ancestor created this stone door, did he really not consider the blind man's needs?

With Elder Liu by his side, and You Su couldn't force himself to open his eyes, he took a deep breath to calm himself down.

This door is for understanding one's true nature; since everyone's nature is different, the key to opening it will naturally be different as well.

So what is my key?

Suddenly, You Su felt something strange at his waist; it was the Ink Pine Sword trembling uncontrollably in response to his confusion!

The sword was his key!

Sensing something, You Su drew his Ink Pine Sword with a swift motion and held it to his chest, its blade pointing directly at the two magnificent stone gates carved with a panoramic view of the sacred mountain.

Elder Liu watched in astonishment. He observed that You Su's profound Mystic Qi was tightly intertwined with the stone gate, clearly indicating that he had entered a state of enlightenment through the stone gate. He dared not reprimand or interrupt You Su's disrespectful act, because the First Elder had told him:

If You Su were to open the door, it would be an unprecedented event! We absolutely must not disturb him!

He watched You Su there, sword raised, feeling the ever-increasing sword aura emanating from this young man who was only at the Spirit Platform Realm, lost in thought for a long time.

A voice woke him up:

"Old Liu, when did you get a can of White Jade Orchid Tea on your table? This is top-quality tea. You old codger, trying to hide it? Heh heh, I caught you red-handed!"

The newcomer was quite old, with a plump and prosperous appearance, yet he did not look greasy or aged. He was none other than Elder Zhu, one of the twenty-three junior elders.

Elder Liu snapped out of his daze, glared at the newcomer, and hissed angrily, "What are you yelling about? That's not my tea, it's his!"

Elder Zhu followed Elder Liu's gaze and saw that a young man was raising his sword to open the mountain gate. He was startled and immediately prepared to step forward to stop him.

Elder Liu immediately stopped him, "Don't move! He is You Su!"

"You Su?!"

Elder Zhu and Elder Liu were good friends, so he had naturally learned about You Su from the other. "Is he going to force his way in?"

"Take another look."

Every elder of the Xuanxiao Sect possessed at least the Feather Transformation Realm ability. Elder Zhu was so shocked that the fat on his face trembled.

"This is the first time someone has entered a meditative state using external objects. How long has he been in this state?"

Elder Liu looked at the incense burner with carved beasts on the side of the corridor, where a single stick of sandalwood incense had already burned out.

"It's been an incense stick's time."

Elder Zhu nodded upon hearing this, only then realizing that his old friend's playful tone, previously reserved, had transformed into a serious expression. He took two steps, looked at You Su's tightly furrowed brows, and said in surprise:

"Only one incense stick's time has passed, and we've already reached the stage of seeking enlightenment?"

"Just wait and see..." Elder Liu sighed softly.

At this moment, within You Su's Sea of Consciousness, it was as if his soul had left his body, breaking through layers of mist.

In his eyes, the scenery of the two stone gates gradually became clearer, and the appearance of the sacred mountain above them even began to have real colors, as if he were really facing a majestic peak that reached the heavens and the earth.

You Su stood at the foot of the giant peak, a powerful sound suddenly resounded between heaven and earth.

Why did you go up the mountain?

You Su said, "I went up the mountain to cultivate Daoism."

"You lack one of your seven senses—sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch, speech, and thought—your understanding is incomplete. Go down the mountain."

You Su said, "I cultivate the Tao to perfect the Seven Awakenings."

"Your eyes are clear and unobstructed, yet you cannot see; this is the will of Heaven. The loss of sight is a good thing for you. Go down the mountain."

"Is the will of Heaven truly inviolable?"

You Su gripped the sword hilt, a laughable thought crossing his mind. Who could judge the fortunes of others? Don't Cower Sword Intent surged forth, and he shouted:

"I'm determined to see this world!"

"To see the world, to see all living beings, to see yourself, or to see the truth? I'll give you one: go down the mountain."

The immense weight pressed down on You Su, rendering him unable to move.

You Su's smile remained unchanged. He took a powerful stride, raised his neck, veins bulging, and roared at the mountaintop:

"I want them all!"

The sword in his hand was drawn with a chilling aura, its Sword Qi energy soaring straight into the sky.

Instantly, the mountains and forests fell silent, all sounds ceased, and this space resembled a shattered mirror, peeling away piece by piece.

To the two elders, who were already dumbfounded, the ancient and heavy door had already opened, and the young man in black robes, with his sword still sheathed, calmly walked into the unfathomable darkness behind the door.