Chapter Forty-One: With the World in His Heart

As soon as Ye Qiu spoke, the entire crowd was stunned!

“My heavens, what did he just say? He actually claimed that Sword Immortal Liu Jianchen was cultivated by him?”

“Incredible! The dignified Sword Immortal was actually nurtured by this elder? Unbelievable, simply unbelievable…”

For a moment, everyone was dumbfounded, unable to find words to describe their feelings.

Liu Jianchen spoke humbly, “Elder, without you, there would be no me today! If not for the immortal peaches you gifted me back then, and that peerless sword technique, I would not have achieved my current standing… In this lifetime, I dare not forget your kindness. You are like a second parent to me. Please accept my bow…”

“What? Immortal peaches? Peerless sword technique?”

Ye Qiu was momentarily confused. Did he really give him those things? As far as he remembered, he had only given Liu a few very ordinary peaches and a painting.

You call those immortal peaches? Peerless sword technique?

Had this fellow misunderstood? Or perhaps mistaken him for someone else?

Was it really him?

Ye Qiu began to doubt himself, wondering if he had mistaken Liu Jianchen for the person he once saved.

Hmm, perhaps it was a mistake! But it didn’t matter much—being credited with such a great favor for free was quite the windfall…

And this was the protagonist! Hehe… Whoever did the good deed made things easier for me.

Yes, not bad! I won’t be shy about it…

Ye Qiu’s heart was filled with a wicked, crazed laughter, though his expression remained calm as he said, “No need for such courtesy. Your fortune today is the result of your own efforts. I merely gave you a chance to start anew…”

The exchange between the two left the crowd utterly shaken.

So it was true, after all?

Wang Yuan was inwardly shocked: “Who would have thought that this expert is so terrifying? With a casual bit of guidance, he could forge a peerless Sword Immortal? If I could receive his cultivation, it would be a tremendous blessing. We must foster a good relationship with this elder.”

“Indeed, an immortal of such stature—if we miss the opportunity, it would be a great pity!”

Everyone had their own opinions, and for a time, all present fell silent, each pondering how to please Ye Qiu in hopes of receiving a stroke of fortune themselves.

Upon hearing Ye Qiu’s words, Liu Jianchen dared not agree outwardly, though he knew the truth better than anyone. Others might not know, but he could not possibly be ignorant.

The painting Ye Qiu had given him, the Sword Dance of Taibai, contained supreme sword intent. It was by comprehending a trace of that sword intent that he achieved all he had today.

Without Ye Qiu, there would be no him.

And in Liu Jianchen’s heart, Ye Qiu was undoubtedly a singular, peerless figure.

So young, yet possessing such unfathomable cultivation, and able to casually present a painting imbued with supreme sword techniques—he was surely an extraordinary master.

“Elder, you are too modest! Your kindness, I shall never forget in this lifetime. Without you, there would be no me! I have searched for you these many years, only to repay your generosity. Now that I have finally found you, please allow me to serve at your side. I beg you not to refuse me…”

Liu Jianchen spoke with unwavering resolve.

Upon hearing this, Ye Qiu was the one left dumbfounded.

“What the—? You, a dignified Sword Immortal, the protagonist, want to serve me, a nobody? Are you trying to shorten my lifespan?”

No, no, this isn’t right. The protagonist can only fawn; he must not rise above me, or else in the future he’ll slaughter me as the villain.

These days, the protagonist’s character has been twisted by some foolish authors—who knows what he might do.

Absolutely not!

Ye Qiu was no fool; most of the time, he was exceedingly clever. To make the protagonist his subordinate was courting disaster.

From ancient times to now, how many side characters have met their end by oppressing the protagonist?

Ye Qiu wouldn’t dare tread that path.

He immediately refused: “That won’t be necessary! Do you remember what I once said? The greater your power, the greater your responsibility. Now, the Wildlands are in turmoil; you possess great cultivation yet do not strive for peace among the people, instead choosing to wallow in idleness. With such a mindset, how can you achieve greatness?”

With these words, Ye Qiu’s imposing figure became ever more sacred.

The crowd murmured with admiration: “My heavens, I never expected the elder to utter such stirring words: the greater your power, the greater your responsibility. This is the mindset a true master should possess. No wonder his cultivation is so formidable—his heart has long reached a level that embraces the world. That is the realm of a true master.”

The hall was abuzz; even Yue Chan’s heart trembled, her admiration for Ye Qiu deepening.

Who was this reclusive master who had suddenly appeared? What was his origin, and why was he so unique?

Yue Chan was puzzled but chose to observe quietly.

As for Liu Jianchen, upon hearing Ye Qiu’s words, his heart was struck as if awakened from slumber. He trembled and said, “The greater the power, the greater the responsibility! I understand now…”

“Elder, you truly are extraordinary. Such a state of mind is awe-inspiring! Are you telling me that only by embracing the world can one comprehend the true Dao?”

Ye Qiu was taken aback—was that what he meant?

Well, whatever! Let’s just leave it at that.

“Indeed! The world is vast, all things grow; we come from the mortal dust and return to it. Those who accomplish great deeds do not fuss over trifles. You must understand that some things cannot be seen or touched; only after experiencing them yourself will you grasp their mysteries.”

This boasting was so grand that Ye Qiu himself was unsure what he was saying. But those who understood would understand—his only job was to boast, and how others interpreted it was up to them.

No matter what he said, someone would take it as profound wisdom; Ye Qiu was used to it by now…

“Cannot be seen or touched; only by experiencing it yourself can you understand its mysteries…”

Liu Jianchen savored the meaning of these words, recalling the hardships of recent years, and sighed inwardly.

What is the supreme sword path? Is ruthlessness the sword path?

Perhaps not—the sword is simply the sword; it is not bound by emotion, but related to the world itself. The laws of existence are ethereal…

Only by using your heart to comprehend can you see its essence.

“I understand now. The elder has discovered the flaw in my sword and is deliberately guiding me…”

Liu Jianchen’s heart trembled, as if he had stumbled upon a shocking secret. He was utterly exhilarated.

His sword path had always contained a flaw—being too ruthlessly detached, it was called the Heartless Sword Path…

Yet the sword itself possesses feeling; all things have spirit. If you treat it as a dead object, how can you comprehend the true supreme sword path?

“Use your heart to comprehend, use your heart to comprehend…”

Liu Jianchen repeated these words to himself.

In that moment, some subtle transformation occurred; his sword aura began to surge, becoming even more powerful.

“Whoa…what’s happening to him?”

Ye Qiu was stunned. Seriously…is this possible?

Did this guy just attain some enlightenment?

Ye Qiu was baffled, feeling a bit exasperated inside: “The protagonist is the protagonist—no matter what I say, even nonsense, he can break through. How am I supposed to reason with that…”