Chapter 111

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Chapter 111: Sword Move

The next morning, Zhang Xiaohua arrived under the tree as usual, but Elder Yu had not yet shown up. Zhang Xiaohua assumed his stance and began practicing his incomplete martial technique. Now that he knew Elder Yu would be teaching him swordsmanship, he wasn’t as concerned about forgetting this particular set of moves. It was like a child who had been given a new, more exciting toy, the naughty boy’s attachment to the old one naturally faded. Even if it was lost, he wouldn’t be as upset as before.

Although he had such thoughts, Zhang Xiaohua still felt a surge of excitement after finishing the full set of moves he had practiced the previous night. Based on his experience, he was confident that this incomplete martial technique, reinforced by his strong memory, would never be forgotten. Zhang Xiaohua nearly wanted to shout to the heavens, Thank goodness! I, Zhang Xiaohua, can finally practice a full routine from an incomplete martial technique!

Moreover, he was about to be taught a sword technique by a generous master, something he could never have dreamed of. This stroke of luck was incredible. Could it be that all the good deeds he had accumulated over the years were finally paying off?

He looked up at the rising sun and took a deep breath of the crisp morning air. This is truly the blissful life of the country boy Zhang Xiaohua.

Just as he was lost in his thoughts, a figure flashed by. Zhang Xiaohua’s eyebrow twitched. Although he couldn’t see clearly, he could sense the person’s presence, it had to be Elder Yu.

Sure enough, even before the figure fully arrived, Elder Yu’s voice reached him, saying: “Zhang Xiaohua, you’ve been here for a while?”

Zhang Xiaohua respectfully replied: “Yes, Elder Yu. I’ve already practiced a set of martial arts.”

Elder Yu chuckled: “Haha, you’re up early. Seems like you’re someone who can endure hardship. My judgment wasn’t wrong.”

Zhang Xiaohua muttered in his heart: “It’s not that I don’t want to sleep. Heaven knows, as soon as the sun rises, I’m wide awake. Even if I try, I can’t sleep any longer. Do you think I don’t want to get some extra rest?”

Elder Yu naturally couldn’t hear Zhang Xiaohua’s silent complaints and continued: “Actually, although you arrived early, out of courtesy, you should have said to me, ‘Elder Yu, I just got here too’. That way, it makes you seem like a considerate child, someone who thinks of others. You should remember this, it will also be useful when you go on dates with young ladies in the future.”

Zhang Xiaohua rubbed his chin, feeling a bit confused, but he still made sure to remember it well.

Elder Yu was very pleased with Zhang Xiaohua’s attitude and said: “Alright, let’s not talk too much about it. Come here, let’s go over there. My sword technique is extraordinary, and we shouldn’t let He Tianshu and the others secretly learn it.”

After saying this, he led Zhang Xiaohua around a few turns until they arrived behind a tree. Even if He Tianshu wanted to see them, his line of sight would have to turn quite a few corners as well.

Once they had both settled in place, Elder Yu spoke seriously: “Zhang Xiaohua, last night, I already explained the pros and cons of this sword technique to you. Did you remember it clearly?”

Zhang Xiaohua put away any other thoughts and responded: “Yes, Elder Yu, I have remembered it, and I will definitely follow what you said in the future.”

Elder Yu continued: “I got this sword technique from a damaged piece of sheepskin. I don’t even know the name of the sword technique, so you can just call it the Nameless Sword Move. In fact, a pure sword move, like a normal fist technique, is powerless against overwhelming inner energy. However, a sword move has the sword as a medium, and if used correctly, a clever sword technique may break through the defense of internal energy. This sword technique is different from other sword techniques, it has its own set of formulas that can drive your internal energy, aiding the sword and your movements, to achieve the optimal timing for striking.”

At this point, Zhang Xiaohua interrupted: “But, Elder Yu, I don’t have any internal energy.”

Elder Yu frowned and said: “When I’m speaking, don’t interrupt like this. It disrupts my train of thought. If I forget a sentence or two, and you end up going astray in your practice, don’t blame me.”

Zhang Xiaohua covered his mouth and nodded vigorously, indicating that he understood.

Then, Elder Yu recited the famous sword formula with a self-assured tone: “To master this divine technique, castration is required.”

