Laughing Maitreya

When it comes to the hobby of admiring beauties, even masters of the sword cannot remain aloof; and when it comes to two beauties at once, the effect is absolutely greater than the sum of its parts.

The practice of the sword purifies the spirit, but this purification is by no means about turning oneself into a stone.

While ordinary people might find their minds wandering and filled with wild delusions when looking at beauties, those who have achieved success in their cultivation simply appreciate the sight.

Compared to "beauty," it is "affinity" that truly stirs the hearts of formidable practitioners.

What touches the heart most deeply can only be the heart itself, never mere "beauty."

Thus, the teachers present remained calm and composed, while most of the students lacked the necessary discipline to steady their minds.

Though they did not succumb to wild fantasies, their emotions were undeniably turbulent.

Even for Zhao Cheng, had his swordsmanship not reached lv8, bringing a significant improvement to his mental state, he would have struggled to remain calm; yet, even he felt a ripple in his heart.

Zhao Cheng did not resist this, nor did he deem it a flaw; he simply faced his own "weakness" squarely.

Only by facing it can one correct it, and only then can one transcend it.

With very few exceptions, most strong individuals have walked this path.

One should not fear temporary weakness, for cultivation exists to change that; what one should fear is refusing to face oneself, remaining trapped in a cycle of contradiction and inner turmoil.

Only by accepting one's own weakness can one become strong!

As for this principle, if he were to put it into words, Zhao Cheng might not be able to articulate it clearly, yet he followed it naturally.

"Very beautiful, aren't they?"

Wu Nian smiled and patted Zhao Cheng on the shoulder.

"Even this teacher thinks they are beautiful!"

Wu Nian did not preach any grand theories, choosing instead to teach by example.

If someone like a teacher finds them beautiful, why should you feel that your own stirring heart is wrong?!

In cultivation, many people fall into the misconception that one must be as still as stagnant water regardless of the situation.

This statement is not wrong, but the error lies in the fact that this realm is not something people at their level can achieve.

To force it is only to stray onto a wrong path.

"Alright, young men, pull yourselves together; you won't run out of beauties to look at!" Wu Nian said with a laugh, patting each of his students on the shoulder.

The two people walking over together were Zhao Yue and Li Qingmeng.

Li Qingmeng was a student under Zhao Yue, but seeing them arrive together, it was clear their relationship had transcended that of a normal teacher and student.

In Qingyuan, there were faint rumors that they were related, but these were merely hearsay with no evidence.

Li Qingmeng wore the school's standard training uniform, devoid of any ornate decorations, her jet-black hair reaching her waist and tied back with a simple red ribbon.

Though young, she already embodied the essence of a lotus rising from clear water, natural and unadorned.

As for Zhao Yue, she wore the standard training uniform for instructors; while similar in cut to the students', the details differed, giving her a sense of composure that the students' uniforms lacked.

Zhao Yue's dark hair also hung down straight and simple, though her hair tie was black. Despite being nearly forty, she looked no older than a girl of eighteen or nineteen.

Walking together, the two looked like sisters; one could hardly tell there was a twenty-year age gap between them, save for the occasional hint of mature charm that betrayed the difference.

This was partly because the practice of the sword extends one's lifespan, naturally slowing the aging process, and partly because she took great care of herself, investing significant effort into her appearance.

It is said that if one reaches a certain level in the sword, one can lock away their vitality; even at a hundred, they would not age a bit, and some even claim it is possible to achieve rejuvenation and regain one's youth.

Of course, such realms and such figures are like legends, no different from myths.

In the long, thousand-year history of Yanhuang, there have been few such sword immortals.

"Teacher Zhao, you look radiant; it feels like you're growing younger every day."

Another teacher stepped up to strike up a conversation.

Zhao Yue responded politely, showing no signs of distance.

People often have the misconception that beauties should be cold and aloof, but in reality, what seems like coldness is often just a lack of familiarity.

As Zhao Yue greeted people while walking over, it was clear that she was well-liked.

Being beautiful only ensures that people will look twice; to be truly well-liked, one must rely on their character.

If one has a foul temper, no matter how beautiful they are, people will naturally distance themselves over time.

Zhao Cheng watched silently, a mental profile of the individuals forming in his mind.

A person's character can be largely discerned from the details, and while not always perfectly accurate, one can get a general idea.

After all, one cannot rule out the possibility of someone being an incredible actor.

But most people do not possess such cunning.

Take Teacher Wu Nian, who stood before Zhao Cheng; in ancient times, he would have been a chivalrous hero, and he was certainly fond of teaching others.

Of course, not everyone wants to be that kind of person, but one thing is certain: no one would dislike being friends with such a man.

After a while, everyone finally arrived. At this moment, a bald, middle-aged man walked to the center and clapped his hands loudly, drawing everyone's attention.

The man was somewhat stout, but it did not look unsightly; rather, it made him appear kind and benevolent, like a Maitreya Buddha, making people feel an instant sense of goodwill.

He clapped his hands while saying, "Alright, everyone is here. However, before today's sword trial begins, I have an announcement to make."

"I believe you have all noticed a new face among us."

"You are not mistaken; he is the new student taken in by Teacher Wu Nian, Zhao Cheng from the second year of high school."

"Now, let student Zhao Cheng come forward to introduce himself. Let's give him a round of applause."

The voice was resonant and firm, carrying a distinct sense of Momentum while remaining approachable rather than overbearing.

This man was Shi Tianyi. It was said he was already over sixty years old, and in his youth, he had enjoyed quite a reputation before suddenly abandoning the sword.

He neither taught swordsmanship nor took on students, but several years ago, at the invitation of the principal, he became the director of the Qingyuan Sword Class.

To the students of Qingyuan, Director Shi was a figure shrouded in mystery. Some said he had attained the sword only to forget it, a process of breaking and then establishing, meant to elevate his sword path to a new realm.

Others claimed he had encountered a trial of the heart and was ruined, which was why he had become this way.

In short, there were many different opinions.

As for his level of swordsmanship, there were various theories as well; some said he was merely a Swordsman, while others insisted he was actually a Sword Master, a hidden expert living in seclusion.

In any case, there was no definitive conclusion.

But one thing was certain: at Qingyuan, his prestige was immense. He could command the respect of the teachers, and naturally, he could easily keep the students in line.