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墨書 Inktalez
Chapter 1: On the Sword
A steaming bowl of beef noodles was placed on the table, and He Rongsheng held the bowl with some anticipation, taking a deep breath.
"Delicious, truly delicious."
He Rongsheng picked up his chopsticks with a sense of satisfaction and took a bite of the braised beef, exclaiming, "The beef is tender and flavorful, with just the right amount of chew. Not bad."
Then he sipped the broth and remarked, "The bone broth could use a bit more simmering."
Finally, as he picked up some noodles, he noticed that their shapes were all peculiar and varied, and their thickness was inconsistent. He Rongsheng curiously asked, "Is this your specialty?"
Lin Miaomiao replied curtly, "If you don't like it, don't eat it."
With a mix of confusion and expectation, He Rongsheng took a bite of the noodles. After chewing a few times, he realized that the noodles were almost overcooked and that they were not properly boiled. He finally understood why the noodle shop's business was so poor.
At that moment, Magenta happened to walk by and said, "Young Master He, this is the first time Sister Miao has cooked noodles since opening the shop. If they don't suit your taste, please bear with her."
Initially reluctant to finish the bowl of noodles, upon hearing that it was Lin Miaomiao's first time cooking, He Rongsheng felt a sense of pride and happiness.
"Miaomiao's very first bowl of ramen is made for me; I certainly can't ruin her good intentions."
Thus, with a satisfied smile, He Rongsheng devoured the entire bowl of noodles cleanly, leaving not even a drop of broth behind.
Seeing this scene, Magenta said seriously, "What you said earlier is indeed true."
"What did you say?" Lin Miaomiao asked.
"Men often buy things without considering their value; the saying that beauty holds sway is indeed true," Magenta replied.
Whether that bowl of noodles was delicious or not, others might not know. But with just a glance, Magenta could tell. Lin Feng's noodle-making skills could be tested against Magenta's standards.
In Magenta's words: with one look at a poorly made bowl of noodles, she could discern just how bad it was. As for noodles that were exceptionally delicious, sorry, but Lin Feng had yet to reach that level.
Lin Miaomiao looked at He Rong and said, "The noodles are finished. Can we talk now?"
"My father agreed to let me go to Dusi Mansion," He Rongsheng said, a proud expression on his face.
"There's no need to be so smug; that's your father's strength, not yours. However, I should still thank you," Lin Miaomiao said gratefully to He Rongsheng, knowing that Lin Feng had a chance of coming out.
He Rongsheng felt pleased by Lin Miaomiao's gratitude and asked, "Can I come here in the future to eat the noodles you make?"
Lin Miaomiao replied seriously, "That day, you tried to kill Lin Feng. Today, you saved him. We owe each other nothing. If you want to come to the noodle shop for noodles in the future, you're welcome to do so; just pay for them. We're in business here."
"But Lin Feng ended up fine that day," He Rongsheng argued, surprised that his help was being dismissed with just a bowl of noodles and a few words.
"If something had happened to Lin Feng that day, no matter what help you offered, I would have killed you without hesitation," Lin Miaomiao suddenly said coldly, her eyes filled with icy warning.
He Rongsheng retorted angrily, "Always talking about Lin Feng! Is there no one else in your world besides him?"
Lin Miaomiao responded, "To me, a man's world is filled with everything; a woman's world contains only the one she loves. He is her entire world."
"I agree with Sister Miao on this point," Magenta suddenly chimed in from the side.
Hearing these words, He Rongsheng fell silent for a long time, staring blankly at Lin Miaomiao. After a while, he said, "I, He Rongsheng, will never give up on you in this lifetime."
"In this world filled with countless charms and beauties, I am only captivated by you," He Rongsheng thought to himself.
Dusi Mansion. Blackwater Prison.
Qi Si continued to enlighten Lin Feng. He said, "When practicing the sword path, the first step is to master Sword Techniques. When Sword Techniques flow smoothly and are seamless, then you can move on to the second step of cultivating swordsmanship. Only when your swordsmanship reaches perfection can you proceed to the third step: comprehending the sword path."
"Some people start directly with swordsmanship. If they haven't perfected their Sword Techniques and lack a solid foundation, how far can their swordsmanship really go?"
