As the night approached the hour of Hai (9-11 PM), with bellies full from food and drink, it was the most leisurely time for families young and old. Yet, they all took out their All-World Knowledge Talismans, opening a certain livestream through projections, visual displays in their eyes, or other means—some gathering in groups, others in private.
The livestream was set in the vast Bamboo Forest, a refreshing scene of lush greenery. Before a giant bamboo so thick it would take ten people to encircle it stood a low table, where two women sat facing each other. One, dressed in an elegant red-and-black ancient robe, smiled calmly under the gaze of countless distant eyes and said:
“Welcome, everyone, to this episode of *All-World Rendezvous*. I’m your friend Jiang Yu. This time, we are honored to invite the current Grand Elder of the Sword Washing Pavilion, the Immortal Venerable of White Rainbow Palace, the legendary Sword Goddess—Jiang Zhiwei, the Fairy Jiang. She will chat with us about the cultivation of martial arts and the mind, and share stories of the bygone era that can no longer be revisited.”
Jiang Zhiwei, still clad in her goose-yellow dress, with her dark brows and bright eyes, radiated a serene beauty as she knelt quietly and nodded slightly. It was as if the long passage of time had left no trace on her body or soul.
Jiang Yu, the host of *All-World Rendezvous*, took a light breath to steady her excitement and nervousness. This was the first time in history that a Great Divine Ability practitioner of Creation-level had agreed to a livestream interview. The combined cultivation of everyone in the production team couldn’t even compare to a single strand of her hair. It was said that in the previous era, which even the Other Shore couldn’t revisit, people like them wouldn’t even have the chance to approach Fairy Jiang—she was in the heavens, while they were in the dust. How could ordinary beings associate with ants?
Thankfully, her employer, Qu Jiuniang, was a capable woman with vast connections and extensive knowledge. Not only could she obtain rare longevity-extending treasures from across the myriad worlds, but she had also managed to invite a Great Divine Ability practitioner who stood at the pinnacle of the sword path!
Facing such a figure, the distinction between immortal and mortal was too vast to describe—one could only bow in reverence.
Because of this, even the preliminary feedback foreshadowed the overwhelming viewership today. The show was bound to reach unprecedented heights!
After calming herself slightly, Jiang Yu smiled at Jiang Zhiwei:
“Originally, we planned to hold a grand ceremony to welcome Fairy Jiang’s arrival, befitting the status of a Great Divine Ability practitioner. But the Fairy is humble and approachable, arriving simply and choosing to begin just as simply.”
Jiang Zhiwei smiled. “Immortals roam freely, their hearts unburdened. There’s no need for elaborate formalities.”
Beyond the Thirty-Three Heavens, a soft cough echoed.
“Truly the demeanor of a true immortal, inspiring awe and admiration,” Jiang Yu praised, clapping lightly before shifting the topic. “Fairy Jiang, since the Celestial Venerable Meng of the Jade Void Palace opened this era, most cultivation manuals have been made public. Martial arts schools and academies have largely replaced traditional sects, offering tiered progression systems that ensure a steady stream of new cultivators, making the cultivation world flourish. Those who wish to cultivate no longer lack opportunities, but the damage to traditional sects is evident. As the Grand Elder of a major sect, what are your thoughts on this?”
Jiang Zhiwei answered without hesitation, as if she had long considered the question, her smile bright yet dignified:
“In terms of the ‘Dao,’ this is as it should be. Returning to the origin, all beings are of Primordial Unity, awakening to their true nature—all are Tathāgata. Regardless of gender, age, or even demons and monsters, there is no inherent hierarchy in essence. Equal opportunity aligns with the natural order.”
“For sects, resisting this tide is like a mantis trying to stop a chariot—they will inevitably be crushed and swallowed by time. They must actively adapt to this new reality and trend.”
“Of course, this situation is nothing but beneficial for our Sword Washing Pavilion.”
