The early morning martial arts arena was filled with a light mist. Spiritual energy drifted through the air like a veil, casting a hazy glow over the entire venue. Dozens of disciples lined up in neat formations, their swords flickering in the mist. Each swing carried a sharp aura, and streaks of sword light sliced through the air. Spiritual energy and sword intent intertwined, leaving delicate lines in the air.
At the back of the group, Xiang Fan gripped an ordinary training sword, his posture appearing somewhat lonely. His movements were slow and steady, a stark contrast to the fierce swordplay of the disciples in the front row. He didn't attempt complex sword moves, simply repeating the most basic first form of the Tianxiao Sword Style—"Clouds Parting, First Clearing." The blade sliced through the air, its trajectory as calm and unruffled as autumn water, barely perceptible to the aura of his spirit.
A sharp explosion sounded from the front row. A senior brother perfectly infused his spiritual energy into the blade of his sword. The sword's light burst out like lightning, and a dazzling light exploded across the field. The surrounding disciples stopped their movements and cast admiring glances at him.
"Senior Brother Li is truly amazing! This sword move already carries a bit of sword spirit!" A disciple said with admiration, "Within two months, he will definitely be able to master the elementary sword techniques."
"Yes, the senior brothers and sisters in front are faster than each other. Look over there..." Another disciple pointed at Fan's position with his chin, his tone full of mockery and helplessness, "He's still practicing basic sword moves and can't even focus his spiritual energy steadily. If this continues, he will only be left further behind."
Xiang Fan heard their whispers, but he didn't turn around, his gaze fixed on the sword in his hand. His hands trembled slightly, and the spiritual light on the blade flickered a few times before finally dimming again.
He paused, took a deep breath, and slowly raised his sword, adjusting his stance again. Surrounded by mist, his movements seemed slowed down by time, each swing appearing cautious.
"Ahem." A light cough came from the side. A senior brother standing nearby took a few steps closer and looked at Xiang Fan with some concern, his brows slightly furrowed, and a hint of kindness in his tone: "Xiang Fan, are you still practicing basic sword moves? Everyone has already started the elementary sword techniques. If you don't keep up, you will be left behind."
Xiang Fan raised his head and glanced at the other person. His expression was calm as water, and his tone was low and firm: "If your foundation is not solid, you won't be able to learn well in the next stage. I think if you practice more, you will be more stable."
Upon hearing this, the senior brother's eyes flashed with a complex expression. He shook his head helplessly, "You're really too stubborn. While the basics are important, you also have to keep up with the main force. Otherwise..."
He didn't finish his words, just sighed, and turned away with a hint of disappointment in his eyes.
The clamor of the martial arts arena continued. The morning mist gradually dissipated, and the sunlight, penetrating the spiritual energy, shone brightly upon everyone. The disciples in the front row became increasingly devoted, their swords shining brighter and brighter, reflecting the morning light on the horizon. Xiang Fan, however, remained in the back row, silently brandishing his sword. His movements were unpretentious, slow yet incredibly focused.
The blade sliced through the air, a faint, almost imperceptible ripple of spiritual energy lingering around the blade's edge. Though faint, it faintly revealed a tenacity that could not be ignored. His breathing gradually steadied, his eyes focused, as if the outside world's comments and gazes had no bearing on him. For him, at this moment, there was only the sword in his hand and himself.
"Xiang Fan!"
A resounding voice, like the tolling of a bell, shattered the rhythmic clatter of swords in the martial arts arena, instantly drawing the attention of all the disciples. The sword-imparting elder stood at the edge, his figure erect, his sleeves fluttering, his gaze piercing. He glanced at the disciples imbuing their swords with spiritual energy, a flicker of satisfaction in his eyes. But when his gaze fell on Xiang Fan, his frown deepened.
He slowly walked towards the back of the team, his steps unhurried yet imposing. When he stood before Xiang Fan, his tone was filled with reproach and confusion: "Are you still practicing basic sword techniques?" The elder's gaze swept over Xiang Fan like a knife, and his voice was low. "This has been your third month as an initiator. Everyone else has already mastered the basics of swordsmanship, but you're still spinning in circles."
Xiang Fan lowered his head slightly, his fingertips gently rubbing the hilt of his sword, not daring to meet the elder's gaze. His voice was soft, yet tinged with a hint of stubbornness: "Disciple feels that the flow of my spiritual energy and my sword power are not yet coordinated enough... I want to become more proficient."
"Hmph!" The elder snorted coldly, flicking his sleeves. Regret was evident in his eyes. "A solid foundation is a good thing, but being too persistent is foolish. If you can't break through, how can you step into the great way?"
Xiang Fan tightened his grip, the hilt of the sword trembling slightly in his palm. He simply nodded lightly without arguing.
The elder looked at him deeply, his eyes filled with mixed emotions. Finally, he sighed and turned away. His voice drifted through the morning mist, reaching every disciple: "Perhaps this child isn't dull, but simply unintelligent."
As the words fell, a low laugh filled the air. Many disciples covered their mouths and glanced in Xiang Fan's direction with a hint of ridicule and disdain.
"Even the elders have given up on him, so why is he still practicing?"
"What a waste of time! What's the point of basic sword techniques? Even if I practice basic sword techniques for a lifetime at the fourth level of Qi training, I won't be able to achieve great success, right?"
Xiang Fan heard it all clearly, but he didn't look up. His hand gripping the sword trembled slightly, but he didn't stop. He stood straight, his sword movements unfolding slowly, his breathing as steady as ever, as if the surrounding noise and discussion had nothing to do with him.
Spiritual energy surged faintly through his meridians, though it was so thin that it was almost imperceptible. He meticulously guided it to his dantian, then slowly poured it into the sword. His movements were slow, even a little slow, but each step was accompanied by extreme focus and persistence.
My dear, there is more to this chapter. Please click on the next page to continue reading. It will be even more exciting later!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
