Chapter 6: Fundamental Sword Techniques

Bone Douluo rubbed his chin thoughtfully, scrutinizing Ning Xi over and over again.

Ning Xi felt a slight chill creeping up her scalp from his intense gaze.

Puzzled, she looked at him and asked, “What’s wrong, Grandpa Bone?”

Even the others turned to Bone Douluo, unsure why he suddenly behaved this way.

“Xi’er! You really are a monster!” Bone Douluo suddenly exclaimed.

Ning Fengzhi smiled with pride—there was no denying, his daughter was extraordinary!

However, the next moment, he overheard Bone Douluo muttering under his breath.

“Could she be Fengzhi’s illegitimate child? Such a pervert...”

After all, being skilled in so many things naturally sparked his suspicions.

Still deep in his own conjectures, Bone Douluo suddenly felt an icy glare directed at him and shuddered.

Ning Fengzhi’s dark, solemn face was fixed on him, glaring fiercely.

Ning Xi’s lips twitched slightly upon hearing those words.

“Ah, cough, well, Old Swordman, the weather is really nice today!” Bone Douluo quickly sidled over to Sword Douluo, his eyes darting nervously.

Sword Douluo shot him a displeased glance and ignored him.

“Sis, your paintings are so beautiful,” Ning Rongrong exclaimed, enchanted by her sister’s artwork and admiring her all the more.

Ning Fengzhi swiftly returned to his usual gentle and refined demeanor, as if his earlier stern expression had been a mere illusion.

Though he didn’t fully understand why his daughter possessed so many talents, he chose not to pry.

He knew Ning Xi harbored many secrets, but he was willing to trust her.

“Xi’er, I will send people to gather these materials for you. When they arrive, I’ll have them delivered to you.”

“Thank you, Father,” Ning Xi replied gratefully.

“All right, the apprenticeship ceremony is concluded for today. Now, proceed with whatever needs to be done,” Ning Fengzhi declared.

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With the apprenticeship formalities complete, there was little else to attend to.

While waiting for the soul-forged instrument materials to be prepared, Sword Douluo began instructing Ning Xi in basic swordsmanship.

Early the next morning, Sword Douluo took Ning Xi to a vast, open meadow—a perfect place to practice swordplay.

The grass stretched endlessly, vibrant and lush, swaying gently in the breeze as if greeting them.

In the distance, several sturdy ancient trees stood tall on the horizon, lending an air of rustic tranquility to the clearing.

The sky was a clear, wash-blue, with wisps of white clouds drifting leisurely. Sunlight filtered through breaks in the clouds, dappled softly across the grass, shimmering with gentle radiance.

Swordsmanship must be cultivated from youth!

Ning Xi was no ordinary child, so her training was even more rigorous than most.

Sword Douluo stood before her, tall and imposing, his stern countenance imbued with authority. In his hand was a simple yet ancient longsword that emitted a faint blue glow.

“The way of the sword lies chiefly in the mind,” Sword Douluo’s voice was low and resonant. “The sword is king of all weapons; the essence of swordsmanship is in the ‘will,’ not the ‘form.’”

Ning Xi listened intently, not daring to miss a single word.

Mentioning swords, she couldn’t help but recall, millennia ago, the Sword-Mad Douluo!

His spirit was originally a meteorite from beyond the heavens, refined by countless years of soul power until it became the sharp blade he wielded.

His obsession and dedication to swordsmanship set him apart in the soul master world.

Ning Xi took a deep breath and conjured her Seven Kill Sword.

A longsword shimmered with a cold blue light—sleek and sharp, as if carved from crystal, its hilt intricately inscribed with arcane runes.

A biting chill emanated from the blade, noticeably lowering the surrounding temperature.

Swordsmanship is a comprehensive discipline, encompassing sword techniques, sword intent, sword aura, sword posture, and more.

It refers not only to specific moves and skills but also to the swordsman’s inner energy, mental cultivation, spiritual state, and profound understanding and insight into the sword.

Swordsmanship emphasizes the use of “will” and “energy,” representing a holistic mastery of the sword’s way.

Sword techniques are the concrete moves and skills—external manifestations of swordsmanship. Without a solid foundation in sword techniques, one cannot effectively apply the “will” and “energy” of swordsmanship.

“Little disciple, the foundation of swordsmanship lies in sword techniques. Today, I shall teach you the basic sword techniques. Once you’ve mastered them thoroughly, I will then impart to you my lifetime’s ultimate art.”

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Chen Xin’s demeanor was calm and serene as he faced Ning Xi, his gaze grave yet earnest.

“These basic sword techniques may seem simple, but they embody the essence of swordsmanship. Only by laying a solid foundation can you journey far along the sword path.”

“I understand, Master,” Ning Xi replied with resolute starlit eyes, showing no hint of hesitation.

Standing before her, Sword Douluo Chen Xin was as towering as a mountain, his presence overwhelming as if the sword spirit of heaven and earth converged within him.

In his hand, he held an ordinary wooden sword, not his Seven Kill Sword. The blade appeared plain and unremarkable in the sunlight, yet in his grasp, it seemed to transform into a deadly gleam.

“Xi, the foundation of swordsmanship lies in sword techniques, and the soul of sword techniques is strength and precision,” Chen Xin’s voice was deep and powerful, like an ancient war drum resonating, causing Ning Xi’s heart to tremble slightly. “Watch closely.”

He slowly raised the wooden sword, its tip dipping slightly before suddenly thrusting forward.

The blade sliced through the air in a straight line, tearing the atmosphere with a crisp, sharp sound, as if piercing through heaven and earth.

Ning Xi’s vision blurred for a moment; the sword tip darted like lightning into the empty space ahead. The fierce sword intent made her breath catch.

“Power must originate from the soles of your feet, travel through the waist, and concentrate at the sword’s tip,” Chen Xin’s voice echoed in her ears as he continued his movements without pause.

He twisted his wrist, raising the blade to a horizontal position, then swept it sideways.

The sword carved a perfect arc through the air, like an invisible ripple spreading out, causing the surrounding air to tremble subtly.

Though seemingly effortless, this sweep carried immense destructive force, as if capable of sweeping away entire armies.

Ning Xi felt a powerful sword aura rush toward her. She instinctively stepped back to steady herself.

Chen Xin’s movements flowed seamlessly, without waste or hesitation. His sword techniques were simple yet direct, displaying ultimate power and precision in every detail.

Each stroke carried an invisible pressure, filling Ning Xi with an indescribable awe.

“The essence of swordsmanship lies in ‘will,’ not ‘form.’”

Chen Xin sheathed his sword and stood firm, emphasizing the point once more. The sword tip lightly touched the ground, his eyes reflecting profound meaning.

“Every sword you see is a fusion of power and precision. Remember this feeling, not mere imitation of the movements.”

Standing by, Ning Xi was deeply moved. She could sense the vast power imbued in Chen Xin’s sword techniques—not from the blade itself, but from the sword intent residing within his heart.

“Master, I understand,” Ning Xi took a deep breath, her gaze firm. “I will work hard.”

Chen Xin smiled faintly and nodded. “Good, then let us begin.”