Chapter 17: Watch and Learn
Editor: Yukidaruma Translations
Fang Xingjian heaved a sigh of relief. He had not expected the problem of food money to be resolved so easily. With this, he would be able to devote all his energy to sword practice.
As for helping Kyle with the management of the martial school… With his talent in the sword arts, he was not afraid to waste such a little amount of time. After all, there was not much work to be done now that The School of Sword Arts was so run down.
Following this, Fang Xingjian was called by Kyle to the side of the training grounds. Looking at this disciple of his, Kyle was very satisfied.
To him, Fang Xingjian was good in terms of both talent and moral quality. While it was understandable that the rest of the students had stayed silent, he could not help but feel disappointed.
“Xingjian, there aren’t many people in the school now, so there isn’t much work you need to do. Firstly, the food. However, since Aunty Akele has been working as a kitchen helper in The School of Sword Arts for over twenty years, she usually doesn’t make any mistakes. You just need to do a rough check.
“The next thing would be cleaning the place.
“And the organization of the tools, as well as their repair. If things are broken, you can head to the east of the city…
“I’ve kept the spare wooden swords in..
“As for cleaning the toilets, you can get the students to take turns cleaning them up…
“As for the dishes, since Aunty Akele is getting on in her age, you can help her out if she’s unable to manage…”
There were not many things to take care of, but Kyle listed out each issue in detail, and within the wink of an eye, over an hour had already passed.
He smiled and said, “I’ve become more naggy. Alright. I will still return to the school every night. If you have any problems, just ask me in the morning.”
Fang Xingjian nodded and said, “Teacher, please rest assured. I will make sure everything is settled.”
“Mmm.” Kyle took a look at Fang Xingjian, and seeing that he had no intention to leave, he asked, “Is there anything else?”
“Teacher…” Fang Xingjian hesitated for a moment before asking, “I’d like to learn another set of sword techniques…”
Kyle frowned and said, “Learn another set? Xingjian, you are truly talented. But still, you can’t bite off more than what you can chew. You must understand that each person’s energy is limited. Although you’re talented, it would be just your limit to fully master the Eagle Sword Technique, the Grizzly Bear Sword Technique and the Tenauer-Style Body Strengthening Sword Technique within two to three years. If you divert your energy to learning other sword techniques, it will delay your progress.
“You must understand that Ogden and the rest have already spent close to ten years doing tough training, but you’ve only just picked up these three sets of sword techniques.”
Fang Xingjian had expected this, and presented the explanation he had prepared beforehand. “Teacher, I understand. It’s just that I’ve recently run into a bottleneck with these techniques’ training, and the increase in proficiency is lesser and lesser. Therefore, I’d like to take a look at other techniques so that I can draw reference from them, and see if I can gain further progress.”
“Draw reference?” Kyle laughed out loud and said, “With your puny sword skills now, if you were to look at other sword techniques which you hadn’t previously learned, it would only affect your mastery of the sword techniques you already know. It may even put obstacles in the way of your progress.
“Are you having these thoughts after meeting Kaunitz?”
Kyle shook his head. “Don’t compare yourself to him. He is truly a genius, and has received the full nurturing of the Tresia Clan since young. The food expenses spent on him so far could probably be more than enough to last you for ten generations.
“Moreover, he has also fully mastered Tresia’s sword techniques, and has come here only to pursue specialties.”
“Specialties?” asked Fang Xingjian, surprised.
“Mmm. A person’s fighting capacity is dependent on his attributes, skills and specialties. Kaunitz is picking up new sword techniques in order to complete the requirements for ‘Sword Specialist’, namely fully mastering ten sword techniques.”
“I see.”
Realization flashed in Fang Xingjian’s eyes. At the same time, he also understood that he would be unable to convince Kyle, and so he did not insist, but simply nodded in approval. After getting a few pointers from Kyle, he returned to the training grounds.
Thereafter, Kyle waved and called Ogden over to him.
“Ogden, you have now fully mastered all three basic sword techniques and have built a strong base for your muscles and bones. Now, I will impart to you our school’s Nine Yang Divine Sword Technique, Nine Yin Divine Sword Technique and Nine Heavenly Divine Sword Technique.”
