Chapter Nine, Without Rank or Class

Great skill is often unadorned, referring to simplicity and naturalness

Moments later, Lou Yun finally came to his senses and couldn't help but chuckle, realizing that he seemed to have stumbled upon a treasure this time

Everyone looked at each other in confusion, still not quite understanding. Someone then asked, "So why did you choose this sword?"

Xu Yangteng gave a thumbs up to Lou Yun, saying, "Good eye, good evaluation!"

Chang Xiang leisurely leaned against a large rock, appearing indifferent as he said: "I have already prepared a set of mid-level military strategies for the month, but I wonder if you can obtain them"

Xu Yangteng held the sword upside down with both hands and presented it before Lou Yun. Only after Lou Yun accepted it did he calmly say: "No rank, no grade"

Luo Yun's remarks began with flattery towards Xu Yangteng, yet to the ears of the audience, they clearly also served as a criticism of Xu Yangteng.

Without turning back, Lou Yuntou dropped four words: "Buy Spirit Crystals!"

Luo Yun handed over the Sword in the Stone, wanting Chang Xiang to take a look as well. However, the latter did not accept it at all and said lightly, "There is no need to look. Although this sword is quite good, it is only relatively so for you at present. Moreover, its elemental attribute is Earth, which is not as resilient as Metal, nor as intense as Fire, and it does not catch my eye. As for its grade, you can consider it a beginner-level one star."

Elder Brother Zhang, this is what you said, we have a deal!

How is it lacking?

Upon comparison by many, it is indeed the case

Indeed, although it is only of the lower tier of the moon grade and rather subpar, it should suffice for your current needs. You may practice with it for now

Looking at Lou Yun's back, Xu Yang began to murmur: "Lou Yun, Lou Yun, why does this name sound so familiar?"

Luo Yun smiled modestly, saying that all of this was taught to him by Chang Xiang

In Changxiang's view, the Moon-level military manual is worthless; however, for Lou Yun, it is quite precious. The military manual consists of five levels: Qian, Kun, Ri, Yue, and Xing. The best military manual in the entire Lou family is merely at the lower tier of the Moon level, and it is only accessible to individuals of the clan leader and elder ranks.

At that moment, everyone was taken aback. Whether it was a spiritual weapon or a mundane weapon, there was always a distinction in rank and grade, as well as in the * diagrams * and * books *. However, this stone sword was completely devoid of rank or grade, which was exceedingly strange.

Military techniques involve circulating spiritual energy within the body along specific meridian pathways, which is then released through weapons to exert their intended power

After three days of trying, Lou Yun finally sat down on the ground in frustration, saying, "I lack the spiritual energy; it is simply impossible for me to execute the sword techniques!"

A sword naturally formed within a stone, this is truly an unprecedented occurrence, which naturally highlights the preciousness of this sword

Luo Yun, of course, was unaware of these matters. He excitedly held the Sword in the Stone and headed straight home towards the back mountain, where Chang Xiang's figure also appeared before him

"Well said, well said!" Xu Yangteng nodded repeatedly with a smile.

Whether spiritual weapons or mundane weapons, each possesses its own Five Elements attributes. However, the Five Elements attributes of spiritual weapons are generated in accordance with the Five Elements attributes inherent in the true form of the individual being condensed, while the Five Elements attributes of mundane weapons arise from the differences in materials and certain changes that occur during the refining process

If the spiritual energy within the body cannot support the completion of this cycle, then it is fundamentally impossible to execute the technique; at best, it can only serve as a mere display, lacking any real power

The Moon-Level Combat Manual only has three techniques; isn't that a bit too few? Is it a deception? Lou Yun couldn't help but murmur.

Xu Yangteng eagerly took the sword from Lou Yun's hand, gently brushing it with his palm as he said: "This sword was discovered within a solid stone, which had no visible seams. I have been pondering who could have possibly inserted the sword into the stone and by what means. Eventually, I realized that this sword must have formed naturally within the stone, so I named it the Sword of the Stone."

In front of so many people, Lou Yun felt it was inappropriate to ask further. Nevertheless, regardless of the circumstances, Xu Yangteng's gesture of giving him the sword was a kindness. Therefore, he held the sword and said to Xu Yangteng: "Then I would like to thank Master Xu."

Luo Yun, with a well-thought-out plan, raised the sword in his hand and said: "Look at this sword, and then look at the other five swords. What is the difference?"

