Chapter Twenty-N

“Sword-heart?” Yin Seventeen repeated the term several times, as if gaining understanding, and ventured, “Is this the so-called Seventh Sense?” The bronze-masked man nodded, continuing, “It’s simply another name—the essence remains unchanged.”

“The Sixth Sense, the Realm of Root Cognition, grants understanding of life and unlocks human potential; the Seventh Sense, the Realm of Mana Cognition, is about seeking the meaning of existence and surpassing all limits.”

“When someone finds the meaning of life, they can exert a power far beyond their natural limits.”

As he spoke, he extended an index finger and tapped Yin Seventeen’s chest, then went on, “No matter how small a person’s microcosm is, it is still a universe unto itself.”

“How could a mere mortal’s instincts ever compare to the infinite vastness of the universe?”

“If you think you can control your entire microcosm with the Sixth Sense alone, that is utterly impossible.”

“In the end, the Realm of Root Cognition is only the key to unlocking the power of the microcosm.”

“To truly wield the power of your microcosm, you must possess the Seventh Sense that transcends the limits of life!”

Hearing this, Yin Seventeen fell deep into thought.

He had always been aware of the existence of the Seventh Sense, but his knowledge was vague, only knowing in the broadest terms that such a thing existed.

Now, in the presence of the bronze-masked man, he truly came to understand what the Seventh Sense was.

He looked at the man and asked, “Elder, I have always longed to become stronger, making that my life’s purpose. Would that allow me to surpass my limits?”

The bronze-masked man shook his head, pressing his finger against Yin Seventeen’s chest again, “The question isn’t whether you can, but whether, deep down, you truly regard this as your life’s purpose.”

“What do you mean?” Yin Seventeen was perplexed.

The bronze-masked man withdrew his finger and explained slowly, “Anything, any matter, can be made the meaning of life.”

“But do you truly understand what the meaning of life is, and what it means to transcend all limits?”

“This…” Yin Seventeen felt a vague understanding but could not put it into words.

The bronze-masked man continued, “To be fixated on something, willing to pay any price—even your own life—to achieve it, that is the so-called meaning of life.”

“Regardless of good or evil, to turn this powerful personal feeling, this belief, into an obsession that runs through everything—an obsession that not even death can dissolve—that is the Seventh Sense, the Realm of Mana Cognition.”

“Your desire to become stronger is not wrong, but has your heart truly carried this desire through to the end?”

Faced with his piercing question, Yin Seventeen was left speechless.

The fear of death is an instinct embedded in all humans.

He had indeed considered becoming stronger at any cost, yet he could not turn that will to become stronger into an obsession.

It was just like when he tried to ignite his microcosm.

Though he risked his life in that attempt, he had already trained his body and the Sixth Sense to the limits of an apprentice warrior beforehand, maximizing his chances of success.

Ultimately, it was his fear of failure that drove him to maximize his odds.

If his will to become strong had truly become an obsession, he would have felt no fear of failure.

Or perhaps, even knowing he would fail, he would still try.

But he could not.

When confronted with certain failure, he would never attempt it.

Such is the difference between faith and obsession.

Seeing his silence, the bronze-masked man said, “Once you find the meaning of life, your sword will be given a heart.”

“When you fight for your obsession, it will become a true holy sword—indestructible, able to cut through anything.”

“I hope that when next we meet, your sword will already possess a heart.”

Sensing the tone of farewell, Yin Seventeen hurriedly asked, “Elder, are you not going to continue teaching me? I feel I am still lacking, there is so much more I need to learn!”

The bronze-masked man glanced at him, then replied, “You have already formed the embryo of your sword. As for what it will become, that is for you to shape.”

“I can teach you how to hone your sword, but I cannot hone it for you.”

“From now on, it is time for you to hone your sword alone.”

Seeing that his decision was final, Yin Seventeen did not plead further, but instead asked, “Then when will we meet again? Or where should I go if I wish to find you?”

The bronze-masked man waved a hand, turning to leave. As he walked, he said, “Don’t waste your efforts searching for me. When I wish to see you, I will appear.”

Watching his receding figure, Yin Seventeen called out, “You have taught me for so long—can I not call you teacher?”

The bronze-masked man paused briefly, then continued on his way.

“When your sword has a heart, then you may call me so.”

Soon, his figure vanished from Yin Seventeen’s sight.

Two days later, the battle for the Sacred Armor resumed.

The Pope stood by the display platform and announced in a booming voice, “The long-awaited battle for the Sacred Armor begins anew! This time, the prize is the Bronze Sacred Armor of the Swordfish Constellation!”

“All reserve warriors present, ignite your microcosms!”

“As long as the Bronze Sacred Armor of the Swordfish responds to you, you may earn the right to wear it!”

“Come, stand before me!”

“Defeat all your competitors in the arena, don this glorious bronze armor, and become a true Saint!”

The Pope’s impassioned summons echoed from the judge’s seat, though beneath his fervor there was a touch of madness.

To the unknowing, it would seem the Pope’s devotion to the goddess was simply too intense.

But Yin Seventeen knew otherwise; this was not zealotry, but Evil Saga masquerading as the Pope, taking delight in the struggles of the reserve warriors.

Fortunately, Evil Saga only wished to rule the earth, not destroy it. Thus, he maintained order in the Sanctuary under the guise of the Pope, never going too far.

The likes of Old Master Tiger on Mount Five Elders and other Athena loyalists, in the interest of stability, turned a blind eye.

Were it not so, the Sanctuary would have long since collapsed under Evil Saga’s tyranny.

In short, though Evil Saga was far from virtuous, he was not the sort who wished to annihilate everything.

Thus, after he replaced the former Pope, the Sanctuary continued to function.

Steeling his complicated emotions, Yin Seventeen fixed his eyes on the Sacred Armor chest atop the platform.

Already, many reserve warriors in the stands had ignited their microcosms, probing the Swordfish Armor.

The entire arena was blanketed by chaotic auras of the microcosm.

Unwilling to fall behind, Yin Seventeen too ignited his microcosm and sent forth his probe.

Unlike previous attempts, which had sunk without a trace, this time, the moment his power touched the Sacred Armor chest, a feeling of joy answered his microcosm from within.

There was no doubt—the Swordfish Armor had accepted him!

At that very moment, sensing Yin Seventeen’s sharp microcosm, Evil Saga beneath the Pope’s mask frowned.

“This microcosm is most unpleasant,” he thought, recalling some bitter memories.

Five years before, sword energy had soared from the Pope’s Hall, shaking the entire Sanctuary; Shura had nearly cost him his position as Pope.