Chapter 46 (1/2)

Zhou Yan was in a state of complete enlightenment.

In such a state, the young lad once again felt an enormous resistance as he attempted to gain enlightenment of the knowledge of the Sword Art of the Dragon. However, after finding the right direction when he was attempting to gain knowledge, he had an immense motivation to pour every ounce of his heart to learn even if the topic of study was incredibly difficult.

Hence, whenever he was tasked with studying or gaining enlightenment from any other fields, it would be a relaxing and easy thing for the young lad to do.

This time was no exception.

All it took for Zhou Yan was his deep concentrated focus in gaining enlightenment from that jade, and different thoughts, ideas, and principles began to flood the young lad’s mind. After doing so, the young lad stopped trying to wrap his head around the Sword Art of The Dragon as he diverted his entire attention to fully unlock the deeper secrets of the eighth and ninth layers.

This time, his attempts in doing so were extremely smooth and were met without any resistance. Zhou Yan had not only fully understood the hidden secrets and deeper meaning of that sword art, but he had also gained full control and complete mastery over all nine forms of that sword art from the jaded rock.

That meant Zhou Yan had fully understood the deeper, more intricate meanings and all nine forms of said sword art.

This entire search for enlightenment had never even taken a single joss stick’s worth of time.

However, since there was still plenty of time left, Zhou Yan proceeded to once again get himself in a state of enlightenment in order to have a deeper and more conclusive understanding of the Principles of Autumn’s Secret. Although the time spent to do all of this was short, the young lad had already gained plenty of knowledge.

After a conclusive study, Zhou Yan had successfully mastered the Principles of Autumn’s Secret.

Since Zhou Yan had poured all of his heart and soul into the mastery of the sword art within this jaded rock, as he was spent in enlightenment, he realized this sword art was far more complex and held a much deeper depth compared to the Sword Art of Clear Waters Heaven’s Blade of the Zhou family. Its ferocity was also far superior to it.

…

“That’s it, times up.”

The hand of the Grand Elder of the Zhou family had a serious expression on his face. This time, he hoped Zhou Yan would not show off to an extent which would draw him attention since he did not want the young lad to use the opportunity to be taken seriously.

However, this was a fair test, and the results could never be forged. Hence, all he was able to do was stand idly by and watch, but it seems that this lad had a hint of dissatisfaction in his eyes since he knew Zhou Yan was exceptional in the study of enlightenment!

He was very aware of the situation, and it was all due to that fact alone that made him worried. Zhou Yan can never rise to glory or else the entire fate of the Zhou family would be exceedingly worrying!

As he pondered on that thought, obvious bloodlust was written across his face.

It was extremely obvious. If it was not for the presence of the elder of the main branch of the Zhou family, he would have actually murdered Zhou Yan right where he stood.

“Now, don’t think for a second that all of you are lucky. You will take turns explaining what sort of enlightened knowledge you’ve gained from that test. After that, the elder of the main branch of the Zhou family himself will be assessing each one of you within this Swordplay Alchemy circle!

“This Swordplay Alchemy circle is branded with a specter’s memory. The memory will be used to showcase what you’ve learned, and then later be used for comparison!

“If you guys were unable to gain any enlightened knowledge from the test and instead presented a nonsensical speech, the offender will be disqualified from the test the instant such acts were discovered!

“If there is any newfound enlightenment after you’re done presenting, the newfound knowledge will not be taken into account.

“That being said, however much enlightened knowledge that you have gained before is what will be taken into account!”

“Right now, the summarized conclusion shall be presented first. Whoever goes first will be determined by the results of the test of might earlier, so Zhou Lingyao, you’ll be the first to present your knowledge!”

“Yes, Hand of the Grand Elder.”

Zhou Lingyao proceeded to take a gentle bow of respect as he pridefully glared at Zhou Yan. Not only was that a gaze of challenge, it was also a glare filled with confidence!

“What I’ve learned was the sword art that reflects the falling leaves in autumn! I’ve fully grasped four principles, hence I’ve mastered four different movesets!”

Zhou Lingyao was calm but at the same time filled with pride. Even the tone of the words he had spoken was weighted—it sounded extremely powerful!

That single statement alone shook the entirety of the Zhou family academy!

Even that couple from the main branch of the family had hints of surprise in their gaze when they stared at Zhou Lingyao!

This expression alone had been noticed by plenty of people, meaning Zhou Lingyao’s innate ability to gain enlightenment was extremely outstanding!

…

The academy’s exterior ground, within the tavern.

“Four different movesets, meaning there were four intricately deep principles. Ying’er, your understanding is the same too, but in terms of mastery over a specific moveset, you would need to master one more than him. I didn’t expect the Zhou family to have such genius.”

That middle-aged man stared from a distance, unable to contain his excitement while he spoke.

“Father, how much do you think Brother Zhou Yan would be able to grasp from this?” the young lass, Ying’er, questioned excitedly.

“This is not an easy prediction to make, but judging from how confident he looks, and if his natural gifts were as impressive as his father’s, then I’m certain he would at least be able to grasp three intricate hidden meanings and three movesets. To say he would be more impressive than Zhou Lingyao would be a stretch.”

After a deep moment of contemplation, the middle-aged man broke everything down and made such a conclusion.

“Father, isn’t your strength an impressive judgment of people? How can you not be able to decisively judge Brother Zhou Yan?”

Zhou Ying lamented in a displeased tone.

“My beloved daughter, your father isn’t as exceptional as that elder from the main branch of our family to possess such high intellect! Besides, I’m merely in the second rank within the realm of the Blade’s Menace. This realm is still exceedingly far from the realm of the Blade’s Heart.

“Without ascending into the realm of the Blade’s Heart and only having a blade’s core with an extremely high affinity to the spiritual nature isn’t exactly much help!

“Furthermore, Zhou Yan is… How should I put this in words… Odd. It’s most probably due to the bloodline this young lad shared with his mother. All of this is nothing but a shroud to your father!