After a moment of silence, Lou Yun suddenly stood up and walked down the mountain. Chang Xiang hurriedly shouted, "Hey, where are you going?"

Chang Xiang was aware of this, which is why he made that statement. Originally, he intended to teach Lou Yun a set of advanced star-level military tactics, as Lou Yun's internal spiritual energy was more than sufficient to support it. However, upon discovering that the military tactics were concealed within the Sword in the Stone, he changed his mind at the last minute. This also served as a test for Lou Yun.

Since this is the case, this sword must be extremely valuable. Why does Master Xu want to sell it

Luo Yun smiled faintly and said: "Those five swords have some with barbs, some with blood grooves, and some with tassels. Each one is adorned with various sword patterns, and they all appear exceptionally beautiful on the surface. However, this sword is quite ordinary, unremarkable, and apart from its color, it has nothing special about it, right?"

Although "Frenzied Sword" only has three moves, it is nonetheless a Moon-level martial manual, which naturally requires significantly more spiritual energy compared to a Star-level martial manual

Although Lou Yun does not possess a spiritual weapon, his spiritual power had already reached the tenth level by the age of six. Furthermore, after undergoing the first refinement of body training over the past two months, the spiritual energy within him is undoubtedly stronger than that of a primary one-star spiritual weapon master, though he himself remains unaware of this.

Xu Yangteng's mood is evidently excellent at the moment, as he nods in agreement with a beaming smile. However, he turns to Lou Yundao and says, "Little brother, why don't you tell them?"

At this moment, Lou Yun heard Chang Xiang's voice again: "What is lacking in quality and rank? It is merely that he does not recognize the value. A mere second-tier weapon refiner certainly cannot discern its grade."

Since the common soldiers are ready, you may begin your training now

Hmph, rest assured, I am not so low as to deceive you

Xu Yangteng waved his hand and said, "You chose it yourself, no need to thank me"

Any military technique, regardless of its level, requires both spiritual energy and military spirit power (with spiritual energy being converted into military spirit power) to exert its corresponding power. In simple terms, if a high-level spiritual soldier master performs a set of star-level military techniques, while a beginner spiritual soldier master performs a set of moon-level military techniques, the high-level spiritual soldier master will undoubtedly be more formidable, as the spiritual energy possessed by the high-level spiritual soldier master far exceeds that of the beginner spiritual soldier master.

What? Lou Yun was a bit doubtful if he had heard it wrong: "Is there a military manual inside the sword?"

What!

Luo Yun couldn't help but murmur after hearing this, what does it mean to be 'on duty'!

After these individuals left, they naturally embellished the events that transpired at the Fanbing shop today. As a result, the news of Lou Yun being favored by Xu Yangteng spread throughout the entire Linjiang City like a spring breeze, and Lou Yun once again became famous following his previous reputation as a genius and a waste.

With three sword techniques, even if one practices a single technique for a month, it would take three months to master them. Can one really rely solely on these three sword techniques to gain recognition of their strength from the family

At this moment, a well-meaning person cautiously inquired, "Master Xu, could you explain to us what is meant by 'great skill is not contrived'? Why does the choice of this sword bring you such joy? Please share your thoughts so that we may broaden our understanding!"

As soon as this statement was made, the faces of the eight people around immediately displayed expressions of envy. Being able to call Xu Yangteng a brother indicated that Lou Yun had gained Xu Yangteng's favor, which was a tremendous honor that many would vie for but could not attain

Lou Yun flipped over and stood up, beginning to practice the first move of the Mad Sword as described in "Mad Sword"

Then hurry up and prepare the military roster! Remember, it must be of a higher rank than the lower tier of the lunar level

Chang Xiang's voice resonated at the right moment: "You have spent two months on body training, and there are still eight months left. If you can master one move completely within these eight months, I will teach you a more advanced set of techniques!"

The five elemental attributes not only mutually restrain and generate each other, but also play a crucial role in determining victory in battle.

However, to everyone's surprise, Xu Yangteng not only did not get angry, but his expression appeared even more joyful than before, and there was even a hint of admiration in his demeanor as he nodded vigorously.

"Where is the military manual? Brother Chang, you haven't given me the military manual yet. How can I cultivate?"

At this moment, everyone couldn't help but feel envious of Lou Yun, who had been chosen for such a fine treasure and books. At this time, someone asked, "Master Xu, what grade of ordinary weapon is this sword?"

