In the intricate universe of Sword of Coming (剑来), a seemingly straightforward duel between the Sword Mother and the Old Scholar unravels secrets that have been buried for six thousand years. When a young Chen Ping'an (陈平安) is thrust into the fray, his borrowed power reveals a truth that shocks even the wisest sages, all while a ancient deity discovers his own mountain has been hiding a mystery far greater than himself. This is a tale of debts, favors, and the terrifying realization that some existences are beyond even the gods' comprehension.
The Duel That Shook the Mountain
The agreement was set: the Sword Mother and the Old Scholar would settle their scores within the sacred scroll of mountains and rivers. When the Sword Mother brought young Chen Ping'an along, she unleashed a strike of unimaginable force. As Chen Ping'an entered the painting, his cultivation base was temporarily elevated to the Tenth Realm. He worried his sword strike would be a disappointment, perhaps only achieving the Seventh or Eighth Realm, which would have drawn mockery from the Old Scholar.
To everyone's astonishment, the blow landed with the force of the Thirteenth Realm. Neither Chen Ping'an nor the Old Scholar understood what had just happened. The Sword Mother simply smiled in silence, offering no explanation. It wasn't until the Suishan (穗山) Mountain God later confronted the Old Scholar that the truth began to surface, leaving the learned man utterly speechless.
This Mountain God is no minor deity. He has guarded the Eastern Peak of the Central Plains for six thousand years, a tenure that speaks volumes about his power. Before his reign, the position changed hands three times in just three thousand years, with the sacred seat once even being usurped by a demonic cult. To hold such a post for millennia, one must rely on raw strength rather than diplomacy. Much like the Sword Mother who prefers her blade over conversation, the Suishan Mountain God has maintained order through sheer terrifying combat prowess. Yet, despite his ancient power, he recently found himself nearly outmatched without even knowing who his opponent was.
The deity's ignorance regarding the Sword Mother's identity is telling. He sensed an overwhelming force radiating from her, recognizing immediately that this woman was not someone to provoke. When he angrily demanded to know who she really was and whether she was the one who damaged his mountain, the Old Scholar remained evasive. The scholar simply warned that the Mountain God could not afford to challenge her. Even the respected Wen Sage dared not cross her easily, having barely escaped her sword formation with his life. At first glance, one might mistake the scene for a celestial beauty bullying an old man, but in truth, that "beauty" has walked the earth far longer than the aged scholar ever has.
A Six-Thousand-Year Secret
The conversation between the Suishan Mountain God and the Old Scholar was filled with frustration and curses, and for good reason. Someone had essentially "broken into" his sacred mountain, and the mastermind was standing right in front of him. Yet, the Old Scholar maintained a cheerful demeanor throughout their exchange. Having dealt with the Mountain God for so many years, he knew exactly how to handle the deity's temper. Their history runs deep, filled with shared embarrassments and unspoken debts that color their every interaction.
Years ago, the pair committed a foolish act together. They sneaked a peek at a Mountain Goddess while she was bathing, hoping to catch a glimpse of her true appearance. When the goddess discovered them, her fury was terrifying. While the Suishan Mountain God hid in shame, too embarrassed to utter a single word, it was the Old Scholar who saved them both. He spent three full days and nights lecturing the goddess on morality and reason, talking without pause until she finally agreed to forgive their transgression. This incident perfectly captures the dynamic between the two: the scholar talks his way through trouble while the god relies on his fists, yet both are bound by mutual respect and shared secrets.
Now, the Mountain God approaches the Old Scholar with sympathy as well as frustration. He knows the scholar's current predicament is dire. By leaving the Gongde Forest (功德林) for Qi Jingchun's (齐静春) sake, the Old Scholar has abandoned his own path to enlightenment, sacrificing his future for a disciple. In a moment of genuine kindness, the Suishan Mountain God offered shelter, suggesting that if the scholar had nowhere else to go, he could always take refuge at Suishan. The offer was sincere, born from centuries of acquaintance, but it was immediately rejected. This refusal only highlights the pride and stubbornness that defines the Old Scholar, traits that will soon lead to another clever transaction.
A Sword Embryo for a Disciple
Despite his dire circumstances, the Old Scholar saw an opportunity in the Mountain God's visit. Knowing full well that the deity felt indebted and concerned for his welfare, the scholar decided to exploit the situation for his young disciple's benefit. He demanded a sword embryo as a gift for Chen Ping'an, essentially blackmailing an ancient god in the name of friendship. It was a bold move, the kind of shameless request that only someone with decades of history could make without getting immediately struck down.
The Suishan Mountain God, however, was not caught off guard. He had anticipated this exact scenario the moment he decided to visit. Knowing the Old Scholar's character, he understood that a meeting would never be purely social; there would always be a request hidden beneath the laughter. This is precisely why he brought the sword embryo with him. He carried it not as a gift, but as a form of insurance, knowing full well that the scholar would find some way to take it from him. Their relationship operates on this level of mutual understanding and calculated generosity.
This interaction reveals much about both figures. The Mountain God, for all his power and ancient dignity, allows himself to be "robbed" by a fallen scholar because he values their connection. The Old Scholar, though stripped of his former glory, still wields enough influence to extract favors from a deity who has guarded the Eastern Peak for sixty centuries. It is a dance of friendship, pride, and subtle manipulation that brings warmth to the cold politics of the cultivation world. As Sword of Coming continues to unfold, audiences eagerly await the animated adaptation of these rich character dynamics, where every smile hides a debt and every gift carries a story.
