Chapter 241

Chapter 241: The Grave

The old man, gripping a long sword, took deliberate steps toward Xu Ming.

The elder still looked the same as he did back in the mountain cave—disheveled hair, hunched over, resembling an ordinary vagrant.

But with that sword in the elder’s hand, there was an indescribable sense of appropriateness.

As if the elder was meant to wield that very sword.

Throughout nearly a year of training, Xu Ming had encountered many sword cultivators, exchanged techniques with some, and even fought others.

Yet Xu Ming had never seen a sword cultivator like this one.

This reminded Xu Ming of several legendary experts who dressed similarly carefree.

These world-class experts were unrestrained and unkempt but didn’t hesitate when it came to fighting.

“Young man, your sword techniques are rather chaotic. There’s the Ice Yang Sword Technique from the Ten Thousand Sword Sect and the Blue Sea Sword Technique from the North Sea, which have nothing to do with each other,” the elder said slowly while looking at Xu Ming. “By the way, aren’t you from the Central Plains? You’re not a disciple of the Ten Thousand Sword Sect, so how could you learn these two different sword techniques?”

Xu Ming bowed respectfully with his sword. “A friend taught me the Ice Yang Sword Technique; my friend is currently practicing cultivation in the Ten Thousand Sword Sect. As for the Blue Sea Sword Technique, I actually don’t know its name—it’s something I stumbled upon in a ruin.”

Xu Ming didn’t mention that it was his sister who taught him, though saying so wouldn’t matter much. Would this elder really go complain to the Ten Thousand Sword Sect about his sister leaking their techniques?

Still, better safe than sorry, keeping the elder unaware of his sister seemed wise.

“Hmm.” The elder nodded as if believing Xu Ming’s words.

In reality, the elder didn’t care much about Xu Ming’s explanation.

“Wow, seems like nothing gets past you, Elder,” Xu Ming changed the subject. “Could it be that you’re familiar with the North Sea and the Ten Thousand Sword Sect?”

“Heh heh heh.”

The elder chuckled coldly.

“I wouldn’t say I’m particularly familiar with the North Sea or the Ten Thousand Sword Sect. Just went there a few times to throw down.”

“And you sword cultivators… I can tell what nonsense you’re spouting just by seeing your stance. What sword technique haven’t I seen?”

“Besides, all you rigid sword cultivators practice ancient techniques without improving them. Except for Jiang Luoyu, that little girl from 3000 years ago, none of you think to innovate. You blindly believe everything passed down by the Old Patriarchs, utterly laughable.”

“Whether it’s sword techniques, magical arts, or formations… you must develop your own understanding. Otherwise, what’s the point of time? To waste it?”

The elder’s eyes gleamed like daggers, ready to pierce Xu Ming open. “And I see you’ve never undergone proper sword cultivation. You haven’t tempered your sword nor comprehended its essence. Your foundation in the Way of the Sword hasn’t taken a single step.”

The elder frowned. “I can’t comprehend why someone like you, with such sharp sword qi and profound sword intent, might be more talented than me?”

Xu Ming: “…”

Talented? Not exactly.

It was entirely due to his system rewards occasionally granting him boosts in sword qi and intent that brought him to this level.

However, listening to the elder, Xu Ming realized he couldn’t continue on this unorthodox path. After leaving, he’d consider seeking systematic training.

“Never mind.” The elder waved his hand dismissively. “Time is running out. The sect leader of the Heavenly Profound Gate has arrived. My avatar is holding him off outside the cave, but not for long. Whether you can master my ultimate sword technique depends on your fate.”

“I humbly request your guidance, Elder.” Xu Ming bowed deeply.

The elder looked at the young man, stroking his beard. “This sword technique comes from my ten thousand years of cultivation, countless battles against sword cultivators, studying innumerable manuals, wielding countless swords, slaying countless people, cutting through countless dragons, all culminating into this one stroke.”

“If this sword is swung, the heavens will split, the great Dao tremble, the gates of heaven open, and the abyss of hell shatter!” Xu Ming: “…”

Xu Ming wanted to comment sarcastically.

He doubted if this sword technique was truly that powerful.

If it was, why was this elder imprisoned here by the four sacred lands and five great sects?

“You brat, I know what you’re thinking.”

The elder glared at Xu Ming, slightly pouting like an old man.

“Back then, I almost grasped this ultimate technique before being ambushed by the four sacred lands and five great sects. But misfortune turned into fortune—I’ve been meditating here for three thousand years, retracing my sword path.”

“Finally, I comprehended it. If those old geezers come now, they’ll be beaten into submission!”

“…”

Xu Ming admired the elder but remained skeptical.

“You little brat! Keep doubting me, and I’ll kill you right here!” The elder grew increasingly irritated.

How dare a junior question him?

“I apologize, Elder. I mean no disrespect,” Xu Ming said, despite having doubts internally.

Regardless, he needed to give the elder a way out.

“Enough already.” The elder waved his hand. “Whether you have ulterior motives or not doesn’t matter. In short, if you fail to learn this technique, you die here.”

“Catch.”

The elder tossed his long sword to Xu Ming.

The moment Xu Ming caught it, his pupils contracted sharply.

An endless stream of sword intent surged into Xu Ming’s mind! His head throbbed painfully, almost losing balance as he stuck the sword into the ground, his right hand trembling uncontrollably.

The overwhelming sword intent relentlessly assaulted his consciousness. Sweat dripped continuously from his forehead, veins bulging on his hands and temples.

Xu Ming felt as if ten thousand swords were shredding his brain.

He even thought about finding a place to bash his head in!

“If you can’t endure this, you won’t be able to learn this technique. Die here then.”

The elder approached and patted Xu Ming’s shoulder.

With that pat, Xu Ming felt as if a mountain pressed down on him, sinking heavily.

One sword after another appeared around Xu Ming, layer upon layer, surrounding him completely.

It was as if Xu Ming himself became one of the swords.

It was as if this place had become his grave.