Jiang Yu frowned in confusion, mirroring the billions of viewers: “Why is it only beneficial for the Sword Washing Pavilion? Most sects have either transformed or lost their former glory under this wave.”
Jiang Zhiwei replied unhurriedly: “Perhaps because we are a relatively pure sword cultivation sect. We have no obsession with sect size and have always been strict in selecting true disciples. In the past, we took in many ordinary disciples, teaching them non-core sword techniques, then observing, testing, and tempering them to find those capable of becoming true sword cultivators. Sometimes, several generations of disciples would pass without a single one qualifying.”
“This new wave actually saves us that process. Look—across the myriad worlds, all beings who wish to cultivate can obtain corresponding manuals. With guidance from teachers in martial arts schools and academies, they gradually improve, break through barriers, and acquire techniques for the next realm, cycling thus until they reach a level where their teachers can no longer guide them.”
“In this process, each teacher oversees many disciples, unlike the meticulous, one-on-one instruction of traditional sects. Moreover, with the rise of the All-World Knowledge Network and the widespread availability of alchemy, talisman-making, and artifact-forging, disciples face countless distractions and temptations to pursue other paths.”
“Thus, those who emerge step by step from this environment, still devoted to the sword path, are cultivators with strong hearts and unwavering will—precisely the qualities we seek in true disciples. We no longer need to observe, test, or temper them ourselves.”
Jiang Yu nodded thoughtfully. “The Fairy makes a compelling point. For Dharmakaya and higher realms, manuals grow increasingly profound. Without guidance, it would take untold time to comprehend them alone. Studying under an immortal for better instruction is the best choice. It seems the martial arts school system suits pre-Dharmakaya stages, while higher realms demand specialized masters.”
After discussing this for a while, Jiang Yu suddenly smiled coyly:
“Fairy, as a renowned Sword Goddess across the myriad worlds, everyone is curious about your personal life. You’ve never taken a partner—have you ever felt lonely in these long years?”
Jiang Zhiwei remained composed, answering frankly:
“First, the ‘companion’ in ‘wealth, companion, method, and place’ refers to friends who support each other and exchange insights on the Dao—not romantic partners in the mundane sense. I am not lacking in such friends.”
“Second, practicing the sword is practicing the mind. Immortals and Buddhas cannot be measured by mortal emotions. What you perceive as loneliness might be our enjoyment; what you see as entanglements might be fleeting clouds to us. Cutting through inner delusions is daily cultivation. More importantly, in pursuing the Dao, my heart is content—it seeks nothing external. How could there be loneliness?”
“‘My heart is content, it seeks nothing external…'” Jiang Yu repeated, unable to fully grasp the meaning yet sensing the strength of Jiang Zhiwei’s spirit.
After a long silence, she suddenly brightened and followed up:
“Fairy, you mentioned you aren’t lacking in ‘companions.’ We also know you’ve known the Celestial Venerable of the Jade Void Palace since childhood—a life-and-death confidant. In the previous era, during the trials you faced together, were there ever… ambiguous feelings between you?”
Instantly, viewers across the myriad worlds sat up straight, eyes narrowing in anticipation.
Hmm?
Beyond the Thirty-Three Heavens, in the Jade Void Palace, a slender hand stroking a silver-striped tabby paused. Meng Qi, his halo of perfect radiance glowing behind his head, sneaked a glance.
Time flowed. Jiang Yu jolted—how had she almost asked *that* question? A misstep could unleash a storm!
Thankfully, she had only thought it, not spoken it.
With a bright smile, she corrected: “Fairy, you mentioned you aren’t lacking in ‘companions.’ We know you have several life-and-death confidants. Could you share some interesting or perilous experiences from your past? Everyone is fascinated by the unreachable previous era.”
Viewers nodded, some leaning back in chairs, others reclining on beds.
Jiang Zhiwei paused, then smiled faintly:
“Very well.”
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