Upon hearing this, Zhang Xiaohua thought it sounded incredibly profound, but he couldn’t understand it at all. If he couldn’t comprehend the first sentence, how would he be able to practice the rest of the sword technique? He became anxious and, with his left hand covering his mouth, waved his right hand frantically. Seeing this, Elder Yu frowned and asked: “Zhang Xiaohua, what is it now?”

Zhang Xiaohua released his left hand, took a deep breath, and asked: “Elder Yu, what does ‘castration is required’ mean?”

Elder Yu was taken aback and responded: “Why would castration be required?”

Zhang Xiaohua was also stunned and said: “Didn’t the first line of your sword formula just now say, ‘To master this divine technique, castration is required’?”

Hearing this, Elder Yu’s old face flushed with embarrassment. He patted his forehead and awkwardly said: “That was a mistake, a mistake. I’ve been reading too many martial arts novels, and I mixed up fantasy with reality. That line wasn’t real. Let me start over.”

With that, Elder Yu earnestly recited the obscure sword formula again. It wasn’t long, only a few dozen words, but Zhang Xiaohua still couldn’t understand any of it.

Elder Yu offered no further explanation and merely instructed Zhang Xiaohua to memorize it well.

Having learned from his earlier experience, how could Zhang Xiaohua dare to believe it? He asked Elder Yu to recite it three more times, and after memorizing it himself, he recited it several times in front of Elder Yu. Only after seeing Elder Yu nodding continuously did he feel relieved.

Afterward, Elder Yu drew out his longsword, assumed a sword stance, and began explaining the first variation of the move to Zhang Xiaohua.

As with many things in life, what seems easy when someone else does it becomes difficult when you try it yourself. Zhang Xiaohua already understood the variations of this sword move after Elder Yu explained it twice. However, when he picked up a tree branch to practice on his own, he found it impossible to meet Elder Yu’s expectations.

After a few attempts, Elder Yu grew impatient. Glancing at the sky, he said: “Zhang Xiaohua, let’s stop here for today. Go back and think carefully about the variations of the sword move, and make sure to recite the sword formula frequently. You must remember it firmly.”

Zhang Xiaohua asked in embarrassment: “I know the variations of the sword move and will definitely practice them diligently, but I don’t understand this sword formula at all.”

Elder Yu, unconcerned, replied: “The sword formula is the general principle behind the variations of the sword move. Once you’ve slightly grasped the moves, I’ll explain it to you in detail. This general principle is related to the use of internal energy. Since you don’t have any internal energy yet, explaining too much could be counterproductive. Just focus on memorizing it well for now.”

Zhang Xiaohua then understood and nodded in agreement.

He then asked: “Elder Yu, you mentioned yesterday that I could borrow your martial arts manuals. When would it be appropriate to do so?”

Elder Yu thought for a moment and said: “Let’s talk about it after you’ve grasped the first variation. Reading the martial arts manual requires focus, and since it’s your first contact with swordsmanship, it’s better to wait until you’ve made some progress.”

Zhang Xiaohua considered this and agreed that it made sense. Moreover, perfecting his fist technique wasn’t something that could be done overnight. Since he had already waited for several months, he wasn’t in a hurry.

So, throughout the day, Zhang Xiaohua continuously reviewed the sword technique in his mind. Whenever he had a moment, he pondered the variations of the move. When he was in the room with some free time, he practiced with a tree branch, constantly trying out the moves. However, he still couldn’t execute them perfectly.

In fact, this wasn’t just Zhang Xiaohua’s first encounter with sword techniques, he also struggled to understand them well. Additionally, his right hand was injured, and his fingers weren’t as nimble as they should be. He couldn’t control the force and angles properly, making it very difficult for him to master the first step of the sword technique.

After dinner, as dusk fell, Elder Yu slowly demonstrated the sword move variations again, carefully explaining the important points and techniques for execution. Zhang Xiaohua listened attentively and, combining it with his thoughts from the day, managed to perform the move with some semblance of accuracy. However, Elder Yu still shook his head.

Zhang Xiaohua practiced a bit longer but made no progress, feeling somewhat disheartened. Looking at his right hand, he thought: “Could it be that my right hand is truly useless? From Elder Yu’s perspective, this move doesn’t seem too difficult. Why am I having such trouble with it?”

Immediately, his eyes brightened, and he asked: “Elder Yu, look, my right hand is somewhat inflexible. Can I use my left hand instead?”

Elder Yu did not nod as Zhang Xiaohua hoped but instead said quietly: “Zhang Xiaohua, are you trying to avoid difficulties when you encounter them? If that’s the case, it’s better not to learn the sword techniques at all, why endure this hardship?”

