Qingxue Asks About the Sword (Extra)

In the early morning, the Purple Bamboo Pavilion was shrouded in a light mist. The air was fresh and moist, and dew condensed on the leaves of the purple bamboo, sparkling in the sunlight.

Xuanyuan Che stood with his hands behind his back in front of the Purple Bamboo Forest. The morning breeze rustled his robes, making him appear even more ethereal and refined. He turned his head slightly to look at Mu Qingxue beside him, a gentle smile on his lips.

Mu Qingxue was wearing a simple and elegant training outfit today, which further accentuated her cool and detached demeanor. She held the Wuchen Sword, standing quietly as if a sheathed blade, her sharpness contained yet commanding awe.

After a night of reflection, Mu Qingxue had calmed down. The Nangong Family's scheme had indeed shocked and angered her, but she knew better than to dwell on her emotions. Only by improving her strength could she control her own destiny and secure a sliver of hope for the Mu Family and herself.

And Xuanyuan Che, standing before her, was undoubtedly her greatest hope.

"Sister Mu, today we will begin with the basic sword stances," Xuanyuan Che said slowly, his voice clear and magnetic. "The path of the Dao of the Sword, while seemingly complex, is fundamentally simple. Only with a solid foundation can one enter the hall and truly comprehend the essence of the Dao of the Sword."

Mu Qingxue nodded slightly at his words, her expression solemn. She knew Xuanyuan Che was absolutely right; any profound sword technique evolved from the most basic stances. A weak foundation leads to a crumbling structure – this was a truth she had understood since childhood.

"The foundation of the Dao of the Sword lies in 'momentum'. What is momentum? Momentum is where the energy reaches, the force is directed, and the intent is conveyed," Xuanyuan Che explained, slowly raising his hand and tapping the air with his fingertips. "Sword momentum is the high concentration of a swordsman's spirit, energy, and essence. It is the soul of swordsmanship and the root of the Dao of the Sword."

As Xuanyuan Che's fingertips moved, an invisible sword seemed to appear in the air. The sword momentum was ethereal, yet it contained a heart-pounding power. Mu Qingxue focused her gaze, and the scene before her seemed to shift, as if she were in a battlefield filled with crisscrossing sword energy, countless sword lights flashing past, dazzling her eyes.

"Sword momentum can be divided into tangible momentum and intangible momentum," Xuanyuan Che continued. "Tangible momentum is evident externally, manifesting in movements, like flowing clouds and water, continuous and unending; like mountains collapsing, swallowing rivers and mountains. Intangible momentum is hidden internally, residing in the heart, where intent guides the sword, leaving no trace yet being everywhere."

He paused, his gaze falling on the Wuchen Sword in Mu Qingxue's hand. "Sister Mu's Guixu Sword Body is naturally suited for intangible sword momentum. The meaning of Guixu lies in nirvana, in emptiness, in... creating something from nothing."

Xuanyuan Che's voice gradually deepened, as if he were expounding on some ancient truth. "The Guixu Dao of the Sword does not seek to reveal its sharpness, but rather to conceal it, using the intangible to overcome the tangible. Where the sword points, all methods return to Guixu, nirvana, and rebirth."

Mu Qingxue listened intently, feeling as if she had touched upon a trace of the true meaning of Guixu Sword Intent, a mystical feeling rising within her. She gripped the Wuchen Sword tightly, closed her eyes, and silently absorbed every word Xuanyuan Che spoke.

"Next, I will demonstrate a few basic sword stances for Sister Mu," Xuanyuan Che said with a slight smile upon seeing Mu Qingxue's comprehension. He took a few steps back, creating distance.

He did not draw any weapon, merely gestured with his fingers as if they were swords, and began to perform.

"First stance, 'Parting Clouds to See the Sun'," Xuanyuan Che called out softly. His fingertips traced a mystical trajectory, seemingly slow, yet containing the power to break through the mist and strike at the core.

As he moved, the surrounding Purple Bamboo Forest seemed to be drawn in. The bamboo leaves swayed, rustling softly, and the Spiritual Energy in the air fluctuated.

"The meaning of this stance is to part the clouds and find direction. The sword momentum should be light and graceful, yet subtly sharp. When striking, it should be like parting clouds to see the sun, instantly breaking through obstacles and hitting the vital point," Xuanyuan Che explained the essentials of the stance as he demonstrated.

Mu Qingxue opened her eyes, carefully observing Xuanyuan Che's every movement, every detail. She found that Xuanyuan Che's stances, though seemingly simple, contained infinite variations. Each move, each stance, seemed to have been tempered through countless trials, reaching a state of perfection.

