“So, a True Name token is 20 million Tower points? What a cheat,” Kent said, staring at the section housing the True Name tokens.
He had hoped to buy at least two—to use on Unity and Lilian—but seeing the price now, Kent couldn’t understand why he’d even bothered to look.
[I think the master should know there are no free meals in this life. You have to work for it. But since I am such a benevolent seller, I will throw in a 30% discount for the sake of all the transactions we will have in the future.]
“You’re a huge scammer, Gaia. In fact, where did all these things even come from, anyway?” Kent laughed at Gaia’s shamelessness.
[The master shouldn’t worry about where these items came from. Even I don’t know. The only thing I know is assigning prices and figuring out ways to improve them for the master.]
“I see. I guess I’ll have to work harder to earn more Tower points and buy some for them,” Kent muttered, recalling how much the True Name had benefited Uncle Drew. He wanted the same for his lovers.
[The master shouldn’t worry. You will receive more quests to help you earn the points. Now that I’ve awakened, the chances of your ladies automatically gaining True Names are quite high. But for now, don’t depend on that.]
[Instead, you should focus on the lady in your bed. For some reason, I sense something incredibly good and powerful emanating from her. In fact, you should hurry and add her to the harem.]
Kent nodded and explored the store for a while before leaving for the Sword Tower.
The moment he arrived, he was greeted by the sight of a tall sword embedded in the ground.
The sword’s surface bore markings that Kent recognized within a minute as the 10,002 sword plays he was mastering to become a True Swords Master.
However, that wasn’t all he noticed. Beyond the markings, there was a potent energy emanating from the sword. His sword qi and intent reacted immediately, and intriguingly, he could feel his body beginning to absorb it.
“Gaia, what is this sword, and why do I feel like I should bow to it?” Kent asked, sensing the commanding respect the energy exuded.
[It’s called the Sword of Enlightenment. What you’re feeling is what most call Sword Will. It is the last stage of swordsmanship and the path to transcending to the pinnacle of every swordsman’s dreams] Gaia replied.
“And where is that?” Kent’s blood began to boil with excitement.
[One with the Sword. It’s the pinnacle of swordsmanship. Throughout history, only 22 people have ever reached that level. In fact, even the current god of the sword has not achieved it.]
Kent felt his excitement surge at the thought of reaching such heights. Currently, he is a Pseudo Swords Master with both sword qi and sword intent at the Enhanced Stage.
From what he had learned from Gaia and Vexthra, he would need to transcend nine levels in the Enhanced Stage before ascending to Profound Sword Qi and Intent. After that, he would reach Heavenly Sword Intent and Grand Sword Qi.
That was when he would begin to witness the true essence of swordsmanship. Of course, Kent understood that saying and doing were vastly different things, but the thought of the journey ahead filled him with exhilaration.
“Gaia, although I don’t mean to belittle this sword, isn’t the Sword Will coming from it a little weak?” Kent asked. Based on what he knew, the full force of true Sword Will should have been overwhelming, perhaps even deadly.
[The master is amusing. What you’re feeling isn’t even a sliver of true Sword Will. In fact, this is merely the afterimage of the millionth shadow of true Sword Will.
The current sword is here solely to aid the master’s growth. You shouldn’t expect to encounter the real thing until after you’ve formed your Sword Heart,] Gaia explained.
“Sword Heart?” Kent queried.
[Sword Heart is a stage in swordsmanship where your heart and that of the sword become one. It is the foundational stage for ascending to Sword Will and, ultimately, One with the Sword.
It’s where most swordsmen become stuck. At this stage, you begin to comprehend the Sword Dao, which tests your dedication to the sword and the sword alone.
Many falter here, unable to continue on the path of the sword. You don’t need to worry about it; you’re far from that stage.]
“I see. Swordsmanship is more fun than I thought. I guess I’ll enjoy it even more,” Kent said with a smile, knowing any swordsman would smack him silly for such a casual statement.
The path of weapon cultivation was arduous, yet Kent found it exhilarating. Still, success depended on one’s understanding and willingness to dedicate their very soul to it.
“Gaia, aside from the Genesis Path, how many paths are there?” Kent asked, thinking of someone special.
[There are 21 others besides the Genesis Path. Of course, there are others, but they didn’t reach the peak of swordsmanship, so they aren’t worth considering,] Gaia replied.
“I see. Then can I ask where I can obtain any of these 21?”
[The master is already thinking of his master. Perhaps the master should make her his first before planning her future,] Gaia teased with a giggle.
“Yeah, well, you can never be too prepared,” Kent muttered, blushing slightly.
Like Vexthra told him, his women were his secret army. He had to ensure they were stronger and well-protected. The fact that he had the tower didn’t mean he could be complacent and think he was invincible.
With him now unknowingly becoming the son of the universe, he had to understand that his life wouldn’t be easy. Having the best and most powerful women by his side was good.
[The master shouldn’t worry. With me now awakened, I will start searching, and the moment I find one, I will do everything I can to obtain it.]
“Thank you, Gaia,” Kent sighed, knowing there was a chance.
He was about to move toward the sword when something flashed before his eyes. He quickly checked, only to see something he never expected.
He had received a quest, and perhaps the universe was bored, so it had decided to simultaneously make things much more fun and interesting.
It was as if she wanted Kent to create a scene for her to watch. The quest was shameless, but the rewards were heavenly.
_________
[Ding! You have received a Quest from the Universe.]
[Quest Name: Arrogance Is a Path Too]
[Quest Type:] Single
[Quest Difficulty:] Very High
[Quest Description:]
— Become a True Swords Master.
— Join the Sword Gate of the Divine Palace Sect as an Inner Disciple.
— Once accepted, arrogantly challenge 100 swordsmen in the Inner Sect Area and win all 100 battles.
— Display your arrogance proudly, showing everyone that a new swordsman has arrived and is here to stay.
— Be prepared to gather enemies—this is the path of swordsmanship. Face it with courage and resolve, and do not run crying to your master.
[Rewards:]
— 100,000 Tower Points
— Heaven Ascendence Sword Path (5th Sword Path)
— A True Name Token
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