Chapter 144 The Unpredictable Sword of the Heretic
When will you tell Mazao the truth?
This question had naturally been swirling in my mind for a long time. I had conceived countless angles from which to approach it and had prepared more than one draft in my mind. Some were subtle, some were direct; some were pretentious, and some were heartfelt. From a purely technical point of view, I can say that I couldn't be more prepared.
However, for me, what I really needed to do was not skill, but immense courage to confess my true desires to Asaho and tell her that I was not a pushover but a villain who wanted to use her jinxed nature to satisfy my own desires.
I must overcome my anxiety and fear of loss. But I'm terrified that Asahaya will leave me. What if all my prepared plans are useless? If I could forcefully keep Asahaya by my side, I wouldn't be so timid.
No, perhaps it's because I had the idea of forcibly imprisoning her, and I knew how shameful that idea was, that I avoided exposing it to the light of day.
I must overcome my own evil while being aware of it.
"I can tell from your expression, Senior Brother Zhuang. You must be thinking about something that seems really abstract again." Zhu Shi looked at my face. "Actually, it's not that complicated. As long as you explain it properly, Ma Zao will definitely understand you."
"You don't understand, this matter is very complicated."
“That’s just because you’re too close to the situation to see things clearly,” she said.
The next day at noon, Zhu Shi asked me to go out, and we met in a small grove on the campus of Xianshui University.
I've been attending classes at Saltwater University lately, but I've also been taking more absences. Right now, I'm more concerned about the other world than attending classes. Zhu Shi also occasionally takes leave, but most of the time she's attending classes as usual. Chang An hasn't been going to university at all lately; she seems to be busy breaking the seal on the demon bloodline.
Zhu Shi invited me out to discuss the topic of the Unstable Path of the Outer Path. Luo Shan has completed all the necessary procedures, and I am now officially the Unstable Path of the Luo Shan. According to Lu Youxun, the procedures were so "slow" because I disguised myself as an ordinary, powerful fire-element user. Otherwise, these procedures could be completed by applying after breakfast and before lunch, or even the act of "going through the procedures" itself wouldn't exist.
Zhu Shi handed me the certificate proving my status as a member of the heretical sect Wuchang, which looked somewhat like a police ID. However, compared to this, the true material proof of Wuchang's status was something else entirely. It was said that in Luoshan, only by displaying this item could one truly be considered "Wuchang."
This item is the "Sword of Impermanence".
Because I am a heretic and impermanent being, what Zhu Shi gave me should be called the "Heretic Impermanent Sword".
This sword is similar in appearance to Zhu Shi's Yama Sword, or rather, to the standard Impermanence Sword. The heretical Impermanence Sword has a black hilt, a silver blade, and a white tassel. The Impermanence Sword, on the other hand, has a red tassel. This is the only visual difference between the two Impermanence Swords.
Incidentally, because they can be hidden under normal circumstances, neither type of the Impermanence Sword has a scabbard. The Yama Sword is forged because it cannot be hidden, hence the need for a custom-made scabbard.
I gripped the Unpredictable Sword of the Heretic in my hand. The heavy, metallic feel of the weapon sent a surge of inexplicable heat through me. Although I possess the superpower to transform my spirit into flames, even without using it, my mental state was practically burning. To be honest, in my excitement, I couldn't help but worry that I might accidentally overdo it and unleash my superpower, blowing the entire forest into the air.
In terms of practicality, this sword is far less powerful than my superpower, but it is a sword, and its name is something like "The Sword of the Heretic's Impermanence," which is practically stabbing me in the heart.
In any case, this sword is now my own weapon.
"I've also given you the instruction manual for the Unpredictable Sword of the Heretic. You can figure out how to use it by studying it a bit when you get home," Zhu Shi explained. "You've seen the power of the sword before; it enhances the user's physical abilities and can also release sword energy. As for the attributes of the sword energy, they are related to the nature of your magic. If you use it, it should be fire-type sword energy, right?"
She paused slightly, then added, "Furthermore, neither the Impermanent Sword nor the External Path Impermanent Sword has any hidden power, nor does it contain a sword spirit that reflects your inner world. Even if you sit and meditate with the sword on your knees for a long time, you will not be able to unleash the so-called true name or enter the second stage of liberation. Remember not to become too obsessed."
"...Why do you have to explain all this to me? It makes it seem like I'm really going to get addicted." As I spoke, I guiltily looked away.
She said in a serious tone, "Actually, it's not just you I'm saying this. I've heard that in the last ten years or so, many new Impermanents who have received the Impermanent Sword have been specifically instructed on these things, so that they won't waste their precious cultivation time communicating with the cold weapon after they get the Impermanent Sword, or even torment themselves to the point of going into a state of demonic possession."
Upon hearing this, I couldn't help but glance at her a few more times.
"What's wrong?" she asked, puzzled.
I spoke my mind directly: "While everyone else's Impermanence Sword is just a cold, lifeless weapon, your Yama Sword truly has the ability to communicate and possesses hidden power, doesn't it...?"
“…Yes, is there a problem?” She looked away.
"So you often sit and meditate with your sword on your knees, thinking all day about how to enter the second stage of liberation?" I said. "And I've been wondering for a long time why you always wear that straw hat and raincoat when you enter battle. I've cooperated with you more than once, and I can't see any special meaning in that outfit."
"Cough...cough cough! My Yama Sword is different from the ordinary Impermanence Sword. It really requires communication with the mind. How...how can you say that I have some kind of chuunibyou or evil eyes!" Her face turned red, and her voice became louder than usual.
"I didn't say it went to that extent. And I always feel like you're deliberately ignoring something..."
Before I could finish speaking, she interrupted me loudly, "If there's nothing else, I have to go back to class!"
"Don't go yet, there's something else I'd like to ask for your opinion on. If you're not in a rush, you can listen to me before you go to class," I said.
She asked quickly, "Is there anything else?"
“I met a person who claimed to be the Lord of the Divine Seal,” I said.
(End of this chapter)
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com