Chapter 008: Swordsmanship (Part II)

No matter how one thinks, it is absolutely impossible

On this day, Lu Yuan lay on the grass.

At the North Peak of Mount Hua, the youngest to comprehend the essence of the sword should be the second-generation patriarch, followed closely by myself, this disciple

Lu Yuan stood by without intervening, merely observing. He felt that the moves of both individuals, regardless of who was attacking, contained numerous flaws, one after another, completely inconsistent with the sword intent of the "One Hundred and Eight Styles of Wind and Cloud." Lu Yuan was certain that he could easily exploit those flaws.

In my youth, I was regarded as a genius, yet it was not until I was one hundred and sixteen years old that I truly understood.

Then, let's try the next move

This time, Li Yuanbai intends to thoroughly awaken Lu Yuanlai

However, the performance of Lu Yuan's disciple now allows him to relax his mind somewhat, though it is certainly impossible to completely set his mind at ease

The days pass with unparalleled leisure

Li Yuanbai asked: "The 108 Swords of Wind and Cloud, how many swords are there in total?" This is a small test.

The courtyard is paved with neatly arranged stones

Is it possible? My own disciple is only sixteen years old, and at this age, he has already comprehended the Sword Intent of the Wind. When I grasped the Sword Intent of the Wind, I was already one hundred and sixteen years old, and I was considered quite good; otherwise, I would not have been listed among the Six Sword Immortals of the North Peak. And now, has my disciple truly comprehended it?

It turns out that one's own strength is only comparable to that of Ye Fang and Ye Yuan, resulting in a stalemate with no clear victor.

Among the disciples of the tenth generation, when it comes to sword intent and swordsmanship, it can be said that I, as a master, rank first among my disciples. Even among the elders of the ninth generation, there are not ten who have comprehended sword intent. The level of sword intent is inherently difficult to grasp; once understood, one is destined to become a master in the realm of immortality, and will at least grow to the level of the Six Sword Immortals of the Northern Peak.

Try again, Li Yuanbai thought to himself

Time slips away like sand through one's fingers

Ye Fang and Ye Yuan were originally brothers. Ye Fang studied under the gentleman sword Fang Ru of the Six Sword Immortals of the North Peak, while Ye Yuan studied under the harmonious sword Ye Rongyang of the same group. Naturally, their sword techniques were quite different. Although both practiced the same set of the Wind and Cloud One Hundred and Eight Swords, Ye Fang executed it with precision, while Ye Yuan employed it with fluidity and grace.

Thus, it is easy to discern its flaws

"This time at the peak competition, I am at ease," Li Yuanbai said. Just based on the fact that his disciple comprehended the essence of the sword at the age of sixteen, he would not be excluded from the ranks of the top ten true disciples. Sima Changbai's plans would come to naught. As soon as he finished speaking, he began to cough violently; his health was deteriorating day by day, and he could not hold on for much longer.

However, now I feel that I can easily find the flaws in the sword techniques of Ye Fang and Ye Yuan. To defeat these two, I wouldn't even need thirty moves. Their swordsmanship is still stuck at the first level, where the techniques are rigid and lifeless, while I have long since reached the level of sword intent, far surpassing them in swordsmanship.

Lu Yuan was not polite at all. Facing the master who was one of the Six Sword Immortals of Beifeng, it would be inappropriate to be courteous. The Yangwu Sword had already been drawn, its bright blade rolling in Lu Yuan's hand, moving as swiftly as lightning. He had already executed the move "Windstorm Crossing." This move was indeed Windstorm Crossing, but it seemed somewhat different, significantly so compared to before. At this moment, Li Yuanbai's expression suddenly changed. It couldn't be! He actually perceived the sword intent within this move, the sword intent of the wind. Having executed the move "Windstorm Crossing," this move was indeed Windstorm Crossing, but it seemed somewhat different, significantly so compared to before. At this moment, Li Yuanbai's expression suddenly changed. It couldn't be! He actually perceived the sword intent within this move, the sword intent of the wind. Li Yuanbai's heart was suddenly stirred with tumultuous waves.

Lu Yuan lay on one side, watching the duel between the two while savoring the yellow wine from the bottle. The past four months of training in the Wild Wind Willow Forest have truly been worthwhile, as he unexpectedly reached this level and mastered the essence of swordsmanship, feeling exhilarated

How can Li Yuanbai not feel joyful about this

Moreover, this disciple of mine comprehended the essence of the sword at the age of sixteen, such youth is indeed a record in itself

Where could the result be anticipated? More than four months have passed, and Lu Yuan's disciple has surprisingly comprehended the sword intent of the One Hundred and Eight Swords of Wind and Cloud

Indeed, I have made significant progress, Lu Yuan thought to himself

Li Yuanbai flicked his wrist, and the long sword swept through the air like silk, executing the same move, "The Gale Passing Through".

One hundred and sixteen, and sixteen, the gap is just too large

Lu Yuan stood in the courtyard of Changchun Residence and said, "Master, I would like to seek your guidance on a few matters."

If I were to say that my lifespan is limited, the one thing I would be most concerned about is my only disciple

The two styles collided violently like a fierce wind passing through, resulting in a loud bang. The originally flower-adorned surroundings were affected by the residual waves, with countless flowers and grasses uprooted, and even the turf was lifted, resembling the true effect of a tempest. The sword intent was seamlessly integrated into the sword techniques, which could naturally replicate the effect of a fierce wind passing through. Clearly, Li Yuanbai only used a level of magical power comparable to that of Lu Yuan, as he did not intend to defeat his disciple but rather to test his disciple's skills and swordsmanship.

