In the early morning, Purple Bamboo Pavilion was shrouded in a faint mist. The air was fresh and moist, and crystal-clear dewdrops clung to the purple bamboo leaves, glittering beneath the sunlight.
Xuanyuan Che stood before the Purple Bamboo Forest with his hands behind his back. The morning breeze stirred his robes, making him seem all the more unworldly and graceful. He tilted his head slightly toward Mu Qingxue at his side, a gentle smile touching his lips.
Mu Qingxue had changed into a simple, elegant training outfit today, further accentuating her cool and ethereal temperament. She held the Wuchen Sword and stood quietly there like a drawn blade—its edge restrained, yet impossible to meet head-on.
After a night of reflection, Mu Qingxue had already calmed down. The Nangong Family's scheme had indeed shocked and enraged her, but she understood even more clearly that now was not the time to drown in emotion. Only by increasing her strength could she seize control of her own fate and fight for a glimmer of survival for the Mu Family and herself.
And Xuanyuan Che before her was undoubtedly her greatest hope.
"Elder Sister Mu, today we shall begin with the basic sword forms." Xuanyuan Che spoke slowly, his voice clear and magnetic. "The path of the sword may appear intricate, but all its changes never stray from their origin. Only with solid foundations can one enter the hall and glimpse the true essence of the sword."
Mu Qingxue nodded slightly, her expression solemn. She knew Xuanyuan Che was absolutely right. Every profound sword art evolved from the most basic sword forms. If the foundation was unstable, the earth would shake and the mountains would sway. She had understood that principle since childhood.
"The foundation of the sword lies in 'momentum.' What is momentum? It is where qi arrives, where strength points, and where intent reaches." As Xuanyuan Che spoke, he slowly raised a hand and lightly tapped the air with his fingertip. "Sword Momentum is the ultimate concentration of a swordsman's essence, qi, and spirit. It is the soul of sword arts and the foundation of the sword path."
As Xuanyuan Che's fingertip moved, an invisible sword seemed to appear in the air. Its Sword Momentum was ethereal, yet it contained a force that made one's heart tremble. Mu Qingxue focused intently on it, and the scene before her seemed to shift. It was as though she stood upon a battlefield where Sword Qi crisscrossed the sky, countless sword lights whistling past in a dazzling blur.
"Sword Momentum can be divided into tangible momentum and intangible momentum," Xuanyuan Che continued. "Tangible momentum reveals itself outwardly and takes shape through forms. It may flow like drifting clouds and running water, unending and continuous; it may crash like collapsing mountains, swallowing mountains and rivers. Intangible momentum lies hidden within, nurtured in the heart. When intent arrives, the sword follows. It leaves no trace, yet is everywhere."
He paused, his gaze falling upon the Wuchen Sword in Mu Qingxue's hand. "Elder Sister Mu's Guixu Sword Body is naturally suited to intangible Sword Momentum. The meaning of Guixu lies in silence and extinction, in emptiness and nothingness, in... creating something from nothing."
Xuanyuan Che's voice gradually lowered, as though he were expounding some ancient truth. "The Return to Ruins Sword Path does not seek to bare its edge. Instead, it conceals sharpness within dullness, using the intangible to defeat the tangible. Where the sword points, all arts return to ruins; from extinction comes rebirth."
Mu Qingxue listened, utterly absorbed. She felt as if she had touched a thread of the true essence of Guixu Sword Intent, and an indescribably profound feeling rose in her heart. She gripped the Wuchen Sword tightly, closed her eyes, and silently contemplated every word Xuanyuan Che had spoken.
"Next, I will demonstrate several basic sword forms for Elder Sister Mu." Seeing that Mu Qingxue had gained some insight, Xuanyuan Che smiled faintly and stepped back several paces, opening the distance between them.
He did not draw any weapon. He simply used his fingers in place of a sword and began to demonstrate.
"First form—Parting Clouds to See the Sun." Xuanyuan Che gave a soft shout. His fingertip traced a mysterious arc, seemingly slow, yet containing the power to split the fog and point directly at the core.
As he moved, the surrounding Purple Bamboo Forest seemed to be drawn by some invisible force. Bamboo leaves swayed with a rustling sound, while the Spiritual Energy in the air began to ripple.
"The meaning of this form lies in parting clouds and mist to seek one's direction. The Sword Momentum must be light and nimble, drifting with elegance while concealing its edge. When striking, one must be like parting clouds to see the sun—breaking through all obstruction in an instant and striking directly at the vital point." Xuanyuan Che demonstrated as he explained the key points of the form.
Mu Qingxue opened her eyes and carefully observed Xuanyuan Che's every movement and every detail. She discovered that his sword forms appeared simple, yet contained endless transformations. Every move and stance seemed to have been tempered a thousand times over, reaching a state of consummate mastery.
