Opening a Can Reveals a Manual? Sword Momentum Force Dissipation

Before dawn broke and the morning dew had yet to fade, the bluestone slabs of Shrek Academy's training ground were already gleaming with absorbed Soul Power. Lin Che arrived through the thin mist, a Rare Can etched with chain patterns resting in his palm. After reviewing the previous night's events, he had keenly realized that their current strength was still lacking against Spirit Hall's Titled Douluo. This can, which condensed the team's bonds, might be the key to breaking the deadlock.

"Time to see what surprise the system has in store." Pale golden Soul Power wound around Lin Che's fingertips as he lightly tapped the can. The ancient clay jar cracked open at once, its fragments turning into drifting starlight. There was no physical item inside, only a virtual manual glowing cyan as it unfurled through the air like a scroll. Dense seal-script characters and Sword Momentum trajectories flowed across it—it was the [Huaxia Sword Skill Manual (Basic Edition)].

The manual automatically merged into Lin Che's mind, and the essence of countless sword techniques became instantly clear. "Sword Momentum Force Dissipation: overcome hardness with softness, borrow the enemy's strength to strike back at them. Use the sword as a guide and Soul Power as the medium. Channel attacks along a 'Spiral Trajectory,' deflect thirty percent of the opponent's Soul Power, and rebound ten percent..." The Universe Cauldron quietly rotated in his palm. The Spirit Nourishing Fire on its three legs actually pulsed along the trajectories shown in the sword manual, as though it had been born perfectly compatible with these Huaxia sword skills.

"What kind of martial soul skill is that?" Tang San's voice came from behind him. He had just arrived at the training ground carrying Blue Silver Grass seedlings and happened to witness the manual vanish. Curiosity flashed through his Purple Demon Eyes. That Energy Fluctuation was neither soul beast Soul Power nor the rigid power of a Weapon Martial Soul; it carried an indescribable rhythm.

Lin Che raised his hand and summoned the Azure Water Sword, green light flowing across its blade. "It's a special sword skill called Sword Momentum Force Dissipation. Want to try it?"

Fighting Spirit ignited in Tang San's eyes. After ten simulated battles, he had grown increasingly impressed by Lin Che's strength. He immediately released his Blue Silver Grass, its blades spreading across the ground. "I'll test it with my First Soul Skill, Entangling. I'll keep my Soul Power at the level of Rank 20."

"Come at me." Lin Che angled his sword tip toward the ground and operated his Soul Power according to the manual's principles. A pale golden glow from the Universe Cauldron coated the blade, forming a nearly invisible layer of energy—the foundation of Sword Momentum Force Dissipation: the Soul Power Conduction Layer.

With a thought from Tang San, three Blue Silver Grass vines shot out like nimble serpents. Their leaf tips bore barbs as they accurately coiled toward Lin Che's wrist and sword. This was his improved Entangling technique. The grass contained subtle Soul Power tremors that could break down an opponent's Soul Power defenses. Even Dai Mubai had struggled to break free from it before.

Yet the instant the Blue Silver Grass touched the Azure Water Sword, Lin Che lightly twisted his wrist, and the sword tip traced a perfect arc. Green sword light flowed around the grass blades like water. The tightly stretched Blue Silver Grass suddenly lost its point of leverage and was deflected outward along the Sword Momentum—thirty percent of the attacking Soul Power had been successfully channeled away. Even more astonishingly, at the end of the arc, the sword tip suddenly flicked upward. A stream of pale golden Soul Power rebounded along the grass blades and stabbed into the bluestone slab half a foot in front of Tang San, leaving behind a tiny, dense crater.

"This is... rebound force?" Tang San hurriedly withdrew his Blue Silver Grass. Looking at the mark on the stone, his Purple Demon Eyes abruptly narrowed. He could clearly sense that the rebounding Soul Power was precisely ten percent of what he had just poured into the Blue Silver Grass. Its force was weak, but its accuracy was flawless.

