Wandering Sword Seller's Life in the Qin Dynasty

Watching Bei Mingzi leave, Xu Qing remained calm and looked towards the doorway.

A series of footsteps sounded.

Two figures arrived, one in front and one behind.

The former was none other than Mu Xuzi. At this moment, Mu Xuzi's expression was somewhat complicated, and a hint of reluctance was revealed in his eyes, but he quickly concealed it.

"Mr. Xu..."

Mu Xuzi approached and greeted Xu Qing with utmost politeness. At the same time, he quietly explained the reason to Xu Qing.

It was probably because the sect leader of the Human Sect learned that Mu Xuzi had brought an outsider to Mount Taiyi.

The sect leader wants to meet Xu Qing.

When this matter was mentioned, even though Mu Xuzi tried his best to suppress his emotions, he still revealed a slight dissatisfaction. This dissatisfaction was not directed at Xu Qing, but at Xiaoyaozi.

Mu Xuzi, who entered the sect earlier than Xiaoyaozi, was an elder of the Human Sect.

Although he didn't become the sect leader, given his status, inviting one or two friends to visit the Human Sect shouldn't be a problem.

When Xiaoyaozi learned of this, he insisted on meeting his guest.

What does it mean?

Do you think there's something wrong with the guests from the Human Sect that he invited?

This shows a lack of trust in Mu Xuzi!

So, I wish I were the sect leader.

Mu Xuzi couldn't help but think of this question once again.

Xu Qing was completely oblivious to Mu Xuzi's thoughts, and similarly, those following behind Mu Xuzi were also unaware of his intentions.

Xiaoyaozi approached, his gaze falling on Xu Qing, a complex expression in his eyes.

Since that parting at Louguan, quite some time has passed.

Putting aside other matters, Ying Zheng suffered an assassination attempt during this period, which led to Wang Jian's army launching a retaliatory attack on the Yan state. Then there was the peasant incident. All these events combined have taken several months to complete.

A few months is not a long time, but it is definitely not short either.

For Xiaoyaozi, during this time, he kept replaying the battle at Louguan in his mind.

In that battle, he suffered a crushing defeat. The leader of the Heavenly Sect, Chisongzi, whom he regarded as his rival, also lost.

This allowed Xiaoyaozi to see a much wider world.

In the past, he was too concerned about the sword viewing at Miaotai and thought that Chisongzi was his greatest enemy in life. But that battle woke him up and made him realize that there are always higher levels to reach.

For Taoists, sometimes, an awakening is an enlightenment.

Xiaoyaozi was like that; after several months, he gained new insights.

Therefore, upon learning of Xu Qing's arrival, he came to pay him a visit.

"Human Sect Master Xiaoyao greets you, sir!"

Chapter 311 The Way of Heaven and the Way of Man

Xiaoyaozi's visit may have displeased Muxuzi, who grew increasingly covetous of the position of sect leader and power.

But for Xu Qing, it meant that he had completely run rampant in Taoism.

With the endorsement of both Bei Mingzi and Xiaoyaozi, he could freely travel between the Heavenly Sect and the Human Sect. As for the Heavenly Sect, there was also a sect leader named Chisongzi.

Bei Mingzi is Chi Songzi's master. Even Bei Mingzi acknowledges Xu Qing's existence. Chi Songzi is just a skeleton in a tomb. What does he amount to?

Because of his more prestigious status, and because Xiaoyaozi showed no hostility towards Xu Qing.

Therefore, after he formally paid his respects to Xu Qing, he replaced Mu Xuzi and became the person who received Xu Qing.

As the leader of the Human Sect, he took Xu Qing on a tour of the Human Sect.

As for Mu Xuzi himself?

He has fulfilled his duties; he should just focus on his spiritual practice.

Although Mu Xuzi did not want to cultivate and wanted to get closer to Xu Qing, he ultimately did not dare to openly defy the elder Xiaoyaozi. He could only cultivate in secret with resentment.

Strictly speaking, Mu Xuzi didn't actually suffer a loss.

After all, he had already obtained a sword from Xu Qing during their brief contact.

A sword far superior to the one he had previously wielded!

The bamboo shadows sway, scattering golden fragments all over the ground.

Xu Qing followed Xiaoyaozi through the bamboo forest on the southern slope of the Human Sect. Under their feet were fallen leaves that had accumulated over the years, making a soft rustling sound as they stepped on them, mixed with the crisp sound of bamboo dew dripping, creating a unique and tranquil atmosphere.

