Galactic Martial Saint

But immediately after, that feeling changed.

If Jiang Lu's sword momentum just now was like watching the tide from the shore, surging but ultimately separated by a layer, Then Gu Chengming's sword momentum at this moment was like being directly in the ocean, facing the towering giant waves head-on.

One sword, one sword, one sword.

Momentum heavier than momentum, waves higher than waves.

Gu Chengming's movements were fluid and natural, without the slightest hesitation. The "momentum" that layered upon itself was performed to perfection under his sword, even more seamless and terrifying than what Jiang Lu had displayed earlier.

Finally, Gu Chengming flicked his wrist, and the wooden sword thrust forward horizontally.

There was no earth-shattering explosion, nor any special effects of wind scattering leaves.

But in that instant, Jiang Lu's vision blurred. He felt as if he saw a sea that covered the heavens overturning and crashing down before him.

The suffocating pressure made him instinctively hold his breath.

The sword emerged, like overturning the heavens and crushing the seas!

This was his sword move.

And yet, it wasn't entirely his sword move.

Because it was more refined, the sword momentum was stronger, and the artistic conception was more profound.

This was the true "Overturning Sea"!

This time, it was Jiang Lu's turn to be utterly speechless.

He stared with wide eyes, his mouth slightly agape, stammering incoherently for a long time, unable to form a complete sentence.

"Senior Brother, this... this..."

Gu Chengming sheathed his sword and stood, looking at the stunned Jiang Lu. He then smiled and said, "It's not that I look down on this sword move, it's just that I actually know it."

"Wh-why?"

Jiang Lu asked instinctively. What he originally wanted to ask was, why did Gu Chengming learn it after seeing it once? And why could he perform it better than him?

But then he thought about it. The sword move Gu Chengming performed was clearly much more refined than his own. It was obviously not a simple imitation, but more like... this sword move was originally like this, and he just hadn't practiced it well before?

But Jiang Lu had truly misunderstood.

This sword move was indeed his "Overturning Sea."

However, the core of the "Overturning Sea" sword momentum was derived from the meaning of "疊浪" in the Huiyuan Sword Art.

And Gu Chengming, as a dedicated practitioner of the Huiyuan Sword Art, had already reached an incredible level of understanding of this fundamental sword art.

Therefore, the moment Jiang Lu made his move, Gu Chengming saw through the essence and trajectory of the move at a glance.

Coupled with his deep-seated mastery of the Huiyuan Sword Art, performing it with the same core principles naturally resulted in a more refined effect than Jiang Lu, the original creator.

Hearing Jiang Lu's confused "Why," Gu Chengming pondered for a moment.

He looked at Jiang Lu and said earnestly, "You don't practice the Huiyuan Sword Art, so you don't understand."

[Huiyuan Sword Art Inner Monologue: It's not necessary to mention me every single day.] [Huiyuan Sword Art Favorability +2]

--This tsundere act is quite something.

Meanwhile, Jiang Lu, hearing Gu Chengming's words, was somewhat bewildered.

What did he mean, "You don't practice the Huiyuan Sword Art, so you don't understand"?

He joined the Huiyuan Sect, and the first sword art he learned was the Huiyuan Sword Art! It was a mandatory introductory course!

But wasn't the Huiyuan Sword Art just a basic sword art?!

What kind of basic sword art could produce such an effect?!

Jiang Lu felt like crying without tears. His worldview had been severely shaken.

He had originally thought that as long as he didn't compete, he wouldn't be discouraged. But now, just watching someone demonstrate his own sword move had hit him harder than losing the last match!

Why did it feel like... his Dao heart was more severely damaged?

After a long while, he dejectedly lowered his head and said with a wry smile, "Alas, the path of the sword is truly... vast and boundless. Junior Brother... is truly like a frog in a well."

Seeing Jiang Lu's dejected appearance, as if he was questioning his entire existence, Gu Chengming knew it was time.

"Does Junior Brother Jiang want to learn?"

Gu Chengming's voice suddenly rang out, directly interrupting Jiang Lu's melancholic state.

"Uh?" Jiang Lu abruptly looked up, not quite processing.

"This true 'Overturning Sea' sword strike." Gu Chengming waved the wooden sword in his hand: "Do you want to learn?"

Jiang Lu froze for a second before immediately dropping the dejected demeanor he'd worn moments before.

His eyes lit up instantly.

"Learn!"

Chapter 11: Apologize to the Huiyuan Sword Art!

Jiang Lu's comprehension was indeed quite good. After Gu Chengming's guidance, he immediately understood the crux of his "Overturning Sea" technique.

The previously somewhat stiff transitions became smooth and natural under Gu Chengming's pointers, and the power increased by another level.

This turned out to be an unexpected bonus for Gu Chengming.

Because "Overturning Sea" was a solid sword technique, and it was derived from the Huiyuan Sword Art, it became a powerful assist for Gu Chengming in "conquering" the Huiyuan Sword Art.

After all, one of the "little resentful wife's" main attributes was inferiority complex.

It always felt like it was just a basic sword art, inferior to advanced sword techniques.

