"Only in this realm of reaching the Dao through the heart can I offer you no guidance. But clearly, your inheritance is already broad and bright enough. When the time comes, no one will see the road ahead more clearly than you yourself." Qiu Jizi closed the jade booklet, as though he had finally completed a weighty task, and let out a light breath. "The name of this final step likewise came with the letter. The Young Sword Lord calls it [Parinirvana]."
"Remember, the Sword Ladder is not merely a task list given to you by someone else. It connects to the Dao; it is a true ladder to heaven. Once a swordsman sets foot on this path, an indescribable bond forms between them, accompanying the swordsman for life. Completing the ascent of the Sword Ladder brings a tremendous leap in a swordsman's attainment in the Sword Dao, Sword Chess skill, and even affinity with sword sensibility. Starting today, you may try entering it. I believe it will be a truly wondrous experience."
Smiling, Qiu Jizi handed the jade booklet to the youth before him. "The Sword Ladder [Grow Wings] is yours now."
Pei Ye left the Hidden Sword Tower holding the jade-inlaid booklet. The Sword Talents had yet to disperse. Here, Qiu Jizi formally opened the Hidden Sword Tower to this year's Sword Talents, and many went inside to choose sword arts. But of the Twenty-Four Forms, Pei Ye had completed only Wind Yao. He still lacked one form of the second art, Yellow Jadeite—Tree-Washing Bronze Shadow—so he was in no hurry for the moment.
Dusk had fallen. After eating with Yang Zhenbing, the two returned to their little courtyard. Before opening the door, Pei Ye paused and gazed for a while at the words "Heart-Questioning Abode" on the