Volume One: The First Steps into the Dao Chapter Sixty-four: Perhaps It’s Worth Starting Over

Sun Yu suddenly stepped down from the stage, drawing the attention of everyone present. Curious, they watched him, wondering what he intended to do. Yet Sun Yu’s purpose was clear; though he noticed their gazes, he paid them no mind, striding directly toward Ye Junze’s location.

As everyone followed Sun Yu’s path, they realized his target seemed to be the student with the long white hair. Their curiosity intensified, and all began to speculate about the teacher’s actions.

Meanwhile, Ye Junze, his head bowed and lost in thought, remained oblivious to Sun Yu’s approach. He still gripped the sword he had manifested, his brows furrowed, deep in contemplation.

Even when Sun Yu came to stand beside him, Ye Junze showed no sign of noticing. Watching Ye Junze’s troubled expression, Sun Yu couldn’t help but speak: “What are you thinking about? You look so serious.”

At the sound of Sun Yu’s voice, Ye Junze finally snapped back to reality, noticing the teacher’s arrival.

Ye Junze looked up, confusion in his eyes, and said, “Ah, teacher, why have you come over?”

“I saw you manage to manifest a weapon over there, but judging by your demeanor, you don’t seem happy.” As he spoke, Sun Yu’s gaze fell upon the sword in Ye Junze’s hand. Observing it closely, he found it to be a remarkable weapon.

Looking at Ye Junze, Sun Yu inwardly marveled, “To manifest such an impressive weapon on your first attempt at cultivation—this student’s talent is truly extraordinary.”

Yet Ye Junze, upon hearing the question, replied, “But I still feel dissatisfied, as if something is missing from this sword in my hand.”

“Missing something?” Sun Yu echoed, puzzled. From his observation, the sword Ye Junze had manifested was exceptional in appearance and strength, showing no signs of lacking. Therefore, he asked, “If you don’t mind, could you let me take a closer look at your sword?”

Ye Junze had no objection; he understood the teacher meant to help solve his problem. He readily said, “Of course,” and handed the manifested sword to Sun Yu.

Taking the sword from Ye Junze, Sun Yu raised his finger and lightly flicked the tip. Instantly, the sword rang out with a clear, melodious sound of metal striking metal.

Hearing the pleasant sound, Sun Yu thought privately, “It truly seems to be a fine sword. But what could possibly be missing?”

Sun Yu did not doubt Ye Junze’s words, for he knew the Imagery Guidance technique was intimately connected to the cultivator’s mind. Some things were easily sensed by the practitioner alone. Sun Yu remembered his own first cultivation, when he had felt much the same as Ye Junze, only resolving the issue after some inspiration.

Collecting his thoughts, Sun Yu considered, “Since it’s not the sword’s appearance, could it be that its power is insufficient?”

“Perhaps I should test it.” With this in mind, Sun Yu glanced at a nearby stone stele.

He channeled spiritual energy into the sword, then swung it forcefully toward the stele. As he did, the tip of the sword emitted a visible surge of dense sword energy, and everyone—including Ye Junze—watched as a blade of energy, about a foot long, shot toward the stele.

As the sword energy struck the stele, the crowd’s eyes widened. After a familiar sound, the top of the stele was sliced cleanly off.

The scene shocked everyone, stirring a commotion.

Sun Yu also witnessed the event, and looking at the sword in his hand, he couldn’t help but praise, “A marvelous blade!”

After this test, Sun Yu understood that while his own cultivation played a part in the demonstration, the prerequisite was that the manifested sword could withstand the powerful spiritual energy he infused. Thus, he concluded the sword itself was flawless.

Sun Yu handed the sword back to Ye Junze and said, “I don’t believe I know your name yet.”

Ye Junze took the sword and replied, “Teacher, my name is Ye Junze.”

At this, Sun Yu’s expression shifted to one of sudden realization. “So you’re Ye Junze!”

Ye Junze saw the look, as if Sun Yu had heard of him before, and asked, “Yes, it’s me. Is something the matter, teacher?”

Sun Yu recalled the stories he’d heard from Li Xi and Yin Jia in recent days concerning Ye Junze, and he grew excited.

