Zhang Yong looked at the contents and began to study them.
[O heir, if you are reading this, it means you have obtained the Structure of Life and Death, haven't you?]
Zhang Yong looked at the first line and the question, but did it say "obtained"?
[Well, I assume you have some questions, for example about the origin of the acquired Structure of Life and Death and why I speak in the language of our original homeland. I will explain everything slowly, but before that...]
Zhang Yong stared into the void for a moment. These words were like a voice imprinting itself in his mind.
[I want to ask you, have you ever lost everything? Have you ever suffered from inner demons and dreams and voices that deprive you of sleep?]
Zhang Yong nearly jumped from his spot. These symptoms! His heart pounded violently as he continued to "listen" to the words in the jade slip.
[I hope you are not shocked. After all, you are not the first to encounter this. Or rather, this is fated.]
'Fated?' Questions multiplied in Zhang Yong's mind in an instant.
[Well, I think I've spoken enough and should get to the point. The most important thing you must realize is that the acquired Structure of Life and Death will always remain acquired. There is no such thing as an innate Structure of Life and Death.]
[Let me ask you, do you know how structures are acquired? It is through directly communicating with the marks of the Law itself and awakening them in the body. As for innate structures, they are imprinted on the body and firmly attached, so only innate structures can practice their own Paths without any other Path.]
[And this leads me to the next part. You know that the acquired Structure of Life and Death will awaken after communicating with the Law of Life and the Law of Death. For all beings, life is always present in the body. But in contrast, what about death? If you die, you are dead and there is no return. Even if you use Death Qi, it won't help.]
'And thus, the people who communicate with the Law of Death... reincarnators!' Zhang Yong suddenly realized.
[I think you have realized by now what I mean. That is why I wrote this text in a language that only someone from our original homeland would know. But mere reincarnation is not enough to awaken the structure. You must re-communicate with the Law of Life and the Law of Death simultaneously again to awaken it.]
'I understand. That day in the Douluo world, I swallowed a Life Seed connected to the Law of Life, and there was Death Qi from the Murasame sword, thus I unknowingly fulfilled the requirements,' Zhang Yong thought, immersed in memories.
[However, that was only the first awakening. After awakening it, cultivation becomes more difficult and takes longer. But as the structure's aura rises, the abilities you gain from it will also increase. As for the second awakening, it requires communicating with the flowing Law from the Laws of Life and Death. That will be the second awakening. With it, you will possess the ability to see your past reincarnations and gain knowledge in almost all existing Paths! Who knows, I might already be one of your Paths! But I don't think so. If I were, I wouldn't be here in the first place, my friend.]
[But don't rejoice too much just because you possess such an ability. This structure is not a gift from heaven; it is a curse. Because of fate. Fate is supposed to have two directions: from life and birth to death. There is not supposed to be reincarnation. And even if there is, beings should not remember their memories. And if they do, upon their next death, they certainly will not remember. But the Structure of Life and Death is different. It can reincarnate without limits or restrictions, carrying knowledge and memories with it. And because it conflicts with the structure of fate, fate considers it an enemy. Therefore, although fate cannot act personally, it can torment the owner of the structure.]
[And thus, as long as you possess this structure, heart demons, disasters, and everything else you will encounter will all affect you negatively. However, merely being subjected to this is not everything. When the Structure of Life and Death reaches its maximum level, it will no longer be an acquired structure; you will truly possess it. You will notice the difference when you reach that stage. So there is one task for the owner of this structure: to destroy the Core of Fate.]
[This is your destiny! You must destroy fate. Many have failed, but you must persist. Persist and destroy this damned fate that took everything from us! Either achieve the impossible in this life, or die trying so your next life can continue the work!]
After a moment of silence, Zhang Yong looked at the abbot with red eyes flickering with complex emotions. "I have understood what is written. I apologize to the Abbot that I cannot tell you the details."
The abbot nodded slowly, his clear eyes reflecting deep understanding, as if seeing through time and secrets. "Amitabha. It is fine, young master. Everything has its reason and time. Simply knowing that the message has reached the one who deserves it is what matters."
Zhang Yong rose from the mat, feeling as if a heavy burden had been lifted from his shoulders, while another, heavier and more fateful, settled in its place. "Thank you, Abbot, for delivering this message." He bowed with respect.
The abbot turned his palm over, and another jade slip appeared. "Now, for the second reason for your invitation: it was to treat your heart demon problems. Let me ask you, what type of heart demons do you have?"
Zhang Yong stared into the void for a moment before returning his gaze to the abbot. "Guilt and regret."
The abbot smiled with a kind of compassion. "In that case, the best solution would be to forgive yourself and move forward. But I sense that you will not do that. This technique is called the Hanging Heart Technique. By focusing on one emotion, understanding it, you can control it and make it overcome the others." Then he handed him the jade slip.
