Teacher?*

Dao laws are the fundamental principles and laws that govern the universe. Unlike the 'Myriad Dao' itself, these laws are not unique to individuals; they define the attributes and qualities of all of existence. The law of fire encompasses all the properties of flames – heat, combustion, and more can. These individual properties that together constitute a complete Dao law are referred to as concepts. Mastery of a complete law requires comprehension of numerous concepts.

Many elemental techniques are founded on a 'core concept' specific to that element. The sword technique employed by Jianyu, for instance, incorporates the concept of flow from the law of water and concept of fluidity from law of Yin. In practice, his sword qi emulates fluid, naturally seeking the path of least resistance to effortlessly overcome his target.

However, Elder Wang's astonishment wasn't directed at the elemental concept itself. Rather, it stemmed from the fact that Jianyu had integrated his own understanding of fluidity into his sword technique. In other words, a fledgling who had just advanced to the Foundation Establishment realm had grasped a concept – a feat that even heaven-defying geniuses might achieve only at the Nascent Soul realm.

As Elder Wang watched this seemingly impossible spectacle unfold, he was left dumbfounded. He considered seeking his senior brother's wisdom, but all he could do was to continue staring at the remains of the rock.

"Hahahaha!!"

He could hear his senior brother's mocking laughter, but his mind couldn't register it at all as he soon sent his spiritual sense to his senior brother.

|Senior brother, can I—|

|No.|

Even before the question was posed, it was firmly dismissed.

|B-but as a fellow sword cultivator, shouldn't I be allowed to take him as a disciple?|

|My answer remains unchanged.|

|…Fine.|

Defeated, Elder Wang sighed and shifted his attention back to Jianyu.

"Junior Jianyu, your display of sword arts was truly exquisite."

"Ah, you flatter me, Elder Wang," Jianyu responded, a bit awkwardly.

At that moment, Jianyu's gaze drifted to his grandfather, who had ceased his laughter. Meeting his grandfather's gaze, Xin Dongyang looked away.

"Ahem, shall we continue this conversation indoors? Elder Wang has something to discuss."

Elder Wang glanced at Jianyu's grandfather, who nodded in acknowledgemnent, causing the corners of elder Wang's mouth to reaise.

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Seated indoors, a sense of gravity hung in the air. Both my grandfather and Elder Wang wore serious expressions, fueling my anxiety.

"Allow me to be direct," Elder Wang began, his gaze focused and determined as he locked eyes with me.

"Junior Jianyu, I wish to take you as my disciple."

The word "disciple" momentarily stiffened me.

"Disciple?" I managed to utter, the weight of the request heavy on my mind.

"Yes. Devoted to the path of the sword, I will be blessed to nurture a talent such as yours."

"Um... Unfortunately, I have to decline your offer."

"Is that so? May I ask for your reasons?" Elder Wang's countenance reflected disappointment, while mine held steadfast determination.

"I began my cultivation journey a few years ago. I seek to forge my own path rather than follow an existing one. Being your disciple wouldn't align with that goal."

"Very well. A cultivator's individual journey is paramount."

Elder Wang's nod accompanied a gentle smile.

"Moreover, your entrance to the sect shouldn't be a problem. You can inquire further from your grandfather."

"Understood." I nodded.

"Then, I shall take my leave for today."

Saying this, Elder Wang stood, preparing to depart.

"Take care," my grandfather offered.

"Likewise, senior brother." With that, Elder Wang left, accompanied by his companion.

As Elder Wang exited, my gaze turned to my grandfather.

"Could you provide details about my sect admission?"

'Wasn't this supposed to be an early admission?'

"Simply put, you'll skip basic evaluations – spiritual roots assessment, qi purity tests, and the like." Grandfather explained with a grin, a layer of pride present in his words seemingly asking to be praised.

"So, which test am I to undergo?"

My grandfather's grin grew mischievous.

"The final evaluation – a sparring match to determine disciple rankings."

"Isn't this unfair to those who began later?"

A frown creased my brow as I contemplated the my ticket to final evaluation's implications.

"Those who display potential and possess exceptional talent are often selected by the sect elders to become disciples. However, for those who may not stand out as much, they have the option to engage in sparring matches to demonstrate their capabilities. Naturally, the majority of these young prodigies opt for battles as a means to showcase their worth."

'Better than I expected, I suppose.'

"So, participating in the sparring matches is the requirement?" I asked crossing my arms.

"Yes, quite straightforward."

'A bit troublesome, but much simpler than I thought.'

"Prepare well, as this exam gathers young geniuses from across the Realm, vying for entry into the sect," my grandfather advised with a smile.

"Alright!" I replied, my determination reignited.

'But a teacher...'

Memories from a distant past resurfaced, recalling the person I once considered my 'teacher'.

Someone who I viewed as family in a world where others betrayed their own kin for trivial gains.

"This is for your growth, my disciple."

'Ugh...'

My gaze drifted to the sky.

'Perhaps, it's fortunate that those past memories remain hazy...'

"Haahh..." A sigh escaped as I banished such pointless reminiscences from my mind