Chapter 45
Half a month later, Lan Jueming returned home.
Cheng Feng and Jing Taoqingtang stood quietly at the door, while the other three stood at the back.
A tall man dismounted from his horse, wearing a tiger-shaped mask and sporting gray hair. His imposing presence exuded a kingly aura, and he was followed by two demon hunters.
Cheng Feng and the demon-slaying team immediately knelt down to greet them, saying, "Welcome back, Master!"
Lan Jueming waved his hand, and a gentle voice, contrasting with his physique, came from behind him: "Didn't I tell you there's no need for such a fuss?"
Cheng Feng smiled and asked, "Master, why are you back so early this time?"
"Now that the business is done, it's good to go home early."
Lan Jueming waved to Jing Tao, "Jing Tao is back too."
Jing Tao stepped forward, and Lan Jueming affectionately patted her head.
How are things going out there?
Cheng Feng struck up a conversation, saying, "Jing Tao has made a few friends outside; I'll report to you later."
"good"
Lan Jueming walked straight to the study. Except for Cheng Feng, who followed him, everyone else remained where they were.
After the exorcists dispersed, Su Mu stepped forward.
"That's Senior Lan Jueming!"
"Yes, Mr. Lan takes good care of us."
"What was in the box that the guy next to Senior Lan was carrying just now?"
"I don't know either. That box has been there ever since we came to live with Mr. Lan."
"It must be Senior Lan's weapon for slaying demons; it must be incredibly powerful!"
Qing Tang smiled and said, "Maybe so. You'll have to work hard to get his approval."
"I definitely will!"
Inside the study.
Lan Jueming sat in the chair, listening quietly as Cheng Feng recounted Jing Tao's experiences.
Who are her friends?
"She rescued them all on the road, one of whom was named Zhao Sumu. He came here wanting to become your apprentice."
"How good are your martial arts skills?"
"Zhao Sumu may not be highly talented, but he's very hardworking, practicing until late every day. Dongfang Jin is quite good; with training, she'll definitely catch your eye."
"Step down."
"yes"
Only Lan Jueming remained in the room. His calloused hands slowly removed the mask, revealing a weathered face with gray hair that slid down his sides.
"So many years have passed, and still no one can take over my position."
For three days, Lan Jueming ate and slept in the study, writing down the details and process of the demon-slaying.
Every day after exercising, Su Mu would pass by Lan Jueming's study, where the light was always on all night.
This led to Su Mu's growing desire to become an apprentice.
"How long do you think it will take before I can become his apprentice?"
"Practice your sword more."
"That's true. Why don't you teach me swordsmanship, Dongfang Jin?"
"don't want"
"Why? Your swordsmanship is now so superb, far surpassing mine."
That's because all you know is physical exercise.
"But swordsmanship is really difficult! I've practiced for so long and my swordsmanship hasn't improved much."
"The sword moves with lightness, light yet not floating, agile yet not frivolous. I think you're more suited to the saber than the sword."
"Really? Why don't you show me something, Dongfang?"
"don't want"
Su Mu suddenly grabbed Dongfang Jin's leg and begged, "I'm begging you, Dongfang Jin!"
"Let go, let go of me right now!" Dongfang Jin said with a look of disgust.
"I won't get up unless you teach me."
Unable to break free, Dongfang Jin had no choice but to agree.
"The sword moves lightly, using the waist and hips to generate power, rotating the waist to turn the body, and then using the arms to guide the sword's trajectory."
"Stepping forward and swinging the sword are synchronized; when advancing, thrust forward with momentum; when retreating, pull back naturally, achieving oneness between man and sword."
"After the cleaving sword strike, a sweeping sword strike follows, with a slight rotation of the wrist. The finishing touch of each movement seamlessly connects with the starting posture of the next, thus forming a three-in-one movement."
Looking at Dongfang Jin's fluid movements, Su Mu recalled his own sword practice and wondered if he should give up swordsmanship and switch to saber techniques. But who could teach him saber techniques?
"Dongfang Jin, do you think I can learn swordsmanship if I ask Jing Tao to teach me?"
Even if she teaches you, will you be able to learn it?
"It's a pity she can't speak; if I hire her to teach me, I'll get beaten half to death sooner or later."
"You're scared already?"
"No, even if I get beaten up, I have to find Jing Tao." With that, Su Mu searched the entire backyard and dragged Jing Tao over.
Su Mu took a knife from the storeroom and raised it towards Jing Tao.
Cheng Feng, seeing Jing Tao being dragged away, also came to join in the fun.
"Come on, Jing Tao!" After saying that, Su Mu slashed at Jing Tao with his sword.
Jing Tao parried with her knife, and the two clashed in strength. After a while, Jing Tao had a slight advantage, and in less than three moves, Su Mu was knocked to the ground again.
Cheng Feng walked to Su Mu's side, picked up the knife that had fallen to the ground, and rushed towards Jing Tao.
"Knife skills emphasize offense within defense, and defense within offense."
Seeing that Cheng Feng was showing no mercy, Jing Tao struck with every blow.
Cheng Feng sparred with Jing Tao while explaining things to Su Mu.
"The key to a swift strike is to turn your waist and hips first, then press the blade down with a rapid, decisive motion."
Jing Tao cleaved down with a single stroke.
"When facing a slash, use the back or blade of the knife to parry."
Jing Tao was another stab.
"When facing a thrust, gently push the opponent's blade to the side to change its trajectory."
"When defending, avoid physical confrontation. When facing a stronger opponent, deflect the force to the side and rear when blocking to avoid wrist injury."
Cheng Feng shifted from defense to offense.
"When sparring, keep a close eye on your opponent's shoulders, waist, and wrists to anticipate their attack moves."
"When the opponent draws their sword and then retracts it, immediately follow up with a counterattack as soon as the movement pauses."
Watching Cheng Feng and Jing Tao fight back and forth, Su Mu recalled the scene when Jing Tao drew her sword earlier, which was exactly the same as what Cheng Feng had described.
Cheng Feng sheathed his sword and bowed, while Jing Tao also sheathed her sword and sat down to the side.
Cheng Feng tossed the knife to Su Mu, saying, "Remember, don't rush things when you first start practicing, or you'll hurt not only your opponent but also yourself."
Su Mu picked up the knife, bowed, and said, "Thank you for your instruction, Master."
"Who's your master? I haven't even agreed to teach you yet."
"Huh? What was that just now?"
"I just wanted to see if Jingtao's quality had declined over the past year."
"Um, okay."
Cheng Feng grabbed Jing Tao and left.
"The weapons are different, but the principles are the same. I hope they both understand that."
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