Chapter 44

"In your sword, there is only the expectation of others, not your own will," Luo Yang continued, his voice not loud, yet every word clear. "That is why your sword is so heavy; you are carrying too many things that do not belong to you."

Ye Xinglan fell silent.

She looked down at her own hands, then at the Star God Sword in her grip, her gaze dazed.

"A true sword should be light," Luo Yang's voice drifted over like a dream. "Because the sword is an extension of you, a manifestation of your will. When your will is pure enough, your sword will be light enough; when your sword is light enough, you can sever all shackles."

He raised his Undead Bone Sword, the tip pointing straight toward the sky:

"I ask you, if you cast everything aside—the expectations of your family, the hopes of your teachers, the gaze of everyone—what kind of future do you want to carve out with your sword?"

Ye Xinglan shuddered.

She lifted her head to look at Luo Yang. For the first time, a sense of bewilderment appeared in those cold, clear eyes.

What kind of future?

She did not know.

She had never thought about this question before.

But now, being asked so bluntly by Luo Yang, she suddenly realized.

She had been living for others all along.

Living for her family, living for glory, living for those ethereal expectations.

But where was her own sword, her own heart?

Luo Yang watched the changes in her expression and knew she had taken his words to heart.

He sheathed his sword and stood tall, smiling slightly:

"Let's end it here for today. You have lost."

Ye Xinglan did not refute him.

She had lost.

Lost completely and utterly.

Not defeated by swordsmanship, but defeated.

In her heart.

However.

Just as everyone thought the match was over.

Ye Xinglan suddenly moved.

She did not leave the competition stage, but instead sat down cross-legged.

Under the gaze of one hundred thousand spectators, she sat in the center of the stage and closed her eyes.

And then—

A sharp, awe-inspiring sword intent surged from her body toward the sky!

The sword intent was faint at first, like a candle in the wind, flickering and precarious. But after only a few breaths, it erupted like a volcanic explosion! Growing stronger and more intense, until finally, the temperature of the entire arena seemed to drop by several degrees!

The audience widened their eyes!

This is... an epiphany?!

Cai Yue'er stood up abruptly from her seat, her face filled with incredulous shock!

She looked at the figure sitting cross-legged on the stage, her lips trembling:

"An epiphany... this is an epiphany... Xinglan, she actually had an epiphany right on the competition stage?!"

Ya Li also stood up, her beautiful eyes shimmering with brilliance. She looked at Luo Yang, then back at Ye Xinglan, whispering to herself:

"Just a few words, and she has gained such insight... This young man is not simple."

Leng Yaozhu curled her lips into a smile.

Although she didn't know exactly what Luo Yang had said, judging by Ye Xinglan's reaction, this kid had done something big again.

Cai Yue'er fell silent.

She looked at Ye Xinglan, then at Luo Yang, her heart churning like a stormy sea.

Ye Xinglan was the strongest sword genius of Shrek's generation; she had personally mentored her for years and poured countless efforts into her. Yet now, an outsider, with just a few words, had allowed Xinglan to break through a bottleneck she hadn't been able to overcome in years?

How could she, as a master, face this?

But more than that, she felt a sense of shock toward Luo Yang.

What kind of background did this young man have?

How could he see through the flaws in Xinglan's swordsmanship? How could he awaken her with just a few sentences? Where did that faint, lingering aura of death on him come from?

Cai Yue'er suddenly realized.

The Spirit Pagoda had truly unearthed an incredible talent this time.

An indescribable sense of envy welled up within her heart.

This child must come to Shrek to study!

Only Shrek could find a child as outstanding as Luo Yang!!

Below the competition stage, Xiao Yan's expression could no longer be described as merely "ashen."

He looked at Ye Xinglan, who was sitting cross-legged in an epiphany on the stage, then at Luo Yang, who stood calmly to the side, and felt like a clown.

He had heard the words Luo Yang said to Ye Xinglan.

Things like "your sword is too heavy," "you are just imitating," and "what are you swinging for"...

These words clearly meant that you, Xiao Yan, didn't even have the qualifications to be critiqued by him.

Xiao Yan lowered his head, his fists clenched so tightly that his nails dug into his palms.

He suddenly realized one thing:

That young man had never looked at him as an equal from the very beginning.

It wasn't out of arrogance, but because he truly wasn't worthy.

On the competition stage, Ye Xinglan remained immersed in her epiphany.

That sword intent grew stronger and purer. It was no longer sharp and aggressive, but had become light and transparent, as if it could pierce through everything.

Luo Yang watched her quietly, a trace of a smile appearing at the corners of his mouth.

He knew that from this moment on, Ye Xinglan's path of the sword would embark on a brand new journey.

No longer an imitation, no longer a burden, but—a sword that belonged to her alone.

After a long while.

Ye Xinglan opened her eyes.

In those cold, clear eyes, there was a hint of unprecedented clarity.

She stood up and looked at Luo Yang.

After a moment of silence, she nodded slightly:

"Thank you for your guidance."

These four simple words caused countless people to widen their eyes.

Ye Xinglan, that cold-as-ice girl who never got close to anyone, was actually thanking someone?!

Luo Yang waved his hand with a smile: "You're too kind. Your talent was already formidable; I merely helped you pierce through that thin layer of paper."

Ye Xinglan said nothing more.

She turned and walked off the competition stage.

On the viewing platform, the atmosphere was subtle.

Cai Yue'er's face was ashen, and she remained silent.

She had originally thought Ye Xinglan was their ultimate trump card who would surely secure victory. But now, Ye Xinglan had lost; although she had broken through a bottleneck as a blessing in disguise, the result of the match could not be changed.

Shrek had lost.

For how many years had it been since Shrek last lost a friendly match to the Spirit Pagoda?

Ya Li smiled slightly and gently patted Cai Yue'er's hand: "Don't take it to heart; victory and defeat are common in military affairs. Besides, Xinglan gained a great deal this time. In the long run, it's a good thing."

Cai Yue'er took a deep breath and nodded reluctantly.

But she knew in her heart—

Today's events were destined to be recorded in the history of exchanges between Shrek and the Spirit Pagoda.

And that young man named Luo Yang would be firmly remembered by the upper echelons of Shrek.

Leng Yaozhu stood up gracefully, smoothed her skirt, and smiled slightly at Cai Yue'er and Ya Li.

"Ladies, don't forget our wager."

Cai Yue'er's mouth twitched, unable to speak.

Ya Li nodded with a smile: "Rest assured, the Holy Spirit Baptism can be arranged at any time."

Leng Yaozhu nodded in satisfaction and turned to leave the viewing platform.

Her steps were light, and she was in such a good mood she felt like she could fly.

This little guy really brought honor to her!

Not only did he win the match, but he also helped Ye Xinglan achieve an epiphany and breakthrough. Shrek owed her a favor for this.

She suddenly couldn't wait to see Luo Yang.

Tonight, she must reward him properly.

What kind of reward should it be?

A meaningful smile curled the corners of Leng Yaozhu's lips.