Jiang Minghuan jerked awake, all traces of drowsiness vanishing instantly. He looked up and saw Luo Xiaoyao, the Red Dust Sword Master, smiling at him.

As their eyes met, Luo Xiaoyao even addressed him directly, "What does Madam think?"

Jiang Minghuan gritted his teeth. They say the more beautiful a woman is, the more likely she is to deceive you. Now he felt like adding, "And beautiful men might not be good people either."

Well, maybe. After all, I'm a good person.

Instead of answering Luo Xiaoyao, Jiang Minghuan turned to Pei Jingyuan. Pei Jingyuan glanced at him and said, "This matter is yours to decide. I won't interfere."

Jiang Minghuan immediately turned back to Luo Xiaoyao and said, "With the Pavilion Master's brilliance preceding me, I'd rather not embarrass myself by attempting to speak here."

What else could he say? He hadn't even understood Pei Jingyuan's earlier discourse. Speaking now would only expose his ignorance.

Luo Xiaoyao raised an eyebrow slightly. "It seems Madam looks down on the Sword Pavilion Disciples."

Why is this man trying to sow discord?

Though the Sword Pavilion Disciples' gazes weren't exactly friendly, there were levels of hostility.

Previously, their expressions had been merely cold and disdainful. Now, they seemed ready to defend the Sword Pavilion's honor.

Jiang Minghuan lowered his gaze and said, "Red Dust Sword Master, what do you mean by that? I merely expressed my admiration for Pavilion Master Pei's profound insights, yet you accuse me of looking down on the Sword Pavilion Disciples. If you truly believe that, it suggests you yourself doubt their aptitude. Otherwise, how could such a misunderstanding arise?"

‘I can tolerate Pei Jingyuan, but who do you think you are?’

‘Sword Dao Discourse, Sword Dao Discourse... If I were to truly engage you in a discourse on advanced mathematics, linear algebra, and probability theory, would you even understand? Not even Pei Jingyuan could grasp it.’

Pei Jingyuan's hand, resting on his knee, twitched slightly. For a long moment, he hadn't "heard" Jiang Minghuan's thoughts, indicating that Jiang's mind had wandered into realms beyond their connection.

Now, however, their minds were linked again, yet Jiang's words left him puzzled.

Advanced mathematics? Linear algebra? What are these things?

Intrigued, Pei Jingyuan found himself genuinely wanting Jiang Minghuan to elaborate.

Before Luo Xiaoyao could speak, Pei Jingyuan interjected sternly, "Enough. The Dao Discussion Platform is not a place for petty squabbles."

Luo Xiaoyao stared at his Pavilion Master in disbelief.

Whose side is he on? I was just getting ready to retort to that insult, and he's already calling for a truce?

If he hadn't known about the Pavilion Master's feud with the Cloud Sect's Chief Disciple, he would have mistaken the Pavilion Master for favoring Jiang Minghuan.

After speaking, Pei Jingyuan turned to look at Jiang Minghuan. He found the man, who had been so sharp-tongued and inwardly cursing just moments ago, now sitting upright with an expression of gentle humility and restraint.

Noticing Pei Jingyuan's gaze, Jiang Minghuan returned the look, his eyes radiating an almost comical innocence.

Pei Jingyuan nodded slightly to Jiang Minghuan and said, "Fellow Daoist Jiang, since you've come to the Dao Discussion Platform, why not share a few words? It would broaden the horizons of our Sword Pavilion Disciples."

Jiang Minghuan was completely numb.

‘Do you think I wouldn't dare to retort? Fine, I really don't dare.’

‘It's all because the original novel branded you as having a violent temperament and a grudge against the original owner. That Thousand Peaks Lock sword of yours is always itching to draw blood.’

At this moment, every member of the Sword Pavilion was watching him. For the first time, Jiang Minghuan felt like he had thorns in his back.

Forcing himself to remain calm, he pondered for a long moment before saying, "Since we're discussing the Dao, and the Sword Dao and Blade Dao are distinct paths, I won't presume to mislead the disciples here. Instead, let us discuss the very essence of what the Dao truly is."

As Jiang Minghuan spoke, the Eight Great Sword Masters' expressions varied subtly, though their reactions weren't immediately obvious. Behind them, however, many disciples openly sneered.

Duan Shui, standing behind Jiang Minghuan, muttered, "With your cultivation level, what do you even know about the Dao?"

Jiang Minghuan remained unfazed. "The central theme of my discourse today is the Dao Follows Nature."

His words caused the Sword Masters' expressions to grow slightly more serious.

Even Pei Jingyuan, who had been meditating with his eyes closed, reopened them.

Luo Xiaoyao fixed his gaze intently on Jiang Minghuan, his interest piqued by this man's interpretation of the Dao.

Jiang Minghuan continued, "As it is said: 'Humans follow the Earth, the Earth follows Heaven, Heaven follows the Dao, and the Dao follows Nature.'"

The moment he finished speaking, the previously languid Myriad Manifestations Sword Master Gu Xuanli straightened up, his eyes burning with intensity as he stared at Jiang Minghuan.

