At these words, a satisfied smile appeared on Recluse Sansan's face.
Then he swept his broad sleeve, sending a sleeveful of clear wind toward Xu Taiping before him.
In an instant, insights into swordsmanship as vast as a sea of mist appeared in Xu Taiping's mind.
Just as Recluse Sansan had said, there were no sword moves or mind-method formulas, only teachings on how to nurture a sword, how to store it away, and how to gradually forget that he even had a sword.
"Before storing your sword, you must first make it sing."
"And that first cry must astonish everyone. Otherwise, what you store away won't be a sword, but merely a piece of rotten wood."
"Conversely, the louder and more astonishing your sword's cry, the more surely it will make everyone under heaven tremble when you draw it again."
Recluse Sansan continued.
"Elder Sansan, what counts as an astonishing first cry?"
Xu Taiping asked in puzzlement.
"Naturally, it means letting everyone under heaven know that you, Xu Taiping, have a sword that can move mountains and overturn seas, slay devils and subdue demons, and stand unrivaled under heaven."
Recluse Sansan spoke with utter pride.
"For instance, your trip to the Immortal Gourd Grotto-Heaven is an excellent opportunity to make your sword sing."
He went on to remind Xu Taiping.
Understanding dawned on Xu Taiping's face at his words.
That's right. Only a sword people fear needs to be hidden. What use is there in hiding a piece of rotten wood?
"Thank you for your guidance, Elder Sansan."
He offered his thanks with great sincerity.
"If you truly want to thank me, when you reach the Immortal Gourd Grotto-Heaven, cut down all the plum trees beside the path leading to the summit on the western side of Jade Gourd