Volume One: Youths Meet in Their Humble Beginnings Chapter Sixty-Nine: Elder of the Sword, Xie Tong

After calming his aura, Lu Ming seemed as if a sword sheathed, all his sharpness concealed within, radiating a tranquil presence. He appeared even less like a sword cultivator than before he entered the Dao. Perhaps this was akin to what Master Li Yu once described as hiding the sword within the heart.

Indeed, Lu Ming's current state was similar to the realm of hiding the sword in the heart. Among sword cultivators, this stage was known as "no sword in the hand, but a sword in the heart." From now on, even without drawing his sword, Lu Ming could command his natal immortal sword to strike down enemies.

Naturally, this realm was mostly attainable only by those with a sword embryo. At the same level, after entering the Dao with a sword embryo, one's strength exceeded that of ordinary sword cultivators—first, due to possessing an immortal sword; second, because one could truly hide the sword within. This hidden sword sounded simple, but in battle, it could deliver a fatal blow.

Lu Ming stood and smiled at Li Yu, patting him gently. "Thank you," he said.

Li Yu quickly shook his head and waved his hands. "This is your own strength; it has nothing to do with me."

Lu Ming said no more. He turned toward the inner hall and called out, "Thank you, elder, for your guidance. I am deeply grateful for your protection. If ever you have need of me, I will do my utmost to repay your kindness."

During his breakthrough, Lu Ming clearly sensed many covetous eyes surrounding him outside. Regardless of their intentions, the fact that they gathered during his advancement meant nothing good. Just as Lu Ming was unable to divert his attention, the Daoist intervened, adding a formidable presence by his side. Sensing this, the crowd refrained from further action—whether out of helplessness or fear of the Daoist's power, ultimately, they granted Lu Ming a safe environment for his breakthrough.

The Daoist's indifferent voice echoed from the inner hall. "After entering the Dao, do not forget the responsibilities of a sword cultivator. A gentleman is not a mere vessel—remember this well."

Lu Ming engraved the phrase "a gentleman is not a mere vessel" deeply in his heart. Though he did not understand the Daoist's intentions, given the elder's extraordinary cultivation, every word carried weight. Even if he could not yet grasp its meaning, remembering it for future contemplation was worthwhile.

After these words, the Daoist fell silent. Lu Ming wanted to pay him a visit, but Li Yu advised, "No need, Brother Lu. Since Master did not summon you, it means it is not important to him. Besides, Master has been in seclusion for a long time. Even I rarely see him."

As they spoke, there came a knock at the door. Lu Ming glanced at Li Yu, who signaled he did not know who it was. Lu Ming gripped his sword, ready to protect Youyi Temple should the visitor harbor ill intent. When Li Yu asked who it was, Lu Ming recognized the voice of an elder and felt reassured. He stepped forward to open the door respectfully. "Elder," he greeted.

The Sword-Wielding Elder observed Lu Ming's solid, restrained aura and knew his realm was now stabilized. His awe for Youyi Temple deepened.

Previously, when the disciples of Great Sword Green Mountain broke through, it took much time. For Lu Ming to succeed in just a few hours was testament to his exceptional talent. Yet, to stabilize his realm so quickly was unheard of. This could only mean Youyi Temple held secrets beyond what outsiders could fathom.

Li Yu, seeing Lu Ming address the visitor as Elder, was unsure how to greet him and glanced at Lu Ming for guidance.

Before Lu Ming could introduce them, the Sword-Wielding Elder, with a mysterious air, asked Lu Ming, "Is this the child you mentioned, the one with the innate sword embryo?"

Lu Ming nodded in affirmation. Li Yu, still processing, saw the elder approach warmly, his eyes shining as if beholding a rare treasure. "Little one, I am Elder Xie Tong of Great Sword Green Mountain. Thank you for allowing Lu Ming to break through and become a sword immortal in peace."

Li Yu had never encountered such affable elders before. He remembered when he first met the Daoist—his master was always aloof and unapproachable, only revealing his true nature over time. This elder's easy familiarity and warmth made Li Yu wonder if all Great Sword Green Mountain elders were like this. He glanced at Lu Ming, realizing his brother was not like this at all.

While Li Yu pondered, Elder Xie Tong scrutinized him as if studying a sword not yet drawn, shimmering with ethereal immortal aura.

He thought privately, "Indeed, a sword embryo—and his is superior even to Lu Ming's." Then he noticed more.

He asked Li Yu, "Little one, have you practiced any sword techniques?"

Li Yu was surprised. The elder could discern his training, something not even Lu Ming had noticed. Clearly, this friendly elder possessed far greater strength.

