Martial Saint

"Thank you, Junior Brother."

Jiang Lu waved his hand, seemingly unconcerned. His gaze fell again on the iron sword in Gu Chengming's hand. As if sensing something, he spoke:

"Senior Brother, you were practicing the Huiyuan Sword Technique just now, weren't you?"

He paused, then added:

"Coincidentally, Junior Brother has some insights into this sword technique. If Senior Brother has any questions, you can come ask me anytime."

Although Jiang Lu's cultivation talent was only average, his comprehension of martial arts stances was far beyond that of ordinary people.

Perhaps it was out of consideration for the past favor of Gu Chengming introducing him to the sect, that he offered this unsolicited advice.

Moreover, with the current inter-sect conflicts, if Gu Chengming were to be expelled from the sect for failing the assessment, it would likely become a new talking point for other sects to attack the Huiyuan Gate.

It was precisely for this reason that Master would uncharacteristically send himself to remind this Senior Brother.

Upon hearing this, a glint flashed in Gu Chengming's eyes, and he sincerely thanked him again.

Seeing that his message had been delivered, Jiang Lu didn't linger. He cupped his hands and took his leave.

Gu Chengming watched his retreating figure disappear at the end of the small path. In the night sky, a bright, clear moon hung high, its cold moonlight bathing the courtyard.

He closed the courtyard gate, his gaze intense.

The news brought by the other party did not make him feel dejected; instead, it ignited his fighting spirit.

If I don't do the timed strategy, what's the difference between my identity as Master Gala and Yuzu Chef?

System, give me some points!

Chapter 4: Chapter Four The Obsessed Sword Resentful Man

To be honest, the progress on the strategy for the Huiyuan Sword Art had been unexpectedly smooth.

However, the more he improved, the more the cold and aloof sword style became clingy.

But it did fit the "resentful woman" personality of the Huiyuan Sword Art.

After all, for a resentful woman, being clingy was quite reasonable, wasn't it?

As Gu Chengming persisted in his practice every day, the sarcastic remarks from the Huiyuan Sword Art lessened considerably.

It seemed it hadn't expected Gu Chengming to actually persevere, spending a large amount of time each day practicing the simple, almost monotonous sword technique over and over again.

However, occasionally, during Gu Chengming's practice breaks, a few self-pitying words would still pop up from the panel.

[Huiyuan Sword Art feels a little surprised. It's even starting to wonder if you genuinely have even a tiny bit of sincerity towards it.]

[It felt like it was overthinking again. After all, it was just a basic sword art of the sect, anyone could learn it, anyone could use it. It wasn't some rare treasure, who would take it seriously?]

Gu Chengming was long accustomed to these resentful complaints, even finding them somewhat endearing.

He simply continued to swing his sword, responding to the Huiyuan Sword Art's "lack of confidence" with the most direct actions.

In less than half a month, Gu Chengming's Affinity with the Huiyuan Sword Art had already reached thirty, changing from the [Stranger] state to [Friendly].

And this change in Affinity state also brought significant benefits.

First, there was the reward of attribute points. Although no free attribute points were directly awarded, the system granted one fixed attribute point, which was added to the [Strength] attribute.

This made Gu Chengming clearly feel an increase in the strength of his arms when swinging his sword, and his Sword Momentum became more steady and powerful. Although they weren't free attribute points, this tangible improvement still gave Gu Chengming considerable motivation.

Second, and more importantly, Gu Chengming's understanding of the Huiyuan Sword Art and his mastery of its techniques reached a whole new level.

Those once awkward movements now flowed naturally in his hands.

The connection between each movement, the technique of applying force in every instance, seemed etched into his very bones.

It was no exaggeration to say that the current Gu Chengming could easily hold his own against ten of himself from half a month ago.

Though they were all weaklings...

On the other hand, the situation where the Clear Heart Art automatically activated, as it had on the first day of practicing the Huiyuan Sword Art, did not happen again.

However, occasionally, prompts would appear on Gu Chengming's panel:

[Clear Heart Art finds this very interesting.]

[Clear Heart Art observes your efforts and seems to have developed some curiosity towards your interactions with Huiyuan Sword Art.]

Gu Chengming guessed that the Clear Heart Art was likely a "Observer Sees Clearly" type of romance target.

It wouldn't express emotions directly like the Huiyuan Sword Art, but would silently observe, offering some meaningful feedback at an unexpected moment.

This type of character often required more meticulous insight and longer-term buildup to slowly win over.

He already had a preliminary plan for the conquest, but his current focus was still on the Huiyuan Sword Art, and he couldn't spare attention for the Clear Heart Art yet.

It was worth mentioning that the Junior Brother "Jiang Lu" who had come to remind him did indeed visit Gu Chengming's Courtyard occasionally, as he had said, to guide him in the Huiyuan Sword Art.