Hearing Ye Junze’s question, Sun Yu waved his hand and said, “It’s nothing. Let’s return to your earlier problem.”

“Alright, please continue, teacher,” Ye Junze replied earnestly.

“Based on my test, your manifested sword is without flaw. I’m sure you saw for yourself—its appearance and strength are exceptional,” Sun Yu said.

Ye Junze nodded, “Yes, I saw.”

Sun Yu continued, “So we can rule out those two issues. The key now is your own feeling. Can you tell me what feels missing to you?”

“Teacher, it’s hard to say exactly what’s missing, but I vaguely sense that this sword isn’t what I truly need. From the moment I manifested it, I felt as though something was lacking—a sense of connection. If I must put it into words, it feels less than lively,” Ye Junze replied.

Sun Yu nodded in understanding. “So, you mean the sword doesn’t quite suit your heart’s desire?”

Ye Junze nodded in agreement.

“Then, Ye Junze, could you tell me what you were thinking before you manifested the sword?” Sun Yu asked.

Ye Junze pondered for a moment, then answered, “After I gathered the energy and completed the first step, I kept thinking about what kind of weapon to manifest. I considered many options but wasn’t satisfied, so I recalled the swords from my memory and tried to manifest one. To my surprise, it worked.”

Hearing this, Sun Yu’s gaze flickered briefly, and he fell silent. Inside, however, his thoughts raced. “This fellow truly is remarkable! To think so much and still manifest such a superior sword? Li Xi and Sister Jia were right—his talent is extraordinary.”

Sun Yu couldn’t help but compare Ye Junze to his younger self. Had he thought so much back then? Perhaps, but he certainly hadn’t managed to manifest so easily despite his doubts. Sun Yu wasn’t sure whether Ye Junze’s conviction was too strong or not strong enough.

Ye Junze, seeing Sun Yu’s silence and apparent preoccupation, called softly, “Teacher?”

Sun Yu snapped back to attention, shaking his head and suppressing his thoughts. He said, “I understand your situation now. I have an idea—if you’re willing, would you like to hear it?”

Ye Junze’s eyes brightened with joy. “Of course, please tell me, teacher.”

Sun Yu nodded and said, “Here’s my suggestion. Since you’re unsatisfied with this sword, why not try manifesting a weapon that truly expresses your intentions and desires?”

Ye Junze considered Sun Yu’s words, nodding thoughtfully as he weighed their feasibility.

Seeing his expression, Sun Yu asked again, “What do you think?”

After a moment, Ye Junze decided it was the best approach. He nodded and said, “Alright, let’s do as you say, teacher.”

“Very well. Now, disperse the sword back into its original energy form,” Sun Yu instructed.

Ye Junze followed the instructions, channeling spiritual energy and breaking the sword down into an energy sphere, just as he’d seen on the jade slip earlier.

Watching him, Sun Yu nodded in satisfaction, his admiration for Ye Junze growing.

“Teacher, I’ll begin manifesting anew,” Ye Junze said.

“Good. I’ll check on the other students so I won’t disturb you,” Sun Yu said, waving as he moved away.

Some bold students who had witnessed the entire exchange approached Sun Yu and asked, gossiping, “Teacher, wasn’t that sword pretty good? Why did he destroy it?”

Sun Yu paused, glanced at the questioner, and replied, “I asked him the same thing. As for why he destroyed it, I can only say that people must pursue constant improvement to become stronger.”

Hearing this, the students nodded thoughtfully, as if they understood—though perhaps they understood nothing at all.

Sun Yu offered no further explanation, addressing them instead: “So concerned about others—have you succeeded in manifesting your own weapons? If not, hurry and try.”

At this, the students seemed stung, their faces troubled, and they quickly dispersed, returning to their positions to practice Imagery Guidance.

Sun Yu smiled wryly at the sight, not angry, merely amused by their antics. When everyone had left, Sun Yu glanced back at Ye Junze, a little concerned. Seeing him with eyes closed, clearly starting the manifestation process again, Sun Yu relaxed and moved on to the others.

Ye Junze, meanwhile, was preparing anew in his mind, readying himself for another attempt to manifest.