Chapter 265 - The Great Dao is Nameless, and the Sword Can Also Be Nameless

Gu Han was silent for a long time. Finally, he turned around and bowed to the old man once more. “Thank you for your help, Senior!”

Without the old man, dealing with Steward Yue would have been far harder. He probably would never have disclosed the Yue Clan’s location so easily. Passing on the sword, lending its power, and forcing Steward Yue to yield. Three debts of gratitude, each extraordinarily significant, providing him immense assistance.

The old man paused. “Kid, how did you end up like this?”

Gu Han was silent for a moment. “They killed my friend.”

The old man sighed. He finally understood how Gu Han managed to activate his sword intent. The youth’s experience and state of mind was similar to his own back in the day.

The old man grew stern. “Remember this. Use extraordinary methods in extraordinary times. You absolutely must not go astray because of this and learn my sword. Otherwise, you will find it difficult to make any further progress on the dao of the sword.”

Gu Han bowed once more. “Yes. I will remember.”

The old man nodded. “Good. Facing death unflinchingly, pressing forward with indomitable will, now you’re starting to look a bit like a sword cultivator.”

Gu Han shook his head. “Senior, I still haven’t found its name.”

In truth, ever since he began to comprehend the one-word sword intent, he and the sword had shared a connection. Besides a sense of mutual understanding, he could also sense a trace of spirit nature hidden within the sword, but he simply couldn’t learn its name.

The old man pondered for a moment. “Your sword? Let me take another look.”

Gu Han took out the sword. “Master Rooster said that if I can’t find the sword’s name, then I haven’t truly glimpsed the true method of the Sword Dao.”

By now, he had largely guessed the old man’s identity. He was likely the astonishingly brilliant Sword Dao genius that Chongming had spoken of.

The old man also wasn’t surprised that Gu Han could guess his identity.

“It’s okay. Don’t take everything Master Rooster says seriously. Your sword’s origin is so mysterious that even I can’t see through it. I suspect there are other peculiarities.” He waved his hand, sighing with some emotion. “Maybe it simply has no name.”

“No name?”

“A sword is like a person. Its spirit nature forms on its own. If you keep fixating on the matter of its name, you’ll actually be lowering yourself to a lesser state. Since the Great Dao is without a name, the sword need not bear one either.”

The Great Dao is nameless. The sword is nameless too?

That one sentence cleared away all his confusion. This sword had been with Gu Han ever since Gu Tian found it. It wasn’t just a sword, but also a companion, a family. Hence, it was enough.

Sensing his state of mind, the sword hummed clearly and continuously, conveying a sense of joy.

The old man was pleased.. “That's good! How rare!”

He could see that Gu Han had comprehended the way of the Clear Sword Heart. From now on, his path in the Sword Dao would take another great leap forward.

Gu Han bowed deeply once more. “Senior, thank you for the grace of spreading the Dao.”

The old man turned aside, refusing to accept this bow. “No need for that. You have the ultimate method of the Sword Dao, which is infinitely more profound than mine. How could I possibly be qualified to spread the Dao to you? I merely helped you avoid some unnecessary detours.”

On the other hand, Yun Fan was confused. “Sister... He comprehended it just like that? The old man didn’t even say anything! How come I couldn’t comprehend it?”

Feng Xi ignored him. The old man’s characteristics were too distinct. Although she hadn’t never met him before, she had already vaguely guessed his identity. She wasn’t surprised that Gu Han had gained his favor.

Yun Fan seemed to think of something else. “Sister, that message...”

Feng Xi finally couldn’t help it anymore. She stared at him intently, a strange, unreadable look in her eyes.

“What’s wrong?”

Feng Xi shook her head. “Nothing. I just think Second Uncle is a bit pitiful.”

Yun Fan was speechless.

Finally, Zuo Yang couldn’t hold back. “Junior Brother, just now, Senior Sister said that your lifespan—”

Gu Han didn’t hide it from him. “

Mhm.

Probably less than two months left.”

