Chapter 42: Azure Sky Immortal Thunder, Violet Vortex Blade Technique
Ye Zi Yin smiled, “High-level martial arts, like military strategy, involves tactics like building momentum, attacking the mind, and much more.
“With a clear and focused mind, you can achieve invincibility. By exploiting your opponent’s psychological weaknesses, even if they’re stronger than you, you can bring them down to your level, achieving victory despite being weaker, just like in military strategy.”
“The Art of War says, ‘The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting. The next best is to disrupt their alliances. The next best is to attack their army. The worst policy is to attack their cities.’ This also applies to martial arts.”
“Why is the Sacred Heart Clear Mirror Technique so important? Because used skillfully, it can help you establish dominance from the beginning, putting immense pressure on your opponent, making them falter before the fight even begins.”
Shi Hao nodded thoughtfully.
Ye Zi Yin took his hand and smiled, “Get up. I’ll teach you the sword technique that complements the Gathering Essence Flowing Pearl Technique.”
Shi Hao and the Holy Jade Immortal stood three zhang apart, facing each other.
When he first arrived, although he hadn’t done anything, he had felt a sense of guilt.
Now, with her having exposed his thoughts, he felt a sense of relief, his mind clear and unburdened.
And he finally understood the vast difference in their skill levels.
Ye Zi Yin said, “Show me the Six Immortal Lightning Strikes.”
Shi Hao hadn’t brought a sword with him.
He held the jade sword Ye Zi Yin had carved for him during their previous lesson.
Although made of jade, the jade in the Primordial Grotto Heaven was no ordinary material, its hardness comparable to ordinary iron.
Shi Hao held the jade sword, his stance steady and unwavering.
His eyes gleamed, and although he hadn’t moved, a faint sword light emanated from him, radiating a powerful sword intent.
The sword intent, like an icy wind, swept across the ground, its power immense and imposing.
Ye Zi Yin nodded slightly, a look of approval on her face.
Shi Hao hadn’t even begun the Six Immortal Lightning Strikes. This wasn’t a stance, but an aura.
He was “building momentum.”
He thought to himself, isn’t “building momentum,” as Sister Zi Yin called it, just showing off?
Thinking about it, Su Mei’s poetic chanting on the mist, Ye Zi Yin’s graceful walk on water and her dramatic entrance from behind the waterfall, were essentially just showing off. And undeniably… they were very effective!
Shi Hao circulated the Sacred Heart Clear Mirror Technique, his sword intent, although invisible, filling the air around him.
To an outsider, he seemed like a drawn sword, sharp and dangerous.
He stood there, rooted to the ground, yet also ethereal, like a celestial being, radiating an aura of power.
Suddenly, his sword flashed, sword energy swirling around him.
Ice Crystal Phantom Sword, Mysterious Firefly Flying Sword, Ephemeral Sword Radiance, Azure Sky Immortal Thunder, Earthly Thunderclap Sword, Crimson Dawn Sword Shadow… He executed all six strikes.
Then, he stood still, sword in hand, as if rooted to the earth, connected to the heavens.
Ye Zi Yin smiled, “Not bad. Although it’s still the same six strikes, you’ve integrated the drawing and sheathing of the sword with the Sacred Heart Clear Mirror Technique, using your aura to enhance your swordsmanship, and your swordsmanship to enhance your aura, achieving Sword Heart Unity.
“As long as you follow this method, even if someone matches your skill in terms of technique, if their aura is weaker than yours, they will quickly fall behind.”
Shi Hao exhaled, “Thank you for your guidance, Sister Zi Yin.”
Ye Zi Yin, holding her sword, said, “The technique I’m about to teach you is called the ‘Azure Sky Immortal Thunder.’ Although it’s just one technique, it combines all six strikes of the Six Immortal Lightning Strikes. It’s a ultimate move built upon the Gathering Essence Flowing Pearl Technique and the Six Immortal Lightning Strikes.
“You must understand that basic techniques determine your lower limit, allowing you to face various opponents. But ultimate moves determine your upper limit, allowing you to face stronger enemies, perhaps even achieving invincibility within your rank or defeating those of higher ranks.