Ogden was very agitated. “Nine Yang Divine Sword Technique, Nine Yin Divine Sword Technique and Nine Heavenly Divine Sword Technique?”
“That’s right. The Eagle Sword Technique, the Grizzly Bear Sword Technique, and the Tenauer-Style Body Strengthening Sword Technique all aim to train the muscles, and to toughen the bones, as well as the vital energy and blood. But the Nine Yang Divine Sword Technique, Nine Yin Divine Sword Technique and Nine Heavenly Divine Sword Technique are different. They were brought over from the other side of the world, when a few unparalleled swordsmen crossed the seas from the Western Land.”
Kyle continued, “These three are nurturing techniques which nurture and strengthen the organs, simultaneously improving one’s physique.
“Look at Kaunitz, his attributes far surpass yours. That’s because he has fully mastered all of Tresia’s basic sword techniques.
“It’s not just that his muscles and bones are as tough as rock, but his organs are also compact. His attacks, his body’s ability to absorb nutrition and his explosive power have all been greatly increased.
“Add to that the fact that he has been enjoying only the best food since young, and that he’s had an endless supplies of mystical medicinal supplies, and you’ll see the reason why he is able to surpass you by far in attributes.”
Ogden had now understood. “I see.” But, thinking of how he would also be taking up such sword techniques, he could not suppress the excitement in his heart.
“You must know, however, that out of these three sword techniques, I can only teach you the Nine Yang Divine Sword Technique. If you still wish to pick up the other two sword techniques, you must first pass the certification test[1] and join as an official member of The School of Sword Arts.”
Most factions and schools would only teach the students means to train up their muscles and bones, also known as external techniques.
As for the cultivation of internal strength, it required a more profound set of techniques, so students were merely given a little taste of it. Only those who passed the tests and enrolled as official members of the school would be allowed to learn them.
That is, unless the person was like Kaunitz who was a direct descendant of a great clan. Only then would one then be able to inherit the Tresia’s sword techniques which are only passed down to internal disciples, but yet still participate in the Grand Selection.
Kyle looked at Ogden and asked, “Now that you’ve fully mastered all three basic techniques, I will follow the custom and ask you. Do you want to enter The School of Sword Arts?”
Ogden stayed silent for a while before saying, “Teacher, could I give my reply after the Prefectural Selection?”
Kyle replied, “Do you think that’s possible?” He shook his head, disappointment flashing in his eyes. “Forget it, I will not force you. Let’s just carry on with the training.
“Remember that the Nine Yang Divine Sword Technique trains the organs. But how would mere humans be able to control the organs directly? The answer is that we need to use sword techniques in order to direct the blood flow towards the organs, and thus cultivate them from inside.
“Nine Yang refers to the heart, liver, spleen, lungs, stomach, the small intestine, the large intestine, and the two kidneys.
“Through the Nine Yang Divine Sword Technique, use the movements of the muscles and bones to force the blood to move and massage the organs…”
Fang Xingjian had noticed Ogden being called over, and when he saw Kyle demonstrating a set of unfamiliar sword techniques, he raised his concentration to 120%.
Although he appeared to be practising his own sword technique, he was in fact focusing most of his energy on observing Kyle.
Two hours later, Kyle had ended his demonstration, and he was monitoring Ogden’s practice of the Nine Yang Divine Sword Technique, occasionally giving him some pointers. “No, no, you must relax your stance and imagine that you are compacted into a lump, focusing all your energy onto your stomach.
“Alright, alright, let’s stop here. I’ve taught you all I could. The rest relies on your own comprehension.”
Ogden looked at Kyle, who was leaving in a hurry, and sighed. He knew that his two recent choices had disappointed his teacher. Moreover, now that his teacher had to prepare for the Tournament of the Sword Heroes, it was impossible for him to focus all his attention on guiding his student.
Even so, he did not have any regrets. Moreover, joining The School of Sword Arts as an official member would not change his destiny. It would at most allow him to enjoy slightly better food and pick up more sword techniques.
