LGHTNOVELBOOK Chapter 111: The Sword Opens the Mountain Gate
Chapter 111: The Sword Opens the Mountain Gate
“Just when I thought I could slack off, someone comes to disturb me. How annoying!”
In a room filled with the scent of ink and tea, an elderly man in his sixties reclined on a lounge chair behind a desk piled high with documents. He held a teacup in his hand, gently swirling it, and muttered impatiently upon sensing a visitor.
“Name?” the old man asked coldly, without opening his eyes.
“You Su,” the black-robed youth replied calmly, adding, “The ‘You’ from ‘roaming’ and the ‘Su’ from ‘perilla.’”
Hearing this, Elder Liu finally opened his half-closed eyes and glanced at You Su. His gaze was sharp, though his tone remained stern.
“So, you’re the Thirteenth Elder’s newly accepted true disciple, You Su?”
“Indeed, I am,” You Su replied respectfully, bowing.
“You finally decided to show up!” Elder Liu snorted, his expression displeased. “Every disciple, regardless of status, must report to the Scripture Hall upon joining the Mystic Firmament Sect. Yet, you delayed for over five days. Do you think being a true disciple exempts you from the rules? Or do you believe that as the Thirteenth Elder’s disciple, I, a minor elder, should come to you instead?”
You Su felt a bit puzzled. Elder Liu was, of course, one of the twenty-three minor elders. He couldn’t help but feel that the elder’s complaints weren’t directed at him but rather at his master, the Thirteenth Elder, who was a grand elder.
“I meant no disrespect, and neither did my master,” You Su said sincerely. After a moment’s thought, he added, “My delay was my fault, but it was also due to something my master said.”
Elder Liu raised an eyebrow, his wrinkled brow furrowing. “What did she say?”
“My master told me that Elder Liu has served diligently in the Scripture Hall for a century and is highly respected within the sect. As a newcomer, I should prepare a modest gift to show my respect.”
You Su straightened up and continued apologetically, “Unfortunately, I’m a bit slow-witted and spent a long time deciding on the gift, which caused the delay.”
As soon as he finished speaking, You Su produced an elegantly packaged canister of tea. It was a refreshing and fragrant white magnolia tea.
Elder Liu’s white eyebrows twitched. He pressed lightly on the armrest, and the lounge chair tilted forward, bringing him to a seated position. He glanced at the tea canister in You Su’s hand, then at the tea in his own cup, and finally at the young man’s face. A faint smile appeared on his lips.
“You have a thoughtful heart. I never expected my meager contributions to be noticed by the reclusive Thirteenth Elder. Reporting within seven days of joining the sect is acceptable. It’s just that I’m impatient, busy, and dislike delays. Since I can’t go up to Lotus Peak, I asked the Third Elder to urge you. You’ve done nothing wrong. Take the gift back.”
You Su smiled faintly. At first, he thought Elder Liu harbored some resentment toward his master, but upon closer consideration, he realized that wasn’t the case. Elder Liu seemed more like an overworked office worker eager to retire, annoyed by anyone who disrupted his routine.
“Elder Liu, this isn’t an apology gift. It’s a greeting gift.”
“Enough of that. Let’s finish the formalities first.”
You Su wisely fell silent.
“Your birth date, age, place of origin, family background, and your history before joining the sect—tell me everything.”
You Su complied, though he was slightly surprised when the brush on the desk began writing on its own.
“Eighteen years old, mid-stage Spirit Platform Realm, and blind?!”
Elder Liu scrutinized You Su, then picked up his teacup to take a sip, hoping to mask his astonishment. However, remembering the white magnolia tea in You Su’s hand, he found his own tea tasteless and set the cup down.
“If you’re blind, why don’t you cover your eyes with a blindfold?”
“My eyes aren’t sensitive to light, nor are they grotesque. Why should I cover them?”
Elder Liu stared at You Su’s clear but sightless eyes and asked, “If you don’t use a cane or cover your eyes, how will people know you’re blind?”
You Su’s lips curled into a slight smile. “I’ve never considered my blindness something special. Why should I make it known?”
Elder Liu gave him a meaningful look before changing the subject.
“Reaching your level of cultivation at your age is indeed impressive. However, the path of cultivation is a long and arduous one. Being ahead for a moment means little. The Mystic Firmament Sect is filled with hidden talents, so don’t let arrogance cloud your judgment.”
“I will remember your advice, Elder Liu.”
Elder Liu asked a few more simple questions, which You Su answered truthfully.
“Here.”
Elder Liu finally stood up and handed a wooden token to You Su. It was the proof of being a true disciple of the Mystic Firmament Sect.