Less than two months?

Zuo Yang’s heart immediately sank. Beside them, Gu Tian’s demonic qi fluctuated violently once more.

Sensing the demonic qi, the old man was somewhat surprised. “Now that’s an unconventional path.”

Of course, his insight was much greater than Steward Yue’s. Aside from the demonic path, he seemed to perceive something different about Gu Tian.

Zuo Yang felt a pang of pity. “Senior, is there a way?”

Spirit herbs that enhanced soul power or aptitude were already extremely rare, let alone one capable of extending lifespan. Where could they possibly find one in less than two months?

The old man sighed. “A way... There is one, of course. Breaking through to the next realm would solve it.”

If Gu Han broke through to the Soaring realm, he would gain another increase in lifespan.

Zuo Yang was stunned. “Break through? But...”

Before his soul power was snuffed out, Gu Han was breaking through like breathing. Now, he couldn’t even maintain his Divine Connection realm cultivation.To break through two realms in so little time was asking the impossible

The old man shook his head. “I can’t help him, nor does he need my help. He must walk on his own. If he crosses it, the sky is high and the sea is vast. If he doesn’t...”

He didn’t finish the rest, but the result wasn’t hard to guess. Zuo Yang immediately fell silent, while Gu Tian’s demonic qi grew even more unstable.

Gu Han gazed toward the horizon. “Father, Senior Brother, don’t worry. I won’t die. I promised Ah Sha, I’m going to find her. I definitely won’t die before I find her!”

Zuo Yang remained silent. A flash of struggle passed through his eyes, as if he had come to a decision.

***

In the distance, Di Kan looked at Zhao Mengyou. “

Tsk tsk.

Divine Maiden Zhao, you miscalculated again. You missed a perfect opportunity to offer help in times of need. Regretting it?”

Just like Feng Xi, he had managed to guess the identity of the blind old man. Even someone as powerful as Steward Yue still had to bow his head before the old man.

He felt that his ancestor’s estimate of this predecessor’s strength had been far too modest. Furthermore, the old man paid no attention to anyone else, favoring only Gu Han. Their relationship was obviously anything but ordinary.

Elder Li sighed as he regretted it so much.

Regret?

Zhao Mengyou bit her lip, sharing the sentiment. Still, that didn’t make Di Kan’s mocking smile any less annoying.

So what if I regretted it! I just won’t say it!

She glared at Di Kan as if pouting in defiance. “You heard him too. His remaining lifespan is now less than two months. Although I don’t know why he’s managed to keep part of his cultivation, reaching the Soaring realm in such a short time is nothing short of daydreaming. He’s ultimately a cripple.”

In the distance, Feng Xi, who was about to take a sip of her wine, turned around.

Yun Fan was taken aback. “Sister? Where are you going?”

Feng Xi ignored him, walking straight up to Zhao Mengyou. Wordlessly, she narrowed her eyes, letting her aura subtly bear down on the Divine Maiden.

Zhao Mengyou’s expression changed slightly. Feng Xi wasn’t even using her cultivation, yet Zhao Mengyou was already struggling to breathe. Even her guardians felt immense pressure.

Di Kan quietly retreated, hiding to one side to enjoy the show.

Upon seeing Zhao Mengyou’s pressure mounting, Feng Xi took a drink of her strong liquor. “Just now, did you call Junior Brother a cripple? You think using the Transcendent Substance on him would be a waste? And you also said he is doomed to never break through?”

With each sentence, she took another drink, the murderous intent in her gaze growing stronger as her aura rose

Zhao Mengyou flushed bright red. “I—”

She hadn’t expected Feng Xi to remember her words so clearly. Even though she wanted to refute, she had no confidence. Appearance, aura, cultivation—everything she took pride in was completely overshadowed by Feng Xi.

Seeing that Zhao Mengyou’s neck was almost shrinking out of sight, Elder Li had no choice but to steel himself and step forward. “May I ask, are you the Flame Emperor’s daughter?”