And if he could use this opportunity to whisper in the "little resentful wife's" ear, saying things like, "See, you're actually very good if used properly," "Those who look down on you just don't understand you," "Your potential is limitless"...

Wouldn't its affection level skyrocket?

Just as Gu Chengming had predicted, this "PUA-style" encouragement worked wonders.

In just a few days, the Huiyuan Sword Art's affection level had broken through the 60 mark, reaching 65 points.

Its affection status had changed from [Friendly] to [Like].

The change in status brought two fixed attribute points and one extremely precious free attribute point!

The fixed attribute points were naturally added to Strength, directly boosting his Strength to "11" points.

Gu Chengming opened his status panel to check his current attributes:

[Strength: 11] [Agility: 7] [Constitution: 2] [Spirit: 12] [Charm: 25] [Status: Essence Blood Depletion (Current HP cap permanently reduced by 30%, and continuously decreasing daily, estimated remaining lifespan: 58 days)]

--Holy crap.

Seeing the glaring "58 days," Gu Chengming's heart skipped a beat.

Without realizing it, he only had less than two months left to live?

If he had discovered this any later, he would have had to start preparing for his funeral!

But thankfully, he had just gained a free attribute point.

Gu Chengming didn't hesitate and directly added the free attribute point to Constitution.

The data on the panel instantly updated:

[Constitution: 3] [Status: Essence Blood Depletion (Current HP cap permanently reduced by 30%, and continuously decreasing daily, estimated remaining lifespan: 114 days)]

"Hoo..."

Gu Chengming let out a long sigh of relief.

Well, he could live for another half a year. As long as he could live, there was hope.

However, the moment he thought this, a violent pain, as if his body was being torn apart, suddenly surged through his limbs and bones.

"Hiss--"

Gu Chengming gasped in pain, curling up on the futon, cold sweat instantly soaking his clothes.

He hadn't felt such a distinct sensation when he increased his Strength earlier.

Was it because his Constitution was too low, and his body couldn't withstand the sudden enhancement? Or was this a reaction of "weakness unable to absorb nourishment"?

After finally recovering, Gu Chengming was lying on the ground, panting heavily, when the courtyard gate was suddenly knocked upon.

Jiang Lu pushed the door open and entered. Seeing Gu Chengming covered in sweat with a pale face, he looked somewhat confused.

"Senior Brother practices sword diligently, huh? You're even breaking out in a cold sweat?"

He didn't think much of it, merely assuming it was due to Gu Chengming's overly strenuous cultivation.

Gu Chengming waved his hand, signaling he was fine, and then asked the other party why he was there.

Jiang Lu said with a smile, "Junior Brother recently applied for and received permission to train in the training grounds. I came here today specifically to ask if Senior Brother would like to go together?"

Seeing the confused look on Gu Chengming's face, Jiang Lu chuckled inwardly.

This Senior Brother Gu was truly focused solely on the sword in his hand, oblivious to anything else.

Judging by his reaction, he's probably never been to the training grounds before.

He thought this to himself, but kept his expression neutral as Jiang Lu began to explain the training grounds in detail.

The training grounds are a cultivation area established by the Wenjian Sect for its disciples, and sparring matches are occasionally held here.

Most importantly, the training grounds are built upon a miniature spirit vein, situated in a spiritual energy nexus. Practicing sword techniques here is highly beneficial for comprehending sword intent and improving cultivation.

Jiang Lu said, "I see you practicing in your courtyard all day, Senior Brother. While it's peaceful, the spirit energy is rather thin, and it can feel like you're just spinning your wheels. Why not visit the training grounds? The spirit energy there is abundant, and you might get twice the results with half the effort."

After explaining, Jiang Lu found it strange that Gu Chengming didn't seem particularly moved.

Of course, he had no idea that Gu Chengming's core cultivation logic wasn't about absorbing spirit energy, but about raising his stats by "gaining favorability."

Spirit energy was nice to have, but not essential for him.

However, hearing Jiang Lu describe it so marvelously, Gu Chengming became a little more curious about the training grounds.

Since he had nothing else to do anyway, it wouldn't hurt to take a look.

Thus, he nodded in agreement, asking Jiang Lu to lead the way.

The two walked deeper into the sect.

After passing through several bamboo groves and winding around a few rock gardens, the scenery opened up before them.

This wasn't quite the training square Gu Chengming had imagined, like a schoolyard from his past life, but rather a cluster of buildings built into the mountainside.

Many exquisite pavilions were arranged artfully on the mountainside, each emitting a faint spiritual glow, clearly enhanced by formations.

Jiang Lu led him into one of the buildings called "Tingtao Pavilion." The interior was spacious, with minimal decoration, only a few massive stone pillars supporting the domed ceiling.

A refreshing wave of spirit energy permeated the air, invigorating the spirit.

Jiang Lu skillfully took out his disciple token and waved it over a stone tablet by the entrance.

The stone tablet flashed with a green light, indicating successful registration.

When it was Gu Chengming's turn, he hesitated for a moment before also taking out his disciple token.