———

Lu Yuan also immediately understood his master's intention. With a flick of his wrist, he executed the same move, "Cloud Intent Entwined," resulting in a clash of "Cloud Intent Entwined" against "Cloud Intent Entwined."

As for myself, this disciple is only sixteen years old now

It is precisely for this reason that one quickly returned to a state of laziness

The flowers entwine, and the path leads to tranquility

Recalling the moments of joy, Li Yuanbai could not help but laugh heartily; it had been a long time since he felt such unrestrained happiness after his injury had relapsed.

The trio of close friends has gathered together again

Practicing swordsmanship is not something that can be accomplished overnight; it cannot be rushed. If one becomes impatient, it is easy to fall into a predicament, becoming ensnared by the very art of the sword, ultimately leading to a significant regression in skill. There are indeed precedents for this in the realm of cultivation. Now, Lu Yuan dares to challenge himself in sword practice; it seems he has become anxious.

Of course, Li Yuanbai continued, "At your age, you have already comprehended the essence of the sword. This alone makes me proud as your teacher. However, the path of cultivation is fraught with dangers. We practitioners tread this perilous journey, facing immense risks. You must not become arrogant and complacent due to your current achievements."

This is a sword intent that takes over a hundred years to cultivate by oneself

Li Yuanbai laughed heartily and said, "What a pair of swords, one is the Cloud Sword and the other is the Wind Sword." His laughter was so unrestrained that it caused him to cough a little, as his health was already quite poor. However, even the coughing was worth it, for through this response, he understood that his disciple had truly grasped the essence of the teachings in the *Illustrated Book*.

Thereafter, Lu Yuan resumed his usual lifestyle, sleeping when he had nothing to do, fishing, barbecuing, or buying some wine

At that time, it was mentioned merely to help my disciple understand some future directions

Lu Yuan shook his head and said firmly, "I still wish to seek guidance from my master."

How much longer do I have to live

Beside them, two beams of cold light flickered, continuously clashing in the air, sometimes fast, sometimes slow. The waves of the sword rolled, and the sword light was extremely cold. One sword technique was square and upright, embodying a sense of righteousness within its form, while the other was round and harmonious, demonstrating excellent defense. These two were naturally Ye Fang and Ye Yuan.

In a clash of two styles, a surge of ecstasy flashed through Li Yuanbai's heart, as he never expected that his disciple had truly mastered the Sword Intent of the Wind

At this moment, Li Yuanbai was also unceremonious, immediately launching a sword strike. This strike seemed rather plain, yet those who understood the One Hundred and Eight Styles of Wind and Cloud would recognize it as the "Cloud Intent" from that series. On the surface, this move appeared calm, but it actually concealed a lethal threat, making it quite formidable.

Residence in Changchun

Li Yuanbai was momentarily taken aback and said: "Are you seeking guidance from your teacher? Although my lifespan is limited, my combat strength has not diminished significantly, and I am one of the Six Sword Immortals of the North Peak." As he spoke, an infinite sword intent seemed to emanate from Li Yuanbai, affecting the surrounding flowers and plants

Li Yuanbai furrowed his brow and said, "You are too impatient. Well, go ahead and make your move; let me see what you have comprehended over the past half month." Li Yuanbai's current mood was difficult to describe. Usually, Lu Yuan was a lazy bookworm, but now, due to the upcoming competition within the peak and the provocations from Sima Changbai and Sima Hao, he had become diligent. This was originally a good thing, and naturally, Li Yuanbai was pleased to see it.

Indeed. Lu Yuan nodded. He had been somewhat proud just a moment ago, but now, upon his master's reminder, he immediately calmed his mind.

The passing of a fierce wind is akin to the passing of a fierce wind; both embody the essence of the sword of wind, with the spirit of the wind infused within the sword's intent

The original deep concern has now lessened considerably

Your swordsmanship is perfectly matched with the old Jiuye Fang and old Shiye Yuan of your generation

These two moves appear very calm on the surface, and when they collide, they essentially do not generate much destructive power

Previously, this disciple of mine realized that sword techniques are lifeless while a person is alive, and came to seek my guidance. I briefly mentioned some insights into sword intent, but I clearly did not believe that this disciple could grasp it, as the understanding of sword intent is exceedingly difficult. Once one comprehends this aspect of sword intent, with the accumulation of time, they will undoubtedly become a top-notch practitioner of swordsmanship.

At this moment, a surge of ecstasy flashed through Li Yuanbai's heart. Indeed, in the two sword strikes just now, he felt that his disciple had already comprehended the two great sword intents of the Cloud Sword Intent and the Wind Sword Intent. It was unexpected, truly unexpected. How interesting it was that his usually lazy disciple had unexpectedly erupted at a critical moment, grasping the sword intent of the One Hundred and Eight Swords of Wind and Cloud.

Lu Yuan replied: "Two swords, one is the Cloud Sword, and the other is the Wind Sword"

The Gale's Passage is an exceptionally fierce move, with a sword's momentum like lightning, and its destructive power is considerable

This time, there is indeed no need to worry about the competition within the peak