Normally, he would have simply tossed the token to the disciple. However, knowing that You Su was blind, he felt a sense of respect and handed it over personally.
“Thank you, Elder Liu.”
“Mm. Follow me. Once the test is done, we’re finished.” Elder Liu walked out of the room at a leisurely pace.
You Su didn’t rush to follow. Instead, he placed the tea canister on the desk.
“What are you doing? I told you to take it back.”
“I’m afraid I might not have free hands during the test, so I’ll leave it here for now.”
“Remember to take it with you.”
Elder Liu gave the blind youth a deep look before continuing to lead the way.
“Aren’t you going to ask what the test is?”
Elder Liu walked ahead without turning around, speaking casually.
“Whatever comes, I’ll face it. Asking or not asking makes no difference.”
“True, but this test might be a bit unfair to you.”
As soon as he finished speaking, Elder Liu stopped. Before him stood two massive stone gates.
Together, they formed a double-door entrance. Carved on the gates was a majestic depiction of the Eternal Height Divine Mountain, exuding a sense of grandeur and sanctity. The ethereal clouds and towering mountain seemed almost alive, as if they were more than mere carvings.
You Su couldn’t see the carvings, but he could feel the overwhelming weight emanating from the gates.
“Only those personally accepted by an elder are called true disciples. True disciples are of great significance to the Mystic Firmament Sect. Throughout history, there have been countless prodigies, but not all of them could become true disciples of the Mystic Firmament Sect. Only those with the right temperament can enter the Divine Mountain and become true disciples. Although the Thirteenth Elder has accepted you as her disciple and must have assessed your temperament, we still need to follow the procedure.”
“This gate is a divine artifact passed down for five thousand years. Legend has it that it was carved by the Eternal Height Immortal Ancestor himself, specifically for the purpose of revealing one’s true nature. It is now kept here by the Mystic Firmament Sect. Everyone who comes to the Divine Mountain has their own reasons and desires. When you see the mountain on the gate, you will see the desires in your heart. The key to opening the gate lies within.”
After hearing Elder Liu’s explanation, You Su understood why the elder had said the test was unfair to him. As a blind person, he couldn’t see the mountain, let alone find the key.
“The Scripture Hall is open to all disciples, but that doesn’t mean its contents are ordinary. It is because of its vast and inclusive collection. Behind this gate lie the most precious treasures of the Scripture Hall. True disciples who open the gate can obtain an ancient text from the hall.”
“Are there true disciples who fail to open the gate?” You Su asked.
“Of course. Those who fail to meet the temperament requirements will be stripped of their true disciple status. The Mystic Firmament Sect doesn’t nurture potential threats. However, true disciples are carefully selected by the elders, so failures are rare.”
Elder Liu sighed inwardly as he watched You Su silently scan the stone mountain carving. The eyes are the windows to the soul, and lacking vision poses many obstacles on the path of cultivation. He wasn’t optimistic about You Su’s future.
“If you can’t make sense of it, I can open the gate for you. After all, your blindness is a special circumstance. However, I can’t guarantee what book you’ll receive, or if you’ll receive one at all.”
Elder Liu stroked his white beard, hoping to see some unease or discomfort on the blind youth’s face, but he found none. You Su simply stared silently at the stone gate. Elder Liu nodded slightly in approval. The young man’s composure alone was admirable.
In truth, Elder Liu had known about You Su’s blindness beforehand. The esteemed First Elder had personally informed him, granting You Su the privilege of having the gate opened for him if he couldn’t do it himself.
“I’d like to try.”
You Su suddenly spoke, and Elder Liu looked at him in surprise.
“Can you see the mountain gate?”
You Su shook his head. In his vision, there was only a blur of ancient green, and the Divine Mountain was shrouded in mist.
“If you can’t see the gate, you can’t open it. Why trouble yourself?”
Elder Liu could understand You Su’s stubborn pride as a blind prodigy. It was only natural for someone with such a rare talent to refuse to be stopped by a gate due to their blindness.
You Su continued to face the gate, unwavering.
As he stared at it, a strange intuition arose within him—something behind the gate was calling to him.
This intuition was strong, and it made You Su acutely aware that if he wanted to obtain it, he would have to open the gate himself.
“Elder Liu, you’re mistaken.”
You Su took two more steps forward and smiled.
“The Immortal Ancestor’s power is vast. The purpose of this gate is to reveal one’s true nature, not to see the mountain gate. Although my eyes are clouded, my heart is no different from anyone else’s. How can it be said that a blind person cannot understand their true nature? Elder Liu, don’t underestimate the blind.”