Zhang Yong took the jade slip and looked at it. Indeed, if what stirred the heart demons was emotions, then by focusing on one emotion, they could be suppressed.
Originally, with the Desire of Thought, he could temporarily suppress his heart demons, and not even completely. But for Zhang Yong, using this technique, the results would be far better.
"Thank you, Abbot, for this technique," Zhang Yong bowed slightly. "How can I repay this kindness?"
"You do not need to repay anything. It was our predecessor's wish," the abbot smiled kindly. "Why not try to get some rest? Continuous training can be good, but excess will affect you negatively. It is better to take things slowly."
Zhang Yong nodded and turned to leave.
After Zhang Yong left the main hall, a feeling of heaviness hung over his shoulders. The information he had obtained from the jade slip changed his perspective on everything.
So this was why everything happened to him like this. And the problem was, he couldn't get rid of the structure. That was impossible.
Yet what he hated most was that this meant his comrades would suffer because of him.
At the foot of the stairs, he found Su Ming waiting for him with obvious concern. "What happened? You took a long time," Su Ming said, approaching Zhang Yong.
Zhang Yong shook his head. "Nothing. I just opened my eyes to something I had overlooked," Zhang Yong smiled calmly. "Why don't we go to the discussion event now?"
The two returned to the teleportation formation and moved to the general formation plaza, where there was a wide central square.
Around them were stone archways with writings above them, each archway leading to a teleportation formation that led to a discussion location.
Then the two headed toward the Sword Path discussion archway.
A monk stood before the archway and bowed quietly. "Welcome to the path to the Sword Path discussion site. The fee is two hundred spirit stones per person. Please hurry; Master Jianhua will begin shortly."
Zhang Yong and Su Ming looked at each other before Zhang Yong took out the spirit stones and paid.
After all, for the smooth organization of the event, they had to set a fee to avoid problems. In the end, this event was established as a replacement for the Heavenly Boundary World or rather to digest what was gained through it
After Zhang Yong and Su Ming passed through the Sword Path teleportation formation archway, the scenes around them shifted.
They suddenly found themselves on a mist-covered mountain peak, surrounded by white clouds interspersed with the tips of other mountain peaks.
In the center was a vast stone plaza, precisely constructed.
The air was saturated with sharp and powerful energy, as if filled with invisible swords ready to strike.
Around the plaza, hundreds of sword practitioners sat, their levels ranging from GrandMaster to Ancestor. All wore different outfits, indicating their affiliations with various sects, but they all shared one look: the look of focus and respect for the Sword Path.
In the center of the plaza stood an old man with a back as straight as a sword, wearing a simple grey robe.
His eyes were closed, but they radiated an unmistakable sense that he saw everything around him. This was the Buddhist monk responsible for leading the Sword Path discussion, Master "Jianhua."
"Welcome, newcomers." Master Jianhua opened his eyes, his voice rumbling like thunder yet carrying the softness of a breeze. "Sit and listen. Today, we will discuss the essence of 'Sword Intent' and how to transform it into Will."
Elder Jianhua explained the transition stage from Sword Intent to Sword Will.
Zhang Yong and Su Ming sat in a modest spot among the attendees. Su Ming was completely captivated, his eyes never leaving Master Jianhua, while Zhang Yong appeared calm on the outside, but his mind was working rapidly to absorb every word the master said.
For Su Ming, yes, this discussion was beneficial. But for Zhang Yong, he was still stuck at the Sword and Heart stage. He still had to break through the Sword and Soul and Sword Intent stages before he could be qualified to benefit from this lecture.
After the lecture ended, Su Ming approached Zhang Yong excitedly: "Did you hear that? The way Master Jianhua explained transforming Intent into Will was amazing! I feel like I'm one step away from achieving Sword Will!"
Zhang Yong smiled. "I'm happy for you. You've always been ahead of me on the Sword Path." He knew his weakness in the Sword Path, but currently, he needed guidance.
After the lecture ended, one of the monks stepped forward and bowed to the assembly. "Master Jianhua's lecture has ended. For those who wish a personal consultation, the fee will be two thousand spirit stones."
Many enthusiastic sword practitioners rushed toward the platform, carrying pouches of spirit stones.
But Su Ming remained in place, preferring to absorb the lessons he had just received.
Zhang Yong turned toward Su Ming. "Don't you want a personal consultation? It might help you break through to the Sword Will stage."
Su Ming shook his head, his eyes still closed as he recalled every word the master had said. "No, not yet. The master's words were very profound. I want to digest them first and try them out myself. The consultation will be more useful later, when I reach a dead end."
Zhang Yong stared at the crowd and began thinking about catching up with those people. After all, perhaps he could gain something.
'Perhaps it's worth a try,' Zhang Yong thought. Although he realized his talent in the sword was limited compared to the Spear Path or his other Paths, any progress in his understanding of the sword would enhance his overall combat power.