The cultivation at the Wenjian Sect was quite different from ordinary sects.

It emphasized Clear Sword Heart and Divine Sword Dao.

There had been exceptionally talented disciples in the sect who, overnight, comprehended supreme sword intent, thus achieving Divine Sword Dao. They broke through two realms consecutively, from the Fourth Realm directly to the Sixth Realm, becoming a renowned Great Cultivator.

Coupled with the fact that the Wenjian Sect's foundational cultivation methods were inherently related to the Way of the Sword, there were rarely scenes within the sect of disciples "sitting in meditation and cultivating arduously" like in other sects.

They often used the advancement of swordsmanship to drive breakthroughs in their cultivation realms.

Therefore, Jiang Lu didn't find it inappropriate for Gu Chengming to practice basic sword techniques here.

In his opinion, this was merely Senior Brother preparing for a breakthrough in swordsmanship.

However, as he observed recently, Jiang Lu felt increasingly that something was amiss.

Why was Senior Brother Gu's swordsmanship becoming more and more entangled?

He was clearly demonstrating the most basic moves of the Huiyuan Sword Art, but when Gu Chengming performed them, they always carried an indescribable, lingering quality.

The sword's edge no longer pointed in a direct, cold, and aloof manner. Instead, it carried a hint of elusive connection, as if the sword itself harbored some unending, entwined emotion.

Was this still the Huiyuan Sword Art he was familiar with?

In short, Jiang Lu felt that his Senior Brother seemed to have gone astray in his understanding of swordsmanship.

Finally, on the following morning, Jiang Lu decided he could no longer just observe.

He visited early, intending to "correct" his Senior Brother, who he believed had strayed from the path.

"Good morning, Senior Brother Gu," Jiang Lu said, cupping his hands outside the courtyard gate, his voice steady.

"Junior Brother Jiang, a rare visitor," Gu Chengming opened the courtyard gate, a slight smile on his face.

His mental state had been excellent for the past half month, and he appeared full of vigor.

Jiang Lu's gaze lingered on Gu Chengming's face for a moment. He felt that his Senior Brother's complexion had improved considerably compared to before.

He walked into the courtyard and looked at the iron sword in Gu Chengming's hand, politely asking:

"Senior Brother, are you still practicing the Huiyuan Sword Art today?"

"Indeed."

Gu Chengming nodded.

"This Huiyuan Sword Art is profound and vast. I have yet to grasp even a fraction of its essence."

He wasn't being perfunctory; he meant it sincerely. As his Affinity increased, his understanding of the Huiyuan Sword Art deepened, and he increasingly felt the countless unknown mysteries it contained.

Hearing this, Jiang Lu sighed inwardly.

He carefully considered his words before speaking:

"Junior Brother has been observing Senior Brother's sword practice recently and feels some confusion."

"Oh?" Gu Chengming raised an eyebrow. "Junior Brother, please speak freely."

"The Huiyuan Sword Art emphasizes coldness and aloofness, its sword intent like the moon in the mountains, unstained by dust. But Senior Brother's sword moves seem to carry a hint of lingering affection. Where the sword tip points, there's a reluctance, and as the sword momentum flows, it seems to carry a trace of attachment."

Jiang Lu tried to use euphemisms, but even he found these descriptions strange when applied to sword techniques.

He paused, then finally spoke plainly:

"Senior Brother, this Huiyuan Sword Art isn't meant to be practiced like this."

Gu Chengming's expression turned peculiar upon hearing Jiang Lu's description. He naturally knew what Jiang Lu was referring to.

Finally, Gu Chengming smiled, dismissing it inwardly but saying outwardly:

"So that's how it is. Thank you for your guidance, Junior Brother. I have indeed felt somewhat lost these past half-month, unknowingly straying onto the wrong path. Since Junior Brother has such insight into this sword technique, would you be able to demonstrate it for me, to correct my mistakes?"

Seeing Gu Chengming readily agree, Jiang Lu breathed a sigh of relief.

"You are too kind, Senior Brother," Jiang Lu smiled. "I will do my best."

Chapter 5: Chapter Five: Junior Brother, You Lost

The stone table in the courtyard was moved aside, clearing enough space for two people to spar.

Since it was a sword technique comparison, it was unlikely they would use the Spiritual Power advantage brought by their cultivation realms. But Jiang Lu felt that with his understanding of the Huiyuan Sword Technique, guiding this Senior Brother Gu would be more than enough.

After all, he was quite confident in his talent for martial arts and cultivation techniques.

Moreover, looking at Senior Brother Gu's performance, he had only been practicing sword techniques with focus for at most half a month. There were no traces of other cultivation techniques in his swordplay; it was purely focused. Jiang Lu already had a deep understanding of the Huiyuan Sword Art, and coupled with his extensive reading, he could skillfully integrate the advantages of other sword techniques. Guiding a beginner should be a piece of cake.

