Chapter 147: Farewell (Part 3)
"My master?"
Su Tianhao's brow furrowed, his guards snapping to attention. The phantom master had been a convenient construct—a useful shield. Seeing Su Minghe's interest settle on that figure, something cold flickered at the edge of his thoughts.
"What do you want with my master?" His voice dropped several degrees.
"No need to be so tense," Su Minghe said, his tone shifting into something almost brotherly. "I simply hope you can arrange a meeting between us."
"And why would you want that?"
"Indomitable Sword Foundation."
Three words. Maximum impact. They landed in the room and didn't require an explanation.
The Indomitable Sword Foundation was a pseudo-version of the elusive Realm of Perfect Edge—a state achieved when one attained true mastery of the sword, opening the path to a unique and personal sword dao. It was the dream of every sword cultivator. Su Minghe was no exception.
"During your fight with Su Jian, you moved as one with your sword—technique dissolving into instinct." Su Minghe's eyes gleamed with barely restrained desire. "That's exclusive to those who've attained the Indomitable Sword Foundation. Tell me—how did your master help you reach it?"
Su Tianhao listened without expression. But within him, his thoughts were moving fast.
What he had achieved wasn't the Indomitable Sword Foundation—it was sword assimilation, the Realm of Perfect Edge itself, a realm that far surpassed what Su Minghe was chasing. Any swordsman of caliber would take notice of such mastery. A Martial Master certainly wouldn't ignore it.
"I see where this is going," Su Tianhao muttered. "You need my master's help—to attain the Indomitable Sword Foundation."
"Indeed," Su Minghe admitted without shame. "I am already a 4th level Martial Master, yet even with my comprehension of the sword dao, I haven't touched upon that realm."
He paused, frustration seeping into his voice. "But you—not even a Sword Adept yet, and you've already achieved it. That could only be your master's guidance."
Su Tianhao smiled faintly. "Your information is a little outdated, Third Elder. I am a Sword Adept now—I've comprehended Sword Sense. Perhaps even something beyond that."
Su Minghe's eyes widened slightly. "So the rumors about the Indomitable Sword Foundation are right after all. Once achieved, the sword dao becomes smooth sailing."
"I'm sorry," Su Tianhao said, his tone turning apologetic. "But I can't help you with that."
"Why?" Su Minghe's frustration surfaced. "I understand you no longer carry obligations to the Su family—but this is a personal favor I'm asking. My own request, not the family's."
He leaned forward, his voice dropping into something raw. "Tianhao—this may be my only opportunity. Without it, it could take decades before I achieve the breakthrough needed to reach Sword Grandmaster. Decades I may not have."
Su Tianhao exhaled slowly. "It isn't that I don't want to help, Third Elder. It's that I can't."
He held Su Minghe's gaze steadily. "My master is a mysterious person. Even as his disciple, my contact with him is limited. He comes from a distant country—one whose name even I don't know."
Su Minghe's expression faltered. "That's strange. From everything you've described, he seemed like a person of great care—and yet he never told you where he was from?"
His eyes narrowed, skepticism threading through his voice. "This master revealed your heavenly constitution, passed down an ancient mortal rank technique, helped you achieve the Indomitable Sword Foundation, and cultivated your killing intent to an unprecedented level—and yet you don't know his origin?"
"I know how it sounds," Su Tianhao said. His voice was even, unhurried, and carried the weight of someone telling the truth—because threaded through the lie, much of it was. "But I'm telling you what I know."
As someone who carried the memory and experience of two immortal beings, he could read Su Minghe's lingering doubt as clearly as a written page. And that made him more careful.
'The truth behind the phantom master cannot come to light,' he vowed inwardly.
"Look," he said, his tone shifting into something more direct. "I can't arrange a meeting. But I can help you with the problem itself."
He paused, letting the shift settle before continuing, his voice dropping low and resonant in the quiet room.
"To achieve the Indomitable Sword Foundation, you must cultivate the heart and master the sword. The key lies in the nine fundamental sword moves. Basic as they appear—they hold the true principles of the sword dao."
Su Minghe's skepticism didn't fully leave his face. "The nine fundamental sword moves?"
"Yes," Su Tianhao nodded, his conviction steady. "Don't merely perfect them—evolve them. When a swordsman ceases to perform the sword moves and instead becomes them—when Slash, Thrust, Parry, Cleave, and the rest no longer require thought—that is the realm you're searching for."
Something shifted behind Su Minghe's eyes. The skepticism dissolved—replaced by the quiet, wide-eyed clarity of a man who has just heard something simple that reshaped everything.
"Thank you, Tianhao," he said, extending his hand. "I owe you."
Su Tianhao took it, grip firm. "I'm glad I could help."