He took out a pouch of spirit stones from his storage and approached the platform. When he reached the monk in charge, he presented the pouch with a respectful bow.
"I request the master's guidance," Zhang Yong said with reverence.
The monk gestured for him to ascend the platform where Master Jianhua sat.
The old master looked at Zhang Yong with his piercing eyes, as if seeing through to the depths of his soul.
"Ah, an interesting specimen," Master Jianhua murmured. "I see you primarily possess Spear Qi, and secondarily Dagger Qi and Bow Qi, yet you also seek to understand the sword. Why?"
Zhang Yong answered honestly: "A comprehensive understanding of different weapons can deepen one's understanding of the Path of combat itself. After all, the sword and the spear both trace back to the same Path."
Master Jianhua smiled a faint smile. "A wise answer. Many focus on only one weapon, but true wisdom lies in understanding the interconnectedness of all Paths. But not everyone is capable of that."
The master closed his eyes for a moment, then opened them again. "Let's start with the basics. What is the meaning of your sword?"
Zhang Yong thought for a moment before answering: "The meaning of my sword... is to cut myself."
Master Jianhua's eyebrows rose slightly, a hint of surprise in his piercing eyes. "Cutting oneself? That is an unconventional concept. Explain."
"A sword that only cuts others is a sword that does not exist," Zhang Yong said, his voice clear and steady. "A true sword must be able to cut one's illusions, one's weakness, one's limitations. Each sword strike should cut something within oneself to allow something new, something stronger, to grow. Not cutting for destruction, but cutting for construction."
After a moment of silence, Master Jianhua burst into deep laughter that echoed across the mountain peak. "Good! Very good! You have a fine understanding of the sword! Are you truly an eighteen-year-old youth? Tell me, what stage have you reached?"
Zhang Yong raised his hands and pressed them together. "I am ashamed of the senior's praise. But in truth, I am only at the Sword and Heart stage. I request guidance to advance to the Sword and Soul stage."
Master Jianhua stroked his beard slowly. "The 'Sword and Soul' stage will be difficult to explain in words. It is a matter of one's instincts toward the sword becoming sharp, and the 'gap' beginning to appear. It is similar to the instinct of beasts. To enter a similar state, one must focus the five senses."
Zhang Yong held his chin. These were merely Su Ming's words, but more simply put. "But that is the problem, Senior. Every time I use the five senses, what I see are points, not the 'gap' you speak of."
Master Jianhua nodded slowly. "That is simply because points are the principle of the Soul stage for the Spear, Dagger, and Bow. You have immersed yourself in the other Paths, which has prevented you from seeing it. The solution is simple. How can you turn a dagger into a sword?"
Zhang Yong stared into the void for a moment, his red eyes flickering with thoughtful light. "A dagger... is a sword, but it is condensed and focused. It is the same essence but in a different form."
"Exactly!" Master Jianhua slapped his knee with his palm. "Don't try to 'see' the gap. 'Feel' it. Stop being a spear maker or a bow maker. Be a sword. In that moment, there is only the boundary that separates life and death, victory and defeat. That is the 'gap.'"
Zhang Yong closed his eyes. 'Stop being a maker? Then what should I be?' He breathed deeply, trying to set aside all his understanding of the spear, dagger, and bow.
In his mind, there was now only the image of a sword — simple, direct, and cutting.
He felt as if he was diving into a deep meditative state, where all surrounding sounds faded, leaving only the echo of his breath and his heartbeat.
'Instead of seeing it from the perspective of a maker... it's not a point... what I saw was not a point. I just didn't look deeper!'
And suddenly, he no longer 'saw' weak points or lines of energy. Instead, he 'felt' a sharp, invisible edge cutting through the air around him. By applying his five senses and looking at himself, he wasn't seeing a point; that sharp thing was a red thread.
He opened his eyes. Nothing had changed in the world around him, but his perception of it was radically different. He looked at his empty hands, then slowly nodded to Master Jianhua.
"I understand now. Thank you, Master."
Master Jianhua smiled a satisfied smile. "I would expect no less from someone with such understanding. Go now, and apply what you have learned."
Zhang Yong descended from the platform, his mind still spinning around the new perception.
He found Su Ming still sitting in his place, but his eyes were now open and gleaming with new understanding as well — he too had absorbed something from the lecture.
"You succeeded?" Su Ming asked, seeing the change in Zhang Yong's gaze.
"Somewhat," Zhang Yong replied with a faint smile. "I found the 'gap.'"
"Great! That means we can spar again soon!" Su Ming said enthusiastically. "You see that giant black stele over there?"
Su Ming pointed to a massive black jade stele carved into the side of a mountain cliff. "That stele is used to evaluate a person's understanding of Paths. You can also organize fights inside it, from what I've heard. And most importantly, it relies only on the person's understanding of techniques without using spiritual energy. That means you can fight with your techniques before you lost your spiritual energy."