"Second stance, 'Wind Sweeps Away Scattered Clouds'," Xuanyuan Che spun around, his fingertips dancing again. This time, the sword momentum became sharp and fierce, like a storm sweeping everything away.

In the Purple Bamboo Forest, it was as if a fierce wind had truly begun to blow, scattering bamboo leaves with a rustling sound. Xuanyuan Che's fingertips, like blades in a gale, tore through the air wherever they passed.

"The meaning of this stance is to sweep away a thousand armies, clearing all directions. The sword momentum must be swift and powerful, like breaking bamboo. When striking, it should be like the wind sweeping away scattered clouds, instantly clearing obstacles without leaving any room," Xuanyuan Che's voice also became high-pitched, carrying a domineering aura.

Mu Qingxue watched with rapt attention. She felt her Sword Bone begin to tremble slightly, as if responding to some call. She involuntarily tightened her grip on the Wuchen Sword, wanting to move with Xuanyuan Che's sword momentum.

Next, Xuanyuan Che demonstrated several more basic sword stances, including "Rain Beats on Banana Leaves," "Winter Plum Blossoms Proudly in the Snow," and "Flying Dragon in the Sky." Each stance contained a different Sword Intent, and each move was exquisitely crafted, leaving one in awe.

Mu Qingxue watched as if entranced, feeling as if she had opened a door to the true meaning of the Dao of the Sword. The world before her became clear and open. Her understanding of the Guixu Dao of the Sword also became clearer and deeper.

After the demonstration, Xuanyuan Che retracted his sword momentum, turned to Mu Qingxue, and asked with a smile, "Sister Mu, how much did you understand?"

Mu Qingxue slowly opened her eyes, a light of realization flickering within them. She took a deep breath, bowed to Xuanyuan Che, and said sincerely, "Thank you, Young Master, for your guidance. Qingxue has benefited greatly."

Xuanyuan Che waved his hand, signaling her not to be so formal. "How much you comprehend is not important; what matters is diligent practice and integration. Cultivation in the Dao of the Sword requires perseverance; it cannot be achieved overnight."

"Next, Sister Mu, try to practice these sword stances yourself," Xuanyuan Che said, pointing to an open space in the Purple Bamboo Forest. "Do not be bound by the movements; focus on the artistic conception, experience the flow of sword momentum, and feel the changes in Sword Intent."

Mu Qingxue nodded, walked to the center of the clearing, and slowly drew the Wuchen Sword.

The Wuchen Sword was unsheathed, its cold light flashing. The sword body hummed softly, as if responding to its owner's will. Mu Qingxue held the long sword, closed her eyes, and recalled the sword stances Xuanyuan Che had just demonstrated, as well as the principles of the Dao of the Sword he had explained.

A moment later, she suddenly opened her eyes, her gaze becoming sharp. She took a deep breath, moved, and began to practice the "Parting Clouds to See the Sun" stance.

Mu Qingxue's swordsmanship was initially a bit stiff and awkward, but as time passed, her movements gradually became smoother, and her sword momentum became more graceful and agile.

Although compared to Xuanyuan Che's swordsmanship, Mu Qingxue's was still immature, it had already taken shape, faintly possessing a hint of the "Parting Clouds to See the Sun" artistic conception.

Xuanyuan Che stood by, quietly watching Mu Qingxue practice. He did not interrupt her, but simply observed, nodding in approval from time to time.

Mu Qingxue practiced "Parting Clouds to See the Sun" over and over again. Each time, her swordsmanship improved, her sword momentum became smoother, and her Sword Intent became more refined.

Gradually, she became completely immersed in the world of swordsmanship, forgetting time, forgetting everything around her, with only the sword in her hand and the artistic conception of the sword in her heart.

In the Purple Bamboo Forest, sword light flashed and sword energy crisscrossed. Mu Qingxue's figure danced within the sword light, like a celestial maiden treading on waves, elegant and refined, yet with a touch of heroic spirit.

Watching Mu Qingxue's figure, Xuanyuan Che's eyes revealed a smile of satisfaction. He knew that Mu Qingxue had extremely high talent in the Dao of the Sword; she only lacked proper guidance and diligent practice. Given enough time, she would undoubtedly achieve brilliant success on the path of the Dao of the Sword.

Time flowed by, and in the blink of an eye, the sun was high in the sky. Mu Qingxue finally stopped practicing. She sheathed her sword and stood, her breathing slightly uneven, a fine sheen of sweat on her forehead, but her face held a smile of excitement and satisfaction.

