Chapter 3, the old sword remains, is it still sharp

In the morning, Fang Ning practiced swordsmanship once again. The duel would begin at noon, and there was still half a day left. Last-minute preparations may not be ideal, but they are better than nothing. Fang Ning aimed to familiarize himself with the long sword in the shortest time possible

With each swing of the sword, with each slash and thrust, Fang Ning became oblivious to everything around him. In this moment, he was solely focused on wielding his long sword, completely absorbed in the act. There was nothing else in the world but him and the sword, a singular existence of one person and one sword, losing himself in unity.

I specifically watched my enemy for tomorrow, a barbarian youth, slender and of similar height to me, a Gallic Iron Bear barbarian

Do not think that I am old, but my information is still well-informed

Regardless of victory or defeat, life or death, there is a compensation of 300 gold coins, which is also the only way I can earn 300 gold coins.

Upon hearing the voice, Fang Ning immediately recognized who it was: He Shiren, the eldest son of the wealthy He family in Kezhou City

Murong Xue defended Fang Ning by saying: "He is a good person for being able to take care of those poor elderly people"

Father saved six hundred thousand people in Qingzhou, yet he was exiled to a distant land. Mother devoted her life to helping others, but fell into a long illness and never awoke. It is unfair, truly unfair. Why is it like this? Is it possible that good people do not receive their just rewards?

Ah, it really is him. In fact, those elderly people are quite pitiable. Fang Ning may feel compassion for them, which is why she chose to work there as a caregiver

Neglecting one's proper duties, with this time, instead of diligently practicing swordsmanship and martial arts, do you really think you can definitely be admitted to the military academy

Fang Ning held the hilt of the sword, his fingers firm yet relaxed. With his left hand, he lightly flicked the spine of the sword, producing a low, resonant sound that reverberated back and forth along the bright blade.

After speaking, Fang Ning kowtowed three times in front of the bed, the sound echoing throughout the room.

He Shiren said: "Yes, Tie Ge, next time at the official school competition, you must teach him a good lesson. This m.hetushu.com kid is just a fool! An idiot! A greedy fool!"

One must observe a thousand swords before discerning their qualities. The family tradition of sword polishing, as passed down by Fang Ning, emphasizes the importance of understanding the principles and spirit of the sword. During the polishing process, true energy is used to refine the sword, eliminating impurities and sharpening its blade. Regardless of the type of weapon—be it a knife, spear, sword, or halberd—once subjected to this method of polishing, it immediately becomes dazzlingly sharp, capable of cutting through the air.

Tie Muhen said: "Good people? In this world, good people receive no rewards. Such fools are unworthy of occupying the top position in the official academy and martial arts school. I must defeat him..."

Fang Ning strode away, with two hours remaining until noon. He did not head directly to the martial arts arena in Yukezhou City, but instead made his way to the military retirement home in the northwest of the city. Perhaps this would be his last chance to see those elderly individuals; he came here to bid them farewell

After finishing his sword practice, Fang Ning returned home and approached his mother's bedside. Looking at his mother, who was in a deep slumber, he gently spoke beside her bed:

Then he stood up, took one last look at his mother, controlling his tears to prevent them from falling, turned around and left, determined that even if he were to die in the arena, he would still awaken his mother.

The other two boys immediately echoed, "Yes, yes, this kid is just a fool"

One person saw Fang Ning and shouted

Mother, do not worry, tomorrow I will definitely obtain the Tranquil Heart Pill. I will participate in the gladiatorial contest tomorrow, and as long as I defeat that barbarian fighter, I will earn enough money to treat your illness

Fang Ning has signed a contract with the arena to challenge the Gaulish bear tribe barbarians in the third match before the main duel tomorrow at noon. This is why Fang Ning is here, sharpening his sword at midnight

Things gather by their kind, and people are grouped by their associations. These young men and women are all second-generation heirs in Kezhou City

Only by possessing secret methods and techniques can a family ensure its legacy and maintain its library, thereby establishing a firm foothold in the Tianluo Empire, where warfare is the foundation of the nation. The pure medicinal techniques of the Mu family from Fangyuan Pharmacy and the sword polishing techniques of the Fang family exemplify this principle.

These elderly men all come from military backgrounds, having lived a rough life; they are not suited for delicate tasks. They also have a fondness for Fang Ning and appreciate this young man.

This is the experience gained in the military academy. Rather than practicing various sword techniques like the Qing Song Sword Technique, it is better to solidify the fundamentals and diligently practice basic swordsmanship. Although these basic techniques do not have the diverse transformations of other sword styles, the essence remains unchanged; the more fundamental the technique, the more powerful it becomes

As Fang Ning slowly recounted the story, it seemed that his mother heard him and, with great effort, whispered, "Ning'er, do not go, do not go..."

A girl's delicate voice emerged

Fang Ning obediently said, "Alright, Grandpa Gu, I will finish sweeping right away"

chop, cut, smash, swipe, parry, intercept, stab, stir, hang, press

In my hand, this three-foot green blade appears bright and dazzling, its sharpness fully revealed. Fang Ning said softly: "Sword, oh sword, oh sword! Tomorrow, in my battle, I will rely entirely on you.

The young girl is the daughter of the lord of Kezhou City, named Murong Xue. The composed young man is named Tiemu Hen, whose father is the civil affairs officer of Kezhou City, Tie Wuji. Tiemu Hen is a close rival of Fang Ning in the official academy's martial arts school, but he is defeated by Fang Ning every time, forever the second best.

After finishing his sword practice, Fang Ning tidied up and walked to his mother's bedside one last time. Looking at his mother, who was still in a coma, he slowly knelt down and said: "Mother, I am leaving. I will definitely return alive"

Xiao Ningzi, you have arrived. It seems that you are on a break today

Mother, this is the only way I can save you, the only method to earn three hundred gold coins within half a month. I do not want you to die, Mother

The three-foot azure blade reflects the cold moonlight.

