The first rays of morning sunlight streamed through the windows of the Training Ground and fell across Lin Fan's face.
He had already been practicing here for two hours.
[Basic Fist Technique Proficiency +1] [Basic Fist Technique Proficiency +1] [Basic Fist Technique Proficiency +1]
The numbers on his Status Panel kept ticking upward steadily, but a thread of unease stirred in Lin Fan's heart.
The monthly sparring competition was only five days away. How far could he advance his Basic Fist Technique in five days? Reaching Perfection Level from Minor Accomplishment Level required nearly fifty thousand proficiency points. Even with the fivefold speed boost and practicing like crazy every day, he could only gain one or two thousand points.
Too slow.
And Wang Chao's words still echoed in his ears: "I hope you can keep that same tough attitude."
It was both a warning and a declaration of war. Wang Chao wouldn't attack him directly before the competition, but he would definitely arrange for someone to "take care of" him during it. Then Lin Fan would be facing more than just opponents from the Regular Class; he would also have to deal with pressure and schemes from the Genius Class.
Lin Fan lowered his fists and let out a long breath of Turbid Qi.
Sweat slid down his cheeks and dripped onto the floor of the Training Ground, forming a small puddle.
He walked over to a bench at the edge of the grounds and sat down, picking up his canteen to drink. But his gaze drifted involuntarily toward the other side of the Training Ground.
A few students were practicing sword techniques there.
Swordlight flickered as they moved with agile grace. Their moves were still a little unpolished, but they already carried a hint of power.
Something stirred in Lin Fan's heart.
So far, his main way of fighting had still been fist techniques. His Basic Fist Technique had reached Minor Accomplishment Level, and its power was already considerable. Combined with his Mastery Level footwork, he was practically invincible among opponents of the same rank. But what about opponents at a higher realm? What about opponents with the advantage of weapons?
No matter how strong his fist techniques were, he was still flesh and blood. If his opponent wielded a sharp blade, he would be at a serious disadvantage.
Besides, from the perspective of martial arts development, weapons were extensions of the hands and feet, amplifying one's strength. Many high-level martial techniques involved weapons, while unarmed techniques were relatively rare.
"Maybe... it's time to learn a weapon."
Once the thought took root, he couldn't push it back down.
Lin Fan wasn't one to hesitate. When he had an idea, he acted on it. That was his way.
He stood up, stopped practicing his fists, and left the Training Ground, heading straight for the Library Pavilion.
The Library Pavilion was one of the academy's core buildings, with three floors in all. The first floor was open to every student and mainly held Mortal Tier techniques and martial skills. Access to the second floor required special authorization or an exchange of Academic Credits; it housed Earth Tier techniques and martial skills. Only the academy's senior officials and a select few Genius Class students could enter the third floor, which supposedly contained Heaven Tier techniques and martial skills.
Lin Fan had plenty of Academic Credits, but not enough to exchange for an Earth Tier martial skill. He decided to look around on the first floor and choose a suitable Mortal Tier sword technique to get started.
As he entered the Library Pavilion, the musty scent of old paper mingled with the fragrance of ink and washed over him.
The first floor was spacious, lined with shelves organized by techniques and martial skills. It was early morning, so there weren't many people inside. Only a few students were quietly flipping through books.
Lin Fan headed straight for the "Weapons—Sword Techniques" section.
The shelves were filled with manuals of all kinds: Clear Wind Sword Technique, Flowing Cloud Sword Technique, Water Breaking Sword Technique, Wind Chasing Sword Technique, Gale Sword Technique... The dazzling array of choices was enough to make anyone's eyes swim.
He casually picked up a copy of Clear Wind Sword Technique and leafed through it.
"Clear Wind Sword Technique, Mortal Tier Mid Grade, nine forms in total. The sword moves like a breeze brushing the face, light and nimble. It excels at overcoming force with softness..."
Then he picked up a copy of Flowing Cloud Sword Technique.