"Second form—Wind Sweeps Away Scattered Clouds." Xuanyuan Che spun, and his fingertips danced again. This time, the Sword Momentum became fierce, like a violent storm sweeping everything away.
Within the Purple Bamboo Forest, it seemed as though a wild wind had truly risen. Bamboo leaves scattered through the air with a sharp rustling roar. Xuanyuan Che's fingertips were like blades within that gale, tearing apart the air wherever they passed.
"The meaning of this form lies in sweeping across a thousand armies and cleansing all four directions. The Sword Momentum must be swift and forceful, advancing with the power of splitting bamboo. When striking, one must be like wind sweeping away scattered clouds—clearing every obstacle in an instant and leaving no room behind." Xuanyuan Che's voice rose as well, carrying an overbearing force.
Mu Qingxue watched with her heart racing. She felt the Sword Bone within her body begin to tremble faintly, as if answering some summons. Unable to help herself, she tightened her grip on the Wuchen Sword, wanting to move along with Xuanyuan Che's Sword Momentum.
After that, Xuanyuan Che demonstrated several more basic sword forms in succession, including "Rain Beats on Banana Leaves," "Winter Plum Blossoms Proudly in the Snow," and "Flying Dragon in the Sky." Every form contained a different sword intent, every stroke was exquisitely profound, leaving one breathless with admiration.
Mu Qingxue watched as if entranced. She felt as though a great door leading to the true essence of the sword path had opened before her, and the world before her suddenly became clear and open. Her understanding of the Return to Ruins Sword Path also grew clearer and deeper.
After finishing his demonstration, Xuanyuan Che withdrew his Sword Momentum, turned to Mu Qingxue, and asked with a smile, "Elder Sister Mu, how much did you understand?"
Mu Qingxue slowly opened her eyes, enlightenment gleaming within them. She took a deep breath and bowed to Xuanyuan Che. "Thank you for your guidance, Young Master. Qingxue has benefited greatly."
Xuanyuan Che waved a hand, signaling that there was no need for courtesy. "How much you comprehend is not what matters. What matters is diligent practice and thoroughly integrating what you learn. Sword cultivation values perseverance; it cannot be achieved in a single leap."
"Next, Elder Sister Mu should try practicing these sword forms once." Xuanyuan Che pointed to an open space in the Purple Bamboo Forest. "Do not be bound by the forms themselves. Focus on the artistic conception. Feel the flow of Sword Momentum and sense the changes in sword intent."
Mu Qingxue nodded and walked to the center of the clearing, slowly drawing the Wuchen Sword.
The Wuchen Sword left its sheath, its cold radiance shining in all directions. The blade gave a soft cry, as though responding to its mistress's will. Holding the sword, Mu Qingxue closed her eyes and recalled the forms Xuanyuan Che had just demonstrated, along with the principles of the sword path he had explained.
A moment later, she abruptly opened her eyes, and her gaze sharpened. Taking a deep breath, she moved and began to practice the sword form Parting Clouds to See the Sun.
Mu Qingxue's swordsmanship was somewhat raw at first, and her movements were a little stiff. Yet as time passed, her motions gradually became smoother, while her Sword Momentum began to grow elegant and agile.
Although Mu Qingxue's swordsmanship still appeared immature compared with Xuanyuan Che's, it had already taken initial shape and faintly carried a trace of the artistic conception of Parting Clouds to See the Sun.
Xuanyuan Che stood to one side, quietly watching Mu Qingxue practice. He did not interrupt her, merely observing in silence and occasionally nodding in approval.
Mu Qingxue practiced Parting Clouds to See the Sun again and again. With every repetition, her swordsmanship improved, her Sword Momentum became more fluid, and her sword intent more condensed.
Gradually, she became completely immersed in the world of the sword. She forgot time and everything around her. Her eyes held only the sword in her hand, and her heart held only the sword's artistic conception.
Within the Purple Bamboo Forest, sword light flashed and Sword Qi crisscrossed. Mu Qingxue danced amid the sword light like an immortal maiden treading the waves—clear and beautiful, detached from the mundane world, yet carrying a heroic grace.
As Xuanyuan Che watched her figure, a gratified smile appeared in his eyes. He knew that Mu Qingxue possessed extraordinary talent for the sword. What she lacked was only proper guidance and diligent practice. Given enough time, she would certainly achieve brilliant accomplishments on the path of the sword.
Time passed slowly, and before long, the sun had climbed high into the sky. Mu Qingxue finally stopped practicing. She stood with her sword sheathed, her breathing slightly uneven and a fine layer of sweat beading on her forehead, but her face bore an excited and satisfied smile.
