Chapter 1084: Xu Xiaoshou, Do You Want to Learn Sword?

Xu Xiaoshou looked up and saw a middle-aged man with short black hair, a simple black outfit, and clean-shaven cheeks. His eyes were clear and deep, and he had a calm demeanor.

This man was truly powerful, much more so than Xue Qichen.

His gaze swept over Xu Xiaoshou, lingering for a moment on the Sword Intent behind him. His eyes seemed to pierce through the illusions and directly perceive the essence of the Sword Intent.

"An innate sword heart, a perfect foundation, and a mind of pure emptiness," he softly muttered, as if talking to himself. "Truly a rare talent."

Xu Xiaoshou, surprised, quickly bowed and said, "Greetings, Senior."

The man nodded slightly and asked, "You are Xu Xiaoshou, correct?"

"Yes, that is me," Xu Xiaoshou replied, his mind racing. How did this person know his name? Could it be...

"I am Wen Dao," the man introduced himself calmly.

Wen Dao?

The name sounded somewhat familiar to Xu Xiaoshou. He felt he had heard it somewhere before. He quickly searched his memory.

Ah, Wen Dao! He was one of the strongest swordsmen in the Eastern Region, a legendary figure who rarely appeared publicly. He was said to be as elusive as a phantom.

This level of expert... why would he suddenly appear here?

Wen Dao looked at Xu Xiaoshou and asked directly, "Do you want to learn the sword?"

The question was so sudden and straightforward that Xu Xiaoshou was taken aback.

Learn the sword?

He had always been pursuing the path of the sword. His Innate Sword Heart was a testament to that.

However, with his current chaotic cultivation path, which involved various ancient and modern techniques, the path of the sword was just one part of his overall plan.

And what kind of sword did Wen Dao teach?

Could it be the legendary Sword Art of the Empty Realm?

Xu Xiaoshou hesitated for a moment, then asked cautiously, "Senior Wen Dao, what kind of sword art do you teach?"

Wen Dao smiled faintly, a hint of playfulness in his eyes. "It's just some random sword techniques I've developed."

Random sword techniques?

Xu Xiaoshou didn't believe him. This was the legendary Wen Dao! His "random sword techniques" would be extraordinary.

He thought for a moment and decided to be honest. "Senior Wen Dao, I already have a Master. He is a great swordsman."

He was referring to Bazun'an. Although Bazun'an's guidance was somewhat sporadic, he had indeed taught Xu Xiaoshou some profound sword concepts.

Wen Dao nodded and said, "I know. However, Bazun'an's path is not suitable for you."

Bazun'an's path is not suitable for me?

Xu Xiaoshou was confused. Bazun'an was a peak expert, and his understanding of the sword was unparalleled. How could his path not be suitable for him?

"Your sword heart is pure and empty, while Bazun'an's sword is filled with defiance and rebellion," Wen Dao explained patiently. "His path is destructive, while your path should be constructive."

Destructive and constructive?

Xu Xiaoshou pondered Wen Dao's words. He had felt a sense of wildness and untamed power in Bazun'an's sword. It was indeed a path of destruction, tearing down all obstacles.

His own sword heart, however, felt more like a tranquil lake, capable of reflecting the myriad of things in the world. It was a path of understanding and creation.

Perhaps Wen Dao was right.

"Senior Wen Dao, can you explain more about this constructive path?" Xu Xiaoshou asked, his curiosity piqued.

Wen Dao gestured towards the Sword Intent behind Xu Xiaoshou. "Your Sword Intent is nascent but full of potential. It is like a blank canvas, waiting to be painted upon. The constructive path is about using the sword to create, to build, to understand the world."

He continued, "Bazun'an's sword is a hammer, smashing everything. Your sword should be a brush, painting the world with your understanding."

Xu Xiaoshou was deeply moved by Wen Dao's explanation. It resonated with something deep within him. He had always felt a connection to the world through his cultivation, a desire to understand its mysteries.

"Senior Wen Dao, I... I am willing to learn from you," Xu Xiaoshou said, his voice filled with sincerity.

Wen Dao smiled warmly. "Good. From now on, you are my disciple."

He extended his hand, and a simple wooden sword appeared in his palm. It looked ordinary, but Xu Xiaoshou could feel an ancient and powerful energy radiating from it.

"This is the Sword of Emptiness," Wen Dao said, handing the sword to Xu Xiaoshou. "It will guide you on the path of emptiness."

Xu Xiaoshou took the sword reverently. As his fingers touched the wood, he felt a surge of energy flow into his body, strengthening his Sword Intent.

"Thank you, Master," he said, a new sense of purpose filling him.

Wen Dao nodded and said, "Now, let's begin your training. The path of emptiness is not easy, but with your talent, you will surely succeed."

And so, under the guidance of Wen Dao, Xu Xiaoshou began his journey on the path of emptiness, a journey that would lead him to new heights of power and understanding.

However, before they could begin, Wen Dao's gaze fell upon the unconscious Xue Qichen lying nearby.

"What should we do with him?" Xu Xiaoshou asked.

Wen Dao smiled and said, "He is a test. And you have passed."

He waved his hand, and Xue Qichen's body began to dematerialize, disappearing into thin air.

Xu Xiaoshou was surprised. "He... he's gone?"

"He was never truly here," Wen Dao said, his eyes twinkling. "This was just a projection, a test of your character and strength."

Xu Xiaoshou was amazed. He had faced a powerful opponent, and it was all just an illusion?

"Master, what kind of test was this?" he asked.

Wen Dao smiled and said, "It was a test of your understanding of the world, of your ability to see through illusions and perceive the truth."

He looked at Xu Xiaoshou with pride. "You have a pure heart and a sharp mind. You are worthy of the path of emptiness."

Xu Xiaoshou felt a warmth spread through his chest. He had passed a test he didn't even know he was taking.

"Now," Wen Dao said, his voice becoming serious, "let us begin your training. The path of emptiness requires a disciplined mind and a pure heart."

He led Xu Xiaoshou to a clearing in the forest, and they began their first lesson.

The training was intense, pushing Xu Xiaoshou to his limits. He learned to control his emotions, to clear his mind of distractions, and to focus his entire being on the sword.

Under Wen Dao's guidance, his understanding of the sword deepened, and his Sword Intent grew stronger. He felt a sense of connection to the universe, a sense of harmony with everything around him.

As he trained, he also learned more about Wen Dao. He was not only a powerful swordsman but also a wise and compassionate teacher. He shared his knowledge and insights freely, and he always encouraged Xu Xiaoshou to think for himself.

Days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months. Xu Xiaoshou's progress was remarkable. He mastered the basic techniques of the Empty Realm Sword Art and began to explore its deeper mysteries.

He learned to use the sword to create illusions, to manipulate reality, and to understand the emptiness of all things.

As he delved deeper into the path of emptiness, he also began to understand himself better. He realized that his desire for power was not just for self-preservation but also for the protection of those he cared about.

One day, after a particularly intense training session, Xu Xiaoshou asked Wen Dao, "Master, what is the ultimate goal of the path of emptiness?"

Wen Dao smiled and said, "The ultimate goal is to achieve complete understanding of the universe, to become one with the emptiness, and to transcend all limitations."

He paused for a moment, then added, "However, that is a long and difficult journey. For now, your goal is to master the Empty Realm Sword Art and to use it to help others."

Xu Xiaoshou nodded, a sense of determination filling him. He knew that he had a long way to go, but with Wen Dao's guidance, he was confident that he could achieve his goals.

And so, he continued his training, dedicating himself to the path of emptiness, and preparing himself for the challenges that lay ahead.