"Flowing Cloud Sword Technique, Mortal Tier High Grade, twelve forms in total. The sword's momentum shifts like drifting clouds, flowing without end. It balances offense and defense..."
After leafing through them for a while, Lin Fan realized that each sword technique had its own strengths, but they all had one thing in common: mastering them required long hours of practice and a certain degree of comprehension. And the higher the grade, the harder the technique was to cultivate.
What was his advantage?
It wasn't comprehension or talent. It was sheer grind.
As long as he practiced enough, he could quickly master any skill through the Proficiency System. So what he needed was a sword technique that was easy to pick up and had a low barrier to practice.
In the end, his gaze settled on a thin booklet.
Gale Sword Technique.
He picked it up and opened it.
"Gale Sword Technique, Mortal Tier Low Grade, six forms in total. The sword strikes like a sudden storm, pursuing the utmost speed and simplicity while discarding all flashy flourishes. Difficulty: Low. Power rating: Mortal Tier Low Grade."
"Note: This is one of the academy's basic sword techniques, suitable for beginners. However, because it is overly simple and its power is limited, few students choose to practice it."
Mortal Tier Low Grade, six forms, focused on speed and simplicity.
Perfect.
A flash of delight crossed Lin Fan's eyes.
A low-grade sword technique meant a lower barrier to practice, so he could master it faster. Simple moves meant he could build proficiency faster. As for its power... with the Proficiency System, a Mortal Tier Low Grade technique practiced to the limit might not be inferior to a Mortal Tier High Grade one.
More importantly, this sword technique focused on speed, making it a perfect match for his Basic Footwork. Add speed to speed—that was his style.
"This is the one."
Holding the Gale Sword Technique manual, Lin Fan went over to the registration desk.
"Borrowing Gale Sword Technique, Mortal Tier Low Grade. Deposit: 20 Academic Credits. Loan period: seven days." The clerk was an old man with graying hair and reading glasses. His voice was hoarse.
"Seven days?" Lin Fan asked, taken aback.
"That's right. All martial skill manuals have a seven-day loan period. You must return them after seven days. Copying them is prohibited, and violations will be severely punished." The old man glanced at him. "Are you a freshman?"
"Yes."
"A freshman borrowing a sword technique?" The old man pushed up his glasses. "I'd suggest you think it over. The martial path values specialization. You're practicing fist techniques now, so focus on getting those down first. Bite off more than you can chew, and you'll end up mastering nothing."
It was a kind reminder.
But Lin Fan had his own reasons.
"Thank you for the advice, Teacher, but I'd still like to give it a try."
The old man shook his head and said nothing more. After registering the loan, he handed Lin Fan the manual. "Return it in seven days. Remember, no copying and no sharing it with others."
"Understood."
Lin Fan took the manual and left the Library Pavilion.
He didn't return to the Training Ground. Instead, he headed for a small grove behind the academy. It was quiet and secluded, suitable for practicing alone.
Choosing an open patch of ground, Lin Fan sat cross-legged and opened the Gale Sword Technique.
The manual was thin, only a little over twenty pages. The first section contained an overview of the technique's principles and characteristics. In the middle were detailed diagrams and verbal formulas for the six sword moves. The final section covered practice tips and precautions.
Lin Fan read it carefully.
"The core of the Gale Sword Technique lies in 'speed' and 'simplicity.' Of all the martial arts under heaven, speed is invincible. This technique discards every complex variation, pursuing only the utmost speed and angle of the strike..."
"Six sword forms: Gale Stab, Gale Sweep, Gale Sweep, Gale Chop, Gale Parry, Gale Return. Each form is a basic movement that can be used alone or linked together..."
"Verbal formula: Let the heart follow the will, and the sword follow the heart. Seek no elegance, only practicality..."
Lin Fan closed his eyes and visualized the moves in his mind.
