chapter 4 Teaching the Sword (Part 2)

The Sword Sect had a long and illustrious history, with one deep pool, two reservoirs, four ponds, and fifteen peaks. Among these fifteen peaks, the central Sword Mound Peak stood at the core, while the other fourteen peaks surrounded it like stars encircling the moon. White Cloud Peak, situated on the outermost edge, rose prominently above the others. When viewed from above, White Cloud Peak surpassed the height of the remaining fourteen peaks, standing out like a crane amidst a flock of chickens.
Due to its peripheral location, White Cloud Peak received little shade from the Sword Sect's formations. The concentration of elemental energy on White Cloud Peak was low, and the cultivation speed was slow. Consequently, no disciples were willing to reside on White Cloud Peak, contributing to its exceptionally tranquil atmosphere.
This tranquility was also the reason why Sonny chose White Cloud Peak.
Sonny, positioned slightly ahead on Giant Deity Peak, had a name that carries considerable weight in the martial world. Legend had it that, during the establishment of the Sword Sect, a peculiar stone stood atop Giant Deity Peak, approximately thirty meters high, resembling a human in form. Gazing toward the heavens, it appeared as if a deity had descended to the mortal realm, thus earning the peak its name.
In moments of leisure, Sonny retreated to White Cloud Peak, dedicating time to practice swordsmanship and finding joy in the serenity it offered.
Atop White Cloud Peak, a gentle breeze stirred, carrying a fragrant aroma as grass swayed and unidentified birds chirped cheerfully.
Standing on White Cloud Peak and observing the vast landscape, the boundless sky exhibited a striking blue hue, while the clouds drifted by in pristine white.
Sonny couldn't help but feel a sense of relief.
Drawing in a deep breath, Sonny positioned himself in the center of the grassy expanse.
Closing his eyes, Sonny became attuned to the surrounding environment.
Gradually, his heart settled into tranquility. In that fleeting moment, Sonny felt an integration with everything around him, becoming an inherent part of White Cloud Peak, an illusion that made him seemingly cease to exist.
The wind continued to whisper by his ears, ruffling Sonny's black hair.
Sonny distinctly sensed the swaying of the green grass and the airborne particles of floral fragrance.
Not far away, a grasshopper leaped energetically, its robust hind legs releasing impressive bursts of power.
Further in the distance, two butterflies engaged in a delicate dance, inadvertently disturbing two bees diligently collecting nectar.
…
This picturesque scene unfolded, with each detail registering in Sonny's mind.
Without relying on sight, he perceived the occurrences in his surroundings.
Sonny stood like an unyielding stone, unaffected.
Abruptly, Sonny unsheathed his sword.
A flash of brilliance ensued.
A fly is swiftly dismembered.
The long sword twirled, sweeping away the sharp edges of the grass. As it rose, another fly descended.
Stab, chop, hang, tease, cloud, wipe, hang, frame...
The sword in his hand maneuvered ceaselessly, employing seemingly simple yet powerful moves.
Sonny practiced with utmost sincerity.
Time ticked away.
Sonny loses count of how many times he practiced the eighteen foundational sword techniques. The sun set in the west, and his arms felt as heavy as if burdened by colossal stones. Lifting the sword became an arduous task.
"Heart Sword, simple yet profound... truly wonderful!"
Uttering a simple phrase, Sonny retraced his steps.
On the second day, before dawn, Sonny embarked on a journey to White Cloud Peak, immersing himself in nature's embrace.
After an extended period, the sword was once again set into motion.
…
For ten consecutive days, Sonny abstained from the Library and martial arts training ground, dedicating himself to sword practice on White Cloud Peak.
Each day brings a unique experience as he started combining the eighteen sword techniques in an unrestrained manner, seemingly chaotic yet meticulously organized and powerful.
On the eleventh day.
Sonny departed for the Library instead of White Cloud Peak.
The old man, adorned in a gray shirt, sits with closed eyes. However, an ancient sword lay flat across his knees.
"Here!"
The old man remarked casually, as if meeting an old friend.
"Well... I'd like to give it a try."
Sonny spoke softly, a look of respect on his face.
"Good!"
The old man uttered a single word and springs up, long sword in hand.
In an instant, the scabbard slashed toward Sonny like thunder.
Swish!
The long sword unsheathed, smoothly thrusting forward.
The sword tip met the scabbard.
The scabbard's formidable force tilted Sonny's body backward involuntarily. Yet, the arm holding the sword remained as steadfast as a rock, unmoved.
After a moment, the scabbard lost its momentum and fell to the ground.
The old man's ancient sword thrust forward smoothly, striking at a cunning angle.
Sonny moved his feet, and his sword slashed forward.
The sword's edge met the sword tip.
The sword's edge instantly opened.
With a slight pressure, the ancient long sword in hand bent.
Drawing back the sword, the ancient sword sprung straight.
Yet, as the long sword springs straight, Sonny initiated an attack against the old man. The long sword created several afterimages in the void, stabbing toward the old man's throat.
This is a sword technique Sonny learned from the Library, Shadow Sword.
Illusory and real, true and true.
The ancient sword retracted, standing upright and blocking Sonny's sword.
On one side, Sonny's sword lunged forward a few points.
The sharpness of the sword tip grazed the old man's skin.
Blood oozed out immediately.
Buzz!
The ancient sword vibrated, emitting a long wail as it severed Sonny's sword.
Holding the broken sword, Sonny gazed at the old man.
A trace of joy appeared on the old man's face as he waved his right hand. The ancient long sword emitted a whine, flying toward Sonny.
"Receive the sword."
The old man shouted.
"I break your sword and give you a sword. I wonder if you mind."
Sonny could feel the ancient sword in his hand trembling. This tremor was not a refusal but rather a reluctance.
A good sword understands human nature!
"Senior...you..."
Sonny didn't know what he was saying.
The quietly seated old man suddenly stood up.
Sonny noticed that the old man was missing his left leg.
"Haha... as one ages, one doesn't want to leave regrets—today, I will impart to you the true moves of the Heart Sword."
The old man let out a hearty laugh, and his thin figure ascended into the sky.
"The first move, No Self."
His body hovered in the void, and the two fingers of the old man's right hand waved forward slowly.
Formidable internal force swept out like the rising tide of the sea, creating layers that hang across the sky, resembling a galactic rift descending to the mortal realm.
"The second form—Ruthless."
The violent force swept across the void.
Lonely and desolate, deathly and barren, a mountain of corpses and a sea of blood, Sonny was engulfed by intense killing intent. The old man seemed like a murderous god emerging from hell, relentless in his unstoppable intent to kill.
"The third form—No Sword."
The old man's voice became solemn, and his entire demeanor took on an air of mystery.
In the void.
A sword appeared.
One sword became two, and two swords became four.
…
In almost an instant, countless swords floated in the void, each possessing indescribable power.
The old man gazed upward at the sky, his expression turning reverent, like a devout worshipper.
Roar!
A long howl shook the void.
Countless swords in the void instantly merged into one, concealing themselves in the void.
The next moment, the void began to shatter, and a powerful force erupts, obscuring the sky and the sun. Even with the naked eye, Sonny could see obvious cracks forming in the void.
Who could withstand such power?