Flowing Cloud Sword Style

At the center of the Training Ground, the longsword in Su Lie's hand erupted with one final blaze, forcing his opponent out of the arena.

The burly youth panted heavily. His spiritual energy, at the peak of qi refining level 6, was nearly exhausted, yet the flames of his lesser accomplishment Blazing Fire Sword Style still struck fear into onlookers.

"The winner, Su Lie!" the elder serving as referee announced loudly.

In the spectator seats, Su Yu nodded slightly.

Though his older clansman's swordsmanship was riddled with openings in his eyes, that indomitable momentum truly deserved praise.

In Su Lie's hands, the human-grade low-tier Blazing Fire Sword Style had already begun to brush against the threshold of great accomplishment.

Although none of the disciples competing could withstand even a single exchange with his current strength, Su Yu still watched intently.

Five years of being called worthless had taught him that even watching weaker fighters could yield something worthwhile.

The mistakes those disciples made, the sluggish circulation of their spiritual energy, the gaps between their moves—all were lessons he had once learned firsthand.

After the selection ended, Su Tianheng distributed five Gilded Tokens among the five chosen disciples, then took out a green jade medicine bottle. "These are three Qi Gathering Pills. Taking them will increase your cultivation speed by thirty percent."

Once everyone had dispersed, Su Tianheng asked Su Yu to stay behind.

In the gathering dusk, the two arrived at the Library Pavilion.

The family head retrieved a yellowed manual from the warded area on the third floor. "Flowing Cloud Sword Style, human-grade mid-tier. Like the Gale Sword Style you practiced before, it belongs to the wind element, so it should be easier for you to learn."

"Su Yan has been practicing this sword style for half a year. You can ask him for pointers."

Su Tianheng patted Su Yu's shoulder, his eyes filled with expectation.

"Reaching initial accomplishment within a month will be enough. Even at initial accomplishment, its power surpasses a human-grade low-tier martial technique at lesser accomplishment."

What he did not know was that the young man standing before him had already cultivated the Gale Sword Style to the legendary perfected realm.

Had he known, he would likely have been struck speechless.

Su Tianheng gazed at the upright figure before him, a trace of gratification flashing in his eyes.

Compared with his own mischievous boy, who spent all day fooling around, Su Yu's steadfast resolve was all the more precious.

These past years... this child has suffered so much. He sighed inwardly.

As the family head, he understood better than anyone the pressure Su Yu had endured over the past five years.

He had seen every cold stare and sneer, every whisper behind Su Yu's back.

Though he had secretly protected him many times, some roads ultimately had to be walked alone, and some hurdles had to be crossed by oneself.

To his delighted surprise, Su Yu had not only weathered it all, but had gained a greater composure.

The young man standing before him now possessed a depth that the dazzling, sharp-edged genius of years past had lacked.

What startled him even more was that he could no longer quite fathom this nephew of his.

Back in his courtyard, Su Yu opened Flowing Cloud Sword Style beneath the moonlight.

The illustrated sword moves on its pages seemed to come alive, flowing before his eyes:

The first form: the Opening Stance resembled drifting clouds beginning to gather. A gentle turn of the blade stirred the surrounding air, creating a brief Wind Pressure Barrier.

The second form: sword moves advanced in an unbroken chain, like layers of clouds surging and piling atop one another. Each strike grew faster, finally transforming into multiple sword shadows.

The third form: clouds turned to wind, and the sword moves shifted from complexity to simplicity. All force condensed into a single thrust, with sword qi piercing defenses like a wind blade.

It does complement the Gale Sword Style... Su Yu mused.

What changes would it produce if I incorporated perfected-realm Gale Sword Momentum into it?

The morning light had only just crept onto the eaves when Su Yu was already standing in the courtyard, sword in hand.

He closed his eyes, recalling the key principles of Flowing Cloud Sword Style, and slowly raised his iron sword.

The blade trembled lightly as he unleashed the first form. Its tip traced a profound arc, drawing the surrounding air into motion until a faint Wind Wall formed three feet in front of him.

This defensive sword form seemed light and graceful, but concealed thirty-six variations. The slightest misstep would undo all his efforts.

Still not fluid enough... Su Yu frowned slightly and changed his sword moves again.

The second form unfolded like drifting clouds and flowing water. Sword shadows overlapped in layer upon layer, accelerating until they became seven streaks of sword light, indistinguishable from illusions.

This form hinged on subtle finesse. Each strike had to be thirty percent faster than the last, demanding extraordinary control of wrist strength.

The third form was the most perilous, requiring all the momentum accumulated through the first two forms to be condensed into a single point.

Su Yu abruptly stilled. Every sword shadow merged into one, and a concentrated strand of sword qi tore through the air, punching a hole about an inch deep into a bluestone rock thirty feet away.

Exquisite indeed. Su Yu lowered his sword and stood still, fine beads of sweat already appearing on his forehead.

This sword style's demands on spiritual energy control were downright exacting. No wonder it was counted among the Su Family's Town-Protecting Martial Arts.

For me, though, it isn't too difficult.

The corners of his mouth lifted slightly.

After only a few repetitions, the circulation of spiritual energy within his body was already resonating with the sword moves—a clear sign of initial accomplishment.

"Brother Yu! Practicing the Flowing Cloud Sword Style?" A familiar voice came from the courtyard gate.

Su Yan strode over with a food box in hand, undisguised pride on his face. "I know this sword style well. I've practiced it for over half a year!"

Seeing Su Yan's animated expression, Su Yu smiled knowingly.

"It really is harder to learn than the Gale Sword Style," Su Yu said sincerely.

Su Yan's eyes lit up, and he eagerly began demonstrating. "Look at this form. The key is to..."

Su Yan explained as he practiced. His sword moves were polished, already at lesser accomplishment.

Among the Su Family's younger generation, that was a rare achievement.

"...So don't worry, Brother Yu." Su Yan patted his chest.

"With my wholehearted guidance, I guarantee you'll reach initial accomplishment within a month!"

Su Yu nodded thoughtfully. "Five days to reach lesser accomplishment... that is a little slow."

"Exactly! Wait..." Su Yan suddenly froze, his eyes widening.

"What did you say? Five days? Lesser accomplishment?"

"Yes. Compared with reaching great accomplishment in the Gale Sword Style in three days, it really is slower." As he spoke, Su Yu casually performed the three sword forms again.

This time, his sword momentum flowed even more seamlessly, and amid the swirling cloudlike mist, a faint sound of wind and thunder arose.

Su Yan's mouth fell open, and the food box dropped to the ground. He bent mechanically to pick it up, then suddenly turned and ran.

"Weren't you going to guide me?" Su Yu asked, holding back his laughter.

"You're bullying me!" Su Yan shouted without looking back. "I'm going into seclusion! I swear I won't come out unless I reach great accomplishment within a month!"

Watching Su Yan's retreating figure, Su Yu shook his head with a chuckle.

He had been so absorbed in comprehending the sword style that he truly had not considered his younger cousin's feelings.

But on second thought, perhaps this was for the best.

The path of cultivation was difficult by nature. Having a rival to spur each other on might well be a good thing.