“A powerful foundation, without extraordinary techniques, is like a vast army without a leader, a disorganized rabble, despite possessing powerful weapons. And conversely, powerful techniques require a strong foundation to support them.”
Ye Zi Yin swung her sword, “Watch carefully. This is the Azure Sky Immortal Thunder Sword!”
Sword energy erupted around her, and in an instant, she was surrounded by sword shadows.
The sword shadows intertwined, forming a whirlwind, like a swirling galaxy, rising into the air, then converging into a single, thunderous strike that slammed down before Shi Hao.
Shi Hao had seen the dazzling display of sword light, as brilliant as the stars, instantly transform into a devastating thunderbolt.
The ground before him exploded, and he stumbled back, his heart pounding.
Fortunately, he understood the importance of “showing off,” maintaining a calm, impassive expression, standing firm despite his trembling legs.
He pretended that the earth-shattering explosion was just a firecracker, nothing to be concerned about.
Ye Zi Yin was inwardly impressed. Remaining calm and composed even when facing a collapsing mountain was essential for “building momentum” and appearing “unfathomable.”
She began explaining the key principles of the Azure Sky Immortal Thunder Sword.
Although it was just one technique, it was incredibly complex. Shi Hao practiced each component separately for a long time before finally combining them.
He finally managed to execute the technique, but he was completely exhausted, unable to even stand.
Ye Zi Yin said softly, “With your current power, using this technique will deplete almost all your Daoist true energy. It will take some time to recover. Even after mastering the Gathering Essence Flowing Pearl Technique, you’ll probably only be able to use it three times in a row.
“But that’s enough to deal with most seventh-rank opponents. In fact, an ordinary seventh-rank martial artist wouldn’t be able to withstand a single strike.”
Shi Hao knew she was right.
This sword technique, projecting hundreds of sword shadows, converging into a single, devastating thunderbolt, was a true killing move.
Although just one technique, it significantly increased his combat power, allowing him to face opponents stronger than himself.
Ye Zi Yin smiled, “Six hours have passed. You should go to Su Mei now.”
Shi Hao hesitated, “She’ll definitely realize I told you about her teaching me the Butterfly Flower Finger and her… attempts to seduce me. What should I do?”
He decided it was best not to hide anything from Sister Zi Yin.
He had hidden it because he cared about her opinion, and he cared because he was hesitant. His hesitation created a weakness that could be exploited.
That witch was cunning; any shadow in his heart could be used against him.
He had to clear his mind before seeing Su Mei.
Ye Zi Yin smiled faintly, “It doesn’t matter. You can’t hide anything from her. In fact, it’s a good thing you broke free from her control.”
“Knowing her, the more easily you’re controlled, the more bored she’ll become, and the less likely she is to teach you anything. The fact that you resisted her influence will only make her more interested in you, and she’ll treat you even better.”
“So, you don’t have to worry about that. But there’s something you need to understand.”
Shi Hao said, “Please tell me, Sister Zi Yin.”
Ye Zi Yin said, “Judge by actions, not intentions. If you judge by intentions, there are no good people! That demonic witch has countless ways to make you feel guilty and ashamed. But everyone has dark thoughts. Even I do, sometimes.”
“But ultimately, what determines whether a person is good or evil, righteous or demonic, is their actions. Don’t regret your actions. Even if you realize you were wrong, look forward and try to make amends, instead of wallowing in self-pity. Only then can others not use your past against you.”
Shi Hao sighed in relief and bowed deeply, “You’re right, Sister.”
After bidding farewell to Ye Zi Yin, Shi Hao walked towards the ruined palace.
As he walked, he calmed his mind, achieving Sword Heart Unity, his heart clear as a mirror.
Arriving at the palace, a shower of colorful flower petals rained down from above, a dazzling display.
The vibrant colors, like exploding fireworks, momentarily captivated him.
Along with the falling petals came a graceful figure and a melodious voice, “Fire tests the heavens, scorns celestial laws, dances amidst flowers, defying all order; plays in the mortal world, captivating all beings, corrupts laws and the Dao, the night-enchanting celestial.”
