Volume One: Youths Meet in Their Humble Beginnings Chapter Seventy: The Gathering of the Elders, Part One

Lu Ming recalled that Elder Xie Tong had just mentioned Li Yu practiced a set of sword techniques, so he asked curiously, “Elder, you said earlier that Li Yu cultivated a set of swordsmanship. What kind of sword art is it? And how did you notice it?”

Elder Xie Tong thought back to his observations of Li Yu moments ago, when faint traces of sword aura seemed to flicker about him. At that time, he sensed something extraordinary in Li Yu. The sword aura around him was unlike that produced by orthodox sword cultivators, who typically harness spiritual energy and transform it into sword aura. Li Yu’s sword aura, however, was perfectly integrated with his own vital breath. Were it not for Xie Tong’s profound cultivation, even he might not have perceived the anomaly.

He surmised that Li Yu’s sword aura was likely cultivated using his innate vital energy. Yet, this was precisely what puzzled Elder Xie Tong: martial cultivators could control their vital essence, but if they followed the path of sword cultivation, no matter how powerful their techniques were, they could only ever simulate the form of sword aura with vital energy—never its true spirit. Compared to orthodox sword cultivators, it was but a shadow of the real thing.

But the sword aura around Li Yu was more than mere form; it was the genuine, unadulterated sword aura that only traditional sword cultivators could achieve. After a moment’s thought, Elder Xie Tong replied, “I can’t tell you what sword art he’s practicing—I only observed that he lacks the cultivation of a sword cultivator, yet possesses a faint sword aura.”

Lu Ming asked, “Why couldn’t I see it?” Indeed, with his innate gifts, Lu Ming could perceive the dragon pearl hidden within Li Yu’s dantian and recognize that the dragon energy was made manifest through some unique technique. By that logic, he ought to see even more about Li Yu.

Elder Xie Tong answered, “It’s normal that you couldn’t see it. Your talent allows you only to see things in him that are unrelated to his own essence, or visions from his heart-lake. But if that sword aura is truly part of his own breath, unless he actively reveals it, it’s very difficult for anyone to detect.”

Lu Ming was shocked. “Is there really such a technique in the world—one that doesn’t follow the path of sword cultivation, yet can transform vital energy into natural sword aura?”

“I don’t know,” Elder Xie Tong replied, “but if there is, it would not be surprising. The world is vast, and there’s still so much to explore and discover. Just because we can’t do something doesn’t mean no one else can. Moreover—” At this, Xie Tong glanced in the direction of Youyi Temple. “The master of Youyi Temple, regardless of strength, status, or position, is surely one of the pinnacles of the cultivation world. The technique that youth practices is likely of his own creation. With such vision and foundation, the arts he devises are naturally beyond our comprehension.”

Lu Ming had not expected the other party’s strength to be so extraordinary. He felt genuine happiness for Li Yu—these seven years had not only treated him well, but his master had clearly taught him much.

The two of them conversed as they walked, and before long, they returned to the City Lord’s Mansion. After Lu Ming’s display of shattering the boundary and entering the Dao, the people of the mansion had been shocked and amazed for a time, but once they saw Lu Ming truly achieve his breakthrough, the atmosphere quickly returned to one of lively conversation. Outwardly, they said little, but inwardly, they all waited for Elder Xie Tong to bring back the man who had shattered the boundary, eager to question him in detail.

When Xie Tong led Lu Ming back to the banquet, all eyes scrutinized Lu Ming, especially those of the Yuling Clan, who looked at him with resentment and hostility.

Having just broken through, and with the talent granted by his sword embryo, Lu Ming was particularly sensitive to the subtleties of the heart. The emotional waves of everyone present were laid bare before him, save for the few whose deep cultivation made their hearts as calm as ancient wells, beyond his perception. The rest, however, were an open book.

Due to Li Yu, Lu Ming naturally felt little goodwill toward the Li family of Yuling. In his mind, they were fools who mistook pearls for fish eyes, causing Li Yu years of needless suffering.

The city lord sat in his seat of honor, a gentle smile on his face as he regarded Lu Ming. With deep appreciation, he said, “Great Sword Qingshan truly overflows with talent. Such a young sword immortal—there can be few like him even in the annals of history. The heights you will reach in the future are surely beyond measure.” He then turned to congratulate Xie Tong. “Elder Xie Tong, your Great Sword Qingshan has a worthy successor!”

Elder Xie Tong replied modestly, “Thank you for your praise, City Lord. The boy is still young—his cultivation has improved, but he lacks experience. He’s not yet ready to stand in the limelight. In the future, he will need to learn much from his elders. I hope, on account of Great Sword Qingshan, everyone here will offer him guidance and, where possible, protection. We have always valued this child, especially his master. Sword Jiuxiao is fiercely protective!”

