186: Chapter 186 Elders at Sword Inquiry Peak learn the true meaning of the trial.

Ye Qing followed the Inner Sect Disciple along a winding bluestone mountain path, heading up towards Wenjian Peak. On both sides of the path, ancient trees towered into the sky and strange rocks jutted out. Furthermore, waves of invisible Sword Intent permeated the air, as if warning those who arrived that this place was a Holy Land for Sword Cultivators and could not be treated lightly.

He could feel that the higher he went, the denser and purer the Sword Intent in the air became. This Sword Intent was not arranged by human hands; rather, it was a unique aura that had naturally formed over endless years as Wenjian Peak was soaked in the Sword Intent of the Heavenly Sword Sect's successive generations of experts. For an ordinary Sword Cultivator, walking in such an environment was in itself a rare form of tempering and realization.

The Inner Sect Disciple brought Ye Qing to an ancient and elegant courtyard halfway up the mountain before stopping and saying respectfully, "Senior Brother Ye, the Elder is waiting inside. Please, go in."

Ye Qing nodded, expressed his thanks, pushed open the courtyard gate, and walked in.

The courtyard was not large, but it was arranged with extreme refinement. A few stalks of green bamboo, a pool of clear spring water, a few stone stools, and a stone table—it was simple, yet it possessed an air of quiet, otherworldly Concept.

That Elder Jian Wuxin of the Dao Integration Realm was standing with his back to him, facing the pool of clear spring water, seemingly observing the few red koi swimming in the water.

"Junior Ye Qing greets Elder," Ye Qing said, walking to a spot a few zhang behind Elder Jian Wuxin, stopping, and bowing with cupped hands.

Elder Jian Wuxin slowly turned around. His eyes, which seemed capable of seeing through all things in the world, fell upon Ye Qing, carrying a hint of undisguised appreciation and curiosity. "No need for formalities. Ye Qing, do you know why I have summoned you here?"

Ye Qing shook his head. "This Junior is dull-witted. I ask that the Elder enlighten me."

Elder Jian Wuxin smiled slightly and said, "The phenomenon you triggered earlier before the heavenly sword stele is something I have seen for the first time in my thousands of years of cultivation. Even in the notes left behind by the Ancestral Master who founded our Heavenly Sword Sect, it is recorded that when he moved the heavenly sword stele, it was only to this extent."

He paused, his tone becoming somewhat meaningful. "Do you know that the heavenly sword stele is actually not just a stele for testing one's talent in the Dao of the sword? It is, more importantly, a key—a key to the core Legacy of our Heavenly Sword Sect: the 'Heavenly Sword True Interpretation'."

Ye Qing's heart stirred, but he maintained a calm expression. "Please, Elder, enlighten me."

"The Heavenly Sword True Interpretation is profound and vast, containing countless supreme truths of the sword. However, to truly grasp its essence, relying solely on diligence and Comprehension Ability is not enough. One also needs a piece of 'fate'. Being able to trigger the heavenly sword stele and erupt with such intense resonance means that you have a deep bond of fate with the Heavenly Sword True Interpretation," Elder Jian Wuxin said slowly.

"Therefore, I summoned you here to tell you that you do not need to participate in the third round of arena combat," Elder Jian Wuxin said, looking at Ye Qing with a serious tone. "With the phenomenon you triggered at the heavenly sword stele, it is enough for you to directly become a Core Disciple of our Heavenly Sword Sect, and you even have the qualifications to be listed among the 'Direct Disciple Candidates'."

Upon hearing this, a look of appropriately timed surprise appeared on Ye Qing's face, though his heart remained calm. He had participated in the Heavenly Pride Tournament to obtain better resources to Cultivate and to acquire a Legacy. Since he had already achieved his goal, there was indeed no need to waste time on the arena combat.

"Many thanks for the Elder's kindness," he said, bowing with cupped hands once more.

"No need to thank me. This is your own Opportunity," Elder Jian Wuxin waved his hand. "However, I must also offer you a warning. The tree that stands above the forest will be destroyed by the wind. The phenomenon you triggered before the heavenly sword stele today has likely attracted the attention of some people. Among them, there may be goodwill, but there may also be malice. In the future, within the Sect, you must be extra cautious."

"This Junior will keep the Elder's teachings in mind." Ye Qing felt a jolt in his heart, knowing that Elder Jian Wuxin was offering him guidance.

"Mm. You may go down first. Later, someone will arrange your identity jade plaque and Immortal Cave for you. Once the Heavenly Pride Tournament has completely ended, I will arrange the matter of finding a master for you," Elder Jian Wuxin waved his hand.

Ye Qing bowed once more, then turned and exited the courtyard.

Walking out of the courtyard, he looked up toward the higher reaches of Wenjian Peak, that area shrouded in mist and crisscrossed with Sword Qi, a flash of anticipation appearing in his eyes.

Heavenly Sword Sect... Heavenly Sword True Interpretation... I, Ye Qing, have arrived.