It was similar to her previous poem but with slight differences that made him want to analyze their meaning.
At the same time, his gaze was drawn to her beautiful, ethereal figure, unable to look away.
But now, Shi Hao knew this was just showing off… no, “building momentum.”
He maintained his Sacred Heart Clear Mirror, his mind calm and focused.
As the alluring figure landed, Shi Hao, holding his jade sword, stepped forward, his demeanor elegant and composed.
He recited in a low voice, “Zhao’s blade, from its silk scabbard drawn, gleams bright as frost or snow at dawn. On silver saddle sits his steed of white; he rides like shooting star across the night. Ten steps, and one life meets its doom; a thousand miles he rides, then seeks no tomb!”
Su Mei watched as the young man approached, his steps steady, his gaze sharp, his sleeves fluttering like a sword, his aura sharp and piercing, like a blade cutting through the heavens.
A look of surprise flickered in her eyes.
She giggled, her body flickering, and appeared behind Shi Hao in a flash.
Shi Hao tried to evade her surprise attack, but having expended considerable energy practicing the Azure Sky Immortal Thunder Sword, and with Su Mei’s incredible speed and superior strength, he was no match for her.
She lightly kicked the back of his left knee, causing him to stumble. She placed one hand on her hip, grabbed his ear with the other, and giggled, “So soon you think you can challenge me?!”
Shi Hao waved his hands, “Wife, stop! Stop!”
Su Mei released him and smiled, “That poem was quite good. Who wrote it?”
Shi Hao naturally wouldn’t tell her it was a classic from another world.
He said, “Don’t forget, wife, I’m a scholar. I just came up with it on the spot.”
Su Mei’s eyes widened, “I didn’t know you were so talented in literature as well.”
She glanced at him, “She already knows? You told her?”
Shi Hao asked, surprised, “How did you know so quickly?” Although he knew he couldn’t hide anything from her, this was too fast.
Su Mei said, “Although you were putting on a show just now, your aura was strong, your sword intent stable, your mind and body unified like a sword. Although it’s not much in the eyes of a high-ranking expert like me, there was a sense of unwavering strength and determination.
“That’s not just mastery of martial arts, but a refinement of your mental state. If you were guilty and afraid to face her, you wouldn’t have made such progress in just six hours. Hee hee, I have to admit, you looked quite impressive just now.
“If I didn’t know you so well, I might have been fooled.”
Looking at her bright smile, Shi Hao recalled the Holy Jade Immortal’s words:
—”The more you resist her, the more interested she’ll become.”
What kind of logic was that?
Shi Hao bowed, “Wife, please stop using me as a pawn in your rivalry. I’m really no match for you two.”
Su Mei chuckled, “Fine. Since she managed to elevate your mental state to such an extent, I can’t be stingy either. But you seem tired. Can you still handle more training?”
Shi Hao gritted his teeth, “I can endure it!”
“You said it yourself!” Su Mei, now back in her peach-colored robe and with her hair in a flying celestial bun, floated backwards.
She said, “I’m going to teach you the Violet Vortex Blade Technique, which complements the Unfettered Demon’s Boundless Art. Watch carefully.”
Shi Hao watched as Su Mei landed on a flat piece of jade and began demonstrating the blade technique with her palm. After a while, she stopped and smiled, “What do you think?”
Shi Hao asked, puzzled, “Wife, why does this technique, besides looking graceful, seem so ordinary, even… unrestrained?”
And the “graceful movements” were only because she was such a beautiful woman. If a man performed it, it wouldn’t even be worth watching.
Su Mei smiled, “What if you combine it with the energy circulation method of the Unfettered Demon’s Boundless Art?” She floated towards a section of the ruins and demonstrated the technique again.
This time, Shi Hao saw that the seemingly ordinary blade technique distorted and warped everything it touched.
He even saw her palm lightly brush against a stone pillar, not even cutting it, and the pillar snapped in two, as if drawn towards her palm by an invisible force.
This bizarre and illogical “blade technique” made Shi Hao’s eyes light up, “Teach me, wife!”
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