As he heard the intents, Lin Mu didn't respond aloud. There was no need.
His Sword Heart remained steady.
'I do not seek the sword to conquer, nor to protect alone.'
'I seek it to be true.''
To be unshaken in a world full of turmoil.'
'To carve a path when none exists.''
To stand when others fall.'
'To walk forward, even if alone.'
Step by step, he continued.
At times, the path rippled beneath his feet as if trying to shake him. At others, unseen blades rose from the sides, brushing against his arms and shoulders—but they could not pierce him.
Even the windless void seemed to shudder with the weight of Lin Mu's steady advance.
He did not know how long he had been walking.
Time had no meaning here.
There was no sun, no moon, no change in light. The mist that surrounded the path remained the same—a veil that concealed all.
And yet, he did not falter.
Hours could have passed. Or days. Or mere moments.
All that mattered was the path ahead.