Jiang Minghuan inwardly breathed a sigh of relief. From that point onward, his explanation flowed more smoothly.

He might not understand the Dao as it was understood in the Cultivation World, but at its core, the Dao was simply humanity's exploration of nature.

Later generations of Daoists had delved even deeper into the study of nature, developing even more sophisticated philosophical theories.

The accumulated wisdom of millennia was no ordinary thing. As for this world... the original story primarily focused on the romantic relationship between Yun Ning and Jiang Zhou, with cultivation aspects only briefly touched upon. In terms of exploring the natural world, it likely couldn't compare.

For the first eighteen years of his life, Jiang Minghuan spent all his time outside of school at the Taoist Temple.

From the moment he could remember, his Master had held him while reciting various Taoist classics. After learning to write, he copied texts like the Tao Te Ching.

While he wouldn't claim to be a master of Taoist philosophy, his years of immersion had naturally given him his own insights.

Moreover, Taoism seemed entirely absent from this world. Even if he simply repeated his Master's teachings verbatim, no one would recognize them.

Of course, he didn't directly recite the entire Tao Te Ching. Instead, he casually selected Chapter 25.

The original text, combined with his commentary, proved sufficient to sustain the Sword Dao Discourse.

When he finished speaking, the entire hall fell silent. Luo Xiaoyao, who had initially provoked him, now sat with his eyes tightly closed, while the other Sword Masters appeared deep in thought.

Jiang Minghuan surveyed the assembly and said, "These are merely my personal views. If anyone has questions, please feel free to raise them for further discussion."

Jiang Minghuan spoke with unwavering confidence, after all, this was practically his second profession. Even if seasoned Taoist scholars were present, he would have been confident in holding his own in a discussion, let alone with this group.

The hall fell silent. Jiang Minghuan showed no particular triumph, merely exhaled in relief.

There was little satisfaction in defeating those ignorant of a subject with one's own expertise.

Behind him, Duan Shui whispered, "You actually know a thing or two. I underestimated you."

Jiang Minghuan ignored him, turning his gaze to Luo Xiaoyao.

Pei Jingyuan and the other seven Sword Masters were all staring at Luo Xiaoyao. Even Jiang Minghuan, no matter how dense, could sense something was amiss.

Moreover, a crimson mist was beginning to swirl around Luo Xiaoyao's body.

Jiang Minghuan felt a pang of panic. Could he really be this enraged just because I didn't let him suppress me?

He glanced at Pei Jingyuan.

‘Though Pei Jingyuan's face is hidden behind a mask, his eyes seem to indicate everything is fine.’

‘Thank goodness, thank goodness. Next time, I'll just make something up. No more sharing actual knowledge. No, better yet, there shouldn't be a next time at all.’

‘Otherwise, if something really goes wrong, I won't even bother trying to escape the Cultivation World. I'll just pick out my own urn.’

Pei Jingyuan's gaze flickered slightly. He had immediately sensed that Jiang Minghuan's explanation of the Dao went far beyond what he had explicitly stated. There were numerous points that could have been elaborated upon, but Jiang Minghuan had deliberately glossed over them, likely to avoid revealing too much.

Pei Jingyuan savored Jiang Minghuan's words, feeling profoundly enlightened. The higher one's cultivation, the greater the insights gained from such discussions. Low-level cultivators, still struggling to understand themselves, could hardly begin to fathom the mysteries of the Dao.

He cast a subtle glance at Jiang Minghuan. He recalled that neither the cultivators nor the scriptures of the Cloud Sect possessed such depth of understanding.

This must be knowledge Jiang Minghuan had acquired elsewhere. But if his homeland lacked cultivators, why would he have studied the laws of heaven and earth?

Intriguing. Truly intriguing. Pei Jingyuan's curiosity about Jiang Minghuan's origins deepened.

Unaware of being scrutinized, Jiang Minghuan watched Luo Xiaoyao with nervous anticipation.

After what felt like an eternity—or perhaps only a moment—he thought he heard a thunderous boom, like a colossal gate being forced open.

Yet when he looked around, no such gate was visible. The sound seemed to have been an illusion, vanishing without a trace.

As the voice faded, the crimson mist swirling around Luo Xiaoyao rapidly converged into his body. He opened his eyes.

For a fleeting moment, Jiang Minghuan thought he saw a brilliant, iridescent light flash in Luo Xiaoyao's eyes, but the sensation vanished as quickly as it had appeared.

The other Sword Masters rose as soon as Luo Xiaoyao opened his eyes, cupping their hands in congratulation. "Congratulations, Fellow Daoist, on achieving Core Formation today."

The disciples behind them also stood and echoed in unison, "Congratulations, Sword Master, on achieving Core Formation today."

Even Pei Jingyuan stood, offering a terse, "Congratulations."

