Sword Intent

You Su didn't hesitate, immediately bowing and apologizing.

Gu Yao looked at the young man's bowed head in surprise, truly puzzled.

"Do you know that becoming a formal disciple of the Xuanxiao Sect is something countless cultivators wish for but can never obtain? If you agree, it would bring you nothing but benefits."

You Su knew this logic all too well. However, it was his Master who found him when he was abandoned and raised him.

When he was young, his emotions were fragile and his will was weak. Due to his blindness and other reasons, he had contemplated ending his life, but it was always his Master who saved him. It could be said that before Junior Sister arrived, Master was his greatest emotional anchor. Never mind that Master was currently traveling; even if Master were here now and ordered him to switch sects, he, You Su, would never agree.

Furthermore, the Heaven and Earth Yin Yang Harmonious Union Mandarin Duck Sword Sect wasn't always in such decline. In the distant past, it was a prosperous sect, proving that its cultivation techniques and scriptures were sufficient to allow disciples to tread the Great Dao.

There was also a very important point: formal disciples had to remain on the Divine Mountain, but one obviously couldn't bring their family along. This would be very disadvantageous for him in taking care of Junior Sister and Mistress.

"You Su understands. However, it was Master who saved my life, raised me, and taught me cultivation. You Su vowed long ago to revitalize the sect and repay Master. You Su has never considered leaving the Sword Sect, nor will he ever. I hope the immortal master can forgive me." You Su continued to keep his head down, his words earnest.

Gu Yao was initially somewhat displeased, not out of anger at You Su's refusal, but because this young man was so readily abandoning a clear path to greatness right before him, a path even led by the renowned Lotus Sword Venerable.

Upon hearing You Su's words, Gu Yao fell silent. This young man, in terms of talent, intellect, and character, far exceeded his expectations. He couldn't help but think more highly of You Su and began to worry for the Lotus Sword Venerable's desire to take him as a disciple.

"I understand your meaning. Your Master has truly taken in a good disciple," Gu Yao sighed, his gaze profound. "The Great Dao is not solely found on the Divine Mountain. One day, I hope to hear the name of the Mandarin Sword Sect on the Divine Mountain as well."

You Su looked up, meeting Gu Yao's gaze without flinching. "I will."

Gu Yao smiled and stood up. "Then I shall not disturb you further. Come to the City Lord's manor for a banquet tonight; I will have a few drinks with you."

"You Su will certainly attend," You Su also stood to see him off, secretly relieved that Gu Yao hadn't discovered anything by the end. That formation truly had some effect.

As they reached the door, Gu Yao turned back, took out another item, and said with a smile, "We'll part here. This is a bottle of True Qi Pills. If you ever find your cultivation stagnating or your Mystic Qi depleted, taking one will have a miraculous effect. Don't refuse; this is the reward for first place."

With that, he tossed the bottle to You Su. You Su had no choice but to reach out and catch it. He wanted to express his gratitude, but Gu Yao was no longer there, having vanished.

You Su held the two gifts in his hands, one on each side, and inwardly sighed that his efforts in helping Gu Yao with his charade that day were not in vain. Gu Yao might not be a flawless true gentleman, but he was certainly not a bad person.

You Su quietly put away his treasures, finally letting go of the anxiety that had been weighing on him. He closed the door and continued to ponder the intricacies of that sword strike.

As the sun began to set, You Su felt that he was faintly able to see that wisp of spiritual light again, but it was still just out of reach. He found it utterly profound. While considering whether to ask Gu Yao or Mistress, You Su chose Mistress first.

He stood outside the main hall door. Every time before disturbing Mistress, he had to mentally prepare himself, because both her title and her person gave him a sense of unapproachability.

You Su cleared his throat and knocked on the door.

"Mistress?"

After a while, Mistress's cool and ethereal voice drifted out. You Su found it sounded somewhat distant.

"What is it?"

"I encountered some issues while practicing my sword today. I hope Mistress can enlighten me."

"Ask."

"Yesterday, when I was sparring with someone, there was an extremely mystical sword strike at the end. At that moment, my mind was completely blank. The only thought was that I absolutely had to unleash this strike, and my body and my sword responded to me, as if all my strength poured out. But this strike was not a move from the Mandarin Duck Sword Scripture; I just naturally performed it. At that time, if I hadn't stopped, I even felt that the person receiving the strike would have died. Today, when I try to recall that feeling, I can't grasp it. I don't understand what happened, so I wanted to ask Mistress."

A moment of silence.

"It is Sword Intent, but not yet complete."

"Sword Intent?" You Su had certainly heard the term, but he didn't understand what it specifically was.

"Didn't your Master teach you?"

"Uh, no."

"In the library, on the north wall, third row, there is a book titled 'An Introduction to Sword Cultivators.' Starting from page sixty-nine, you can have your Junior Sister read it to you, and have her read that book as well."

You Su felt the helplessness of a blind person. His understanding of the sword was limited to the Mandarin Duck Sword Scripture that his Master had read to him.

Mistress probably felt the question was too basic and didn't want to waste more words on him.

"Thank you, Mistress."

"It's very good that you can comprehend Sword Intent at your age," Mistress praised unexpectedly.

The slight displeasure in You Su's heart vanished. He was like a child tasting candy for the first time, joyfully saying, "Thank you for the compliment, Mistress."

"Mm."

Mistress's voice was very cold, but You Su still happily retreated.

By evening, Ji Lingruo had also woken up. You Su quickly took her to get the book and had her read it to him, finally understanding what "Sword Intent" was:

When a cultivator swings their sword, it is accompanied by a resonance formed by Mystic Qi. Sword Intent is the ultimate form of this resonance, and also the ultimate expression of the Way of the Sword in the heart of the wielder.

Some people cultivate their swords for a hundred years on snowy mountains, gaining a frost and snow Sword Intent that freezes three feet of ice with a single strike; some live in solitude, lamenting the passage of seasons, their Sword Intent inevitably filled with sorrow and desolation...

Different people have different Ways of the Sword, and naturally, they have different Sword Intents. However, very few people can push their Way of the Sword to its extreme, and therefore, very few can comprehend Sword Intent.

According to the book, You Su finally understood his current stage: the resonance in his sword was approaching its peak, but he had not yet determined what his true Way of the Sword was. Only by thoroughly understanding this and adhering to it consistently could he obtain his own unique Sword Intent.

You Su did not feel overly joyous. He only felt it was what he deserved. As a blind person, the only thing he could rely on was the sword in his hand. Countless swings of his sword had also made the sword trust him. This had nothing to do with talent or fortune; it was the fruit of the Dao he had cultivated himself.

After clarifying things, You Su prepared to head to the banquet. As he was leaving, Ji Lingruo called him back and forced him to change into an outfit meticulously chosen by the young girl. Although they were still You Su's old clothes, he certainly looked much more presentable now.

Ji Lingruo looked at You Su's retreating back with satisfaction, thinking to herself:

Her Senior Brother, as the champion of the Ascension Gathering, should not only possess outstanding skills but also such an appearance and demeanor.

Under the ambiguous twilight, You Su's silhouette grew increasingly indistinct. Ji Lingruo found it strange. Her eyesight was clearly very good, and You Su hadn't walked too far, but why did she always feel... like a mist was shrouding him?

The somewhat ordinary story of a sparring match was about to conclude, and a new chapter would begin tomorrow~