Since he knew his own potential, he also knew that it would be highly improbable for him to reach the top as an official member in The School of Sword Arts.
In his life, he would be more than satisfied just to reach Kyle’s level of having gone through the first job transition.
Therefore, only by entering the Prefectural Selection, going through the first job transition and afterwards becoming a Knight could he change his destiny, as well as his family’s destiny.
While Ogden was still struggling with the comprehension of the Nine Yang Divine Sword Technique, Fang Xingjian had already raised it to level 1.
Given his supreme talent, although he could not hear Kyle’s explanation, he was already capable of picking up the technique in its depth even only through movement observation.
Suppressing the joy he was feeling, Fang Xingjian had to force himself not to practice the Nine Yang Divine Sword Technique for which he had already attained level 1.
[1] Internal assessment by The School of Sword Arts to see if one had the calibre to join as an official/internal students and thus have access to learn more high notch skills.
Chapter 18: Flattery
Editor: Yukidaruma Translations
Over the next few days, Fang Xingjian practiced the basic sword techniques of The School of Sword Arts during the day, and secretly practiced the Nine Yang Divine Sword Technique at night. This sword technique was much more difficult than the Grizzly Bear Sword Technique, and so Fang Xingjian was learning this technique at a much slower pace.
Kaunitz had once again entered the limelight, this time on the training grounds.
The youngster from the Tresia Clan seemed to be in the limelight regardless of where he went. He would always be accompanied by a group of youngsters, even when he was practicing the Eagle Sword Technique by himself. The youngsters were both males and females who wanted to train with him, as if they were certain that they would improve by learning from him.
And every time Kaunitz stopped to take a break or pause to reflect, people would offer him snacks or refreshments, trying to get close to him.
“Young Master Kaunitz, would you like some water?”
“Young Master Kaunitz, you learn really fast. You must have already reached level 2 of the Eagle Sword Technique, right? As expected of the Tresia Clan’s genius.”
However, even when facing such flattery, Kaunitz did not bother smiling at them. His attitude stayed cool when he looked at the other students’ faces, meanwhile focusing his attention on the sword technique. However, a slight frown betrayed his impatience.
At that moment, Ogden stepped up and, as usual, dismissed the rest of the people. “Alright, alright, stop bothering Kaunitz. You’ll need to depend on yourselves in your training, and to pass the Prefectural Selection.”
Kaunitz nodded and spoke in a commanding tone, “You’re just in time. Show me moves twelve and thirty-three of the Grizzly Bear Sword Technique.”
Ogden started the demonstration with pleasure. In fact, ever since the other party had arrived, he no longer trained together with Fang Xingjian, but stayed near Kaunitz. He practiced with him daily and had no qualms about sharing all of his experience of training the Eagle Sword Technique and the Grizzly Bear Sword Technique.
‘This is the heir to the Tresia Clan. As long as I maintain a good relationship with him, won’t the examiners for the Prefectural Selection also see me in a better light? Even if I am not able to pass the Prefectural Selection, if I can land myself a job in the Tresia Clan… No, it’s even better if I can get into Tresia Knight Academy!’
Ogden had the typical commoner’s sly manner of thinking. Pondering these things, he put more effort in swinging the wooden sword in his hand.
Fang Xingjian did not care about Ogden’s flattery. This was reality, and this was how society worked. It was natural for those at the bottom of the ladder to do their best to flatter those above. If he had not gained his extraordinary talent in sword arts, he might have made the same choice as Ogden.
However, he had initially thought that Ogden was an honest and straightforward fellow. It seemed that it was only for show, as he was actually a scheming commoner following his own agenda.
“How can Eldest Martial Brother act like this?” Vivian bit her lips and said, “He was practicing with us before, and he looked so honest…. This… this is too…”
“What is it to you?” Fang Xingjian continued practicing the Grizzly Bear Sword Technique, planning to achieve its complete mastery. “We each choose our own paths, even if it’s relying on backdoors to enroll in academies or to pass the Prefectural Selection. When it comes to practicing martial arts, one can only rely on oneself.
“Attributes, techniques, and specialties don’t lie.”