First form, Gale Stab. The simplest, most direct thrust, focused on straight-line speed.
Second form, Gale Sweep. A horizontal sweep with a wide range of attack.
Third form, Gale Sweep. An upward cut from below, effective at breaking through defenses.
Fourth form, Gale Chop. A downward chop, the most powerful of the forms.
Fifth form, Gale Parry. A defensive move for blocking.
Sixth form, Gale Return. Draw the sword back to guard and transition into the next attack.
The six forms were basic indeed, simple to the extreme.
But Lin Fan could see the skill behind them.
Although the moves were simple, they covered the six basic actions: thrusting, sweeping, lifting, chopping, parrying, and returning. If he practiced each form to the limit and then combined them in different ways, they might unleash astonishing power.
More importantly, this sword technique shared the same principle as his Basic Fist Technique: both pursued the simplest, most direct, and most effective way to attack.
"Maybe... this is the sword technique that suits me best."
Lin Fan opened his eyes, a flicker of understanding in them.
He stood up and took a practice Wooden Sword from his storage pouch. He had exchanged Academic Credits for it earlier. It was a Mortal Grade Low Rank weapon with no special effects, but it was sturdy enough.
As he gripped the sword, an unfamiliar feeling came over him.
He had been practicing fist techniques for so long that he was used to fighting with his fists. Now that he had switched to a sword, he had to adjust his center of gravity, force, and footwork coordination all over again.
But Lin Fan wasn't afraid of making adjustments.
He took a deep breath and, following the diagrams in the manual, assumed the starting stance of the Gale Sword Technique.
The sword tip dipped slightly. His body turned a little to the side, and his center of gravity sank.
Then—thrust!
First form, Gale Stab!
His form was correct, but stiff. The sword's path wasn't straight enough, his speed wasn't fast enough, and his force felt awkward.
[Gale Sword Technique Proficiency +0]
The Status Panel showed no response.
Lin Fan frowned slightly.
He recalled the move and analyzed what had gone wrong: he was gripping the sword too tightly, which stiffened his wrist; his body hadn't coordinated its strength when he thrust, and he had used only his arm; his footing was off as well, affecting the stability of the strike.
"Again."
He adjusted his stance and thrust once more.
This time, he consciously relaxed his wrist so the sword would move more naturally. At the same time, he coordinated his whole body, transferring force from his feet to his legs, then his waist, shoulders, and arm, before finally channeling it into the tip of the sword. He stepped forward too, adding power to the thrust.
[Gale Sword Technique Proficiency +1]
The Status Panel finally responded.
It was only one point, but Lin Fan was delighted.
A response meant he was headed in the right direction.
From here on, it was just a matter of practicing over and over, making adjustments, and steadily building proficiency.
"I'll do it again."
Second form, Gale Sweep.
The sweeping motion was harder than a straight thrust because he had to control the sword's balance and trajectory. The first time Lin Fan swept, the blade tilted and missed its mark completely.
But he didn't rush. He adjusted slowly.
By the third try, the blade was steadier.
By the fifth, its path had begun to smooth out.
By the tenth, the movement finally carried something of a sweeping stroke's force.
[Gale Sword Technique Proficiency +1]
Third form, Gale Sweep.
Fourth form, Gale Chop.
Fifth form, Gale Parry.
Sixth form, Gale Return.
Lin Fan practiced each form one by one, moving on only after he could perform it passably. He didn't expect perfection from the start; he just wanted to master the basic movements and build muscle memory.
An hour later, he had practiced all six forms once.
Although each one was still awkward, he could at least perform them from beginning to end.
[Gale Sword Technique: Entry Level (6/100)]
A new skill had appeared in his Skill Bar.
Lin Fan wiped away his sweat, smiling.
He had entered the basics.
It was only the most elementary Entry Level, with a mere six proficiency points, but it was a start.
