The first lesson of the new term: guidance from a master!
After becoming a freshman at Kyoto University of Science and Technology, Fang Yan was assigned to Class A. The class gathered the most talented geniuses among this year's admissions. Everyone's qi and blood exceeded 2.5, and quite a few were already powerful enough to have touched the threshold of the Martial Master realm.
The first lesson of the new term was the all-school freshman assembly. It was held in the school's open-air plaza, with the university leaders and senior instructors seated on the stage. Among them, an elderly man in a purple robe with eyes as sharp as torches caught Fang Yan's attention. A powerful aura seemed to radiate from him, faint yet unmistakable, making Fang Yan's heart tremble.
"That is the principal, Martial Master Zhou Tianlei. They say he's already reached the Profound Connection Realm and is one of the top experts in our Great Xia Dynasty!" a student beside him whispered to Fang Yan.
Fang Yan's heart jolted. The Profound Connection Realm! That was the legendary realm of an earthly immortal. He had never expected to see someone at that level here.
After the assembly ended, the classes returned to their respective classrooms, where the homeroom teachers introduced themselves and arranged the curriculum. Class A's homeroom teacher was a middle-aged woman named Su Wan. She had an elegant bearing, and her strength was unfathomably deep. It was said that she had already reached the Martial Master Late-stage realm.
"Welcome, everyone, to Class A." Su Wan's voice was gentle yet powerful. "The fact that you were able to enter this class proves that all of you are outstanding among your peers. But here, all your past achievements have been reset to zero. If you want to establish yourselves at Kyoto University of Science and Technology, or even become true powerhouses, you must put in more effort than anyone else."
She paused before continuing, "Our curriculum in Class A will be stricter than that of the other classes. In addition to basic qi-and-blood cultivation and martial technique training, we will have one practical combat tournament every week and one wilderness trial every month. I hope all of you will cherish your time here and keep breaking through your limits."
Over the next few days, Fang Yan devoted himself wholeheartedly to his studies and training. The courses at Kyoto University of Science and Technology truly lived up to their reputation. Whether it was theoretical knowledge or practical combat skills, they far surpassed what he had learned at the Mystic Martial Pavilion. The Cultivation Technique lectures were especially enlightening. The university's senior instructors taught them, analyzing the principles and cultivation essentials of various advanced Cultivation Techniques in simple yet profound terms and leaving Fang Yan suddenly enlightened.
That day was the martial technique guidance class, taught by an instructor named Qin Feng. Qin Feng was a powerhouse of the practical school, skilled in swordsmanship. It was said that he had once slain a Catastrophe-level Exotic Beast.
"Today, we'll discuss the intent of swordsmanship." Qin Feng held a long sword as he stood on the platform. "Swordsmanship must not only be fast, accurate, and ruthless; it must also contain intent. Intent is the embodiment of a Martial Artist's will and emotions within their swordsmanship. For example, forceful swordsmanship contains an indomitable will that charges forward without retreat, while agile swordsmanship reflects a free and unrestrained state of mind."
As he spoke, Qin Feng began demonstrating with his sword. His swordsmanship was not complicated, but every stroke was filled with a unique charm. At times, it was like a violent storm, fierce and domineering; at others, it was like rippling water, agile and graceful. The students below stared in dumbfounded amazement.
After the demonstration, Qin Feng said, "Now, each of you will come up and display the swordsmanship you are best at. I'll offer my assessment."
The students went up one after another, and Qin Feng evaluated them individually, pointing out their strengths and shortcomings. Soon, it was Fang Yan's turn.
Fang Yan held the Ink Ice Spear and walked onto the platform. He did not use any complicated moves, merely performing the basic Profound Ice Spear Technique. Yet his spear technique contained not only the biting chill of the Ice Heart Art, but also his own unyielding will and devotion to the martial path.
Qin Feng had initially been watching casually. But when ice spikes condensed at the tip of Fang Yan's spear and it thrust out carrying a bone-piercing chill, his eyes suddenly lit up.
"Good!" Qin Feng could not help shouting. "Your spear technique is simple in form, but it contains tremendous intent. Especially this chill—it isn't being forced into the technique, but is perfectly fused with your inner strength and state of mind. That's extremely rare!"
He paused, then walked over to Fang Yan and said, "Your Weapon Soul has already awakened. That's a tremendous advantage. But remember, a Weapon Soul is merely an aid. In the end, a true powerhouse must rely on his own will and strength. If you're willing, come find me after class. I can organize some insights into the intent of spear techniques for you and help you better integrate intent into your spear technique."
"Thank you, Instructor Qin!" Fang Yan was delighted and hurriedly cupped his hands in thanks.
After class, Fang Yan found Qin Feng. Qin Feng indeed kept his promise and handed him a thick manuscript. It recorded Qin Feng's understanding of the intent of swordsmanship in detail. Though it used swordsmanship as its example, the principles within applied equally to spear techniques.
Fang Yan treated it as a priceless treasure. After returning to his dormitory, he immediately began studying it in earnest. He combined it with his own Ice Soul Spear Technique and Ink Ice Spear Soul, constantly experimenting and comprehending.
After several days, his spear technique had improved noticeably. Not only had his movements become smoother, but his spear intent had also grown more condensed. When he performed Ice Soul Spear Technique: Ice Dragon Roar again, the phantom ice dragon that gathered at the spear tip became even clearer, and its momentum even more majestic.
Fang Yan knew that at Kyoto University of Science and Technology, he could learn not only more powerful Cultivation Techniques and martial techniques, but also receive guidance from top masters. For his growth, this was undoubtedly like adding wings to a tiger. His conviction grew firmer: he would carve out a piece of heaven and earth that belonged to him here!
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