Lin Che sheathed his sword and ran his fingertips along its blade. "It's a method from the manual, similar to the principle of using a pillar to dissipate force in ancient texts. Rather than resisting head-on, it guides the attack away. The Universe Cauldron helps me precisely control the flow of Soul Power, which happens to bring out the Sword Momentum's greatest effect."

The commotion on the training ground drew the others over. Dai Mubai folded his arms and clicked his tongue in amazement. "That move's far more useful than my White Tiger Body Protection. If it could deflect Spirit Hall's poison attacks..." Ma Hongjun rubbed his hands together as he moved closer. "Lin Che, teach me too, will you? I'll use flames and see whether I can dissipate force!"

"You need a Sword Martial Soul as your foundation." Lin Che shook his head and turned to Tang San, who was still deep in thought. "You were trying to imitate it just now?"

Tang San nodded frankly. "I tried to use Blue Silver Grass to imitate the Sword Momentum trajectory, but my Soul Power scattered as soon as it left the grass blades." He had secretly operated the Mysterious Heaven Skill in an attempt to recreate that arc, but the flexible nature of Blue Silver Grass clashed with the balance of hardness and softness required by Sword Momentum. He simply could not form a stable force-dissipating field.

At some point, Yu Xiaogang had appeared at the edge of the training ground. Pushing up his glasses, he said, "This is the difference between martial soul systems. Lin Che's Azure Water Sword is a Weapon Martial Soul vessel. Sword Momentum must rely on the rigidity of a weapon to take shape. Tang San's Blue Silver Grass is a Control System martial soul. Its Soul Power traits lean toward Entangling and restraint, lacking the sharp guidance required by Sword Momentum." His eyes were full of approval as he looked at Lin Che. "This kind of combat technique, which is not a soul skill, shares similarities with Tang San's Mysterious Heaven Skill, but it is better suited to Sword Martial Souls."

Tang San suddenly understood. He finally knew why his imitation had failed. It was like asking Blue Silver Grass to unleash the tearing force of White Tiger Claw. With different foundations, no technique could be used no matter how exquisite it was. The boundary between the Control System and the Assault System became increasingly clear at that moment.

"Again!" The fighting spirit in Tang San's eyes burned even hotter. "This time, I'll use Rank 30 Soul Power and add a layer of Blue Silver Grass Harden!"

Lin Che gladly agreed. The Azure Water Sword shone green once more, but this time he deliberately slowed his movements so everyone could clearly see the Sword Momentum trajectory. Tang San's Blue Silver Grass attacked with a pale purple hardened sheen, its blades drawn taut like steel cables. Lin Che lightly tapped with his sword tip, and Soul Power traveled along the patterns on the grass blades' surfaces. With every inch the sword circle expanded, the Blue Silver Grass weakened by a fraction. When the Sword Momentum reached its peak, he suddenly turned his wrist. The hardened Blue Silver Grass was violently flicked into the air, while the rebounding Soul Power became a streak of golden light that precisely struck a stone Ma Hongjun had tossed out. The stone instantly shattered.

"Good heavens! If that hit someone..." Dai Mubai clicked his tongue. Jiang Zhu, meanwhile, fell into thought. "The rebounding Soul Power just now seemed to carry the aura of the Universe Cauldron's Spirit Nourishing Fire?"

"Exactly." Lin Che explained, "Sword Momentum Force Dissipation does more than channel force—it can also merge the characteristics of one's own martial soul. If we encounter a poison attack, it might even be able to rebound the poison back."

His words immediately lifted everyone's spirits. Oscar promptly pulled out paper and a pen. "Write that down quickly! Maybe when I make sausages later, I can add a Force Dissipation Buff!" Ning Rongrong added with a smile, "With the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda's Speed Amplification, Lin Che's Sword Momentum will definitely become even faster!"