Vivian turned around to look at Fang Xingjian. She gradually regained her concentration and focused on her sword practice once again.
During the past few days, Fang Xingjian had been making full use of his time, only practicing the Grizzly Bear Sword Technique. He had already reached level 29, and was not too far from reaching level 30.
As he waved the wooden sword in his hand, its afterimages seemed to be connected. Each time the sword slashed, its trembling would split the air, making a sound similar to a grizzly bear’s roar.
It rumbled explosively, as if gunpowder had been lit in the air. Fang Xingjian suddenly felt as if there were a huge tremor in his head. It was as if a thunderbolt had cut across the clear skies, making him see stars.
He was stunned for a moment, and then he felt a tingly numbness spread all over his body, as if he had been struck by lightning. His muscles and bones trembled three consecutive times before he managed to come back to his senses.
Grizzly Bear Sword Technique level 30: an additional 6 points in strength, 6 points in agility, increased toughness for his bones and organs, and a substantial increase in the body’s potential, along with its ability to recover from muscle and bone fatigue.
Fang Xingjian felt as if his body was being continuously soaked in a hot spring. His bones and muscles were trembling in extremely slight movements, massaging and nurturing his body. The trembles also shook away all excess burdens, fully cleansing his body.
To think that level 30 of the Grizzly Bear Sword Technique would be nurturing his body at all times, helping him increase his body’s potential, strengthening its constitution, and amassing energy!
Now his attributes had changed to:
Name Fang Xingjian
Age 16
Occupation Warrior’s Squire
Level 9
Strength 20
Agility 24
Reaction 11
Endurance 8
Flexibility 12
His strength was no longer below, but rather above Ogden’s and Lambert’s.
Fang Xingjian was overjoyed. At that moment, a noise broke out from the training grounds.
“He lost. Lambert lost too.”
“To think that both Eldest Martial Brother Ogden and Second Martial Brother Lambert have lost… This… this…”
“What’s there to be surprised about? This is Tresia’s super genius we are talking about. Kaunitz is too strong. He’s only been learning the Grizzly Bear Sword Technique for such a short time! We’ll never be able to catch up with this kind of talent in our whole lives.”
Kaunitz looked at the fallen Lambert as he shook his head and said, “Your attributes are too low, and you are unable to fully express the profoundness of the Grizzly Bear Sword Technique. There’s no benefit from training with you.”
Ogden, who was at the side, smiled as if he did not care about his loss at all. He took a look at the pale-faced Lambert and said, “After all, we are only mediocre in talent and we aren’t able to compare with a genius swordsman like you, Kaunitz. One day of your practice is equivalent to a few years’ worth of our training.”
Lambert’s chest heaved a few times, as if he had harsh words to say, but nevertheless, he did not speak up. Eventually, he picked up his sword and dashed out with a flushed face. He was obviously too embarrassed to stay there.
Kaunitz shook his head again, “Practicing the sword requires one to be bold, hardworking, and relentless. How are you going to learn if you can’t even put up with such minor humiliation?”
Saying that, he turned to look in Fang Xingjian’s direction, asking, “I heard that there’s another genius in The School of Sword Arts, who managed to pick up the Grizzly Bear Sword Technique on the first day?”
Ogden nodded and said, “That’s right. The teacher said that his foundation was very sturdy, and that he had already fully mastered a set of basic sword techniques. That was why he could easily pick up the Grizzly Bear Sword Technique.”
“A good foundation?” Kaunitz walked up to Fang Xingjian, saying, “I need a person to pair up with me and practice the Grizzly Bear Sword Technique together, breaking it down in stances. You can give it a go.” From his tone, it was as if he took the other party’s agreement for granted, making it sound as if this was actually an act of charity.
“Not interested.” Fang Xingjian did not even turn his head around as he switched to practicing the Eagle Sword Technique. He had perfected the Grizzly Bear Sword Technique up to level 30, and his next goal was to fully master the Eagle Sword Technique. He had no interest in exchanging blows with Kaunitz, nor was he interested in helping him.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
200+ Power
Ranking 
0 Power
stone You may also Like
Paragraph comment