Chapter 40

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Chapter 40: Secrets of the Cave Mansion

"This is the hub of this cave mansion," the Black-Clothed Sword Cultivator said to Ming He, glancing at the lazy Kui lying in front of the hall door.

"What do you wish to say, Friend?" Ming He took the Star Lock she handed over and marveled as the starlight slipped from her hand. "Does this cave mansion have a connection to you?"

"Indeed," the Black-Clothed Sword Cultivator admitted without hesitation. "This cave mansion was built by my ancestors, making them, in a way, my forebears."

"It’s called the Purple Dawn Mansion, born in ancient times. Later, it sank into darkness to suppress the Left Envoy of the demon race, Mu Xuan Ye, and only now has it briefly returned to the light."

Briefly returned to the light? Ming He caught the implication in her words, her eyes narrowing.

"Indeed, those who surveyed the cave from your side should have mentioned that it will remain open for a month. After that, it will naturally sink back into darkness," the Black-Clothed Sword Cultivator explained with a smile, finding a place to sit. "There are still two days left until it closes."

Ming He was puzzled. "Aren’t you the master of the cave?" Why couldn’t she control the cave’s presence and concealment?

"I am not," the Black-Clothed Sword Cultivator shook her head. "The master of the cave is actually you."

"Me?" Ming He was both astonished and shocked.

"Yes," the Black-Clothed Sword Cultivator confirmed. "The Purple Dawn Mansion was born through the Star Lock. Since the Star Lock recognizes you as its master, you are naturally the master of the cave."

But—Ming He had a lingering question.

"You cannot control this cave yet because you have not truly refined the Star Lock. Ming He, remember my words: If you have doubts, seek the answers within your heart."

"But how do I refine it?"

"I don’t know; no one knows. Only you can." The Black-Clothed Sword Cultivator’s words sounded almost cryptic to Ming He.

"Ming He," the Black-Clothed Sword Cultivator stood up after resting. "The Star Lock is an ancient spiritual artifact with deep and complex ties. I cannot reveal everything to you now, but you must keep this a secret. Do not let anyone know you are the master of an ancient spiritual artifact."

"Among those who entered this cave, except for Ji Wu Xu, I have erased the memories of the spiritual artifact from everyone else. After you leave, do not boast about it. The cave will close itself and sink into darkness; it will only reappear when you have fully refined the Star Lock and can control the Purple Dawn Mansion."

The Black-Clothed Sword Cultivator turned her back to Ming He, her expression tinged with concern. "The tallest trees in the forest are the first to be struck by the wind. Ming He, your talent is exceptional, especially in swordsmanship. Your gifts surpass mine; I believe you will go farther than I ever could."

"Therefore, before you reach your full potential, learn to conceal your edge and your flaws. If you can understand this, I am certain that one day I will hear your name and your achievements on the battlefield of the heavens."

The Black-Clothed Sword Cultivator seemed to speak almost to herself. When she turned back, her expression was calm and composed. "I have one more thing to give you."

She pulled out a bone book from her robe and handed it to Ming He. "This is for you."

"What is this—" Ming He took the bone book, shivering at its cold touch, and asked in confusion.

"This is the Big Dipper Seven Star Sword Technique, as well as the Big Dipper Seven Star Sword Array." The Black-Clothed Sword Cultivator opened the first page, revealing a sword technique familiar to Ming He—Flickering Light!

"You are a disciple of Liu Yun Sect. The Flickering Light technique you obtained was a simplified version of this Yang Light, which is also the first form of the Big Dipper Seven Star Sword Technique."

"The Big Dipper Seven Star Sword Technique?" Ming He repeated the name, feeling her soul tremble at the mention of this sword technique. "Why are you giving it to me?"

It seemed inexplicable—what was the purpose? Her expression darkened.

"There is indeed another purpose," the Black-Clothed Sword Cultivator smiled faintly as she approached Ming He, leaning in to speak softly, "because I am going to pursue formation mastery."

Huh? Pursue formation mastery? But aren’t you a dual practitioner of sword arrays?

"I am indeed a dual practitioner of swordsmanship and formation mastery," the Black-Clothed Sword Cultivator’s expression held a depth Ming He couldn’t grasp. "But swordsmanship is my original path; it is my destiny. A strong sword practitioner moves forward fearlessly, but what I truly wish to become is a formation master.

