Marvel: The other side of the double-passing door is Devouring the Stars

Chapter 358 is missing the most important point.

Breakfast was light but nutritious, featuring specially made porridge, several delicate side dishes, and a special tea with a subtle sweetness that invigorated the spirit.

“This tea is very special,” Rowan said, tasting it.

"This is Silver Moon Tea, made with water from Silver Moon Lake and special tea leaves," Silver Radiance explained. "Long-term consumption is very helpful for cultivation, as it can calm the mind and enhance perception."

During the meal, Yin Yue explained the day's arrangements to Luo Wen: "Yesterday, Father suggested taking you to visit a true master of swordsmanship. He is my father's teacher and the most respected swordsman on the entire Sword Heart Star; we all call him Senior Sword Saint."

"A sword saint?" Rowan was somewhat surprised. "That sounds impressive."

"Indeed, he's incredibly skilled." Silvermoon's father approached at this moment. "Master is over eight hundred years old this year, one of the oldest sword masters in the Silverblue Empire. His swordsmanship has reached a state of returning to simplicity, each move containing profound principles."

“It’s truly a rare opportunity to meet such a master,” Rowan expressed his gratitude. “However, my knowledge of swordsmanship is limited; perhaps I’m being presumptuous?”

"No, not at all," Silver Moon smiled. "My grandmaster has always enjoyed exchanging ideas with various martial artists. He said that everyone has their own unique understanding of martial arts, and even different cultivation systems can inspire each other."

"Furthermore, Master is quite knowledgeable about spiritual cultivation," Silver Moon's father added. "He might be interested in your cultivation methods."

After breakfast, the group walked up the mountain along the lakeside path. Although the path was rugged, the scenery along the way was beautiful, and they could often see swordsmen practicing by the lake or in the mountains. Some were practicing basic moves, some were training in advanced techniques, and others were meditating.

"The Silver Blue Empire places great emphasis on fundamentals in swordsmanship training," Silver Moon explained as she walked. "No matter how profound the sword technique, it must be built upon a solid foundation. Our grandmaster often said that swordsmanship is like building a house; if the foundation is weak, the ground will shake."

After walking for about half an hour, they arrived at a group of ancient buildings halfway up the mountain. The architecture here was even more ancient, with vines climbing all over the bluestone walls and the wooden doors and windows exuding a profound atmosphere after years of weathering.

"This is our grandmaster's residence, and also one of the oldest sword-dojos on Swordheart Star," Silver Moon's father said respectfully. "It has a history of over three thousand years."

Just then, an aged but authoritative voice came from the courtyard: "Has Silverfrost brought the children? Come in quickly."

Yinyue's father, Yinshuang, upon hearing his master's voice, immediately hurried towards the courtyard gate. "Master," he said, "your disciple Yinshuang has brought my daughter Yinyue and her friends to visit."

The courtyard gate slowly opened, and an elderly man with white hair but a vigorous spirit appeared before everyone. He was tall and thin, dressed in a simple gray robe, but every gesture he made revealed an extraordinary and refined air. Most striking were his eyes, deep as the sea, as if they could see through the essence of all things.

“Master.” Silver Frost, Silver Moon, and Silver Radiance all bowed respectfully to the old man.

"Silver Moon, it's been a few years, and your sword intent has improved considerably." The old man looked at Silver Moon kindly, then turned his gaze to Luo Wen, "Is this the young spiritual energy cultivator you mentioned?"

“Yes, Grandmaster, this is Rowan, my partner,” Silver Moon introduced.

The old man carefully examined Luo Wen, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes: "Interesting. Your method of cultivating spiritual power is quite unique, seemingly a fusion of several different schools. Moreover, I can sense that your spiritual core is very pure, without any impurities."

"Senior's insight is truly remarkable." Rowan bowed respectfully. "This junior has indeed cultivated some techniques of mental power, but they are still very rudimentary."

“No need to be modest,” the old man waved his hand. “To have reached this level at such a young age is already quite remarkable. Come in and sit down, let’s have a good chat.”

The group followed the old man into the courtyard. The layout here was simpler than that of Yin Yue's house, but every detail reflected a profound cultural heritage. In the center of the courtyard was a small training ground, paved with special bluestone, and surrounded by various training equipment.

"Please sit," the old man gestured for everyone to sit at the stone table beside the training ground. "Yinyue, make tea for the guests."