While everyone was enthusiastically discussing it, the Communication Jade Talisman at Ning Rongrong's waist suddenly lit up. A pale golden Soul Power projection condensed in midair into Gu Rong's phantom. The old Sect Master had white hair and beard, but his gaze remained as sharp as an eagle's. After scanning the training ground, his eyes settled on Lin Che. "Rongrong sent word that your team training has been quite effective?"

"Thanks to your support, old Sect Master, our team coordination has reached the standard." Lin Che cupped his hands in salute, then smoothly brought up the sword skill. "Yesterday, I obtained a Huaxia Sword Skill Manual from opening a can. I've just learned Sword Momentum Force Dissipation, which can deflect thirty percent of attacking Soul Power."

"Huaxia sword skills?" Gu Rong's expression abruptly turned solemn, and his phantom leaned slightly forward. "Could you demonstrate them?"

Lin Che raised his hand as requested. In the morning light, the Azure Water Sword traced three arcs. The Sword Momentum drew in the surrounding morning mist and formed a spiraling current. Fallen leaves on the ground whirled along with the Sword Momentum, eventually gathering into a small vortex before the sword tip before suddenly scattering. It was a pure display of Sword Momentum without a target.

Gu Rong's breathing visibly paused, and a sharp gleam flashed through his clouded eyes. "What a splendid 'using momentum to command force'! I have lived for nearly a century and seen at least eighty, if not a hundred, Weapon Martial Souls, yet I have never seen such sword principles so perfectly suited to the operation of Soul Power." His gaze toward Lin Che was filled with meaning. "Back then, when you said Huaxia Spirits were special, I was only half-convinced. Now it seems that techniques like these, which do not rely on soul rings but entirely on one's own comprehension, truly are extraordinary!"

Tang San's heart stirred. As a Titled Douluo, Gu Rong's knowledge far surpassed that of ordinary people. Even he praised the Huaxia sword skills so highly, which was enough to prove their value. Tang San became even more determined to study his own unique arts. Since Sword Momentum did not suit him, he would refine the coordination between the Mysterious Heaven Skill and Blue Silver Grass to its utmost limit.

"Spirit Hall will most likely send Yue Guan for the ambush in Suotuo City." Gu Rong's voice deepened, and the light of the Communication Jade Talisman began to flicker unsteadily. "His Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum excels at control. Your Sword Momentum Force Dissipation may be able to counter his Petal Domain. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect has already dispatched two Soul Douluo to provide covert support. If anything happens, crush this jade talisman."

A diamond-shaped jade talisman fell from the phantom. Lin Che reached out and caught it, finding it warm in hand and filled with dense Support System Soul Power. "Thank you, old Sect Master."

"Protect Rongrong, and protect this sword skill of yours as well." Gu Rong's phantom gradually faded. "Spirit Hall has never shown mercy toward powers that deviate from convention."

After the communication ended, the training ground fell into a brief silence. Dai Mubai was the first to break it. "With a Titled Douluo backing us and a new sword skill, let's see how Spirit Hall keeps acting so arrogantly this time!" Ma Hongjun clenched his fists eagerly. "It'd be best if that old chrysanthemum Yue Guan delivers himself to us. I want to see whether Phoenix Fire can burn his petals!"

Lin Che rubbed the jade talisman in his hand, then looked at the Azure Water Sword. His understanding of Sword Momentum Force Dissipation had raised his control over Soul Power to another level. Combined with the Universe Cauldron's suppressive effect, he truly had more confidence in dealing with Yue Guan's controlling soul skills. But he also knew that Spirit Hall's Bone Corroding Soul Poison was no simple matter. Jiang Zhu's dual poison-and-healing abilities still needed to be handled carefully.

"Tang San, practice a few more rounds with me." Lin Che carried his sword toward the center of the training ground. "This time, use your Blue Silver Grass Parasite to test me. I'll see whether I can dissipate mental-type Soul Power."

Expectation flashed in Tang San's eyes as Blue Silver Grass once again spread across the ground. "That's exactly what I had in mind!"

