Chapter 512: The Purpose of Comprehending the Sword Dao

"Since your sword techniques possess such might, you must already have a preliminary understanding of the Dao of the Sword. If you wish to understand and comprehend it better, you must learn its true essence."

"The so-called Dao of the Sword is the supreme truth of the Great Dao contained within the blade."

"As for what that supreme truth entails, we shall discuss it later."

"Have you ever wondered why your spiritual root is called the Sword Spiritual Root? Since it exists, is there a Saber Spiritual Root, a Spear Spiritual Root, a Staff Spiritual Root, or to put it simply, a Weapon Spiritual Root?"

Lu Yang shook his head; he had truly never considered this question. He simply felt that practicing the sword came naturally to him, as if he were born with an innate affinity for the blade.

"The Sword Spiritual Root mutated from the Gold Spiritual Root. The hallmark of the Gold Spiritual Root lies in controlling minerals and its fierce aggressiveness. The Sword Spiritual Root, however, discarded the mineral control and pushed that aggressiveness to the absolute absolute limit."

"The so-called Sword Spiritual Root does not mean you are destined for the blade from birth. It means you possess the most powerful means of offense. The most powerful means of offense is a weapon, and the finest vessel among weapons is the sword."

"Only by using a sword can the traits of your spiritual root be unleashed to their ultimate potential."

Lu Yang felt a tinge of doubt. "But when I cast spells, their power is almost the same as when I use a sword."

If the Sword Spiritual Root could bring aggressiveness to its ultimate potential, then the Dao of the Sword should be the most formidable path of all.

Seeing Lu Yang’s bewildered expression, Daoist Buyu pondered for a moment. "This brings to mind an old saying."

"What old saying?"

"Geniuses do not reason."

"Experience is merely accumulated by predecessors, but those predecessors have not witnessed everything. For instance, they have never witnessed you."

"Furthermore, to claim the Sword Spiritual Root is the absolute strongest isn't entirely accurate. Look at the four Immortals of antiquity—which of them used a sword? If the Sword Spiritual Root were the strongest, why has no one ascended to immortality with it?"

Lu Yang thought to himself that there was actually one who might have become an Immortal, but he had executed the fusion of man and sword too perfectly, effectively snuffing his own path midway to immortality.

To be called a "formidable foe" by the Immortal Essence during the Tribulation Transmutation Stage was testament enough to that person's strength.

The last person the Immortal Essence had called a formidable foe was a peerless genius who had refined the ability to command reality with words into a passive skill.

Besides, it wasn't as if no Immortals used swords. The Qilin Immortal frequently used one; Lu Yang’s Twilight Moon Sword was reforged from the Qilin Immortal's own blade.

"To comprehend the Dao of the Sword, one must have a clear purpose. Little Yang, let me ask you: what do you seek by comprehending the Dao of the Sword?"

Faced with this question, Lu Yang fell into a long silence. Ever since he began his cultivation, ever since he took up the sword, he had never once considered his ultimate purpose.

He had merely drifted with the current, cultivating without a destination.

He slowly closed his eyes, as if submerging into an ocean of memories, recalling everything that had transpired since he embarked on this path:

Upon first entering the sect, he had made many friends. Though they often tricked and swindled one another, those were merely jests among companions. Whenever he encountered difficulties and sought aid from his senior brothers and sisters, they were always willing to lend a hand and resolve his doubts. His eldest senior sister had guided him, shaping a solid foundation for him. Though she was a woman of few words, Lu Yang could feel her deep care for him...

Lu Yang opened his eyes and looked straight into Daoist Buyu's gaze. His eyes were resolute as he spoke the answer in his heart.

"To comprehend the Dao of the Sword is to protect!"

He wished to protect all this beauty!

Daoist Buyu struck Lu Yang on the head.

"Protect my foot! Who needs your protection? Is it me, or is it Little Yun?"

Lu Yang: "..."