Ah! Xu Yangteng suddenly realized, and with a fierce glare, he exclaimed: "What nonsense! My younger brother in this building is clearly a genius!"

At that moment, everyone, including Lou Yun, was taken aback; no one expected that answering a question could lead to receiving a common soldier for free

Among the five elements, metal is the most resilient, while fire is the most intense. Weapons of these two attributes possess the highest attack power and contain the greatest force. In contrast, earth is the heaviest and is generally more suitable for defense

Indeed, a series of words emerged in Lou Yun's mind. The number of words was not many, but it was indeed a complete military roster, and it had an extremely imposing title—"Frenzied Sword"

This time, Xu Yangteng glared at the questioner and said: "Who said I sold it? I gave it to this young brother!"

After speaking, Lou Yun embraced the Sword in the Stone and strode out with large steps

However, even so, when he tried to channel his spiritual energy into the pathways required by "Mad Sword," he found that his spiritual energy was simply insufficient

Luo Yun is not a pedantic person; he nodded straightforwardly and said, "Alright, Brother Xu, my name is Luo Yun, a member of the Luo family. You are welcome to visit my home whenever you have time! Goodbye!"

Luo Yun couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. Although Chang Xiang spoke with such certainty, he did not truly believe it in his heart. After eight months, how could he possibly not master even a single sword technique?

Of course, if both are advanced spirit weapon masters, then the one who wields the lunar-level weapon technique is more formidable, as the higher the level of the weapon technique, the greater its power

Yes, yes, yes, genius, genius!

Closing his eyes, Lou Yun released his spiritual awareness, slowly extending it into the sword within the stone

As soon as Lou Yun finished speaking, Xu Yangteng suddenly clapped his hands, his expression filled with excitement, and said: "Good! What a remarkable piece of craftsmanship. Young man, you have a discerning eye; you are indeed the destined one. This sword is a gift for you!"

Xu Yangteng snorted coldly and said, "What is so remarkable about things formed naturally by heaven and earth, devoid of quality and rank?"

The shape of the weapon is naturally determined by the blacksmith and the design books. Each weapon here is believed to be meticulously crafted by Master Xu, making each one exceptionally beautiful. As for this sword, I think Master Xu probably did not put in much effort into it

Currently, the situation that Lou Yun encounters is as follows: for instance, when performing the skill "Frenzied Sword," it requires the spiritual energy within him to traverse ten meridians. However, he can only reach eight meridians, and thus the spiritual energy is insufficient, rendering the effort futile

Someone quickly whispered a reminder: "He is the so-called genius waste of the Lou family, who at the age of six cultivated to the tenth level of martial spirit power, yet has still not been able to condense a spiritual weapon."

After everyone looked for a long time, they were unable to discern the reason and all shook their heads in unison

No rank, no class

The weapon surprisingly possesses a military manual, which is indeed a curious phenomenon. Although Lou Yun had heard that some weapon smiths would incorporate military manuals into the weapons they forged, such instances are exceedingly rare. However, this sword, which Xu Yangteng personally acknowledged was not forged by him but rather formed naturally from stone, raises the question of how it could possess a military manual, especially one of the lower tier of the moon level.

Luo Yun then said: "This sword can be said to be just as it is, perfectly natural! Only such a weapon can truly embody the phrase 'great skill without effort'! This is also the reason why I chose it!"

After speaking, Changxiang had already disappeared, leaving Louyun staring blankly at the stone sword in his hand

Luo Yunwei pondered for a moment before smiling and said, "Then I shall embarrass myself. If I say anything incorrect, I kindly ask Master Xu to offer his corrections." This was naturally a result of Changxiang's guidance.

Although their interaction was brief, Lou Yun could tell that Xu Yangteng was a very generous person, so he did not say much more and continued, "Master Xu, I will take my leave now." He was eager to return to his cultivation.

Chang Xiang chuckled and said, "The military manual? Oh, I forgot about that. This stone sword contains a set of military manuals, which you can perceive with your spiritual awareness"

The Mad Sword consists of three moves: the Human Mad Sword, the Earth Mad Sword, and the Heaven Mad Sword

Xu Yangteng smiled and said: "Don't call me any master. If you think highly of me, just call me 'brother' or 'little brother' from now on. If you have nothing else to do, feel free to come and sit with me anytime; you are always welcome here"