This incident remained fresh in his memory, so he was very grateful to Qin Feifan and also greatly admired Qin Feifan's cultivation level.
Zhang Yiming, on the other hand, had another opportunity in another place, and his cultivation improved greatly. His swordsmanship also rose accordingly. He was invincible among his peers and always regarded Qin Feifan as the goal to be caught up with.
After two years of rigorous training, believing he had far surpassed Qin Feifan, he returned to his homeland to challenge Qin Feifan.
But this time it was a huge blow to him. In that martial arts competition, Qin Feifan defeated him in just ten moves. His proud sword moves were full of flaws in Qin Feifan's eyes!
He couldn't understand why Qin Feifan, who was on par with him two years ago, had suddenly improved so much!
He practiced obsessively amidst self-doubt, working day and night, focusing solely on honing his skills and refining his swordsmanship. Finally, through persistent effort, he mastered his swordsmanship over two years, creating his own unique style!
When he confidently found Qin Feifan again, he was so overwhelmed by Qin Feifan's imposing aura that he dared not draw his sword!
He was defeated again without even making a move, which plunged him into deep self-doubt. He had thoughts of completely denying himself, broke his sword, and almost developed a mental demon!
He was determined to die, but just as he was about to commit suicide, Qin Feifan stopped him and took him to a bamboo forest.
There he met his current master, Dugu Qiubai, and he still vividly remembers the scene:
In a bamboo hut nestled in a bamboo forest, Dugu Qiubai asked only one question.
What is a sword?
Zhang Yiming was taken aback for a moment, then explained, "A sword is composed of the tip, blade, edge, spine, hilt, pommel, and guard, among other parts..."
What is a sword?
Seeing that the senior had interrupted him before he could finish speaking, Zhang Yiming knew that his answer had not satisfied the senior. After thinking for a moment, he continued to answer.
"The sword is a symbol of speed and precision. It pursues not only rapid attacks but also accurate strikes to the target. Every swing of the sword is a test of speed and precision, which can only be achieved through long-term training and honing..."
Before he could finish speaking, Dugu Qiubai interrupted him again, asking, "What is a sword?"
"The sword is a perfect combination of strength and gentleness. The hard and sharp blade symbolizes the power of strength, while the gentle side can be felt in the transitions between sword techniques. A master can understand and use this combination of strength and gentleness to maximize the power of the sword."
"You are not suitable to be my apprentice. Go back."
Qin Feifan sighed, "Brother Zhang, let's go."
After saying this, he bowed to Dugu Qiubai and pulled Zhang Yiming to go back.
But Zhang Yiming suddenly knelt down on the ground with a thud, his head hitting the ground heavily, and said, "This junior is dull-witted and humbly begs the senior to enlighten me!"
Dugu Qiubai did not make things difficult for him, and said slowly, "The sword is the soul of a martial artist. The sword is not only a weapon, but also a partner that is connected with the martial artist's mind and body."
"The sword is an extension of will. The sword becomes the concrete manifestation of a martial artist's will. Through the sword, a swordsman can convey his beliefs and determination to his opponent, making the opponent feel his power."
Zhang Yiming only understood the surface meaning of these words, but not their deeper meaning. However, he also realized that the senior in front of him had a much higher level of understanding of swordsmanship than he did!
"I humbly request that you accept me as your disciple, senior. I will definitely work hard to cultivate and live up to your expectations."
"You've dedicated your life to swordsmanship, yet after all these years you've only scratched the surface. Why should I take you in?"
"Senior, you are wise. For more than ten years, Yiming has been devoted to the sword, but he has suffered from the lack of a teacher. He has always figured it out on his own and knows the hardships involved. He has long yearned for a master. Please grant him your request!"
“You just mentioned the balance of strength and gentleness. I have two swords here. Use both swords to perform the same sword technique.”
Zhang Yiming was puzzled, thinking to himself that there was nothing difficult about it, until he took the sword and realized how difficult it was.
One sword was a regular, sharp sword, while the other was a soft sword, which left him somewhat bewildered.
The sword techniques of this world are nothing more than altering the flow of internal energy, relying on the powerful primordial energy of heaven and earth to propel the sword and achieve matching sword moves.
It's not that the Azure Profound Continent doesn't have soft swords, but because the people of this world don't know how to use force, the sword energy they generate has no direction. Therefore, soft swords are only used for ornamental sword dances and are never used for combat.
"Senior, this software cannot be used to fight enemies, and forcibly wielding it will not be very effective."
Dugu Qiubai, however, seemed not to have heard him and closed his eyes to rest.
Zhang Yiming made a firm decision, immediately stood up, and first demonstrated his best swordsmanship with his sharp sword, confident that he had done it perfectly.
However, when he used the soft sword, it was completely different. The sword moves were not only distorted and full of flaws, but the sword energy was also overflowing and completely without any rules. It was hard to tell that this set of sword moves was the same as the one he used with the sharp sword.
After Zhang Yiming finished his sword technique, his face turned bright red.
"Do you think no one can use your sword technique with a soft sword?"
Zhang Yiming remained silent, wanting to say something but too embarrassed to speak.
With a flick of his right hand, Dugu Sword Saint sent the soft sword that Zhang Yiming was holding flying towards Dugu Qiubai.
bass!
A sword rang out.
The soft sword seemed to come alive in Dugu Qiubai's hands, emitting a sword hum even when it remained motionless.
Dugu Qiubai moved with the speed of a startled swan, unleashing the sword technique he had just used. The transitions between moves were completely seamless, his movements flowing smoothly and effortlessly. It was beyond perfect; each move seemed to follow the flow of heaven and earth, acting in accordance with the natural forces. It was truly a sword of the Dao.
"This, this is impossible! My swordsmanship is entirely my own creation, and only I know the circuitry of my internal energy. Moreover, how could a soft sword become so hard, like a sharp blade!"
Dugu Qiubai finished his training and stood up, saying again, "You may leave."
These words clearly indicated that he no longer intended to argue with Zhang Yiming.
Zhang Yiming was startled and realized he had said the wrong thing. He immediately knelt down and pleaded, "Senior, please calm down. I really didn't expect there to be such a master as you in this world. I spoke without thinking. Please punish me!"
Dugu Qiubai waved his right hand, and a gust of wind swept Qin Feifan and Zhang Yiming up together. When they came to their senses, they were already standing outside the bamboo forest.
Qin Feifan smiled bitterly and said, "Brother Zhang, you are a loner and not good at socializing. I know you have no ill intentions, but the opportunity has been lost and there is nothing I can do. Don't think about taking your own life in the future. You still have a bright future ahead of you."
Zhang Yiming, with a resolute expression, asked, "Brother Qin, could you please tell me the name of this senior?"
"Dugu Qiubai is one of the elders of my sect, and his swordsmanship is unparalleled in the world!"
Upon hearing this, Zhang Yiming stopped asking questions and immediately knelt outside the bamboo forest, saying, "Brother Qin, you saved my life before, and I have no way to repay you. I have decided to kneel here and wait for your mercy. I only ask one thing of you: if I die here, please move my body away so as not to defile your immortal abode!"
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