Sunlight pierced through the thin fog and spilled across the bluestone slabs of the training ground. Green sword light and emerald grass blades intertwined in a dancing clash, sometimes sparking with Soul Power, sometimes splitting and deflecting along wondrous trajectories. Dai Mubai and the others gathered nearby, some recording tactics, others discussing in low voices. Even Oscar stopped making sausages and carefully observed the contest between Sword Momentum and a Control System martial soul.

On a distant treetop, a Black Shadow quietly vanished. Ghost Douluo stared at Lin Che's Sword Momentum in the Crystal Ball, his expression so dark it seemed water could drip from it. "His Majesty the Pope, Lin Che has mastered another bizarre sword skill. It can deflect attacking Soul Power."

Bibi Dong's voice came from the Crystal Ball, carrying icy fury. "Deflect it? Yue Guan's Bone Corroding Soul Poison can invade the meridians along the flow of Soul Power. I would like to see whether his Sword Momentum can dissipate poison as well! Pass down the order. Move the ambush site to Misty Forest outside Suotuo City, where Blue Silver Grass's control will be useless."

Within the training ground, Lin Che's Sword Momentum grew ever more smooth and complete. With Tang San's cooperation, he could already precisely control the proportion of force dissipated, even condensing rebounding Soul Power into a point to strike a distant target's bullseye. Through repeated tests, Tang San had also found a way to deal with Sword Momentum—attack alternately with multiple streams of Soul Power to disrupt the force-dissipation trajectory.

"Stop!" Tang San suddenly called out. The Blue Silver Grass slowly withdrew. "Your Sword Momentum is nearly unbeatable against a single attack, but what if it's a soul skill with mixed attributes? For example, poison combined with force."

Lin Che stood with his sword lowered, fine sweat beading at his temples. "That's exactly what I need to practice. The manual says, 'Sword Momentum Divided into Three Layers: the First Layer: Force Dissipation, the Second Layer: Energy Transformation, and the Third Layer: Attribute Conversion.' I've only just touched the threshold of the First Layer."

Yu Xiaogang walked over, his eyes full of satisfaction. "Your growth has exceeded my expectations. Lin Che's Sword Momentum makes up for the weakness of the Assault System against control, while Tang San's control techniques are also improving. We may not necessarily lose this ambush battle."

By sunset, the training at last came to an end. Lin Che copied down the fundamental principles of the Huaxia Sword Skill Manual and handed them to Tang San. "It may not suit you, but perhaps it can inspire you." Tang San took the paper. Looking at the Sword Momentum trajectories on it, he suddenly thought of the angles of Blue Silver Grass Entangling, and inspiration flashed through his eyes.

At dinner, Oscar brought out his newly developed Sword Momentum Sausage. "Eating it temporarily increases the speed of Soul Power circulation. It'll definitely work better with your Sword Momentum!" Jiang Zhu also displayed her new discovery. "The Green Markings of the Holy Staff can mark poison trajectories in advance. If Lin Che uses Sword Momentum to rebound them, I can help you purify the poison attached during the rebound."

Lin Che looked at his companions, who worked together in perfect harmony, then at the darkening sky beyond the window. The Communication Jade Talisman in his hand was warm, while the Azure Water Sword gleamed with a cold light beneath the lamps. More than half of the [Huaxia Sword Skill Manual (Basic Edition)] on the system panel had already lit up.

The ambush battle in Suotuo City was about to arrive. Spirit Hall's Bone Corroding Soul Poison and Yue Guan's Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum were already lurking in the shadows. Yet Lin Che felt not the slightest fear. With the bonds of his team, the boost of his new sword skill, and the foundation of the Huaxia Spirit, they were no longer lambs waiting to be slaughtered.

As night deepened, the lights of Shrek Academy went out one by one. Only the bluestone slabs of the training ground still bore faint traces of Sword Momentum, glimmering under the moonlight as though recounting the fierce battle soon to come.