Yinyue skillfully took out the tea set and began preparing the tea. Her movements were elegant and rhythmic, each step like a performance of art.

"Your mission just now must have been very dangerous, right?" the old man asked. "Silver Frost has already given me a brief report on the situation. To be able to escape unscathed from a stellar-level expert is truly remarkable."

"It was mainly good luck, plus excellent teamwork," Rowan replied modestly.

"Luck is part of strength," the old man chuckled, "but more important is the courage and wisdom you displayed in times of danger. Silvermoon, you've found a good partner."

Yinyue's face flushed slightly as she focused intently on brewing the tea.

The old man continued, "Rowan, I heard that you used a mental burst technique in battle that could significantly boost your combat power for a short period of time?"

"Yes, but this technique is very demanding and carries certain risks," Rowan answered truthfully.

"Could you explain in detail? I'm very interested in all kinds of cultivation methods." The old man's eyes gleamed with a thirst for knowledge.

Rowan thought for a moment, then began to explain his method of cultivating mental power in detail. He spoke very carefully, starting with basic meditation, then moving on to the concentration and release of mental power, and finally discussing the dangerous explosive techniques.

The old man listened attentively, nodding occasionally to show his understanding, and sometimes asking profound questions. His questions always hit the nail on the head, forcing Rowan to think more deeply about his cultivation method.

"A very interesting method," the old man commented. "Although your spiritual cultivation is not swordsmanship, many of its concepts are similar to our sword intent cultivation. For example, the 'unity of mind and spirit' you mentioned is essentially the same as the 'unity of man and sword' in our swordsmanship."

"Senior, are you saying that different cultivation methods actually share a common essence?" Luo Wen asked thoughtfully.

“Exactly,” the old man nodded in satisfaction. “Whether it’s swordsmanship, spiritual cultivation, or other martial arts styles, they all ultimately pursue a state of harmony with heaven and earth. The methods may differ, but the goal is the same.”

Just then, Yinyue came over carrying a cup of freshly brewed tea. The tea had a delicate and refreshing aroma that was delightful.

“Grandmaster, could you demonstrate the Silver Blue Empire’s swordsmanship to Rowan?” Silver Moon suggested. “I want him to witness the truly profound art of swordsmanship.” “Good idea,” the old man stood up. “However, a mere demonstration isn’t enough. How about we spar? Rowan, would you be willing to exchange blows with me?”

"Well," Rowan hesitated, "I'm worried I might be being impolite."

"There's no such thing as impoliteness in a sparring match between martial artists," the old man laughed heartily. "Besides, I'm also very curious about the fighting style of those who cultivate spiritual power."

“Then this junior will respectfully accept your offer.” Luo Wen stood up and bowed.

The old man walked to the equipment rack and picked up a seemingly ordinary longsword. The sword was plain and unadorned, but the moment the old man grasped the hilt, his entire demeanor changed.

"This sword is called 'Nameless,' it was my sword when I was young." The old man gently stroked the blade. "It has been with me for over five hundred years, and it is already in perfect harmony with my will."

Luo Wen sensed a powerful and pure sword intent emanating from the old man. This sword intent was different from that of Silver Moon; it was deeper, more restrained, and also more terrifying.

"I won't use weapons; I'll spar with my seniors using my mental strength." Luo Wen adjusted his posture and began to concentrate his mental energy.

“Yes,” the old man nodded. “Are you ready?”

"Please enlighten me, senior!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the old man vanished from his spot and reappeared in front of Rowan, his longsword thrusting straight at him. This sword strike appeared simple, but it actually contained extremely profound sword principles; the angle, force, and timing were all just right.

Rowan reacted quickly, instantly releasing his mental energy to form an invisible barrier in front of him. The moment the sword tip touched the barrier, he felt a peculiar power, not a brute force impact, but a penetrating force as gentle as water yet tenacious.

"Excellent swordsmanship!" Luo Wen exclaimed, while simultaneously unleashing an invisible attack from his spiritual energy against the old man.

The old man turned his body, as graceful as the wind, easily dodging the mental attack. At the same time, he changed his thrusting motion with his longsword, slashing down at Luo Wen.

