Chapter 1087: Gentle Mr. Mei, Killing-Style Teaching

"Excellent, excellent, excellent!" Mei Sirén repeated three times, his face beaming. He swiftly stepped forward to help Xu Xiaoshou to his feet. "Get up quickly; I've already told you there's no need for such formalities..."

Despite his words, Mei Sirén fully perceived Xu Xiaoshou's devotion to swordsmanship and his sincerity in seeking mentorship. Though he had pupils scattered across the land, he never revealed his true identity when traveling, lest he stir up unwanted problems. Thus, very few recognized his true appearance.

Most of the time, even after teaching a student swordsmanship, to that student, the so-called "Sword Instructor" was merely a struggling ancient sword practitioner, only searching for a legacy. If a student managed to learn that his surname was "Mei," it signified that the student possessed great talent, and Mei Sirén would then be willing to divulge a little more information. If they realized that the instructor was "Mei Sirén, one of the Seven Sword Immortals," this knowledge would never be disclosed by Mei Sirén personally; it would be up to the student's own wisdom and insight to discover it. To leave after accomplishing a task, concealing one's merits and fame, was the perfect portrayal of Mei Sirén's lifelong dedication to teaching swordsmanship.

His fear was that someone might exploit phrases like "Mr. Ba Ren is my master" to cause mischief everywhere, thereby laying the groundwork for future misfortune for themselves and others. Among the rare few who did realize that Mei Sirén was one of the Seven Sword Immortals and subsequently sought his instruction, those students typically reacted with either "overjoyed ecstasy" or "profound reverence mixed with fear." In any case, it was challenging for them to maintain a calm mindset while pursuing their studies.

When such situations arose, expectations invariably clashed sharply with reality. Mei Sirén had rarely, if ever, seen this type of student make significant achievements in the path of ancient sword cultivation. Naturally, Mei Sirén's benchmark for "significant achievements" was the likes of Ba Zun'an and Wen Ting.

Xu Xiaoshou was very different. Knowing all this, Mei Sirén perceived Xu Xiaoshou's "pure sincerity" in his desire for mentorship—which wasn't even a true apprenticeship—and specifically in his pursuit of swordsmanship. Disregarding all else, his heart yearned only for the Way of the Sword. This quality was truly rare and valuable. Those who practice the sword most often lack this kind of calm detachment.

"I, an old man, am not one for pleasantries or elaborate formalities," Mei Sirén said with a smile, helping Xu Xiaoshou to his feet and observing the respectful yet eagerly anticipating glint in Xu Xiaoshou's eyes for the upcoming sword practice. "My approach to every student is always the same: I simply wish to see them achieve something. Therefore, we won't waste time. Let's get straight to the subject."

He had mentored many students, usually offering only brief pointers. The longest he had ever stayed with a student was for a month, during which he had poured nearly all his knowledge into them. That was a very talented student... Yet, a year after he parted ways with that student, he received news of their demise. Clever people often meet a quicker end. Mei Sirén could only feel regret and powerlessness over this, a situation that further solidified his philosophy of teaching swordsmanship. Excess is as detrimental as deficiency; moderation is paramount.

Thus, even when he encountered Young Master Xu Deyin at the First Heaven Pavilion, Mei Sirén never forced the issue if the individual showed no interest in learning. Even with the exceptionally gifted Xiao Wanfeng present, Mei Sirén offered guidance only a few times. Often, he would only provide pointers "by chance" when they met downstairs. Influenced by various serendipitous encounters, or simply a fleeting whim after a chance encounter, he would briefly offer guidance before disappearing as was his habit. Mei Sirén had never adopted the lengthy introductory customs common among family and sect masters and their direct disciples. He typically went straight to the heart of the matter.

"When I was young and first began my sword practice, the initial technique I cultivated was the 'Heart Sword Technique'," Mei Sirén explained as he drew the second stone sword from his back, slowly advancing. "So, let's begin your instruction with this."

"The Heart Sword Technique..." Xu Xiaoshou, trailing behind, immediately conjured the image of that terrifying "Sword Manifestation" in his mind. He nodded profusely, his heart brimming with excitement. "Alright, the Heart Sword Technique! I like it very much."

"I like it too..." Xiao Kongdong subtly moved forward, thinking, *Mr. Sirén's Heart Sword Technique is indeed very different from my master's; it belongs to a completely different school of thought. I couldn't possibly like it more!*

"The eyes are the windows to the body; the heart is the abode of intent," Mei Sirén began teaching as he stepped forward. "In cultivating the Heart Sword Technique, we are often seeking to rediscover our 'original intent' and find our 'true self'."

"Through mental visualization and the manifestation of intent, these abstract 'willpowers' are condensed into what can be considered a 'physical entity' in a conceptual sense. This entity can then materialize as a discernible 'image' in the eyes of others, subsequently inflicting spiritual damage..."

