The breakfast was light but highly nutritious, consisting of specially prepared porridge, a few delicate side dishes, and a unique kind of tea. It carried a faint sweetness and instantly refreshed the mind.
"This tea is special," Rowan said after tasting it.
"This is Silver Moon Tea," Silver Hui explained. "It is made using water from Silver Moon Lake and special tea leaves. Long-term consumption helps with cultivation. It calms the mind and enhances perception."
During the meal, Silver Moon explained today's plan to Rowan.
"Yesterday, my father suggested taking you to meet a true swordsmanship master. He is my father's teacher and one of the most respected sword saints on Swordheart Star. We all call him the Sword Saint Elder."
"The Sword Saint?" Rowan was slightly surprised. "That sounds incredible."
"He truly is," Silver Moon's father said as he walked over. "My teacher is over eight hundred years old and one of the oldest inheritors of Silver Blue Empire's sword tradition. His swordsmanship has reached a return-to-true simplicity. Every strike contains profound principles."
"Meeting such a master is truly an honor," Rowan said sincerely. "But I only have limited understanding of swordsmanship. Would it be inappropriate for me to meet him?"
"Not at all," Silver Moon said with a gentle smile. "The Elder enjoys interacting with all kinds of martial practitioners. He believes everyone has their own understanding of the martial path. Even different cultivation systems can inspire one another."
"More importantly," Silver Moon's father added, "my teacher also has deep knowledge of spiritual energy cultivation. He may be very interested in your methods."
After finishing breakfast, the group walked along the lakeside path toward the mountains. The road was uneven but surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Along the way, they occasionally saw sword cultivators training by the lake or among the hills. Some practiced basic techniques, others trained advanced skills, and some sat quietly in meditation.
"The sword path in Silver Blue Empire places great importance on fundamentals," Silver Moon explained as they walked. "No matter how advanced a technique is, it must be built on a solid foundation. The Elder often says: 'A sword path is like building a house. Without a strong foundation, everything collapses.'"
After about half an hour, they arrived at a cluster of ancient buildings halfway up the mountain. The architecture here was even older. Stone walls were covered in vines, and wooden doors and windows carried the marks of time, radiating a deep, historical presence.
"This is the Elder's residence and one of the oldest sword dao grounds on Swordheart Star," Silver Moon's father said respectfully. "It has stood for over three thousand years."
At that moment, a voice filled with age and authority came from within the courtyard.
"So Silver Frost has brought the children?"
Silver Moon's father, Silver Frost, immediately quickened his steps toward the gate. "Master, this disciple Silver Frost brings my daughter Silver Moon and her companion to visit."
The gate slowly opened.
An old man with white hair but a remarkably vigorous spirit appeared before them. He was tall and thin, wearing a simple gray robe. Despite his plain appearance, every movement carried an otherworldly elegance. His eyes were the most striking feature, deep and vast, as if they could see through the essence of all things.
"Master."
Silver Frost, Silver Moon, and Silver Hui respectfully bowed.
"Moon girl, it has been a few years. Your sword intent has improved again," the old man said kindly, then turned his gaze to Rowan. "So this is the young spiritual cultivator you mentioned?"
"Yes, Grandmaster. This is Rowan, my partner," Silver Moon introduced.
The old man studied Rowan carefully. A trace of surprise flashed in his eyes.
Interesting. Your spiritual cultivation method is quite unique. It seems to combine multiple systems. And your spiritual core is very pure, without impurities.
"Senior has sharp insight," Rowan said respectfully. "I have indeed studied several spiritual techniques, but they are still quite rudimentary."
"No need to be modest," the old man said with a wave. "To reach this level at your age is already remarkable. Come in. Let us talk."
Everyone followed him into the courtyard. The layout was simpler than Silver Moon's home, but every detail reflected deep cultural refinement. In the center was a small training ground paved with special blue-gray stone, surrounded by various training equipment.
"Please sit," the old man said.
He then instructed, "Silver Moon, prepare tea for our guest."
Silver Moon nodded and skillfully began brewing tea. Her movements were graceful and rhythmic, almost like a ceremonial art form.
"You were in a very dangerous mission recently, weren't you?" the old man asked. "Silver Frost has already reported the situation. To face a Star Level opponent and survive is no small feat."
"Mainly luck and teamwork," Rowan replied modestly.
"Luck is also part of strength," the old man said with a smile. "But more importantly, you showed courage and judgment in critical moments. Silver Moon, you have found a good partner."
Silver Moon's cheeks turned slightly red as she focused on preparing the tea.
The old man continued, "Rowan, I heard you used a technique that explosively increases spiritual power in combat?"
"Yes. But it consumes a great deal of energy and carries risks," Rowan answered honestly.
"Can you explain it in detail?" the old man asked, his eyes shining with curiosity.
