Terra Su felt a deep sense of awe. A sword soul—such a rare achievement. Even in his previous life, few had managed to cultivate one. Yet, once achieved, it wasn’t just about being invincible at the same cultivation level; it was possible to defeat enemies across realms.
With this in mind, Terra Su clasped his hands in respect towards Ling Fang and asked, “Can I learn the way of the sword from you?”
Although Terra Su had the experience of observing Sword Emperors practice and discussing sword techniques with them in his past life, those were merely theoretical. In this life, if he could personally interact with a swordsman on the verge of comprehending a sword soul, it would undoubtedly aid him in refining his Sword Qi.
Ling Fang was utterly stunned by the request.
Though Ling Fang was technically a mentor at Anyang Academy, both mentors and students considered him eccentric, and no one wanted to approach him, let alone learn swordsmanship from him.
For over a decade, he had often doubted whether the path he chose was correct. Why hadn’t he made any breakthroughs despite years of effort? Should he have gradually increased his cultivation level instead of trying to comprehend the elusive sword soul?
Yet, whenever he doubted himself, his obsession with the way of the sword would pull him back into that mysterious world.
For years, Ling Fang lived like this, residing in the most secluded part of the academy, isolated from the world. His life revolved around eating, sleeping, and meditating on the sword.
He knew that everyone at Anyang Academy, from mentors to students, thought of him as a madman.
But now, a student wanted to learn the way of the sword from him.
Ling Fang was moved to tears, feeling that his efforts were finally recognized and understood by someone. In that moment, he felt as if he had found a kindred spirit.
Ling Fang looked Terra Su over and asked, “What’s your name?”
“Terra Su.”
“Good, Terra Su, you’re a good student. I’ll teach you well.”
Ling Fang continued, “What aspect of the sword do you want to learn?”
“Any aspect is fine, as long as it’s your understanding of the way of the sword.”
Terra Su didn’t need Ling Fang to teach him specific sword techniques; those were of no use to him. What he needed was the understanding of the way of the sword from someone close to comprehending a sword soul. From this understanding, he could extract the sword knowledge he sought.
“Alright, my understanding of the way of the sword is that a sword is ordinary iron, animated by the wielder, moved by the heart, and alive through blood. Thus, the sword is the heart…”
Ling Fang began to speak passionately, pouring out everything he had kept inside for so long, things he had never shared with anyone because no one was interested.
Now, finally, someone showed interest in what he had to say. In his excitement, he wanted to share everything at once, not caring whether Terra Su could understand it all.
As Terra Su listened, he became increasingly amazed. Although he hadn’t practiced Martial Dao in his past life, he had been close friends with a Sword Emperor, and his understanding of the way of the sword far surpassed that of ordinary Martial Practitioners.
Thus, Terra Su could fully comprehend what Ling Fang was saying.
And because he understood, he was shocked. Ling Fang’s insights far exceeded his current realm. Even though he hadn’t truly comprehended a sword soul, he was just a step away.
In a place where Martial Dao was so underdeveloped, and with a cultivation level only at the fifth level of the Transforming Realm, it was astonishing that Ling Fang had reached the brink of understanding a sword soul.
Ling Fang continued to expound his understanding of the way of the sword, and Terra Su absorbed the essence of his words, transforming them into Martial Dao inspiration in his mind.
When Ling Fang finished, Terra Su closed his eyes slightly, digesting what had been said.
Terra Su knew very well that for a swordsman, Ling Fang’s words were invaluable.
The value lay not in the surface of what Ling Fang said, but in the reflection of his understanding of the way of the sword. This was precisely what Terra Su sought—the understanding of the way of the sword from a swordsman close to comprehending a sword soul, a priceless treasure.
Meeting Ling Fang was a stroke of luck for Terra Su. Without this encounter, hearing such insights would have been nearly impossible. Every swordsman’s understanding of the way of the sword is a closely guarded secret, especially those near comprehending a sword soul. Such swordsmen typically only share their understanding with their direct disciples. Terra Su was fortunate to hear it.
Ling Fang’s words were not about a specific sword technique, nor a secret manual or method to cultivate. They were an understanding, an exposition of the essence and origin of the way of the sword.
Even if one comprehends a sword soul, each person’s understanding differs, as everyone’s path in sword cultivation is unique, leading to different “ways.”
Nevertheless, listening to such an explanation was extremely beneficial for Terra Su, who had yet to cultivate Sword Qi. It was as if a smooth path had been laid before him, waiting for him to step onto it.
Most importantly, Terra Su discerned the essence of Ling Fang’s swordsmanship from his words.
Ling Fang’s swordsmanship was simple: merging soul power with the way of the sword.
Soul power is valued by Alchemists, but most Martial Practitioners don’t regard it highly. To them, soul power is a trivial attribute that only increases with their level.
Because of this, few swordsmen think to merge soul power with the sword.
Ling Fang was indeed a genius in the way of the sword. Without any guidance, he independently discovered the path of merging soul power with the sword. Through persistent experimentation and meditation, he elevated his soul power to nearly the level of a first-grade Alchemist.
Such a genius, with the right guidance and support, could achieve terrifying heights in the future.
Ling Fang’s creation of the fusion of soul power and the way of the sword, though seemingly absurd, produced unexpected results.
The so-called sword soul—although the “soul” isn’t soul power—using soul power to comprehend the sword is an efficient method.
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