Of course, Jiang Lu wouldn't bully a beginner with his understanding of other techniques. After all, the purpose of this meeting was "correction," not "sparring." His pure understanding of the Huiyuan Sword Art would be enough to point out his Senior Brother's errors.

With this in mind, Jiang Lu picked up a practice wooden sword, cupped his hands towards Gu Chengming from a distance, and said in a deep voice, "Senior Brother, please."

Gu Chengming also held a sword and returned the gesture.

Jiang Lu made the first move, executing "Sparse Shadows Slanting." His sword tip lightly tapped, like a dragonfly touching water, aiming directly for Gu Chengming's chest. This move was the opening stance of the Huiyuan Sword Technique, emphasizing speed, accuracy, and lightness, intended for probing.

Gu Chengming did not dodge. He met the attack with the same "Sparse Shadows Slanting." The two wooden swords touched lightly in the air, emitting a crisp "snap."

Jiang Lu flicked his wrist, and the sword momentum changed instantly, from a thrust to a slash, sliding down Gu Chengming's sword body, targeting his wrist. This was a standard follow-up variation, intended to force the opponent to withdraw their sword for defense, thereby gaining the initiative.

However, Gu Chengming's sword did not retreat. His sword seemed coated in glue, sticking tightly to Jiang Lu's, sinking along with the slashing momentum. The sword tip flickered slightly, and with a move that was both delayed and arrived first, it also aimed for Jiang Lu's wrist.

Using his own method against him.

Jiang Lu raised an eyebrow, muttering "Interesting" inwardly. He flipped his wrist, withdrew his sword to defend, and simultaneously shifted his footwork. His body floated away like a willow catkin, creating distance between himself and Gu Chengming.

"Senior Brother, your sword is too sticky."

Jiang Lu spoke his critique:

"The Huiyuan Sword Technique values aloofness. If a strike misses, one should retreat far. Your constant entanglement loses the true essence of the sword technique."

As he spoke, he surged forward again, his swordplay unfolding. Each move and stance was the essence of the Huiyuan Sword Technique. His sword path was cold and swift, each strike stopping just in time, weaving a net around Gu Chengming that was sparse yet inescapable.

Gu Chengming, however, acted as if he hadn't heard Jiang Lu's words, continuing to use his "sticky" sword technique.

When Jiang Lu's sword thrust, his sword met it, not seeking to block, but only to cling. When Jiang Lu's sword slashed, his sword followed the momentum, coiling like a vine.

At first, Jiang Lu was still at ease. He even deliberately slowed his pace, using the same moves as Gu Chengming to "correct" him, attempting to make him understand what true "cold and aloofness" meant.

But who would have thought, the more they fought, the more something felt wrong.

Gu Chengming's sword technique was like a spiderweb that tightened with every passing moment. Each of his sword strikes, though seemingly easily deflected by Jiang Lu, allowed that viscous sword intent to seep through strand by strand, causing Jiang Lu's movements to involuntarily slow by a fraction, to lag by a hair.

This fraction of a pause, this hair of a delay, was not noticeable at first. But as the exchanges increased, this tiny disadvantage began to accumulate. Jiang Lu gradually felt as if his sword were sinking into a mire, each swing requiring a little more effort than the last.

He began to feel that his will was strong, but his strength was insufficient.

What should have been a simple lesson turned into a terrifying realization. After over thirty exchanges, Jiang Lu was horrified to discover that he had, without knowing when, fallen into an absolute disadvantage.

He had been "played."

Only then did Jiang Lu suddenly realize that each of the opponent's seemingly clumsy "entangling" moves, every instance of sticking, clinging, and coiling, was silently accumulating an advantage. He had dissolved the sharpness of his sword moves, disrupted his rhythm, and restricted his space to maneuver. These small advantages converged, forming a pressure that could not be ignored.

Jiang Lu gritted his teeth inwardly. He couldn't let this continue!

With a thought, his sword path abruptly changed. Within the originally cold and aloof Huiyuan Sword Technique, a trace of sharp killing intent suddenly appeared. This was a technique he had comprehended from another high-level sword technique of his sect, the Jinghong Sword. His sword momentum suddenly accelerated, attempting to tear through Gu Chengming's sticky net with absolute speed.

By this point in the spar, both of their sword techniques had diverged significantly from Jiang Lu's initial understanding of the Huiyuan Sword Art.

Jiang Lu had initially thought that by displaying his true skill, he could at least regain some of his disadvantage.

Who would have thought, his sharp sword strike only caused Gu Chengming's movements to pause for a moment.

The next instant, that persistent entangling sword move responded like a bone-attached sore. Moreover, this time the "entanglement" became more cunning, more difficult to escape.

If it was understandable that his cold and aloof sword moves were already struggling against the entanglement, then perhaps. But now that he had changed his strategy, why could he still not stop the opponent from "entangling" him?