Rowan nodded and began explaining his cultivation method in detail, starting from meditation, then spiritual compression and release, and finally the dangerous burst technique.
The old man listened intently, occasionally nodding or asking sharp questions that went straight to the core of the matter.
"Very interesting," he finally said. "Your method is not swordsmanship, but many of its principles align with our sword intent cultivation. For example, what you called 'unity of mind and spirit' is essentially the same as our concept of 'unity of man and sword.'"
"So different cultivation paths share the same essence?" Rowan asked thoughtfully.
"Exactly," the old man replied. "Swordsmanship, spiritual cultivation, and all martial paths ultimately seek the same thing: harmony with heaven and earth. The methods differ, but the destination is the same."
At that moment, Silver Moon brought over the brewed tea. Its fragrance was elegant and refreshing.
"Grandmaster, could you demonstrate Silver Blue Empire's sword techniques for Rowan?" Silver Moon suggested. "I want him to witness true advanced sword dao."
"Good idea," the old man said as he stood up. "But a demonstration alone is dull. Why don't we spar a little? Rowan, would you like to exchange a few moves with me?"
"This…" Rowan hesitated. "I am worried I may be disrespectful."
"In martial practice, there is no such thing as disrespect," the old man laughed heartily. "Besides, I am also curious about how a spiritual cultivator fights."
"Then I humbly accept your guidance."
The old man walked to the weapon rack and picked up a simple-looking sword. It had no decorations at all. Yet the moment he held it, his entire presence changed.
"This sword is called 'Nameless.' It has been with me for over five hundred years."
"It has long become one with my will."
Rowan felt a vast and pure sword intent radiating from the old man. It was different from Silver Moon's sword intent. Deeper. More restrained. And far more terrifying.
"I will not use a weapon," Rowan said, gathering his spiritual energy.
"Very well," the old man nodded. "Are you ready?"
"Please guide me!"
The moment the words fell, the old man vanished.
He reappeared instantly in front of Rowan, his sword already thrusting forward. The strike looked simple, yet it contained flawless timing, angle, and force.
Rowan reacted instantly, forming an invisible spiritual barrier.
When the sword touched it, he felt something unusual. Not brute force, but a soft yet unbreakable penetrating power, like water seeping through every gap.
"Excellent swordsmanship!" Rowan praised, counterattacking with a spiritual strike.
The old man turned like flowing wind, effortlessly dodging while changing his sword from a thrust to a downward slash.
The two exchanged over ten moves.
The old man's sword techniques were ever-changing. Sometimes gentle like spring rain, sometimes fierce like thunder, sometimes natural like flowing clouds.
Rowan's spiritual attacks were equally refined, transforming into blades, shields, arrows, and even complex formations.
But gradually, Rowan felt pressure building.
Not because he was weaker, but because every move from the old man carried meaning, as if teaching him something deeper at the same time.
"Stop for a moment," the old man said, sheathing his sword.
"Rowan, what did you feel?"
Rowan thought carefully.
"Your sword techniques are constantly changing, but each move is not just an attack. It feels like you are conveying principles. Like the earlier 'spring rain' strike, it seemed soft, but it was actually teaching me how softness can overcome strength."
"Good insight," the old man nodded approvingly.
At that moment, Rowan asked a question.
"Senior, I have encountered a bottleneck in my cultivation. After reaching a certain level, further improvement becomes extremely difficult, as if there is an invisible ceiling."
"That is normal," the old man said as he sat down.
"Tell me, how do you normally cultivate?"
Rowan explained everything in detail.
After listening, the old man was silent for a moment.
"Your method is already very complete," he finally said, "but it lacks the most important element."
"Which is?"
"Comprehension."
Rowan paused.
"Comprehension?"
"Yes," the old man nodded. "When cultivation reaches a certain stage, technique alone is no longer enough. You must gain understanding to continue progressing. This understanding can come from nature, from people, or from your observations of the world."
He pointed at a tree in the courtyard.
"This tree has stood here for over three hundred years. Through storms and lightning, it still stands firm. If you can understand its resilience and integrate it into your spiritual cultivation, you will break through your limit."
Rowan looked at the ancient tree thoughtfully.
The trunk was straight, its branches still lush and full of life.
"I understand," Rowan said slowly. "Cultivation is not only about technique and power. It is also about state of mind and comprehension."
"Exactly," the old man said.
Silver Moon added softly, "Grandmaster often says sword cultivation must progress from skill into dao. Only then does it become true understanding."
The old man stood again.
"Now I will show you a sword technique called Nature Sword."
"Watch carefully. Do not only observe the form. Observe the intent."
He raised his sword and began to move slowly.
First stance: Mountain Immovable. The sword was as stable as a peak, unshakable.
Second stance: Flowing Water Formless. The sword became gentle and continuous, like an endless river.
Third stance: Breeze Across the Sky. Light, subtle, yet endlessly changing.
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