"Others are even more arrogant, beginning their training with the sword path. This is putting the cart before the horse; it's a grave mistake. If you don't even know the basics of swordsmanship yet boast about the sword path, that's just empty talk."
"Those who truly understand and love the sword possess a sense of reverence for it. They start from each step, striving for excellence until they reach a realm where no one else exists before they can take the next step."
"Tell me, in this world, even if someone starts from the first step and becomes proficient in Sword Techniques, how many can resist the temptation of swordsmanship?"
Lin Feng listened quietly, feeling deeply moved. These principles resonated with his own journey of cultivation. They echoed his pursuit of returning to the source in a similar manner.
Suddenly, Lin Feng recalled a legendary figure he had read about in relation to the sword path—Dugu Qiubai and his Dugu Nine Swords.
Dugu Nine Swords emphasizes that having no moves is better than having moves. No moves do not mean there are truly no techniques; rather, it is based on the fundamentals of various sword techniques, allowing for countless variations that converge into one.
To achieve this 'one,' you must first master that 'ten thousand.' Only by experiencing the world can you qualify to speak of tranquility. If someone has never stepped into the mundane world yet claims to be indifferent to it, that is utterly absurd.
The same applies to the sword.
These insights were not merely the result of a few words from Qi Si, but rather the culmination of Lin Feng's experience with two of the world's most formidable swords.
The sword of Sword Saint Lin Bai and the sword of Master Ancestor. In the realm of swordsmanship, they had already attained a revered status. Within the art of the sword flowed countless Sword Intents. Within those Sword Intents manifested wondrous sword techniques. And within those techniques lay an ever-changing array of Sword Techniques.
Coupled with Lin Feng's own cultivation and the accumulation of his personal growth, it was only today, with Qi Si's guidance, that he experienced a transformation akin to a new awakening.
Lin Feng respectfully bowed to Qi Si and said, "Please, sir, guide me in the fundamentals of Sword Techniques."
Qi Si looked at Lin Feng, hesitating slightly. Any true sword lover would feel compelled to offer guidance to someone with potential for swordsmanship, regardless of whether they were their disciple or not.
However, he was unaware of Lin Feng's true intentions for being there. More importantly, he had an urgent matter that required assistance, and Lin Feng was the only person he had been waiting for. It seemed he had no other choice.
"Alright, I will teach you."
With that, Qi Si picked up a straw from the pile at his feet and began to explain patiently, starting from the very basics.
There are fourteen main categories of sword strikes.
Thrusting: A thrust is executed by extending either an upright or horizontal sword straight forward. The tip of the sword should align with the arm in a straight line. An upright sword has its blade facing up or down, while a horizontal sword has its blade facing left or right.
Chopping: An upright sword is used for chopping downwards. The body should align with the sword in a straight line. When performing a chopping motion, swing the sword in a circular arc along either side of the body; when executing a backward chop, ensure it is coordinated with a backward turn of the body.
Hanging: With an upright sword, lifting the tip upwards or backwards constitutes hanging. The front part of the sword should be aligned properly. An upward hang is executed close to the body; a downward hang is also performed close to the body; swinging in a circular motion around the body completes the hanging technique.
Lifting: With an upright sword, lifting from below towards the front top is called lifting. The front part of the sword should be aligned properly as well; for a standard lift, rotate the forearm outward with the palm facing up and arc it close to the body; for a reverse lift, rotate the forearm inward while following similar motions as in standard lifting.
Cloud Sword: A horizontal sword, with a circular motion above the head representing clouds. The upper Cloud Sword circles from the front to the left behind the head, requiring one to look up; the left (right) Cloud Sword circles from the front to the left behind (right behind), tilting the head towards the left shoulder.
Cross Sword: A vertical sword. The horizontal position is a guard, with the sword raised above the head, Lida sword body, palm facing inward or outward.
Pointing Sword: A vertical sword. By lifting the wrist, the sword tip thrusts sharply forward and downward to point, Lida sword tip, arm extended straight.
Collapse Sword: A vertical sword. By lowering the wrist, the sword tip thrusts sharply forward and upward to collapse, Lida sword tip, arm extended straight. The sword tip does not rise above the head.
