" The Village Head smiled slightly. "All that we old folks taught you are skills to survive in this world. Lord Huo taught you strength and dignity; the Butcher taught you courage and fearlessness; Deaf Elder taught you art and grace; Lame Elder taught you escape and cunning; Blind Elder taught you to see through appearances and perceive truth; the Alchemist taught you to make medicine and save lives; Granny taught you wisdom and kindness; Silent Craftsman taught you adaptability and composure.

What I can teach you is a ruler—marked by conscience—to measure right and wrong, good and evil.

Raise your sword. " Shen Mu drew his Chu Bao sword and held it before him. The spine of the blade facing Shen Mu divided the edge into two sides, one side reflecting Shen Mu's face, the other side also reflecting Shen Mu's face. "A sword has four edges. The side facing you reflects your heart—one side good, one side evil. " The Village Head said calmly, "The side facing your enemy reflects your enemy's conscience—one side good, one side evil. The sword is your ruler, to measure good and evil, right and wrong, both yours and your enemy's.

The sword technique measures the good and evil of your opponent, and also of yourself. Now I will teach you the first form of my sword technique. Once you learn it, you will have passed my trial and can leave the village to make your way in the world.

" Shen Mu's heart surged—the Village Head was finally going to teach him sword forms!

Lord Huo, the Blind Elder, and others were startled and looked at the Village Head. Granny Zhu also pushed open her door and looked over. The Village Head finally teaching Shen Mu sword technique—to others it might be a small matter, but to them it was a momentous affair. Especially the Alchemist, who knew the meaning behind the Village Head's teaching! The Village Head's sword technique was not just transmission—it carried responsibility! Learning it meant shouldering the responsibility the Village Head had not completed.

The Alchemist said quietly, "Village Head, do you think he can bear it?

" The Village Head smiled. "If I couldn't, doesn't mean he can't.

The Demon Sect's founder is old, with seven years left. I'm old too, at best dying a few years after him.

It's time to pass on the inheritance.

" He steeled himself and said to Shen Mu, "My sword technique is called the Sword Diagram.

The first form is 'Sword Trampling Mountains and Rivers.

'"