The Great Path is profound, and one can only follow one aspect. If one strives for both, in the end, one will gain nothing."

Before the opening of this cave mansion, I found myself standing at a crossroads, with formation mastery to my left and swordsmanship to my right. Ahead of me lay a misty path, and I was supposed to abandon formation mastery to focus solely on swordsmanship.

She was born into a family renowned for its swordsmanship, inheriting the most supreme lineage of the art.

Swordsmanship inheritance?

The Black-Clothed Sword Cultivator gave a bitter smile and shook her head, "But I was reluctant, so I kept struggling until I met you."

A spark of light gradually kindled in her equally dark eyes. "You are only eighteen, at the Spirit Guiding stage nine levels, yet you have already grasped the sword intent of heaven and earth and achieved half-step sword intent.

Unsheathing Style, Liu Yun Sword Art, Nebula Sword Art, Flickering Light.

Your brilliance offers me the chance to choose a different path. I chose formation mastery because I recognized your unparalleled talent in swordsmanship. Ming He, I am truly glad to have met you."

"So, are you no longer pursuing swordsmanship?" Ming He couldn’t grasp her feelings and only felt it was a shame, especially since her sword array was so remarkable.

"That is not true swordsmanship," the Black-Clothed Sword Cultivator said softly, noticing the look in Ming He’s eyes. "The Big Dipper Seven Star Sword Array is primarily a formation for me, and only secondarily a sword, but for you, it should be the reverse."

"True sword arrays unleash all swords in unison, overcoming all obstacles in their path. That is the grandeur of ancient sword cultivators, but I cannot achieve that.

The sword array I use is derived from my formation mastery; otherwise, how could the formidable Big Dipper Seven Star Sword Array, which once defeated countless alien races in ancient times, be so easily dismantled by Mu Xuan Ye?"

"But you are different," the Black-Clothed Sword Cultivator’s eyes lit up. "In true sword arrays, the body itself becomes the array; the sword is an extension of oneself. That is the true essence of a sword cultivator and the true form of a sword array."

"Do you think… I can do it?" Ming He’s voice was hoarse. As she listened to the Black-Clothed Sword Cultivator’s words, she felt as if a drop of blood was coursing through her chest.

The Big Dipper Seven Star Sword Array.

With the body as the array.

Where I am, the sword is; where I am, the array exists.

I am here, thus the mountains and rivers stand firm!

What kind of grandeur is that? Ming He felt an intense longing at that moment.

"You can!" The Black-Clothed Sword Cultivator declared loudly, placing her hand on Ming He’s shoulder.

"Then why do you practice formations?" Ming He still didn’t understand. If sword cultivators embody such unmatched grace throughout history, why did she choose formations over swordsmanship?

"Because formation masters also possess extraordinary grace." The human race currently needs formation masters more than ever. Strong individuals require time to grow, but time is what we lack the most right now.

A sword cultivator can shatter myriad laws with a single stroke, deciding the fate of the world at their peak, but before reaching that pinnacle, formation masters can accomplish far more than sword cultivators.

Fortunately, she truly loves formation mastery.

She loves the ability to create formations with a mere gesture, loves how formation mastery allows one to stand invincible amidst the forces of the world, loves how formations can dominate vast landscapes.

"Ming He, that’s all I wanted to share with you. Do you have any more questions?" The Black-Clothed Sword Cultivator looked directly at Ming He.

"I do," Ming He nodded seriously. "There’s one very important question."

"What is it?" The Black-Clothed Sword Cultivator gestured for her to ask.

Ming He looked up at her, her eyes bright. "You still haven’t told me your name and background."

"So that’s it," the Black-Clothed Sword Cultivator paused, her smile broadening. "I can’t reveal my background just yet, but as for my name… you can call me Nineteen!"

"A ray of light cold across nineteen states, Nineteen," she added quietly.

Nineteen?

Ming He lowered her gaze; it was a name she had never heard before, a character absent from the original tale.

The Black-Clothed Sword Cultivator, she mused, was not part of the main narrative.

At that moment, Ming He was unaware that the Black-Clothed Sword Cultivator, who called herself Nineteen, was not excluded from the original plot. Her name was unfamiliar not because she was insignificant, but because she had perished in battle before the story even began.