Upon further reflection, it was indeed the truth. Meng Jingzhou and the others were all peerless geniuses, and his senior brothers and sisters possessed extraordinary skills far exceeding his own. Whenever he went out, he relied on them to back him up, to say nothing of his eldest senior sister.

And then there was his master. His master's enemies were opponents he could not possibly contend with, so what need was there for protection?

"Spending all day thinking about these meaningless things; everything I just taught was in vain. The sword is the ultimate weapon of slaughter. The purpose of comprehending the Dao of the Sword is, of course, the pursuit of absolute offense!"

Lu Yang nodded honestly, admitting he had overthought it.

"A sword cultivator must be pure. The purer the pursuit, the better the comprehension of the Dao of the Sword!"

"The phrase 'a single sword shatters ten thousand laws' precisely hints at the method of comprehending the Dao of the Sword!"

"And the Shatter Formula you execute—why is it the most powerful among all formulas? Is it not because the word 'shatter' represents the ultimate pursuit of the Dao of the Sword!"

Lu Yang recalled his process of comprehending the Dao of the Sword, and it was exactly as described. When he had previously focused on it, he thought of nothing else but how to rely on the blade to become stronger.

Inadvertently, he had perfectly aligned with the supreme method of comprehension.

Though accidental, Lu Yang had somewhat anticipated it. This could be seen from the Immortal Essence’s reaction; when he was comprehending the Dao of the Sword, she had not pointed out any errors or corrected his approach, proving his actions were correct.

What Lu Yang did not know was that while he was listening intently to the lecture, the Immortal Essence was also listening intently within his mental space, nodding repeatedly and reaping great rewards.

"So that is what the Dao of the Sword is about." The Immortal Essence came to a sudden realization. During the ancient era, sword cultivators were exceedingly rare; aside from the Zither Sword Venerable, she had never interacted with any others.

The Immortal Essence felt that having a cheat code was truly wonderful. Since her resurrection, she had spent her days resting with nothing to do. By following this cheat code, she could witness all sorts of interesting things in the current cultivation world. Not only could the cheat code handle matters for her, but more importantly, whenever he obtained a fortuitous opportunity, she could reap the benefits alongside him.

It was truly a win-win situation.

Having received his master's guidance, Lu Yang felt a sudden flash of enlightenment. His past cultivation had seemed shrouded by a veil, which Daoist Buyu had swept away today, instantly clearing his mind.

He sat cross-legged, attempting to comprehend the Dao of the Sword in the manner his master had taught.

"The pursuit of absolute offense..."

Sensing the aura of the sword generated by the fluctuations of Lu Yang’s meditation, Daoist Buyu nodded slightly. This young disciple of his possessed an astonishing talent for comprehending the sword.

Since that was the case, it was time for him to leave.

He had merely been passing by the sect to visit home. His path of cultivation lay in the outside world, amidst the mortal realm. Having imparted the finest essence of the Dao of the Sword to Lu Yang, this journey could be considered a success.

With a flick of his horsetail whisk, he stepped out of the sect.

The very moment he exited the mountain gate, he beheld countless marriage proposal entourages blocking the path. Upon spotting Daoist Buyu, strange and thrilled smiles crept onto their faces.

"The information was correct! This bastard truly returned to the Ask the Dao Sect!"

"Old thief Buyu, you've finally come out!"

Daoist Buyu’s hairs stood on end. Immediately afterward, countless attacks rained down upon him indiscriminately.

"Bodhi Alms Palm!" A massive, emerald-green palm descended from the heavens, larger than a mountain range, its weight immeasurable.

"Heavenly Demon Disintegration Method!" A cultivator was enveloped in black mist, his aura surging violently, his battle intent soaring.

"Mastery of a Hundred Weapons!"

"Creation Universe Array!"

"Thunder Demise!"

Boom—Boom—Boom—

A relentless barrage of dazzling attacks shook the earth and set the mountains trembling, causing the very space to shudder.

Daoist Buyu silently retreated back into the sect.

There was no urgent rush for his journey abroad.

The second update will be at eleven o'clock.

(End of chapter)