Zhang Xiaohua argued: “No, Elder Yu, it’s not that. I just feel that holding the tree branch with my right hand is very awkward, and I can’t control the force and angle properly. That’s why I thought of using my left hand.”

Elder Yu smiled and said: “Actually, the issue you’re considering has already crossed my mind. However, most sword techniques in the martial world are right-hand techniques, there are very few left-handed swordsmen. The sword techniques are recorded using the right hand as the standard, and the sword manual I have is the same. Besides, the meridians in the left and right hands are different. The internal energy flow described in the sword formula is also for the right hand. Naturally, I cannot directly teach you a left-hand technique based on the right-hand manual. Moreover, look at me, where do I have a left arm? Without a left arm, it’s impossible to modify a right-hand sword technique into a left-hand one.”

Seeing Zhang Xiaohua’s silence, Elder Yu continued: “So, I cannot teach you a left-hand sword technique. In fact, there’s another important reason for teaching you this sword technique.”

Zhang Xiaohua, puzzled, asked: “What is it?”

Elder Yu nodded seriously and said: “Practicing sword techniques relies heavily on the hands and wrists. Your right hand is injured, if you don’t train it properly, it might not recover fully. My intention in teaching you this sword technique is to make you practice your right hand diligently. With time and effort, perhaps heaven will look favorably upon you and restore your right hand to its former state. If you give up now, not only will you fail to achieve anything with this sword technique, but you will also struggle with fist techniques.”

Only then did Zhang Xiaohua understand. He bowed deeply and said: “Elder Yu, thank you for your kindness. I understand now and will practice diligently.”

Elder Yu smiled and said: “Alright, no need for pretenses. Only by mastering this technique can you truly prove your skill.”

Zhang Xiaohua nodded, picked up the tree branch, and practiced repeatedly, gradually improving. He was so focused that when Elder Yu left, he didn’t even notice.

While Zhang Xiaohua was practicing, the tree branch suddenly fell from his hand, and he was jolted awake by the intense pain in his right hand. Not only was his wrist sore, but his fingers felt as if they were breaking. Zhang Xiaohua couldn’t help but feel a shiver in his heart, could it be that the bones broke again?

He had no choice but to stop and stand there, not daring to continue practicing.

It took a while for the pain to gradually ease.

Zhang Xiaohua realized that the wound had not reopened. However, he knew he had pushed his fingers too hard and would need to be more cautious in the future. Overdoing it every day would not only be ineffective but could also lead to the deformation of the fingers and the breaking of bones.

Since he couldn’t practice the sword technique, Zhang Xiaohua thought of his martial arts practice. He assumed a stance and began performing his set of one hundred and one fist moves. Although not continuous, they were still very smooth and he felt quite satisfied.

After finishing the martial arts practice and noticing that it was getting late, Zhang Xiaohua picked up the tree branch with his left hand and slowly walked back.

As he walked, Zhang Xiaohua swung the branch around and suddenly had an idea. Although Elder Yu had stopped him from trying the sword technique with his left hand just now, he hadn’t explicitly forbidden it. The meridians in the left and right hands are different, but since Zhang Xiaohua had no internal energy and couldn’t use the sword formula, it was possible that the sword moves designed for the right hand could be applied with the left hand. Elder Yu couldn’t teach him the left-hand sword technique because he didn’t have a left arm to modify the right-hand variations, but why couldn’t Zhang Xiaohua try to use the right-hand variations with his left hand?

The more Zhang Xiaohua thought about it, the more excited he became. He looked around to make sure no one was watching, placed the lantern aside, and, holding the branch with his left hand, moved to a secluded spot. He carefully reviewed Elder Yu’s teachings and began to practice the moves slowly with his left hand.

Although Zhang Xiaohua was not naturally left-handed, his left hand had become quite nimble over the past few months. The moves Elder Yu had taught him flowed smoothly with his left hand, almost like flowing water. The first few attempts were somewhat clumsy and uncoordinated, but with each subsequent practice, the moves became more fluid and natural.

This unexpected discovery thrilled Zhang Xiaohua. It seemed he had found another way to practice sword techniques. After practicing a few more times and confirming that he could indeed perform the moves with his left hand, he picked up the lantern and returned to his room to rest.

Upon waking up early in the morning, Zhang Xiaohua was eager to share his good news with Elder Yu. However, when he practiced again, he encountered the same issue he had when practicing fist techniques.