"This, then, is the grand accomplishment of the 'Heart Sword Technique'." He paused, then continued, "Within the interpretations of the ancient sword cultivation path, specifically the Nine Great Sword Techniques, or the 'Eighteen Sword Flows,' this state is defined as the 'First Realm'. And the First Realm of the Heart Sword Technique is known as 'Divine Buddha Before the Eyes'."

With that, he halted his steps and suddenly turned.

In that instant, within the vast Giant Kingdom, dust swirled on the long street despite the absence of wind, and the desolate quiet was filled with a subtle rustling. To Xu Xiaoshou, Mr. Sirén appeared to do nothing, yet he inexplicably felt diminished, as if considerably inferior. As Mr. Sirén's image expanded in his pupils, the grotesque, gigantic "Sword Manifestation" behind him once again rose, its immense form reaching for the sky.

"Roar!!!"

An invisible, terrifying roar seemed to erupt from within one's very soul.

"Splendid phantom robes, ninety-nine in number; a body steeped in mortal dust, witnessing the decay of emotion. Ghosts defy towers as myriad realms prostrate; the dual Azureless Swords held in hand. The Qiongqi silently nourished within the heart; an outward form decaying like ancient wood. The Four Seas conceal all knowledge and intent; how can one's true nature be known to others?"

Xiao Kongdong, who had once more gazed upon Mei Sirén's Sword Manifestation directly, murmured, his eyes wide with shock. "Indeed, Mr. Sirén has mastered the ultimate, most comprehensive, and most perfect 'Divine Buddha Before the Eyes,' encompassing all Nine Great Sword Techniques!"

Hearing this, Xu Xiaoshou couldn't help but glance sideways. A layman sees the show; an expert sees the method. Xiao Kongdong's few words vividly encapsulated the terrifying Sword Manifestation of Mr. Sirén. When he looked back at the Sword Manifestation again, he indeed discerned the traces of the Nine Great Sword Techniques within it, and his heart was filled with even greater dread.

*To cultivate such perfection... how many years must that take?*

"Focus."

Mei Sirén's smile abruptly vanished. His gaze sharpened, and his entire demeanor shifted dramatically, as if he were addressing two mischievous students in a classroom.

"Bang!"

Xu Xiaoshou felt his body sink, and the bluestone slabs under his feet cracked and indented, forming two depressions from the force of his downward press.

"Under Intimidation, Passive Point +1.""Under Attack, Passive Point +1.""Frightened, Passive Point +1."

The info log updated, and Xu Xiaoshou distinctly felt the terrifying pressure exerted by the "Sword Manifestation," created by the "Divine Buddha Before the Eyes" technique combined with "Thorough Divine Will"!

"Substantial spiritual pressure, impact, even damage..."

At this very moment, the charge value for "Illusory Extinction Finger" rapidly increased, and Passive Points steadily rose in tandem with the changes in the info log. Sweat beaded on Xu Xiaoshou's forehead; he felt as though he was trapped in quicksand, each movement a desperate struggle.

The last time he witnessed this "Sword Manifestation," he was observing from the sidelines. This time, facing Mr. Sirén head-on, and even feeling a slight irritation, the oppressive aura felt even more overwhelming and terrifying.

—Utterly paralyzed! Crushed completely! If his past enemies had wielded such power, he wouldn't even know how he'd died!

"These... these are all illusions," Xu Xiaoshou managed to stammer, recalling Mr. Sirén's earlier words.

"They are illusions, yet they are also real," Mei Sirén stated, his expression unwavering, his oppressive aura not lessening in the slightest. It seemed he intended to deliver a forceful frontal assault to Xu Xiaoshou, aiming to first leave a profound imprint on his mind before discussing anything further.

"It's still as I said..."

" 'The eyes are the windows to the body; the heart is the abode of intent.' The 'Heart Sword Technique' is the manifestation of the true self, completely unleashing the authentic self that an ancient sword cultivator has discovered. Once this realm is skillfully mastered... for those who cannot perceive it, it is, naturally, an illusion, as they would feel no anomaly even if they brushed past it. But for those we *intend* to see it, this unleashing of the 'true self' is very real! It is the most direct form of attack!"

As Mei Sirén finished speaking, he held the stone sword in his right hand and made a soft sweep before his eyes. His motion stirred no dust, created no ripple. Yet, the Sword Manifestation behind him also moved. The dual Azureless Swords, symbolizing the "Silent Sword Technique" and the "Swordless Technique," crossed high in the air, carving out a "Cross Slash."

A simple, unadorned, utterly mundane Cross Slash... It rapidly expanded in Xu Xiaoshou's eyes, right before his paralyzed body!

"Holy hell!"

In that instant, Xu Xiaoshou's hair bristled. He felt as if struck by lightning, acutely sensing the approach of death, yet he was utterly paralyzed and unable to move.

"Wait, isn't this supposed to be a lesson? What does it mean to attack me?"

"Mr. Sirén, please wait!"

"Whoa—"

There was no time for a reaction! Xu Xiaoshou opened his mouth to speak but found himself utterly voiceless. He could only watch helplessly as the cross-shaped sword light, unleashed by the Azureless Swords, cleaved straight through his very being.