"Good." Su Minghe's earlier frustration had lifted entirely, replaced by something warmer. "I shouldn't keep you here any longer. You've already decided to leave—go say goodbye to Su Lei."
"He's—" Su Minghe hadn't finished the sentence before Su Lei stepped into the room, brows furrowed, sharp gaze moving between the two of them.
"What do you mean, leaving the Su family?" he asked, stepping forward, disbelief edging his voice.
Su Tianhao turned to face him, smiling wryly.
'Well—that wasn't what I expected.'
---
The sun hung high, casting warm golden light across the wide, neglected courtyard. Two figures stood among scattered boulders at a secluded section of the compound—one in azure robes with a long black ponytail and golden eyes, the other in silver with distinctive silver hair and the bearing of someone who had never once gone easy on himself.
Su Tianhao had just finished explaining.
"I don't want my past ties to become obstacles," he said, his voice settling into finality. "So I'm severing them—by paying off every debt I owe."
"I see," Su Lei said, jaw tightening. "So you're throwing away family and friends because you're worried about tomorrow?"
"That's not what I said," Su Tianhao replied calmly. "I'm not getting rid of anyone. I'm getting rid of my obligations to them."
"And the Qingyun Sect examination?" Su Lei asked, skepticism still sharp in his tone. "Will you still be attending?"
"Of course. But as a rogue cultivator—not as a young master of the Su family."
Su Lei's eyes flickered with something between concern and reluctant respect. "That path is dangerous. No backing, no support."
"I don't run from danger," Su Tianhao said, his smile widening. "In fact, it's danger that crystallizes growth."
A brief silence.
"I always thought I could catch up to you," Su Lei said, his voice dimming slightly. "Maybe even surpass you. But you're already on a different level—and it's not just cultivation."
"Don't be too hard on yourself," Su Tianhao said, shaking his head. "You're more impressive than you give yourself credit for. I didn't expect you to have reached the 7th level Martial Disciple Realm already."
Su Lei smiled bitterly. "Nothing escapes those eyes, does it?"
"Not much," Su Tianhao acknowledged. "The Essence Refinement Pills must have played a role in that breakthrough, but your sword dao comprehension carried the real weight. At the 7th level, your place as an outer court disciple of the Qingyun Sect is already assured."
"It's still nothing compared to where you are," Su Lei sighed.
Su Tianhao smiled—mysterious, noncommittal. He didn't confirm it. Saying so would serve no purpose beyond making Su Lei feel the gap more acutely, and that wasn't something he had any interest in doing.
"Enough about me," Su Tianhao said. "I have something for you."
His silver ring gleamed, and a scroll appeared in his palm.
"A parting gift," he said, holding it out.
Su Lei took it carefully, hands steady despite the anticipation visible in his eyes. He unrolled it.
---
Heavenpiercing Gale Sword Scripture—a formidable sword cultivation scripture known for its swift, fluid movements and explosive burst of power. Drawing inspiration from the nature of wind itself, it emphasizes mobility, precision, and overwhelming momentum. Practitioners learn to channel spiritual energy into strikes that cut through defenses like a storm tearing through open sky. Though deceptively graceful in form, each technique within carries immense destructive potential—ideal for agile swordsmen who favor speed and relentless force.
---
"What rank is this?" Su Lei's voice had gone quiet with shock.
"It's not just a technique," Su Tianhao said. "It's a sword scripture containing three techniques, each one building on the last."
He raised three fingers. "The first is Peak Mortal Rank. The second is Peak Spirit Rank. The third is Peak Earth Rank."
"Heavens..." Su Lei breathed, eyes wide. "And you're just... giving it to me?"
"It will guide your cultivation journey. Each technique unlocks only when you meet its requirements." Su Tianhao's tone dropped into something grave. "And I need you to keep it completely secret. Not even your master is to know."
Su Lei's expression turned deadly serious. "No one will know. I swear it."
He wasn't being naive. A scripture like this was enough to move the entire Su family—enough to attract the attention of great sects. He understood exactly what keeping this secret meant.
"Good," Su Tianhao said, placing a firm hand on Su Lei's shoulder. "Until we meet again."
"Thank you, Tianhao," Su Lei said, his voice carrying the weight of someone who understood the full value of what he'd just received. "I won't let you down."
"Good luck," Su Tianhao said, releasing his shoulder.
"You'll need it more than me," Su Lei replied, his voice quieter now.
Su Tianhao laughed—warm and genuine.
"Goodbye."
He turned and walked away, ponytail drifting behind him, azure robes catching the breeze. The sunlight cast his silhouette in sharp relief against the weathered stone of the courtyard.
Su Lei watched his solitary figure until he was gone.
Then, quietly, a fierce light ignited within his eyes.
'I will train. I will grow stronger. And one day—I will surpass you, my rival.'