More importantly, he found that practicing sword techniques had something in common with practicing fist techniques. Having reached Minor Accomplishment Level in his Basic Fist Technique, he had developed a deep understanding of body control, the mechanics of force, and footwork coordination. He could carry that experience over to the sword and avoid many detours.
"Now it's time to grind proficiency."
A look of resolve flashed through Lin Fan's eyes.
Fivefold cultivation speed, activate!
His stamina began draining rapidly, but his proficiency gains increased fivefold as well.
One form, then another.
Again and again.
The sound of sword winds filled the grove.
From awkward to practiced, from clumsy to fluid, from stiff to natural.
Lin Fan became completely immersed in practice, forgetting the passage of time, his exhaustion, and everything around him.
He focused on one thing alone: how to make each sword strike faster, more accurate, and steadier.
[Gale Sword Technique Proficiency +5] [Gale Sword Technique Proficiency +5] [Gale Sword Technique Proficiency +5]
The numbers on the Status Panel jumped wildly.
By noon, when Chen Dahu found him in the grove, he was stunned by the sight before him.
Lin Fan was soaked through with sweat, his clothes clinging to his body and revealing lean but solid muscles. He held a Wooden Sword and practiced the simplest thrusts, sweeps, lifting cuts, and chops over and over. His movements had already become quite fluid, the sword wind whistling around him with astonishing force.
"Brother Fan, you... you're practicing swordsmanship?" Chen Dahu gaped.
Lin Fan lowered his sword and exhaled a breath of Turbid Qi. "Yeah. I want to broaden my skill set."
"But the competition's coming up soon. Is there enough time for you to learn swordsmanship now?" Chen Dahu asked worriedly.
"There's enough time." A flash of confidence crossed Lin Fan's eyes. "Fist techniques are my foundation, but swordsmanship can become another weapon in my arsenal. Besides..."
He paused and looked at the Wooden Sword in his hand.
"Wang Chao is a sword prodigy, and his Sword Pavilion is full of sword experts. If I beat his people with swordsmanship in the competition, it'll be even more interesting."
Chen Dahu froze, then understood what Lin Fan meant.
This was retaliation, and a declaration of war.
You're using swordsmanship to pressure me? Then I'll use swordsmanship to strike back. You're going to target me in the competition? Then I'll slap you in the face there.
"But Brother Fan, your sword technique..." Chen Dahu looked at the Wooden Sword in Lin Fan's hand and hesitated.
"It's still pretty rough," Lin Fan admitted frankly. "But I've got four more days. That's enough."
For an ordinary person, getting a Mortal Tier Low Grade sword technique to a decent level in four days would be a pipe dream. But for Lin Fan, who had the Proficiency System, it wasn't impossible.
"Dahu, do me a favor," Lin Fan said.
"What favor?"
"Practice swordsmanship with me." A flicker of battle intent passed through Lin Fan's eyes. "Real combat is the best teacher. I need an opponent to test my swordsmanship."
Chen Dahu grinned. "This is right up my alley! Come on, Brother Fan. Let me see your swordsmanship!"
The two took up their stances.
Lin Fan held a sword, while Chen Dahu wielded a saber.
"Be careful!"
Chen Dahu attacked first, his long saber cleaving through the air with a roar. He wasn't using all his strength—after all, this was only a practice match—but his momentum was still astonishing.
Lin Fan's gaze sharpened. He slid sideways and swept his wooden sword upward.
Gale Sweep!
The sword's edge swept toward Chen Dahu's wrist, forcing him to change his move.
Chen Dahu reacted quickly, shifting his saber's momentum into a horizontal sweep.
Rather than retreat, Lin Fan pressed forward and thrust with his wooden sword.
Gale Stab!
The thrust was swift and precise, aimed straight at Chen Dahu's chest. In a hurried move, Chen Dahu raised his saber to block. The sword tip struck the blade with a dull thud.
The two separated as quickly as they had clashed.
