There are regions of the observation deck dedicated to high-ranking officials and other famous persons. Unsurprisingly, Lady Yue and Zhu Ye are admitted in this section, next to individuals from all walks of life. Some are military, judging by their lavish, ceremonial armor, but others have more complicated roots which I cannot deduce at first glance.

The one thing they have in common is deep and unfathomable cultivation bases. Whatever method they use to conceal the depth of their cultivation is sufficient enough to work against my absolute perception, and it warrants consideration in improving my senses or my [Critical Analysis] ability through blood points.

The future is still uncertain, and, at least until the Martial Meeting is over, I decide to hold on to my blood points for as long as possible, before I commit to any upgrade plan.

I do not see my owner from where I am, but I can understand what is happening based on the conversation taking place around me. This time, many famous people joined this examination despite this not being necessary.

The reason is simple: the Galaxy Sword sect is offering great rewards for anyone who scores highly, including an incomplete manual of the sect’s treasured techniques — whatever those might be.

These things might even be valuable to Lady Yue who insisted that Lan Xiaohui prove herself by joining this sect — and to perform well, no less. Perhaps it is a matter of two birds with one stone; if Lan Xiaohui learns some of these secret methods and techniques, she could pass them on to Lady Yue. It would certainly be convenient.

But would Lady Yue really be interested in the methods of a sect she called small?

Zhu Ye glances over to Lady Yue. “I am surprised that Wu Yulan is participating,” he says. “Did you convince her?”

Lady Yue shakes her head, wearing a subdued smile. “My little lily did,” she says.

Zhu Ye smiles and nods. “How? If I may ask.”

“The sword follows the sword, Zhu Ye,” Lady Yue says as if it is the most obvious thing in the world. “They both have such a pure heart, it is only natural that they will follow the same road.”

Zhu Ye nods, this time his expression more serious. “Did Lady Wu approve of this?”

Lady Yue shakes her head. “She doesn’t know,” she says. “But she will understand when I remind her that her precious Wu Clan did not climb to the top by hiding their talent.”

Once more, Zhu Ye nods. “As you say,” he says and then looks towards the pagoda. “Speaking of talent, Zhu Xuelian is quite something.”

Lady Yue’s smile widens. “You can tell?”

“Her Sword Intent is so sharp, and her Dao is extremely deep,” Zhu Ye says. “But everyone here is similar in that regard.”

Lady Yue glances at her companion.

“You are right; they both have a pure heart,” Zhu Ye says. “But I can almost taste the blood on her hands. Her heart is pure, but this purity is from the countless times she washed her mind in rivers of blood.”

Lady Yue chuckles. “She has had an interesting adventure.”

“What kind of monster did you unleash upon this poor sect, Lady Yue?” Zhu Ye asks.

“We are about to find out,” Lady Yue says, redirecting her gaze toward the pagoda.

“She has already reached the third floor,” Zhu Ye says. “And the little Wu princess is not far behind. It wouldn’t surprise me if your Zhu Xuelian clears the entire Pagoda.”

Lady Yue laughs at her companion’s words and hums. “This Pagoda of Introspection is slightly different from the ones you know,” she says. “Even I cannot predict the result.”

“Perhaps that is so, but I do not foresee that Zhu Xuelian will have any problem entering the Galaxy Sword sect,” Zhu Ye says.

“What makes you say that?” Lady Yue asks.

Zhu Ye glances at Lady Yue, perhaps to determine if it is a trick question or genuine curiosity. “It would be surprising, but not much, if the talent you brought here has comprehended Sword Law,” Zhu Ye says. “In addition to that, she is not good at hiding the fact that she has experienced Mystic Sword Formations. Her Sword Qi is as pure and powerful as Wu Yulan’s, which is an impressive achievement. I don’t believe there is anyone in the Foundation Establishment realm who will be able to give her trouble in the tournament.”

Lady Yue smiles. “She does not want to compete in the lower bracket.”

At this, Zhu Ye looks at Lady Yue, disturbed by her words. “She wants to compete in the main event? Against the sect geniuses?”

Lady Yue nods.

“That is ambitious,” Zhu Ye says. “She truly is like a sword. Zhu Xuelian — the flower that only turns more crimson the more obstacles stand in its way.”

“She is not that different from how you once used to be, Zhu Ye,” Lady Yue says with a hint of amusement in her tone.

Zhu Ye’s smile is mysterious. “Perhaps I will teach her to carve jade, like I taught Wu Yulan,” he says. “Even I am becoming curious to see what kind of force she will turn out to be in the future.”

Lady Yue smiles and nods. “I was hoping you would say that,” she says. “They both have much to learn from you.”

At this time, many of the cultivators who have entered the Pagoda have already been ejected from the structure, with a disappointing finish of less than five floors. Even one of the so-called geniuses has been thrown out after stumbling on the fifth floor, which, according to the people nearby discussing this event, tests bravery.

Though many of these individuals assume that this genius is a coward because of this result, they do not understand the difference between a sword’s bravery, and a person’s bravery.

The sword has no concept of bravery — it stands against the future regardless of the potential outcome. It cuts because it must cut, even if this shatters its spine. For a cultivator, being brave implies there already is weakness in the heart that can be exploited. A sword cultivator must be as pure and simple as the sword they embody: without courage and weakness — a machine of slaughter to the very end.

I do not know what challenges await my owner, but I understand why Lady Yue insisted that I remain with her instead of with Lan Xiaohui. My heart would overcome these challenges before Lan Xiaohui’s even had a chance to attempt them.

But even so, I am curious about this Pagoda and desire to attempt it myself out of some morbid curiosity. Would this Pagoda recognize me as a suitable sword cultivator? Surely, it must, but this Pagoda was not made by impartial swords; it was created by those who liken themselves to a sword.

How could they possibly test the Dao Heart, when they themselves have not completed their own Dao?

“Wu Yulan has already passed Zhu Xuelian,” Zhu Ye says. “Perhaps Zhu Xuelian has run into a problem.”

Lady Yue nods and remarks quietly. “This seventh floor is my lily’s greatest, and perhaps only, weakness.”

“What is it?” Zhu Ye asks.

Lady Yue smiles. “It is the ability to abandon the deepest, mortal attachments; love, in a way.”