Chapter 168: Dragon-Swinging Sword

After reaching the level of Golden Warrior, the cultivation of his mental techniques focused mainly on forming a combat energy avatar, while also preparing thoroughly for unlocking the two meridians. After observing for some time, Rod gradually understood that what he could do for now was to become more proficient in controlling his combat energy and continuously condense it to a higher level of saturation—otherwise, it would be impossible to form an avatar. Only when the combat energy reached a certain saturation level, combined with precise control, could an avatar be formed.

Of course, another very important factor was achieving a certain degree of harmony with the elements in the universe. Forming a combat energy avatar required a massive amount of combat energy. Even if all the combat energy of a Saint-level warrior were used, it would likely still be extremely difficult. Therefore, it was necessary to achieve harmony with the elements in the universe. At the moment of forming the avatar, one could use their own combat energy as a medium to create a bridge, drawing in external elemental forces, then controlling both the combat energy and these elements to coalesce around the body, forming an armor-like avatar that surrounded the body to enhance defense and combat power.

This was also the most crucial point. It was precisely because of this that many people, even after reaching the Imperial level, still failed to form a true combat energy avatar. Some even remained unable to create a perfect one even after reaching the Saint level. The reason wasn’t that their combat energy wasn’t sufficient or their control over it wasn’t precise enough, but rather their inability to harmonize with external elements, preventing them from forming an avatar.

It should be noted that the time required to form a combat energy avatar was extremely short—no more than ten seconds at most. Skilled warriors could form their avatar in less than five or even three seconds once they mastered the process. One can imagine just how enormous the amount of combat energy needed to be summoned within those few seconds—reaching a terrifying level.

Seeing this, Rod realized he still had many shortcomings. For now, all he could do was release his combat energy externally; he was still a long way from forming an avatar. His current goal was to improve his control over combat energy while simultaneously condensing it. As for harmony with elements, Rod wasn’t too worried. Ever since he signed an elemental contract through the unity with the universe, his harmony with those elements had reached a terrifying level—far beyond what many mages could achieve.

It is particularly important to prepare well for the formation of the combat energy avatar, because even if two people have mastered this skill proficiently, differences between them can lead to variations in time required, as well as significant differences in their use of combat energy. After understanding this, Rod set clear goals for his training in the coming period, knowing exactly where to focus his efforts and which abilities he needed to strengthen further. As for the two Ren Tong meridians, it was not urgent at the moment; unlocking them would have to wait until he reached the peak of a Golden Warrior, when he would have enough strength to make the attempt. To prepare for that stage, he needed to strengthen his meridians within this limited time to elevate them to a higher level, so they could withstand the pressures to come. The two Ren Tong meridians are the most crucial meridians, and overcoming them is one of the toughest challenges for any martial artist. Once these two meridians are unlocked, one enters the Innate realm, where combat energy undergoes a qualitative change. Training also changes after entering the Innate realm; in essence, reaching this realm means crossing another threshold, allowing one to be considered a strong figure across the entire continent. Additionally, Rod recalled the third move of his training technique, the “Shadow Dragon Sword Art,” named “Sweeping the Dragon.” Undoubtedly, just from its name, it seemed much more formidable than the first two moves, which immediately piqued Rod’s interest. He delved into it and soon found an introduction to this move. Its characteristics include a blend of hardness and softness, smooth control, agility, and grace. To execute this move effectively, one must use the sword like a flying phoenix and move like a dragon, achieving great flexibility and variability in movement.

There was also a section of commentary on the right. Seeing those dense lines of text, Rod didn’t dare to be careless and hurriedly read them. It was an explanation of the key principles of this sword technique: “I developed this sword technique after observing the rise and fall of the sun, the waxing and waning of the moon, the movement of the stars, as well as towering peaks and steep cliffs that seemed to pierce the sky. Surrounded by clouds and mist, life thrived there, and from this, I understood the principle of endless renewal. Although speed is paramount in all martial arts, after much reflection, I realized that this sword technique requires a balance of hardness and softness, yin and yang—hardness with a touch of softness, and softness with strength. Only in this way can it mirror the forces of nature, enduring like the sun and moon, the wind and clouds, and achieving seamless flow! Be fast when needed, slow when necessary—this is the true essence of swordsmanship! I have spent my entire life striving for perfection, yet I’ve never been able to grasp its deeper meaning. Though called the Sword Saint, I feel deep regret and shame. I hope future practitioners can understand its true origin!”

