Chapter 554

Chapter 554: The Sword Intent of Non-Return

In the Zhijian Sect, Gu Xuanji stood on stage to teach.

The small square was packed with people; some sword cultivators even brought their Walking Swords to sit atop them and listen.

Li Hui sat not far from the stage, and after listening to a few segments of her teachings, his view of Gu Xuanji changed completely. He thought, “This woman’s understanding of Sword Dao is impressive! There is the straightforward sword, and there is the sword that uses strength against strength. Her teaching is truly selfless, generously sharing her insights with her fellow disciples. The grace of imparting the Dao and resolving doubts is truly remarkable, and it’s no surprise she is so well-received by so many disciples. It’s not just because of her looks, but because of her genuine talent and knowledge.”

As Gu Xuanji’s lecture progressed, the content became more challenging, and fewer disciples could follow along. She even proposed some hypotheses, exploring fantastical ideas that resonated deeply in Li Hui’s ears, sharply enhancing his understanding of both Sword Dao and the path of talismans.

“Wonderful! Unutterably wonderful!”

“Whether it is swords or talismans, both are external pursuits. Chasing after a sword that breaks all methods or a talisman that conquers all is superficial; at the core, I need to refine my heart!” Li Hui smiled bitterly. “Refine my heart? Have I been wandering back to the old paths of the Heart Refining Branch?”

“No, ultimately it’s different. I practice the Dragon Spring Purple Talisman Classic, refining my heart and focusing more on the Purple Talisman!”

Li Hui realized something suddenly and felt a pang of self-reproach. “I’ve been too arrogant; the Purple Talisman is not in the least like the Heart Talisman, or rather, I haven’t reached the level of the Heart Talisman yet. The demonic heart understands the Purple Talisman even better than me. By using the methods taught by Prime Minister Turtle, I could catalyze it to create a true Heart Talisman—the demonic mind can achieve anything!”

“Right now, my heart of Dao occupies six parts, and my demonic heart occupies four parts. As the Six Paths of Reincarnation and the Heart Talisman deepen, the balance will reach fifty-fifty. If I become obsessed with the powers derived from the Six Paths of Reincarnation, the heart of Dao will gradually weaken.”

At this moment, Gu Xuanji smiled and said, “I see Junior Brother Li seems to have thoughts brewing; perhaps you’ve gained some insights. Would you like to come up and share your thoughts with everyone? With the dark moon approaching, we must nurture friendship and mutual assistance among our fellow disciples, uniting as one. This will help us cultivate better and grasp the Sword Dao, hoping one day to freely enter the Azure Sky.”

Gu Xuanji showed genuine sincerity toward her peers, with no trace of deception! Even if she appeared to play along outside, she did so only for the sake of the sect. Her loyalty and sense of belonging to the Zhijian Sect were unmatched!

Li Hui chuckled and said, “Everyone knows I enjoy boasting; sometimes I ramble on so much that I fill my head with empty thoughts. Perhaps sometimes I unintentionally gain some insights, but it’s hardly anything worthy of note. Senior Sister, you ask me to take the stage; don’t you fear I’ll mess up the atmosphere?”

“Not at all! How many cultivators can truly break through and dare to think deeply? Whatever thoughts you have, please share. It can help broaden our perspectives and enhance our imagination. Cultivation has never been about shutting oneself off from the world, which is why I often travel to bring more insights back to the sect.”

“Alright, then I will take the stage and throw out some ideas!” Li Hui lifted the hem of his garment and slowly walked up the six-zhang platform.

To Gu Xuanji’s surprise, with each step Li Hui took, his aura shifted, and when he settled on stage, an unpredictable presence surrounded him.

Li Hui, as Li Bugui, transformed into a different persona; around him, connections were formed with those around Li Bugui.

Now that the moment had come, he decided to share his insights.

“The essence of Sword Dao relies on the spirit; when the spirit is sufficient, the Dao is accomplished. Cultivate essence to transform it into qi, transform qi into spirit, and once the spirit is refined, the sword god will align with the Dao, drawing near to it!”

