Published: March 4, 2025
Chapter 17: Practicing Swordsmanship is for Killing
“You have practiced for two and a half hours without moving,” Meng Chaoran observed, gazing at his second disciple. He pondered, “It seems you are practicing more than just the sword?”
“Master, you can see clearly,” Chu Yang smiled. Regardless of past or present, he has always respected this master.
Meng Chaoran had always been modest and indifferent, yet no one dared to deceive him; he seemed detached from the world, caring for nothing, yet there wasn’t a single thing in this world that could escape his scrutiny. In his heart, there was a scale!
A scale weighing the world!
Such a person, wherever he may be, is undoubtedly a rare talent!
But he also had something he wished to protect, which was his sect, the Sky Tower!
That was why he fought fiercely without retreat during the crisis at the Sky Tower! Yet amidst the blood and chaos, he managed to protect his disciples.
Perhaps the master had other regrets, but Chu Yang did not know. He only knew that the master often stood alone in the wind late at night, seemingly reminiscing, sighing, or perhaps longing for something…
“You are practicing your heart, your intent, and refining your sword speed, while also controlling the sound of the sword leaving its sheath!” Meng Chaoran continued with his hands behind his back, saying lightly, “Who taught you this?”
“No one taught me, Master. I just feel that drawing the sword requires focus! Every strike must be intentional to yield results,” Chu Yang replied. “In the past, I practiced swordsmanship merely for practice; I have fallen behind too much…”
“Hmm, indeed,” Meng Chaoran nodded faintly and then waved his hand. Chu Yang felt a weight in his hand and saw that a water flask had appeared.
“After your sword practice, you collected your sword heart and intent, dispelled the sword energy in your heart, and then spoke a few words with me. Your current state is stable; you can drink water now,” Meng Chaoran smiled.
After excessive exercise, one cannot immediately drink water. If one were to drink at the moment the sword practice stopped, the morning’s hard-won efforts would turn to nothing. Moreover, it could harm the body.
But now, after this period of buffering, it was no problem.
“Yes,” Chu Yang lifted the water flask, took a few small sips, and then set it down. Though he was extremely thirsty, he still could not drink too much.
This principle is understood by all, but few can truly exercise such self-restraint.
Meng Chaoran had been watching his face, and only now did he slowly exhale in relief, revealing a smile and saying, “Practicing the sword with the heart can cultivate the sword heart. When the sword heart is formed, one can have sword courage; when sword courage is present, one can traverse the world. Among your generation of disciples, many understand this principle, but few truly practice it. Now, you have just barely grasped this level, which is good. However, you still need to work harder.”
He paused and said, “How to practice the sword, I will not interfere. But why do you control the sound of the sword leaving its sheath?”
Chu Yang chuckled, “Master, whether it’s swordsmen or swordswomen across the entire Nine Heavens Continent, those who wield sheathed weapons, the sheaths are all made of metal. Some wealthy people may have gold, silver, or even more precious materials for their sheaths. But in the end, they are all metal. Metal is sturdy, not easily worn, and can be used for a long time. Furthermore, when necessary, it can also be used as a weapon. These are all advantages, but when a weapon is drawn, the sound of friction with the sheath is clear.”
“Indeed,” Meng Chaoran nodded.
“But a clear sound gives the enemy time to prepare. I believe this is the flaw of metal sheaths!” Chu Yang spoke eloquently, “Master, why practice the sword? It is to kill! If one only seeks fitness, there is no need for a weapon. Since we aim to kill, why give the enemy time to prepare? Isn’t it simpler to strike with a single sword?”