"Aargh!!!"

A scream tore through the air nearby. Xiao Kongdong, terrified, quickly squeezed his eyes shut, then darted sideways. Only after regaining his composure did he hastily look back at Xu Xiaoshou. A bewildered expression creased his brow. For a moment, Xiao Kongdong even wondered if Mr. Sirén had been possessed and was truly attacking Xu Xiaoshou. The Mr. Sirén he knew wasn't such a volatile person. Even when teaching the sword, shouldn't he be the type who patiently guides and never tires of instructing? He had always been... a very gentle man, hadn't he?

"Is it because Xu Xiaoshou was distracted and glanced at me just now?" Xiao Kongdong's lips twitched, and a flicker of dread crossed his face.

"Am I... dead?"

Xu Xiaoshou, his spiritual body forcefully severed, found the sensation eerily familiar. He had entered a "perception" akin to an out-of-body, omniscient view, clearly seeing his physical body standing still and rigid in place. He glimpsed Xiao Kongdong trembling in fear, standing respectfully. He could also discern that Mr. Sirén, who was ahead, had not been possessed; he had merely casually struck a single sword, and Xu Xiaoshou's inability to withstand it seemed entirely his own issue.

Xu Xiaoshou had experienced a similar sensation with Rao Yaoyao's "Red Dust Sword" technique, though the feeling was markedly different. The "Red Dust Sword" transported one into a world of mundane life, causing the mind to age and decay. Whether one could emerge from it, and in what state, was another matter entirely. The "Sword Manifestation"'s strike, however, truly cleaved through his spiritual body, even helping Xu Xiaoshou locate the very origin of his spiritual will. Yet, this form of "assistance" was perhaps too abrupt and terrifying...

"Aargh!!!"

Still lost in thought, the searing pain emanating from his spiritual body made Xu Xiaoshou shriek out once more. He looked down to see that after the Cross Slash, his spiritual body was unmistakably split into four pieces. Before he could even feel a breath of wind, the wounds began to burn with fierce pain!

"Under Attack, Passive Point +1."

*Mr. Sirén actually wants to kill me... Damn it, I'm not learning this. I don't want to learn this sword art anymore... Oh god, it feels like I'm really dying. My thoughts, my mind, my...*

"Heh heh."

Just as Xu Xiaoshou's consciousness teetered on the brink of chaos, Mei Sirén, standing opposite, smiled. The Sword Manifestation behind him also peeled back its grotesque lips in a grin, and then nine swords flew out, settling high above to form a sword array.

In that moment, the stirred dust was forcibly pressed back to the ground. Invisible sound waves retracted from afar, like dandelion seeds returning to their plant. Xu Xiaoshou's paralyzed physical body also lifted slightly as the shattered bluestone floor beneath his feet healed and returned to its original state.

—Time Rewind!

"That's enough. Return."

Mei Sirén lowered the stone sword in his hand, and the Sword Manifestation's arms also dropped. The Cross Slash flew back from the void, passing through the fissures of Xu Xiaoshou's re-forming spiritual body and returning to the dual Azureless Swords.

"Gasp!"

Xu Xiaoshou abruptly opened his eyes, gasping for breath, as if his soul had suddenly departed and then returned. His entire body was drenched in cold sweat.

"How was it?" Mei Sirén looked at him with a smile and asked softly.

"You..." Xu Xiaoshou glared up in anger, nearly lashing out. But his gaze fell upon the monstrous "Sword Manifestation" behind Mr. Sirén, and he immediately deflated. "Mr. Sirén, I almost died just now!" Xu Xiaoshou angrily shook his fist, his face a mournful sag, like a distressed puppy.

"What I asked, old man, was how it felt," Mei Sirén replied, his smile unwavering.

Only then did Xu Xiaoshou freeze, recalling the sensation he had just endured... The absolute sensation of death! He had witnessed the most extreme spiritual attack, experienced the most authentic spiritual death, and bore witness to the utter helplessness of being controlled by absolute spiritual power.

"That sword strike used less than ten percent of my power," Mei Sirén revealed, his words like a thunderclap, leaving Xu Xiaoshou completely stunned and scorched.

*Less than ten percent... Is this the gap between me and Mr. Sirén? He had felt that the gap between him and the Grand Void wasn't so vast anymore...*

Mei Sirén harbored no intent to demoralize anyone. After boldly "killing" Xu Xiaoshou once and then reversing time to retrieve him from the underworld, he donned his characteristic devilish smile and spoke again:

"Next, it's your turn to visualize. Unleash your most extreme, most pure self. Heed your truest calling and visualize an 'image' that is not constrained by your current understanding, thereby manifesting 'intent'! Use your heart to find the abode of intent, and use your eyes to unleash it—your own 'Divine Buddha,' or 'Demon'!"

He paused, and Mei Sirén's voice took on a more encouraging tone: "Give it a try. If you can successfully cultivate 'Divine Buddha Before the Eyes' in one attempt, even if it's just the preliminary stage, I'll have a reward for you—and it won't be just a small red flower."