Lu Ming, too, was inwardly astonished; he had only detected a faint dragon aura in Li Yu, not the traces of swordsmanship.

Li Yu saw no reason to hide. "Yes, my master taught me a set of sword techniques for strengthening my body and self-defense."

Elder Xie Tong studied him for a moment and nodded solemnly. "Your master's sword technique is remarkable." He said no more.

Li Yu remained unfazed. He had witnessed his master bestowing power upon him—a spectacle so grand he would never forget. Perhaps that was what a miracle truly looked like.

Elder Xie Tong did not ask about the dragon aura in Li Yu. At his level, he could easily see that the dragon aura came from the dragon pearl in Li Yu's dantian, unrelated to Li Yu himself. Moreover, Elder Xie Tong guessed the Daoist intended to use the dragon aura to conceal Li Yu's identity, though the reasons were beyond his speculation.

Li Yu originally wished to invite them inside, but Xie Tong politely declined, saying he would visit another time, and took Lu Ming away.

Lu Ming said nothing, only telling Li Yu, "I’ll go now. I’ll visit you again once I’m free."

Li Yu stood at the doorway, watching them depart, and only after a while did he close the door.

After leaving Youyi Temple's grounds, Elder Xie Tong radiated a fierce sword intent. Lu Ming, feeling it keenly, guessed that someone in the shadows was probing them. Fortunately, the elder’s sword intent quickly dissipated once the hidden watcher left. Xie Tong then retracted his aura.

Lu Ming asked if his breakthrough in Tianmen Town had aroused suspicion and probing from various factions.

Xie Tong answered, "Tianmen Town is a turbulent place. On the surface, there are the Imperial Palace, the Dacheng Sect, Green Mountain, the Spirit-Taming Clan, the six major sects, and the town’s five great families. But who lurks in the shadows is unknown. Most are rogue cultivators. Those who reach great heights as rogues endure hardships others cannot imagine; their moral boundaries are lower, sometimes nonexistent."

He continued, "You broke through under the decree of the Five Lords in an environment devoid of the Dao. It is considered an impossible feat. The others know someone formidable resides in Youyi Temple and dare not investigate its secrets or harm your brother. But you are different—you’re an outsider, their only chance to uncover Youyi Temple’s secrets. They will risk the unknown to target you."

Lu Ming felt a heavy burden; he had not expected his breakthrough to entangle so many matters.

"Then, Elder, what attitude do those at the City Lord’s Mansion hold toward my breakthrough?" Lu Ming asked seriously.

Xie Tong smiled. "Even if they have opinions or intentions, they won’t voice them. Though only two of us from Green Mountain were sent, due to our status and future plans, whatever happens to you, they must suppress any restless ambitions."

"Are we truly so crucial to opening Tianmen?" Lu Ming asked, puzzled.

Xie Tong looked toward the sea. "Tianmen Town, Tianmen Town—setting aside whether the gate can be opened, even finding it is extraordinarily difficult. Our role is, once Tianmen is found, to use the power of sword cultivators to force it open."

Lu Ming was hearing this for the first time. He had not expected Great Sword Green Mountain to possess the strength to force open Tianmen. He glanced at Elder Xie Tong, wondering, "Could the Elder alone open Tianmen?"

Xie Tong looked at him disdainfully. "Don’t imagine such things—I certainly cannot. Don’t overestimate me."

Lu Ming, seeing his thoughts exposed, forced a calm and steady expression. "Elder, your strength is extraordinary. Surely, one day you will open Tianmen with your own power."

"Thank you very much," Xie Tong replied with a roll of his eyes.

He continued, "Great Sword Green Mountain possesses a Dao Sword Seal. With it, we should be able to break open Tianmen."

He added, "This is one reason we stand just below the Imperial Palace and contend equally with the Spirit-Taming Clan."

Lu Ming had never heard any of this before. At Green Mountain, he had always focused on sword cultivation, rarely considering such matters. Hearing all this now, he was naturally astonished.

"May I ask, Elder, why tell me all this today?" Lu Ming asked.

"Because from today onward, you are a sword immortal of Great Sword Green Mountain, a true representative, carrying our sword into the world. These are responsibilities you must bear." Xie Tong’s gaze was full of anticipation and trust, making Lu Ming inexplicably uneasy. He gave a wry smile. "Elder, is this your decision or my master’s?"

This time, Xie Tong was solemn. "It is the decision of Great Sword Green Mountain."

Lu Ming heard this and shed all indifference, facing it with utmost seriousness. He had always known this day would come, but never imagined it would arrive so soon.