Feng Xi’s expression was blank. “Shut up. I’m not talking to you.”

Elder Li paled at her aura, finding it difficult to say another word.

The happiest person was Zhang Kun. He was crushed after his guardian status was stripped, his hatred for Gu Han growing stronger. Seeing a chance to atone for his crimes and gain merit, how could he resist stepping forward?

“That’s too much! How is the Divine Maiden wrong? Isn’t that guy a cripple? He himself said he won’t live past two months. What does that have to do with the Divine Maiden?! No matter how strong the Great Flame Imperial Dynasty is, the Tiansheng Hall isn’t afraid of you!”

The entire scene fell silent.

Di Kan stared at Zhang Kun like he was an idiot, shaking his head in disbelief. “I get it now. Picking someone like this to be her guardian, Divine Maiden Zhao has really terrible taste!”

***

Within the void above, the man said, “

Tsk tsk.

Old Man Tiansheng, where did you find such a rare specimen? How did he even manage to cultivate to the Transcendent realm? Did he just stumble onto a lucky pile of dog shit?”

The Tiansheng hall master’s face was ashen. “Bastard!”

He felt like killing Zhang Kun with one palm strike.

Not afraid of the Flame Emperor? That’s bullshit!

***

Feng Xi didn’t tell Yun Fan to send a message as she was simply very displeased. Only she could bully her junior brother. No one else was allowed to say a single negative word.

Yun Fan shook his head vigorously. “It’s over. He’s offended my sister. This guy is finished.”

Yun Lie’s face darkened. “

Hmph!

She’s bringing disaster and calamity upon the Great Flame Imperial Dynasty!”

Yun Fan instigated. “Ninth Brother, maybe you should go and reason with her?”

Yun Lie was so angry he almost struck him with a palm.

Even our father can’t reason with her, do you think I can?

Zhang Kun was somewhat pleased with himself. He felt he hadn’t just protected Zhao Mengyou’s last shred of dignity, but also saved the Tiansheng Hall’s reputation. When he got back, not only would his previous punishment be completely waived, he could even receive a considerable reward.

Feng Xi didn’t even glance his way as she took another swig of wine. In an instant, a fierce and incomparable burning intent erupted from her. The ground where she stood immediately split into many cracks.

Zhang Kun’s pupils constricted. “Don’t you dare make a move—”

A clear and melodious phoenix cry rang out, interrupting him. The strands of burning intent swirled and flowed, assuming the form of a majestic, fiery red phoenix. Gently flapping its wings, it vanished into Zhang Kun.

A scream erupted.

The blind old man gently rubbed his wooden staff. “This girl is incredible!”

Faced with the almost unbearable burning intent, Elder Li and the others couldn’t muster the slightest will to resist. They didn’t know Feng Xi could be this strong!

Within the void, the man’s eyes flashed with a trace of wariness. “Given time, she’s very likely to become another Flame Emperor.”

The Tiansheng hall master said nothing. His expression grew darker as he watched Zhang Kun, whose screams were growing weaker.

A moment later, the burning intent vanished along with the phoenix.

Feng Xi glanced at Zhang Kun. “Now you’re a cripple too.”

Zhang Kun was charred black. He was full of despair, his eyes bleak. He couldn't even hear what she was saying anymore. One strike had completely crippled his cultivation without any chance to resist whatsoever.

Unable to hold back any longer, Zhao Mengyou gathered every bit of courage she had. “What do you even want?!”

Feng Xi raised her wine gourd again. “My junior brother is injured. He needs some time to recuperate in peace.”

Zhao Mengyou gritted her teeth silently.

What does that have to do with me?! I didn’t injure him!

Upon seeing she didn’t understand, Feng Xi explained further, “My traveling palace has no maids or female attendants, so its management is often neglected.”

Then, she gave Zhao Mengyou a few appraising looks. “You look decent. Your cultivation is so-so. You’d be just right for a maid or something.”

Zhao Mengyou was flabbergasted.