Chapter 289 — The Fourteen Techniques of the Dao Sword
The Herdsman of the Wasteland · Page 1 of 4
Shen Mu's heart gave a slight jolt, and he at once guessed why the Dao Lord had been so certain that he was the Human Emperor of this age.
Of the Village Head's sword diagram he had mastered only two moves, and he had used them but seldom: apart from displaying them before Emperor Yanfeng and Imperial Preceptor Jingping, he had shown them only to Ban Gongcuo and Lin Xuan the Daoist Heir. When Lin Xuan the Daoist Heir had followed Danyangzi to blockade the gates of the Grand Academy, it was beneath the first move of the sword diagram, Sword Treads Rivers and Mountains, that he had been defeated. After returning to the Daoist sect, he must have tried to demonstrate Shen Mu's Sword Treads Rivers and Mountains to the Dao Lord; it was most likely then that the Dao Lord learned Shen Mu's swordsmanship came from the Village Head—yet he could not be certain that Shen Mu was the Human Emperor of this age.
His tone had been so sure only because he was testing him. Shen Mu was a man of fine sensibilities himself.
Though he had guessed the Dao Lord's thought, he did not deny it; he merely scooped up some water to pour over the Solomon's seal and said with a smile, "The Dao Lord's powers are vast and his wisdom surpassing. " The Dao Lord and Lin Xuan the Daoist Heir cupped water in leaves, while he simply used his vital qi to draw up the spring water—more convenient, and far quicker. Seeing him use his vital qi, the old Dao Lord said, "The Dao follows nature.
Why must the Human Emperor be in such haste?
" Shen Mu said, "To follow nature purely, and to learn in order to apply it. If the Dao Lord does not use it, why learn it at all? " The Dao Lord frowned, then his brows smoothed again, and he smiled.
"The differences between our two faiths are all matters of how to conduct oneself in the world; I will not argue with you over the doctrines of the Daoist sect and the Nether Demon Cult. The Human Emperor has not appeared in the world for several hundred years.
This time, surely he has some aim in coming forth?
" Shen Mu divided and directed the streams of water with his vital qi, watering the Solomon's seal, and answered in all earnestness, "What aim could I possibly have?
The Village Head of our village says the Human Emperor is a responsibility. Even now I cannot see what is so fine about being Human Emperor—no authority, no power, and a load of responsibility besides. If the Dao Lord is willing to take the post, I will yield it to you.
" The Dao Lord, who was watering with a leaf, paled slightly and hastily shook his head. "I cannot bear it. " So the two of them watered the Solomon's seal—one cupping water in a leaf, the other drawing it by art. Watching this, Lin Xuan the Daoist Heir shook his head inwardly: old and young alike, both were somewhat obstinate in their own views, stubborn to the bone. After the time it takes an incense stick to burn, Shen Mu, being quicker, had watered all the Solomon's seal.
The old Dao Lord likewise planted the leaf he had used to cup water into the soil, straightened his back, and sighed.
"I am old; this frame of mine is good for nothing now.
Since the Human Emperor is the Cult Leader of the Nether Demon Cult, the Daoist sect cannot be his enemy. I have come to see the Human Emperor this time to designate my successor to him.
Lin Xuan paid his respects to you just now; after I die, he will be the Dao Lord. " Shen Mu saluted Lin Xuan, who hastily returned the courtesy, saying, "I am not yet the Dao Lord; I dare not accept such a salute. " The old Dao Lord laughed. "Even after you become Dao Lord, you will be half a generation his junior; when you salute, you must lower your hands by half. " Lin Xuan was startled. The old Dao Lord went on, unhurried, "Twenty thousand years ago, we who refine qi received a kindness from the first Human Emperor, and so we all revere him as Human Emperor.