"Young Master, I... I think I've grasped a bit of the artistic conception of 'Parting Clouds to See the Sun'," Mu Qingxue turned and looked at Xuanyuan Che, her voice tinged with excitement.

Xuanyuan Che smiled and nodded. "Indeed, Sister Mu's comprehension is astonishing. In just half a day, to grasp the artistic conception of 'Parting Clouds to See the Sun' is truly rare."

Upon hearing this, Mu Qingxue's pretty face flushed slightly, and she said somewhat bashfully, "It is all due to your excellent teaching, Young Master."

"Not at all, not at all," Xuanyuan Che waved his hand. "The master leads the way; cultivation is personal. This comprehension is entirely due to Sister Mu's own talent and effort."

He paused and continued, "However, Sister Mu's swordsmanship still has some shortcomings."

Hearing this, Mu Qingxue's expression became serious, and she quickly asked, "Please, Young Master, enlighten me."

"Sister Mu's swordsmanship focuses too much on the movements and neglects the use of sword momentum," Xuanyuan Che pointed out the problem in her swordsmanship. "Sword stances are merely the shell of swordsmanship; sword momentum is its soul. Only by integrating sword momentum into the sword stances can the true power of the technique be unleashed."

"Sister Mu's Guixu Sword Body excels at intangible sword momentum. When practicing swordsmanship, the use of sword momentum, controlling the sword with intent and guiding it with momentum, can achieve the realm of unity between man and sword."

Xuanyuan Che's guidance was incisive and hit the nail on the head. Mu Qingxue suddenly understood. She realized that her previous practice had indeed been somewhat misguided, focusing too much on the superficial aspects of the movements and neglecting the inner essence of sword momentum.

"Thank you for your guidance, Young Master. Qingxue understands now." Mu Qingxue bowed to Xuanyuan Che again, her heart filled with gratitude.

"It's good that you understand," Xuanyuan Che said with a slight smile. "Next, we'll continue practicing Wind Sweeps Away Scattered Clouds."

Mu Qingxue nodded heavily, gripping the Wuchen Sword tightly once more. She began to practice the 'Wind Sweeps Away Scattered Clouds' sword technique. This time, she focused more on the application of Sword Momentum, integrating it into every move and every stance. Her swordsmanship immediately became sharper, swifter, and more imposing.

In the Purple Bamboo Forest, sword light whistled and sword energy crisscrossed. Mu Qingxue's figure weaved through the sword light, like fallen leaves in a gale, elusive yet containing immense power.

Xuanyuan Che stood by, continuing to guide Mu Qingxue's practice. He occasionally corrected her movements, explained the key points of the sword technique, and guided her to comprehend the use of Sword Momentum.

Under Xuanyuan Che's meticulous guidance, Mu Qingxue's swordsmanship progressed rapidly. In just one day, she had mastered about eighty percent of the basic sword forms and had gained an initial understanding of Sword Momentum. Her comprehension of the Dao of the Returning Void Sword also deepened.

As the sun set, the evening clouds painted the sky red, and the Purple Bamboo Pavilion was bathed in a golden glow. Mu Qingxue finished her day of practice. She sheathed her sword and stood, exhaling a long breath of stale air. She felt completely relaxed and refreshed.

She turned to look at Xuanyuan Che, a sincere smile on her face. "Young Master, thank you for your guidance today. Qingxue feels greatly benefited, and my understanding of the Dao of the Sword has deepened."

Xuanyuan Che smiled and nodded. "Sister Mu is naturally intelligent and has excellent comprehension. It's only natural that you've made such progress. However, the path of the Dao of the Sword is long and arduous; you cannot be complacent. You must continue to practice diligently in the future to achieve anything."

"Qingxue understands," Mu Qingxue nodded solemnly. She knew Xuanyuan Che was absolutely right. There were no shortcuts in Sword Cultivation; only perseverance could lead one to the summit.

"Alright, that's enough for today," Xuanyuan Che said, glancing at the sky. "Sister Mu has also worked hard all day. You should go back and rest early."

"Mhm," Mu Qingxue replied. She thanked Xuanyuan Che again before turning and leaving the Purple Bamboo Pavilion.

Xuanyuan Che watched Mu Qingxue depart, the corners of his lips curling up into a satisfied smile. He believed that under his guidance, Mu Qingxue's path in the Dao of the Sword would become increasingly broad, eventually allowing her own brilliance to shine forth.

And he looked forward to the arrival of that day.

Night fell, and the 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 far-reaching.

If you find this book good, remember to add it to your bookshelf so you don't lose it next time.