Elder Liu stared at You Su, whose demeanor had suddenly changed, and felt that he had indeed underestimated the young man.
“Do as you wish. If you can’t open it, call for me. Young people shouldn’t be too concerned with saving face.”
At the same time, You Su’s spiritual sense had fully enveloped the stone gate. Unfortunately, he could only make out its general outline, unable to see its true form.
You Su frowned. Had he guessed wrong? Had the Immortal Ancestor truly not considered the blind when creating this gate?
With Elder Liu nearby, You Su couldn’t risk forcibly opening his eyes. He took a deep breath to calm himself.
This gate was meant to reveal one’s true nature. Since everyone’s nature was different, the key to opening it would also be different.
So, what was his key?
At that moment, You Su felt a strange sensation at his waist. It was his Black Pine Sword, trembling as if responding to his confusion!
The sword was his key!
You Su felt a sudden realization. With a “swish,” the Black Pine Sword unsheathed itself and was now held before him, its blade pointed directly at the massive stone gates carved with the Divine Mountain.
Elder Liu was shocked. He observed You Su’s aura, which had become intertwined with the gate, indicating that he had entered a state of self-reflection. He didn’t dare to interrupt You Su’s seemingly disrespectful actions, as the First Elder had told him:
“If You Su can open the gate, it will be an unprecedented feat! Do not disturb him!”
Elder Liu watched as You Su stood still, holding his sword, and felt the growing sword intent emanating from the young man, who was only at the Spirit Platform Realm. He was lost in thought for a long time.
A voice suddenly snapped him out of it:
“Old Liu, when did you get this canister of white magnolia tea? This is top-quality tea! You old fox, trying to hide it from me, huh? I caught you!”
The speaker was an elderly man, plump and jovial, yet not appearing greasy or aged. He was one of the twenty-three minor elders, Elder Zhu.
Elder Liu snapped out of his reverie and glared at the newcomer. “Quiet! That’s not my tea. It’s his!”
Elder Zhu followed Elder Liu’s gaze and saw a young man holding a sword, preparing to open the mountain gate. He was startled and immediately moved to stop him.
Elder Liu quickly blocked him. “Don’t! That’s You Su!”
“You Su?!”
Elder Zhu and Elder Liu were close friends, so he had heard about You Su from the latter. “Is he trying to force the gate open?”
“Take a closer look.”
Every elder in the Mystic Firmament Sect was at least at the Feather Transformation Realm. Elder Zhu’s chubby face trembled in shock.
“This is the first time someone has used an external object to enter a meditative state. How long has he been at it?”
Elder Liu glanced at the incense burner on the corridor’s side. A stick of sandalwood incense had already burned out.
“One stick of incense.”
Elder Zhu nodded, his earlier teasing demeanor replaced by seriousness. He took a few steps forward and looked at You Su’s furrowed brows. “In just one stick of incense, he’s already reached the stage of questioning his own heart?”
“Let’s wait and see…” Elder Liu sighed softly.
In You Su’s consciousness, it was as if his soul had left his body, breaking through layers of mist.
In his eyes, the image of the two stone gates gradually became clearer. The Divine Mountain carving even began to take on real colors, as if he were truly standing before a towering, majestic peak.
You Su stood at the foot of the giant mountain, and a powerful voice echoed through the heavens and earth.
“Why do you climb the mountain?”
You Su replied, “I climb to cultivate the Dao.”
“Your eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, mouth, and mind—you lack one sense. Your Dao is incomplete. Descend the mountain.”
You Su said, “I cultivate the Dao to complete my seven senses.”
“Your eyes are unclouded, yet you cannot see. This is the will of heaven. Lacking the sense of sight is a blessing for you. Descend the mountain.”
“Can the will of heaven not be defied?”
You Su gripped his sword hilt, feeling amused. Who could judge the value of another’s experiences? His sword intent surged as he shouted:
“I insist on seeing this world!”
“To see the heavens and earth, to see all living beings, to see oneself, or to see the truth? I grant you one. Descend the mountain.”
A thousand-pound weight pressed down on You Su, immobilizing him.
You Su’s smile didn’t waver. With great effort, he took a step forward, his neck straining as veins bulged. He roared at the mountain peak:
“I want it all!”
His sword unsheathed with a sharp ring, and a surge of sword energy shot into the sky.
In an instant, the mountain and forest fell silent, and the space around him shattered like a broken mirror.
To the stunned elders, the ancient and heavy gate had already opened. The black-robed youth sheathed his sword and calmly walked into the unfathomable darkness beyond the gate.