Luo Xiaoyao rose without acknowledging them. Instead, he turned to Jiang Minghuan, cupped his hands, and bowed deeply. "In the past, my eyes were clouded by fleeting illusions. Had it not been for Fellow Daoist Jiang, I might still be mired in ignorance. Now that I have glimpsed the vastness of heaven and earth, I am deeply ashamed of my previous frivolous actions. I offer Fellow Daoist Jiang my sincere apology."

Jiang Minghuan remained somewhat bewildered, unsure of Luo Xiaoyao's true intentions. However, judging by the reactions of those around him, it seemed Luo Xiaoyao had indeed gained some significant benefit.

He shook his head and replied, "It was the Red Dust Sword Master's accumulated merit finally bearing fruit, like water flowing naturally into its channel. I dare not claim credit for this. What happened earlier... was nothing of consequence."

It had merely been a verbal sparring match, after all, and Jiang Minghuan was currently representing the Cloud Sect as its Chief Disciple.

These individuals were all fiercely loyal to Pei Jingyuan, so their hostility toward Jiang Minghuan was understandable.

Luo Xiaoyao rose to his feet, his expression serious. "Fellow Daoist Jiang, your magnanimity is truly admirable. If you ever require my assistance, I will gladly brave fire and water without hesitation!"

Without waiting for Jiang Minghuan's refusal, Luo Xiaoyao turned to Pei Jingyuan. "Pavilion Master, I have achieved my Golden Core today and must enter the mortal world to seek further advancement. I bid you farewell."

Pei Jingyuan nodded slightly. "Very well. Remember, no matter where you go, you remain a Sword Master of the Sword Pavilion of the Years. If anyone causes trouble, strike them down without mercy."

Luo Xiaoyao acknowledged with a bow, then saluted the other Sword Masters before mounting his sword and soaring away.

Jiang Minghuan stood dumbfounded, glancing cautiously at Pei Jingyuan, utterly bewildered.

The "Golden Core" they spoke of, if he wasn't mistaken, corresponded to the Golden Core Realm in the Cultivation World.

But shouldn't one consolidate their cultivation after breaking through? Why was Luo Xiaoyao leaving immediately?

Had Jiang Minghuan inadvertently caused the Sword Pavilion to lose a Sword Master with just a few casual words?

Although Luo Xiaoyao had no intention of leaving the Sword Pavilion permanently, and Pei Jingyuan meant for the Pavilion to serve as his backing, the tone of his farewell suggested he wouldn't be returning anytime soon.

Pei Jingyuan waved his hand and declared, "The Sword Dao Discourse concludes for today. Let us disperse."

With that, he turned and strode away. Jiang Minghuan had no choice but to follow, with Duan Shui floating beside them in mid-air.

The return journey naturally required Sword Flight. This time, Jiang Minghuan had learned his lesson. As soon as they took off, he wrapped his arms tightly around Pei Jingyuan's waist.

After all, Pei Jingyuan hadn't objected on the way here. As for pride... what was pride? Was pride more important than survival?

Though it might have been his imagination, the return trip seemed far smoother than the journey here.

Even though they were following the same route, why was there such a stark difference?

‘Could that dog Pei Jingyuan have been doing it on purpose earlier?’

The moment this thought crossed his mind, he felt the wind intensify.

Oh, it wasn't the wind—the speed of their Sword Flight had suddenly increased. Not only that, but they were now soaring up and down, making the ride even more thrilling than the journey here.

Jiang Minghuan didn't have time to think. He clung tightly to Pei Jingyuan, burying his face against his back, heedless of his disheveled hair.

When they landed at the Old Sword Pavilion, Jiang Minghuan dazedly released Pei Jingyuan, smoothed his wind-tossed hair, and realized with deep satisfaction that his body was still remarkably healthy.

‘If I were in my old body, I'd have had a heart attack by now.’

Death was unlikely; after all, he was a fragile college student—thin-skinned but hard to kill.

Pei Jingyuan, with one hand behind his back, said, "Follow me."

Jiang Minghuan stumbled after him, his legs feeling like foreign objects, moving solely through sheer willpower.

As he followed Pei Jingyuan, he finally had a chance to properly observe the Old Sword Pavilion.

The pavilion had three floors. The first floor featured two rooms facing each other on the east and west sides, with a staircase in the middle. The second floor had four rooms, each with its door tightly shut, their purposes unknown.

Only one room had a vertical plaque beside its entrance, inscribed with the words: Cheng Huai Study.

For a fleeting moment, Jiang Minghuan's mind flashed back to the fairy tale Bluebeard.

‘Good thing Pei Jingyuan doesn't have a beard, or I'd really have to be careful.’

Pei Jingyuan's hand paused imperceptibly on the door, momentarily puzzled by the sudden thought about beards.

He turned to Jiang Minghuan and said, "Come in."

Jiang Minghuan followed him into the Cheng Huai Study. Inside, rows of bookshelves held numerous bamboo scrolls and scattered jade tablets—possibly the legendary jade slips.

As Jiang Minghuan surveyed the room, Pei Jingyuan's voice echoed in his ear, "From today onward, you may access all the texts stored here."