The problem was that the sword moves he performed with his left hand were different from those Elder Yu had taught him, with many discrepancies. Fortunately, Zhang Xiaohua hadn’t forgotten anything this time.

Looking at the unrecognizable sword moves, Zhang Xiaohua felt disheartened. He abandoned the idea of reporting his progress to Elder Yu. Forget it, instead of letting others laugh at him, he might as well keep it to himself.

Knowing that Elder Yu would arrive soon, Zhang Xiaohua decided not to practice the left-hand sword technique anymore. Instead, he stretched and prepared to practice his one hundred and one fist moves. Just then, Elder Yu arrived.

Elder Yu inquired about the previous night’s practice. Zhang Xiaohua explained the condition of his right hand honestly. He almost mentioned his practice with the left hand but ultimately decided against it.

Elder Yu, upon hearing Zhang Xiaohua’s account, looked a little serious. He took Zhang Xiaohua’s right hand and examined it closely, saying: “Well, it seems you’ve practiced a little too much yesterday. As you guessed, your right hand is somewhat stiff. Take a break this morning, and focus on contemplating the variations during the day. Practice again in the evening.”

After advising Zhang Xiaohua not to practice the sword technique during the day, Elder Yu gracefully left for the dining hall.

With the morning free of sword practice, Zhang Xiaohua continued working on his fist technique. He practiced his one hundred and one fist moves repeatedly, becoming more adept with each attempt. This reinforced his determination to perfect his fist technique and eagerly anticipate the feeling of performing the complete set of moves.

After finishing his martial arts practice and noticing that there was still some time before lunch, Zhang Xiaohua turned his attention back to the left-hand sword technique. Deciding to act on his impulse, Zhang Xiaohua hid in the forest and used the tree branch to practice the sword moves in his memory.

With each repetition, his movements became increasingly smooth, almost reaching the level Elder Yu had demonstrated. While deeply immersed in his left-hand sword practice, Zhang Xiaohua suddenly felt a warm current flowing through his left arm in sync with the sword movements. Zhang Xiaohua couldn’t help but stop. When he felt it carefully, he couldn’t find any trace of it.

Zhang Xiaohua resumed his practice slowly, but the sensation did not return. He performed the moves faster again, still feeling nothing. Zhang Xiaohua shook his head, convinced it was just his imagination.

However, as Zhang Xiaohua continued practicing the sword moves, he experienced the warm sensation again during one of his movements. He realized that he hadn’t been mistaken and began to think that the appearance of this warm flow might be related to the speed of his sword movements.

Just as he was about to experiment with different speeds to find the source of the warm flow, a shout interrupted him: “Zhang Xiaohua, where are you?”

Zhang Xiaohua recognized the voice as Nie Xiao’er’s and was puzzled by the sudden shout, why did he suddenly call out?

When he emerged from the woods, he realized that the sun was already high in the sky. While others were preparing to work in the medicinal herb fields, he hadn’t even had breakfast yet.

Seeing the concerned look on He Tianshu’s face, Zhang Xiaohua sheepishly explained: “Captain He, I was practicing… martial arts in the woods and lost track of time.”

He Tianshu said: “Zhang Xiaohua, do you know what ‘haste makes waste’ means? Some things can’t be achieved overnight. You need to learn to be practical and take things step by step. I support diligent practice, but not at the expense of your health. Lately, you’ve been hiding alone in the woods, still practicing your fist techniques?”

Zhang Xiaohua thought for a moment and replied: “That’s right.”

He Tianshu smiled and said, “I know you’re afraid about us laughing at your incomplete fist techniques, but go ahead and practice if you must. Just remember to take care of your body. Your right hand isn’t fully healed yet. You need to rest and be careful. If your right hand gets worse, even your incomplete fist techniques will be impossible to practice.”

Zhang Xiaohua respectfully said: “Captain He, I understand. I will be more careful in the future.”

He Tianshu patted him on the shoulder and said: “Alright, as long as you know. If you’re not too shy, you can practice with us. We promise not to laugh at you.”

Zhang Xiaohua glanced at the faces of the three others and couldn’t help but smile: “It’s alright, Captain He. I’ll continue practicing on my own.”

He Tianshu said: “Fine, it’s up to you. I’ve asked Nie Xiao’er to bring some breakfast and leave it in your room. Hurry up and eat, then head to the medicinal herb fields to work.”