Chapter 44
Ch. 44 .｡.:✧ Conclusion ✧:.｡.
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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Chaos
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[You are correct in your assumption]
The figure of the Sword Immortal said with a melancholic smile.
I nodded silently.
It was pointless to assume the Sword Immortal was truly here.
‘The novel stated that the Sword Immortal had essentially ascended to a higher plane.’
He was described as a transcendent being, beyond the mundane affairs of the mortal realm.
The figure before me was merely a lingering trace of his will, a remnant of his consciousness.
‘So, the Sword Immortal truly was a transcendent being…’
I was slightly awestruck.
It was said that those who achieved true transcendence could accomplish anything they desired.
I hadn’t realized that included imprinting one’s will onto an object, preserving it for centuries.
The Sword Immortal’s power was truly profound.
“…Where is the Sword Immortal now?”
I asked.
[I cannot answer that. Even I do not know the whereabouts of this memory’s original owner]
The Sword Immortal’s will replied.
[However… I have a hunch. But to reveal it would violate the laws of causality.]
“…I see.”
The limitations imposed upon transcendent beings…
I couldn’t comprehend them.
I hadn’t reached that level of cultivation, not in this life, nor in my previous one.
The Sword Immortal’s will seemed to sense this.
He paused, then said,
[You will understand everything someday.]
“…!”
[This encounter is merely a preordained arrangement to pass on the Heavenly Evasion to you. To reveal more would place an undue burden on both of us.]
“…”
The Sword Immortal’s will fell silent.
I nodded solemnly, understanding his intentions.
As I stood there, the Sword Immortal’s will began to pace in a circle, then spoke,
[As you know, the Heavenly Evasion Sword Technique cannot be easily grasped through simple manuals or scrolls.]
“I suspected as much.”
[You already understand? Then this will be easier to explain.]
Now that I understood the limitations on what he could reveal, our conversation naturally shifted to the Heavenly Evasion technique.
The concept of Heavenly Evasion was somewhat ambiguous.
‘To conceal oneself from the heavens’
… it was different from shattering the heavens or becoming one with them.
It was something else entirely.
I pondered the opening verses of the technique.
‘[Fear not the darkness. Do not reign with light.] Such cryptic verses, concealing their true meaning…’
A true Heavenly Evasion.
I pondered the essence of the technique, tilting my head in thought.
The Sword Immortal’s will observed me silently, then spoke again,
[Even here, I cannot directly impart the true understanding of Heavenly Evasion. It would be impossible, even for a Grandmaster.]
“So…?”
[Why do you think I showed you these fragmented memories?]
“…To allow me to experience, albeit indirectly, your journey and your enlightenment.”
[Precisely. I cannot simply bestow upon you the Heavenly Evasion that I cultivated over a lifetime. To instantly impart the mastery honed over centuries would make me akin to an omnipotent being.]
“Hmm…”
[But with your intelligence and talent, you must have gleaned something from experiencing the memories of the Sword Immortal of the past. Am I wrong?]
“…I cannot deny that.”
I agreed.
The Sword Immortal’s memories, filled with life-or-death battles and profound insights, were invaluable, a glimpse into the realm of transcendence that could help me break through my current limitations.
The Sword Immortal was likely even stronger than Heavenly Slaughterer.
Experiencing his memories was more profound than any fortuitous encounter.
‘I may not have mastered Heavenly Evasion, but I’ve grasped a thread, a glimmer of understanding. If I can cultivate this insight, I can surely break through to the Peak Realm.’
I nodded slowly, then decided to ask a question unrelated to Heavenly Evasion.
“I have a question.”
[Ask away. I will answer anything within my power.]
“…If the Heavenly Evasion Sword Technique cannot be learned from manuals or scrolls, why did you inscribe its essence onto the obsidian wall in that hidden cave?”
[…Hmm. You likely already suspect the answer, but…]
The Sword Immortal’s will cleared his throat.
[…When I carved the essence of Heavenly Evasion onto that wall, I did not wish for it to fall into the hands of someone unworthy, even if I hadn’t specifically chosen a successor.]
“…”
‘Is he referring to the protagonist of the novel?’
[Of course, it’s practically impossible to master Heavenly Evasion from a few lines of cryptic verses. But people cling to hope, don’t they?]
“…I understand.”
[I sensed someone intruding into that hidden chamber and stealing the manual. He is likely striving to decipher the true meaning of Heavenly Evasion. It was not my intention, but…]
“…”
[Even with decades, even centuries of study, he will not succeed. Without heavenly fortune, those verses alone are useless.]
The Sword Immortal’s will spoke with absolute conviction.
But I couldn’t shake off a lingering unease.
Having read the novel, I knew better.
‘Heavenly fortune… The protagonist has that in spades…’
But I couldn’t reveal this.
So, instead of contradicting him, I asked another question.
“…Then, why did you leave that ancient sword in the hidden chamber?”
[That is simple. I needed a vessel to anchor my will. I couldn’t simply leave my memories and experiences imprinted on a random rock, especially since they were meant to endure for centuries, perhaps millennia.]
“Hmm… I understand.”
[Well, I am content that someone like you has found this place and grasped the essence of Heavenly Evasion… I have no regrets.]
“My questions have been answered.”
[Is that so? I am glad to hear it.]
The Sword Immortal smiled faintly.
I uncrossed my arms and thanked him.
“Despite the… unusual circumstances, I am grateful that you shared your insights and experiences without reservation.”
[…Your character is far superior to that of the one who intruded upon this place earlier. I had intended to impose stricter tests of worthiness, but I realized it was pointless…]
“Hmm…”
[Even if I had left behind superior techniques and divine artifacts, it would have been meaningless if the recipient lacked the proper mindset… I cannot fathom the original owner’s reasoning for creating this hidden chamber in such a desolate place, but I cannot deny a lingering resentment.]
“I understand your sentiment.”
The Sword Immortal’s will chuckled, then dismissed me.
[In any case, the original owner of these memories would be pleased to know that you have inherited his legacy.]
“…”
[I seem to have spent too long sharing these memories and explanations. I will release you now. You may do as you wish with the sword embedded in the boulder.]
He added,
[While it appears weathered and ancient, it is not a cursed blade or a demonic weapon. It is a true treasure. If you cultivate your spirit, its true brilliance will be revealed.]
“…I understand.”
[Now, go. I have nothing more to teach you…]
Swish-
He raised his right arm.
And then—the world shifted once more.
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