Volume One: First Steps on the Path Chapter Sixty-Three: Conveying Intent and Guidance

As everyone pressed the jade slip to their foreheads, they could not help but let out exclamations of surprise before falling silent, immersing themselves in the study of the art contained within the slip. Ye Junze, like the others, placed the jade slip against his forehead as soon as he received it. The moment the cool surface touched his skin, a flood of information about the technique—called “Manifestation of Will,” as Sun Yu had mentioned—emerged vividly in his mind.

Ye Junze, already somewhat experienced, did not utter a sound like the others but quietly examined the contents imparted by the jade slip. He closed his eyes, carefully absorbing the knowledge. After reviewing it several times, he grasped the essence of this technique.

“So this is what Teacher meant earlier,” Ye Junze reflected, recalling Sun Yu’s words before distributing the slips. With his sharp comprehension, Ye Junze had fully digested the details and pondered over his understanding.

“The art guides one’s inner spiritual power and the ambient energy to manifest a weapon that expresses one’s intent.” Indeed, the Manifestation of Will allowed the practitioner to realize any weapon conceived in their heart—be it a sword, a blade, a bow, or even the long spear Sun Yu had demonstrated moments before. According to the slip, so long as the weapon could be envisioned, it could be brought forth.

Ye Junze recalled the opening explanation: “Express the heart’s intent, and thereby teach the way to the world.” Such a straightforward introduction perfectly suited the technique’s function.

“Still, to manifest what one imagines as effortlessly as Teacher did… that will not be easy at first,” Ye Junze mused. “And according to the slip, the manifested weapon’s power can greatly surpass that of common arms.” He thought of the scene where Sun Yu had shattered the stone stele with a spear—he had been deeply astonished, but now he realized the weapon itself must have benefited from this very enhancement.

Imagining himself wielding such strength in the future, Ye Junze smiled, his spirit alight with anticipation. “This technique is truly remarkable.”

“But let’s see if there’s more,” he told himself, suppressing his excitement.

He examined the jade slip anew and soon uncovered further information: “The duration for which the weapon remains is determined by the practitioner’s spiritual energy and cultivation level.”

Ye Junze pondered this, soon understanding: “So, the stronger your energy and the higher your level, the stronger and longer-lasting the manifested weapon will be.”

He was correct. The Manifestation of Will was a technique that grew with its user; as the practitioner advanced, so too did the technique, and the weapons it produced became more formidable. It was said that if one reached the pinnacle of cultivation, the weapons brought forth could possess world-shaking might—worthy even of being called divine artifacts. Yet the origin of this powerful art was lost to history. The Daoist Arts Division had acquired it by chance in a fortuitous encounter. Recognizing its extraordinary qualities, the faculty decreed that it would henceforth be the first required technique for all students in the Weapon Arts course.

Of course, Ye Junze knew nothing of these tales; his focus was solely on the skill before him. After confirming he had missed nothing, he prepared to begin his own cultivation of the Manifestation of Will, his curiosity thoroughly roused by all he had learned.

Taking several deep breaths to steady himself—lest excitement disturb his focus—Ye Junze recalled the method described in the jade slip and began.

He formed the prescribed seals with his hands, channeling his inner energy and the surrounding spiritual aura toward his palms as instructed. As energy gathered there, Ye Junze felt the subtle fluctuations described in the slip, confirming he was on the right path.

With each motion, subtle eddies of energy began to swirl in his palms. The eddies spun faster and grew larger, exactly as the slip described. Encouraged, Ye Junze persisted, following the instructions step by step.

Minute by minute, the vortexes intensified, merging into a sphere of energy. Its milky-white radiance and shifting form were just as Sun Yu had displayed earlier. The sphere continually morphed, its shape unstable, mirroring the demonstration at the start—proof that Ye Junze had completed the critical first stage.

Glancing at the elapsed time and seeing he had not taken long, Ye Junze thought, “This is going quite well.”

Yet, though the initial stage was a success, Ye Junze did not allow himself to become complacent. He steadied his mind and prepared for the most difficult and failure-prone step: manifesting the weapon envisioned in his heart. Though the concept sounded simple, in practice it was anything but. Countless students throughout Anze’s history had stumbled here. To succeed, one needed not only the idea of a weapon but also a faith strong enough to sustain its emergence. The weapon was to aid in battle; if it lacked strength or if the practitioner’s resolve faltered, failure would surely follow.

In short, a powerful weapon and unwavering conviction were both essential.

For Ye Junze, perhaps he had yet to hold a truly powerful weapon, but steadfast determination was something he had possessed for a very long time. Thus, he believed this challenge would not be too great for him.

As Ye Junze prepared to advance, many others in the hall had also formed energy spheres in their hands. Sun Yu, observing from the platform, took note of every student, including Ye Junze.

Seeing so many succeed in this step so quickly, Sun Yu’s eyes shone with approval. Inwardly, he praised them: “This year’s students are truly gifted. In such a short time, so many have already reached this stage. The resurgence of spiritual energy has not only brought new opportunities and challenges but also raised the ceiling of human potential.”

Of course, the students were unaware of Sun Yu’s satisfaction. If some of the young women knew what their teacher truly thought, perhaps they would redouble their efforts, hoping to draw his attention—and, if possible, to hold his gaze alone.

But Ye Junze, deep in thought about what weapon to manifest, paid no heed to what was happening on the platform.

“A sword? Or a saber? Or perhaps a long spear like Teacher Sun Yu’s?” Ye Junze pondered endlessly, but no weapon truly satisfied him.

The more he thought, the more tangled his thoughts became. Realizing this, he quickly shook his head, clearing his mind.

Finding no satisfactory answer, Ye Junze decided to simply manifest a sword, as he had so often seen in games and dramas since childhood.

With this image firmly in his mind, he guided the energy sphere to take shape.

As he worked, the sphere spun and slowly transformed, gradually resembling a sword. Soon, only the tip remained indistinct, a blur of energy, while the rest had already taken on the familiar form. After channeling more energy, the tip finally solidified—a blade gleaming with promise.

When Ye Junze grasped the sword he had manifested, however, he felt that something was missing. Frowning, he shook his head, lost in thought.

Sun Yu, meanwhile, had long since noticed Ye Junze’s success. He watched with admiration. “That sword looks excellent—this student has remarkable comprehension.”

Yet, seeing Ye Junze’s dissatisfied expression, Sun Yu became curious. “He doesn’t look pleased—what could be troubling him?”

Perhaps I should go over and ask. With that, Sun Yu rose and walked in Ye Junze’s direction.