“The sword practitioner cultivates the Yin-Yang harmony within; those who study this path preserve their essence, nurture their qi, tranquilize their mind, and embrace their origin…”

“We sword cultivators need to embody both inner sage and outer king. Internally, we cultivate life energy to counteract sword aura damage; externally, we must be decisive in battle, never retreating an inch. Some say we sword cultivators are headstrong; I believe there’s no harm in being headstrong, as it means our actions are clean and straightforward, without unnecessary complications.”

Laughter erupted among the disciples, and Li Hui began to deliver substance: “The theories left by predecessors about Sword Dao are extensive, and the summaries are also numerous. Each person’s comprehension in their cultivation is unique; the paths they walk with their swords are different. Why practice the sword? Ultimately, it is to duel against enemies. Ideally, we should pierce through our foes just like stringing them together like candied hawthorn!”

“Everyone, watch me execute this sword technique.” Li Hui performed a sword move, swiftly sweeping out a beam of sword light.

To some disciples, that sword transformed into two, Yin and Yang complementing each other, cycling forward—truly miraculous. Yet others discerned a sophisticated sword technique, splitting from one to two, and from two to four, infinitely proliferating. Those with the strongest understanding of sword Dao were astonished, recognizing this strike as an invincible sword that could find openings everywhere, leaving no way to defend.

Gu Xuanji was also taken aback; to her, this sword appeared as if drawn by a divine hand, remarkably agile and unpredictable, and on deeper reflection, it was beyond comprehension.

Li Hui struck out again; this time the sword was as swift as a startled swan—both rigid and fast. By the time he executed his third sword strike, everyone felt it strike at their hearts—it was a heartless sword, an annihilating sword.

Over twelve strikes from start to finish, he manifested twelve different swords, some fierce and some gentle. Remarkably, after demonstrating them, Li Hui began to break them down and explain, then showcased them again, always finding something that resonated with everyone.

By the end, many sword cultivators closed their eyes and sat in meditation, determined to break through their own constraints and reach new heights.

“Thank you, Junior Brother, for disassembling the sword intent in such a manner. I wonder what kind of sword intent you abide by in your pursuit of the Sword Dao?” Gu Xuanji’s question left Li Hui momentarily stunned on stage, lightning flashes of inspiration crossed his mind, and myriad sword shadows intertwined.

He observed all kinds of sword intents but neglected to consider his own.

Indeed! What kind of sword intent should he uphold in his pursuit of the Sword Dao?

Li Hui sat for half an hour, gradually firming his resolve, and suddenly struck out silently with a sword. Others were fine if they didn’t look at this sword, but upon witnessing it, they nearly lost their souls, and blood trickled from the corners of their mouths.

Gu Xuanji quickly shut her eyes.

Only she glimpsed the profundity of this sword—it was a terrifying sword that cut the Dao; it first severed his own path before cutting through the paths of others.

Li Bugui burst into laughter, “Hahaha! Non-Return Sword, a sword with no return; the path toward the Dao requires us to move forward courageously—cut, cut, cut! When this Non-Return Sword has severed my own path, I shall attain the Dao! The stones from other mountains can be used to attack jade; yes, I have found it, and the path to the Dao is promising, the journey is endless!”

“Congratulations, Junior Brother!” Gu Xuanji clasped her hands in respect.

“Thank you, Senior Sister, for your guidance. Is there any good wine you could lend me? Today without wine, my mouth is growing as dry as a bird’s!” Li Hui chuckled.

“There’s wine!” Gu Xuanji quickly tossed out three jars of fine wine.

As the sword light flashed, the spiritual wine surged forth, and Li Bugui opened his mouth to drink deeply, stepping onto the sword light as he gradually faded away: “Riding the wind on my sword, eradicating demons from all corners of the world. With wine, I am carefree; without wine, I am still mad. One drink swallows rivers, another drinks the sun and moon; a thousand cups I can’t fall, for I am the wine sword immortal.”

“Has Master Li Bugui left?” Many disciples turned to the graceful figure departing.

Gu Xuanji sighed, “He is truly a man of character, seeking enlightenment in swordsmanship. Now that he has gained something in the Sword Dao, he has gone to the mortal world to hone his skills! Perhaps one day he will return.”

Li Hui entered the Geng Gold Continent on the fifty-sixth day, beginning his journey toward the Dao. He eradicating the demons of the world and the demons within himself, his reputation slowly spread far and wide until he vanished without a trace six months later.