Intercepting Sword: The sword body is angled either upward or downward for interception, Lida front part of the sword body. The upper Intercepting Sword angles upward; the lower Intercepting Sword angles downward; the rear Intercepting Sword angles diagonally right and downward, with the arm and sword forming a straight line.
Hugging the Sword: The right hand holds Hugging the Sword at chest level, with the sword tip pointing right for horizontal Hugging the Sword; pointing upward for vertical Hugging the Sword; pointing forward for flat Hugging the Sword.
Piercing Sword: A flat sword, with the sword tip arcing through the chest and abdomen forward for a flat piercing motion, Lida sword tip, ensuring that the sword body does not touch the body; with an inward rotation of the forearm, transitioning from a vertical sword tip moving from front to back for a backward piercing motion, Lida sword tip, not rising above the knee and not touching the ground; spinning piercing motion with the sword tip turning backward and left while closely circling around the body.
Slash Sword: A flat sword slashing horizontally to the left (or right), at a height between head and shoulder for a slash, Lida sword body, arm extended straight.
Wrist Cut: Using the wrist as an axis, a vertical sword circles closely around both sides of the arm forward and downward, Lida sword tip.
Flourish: Using the wrist as an axis, a vertical sword circles closely around both sides of the arm forward and upward, Lida sword tip.
Above Blackwater Prison, in the Dark Chamber, an old man quietly observed everything with a look of disdain and coldly remarked, “A child's plaything, how laughable.”
After explaining each sword technique, Qi Si began to elaborate on various uses of the sword: left lunge strike, right lunge strike, left wing strike, reverse scale thrust, abdomen thrust, double bright thrusts, whirlwind strike, chariot guard stance, wind wash technique, among others.
From each individual sword technique to every application of the sword at last, Qi Si demonstrated personally with his most standard and rigorous movements.
Lin Feng observed intently, pondering and memorizing everything in his mind. Then he began to practice along.
At that moment, Cold Rain returned to the Dark Chamber and asked, "Any progress?"
The old man replied, "That boy has actually forgotten his mission and is instead learning swordsmanship from Qi Si."
"Oh?"
Cold Rain looked on with interest, observing for a while before saying to himself, "The sword techniques of Qijian Pavilion are renowned worldwide; they truly possess their own uniqueness. Lin Feng has managed to get Qi Si to teach him swordsmanship—how did he accomplish that?"
The old man recounted everything he had witnessed.
After listening, Cold Rain fell into silence. After a long contemplation, he said, "This Lin Feng is rather peculiar. Coming to Solitary Moon City, he hasn't practiced the Sword Heart Technique and seems completely ignorant of the way of the sword."
"My lord, should we bring this boy back?" Seeing that Lin Feng had no chance of success, the old man requested.
"This could be a fortuitous opportunity for him; let him be. But make sure to observe every detail. Qi Si is not as simple as he appears," Cold Rain instructed.
"Understood."
Cold Rain hurried away, as there were more important matters awaiting her attention in Gaojing.
"Quickly report to the lord; the demon clan thieves are indeed here."
A particularly loud shout echoed in the eastern outskirts of Gaojing. This shout carried the person's cultivation power, sounding like thunder—extremely loud and ear-piercing—as it desperately spread toward the bustling heart of Gaojing.
Meanwhile, the middle-aged man at the peak of Fate Realization drew his Sword and danced in the air, creating countless waves. The waves overlapped, resembling the ocean's Tide, surging toward the carriage driver ahead.
The driver was a Leopard-Headed Man, a Leopard-Headed, Hawk-Jawed Man with a Black-Faced appearance, looking somewhat ferocious.
As the overwhelming Tide approached, the driver remained calm and simply threw a punch at it.
What seemed like a simple punch collided with the towering Tide, resulting in a Thunderous Roar. In that instant, the entire Tide trembled and then collapsed, dissipating into the air.
The driver's Fist Force did not stop; it struck heavily against the middle-aged man's Sword.
Clang...
The middle-aged man's Sword shattered. He fell to the ground, staring incredulously at the driver. His last words before dying were, “Eighth Demon General Qiu Feihu.” (To be continued...)
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