Starting with Proficiency Panel
Chapter 47: Intention Sword

Chapter 47: Chapter 47: Intention Sword

"Am I that kind of person?!" Yan Zhenghua said with righteous indignation, "Please don’t think of me as being so dirty. In line with the principle of doing things seriously and responsibly when being paid, I will surely give it my all!"

After a pause, Yan Zhenghua said casually, "Is it legitimate?"

"Who cares about legitimacy."

"Hehehe..."

A string of sly laughter echoed from the practice room. Of course, it was Yan Zhenghua making that sound, and Lu Ren felt a tinge of disdain in his heart.

This kind of place, he’s never been to, really, truly.

Back to the main topic.

Yan Zhenghua held a Wooden Sword, twirling it in a sword flourish.

"Swordsmanship is generally practiced as demonstrations, which I call Body Sword. Through arduous practice, one engraves the swordsmanship into their instincts, integrating it into their bodily reflexes. The next step is to realize the essence of the swordsmanship, understand the spirit within, and then elevate, eventually grasping the True Intent hidden within the Sword Manual. But to embrace the True Intent within swordsmanship, only the pinnacle of Sword Mastery can achieve it."

Yan Zhenghua’s gaze sharpened, resembling a drawn sword. At this moment, his corpulent frame suddenly tightened, and his loose clothes seemed like a form-fitting outfit, with bulging muscles underneath. He raised the Wooden Sword, flicked his wrist, and made a hesitant thrust towards Lu Ren.

Clang!

An unexpectedly crisp sword sound emitted from the Wooden Sword, even though it was still three feet away from Lu Ren. He still felt a chilling, bone-piercing sensation making his hair stand on end, with a sharp sword wind thrusting suddenly at him.

It felt as if his chest was struck from afar.

Lu Ren paled and took two steps back.

"What is this?"

"The Intent comprehended after achieving Great Perfection in Swordsmanship."

Yan Zhenghua sighed, "Too bad, I’m getting old, unable to see higher landscapes."

"Higher landscapes?"

Instead of directly answering Lu Ren, Yan Zhenghua retorted, "Do you know how strong human limits can be?"

Lu Ren ventured, "Maybe something like the Hulk?"

Yan Zhenghua shook his head slightly, "Those people I’ve seen... never mind, talking to you about this is a complete waste of effort. A newbie like you, so old yet wanting to learn martial arts, achieving some accomplishments is good enough!"

"Now, I’ll teach you."

Finally, moving on to the main topic, Lu Ren secretly heaved a sigh of relief. If not for fearing Yan Zhenghua’s displeasure causing him to make things difficult, he would have really liked to say his time is valuable and shouldn’t be wasted.

Yan Zhenghua said, "Since you have basic sword skills, I will teach you the Sword Manual Introduction."

After speaking, he sat down cross-legged, placing the Wooden Sword across his legs, and closed his eyes slightly, remaining still.

Apart from the faintly audible sound of breathing, there was no other movement.

Half an hour later, Lu Ren couldn’t take it anymore.

"Master Yan, what are you doing?"

Yan Zhenghua remained in his state.

"Clearing the mind, Visualizing the Long Sword! The Longquan sword is too sharp, piercing the spirit, while a blunt sword is too slow, making the mind dull. The Wooden Sword is suitable for beginners, allowing them to perceive Sword Intent."

Sounding so mysterious...

Lu Ren felt puzzled, "Then what should I do?"

Yan Zhenghua opened his eyes, nodding to the Wooden Sword placed on the sword stand beside him.

"Pick one that feels right, and do as I did."

Lu Ren walked to the sword stand and tried several Wooden Swords, eventually picking the one that felt best to play with.

"... Is there no systematic routine or techniques?"

Yan Zhenghua: "Young man, you should know all sword techniques stem from Basic Sword Techniques. Sideways, thrust, sweep, stab, chop, shave... Techniques are fixed, but people are dynamic."

When Lu Ren sat down cross-legged, Yan Zhenghua finally spoke, carefully teaching the Visualization of Long Sword Method to Lu Ren.

The more Lu Ren listened, the more surprised his expression became, realizing that sword practice could be this way. Practicing thousands or tens of thousands of times, until the sword techniques became instinct; but Intention Sword relies on Visualization Skill, using Spirit as the sword, borne by the body, achieving a harmonious state naturally.

After listening, Lu Ren reiterated several times, confirming he remembered the Sword Manual essence, which amounted to less than a thousand words, and then asked, "Ultimately, can a single sword swing emit Sword Qi?"

"What’s that?"

"Something like one sword emits light, chilling nineteen states, Sword Qi sweeping across thirty thousand miles."

Yan Zhenghua didn’t lift an eyelid, "You’ve read too many novels, no such thing exists in reality. At most, through immense Power and speed, coupled with superb Sword Skills, a Long Sword can produce airflow changes while rubbing against air at high speed. If the technique meets standards, the airflow can form cuts with damaging properties, known as Qi Slash. Progressing beyond is using unique secret techniques, combined with a powerful enough Spirit Realm, forming Sword Mastery; further progression... uh, I don’t know much about it."

After confirming Lu Ren learned with no omissions, Yan Zhenghua advised, "Only when the Wooden Sword takes shape in your heart can you proceed with further practice, cleansing the mundane and reshaping the Spirit. This technique trains Spirit and willpower."

Saying so, Yan Zhenghua pulled a book covered with oil stains from the table below and handed it to Lu Ren.

"Here, this is the Sword Manual I’ve painstakingly crafted, with my annotations and essential explanations. If you really don’t get it, you can ask me, but consultation fees apply."

Lu Ren: "...Alright then, I’ll leave now."

Before Lu Ren could leave the small shop, Yan Zhenghua’s face turned: "Did you forget something?"

"..."

Lu Ren fished out the last wad of money from his pocket, "This is for your massage fee. I have things to do, so I might..."

Yan Zhenghua snatched it, lowering his head with a grinning face, the weathered wrinkles on his face blooming like chrysanthemums, waving as if shooing flies, "Alright, alright, seeing as you are so sincere, the Wooden Sword you’re holding, although I crafted it meticulously, I’ll waive the fee."

"I..."

Lu Ren looked at the engraving on the sword hilt.

"Made by Longquan Toy Factory"

"..."

Returning home, it was already nearing dusk, with the sunset slanting, twilight approaching, only the remnant sun hanging unsteadily at the horizon.

Lu Ren looked at the Wooden Sword in his hand, sitting on the viewing deck on the second floor, meticulously confirming every detail of the Wooden Sword. Lastly, with the willpower brought by 10 points of spirit, he gradually emptied his mind.

Modern people are too restless, living in an era of information explosion, everyone receives massive amounts of information daily, where useful information accounts for less than five percent.

Therefore, ordinary people constantly entertain numerous thoughts and desires.

Trying to calm the mind and empty it is considerably challenging.

Lu Ren sat down, closed his eyes, and various distracting thoughts flooded in non-stop.

"Previously, on the subway, I saw a girl with a nice face and figure. Her outfit was too flamboyant, a bit hard to accept."

"Haven’t played League for a while, should I play a few rounds later?"