The guests, who had been curious about Lu Ming’s master, were taken aback when they heard the name Sword Jiuxiao. All other thoughts vanished instantly.

Sword Jiuxiao—perhaps unknown to the young, but those of the older generation were deeply wary of his fearsome reputation.

The city lord, upon hearing this, seemed to understand instantly. He smiled and said nothing more, merely inviting them to be seated. Xie Tong’s words, though courteous, carried a warning: anyone wishing to make a move against Lu Ming should be careful not to overstep, for Great Sword Qingshan was not to be trifled with—least of all Sword Jiuxiao.

Any action would have to be weighed against the wrath they might incur.

Once Lu Ming was seated, the last of the three elders from the Yuling Clan, Li Zhongming, was first to speak. “Dare I ask, Sword Immortal, how is it you were able to shatter the boundary and enter the Dao in Tianmen Town?”

This was a question that intrigued everyone present, especially the five young Lis behind the elders, who were intensely curious about Lu Ming’s breakthrough.

Lu Ming lifted his gaze, eyes flashing with a faint, cold light. The three elders, seasoned and worldly, immediately caught the fleeting chill and underlying hostility, tinged with contempt, in his eyes. They were secretly puzzled—had they unknowingly offended him? Yet, as he was the new sword immortal of Great Sword Qingshan and his master was the infamous Sword Jiuxiao, they dared not press him too hard.

While they pondered, Lu Ming considered his response. He did not know the position of Youyi Temple in their eyes, nor whether its uniqueness was common knowledge. He glanced at Elder Xie Tong, who gave a subtle nod. Lu Ming then replied succinctly, “I was guided by a master, who lent me a hand in shattering the boundary and entering the Dao.”

The six great sects and the natives of Tianmen Town had already guessed as much after witnessing the phenomenon. Hearing Lu Ming’s answer merely confirmed their suspicions—it was indeed that person.

But to others, this meant nothing.

The Yuling Clan, however, was desperate to know what method had enabled Lu Ming to break through in a place where the Dao was forbidden.

Elder Li Zhongmi pressed on, “And who is this master? Tianmen Town is a land without Dao and under the rule of five edicts—how did he help you achieve your breakthrough?”

“I only know he resides in Youyi Temple. As for his appearance, or who he actually is, I do not know. As for how he helped me, I have no idea.” After some thought, Lu Ming revealed only this superficial detail. He thought to himself, if I say nothing, they’ll never let me go; but if I reveal everything I know, who knows what others believe about Youyi Temple? Better to say little—let them investigate the rest themselves.

But the elder was not so easily brushed off, and was clearly dissatisfied with such a perfunctory answer. “Boy, how can you be so insolent? Is this the attitude you show your elders—answering so vaguely?”

Lu Ming remained silent, but Elder Xie Tong let out a cold laugh. “Is he one of your Yunmu Tianshan Li family? Since when did the Li family of Yunmu Tianshan claim dominion over the entire cultivation world, to the point of chastising disciples from other sects?”

Elder Li Zhonghong, who had been quietly observing, could no longer remain silent. Xie Tong’s words had painted the Li family as would-be overlords of the cultivation world—a sentiment that, if overheard by those of the Imperial Extreme Palace, would surely cause offense.

“Elder Xie Tong,” Li Zhonghong replied, “our Li family has no intention of reprimanding the sword immortal of Qingshan. It’s just that for one so young to break the boundary and enter the Dao in Tianmen Town is of great interest to all present—not just our Li family.” With these words, he not only explained the Li family’s intentions, but drew the others in, implying that they, at the risk of offending Qingshan, were merely seeking answers on behalf of all. The meaning was clear: stop holding back and tell us the truth.

Elder Xie Tong hadn’t expected him to press so fiercely, but then it dawned on him—the Li family was eager to discover a way for their spiritual tamers to act freely in Tianmen Town. If they could uncover the method of breaking through in this place, it would be invaluable.

Lu Ming, hearing Li Zhonghong’s words, replied with calm dignity, “That is all I know. The master in question is a person of high attainment, while I am but a junior who has only just entered the Dao. How could someone of my status know his methods or his identity? If he does not wish to explain, am I to force him? Surely you, my elders, do not take me for someone so capable.”

Lu Ming’s words were not without reason. Some among them, knowing who resided in Youyi Temple, could not help but smile inwardly. Indeed, that one’s actions are always unpredictable, and he has never cared for the opinions of others.

Li Zhonghong was surprised that Lu Ming could retort with such composure under pressure. His gaze darkened, his expression shifting between shadow and light. He thought to himself, “So poised and direct—he leaves me with nothing to say. If I persist, it will only make our Li family seem petty, bullying a youth of Qingshan.”