"Young Master, I... I think I have grasped a little of the artistic conception of Parting Clouds to See the Sun." Mu Qingxue turned toward Xuanyuan Che, her voice carrying a trace of excitement.
Xuanyuan Che smiled and nodded. "Not bad. Elder Sister Mu's comprehension truly is remarkable. In only half a day, you have already grasped the artistic conception of Parting Clouds to See the Sun. That is truly rare."
At his words, Mu Qingxue's lovely face flushed faintly. Somewhat embarrassed, she said, "It is all because of your excellent instruction, Young Master."
"Not at all, not at all." Xuanyuan Che waved his hand. "A master leads one through the door, but cultivation depends on the individual. Such comprehension comes entirely from Elder Sister Mu's own talent and effort."
He paused before continuing, "However, there are still some shortcomings in Elder Sister Mu's swordsmanship."
Mu Qingxue's expression immediately turned serious. "Please instruct me, Young Master."
"Elder Sister Mu's swordsmanship places too much emphasis on forms and neglects the use of Sword Momentum." Xuanyuan Che pointed out the flaw in her swordsmanship. "Sword forms are merely the shell of sword arts; Sword Momentum is their soul. Only by incorporating Sword Momentum into the forms can one truly unleash the power of swordsmanship."
"Elder Sister Mu's Guixu Sword Body excels most at intangible Sword Momentum. When practicing sword arts, use intent to command the sword and momentum to guide it. Only then can you reach the realm where person and sword become one."
Xuanyuan Che's guidance struck like a needle piercing straight to the heart, directly hitting the vital point. Upon hearing it, Mu Qingxue was immediately enlightened. She realized that her earlier practice had indeed put the cart before the horse. She had focused too much on the surface of the forms while neglecting the inner nature of Sword Momentum.
"Thank you for your guidance, Young Master. Qingxue understands." Mu Qingxue bowed to Xuanyuan Che once more, her heart filled with gratitude.
"It is good that you understand." Xuanyuan Che smiled faintly. "Next, we will continue with Wind Sweeps Away Scattered Clouds."
Mu Qingxue nodded heavily, gripped the Wuchen Sword once more, and began practicing Wind Sweeps Away Scattered Clouds. This time, she paid greater attention to using Sword Momentum, blending it into every move and stance. Her swordsmanship immediately became fiercer, swifter, and more imposing.
Within the Purple Bamboo Forest, sword light whistled and Sword Qi crisscrossed. Mu Qingxue's figure darted through the sword light like a fallen leaf amid a gale—unpredictable and elusive, yet containing tremendous power.
Xuanyuan Che stood nearby and continued guiding Mu Qingxue's practice. From time to time, he corrected her movements, explained the essential points of the sword forms, and led her to understand the use of Sword Momentum.
Under Xuanyuan Che's careful guidance, Mu Qingxue's swordsmanship progressed by leaps and bounds. In just a single day, she had mastered seven or eight tenths of several basic sword forms, gained an initial understanding of Sword Momentum, and developed a deeper comprehension of the Return to Ruins Sword Path.
As the sun set in the west, the evening glow dyed the sky red, and Purple Bamboo Pavilion was bathed in golden radiance. Mu Qingxue finished her day of sword practice, sheathed her sword, and let out a long breath of stale air. She felt light all over, clear-headed and refreshed.
She turned to Xuanyuan Che, a heartfelt smile appearing on her face. "Young Master, thank you for your guidance today. Qingxue has benefited immensely, and my understanding of the sword path has grown much deeper."
Xuanyuan Che smiled and nodded. "Elder Sister Mu is naturally intelligent and possesses exceptional comprehension. Such progress is only to be expected. However, the path of the sword stretches long and far. You must not grow lax. You will still need to practice diligently in the future before you can achieve anything."
"Qingxue understands." Mu Qingxue nodded solemnly. She knew Xuanyuan Che was right. There were no shortcuts in sword cultivation. Only perseverance could allow one to climb the peak.
"Alright, let us end here for today." Xuanyuan Che glanced at the sky. "Elder Sister Mu has worked hard all day as well. Return and rest early."
"Mm." Mu Qingxue responded, thanked Xuanyuan Che once again, then turned and left Purple Bamboo Pavilion.
Xuanyuan Che watched Mu Qingxue depart. The corners of his lips rose slightly into a satisfied smile. He believed that under his guidance, Mu Qingxue's path of the sword would surely grow broader and broader, until she finally bloomed with a radiance that belonged to her alone.
And he looked forward to the day he would see it.
Night fell, and Purple Bamboo Pavilion returned to tranquility. Xuanyuan Che stood alone in the Purple Bamboo Forest, gazing up at the starry sky, his eyes deep and distant.
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