Along the way, disciples of the Human Sect dressed in blue robes passed by from time to time. When they saw Xiaoyaozi, they all bowed respectfully. When their eyes swept over Xu Qing, they were curious but not hostile. Some even nodded in greeting, their expressions peaceful.

“Mr. Xiaoyao.” Xu Qing raised his hand to brush aside a bamboo branch that was leaning out to him. His fingertips touched the cool, smooth bamboo. His tone was filled with genuine emotion. “After traveling for a few days, I have gained a new understanding of Taoism. The disciples of the Human Sect are all gentle and humble in their dealings with others. This friendliness and enthusiasm is not like the aloof and detached cultivators that people usually imagine.”

Upon hearing this, Xiaoyaozi stopped and turned to look at the rolling bamboo forest before him. The bamboo tips swayed in the wind like waves of green. A faint smile flashed in his eyes: "Mr. Xu's words are precisely the foundation of cultivation in the human sect. Zhuangzi once said, 'The Dao is in the ant, the Dao is in the weed, the Dao is in the tile, the Dao is in the excrement.' Many people mistakenly believe that cultivation means retreating to the deep mountains, abandoning worldly ties, and isolating oneself from the world in order to comprehend the Great Dao. But if one has never even touched the most basic human touch, never even experienced human relationships, how can one truly understand the laws governing the universe and know the mysteries of the coexistence of all things?"

He pointed to a spot not far away where several young disciples were sitting together, discussing in hushed tones the techniques of drawing talismans. They sometimes argued, sometimes had a sudden realization, and their faces were full of vibrant expressions.

“Look at them, there are arguments, there are exchanges, there is mutual support. This is the practice in the mortal world. Transcending the mortal world may bring temporary peace, but it is like water without a source or a tree without roots. Instead, it is far away from the origin of the Great Way.”

"Is the Dao in the mortal world?" A strange light flashed in Xu Qing's eyes as he spoke softly.

He couldn't help but think of what Bei Mingzi had said before: the Dao of the Heavenly Sect is the Dao of Heaven. To seek the Dao of Heaven, one must enter a state of forgetting oneself and the world, and becoming one with the Dao.

Only by forgetting one's physical form and merging with heaven and earth can one better comprehend the supreme Tao.

Clearly, that kind of Dao is completely different from the Dao of the Human Sect, which is full of worldly concerns.

Xiaoyaozi was unaware that Xu Qing had already met with Beimingzi and had a brief conversation with him.

Hearing Xu Qing's soft words, he spoke again: "Spring goes and autumn comes, flowers bloom and wither, this is the way; neighborly harmony and mutual help are the way; even the trivialities of firewood and rice, the sorrow of parting from relatives and friends, are manifestations of the way. The Human Sect advocates refining the heart in the mortal world, which means that disciples should hone their character in the midst of human relationships and experience balance in joys and sorrows."

"Human relationships and worldly wisdom are never an obstacle to spiritual practice; on the contrary, they are the most vivid teachings of Taoism. Every consideration in dealing with people and every weighing of conflicts of interest is a practice and understanding of the Tao."

Xu Qing snapped out of his daze, turned his head, and looked at Xiaoyaozi. "What a fine person. Social skills are never an obstacle to cultivation."

"However, has Mr. Xiaoyao considered that being overly concerned with interpersonal relationships and worldly affairs might trap him in the shackles of the mortal world, making it difficult for him to extricate himself?"

“Mr. Xu…” Xiaoyaozi heard that Xu Qing had a different opinion, which seemed to be a rejection of the Human Sect’s way, and was about to explain to Xu Qing.

Xu Qing did not give Xiaoyaozi a chance to speak, but instead brought up another matter, "As far as I know, there are many disciples of Taoism who come from the six states of Shandong?"

Xiaoyaozi stopped himself from saying anything and nodded, "Yes!"

"The Qin state has already destroyed the Zhao and Han states, and crippled the Yan state. The remaining states are unlikely to be able to resist Qin. In other words, the Qin's conquest of the six states is a foregone conclusion... I just wonder what you disciples of the Human Sect will think in the face of this overwhelming trend?"

"In order to seek the Heavenly Dao, the Heavenly Sect has severed all ties with the mortal world, so perhaps they will not concern themselves with this matter."

