Chapter 353 – The Elder's Advice on Swordsmanship

“The martial world is truly like a centipede that dies but doesn’t stiffen—who knows how many secrets lie hidden in the shadows? But on the surface, Mount Shu Swordsmanship stands unparalleled. Therefore, if you wish to establish yourself in this world, you must possess an exceptional skill.”

As he spoke, the Elder’s tone carried clear advisory intent. He continued, “To be frank, when I first saw you, I already sensed something dangerous about you. Now it appears we all severely underestimated just how dangerous you are. Even a renowned Tycoon like the Cremation King has fallen at your hands—merely thinking about it is thrilling!”

Upon hearing this, Ye Kuang casually reclined on the sofa and chuckled, “So could I take this as your approval of my methods, old sir?”

“Naturally.” The Elder responded with a light laugh before mirroring Ye Kuang’s posture by reclining on the opposite sofa, his expression turning grave. “However, you might not yet realize how precarious your current situation is. Never mind that Cremation King’s followers have sworn to sacrifice you to the heavens to appease his spirit…”

Ye Kuang interrupted, “Wait, are you saying our elimination of Cremation King can no longer be concealed? Who else is secretly stirring trouble?”

His restlessness became visibly apparent as he spoke.

Observing this, the Elder maintained unusual calmness: “The Eight Kings may appear divided, but they share common interests. Losing one member wouldn’t normally matter much. Unfortunately, times have changed—one king’s death means rising stars will soon emerge.”

“What do you mean?” Ye Kuang asked, clearly sensing something ominous in the Elder’s words.

After prolonged hesitation, the Elder explained: “You might not understand—when newcomers realize established masters can be defeated, they’ll no longer remain subordinate. Mark my words, we’ll frequently hear astonishing news of rising stars challenging long-renowned experts.”

“Endless unrest—the chaotic era descends!”

Though Ye Kuang didn’t fully comprehend these seven words echoing in his ears, he couldn’t deny his mind had begun racing.

“Are you saying these rising stars will drag established Tycoons into their battles for supremacy?”

No sooner had he spoken than he added in confusion, “But what does this have to do with me?”

It was evident he hadn’t yet grasped the severity of the situation.

The Elder sighed inwardly at this response.

Composing himself, the Elder patiently clarified: “Consider this—what would be their most convenient pretext for taking action?”

Ye Kuang froze at these words.

Only at this moment did he realize that killing Cremation King was merely the beginning—the true consequence would be attracting countless ambitious experts seeking to use him as leverage in their bid for Tycoon status.

In other words, while ostensibly avenging Cremation King, they’d actually be using the conflict to boost their reputation and rapidly ascend the hierarchy.

And who would become their stepping stone?

Naturally, it would be Ye Kuang himself!At this thought, Ye Kuang suddenly stood up and asked, “Damn, so that kid has become a hot commodity. Once they all come out in full force, every single one of them will be aiming to kill me. Does that kid even have a chance to survive?”

“Hahaha, only realizing it now?” Upon hearing this, the Elder couldn’t help but brew a cup of tea before speaking leisurely, “But why haven’t I noticed any trace of nervousness in you?”

With these words, it was clear that the Elder’s expression seemed somewhat off.

On the contrary, Ye Kuang naturally understood the severity of the situation. It seemed that continuing the discussion wouldn’t change anything, so he could only shrug coldly and say, “If they come, so be it—it just means one more to kill. But if they don’t, wouldn’t that kid have to live in constant fear?”

As he spoke, his gaze suddenly sharpened, and he said with a light laugh, “You, old man, can’t just stand by and watch him die.”

The Elder: “Of course not, and this is precisely the conclusion we’ve all agreed upon. To survive, you must possess a unique skill. Mount Shu Swordsmanship might be your only way out.”

“Grow stronger, then stronger still—so strong that no one dares to provoke you, so strong that no one dares to gossip about you!”

Hearing this, Ye Kuang couldn’t help but focus intently, clearly agreeing with the Elder’s words.

And this brings to mind: throughout history, those who have stood at the peak like towering mountains have all possessed Ultimate Skills, so powerful as to inspire fear.

Ye Kuang: “Is Mount Shu Swordsmanship really that formidable?”

The Elder: “You really dare to say such things. From the sound of it, you seem somewhat resistant. Well, let me tell you—Mount Shu Sword is more than just strong. With one sword, it commands heaven, earth, and humanity, earning the title of Sword Sovereign in the world. If you can master this swordsmanship, not only will you be able to protect yourself, but you might also use it to slay all who come against you, thus embarking on a Dao Inquiry in the martial world!”

But then, shifting the topic, the Elder continued, “Just as martial arts have Realms, so does the way of the sword. Once you fully comprehend it, using swordsmanship to pursue Dao Inquiry might not be without a glimmer of hope!”

“Oh…” Hearing this, Ye Kuang couldn’t help but secretly breathe a sigh of relief and slumped onto the sofa.

Clearly, he was deeply astonished by the potential path of swordsmanship.

Seeing this, the Elder was naturally pleased and chuckled, “The change in your expression—can I take it as a sign of interest?”

“Since you’ve already noticed, old man, why bother asking?” As he spoke, Ye Kuang couldn’t help but think to himself: I wonder how the Profound Sword compares to the Mount Shu Sword Dao?

Little did he know that the Elder’s advice would eventually forge a master among masters, one who would later be known as the Sword God.

But of course, that’s getting ahead of the story.

Ye Kuang: “Then I must ask you, old man—if my strength exceeds the scope of your control, does that mean I’ve reached my limit?”

“…” Upon hearing this, the Elder couldn’t help but be inwardly startled.

But unexpectedly, Ye Kuang looked directly into the Elder’s eyes and said, word by word, “In the past, I thought nothing could bind body and mind. But what I’ve seen and heard now forces me to plan for the future and speak frankly in advance.”

The Elder: “Go on.”Ye Kuang, seeing this, couldn’t help but straighten his posture before asking, “Don’t tell me you’re doing this for my own good. Speak truthfully—what exactly are you thinking? If I become powerful enough to be invincible, who would still have the qualifications to restrain me?”

Hearing this, the Elder couldn’t help but sigh and say, “Your growth was indeed unexpected, but it’s undeniable that your talent is exceptionally fearsome!”

Yet as the Elder’s tone shifted, he declared, “Perhaps precisely because of this, we are actually quite pleased to see it happen!”

Upon hearing this, Ye Kuang couldn’t help but secretly breathe a sigh of relief and chuckled, “Then, could this youngster also assume that for the sake of your ‘pleased to see it happen,’ I must exert myself to the utmost, even to the point of death?”

“With my current meager level of cultivation, I may not be able to stride unhindered in Dao Inquiry, but I’m certainly not someone any random nobody can handle. Why should I go to Mount Shu to study swordsmanship?”

“Whether to accept it or not is entirely up to you. We are merely offering unanimous advice, for having a reputation without genuine skill is like poison that stifles your growth. And the renowned Mount Shu Sword may be your only way out,” the Elder said.

After these words were spoken, only one person in the hall was left muttering to himself.

That person was Ye Kuang, lost in deep thought.

As for the Elder, he had long since vanished like a divine dragon, leaving no trace behind.