Three Realms

"In the face of human thought, God laughs," is an expression from Jiang Yun's previous life. However, now as Jiang Yun contemplates, it is Señior Fēng Lún who is laughing. Although their laughter is unrelated, it still makes Jiang Yun feel a bit embarrassed, mostly due to Señior Fēng Lún's rather unappealing appearance.

Señior Fēng Lún, as a top five expert within the inner ranks of the Heavenly Sword Sect, is dispatched to select external disciples among a group of juniors. Despite feeling quite resentful about this task, he recognizes the necessity of selecting disciples who can contribute to the sect's legacy. While Señior Fēng Lún's expertise lies in the realm of swordsmanship, he acknowledges that being an effective assessor for potential disciples requires a different set of skills.

His frustration arises from the fact that not all proficient swordsmen are necessarily skilled at evaluating potential disciples. This is reflected in the unusually high elimination rate among candidates in the current round of disciple selection. Señior Fēng Lún's discerning nature has led him to view only a few candidates as worthy, a sentiment that results in his impatient demeanor.

This entire process leaves Jiang Yun feeling somewhat embarrassed due to Señior Fēng Lún's strange behavior. The reason behind this reaction lies in Señior Fēng Lún's expression, which is rather unbecoming. Eventually, Señior Fēng Lún takes notice of Jiang Yun's peculiar gaze and quickly composes himself to present a dignified senior appearance.

He clears his throat and proceeds to ask Jiang Yun's name. Jiang Yun introduces himself as "Jiang Yun." However, when Señior Fēng Lún reacts with the same astonishment and disbelief that the other Heavenly Sword Sect disciples exhibited, Jiang Yun begins to suspect that there's more to this reaction than meets the eye.

Jiang Yun inquires if Señior Fēng Lún is aware of his name due to any prior conversations with Landgrave Lù Yáo. Jiang Yun believes that this is likely because his only interactions within the Heavenly Sword Sect have been with Landgrave Lù Yáo. Señior Fēng Lún's cryptic smile only adds to Jiang Yun's confusion.

Señior Fēng Lún deflects the question, suggesting that Jiang Yun inquire about this matter with Landgrave Lù Yáo when the opportunity arises. They then return to discussing the assessment process. Señior Fēng Lún requests that Jiang Yun share his views on swordsmanship, emphasizing that his response should be genuine without any restrictions.

While initially apprehensive, Jiang Yun begins to share his thoughts. He remarks that those proficient in swordsmanship must prioritize their understanding of the sword itself. One must strive to understand the sword's essence to the point where intent guides the sword's actions, rather than vice versa. He expounds on this idea, which he had previously shared with Ye Qin, and delivers his speech confidently before Señior Fēng Lún.

Señior Fēng Lún listens with interest, recognizing that Jiang Yun's understanding of swordsmanship has developed significantly since their last encounter. Despite encountering a closed door on his path to mastering sword intent, Jiang Yun's words hold a deeper resonance this time.

Initially, Señior Fēng Lún had a slight suspicion about Jiang Yun's presence. Although Jiang Yun emitted a faint trace of sword intent, Señior Fēng Lún sensed that this thread of intent might not be under Jiang Yun's control. He wondered if the sword intent he perceived might have been inadvertently obtained.

However, as Jiang Yun continued speaking, Señior Fēng Lún's doubts vanished. Jiang Yun's insight into sword intent was not something one could speak of unless personally experienced.

"When the sword arrives, yet the intent does not, it is as if the sword is not there. When the intent arrives, yet the sword does not, it is as if the intent is present."

Hearing Jiang Yun's words, Señior Fēng Lún's smile disappeared, replaced by a solemn expression. Despite Señior Fēng Lún's mastery of sword intent, he couldn't have phrased it better himself.

"In my view, any realm in the world embodies these three aspects. The first kind involves a heart steadfastly set on its purpose, ascending high towers to gaze upon the horizon's road. To achieve great mastery in the way of the sword, one needs a resolute heart, a clear goal. Though the road ahead may be uncertain, determination is essential."

Jiang Yun's discussion on these three realms of life reminded him of Wang Guowei's concept. Although the context was different, it seemed to harmonize well with the way of the sword.

Señior Fēng Lún hadn't expected that there would be so much depth within Jiang Yun. Despite his youthful appearance, the profound insights he shared left an indelible impression. He was particularly captivated by Jiang Yun's discussion of the second realm.

"Then, what about the second realm?" Señior Fēng Lún couldn't help but ask.

Jiang Yun chuckled and continued, "The second realm is like a loosened belt, with no regrets in the end. The face may be worn for the sake of love. In the way of the sword, the path ahead is challenging and unknown. It's not easily traversed and demands unwavering perseverance, regardless of the obstacles."

Jiang Yun paused for a moment, then continued without prodding, "The third realm is like searching a thousand times for someone, only to suddenly find them in the faint light of a lantern. It's when one truly enters the path of the sword, akin to drinking wine—singing joyously while on the brink of tears, intoxicated and yet sober."

As Jiang Yun mentioned being sober within intoxication, a fervor flickered in his eyes, indicating his yearning for this realm. To Señior Fēng Lún, it was both striking and thought-provoking.

Señior Fēng Lún was deeply moved by Jiang Yun's words. He repeated each realm with admiration, his excitement evident. He could hardly contain his enthusiasm. If not for the age difference, he might have considered swearing a lifelong friendship with Jiang Yun.

Jiang Yun's face couldn't help but redden under Señior Fēng Lún's appreciative gaze. Although he wasn't the author of these words, the admiring look made him feel a bit embarrassed. After all, it was a bit like taking credit for someone else's work.

Changing the subject, Jiang Yun inquired, "So, Señior, does this mean I've passed the assessment?"

Señior Fēng Lún laughed, stating, "Haha, if you didn't pass, then who would? In my opinion, you're already qualified to enter the inner sect without further assessments."

Jubilant, Jiang Yun asked, "So, Señior, do I not need to take the third round of assessment?"

Señior Fēng Lún looked awkward, stuttering, "Well… to be honest, these three rounds of assessment are the rules of the Heavenly Sword Sect. We must have rules; otherwise, chaos would reign. Even I can't casually disregard them."