The two exchanged blows for over a dozen rounds. The old man's swordsmanship was infinitely varied, each move embodying a different philosophy and realm. Sometimes it was as gentle as a spring breeze, sometimes as fierce as a thunderbolt, and sometimes as natural as flowing clouds and water.

Rowan's mental attacks were also exquisite, capable of transforming into sharp blades, sturdy shields, flying arrows, and even forming complex formations and traps. His reaction speed and adaptability earned the old man's secret admiration.

However, as the sparring intensified, Rowan gradually began to struggle. It wasn't because he lacked skill, but because the old man's swordsmanship was too profound; each move seemed to be imparting some kind of principle to him, leaving him overwhelmed.

"Alright, let's stop for a moment." The old man sheathed his sword and stood still. "Rowan, what did you sense?"

Luo Wen pondered for a moment: "Senior's swordsmanship is unpredictable, but I feel that each move is not merely an attack, but rather conveys a certain philosophy. Like that move just now, 'Spring Breeze and Rain,' on the surface it's an attack, but actually it's telling me how to overcome strength with softness."

"A very good understanding." The old man nodded with satisfaction. "The highest realm of swordsmanship is not about killing enemies and winning, but about imparting knowledge and skills. Every move and every stance should contain an understanding of martial arts and a profound appreciation of life."

Silver Moon, Silver Radiance, and Silver Frost watched intently from the sidelines. Although they were also sword practitioners, they rarely had the opportunity to witness such a high level of sparring.

"Senior, I have a question," Luo Wen asked. "When I'm cultivating my mental power, I always encounter a bottleneck. Once my mental power reaches a certain level, it becomes very difficult to improve further, as if I've hit an invisible ceiling."

"This is perfectly normal." The old man sat down, gesturing for everyone else to sit as well. "Every cultivator will encounter bottlenecks; the key is how to break through them. Tell me, what is your current cultivation method?"

Luo Wen described his daily training process in detail, including meditation, mental training, and practical application.

After listening, the old man pondered for a moment, then said, "Your method is already quite comprehensive, but it lacks the most important element—comprehension."

"Comprehension?"

“Yes,” the old man explained, “After reaching a certain level of cultivation, simple skill training is no longer enough; one must gain insights to continue progressing. These insights may come from the little things in life, from interactions with others, or from observing the natural world.”

He pointed to an ancient tree in the courtyard: "Take this tree, for example. It has grown here for over three hundred years, enduring wind, rain, thunder, and lightning, yet it still stands tall. If you can glean its spirit of perseverance and integrate that spirit into your spiritual cultivation, your cultivation will achieve a breakthrough."

Luo Wen looked at the ancient tree thoughtfully. Indeed, although the tree had experienced many vicissitudes, its trunk was still straight and its branches and leaves were still lush, giving people a feeling of indomitable spirit.

"Does the senior mean that cultivation shouldn't only focus on techniques and strength, but also on mindset and comprehension?"

“That’s right,” the old man nodded. “Skill and strength are merely outward manifestations. What truly determines how far a cultivator can go is their state of mind and comprehension. This is why many exceptionally talented people ultimately fail to reach the highest level, while some seemingly ordinary people can become grandmasters.”

Yin Yue added from the side, "Our grandmaster often taught us that swordsmanship training should aim for 'skill advancing to the Way,' which means moving beyond simple technique training to an understanding and appreciation of the 'Way.'"

"So, senior, how do you think I should improve my comprehension?" Luo Wen humbly asked for advice.

"There are many methods," the old man said slowly. "First, observe nature more. Everything in nature has its own laws of operation: the stability of mountains, the resilience of water, the freedom of wind, the intensity of fire—each can inspire you. Second, communicate with different people. Everyone has their own unique insights into life, and you can learn a lot from them. Third, practice more; test your understanding in actual battles and life."

The old man stood up and walked to the center of the courtyard: "Now I will demonstrate a sword technique for you. This technique is called 'Natural Sword Technique,' and each move is derived from insights gained from natural phenomena. Observe carefully, not just looking at the moves, but at the artistic conception they contain."

The old man, longsword in hand, began to slowly wield his sword. His first move, "Unmovable Mountain," was as steady as a mountain, giving an impression of indestructibility. His second move, "Formless Flowing Water," became softer and more fluid, flowing like an endless river. His third move, "Gentle Breeze," featured a gentle, natural sword wind, yet contained endless variations.

(End of this chapter)