In Su Yang's mind, the image of the mysterious swordsman lingered.
> "If you want to cut something, don't cut with the sword. Cut with your heart. If you believe you can cut, then you can cut."
The swordsman raised his blade once more.
This time, brilliant red energy coursed along the edge, humming with devastating power. He swung the sword with calm conviction. The Heaven Strike technique ignited the mountain it struck, splitting it into halves—and setting both ablaze.
> "A sword is formless," the man's voice echoed. "It can become an arrow, a dagger, or a flame. You can shape it as your will commands. But first—you must awaken sword qi."
As the image faded like morning mist, knowledge surged into Su Yang's mind.
> Sword Qi – A state of merging body, spirit, and sword. It enhances sharpness, penetration, and elemental effects. It demands constant energy—and unwavering intent.
Su Yang's heart beat faster.
> "So... this is sword qi. To use it, I must earn it—with discipline and clarity."
A memory surfaced—he had stored a yellow-grade sword in his ring. Reaching into the spatial ring, he retrieved the weapon.
It looked unremarkable. A straight blade, polished steel, leather-wrapped hilt—yet as he held it, it felt alive, as if the sword was eager to cut.
Su Yang closed his eyes.
> "Sword, let's learn together."
He calmed his mind, adjusted his stance, and began practicing the first movement of the sword technique that had been etched into his mind:
Razing Fall – a rapid, heavy descent strike meant to overwhelm the opponent with sheer momentum and power.
At first, the swings were wild, lacking focus. But soon, he began channeling his spiritual energy into the blade. Slowly, it became an extension of his will.
The strikes grew faster, sharper, more refined.
Then—white energy began forming on the blade.
> "My body, my mind, my sword… become one!" Su Yang roared in his heart.
The blade trembled.
A thin line of energy wrapped itself around the edge like a gleaming veil. The ground where his strikes landed was beginning to crack.
He was forming his first traces of sword qi.
After ten minutes of rigorous practice, Su Yang's breath grew ragged. Sweat ran down his face as he dropped to one knee.
> [Sword Qi – 1% Awakened.]
> "It's only the beginning…" he muttered. "But I did it."
Though he could now use sword qi, it drained his stamina rapidly. He understood this was only the bare minimum, the start of a long road to mastering true sword intent.
He sat cross-legged, sheathing his sword, and began to meditate. He let the energy settle within him, stabilizing his breathing.
But just as he found stillness—
A sudden icy wind crept over his shoulder.
Su Yang's eyes snapped open.
Behind him, the air turned frosty, his breath visible in the cave's dim light.
A wave of freezing intent washed over him.
He turned his head—Lu Ying stood there, enveloped in a pale blue aura. Snowflakes danced around her figure. The Ice Jade Art she was practicing had awakened something within her.
She opened her eyes. A crystal snowflake-shaped sigil glowed faintly on her forehead.
> "You…" Su Yang muttered.
She looked at him, her expression calm but powerful.
> "I passed the first stage of my test," she said. "I think… the
legacy is recognizing me."
Su Yang smiled faintly.
> "Seems we're both getting stronger."