The monk paused, then said smugly, "For decades, I've collected Sword Intent from across the world, and in the end, I came up with two answers."
"Something like this depends entirely on personal feelings. How can there be an answer?" Gu Qingshan said, disagreeing.
The monk waved a hand. "Benefactor, don't underestimate my answers. These are the views that sword cultivators have upheld for nearly ten thousand years."
"I'd be glad to hear them," Gu Qingshan said calmly.
The monk shook his head and swayed as he spoke. "The first view is: Whatever comes, I'll cut it down with my sword, until I carve out a world of my own and teach all living things anew, so they'll all heed my will."
"The second view is: Cultivation is like rowing upstream, and swordsmanship is no different. Whoever stands in the way of my Sword Dao is my mortal enemy. Even if it's Heaven itself, I'll cut it down and let you see."
Gu Qingshan fell silent, deep in thought.
The monk bowed. "These are the two true meanings of sword cultivation. What do you say, benefactor? Please, give me your answer."
Gu Qingshan accepted the bow without hesitation. After thinking carefully, he said, "The sword has nothing to do with all living beings. It concerns only the will of the heart."
The monk froze for a moment. "Why do you say that?"
"If the heart hesitates, the sword will falter. If the heart is unencumbered, the sword will face no obstruction," Gu Qingshan replied.
The monk shook his head. "Benefactor, don't speak in riddles. Answer my question directly."
It seemed he'd have to prove himself after all. Gu Qingshan sighed faintly, then relaxed instead.
He said, "What I mean is, if you want to kill someone, don't overthink it."
"Hmm?"