Free Web NovelChapter 1463: Chapter 751: Yin Yang Talisman (2)
Qing Shui released his Qi according to the ancient enhancement technique, attempting to break through the barrier of the 48th cycle repeatedly, up to the 49th cycle, but it was to no avail. The barrier was as insurmountable as a great mountain, and despite his greatest efforts, he couldn’t budge it at all. Qing Shui bit his teeth, ignoring and enduring the pain! This was precisely the focus of the ancient enhancement technique—to use the pain from the backlash to temper one’s body!
With a sigh, Qing Shui decided to rest temporarily. Breaking through the main bottleneck to the fourth level of the ancient enhancement technique did not seem easy.
Qing Shui decided to take his time to fully understand the content of each book and took out a few. After browsing, his gaze fell on . Although he hadn’t read the book, he knew its teachings couldn’t be too profound. After all, basic swordsmanship is the foundation of all swordsmanship in the Nine Continent World. Anyone who has used a sword would have read this book at some point!
Qing Shui frowned, his eyes widening in disbelief. Why does such an ordinary book have a place in our Qing Clan’s library?
"Anyway, let’s take a look first. Everyone in the Nine Continent World knows the techniques in ’Basic Swordsmanship’ are the lowest level of swordsmanship. Not to mention low-grade, they’re so weak that they can be considered ungraded. Nonetheless, the foundation of every sword user is built upon this! Most sword users have read this book when they were young and only turned to more advanced swordsmanship after mastering these basic techniques.
Flipping open the first page of ’Basic Swordsmanship,’ it lists the title of the book and contains a bracket in his hand marking it as the preliminary volume. "Basic Sword Techniques (Introduction)." Could there also be a (Middle Level) and (Deep Level)?
He ignored this and continued reading ’Sword Introduction.’
It is said that the sword is the first among countless weapons, exuding a sense of benevolence, adorned with a heroic aura! It can also be seen as the weapon of gods, possessing an elegance. So, what constitutes a sword? A sword includes the following: Sword Body, Sword Tip, Sword Sharpness, Sword Core, Sword Spine, Sword Blade, Sword Stand, Sword Handle, and Sword Scabbard.
After the introduction, next comes the various sword postures and methods. The main techniques of attacking positions include: Hook, Hang, Point, Carry, Pierce, Slice, Hack! In practice, the sword’s approach requires the sword to follow one’s body, with the sword user using their body to guide the sword. When using a sword as a weapon, it must reach a state of unity with the sword, Qi, and Holy Spirit!
Looking at the basic content that any Samurai can narrate, Qing Shui couldn’t help but ask: "So, are there actually millions of sword users who can reach this mentioned state of unity?" After all, the simpler something is, the more profound the knowledge hidden within becomes. All foundational knowledge is summarized from the learning of millions of sword users, condensed into the most basic form!
The sword approach emphasizes "Speed, Accuracy, Decisiveness." Using these three words as a mantra, when supplemented at the peak of practice, each basic sword attack position can be a one-hit kill, eliminating the enemy with just one blow!
Sword’s approach further emphasizes hand-eye coordination, posture, footwork, and form.
When sword users develop it to the peak, any part of the sword can be used as a weapon! Upon reaching the stage where man and sword become one, merging with the sword, the next stage of heaven and man become one. The user, without his sword, can be considered a sharp sword without a scabbard! As he continued reading, Qing Shui’s imagination soared. He daydreamed about when he could step into the allegorical realm where man and sword unite, heaven and man unite. Afterward, he shook his head: "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. I should stop dreaming and start from the basics. After all, even considering my past life’s experience, I have no experience with the sword’s approach. I’ve only dabbled in exercises like practicing Tai Chi Boxing and Tai Chi Swordsmanship. These are just empty poses without anything substantial behind them.
As he continued reading, aside from the main attack position basic methods (including: Hook, Hang, Point, Carry, Pierce, Slice, and Hack attacks), the book also elaborated very detailedly on the force that must be exerted. The force to be applied with each strike, sword position, body’s posture, and breathing methods that can be used. Besides the descriptions, there were also some pictures depicting people attacking with swords in various forms.
The more Qing Shui read, the more confused he became. "How can the techniques in ’Basic Swordsmanship’ be so complex? If this is the case, then how about profound swordsmanship? If I can’t even understand the basic techniques, how can I begin training in them?" Qing Shui pondered.
Every time Qing Shui saw a picture, he matched it with the details described and practiced accordingly. He used his fingers as a substitute for a sword, holding the book in one hand, and practiced the basic form of attack: with the other hand to Hook, Hang, Point, Carry, Pierce, Slice, and Hack. Pursuing perfection step by step.
As time went on, Qing Shui continued his practice. Since there was no day-night cycle in the Space Domain, he didn’t know the exact time that had passed. Similar to a Madman, Qing Shui nearly practiced on the edge of Qi Deviation, continuing his journey to understand the truth behind swordsmanship.
"Going all out is my only way to improve; even if I have to approach the edge of Qi Variation, I must succeed!" Qing Shui firmly resolved.
Qing Shui wasn’t lacking in perseverance or determination. He understands himself to be akin to metal. Metal must endure the blows of the smith’s hammer and be refined in fire before it can be forged into a good sword. Moreover, the Yin Yang Symbol in his Consciousness Sea was also enhancing his spirit and mind, granting him higher comprehension abilities. Combined with his tenacious character and the auxiliary role of his Space Domain, nothing was impossible for him!
When comparing ’Basic Swordsmanship’ with the other three thick medical books, it can be considered thin. Additionally, the content of the ’Basic Swordsmanship’ book explains the most basic viewpoints among all swordsmanship stances. Compared with the complex ’Herbal Combination Formulas’ and ’Continental Medical Yearbook,’ it’s definitely easier to remember.
The last page of this book states that the essence of swordsmanship can be summed up into four insights phrased as a sentence in the four realms of swordsmanship: [Application of Knowledge], [Simple Profoundness], [Agility Equals Invincibility], [Return to Nature]!"
Apart from the last part [Return to Nature], Qing Shui understands all these things. He seems to only have a basic understanding of the meanings contained within, but nothing specific.
For the first realm, [Application of Knowledge], the essence of this insight refers to knowing when is the right situation, when is the right place, when is the right time to execute any basic attack sword. In short, executing the right action at the right time.
For the second realm, "[Simple Profoundness]", the essence of this insight refers to not pursuing the perfection of form. Form is secondary, intent is primary. Pretty, dazzling swordsmanship may look good, but it’s nothing compared to real power. In fact, the deeper the swordsmanship, the more the techniques executed seem ordinary. Once stepping into this realm, those who understand the Sword Dao will appear clumsy and hasty.
For the third realm, [Agility Equals Invincibility], the essence of this insight lies in the vast heaven scope, where all Martial Arts are subject to the same philosophy. As long as it reaches a sufficient speed, he can defeat anything in the world. With enough speed, people can indeed achieve an invincible state. Unfortunately, this is just theoretical. After all, who dares claim they are the fastest in the world?
For the last realm, [Return to Nature], he only has a rough understanding of the insight behind it. Qing Shui cannot understand which level this realm of swordsmanship belongs to. "Could this be the legendary realm? After mastering it, the intent of the sword can be infused into everything in nature. In that realm, everything in nature can be used as a sword!"
Sword Intent! Qing Shui’s thoughts drifted far away, deep in contemplation.
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