Fang Ning knocked on the door and entered the room. Following the usual routine, she began to sweep and tidy up. However, this time, Tian Nan was different from before; he sat on the sofa, merely smiling as he watched Fang Ning.

Ha, ha, ha... As night fell, the sound of sharpening knives echoed. Fang Ning sat by the well, continuously drawing bucket after bucket of well water to pour onto the whetstone, diligently honing the iron sword in his hand

The weak mother, after saying this sentence, could no longer speak and fell unconscious again. Fang Ning seemed not to have heard it and quietly said:

At that moment, a composed young man's voice said

These ten fundamental sword techniques are so basic that even a three-year-old can begin to learn them. At his age, he has already entered the realm of Qi cultivation and would typically learn some simple sword techniques in official academies, such as the Qing Song Sword Technique or the San Cai Sword Technique. However, he did not employ those techniques; instead, he focused on practicing these most basic and simple sword movements.

The Dawn Sword, Gu Tiannan, spoke: "I knew you would come, Xiao Ningzi. No need to tidy up."

Upon arriving outside the military elder's residence, one was about to enter when a carriage passed by. Inside the carriage sat four or five youths, of similar age to Fang Ning, both male and female, dressed in splendid attire, clearly indicating their noble lineage, either wealthy or of high status.

Such a person does not deserve the title of the best in the martial arts school; that title should belong to me. I will make him aware of the power of my iron fist

At the moment he left, Fang's mother seemed to move her body slightly, whispering: "Ning'er, don't go! Don't go!" Tears also streamed down the corners of her eyes.

It is said that strength is merely having thicker skin and being resilient. I have already sharpened my iron sword; under my blade, even the thickest skin is meaningless. I am certain I will win

Fang and Tu Shu Ning smiled as they answered their questions. Finally, they arrived at the second floor, at the room of the ancient sword of dawn, Gu Tian Nan. Standing in front of the door, Fang Ning let out a long breath; this was his last glimmer of hope.

Fang Ning thrust forcefully, completing the final sword technique. She sheathed her sword, let out a long breath, wiped the sweat from her forehead, and thought, it is done; tomorrow's battle will determine life and death.

The more he contemplated, the angrier he became. His long sword slashed and thrust with boundless power, creating a fierce wind. However, no matter how furious he was while wielding the sword, the fundamental movements of his slashing and thrusting remained unchanged, fully embodying the essence of swordsmanship.

On the second day, at the early morning hour of Yin, just as the sun was rising, Aunt Zhang arrived. Although Aunt Zhang was quite plump and somewhat older, with her hands and feet not very nimble, she was honest and reliable in her work. It was precisely for this reason that Fang Ning felt at ease entrusting the care of her mother to her

Gu Tian Nan said: "You are about to die, no need to clean up, just enjoy the last moments of your life. Are you going to participate in the gladiatorial games today?"

If we face a formidable enemy together, victory will allow me to save my mother; defeat will mean death on the battlefield. My life and death depend on you

This focus and seriousness have endowed the youth with a greater sense of gravity and composure, as well as increased confidence and maturity. The tattered clothing and frail physique cannot conceal the extraordinary demeanor of the youth at this moment

Fang Ning? The money-hungry Fang Ning. It's him, back at the military old folks' home to attend to those old geezers again

The well here is spacious and open, making it just right for practicing swordsmanship. Fang Ning slowly begins to practice with his sword. Upon closer inspection, he wields the sharp blade without employing any specific sword techniques or formulas; he is merely using the most basic introductory sword techniques taught in official schools. There are no powerful sword moves, only the ten fundamental actions:

"Penny-pincher, you've lost your sense of money. My daily allowance is thirty silver dollars. For just one measly silver dollar, I would have to endure the stench of those old geezers at www.hetushu.com. What a fool."

Even if I lose tomorrow, even if I die, the compensation from the martial arts arena will be enough to buy the Heart-Calming Spell. I do not want you to die, Mother. I must awaken you, even if it means facing death, I am willing to do so

Xiao Ningzi, how is your mother doing now

It is uncertain whether it is good luck or bad luck, but tomorrow marks the monthly small-scale gladiatorial event, and there happens to be a battle that requires the participation of a young man. Moreover, the reward is substantial; regardless of life or death, there is a compensation of 300 gold yuan.

This secret technique is possessed by almost every family in the Tianluo Empire to some extent

If I cannot return, do not think of me either. A son can no longer fulfill his filial duties, so you should go find your father. Just forget about this useless son of yours

Under Fang Ning's meticulous refinement using extraordinary techniques, the iron sword gradually revealed its sharp edge, radiating brilliance and becoming incredibly sharp. When one reaches out to touch the blade, the sharpened edge gives a chilling sensation.

Wherever the sword's edge reaches, every hair stands on end involuntarily. A single hair, gently placed upon the sword's edge, is instantly severed in two.

As with yesterday, serving these elderly individuals, boiling a pot of water for them, tidying up their bedding, and wiping their bodies, perhaps this will be my last time here, my final opportunity to do something for them, which is why Fang Ning is particularly attentive and meticulous this time

Fang Ningliang slowly closed his star-like eyes, tilting his ear to listen to the sound of the sword. A sense of focus and seriousness appeared on the otherwise unremarkable face of the young man.

In response to their mocking remarks, Fang Ning merely smiled, completely ignoring them, and entered the military old age home

This is the experience of countless strong individuals. Fang Ning relied on this fundamental sword technique to defeat all the official academies and martial arts schools, and none of his classmates, who practiced various sword techniques, were his match