"What a fast sword!" Chen Dahu exclaimed in surprise. "Brother Fan, you've only been practicing this sword technique for half a day, right? How are you so fast?"
"Still not fast enough." Lin Fan shook his head. "Again!"
The two clashed once more.
Saber and sword flashed as they traded blows.
Lin Fan repeatedly used all six forms of the Gale Sword Technique, adjusting, refining, and optimizing them as he fought. Chen Dahu served as the perfect sparring partner, sometimes attacking fiercely, sometimes defending, and sometimes circling around, helping Lin Fan adapt to all kinds of combat situations.
[Gale Sword Technique Proficiency +10] [Combat Experience +2] [Gale Sword Technique Proficiency +10] [Combat Experience +2]
The proficiency on the Status Panel rose at an astonishing rate.
An hour later, the two stopped, both panting heavily.
"Brother Fan, the speed of your improvement... it's terrifying." Chen Dahu wiped away his sweat, his expression complicated. "Your swordsmanship was still so clumsy at first, but now you've got the hang of it. At this rate, in four days..."
"In four days, I should be able to put up a fight." Lin Fan looked at the wooden sword in his hand, a glint passing through his eyes.
[Gale Sword Technique: Beginner Level (417/1000)]
In half a day, he'd gone from 6 points to 417. He was only one step away from Proficient Level (101–500 points).
That was the power of training at five times the speed combined with real combat practice.
But Lin Fan knew that still wasn't enough.
The people under Wang Chao were at least 2nd Grade Martial Artists. The sword techniques they practiced were at least Mortal Tier Mid Grade, if not High Grade, and they'd spent years mastering them. Even if Lin Fan raised the Gale Sword Technique to Proficient Level, he might not gain the upper hand.
Unless... he could transfer his experience with the Basic Fist Technique to his swordsmanship.
A thought suddenly flashed through Lin Fan's mind.
Fist techniques and sword techniques took different forms, but their core principles were the same: force, speed, angle, and timing. If he could apply his Minor Accomplishment Level insights into fist techniques to his swordsmanship, might it produce an unexpected result?
"Dahu, again." Excitement flickered in Lin Fan's eyes. "This time, I want to try something new."
"Sure!"
The sun sank in the west as their figures crossed through the woods.
Sword winds howled, and saber light flashed.
Meanwhile, in the cultivation room at the Sword Pavilion on the other side of the academy, Wang Chao listened to his subordinate's report, the corner of his mouth curling into a cold sneer.
"Lin Fan is practicing swordsmanship? And it's the Mortal Tier Low Grade Gale Sword Technique?"
"Yes, boss. He spent the whole day practicing on the back hill, and even dragged Chen Dahu into sparring with him."
"Mortal Tier Low Grade..." Wang Chao shook his head. "Looks like he's really desperate, clutching at straws. He thinks he can make anything of a Mortal Tier Low Grade sword technique in four days? Laughable."
"Then should we..."
"No need." Wang Chao waved a hand. "Let him practice. I want to see what he can accomplish in four days. Have you contacted Zhang Kuanghu?"
"We have. He's already agreed to 'take care of' Lin Fan during the small tournament."
"Good." A cold glint flashed through Wang Chao's eyes. "At the small tournament, I'll show everyone what happens when they defy me, Wang Chao."
Outside the window, night deepened.
But in the small woods on the back hill, the sound of sword winds still hadn't stopped.
Lin Fan was completely immersed in the world of swordsmanship, practicing again and again, thinking again and again, making adjustments again and again.
He didn't know how laughable his actions seemed to others.
He only knew that each time he practiced, his proficiency increased; each time he thought it through, his understanding deepened; each time he made an adjustment, his swordsmanship advanced another step.
Four days was enough time to do many things.
Enough time to practice a Mortal Tier Low Grade sword technique to a level others could hardly imagine.
Enough time to make those who mocked him pay.
"I'll practice it one more time."
In the night, the young man's voice rang out, firm and resolute.
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