“However, your sect is different. According to you, human relationships and worldly wisdom are part of the Dao. But if you place too much importance on human relationships and worldly wisdom, can you let go of them in the face of national and personal hatred?”

"Or is it that not only can you not let go, but it has become an obsession, a demon in your heart... leading you astray!"

Xiaoyaozi originally wanted to refute, but in the end, he didn't say anything.

His expression changed repeatedly.

First, I thought of the terrifying strength Xu Qing displayed in the battle of Louguan. Then, I thought of the state of some of his disciples when Qin destroyed Zhao and Han.

Although they ultimately chose to suppress their deep-seated hatred for their country and family, they transformed these emotions into motivation for spiritual practice.

However, not all disciples possess this perseverance.

In the trials of life, the most important thing is the heart itself.

When a heart is tainted by the world's hustle and bustle, yet remains pure and untainted, that is true enlightenment.

But how easy is it to take this step?

After all, the world is full of temptations.

Ordinary matters may not be enough to shake one's resolve, but things that one cares deeply about can taint one's resolve and lead one into demonic possession.

"Mr. Xu is absolutely right!"

Xiaoyaozi spoke up, expressing his gratitude to Xu Qing, "I will keep that in mind!"

This is not just polite talk; it's the truth.

In such situations, it is even more important to pay attention to the disciples' emotions. If any signs of something amiss are detected, they should be comforted and reassured immediately to prevent them from going astray.

After chatting for a while, the two continued their journey through the Taoist territory.

Mount Taiyi is very large, with several peaks within it, and the scenery inside is truly unique.

As we walked through the bamboo forest to its end, the view suddenly opened up.

In a wide valley, several bamboo houses are built against the mountain, and the copper bells hanging from the eaves ring softly in the wind. In the center of the valley, a crescent-shaped pool reflects the sky and clouds, and several old pine trees stand tall and vigorous on the bank, creating a serene and elegant scene.

Xu Qing stood by the pool, gazing at his reflection in the water. Suddenly, he turned to look at Xiaoyaozi, a casual smile playing on his lips: "Mr. Xiaoyao, observing the scenery of the Human Sect and listening to your discussions has given rise to a thought in my mind."

Xiaoyaozi was admiring the pine shadows by the pool when he heard this. He turned around and looked at him with a hint of curiosity in his eyes: "What advice does Mr. Xu have for me?"

“I want to forge a sword for you, sir.” Xu Qing’s tone was calm, but it carried an undeniable certainty. “The Dao is divided into Heaven and Man. The Heavenly Sect has the ancient sword Qiu Li, and Chi Songzi has the advantage of observing swords at Miaotai, and he wields Xue Ji, a Daoist symbol. As the leader of the Human Sect, you have profound cultivation, but it seems that you lack a suitable sword to wear.”

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the ancient-style longsword at Xiaoyaozi's waist, and continued, "The sword you wear isn't particularly bad, but it's still inferior to Qiuli and Xueji's. Besides, I've fought against you and Chisongzi before, and in my opinion, your strength is slightly inferior to Chisongzi's."

"Your swordsmanship is inferior to Chishongzi's, and your skill is also inferior to Chishongzi's. I'm very curious to know how you plan to win the next Miaotai Sword Competition?"

Xiaoyaozi remained silent.

What Xu Qing said is true.

Although Chisongzi was nearly seventy years old, Taoist practices are known for their enduring power, and they were also extremely skilled in health preservation. Therefore, age was never a problem; on the contrary, their cultivation became more profound with age.

The fact that Chisongzi took charge of Xueji three times in a row demonstrates how terrifying he is.

This is also why Xiaoyaozi must win the Miaotai Sword Viewing Competition.

If Chisongzi continues to lead Xueji, the Human Sect will lose all face.

However, Xiaoyaozi was not very confident about whether he could defeat Chisongzi.

After a moment's thought, Xiaoyaozi looked up at Xu Qing and said sincerely, "Mr. Xu's sword-making skills are divine. It would be a great honor to receive a sword personally forged by you. But I wonder what you want me to give in return for this sword-making? Is it a Taoist manual or something else?"

In the previous battle at Louguan, the divine sword was born, and Xu Qing had already shown his terrifying skill in sword forging. If we could obtain the divine sword forged by Xu Qing, it might increase our chances of victory.