Just a few lines, yet they shocked Rod profoundly. Clearly, these words were the creator’s reflections. Especially the first half, which explained the origin of the technique, the core principles of martial arts, and the key aspects of this sword technique, while also drawing contrasts and concluding with reflections—these words struck Rod like a blow. Hadn’t he always pursued speed as the ultimate goal? Now he realized he had been on the wrong track.

It’s true that speed is paramount in martial arts, but what kind of speed is most crucial? Take the simplest example: if your opponent is faster than you, no matter how fast you try to be, you won’t surpass them. In such a fight, there’s no continuity—just like when his captain, Cael, greatly improved his strength and used it to achieve incredible speed. His signature moves, Shadow Sword and Autumn Wind Sword, paled in comparison. The reason was that Cael’s speed had reached a new level; he no longer feared or felt pressured by speed and could even handle it effortlessly. At that point, any move posed no threat to him.

What this technique emphasizes—controlled speed and a balance of hardness and softness—is precisely what’s needed in such situations. When your opponent is faster, you must use softness to counter hardness and slowness to counter speed, disrupting their plans and rhythm and bringing them under your control. In that case, victory is only a matter of time.

This set of sword techniques emphasizes exactly this point—by delving into them as if they were precious treasures, one can see clearly the methods and essentials of their execution. If not for his physical discomfort, Rod would have already jumped up to start practicing. The impact of these sword techniques on him was immense, far beyond his imagination; it made his heart race like a deer, filled with eagerness to try them out, and he felt an urge to explode with energy. His mind suddenly cleared, as if the clouds had parted to reveal the sun. Unaware of it, his mental state improved once again, and combat energy flowed into his body on its own. In a short time, Rod’s combat energy rose to another level, though he hadn’t realized it yet, as he was completely focused on the sword techniques and unaware of anything else around him. When he finally regained consciousness, he wasn’t surprised by this; instead, he was excited about the emergence of these techniques. Outside, it was already late, and another day had passed unnoticed. His research gave him some confidence, and now all he needed was the right moment—once his injuries healed, he would immediately begin practicing these techniques. Through his research, he gained a new understanding of his previous moves. He realized that by making such modifications, both Shadow Sword and Autumn Wind Sword could reach a higher level, with their attack power increasing exponentially. This meant he would be able to compete even against someone like Ciel, who had suddenly improved in strength. With these thoughts, he couldn’t help but start reworking and improving Shadow Sword and Autumn Wind Sword, hoping to find a better way to unleash their full power. … “Captain, what are you doing? You’ve been acting so mysterious these past few days! Seriously, are you ready yet?” Anna’s complaints reached his ears. Three days had passed unnoticed, and his injuries healed better than expected. By today, he was almost fully recovered. He believed he could now exert his eighth-level strength without issue. His external wounds had mostly scabbed over, and it wouldn’t take much longer for him to fully recover. His internal injuries were also mostly healed. Once again, he demonstrated his abnormal recovery ability, this time astonishing everyone. During those three days, he hadn’t been idle. After reanalyzing Shadow Sword and Autumn Wind Sword, he arrived at some conclusions and proofs. All that remained now was to put them into practice. He believed that if he could implement his conclusions, the increase in power would far exceed his expectations.

Over the three days, Kiro, Wiski, and the others came to his room at fixed times every day to tell him about what was going on outside and ask about his condition, so it was not a bad time at all. From their words, Rod also learned that although the competition had ended, something seemed to be going on higher up, as they hadn’t taken anyone away and everyone remained at Holy Light Academy, suggesting some action was about to unfold! Indeed, there was one thing Rod still didn’t know: within those three days, his fame had spread far and wide. Now he was definitely a hot new star in the empire and even across the continent, becoming a topic of conversation for many during their leisure time. Though frustrated, he was powerless to do anything about it. Today, as his injuries had mostly healed, everyone gathered in his room once again. As Rod was packing his things, he was once again urged by Anna. Seeing the gloating expressions on those around him, he could only smile bitterly. It was only over these few days that he realized Anna was a barbaric woman who was no less fierce than Alice.