She fell before the tale unfolded, before the proclamation of "In the Tianwu Continent, martial prowess reigns supreme."

Thus, Ming He knew nothing of her in the storyline.

Thus, she remained oblivious.

Thus, unfamiliar.

"The two days are up," Kui murmured, sprawled on the white jade steps of the palace, drowsy and drooling. The Black-Clothed Sword Cultivator spoke softly, her gaze fixed on Ming He, who sat nearby with closed eyes, lost in the contemplation of the stars. "The ancient cave dwelling will soon be swallowed by darkness."

So, it’s time for you to leave.

"And you?" Ming He opened her eyes, a flicker of starlight passing through her gaze. For a brief moment, she felt as though she herself had become one with the stars.

"I didn’t enter through the front door, so I won’t leave that way either," Nineteen replied with a playful tone. "I’ll take the back door."

"Alright," Ming He nodded, unsurprised, given that Nineteen was a formation master. To her, formation mastery was both enigmatic and mysterious.

"Leaving just like that?" Nineteen called out, halting her. "No farewell?" Her smile was radiant.

Ming He: "…" Is it the norm these days to become so familiar so quickly?

She hadn’t yet considered Nineteen a friend, but to the Black-Clothed Sword Cultivator, it seemed they already were.

"Alright, I’ll stop teasing you," Nineteen said, pulling a talisman from her robe and handing it to Ming He. "This is the Sword Breaking Talisman. I crafted it over the past two days using materials from this cave dwelling. Its power… can slay those at the Wind Master realm, and its residual effects are formidable. I’m giving it to you as a protective charm."

Noticing Ming He’s stunned expression, she added with a light smile, "But using it will drain at least half of your spiritual energy, so use it wisely."

Ming He stared at the golden, sword-shaped talisman in her hand, her emotions a tangled web. The girl in black smiled brightly, her radiance rivaling the sun above, yet her face was pale, even more so than two days prior.

Why was she paler? Ming He had noticed upon opening her eyes but felt no curiosity. The lives of others had never concerned her.

Or so she thought.

Now, it mattered, for her pallor was because of her.

Ming He didn’t know Nineteen’s cultivation level, but regardless of how high it was, crafting a talisman capable of killing a Wind Master cultivator couldn’t have been easy. She must have poured all her strength into it.

As for the materials, the ancient cave dwelling was rich with heavenly materials and earthly treasures, but its owner had no expertise in talisman-making. The materials Nineteen spoke of could only have been raw.

The Sword Breaking Talisman felt both light and heavy in Ming He’s hands, leaving her unsure how to respond.

"What’s wrong? Impressed by my all-around talent?" Nineteen grinned, clearly pleased with herself. "I never said I didn’t dabble in talisman-making."

"Why?" Ming He asked, her gaze heavy. "Why give me the Sword Breaking Talisman?"

"To ensure your safety, of course," Nineteen replied, puzzled by her reaction. "The master chosen by the Star Lock is vital and must survive." Survive to reach the Wind Master realm, to endure the battlefield of the heavens, to achieve greatness and make a name for herself.

"And—" Nineteen met her gaze earnestly, "Aren’t we friends?"

"Friends?" Ming He echoed softly. "You consider me a friend?" But she had never had friends.

"Yes," Nineteen affirmed. "You’re a friend I’ve chosen." She studied Ming He, sensing her inner turmoil. "You’ll become a formidable sword cultivator. Befriending you now, while you’re still on the rise, is no loss for me."

Since she wouldn’t pursue swordsmanship in the future, it made sense to ally with a powerful sword cultivator.

Besides, the North Star Sword didn’t resonate lightly; its chime might signify it had found its destined path.

Could that path be Ming He?

Nineteen’s eyes flickered as she considered that her master’s words might not hold entirely true; perhaps she wasn’t the most fitting master for the North Star.

As for Ming He, if she could once again stand before her and draw the North Star Sword from its sheath, what brilliance would that reveal?

They had lingered too long in the shadows, guarding the light, so long that even the blazing sun above seemed to blur her vision.

"Alright," Ming He murmured, her thoughts swirling as she carefully stored the Sword Breaking Talisman. Perhaps having a skilled formation master as a friend wasn’t such a bad idea after all?

With that thought, she offered a faint smile and stepped toward the palace door. As the entrance to the cave dwelling opened, she prepared to step out.