"Young master, young lady, may I ask whether you follow the Heart Sword Dao or the Heaven Sword Dao?"
Huang San asked instinctively.
Xiao Chen replied, "What is the Heart Sword and what is the Heaven Sword? And how does that relate to where we'll be staying?"
Huang San was stunned. Judging by their attire and demeanor, these two were extraordinary people.
How could they not even know the two main sword sects?
Since he had already taken their silver, he had to answer honestly to maintain his reputation.
"Sir, the Penglai Sword Discussion is traditionally centered on the contest between the Heart Sword and the Heaven Sword. The others are considered insignificant by these two great schools."
He carefully studied the young master's expression. Seeing no objection, he continued, "The Heart Sword focuses on cultivating the mind. Its view is that the stronger and more resolute your Dao heart, the more unstoppable your sword becomes.
The Heaven Sword emphasizes observing the laws of heaven and earth and all things, from which you gain enlightenment to elevate your swordsmanship. When one comprehends the true essence of all things, the sword Dao becomes invincible."
After listening, Xiao Chen smiled faintly, "This Penglai Sword Discussion is indeed interesting. Is there no one who cultivates both simultaneously and thus walks the path of the invincible sword?"
Huang San shook his head, "There are some, but energy is limited. Whether Heart or Heaven Sword, once cultivated to the extreme, the results are similar to dual cultivation. Therefore, most cultivators stick to one path.
Occasionally, some who think highly of themselves try both but end up achieving nothing."
"You, a mere helper, actually know so much?" Xiao Chen joked.
Huang San smiled awkwardly, "These aren't secrets on Penglai Island. The hardest thing isn't the theory but how to strengthen one's Dao. I, having no talent, can only talk."
Xiao Chen laughed, "Coincidentally, I am one of those who cultivate both. Now, can you take us to where we'll stay?"
"…"
Huang San was speechless. He was now even more certain the young master before him had an unusual background. A normal sect would never allow disciples to cultivate both Heart and Heaven Sword.
He quickly changed the topic. "Sir, do you have any requirements for your lodging?"
Xiao Chen said calmly, "Quiet is enough. I dislike disturbance. Price is no issue."
Huang San immediately smiled, "Please follow me."
Half an hour later,
Xiao Chen and his companions arrived at a garden called Qingyou Courtyard.
Huang San said, "Sir, this is one of the most beautiful and quiet places on Penglai Island. However, the owner has a strange rule: you must pay spirit stones before seeing the place. If you're not satisfied, the stones are not refundable."
Xiao Chen replied, "No problem."
Huang San quickly ran into the courtyard. Soon, Xiao Chen and Liu Yuer moved into a private residence.
The courtyard was filled with bamboo and had a small pond, truly picturesque and serene.
Seeing the young lady pleased, Huang San breathed a sigh of relief. "Sir, any other instructions?"
Xiao Chen waved his hand, "Nothing more. You may leave."
Huang San nodded but seemed to remember something important and kindly reminded,
"Master Xiao, if anyone asks whether you follow Heart or Heaven Sword, you'd better pick one. Dual cultivation is not tolerated here."
"Thanks for the advice,"
Xiao Chen said indifferently. After all, a swordsman ultimately lets his sword speak.
Whether Heart Sword or Heaven Sword, to Xiao Chen they were merely stepping stones toward the invincible sword path.
Time passed quickly.
Several days later, on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month—Climbing Day—the Penglai Sword Discussion began.
Early that day, Xiao Chen and Liu Yuer rose early and headed to Penglai Mountain.
Penglai Mountain stands at the center of Penglai Island. Hundreds of thousands of years ago, the Penglai Sword God established a Dao platform here, famous throughout the world.
Unfortunately, the Penglai Sword God never took disciples, only leaving behind his sword intent atop the mountain for others to comprehend.
Anyone who can penetrate his sword intent will inherit the legacy of the Penglai Sword God.
At first, many cultivators fought fiercely over this inheritance.
But gradually, everyone realized that even if they fought to the death, they could not obtain the Sword God's legacy.
So they agreed to hold a sword contest here every hundred years, to see if their sword paths could gain the Sword God's recognition.
Over time, the fame of the Penglai Sword Discussion grew ever greater.
It became one of the grandest events in the Thousand Islands Domain, with even cultivators from Xuanzhou coming to participate.
When Xiao Chen and Liu Yuer arrived at the foot of Penglai Mountain, it was already crowded with people. Two signs stood by the path up the mountain.
One sign read: Spectators please go right; cultivators participating in the Sword Discussion please try your sword intent at the Sword Testing Stone on the left.
Though Xiao Chen's status was extraordinary, he was not the type to bully others. The two followed behind the line of cultivators testing their swords.
Occasionally, cries of surprise came from ahead, but more often there were sighs.
An hour later, it was Xiao Chen and Liu Yuer's turn.
"Junior sister, you first," Xiao Chen said politely.
"Okay."
Liu Yuer took out a simple sharp sword from her storage ring and poured her sword intent into the Sword Testing Stone.
Clang!
Accompanied by the sound of a sword, a nine-foot-long sword mark appeared on the stone.
"Sword intent perfected!"
"This young lady has perfected her sword intent at such a young age; she must be a prodigy from a great sect. I wonder which sect she hails from?"
"…"
Seeing this, Xiao Chen praised, "Junior sister, you're quite good."
Liu Yuer smiled faintly, "It's all thanks to senior brother's guidance that I've come this far."
Xiao Chen said nothing, just formed two fingers into a sword and casually sliced the Sword Testing Stone.
A nine-foot sword mark appeared again.
So effortlessly and elegantly that everyone present was stunned.
There had been others who displayed their sword intent without a sword before, but none as graceful and sharp as Xiao Chen.
The middle-aged man guarding the Sword Testing Stone hurriedly handed them two jade tokens and two jade slips.
"Congratulations on passing the Sword Testing Stone examination. Daoists, please proceed up the mountain."
"Thank you."
Xiao Chen took the jade tokens and slips and walked up Penglai Mountain with Liu Yuer.
All the sword cultivators watched their disappearing backs with looks full of reverence.
The scenery atop Penglai Mountain was infinitely beautiful. Xiao Chen and Liu Yuer strolled like two tourists, taking their time, and spent an hour before reaching the summit.
When they arrived, the summit was densely packed with people.
Xiao Chen quickly spotted two conspicuous signs: Heaven Sword and Heart Sword. He ignored them and continued looking for a place to settle. Soon, he found another sign that read simply "Sword Dao."
Under that sign were only a few cats. He smiled faintly at Liu Yuer. "Junior sister, let's go where there are fewer people."
"Mm."
Liu Yuer nodded slightly and followed Xiao Chen's steps.
The two found a quiet corner and focused their divine sense into the jade slips to read the rules of the Penglai Sword Discussion.
Each sword cultivator has three chances to fail. If they do not win ten battles within those chances, they are eliminated.
Those who win ten battles qualify for the elimination match held three days later, where ten winners are chosen to proceed to the Dao Enlightenment Cliff to comprehend the Dao.
As more people gathered on the summit, the Penglai Sword Discussion officially began at noon...
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