You promised yourself to be a caged bird, but you became the supreme young master?

With his mind made up, Lu Heng raised his hand to wipe the thin layer of sweat from his forehead, and his fingers tightened slightly as he gripped the longsword.

His feet were firmly planted on the ground, shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, back straight as a pine tree, and long sword held diagonally across his chest. The ebony wood grain on the scabbard gleamed faintly in the dim light.

As night deepened, the chirping of insects outside the window had long since ceased, and the moon had disappeared into the thick clouds, with only a sliver of hazy moonlight filtering through the window paper.

In the room, only the soft sound of a sword cutting through the wind and the rustling of clothes echoed repeatedly in the silence.

"hack."

A low growl rolled through his throat, and Lu Heng exerted force with his wrist, causing his longsword to fly out of its sheath and draw a straight silver arc.

With the hundredth swing of the sword, the swordplay had long since become skillful, transforming from clumsy to adept.

One slash, one sheathing of the sword, one flick, one thrust.

The four most basic sword moves are broken down into the most subtle movements and repeated in a cycle.

Sweat rolled down his jawline, splashing onto the bluestone slab and spreading out a small, dark stain. His clothes were already soaked through, sticking stickily to his back and bringing a cool sensation.

The web of his hand gripping the sword was red from the worn rope, and a wave of soreness and numbness washed over his arm, causing his fingertips to tremble slightly.

But Lu Heng's movements became increasingly precise—as the sword blade grazed the air, the feeling of resistance diminished, and with the final thrust, the tip of the sword stopped precisely in the crack in the corner of the table, without the slightest deviation.

As the hundredth repetition ended with a soft thud, the longsword returned to its sheath with a clear, crisp "ding."

Lu Heng leaned on his sword, panting heavily, his chest heaving violently.

The night outside the window was so dark it seemed impenetrable, and the water clock dripped softly; it was already late at night.

Just then, the information on the panel quietly changed.

[Basic Swordsmanship: From Beginner 99/100 to Beginner 100/100]

[Basic Swordsmanship: Beginner 1/300]

The words on the panel lit up and then disappeared, and an indescribable enlightenment instantly swept over Lu Heng's entire body.

The hesitation and awkwardness in wielding the sword, the stiffness and stagnation in controlling the wrist strength, all seemed to be dissected and broken down at this moment, transforming into an incredibly clear pattern.

The words I once read in the sword manual are no longer lifeless objects on paper, but have transformed into instincts flowing through my bones.

Lu Heng curled his lips into a smile, a glint of light flashing in his eyes.

One hundred repetitions of the "Basic Sword Techniques" will bring a little more proficiency with each practice session.

Without anyone noticing, he had already mastered the basics of swordsmanship.

Compared to the "Basic Body Refining Method," where breakthroughs are almost inevitable, the breakthroughs in the "Basic Sword Technique" are actually much more absurd.

In comparison, it only requires painstaking effort and the aptitude for cultivation to be guaranteed to succeed in foundation building.

Learning the basics of swordsmanship is something that requires a certain amount of talent.

Just like math, you either know it or you don't!

Those who lack natural talent will never have any chance of breaking through, no matter how much hard work they put in!

In this respect, the Basic Body Refinement Method, which can be built up by accumulating a large amount of resources, is almost incomparable.

Realizing this, Lu Heng felt a chill run down his spine and made plans to ask Lu Jinnian about it the next day.

From this point alone, he could tell that he should not show too outrageous or illogical speed in his training of the Basic Sword Techniques.

Otherwise, the consequences are ultimately unpredictable.

As for the difference in skill level before and after learning "Basic Sword Techniques".

I thought about it for a while.

"Could I, after mastering the basics, defeat ten times my pre-basic self?!"

Lu Heng's eyes widened instantly, and for a moment he could hardly believe it.

Can a basic sword technique, which is only at the beginner level, really bring about such a huge improvement?

In that case…

………………

It was still at the agreed-upon teahouse.

However, given yesterday's experience, the second floor of the teahouse had already been booked by Lu Jinnian in advance.

"In other words, you, you bastard, mastered the basics of swordsmanship in just one day."

Lu Jinnian slammed his hand on the table, swallowed hard, and nearly choked to death after hearing the calm explanation from the young man in front of him. He had just taken a sip of tea.

I'm so stupid, really.

Lu Jinnian was also dumbfounded for a moment.

That is to say...

The friend in front of me might have an even greater talent for swordsmanship than for general cultivation!

Comparing people will only make you miserable, and comparing goods will make you appreciate them.

Lu Jinnian was starting to wonder if he was dreaming.

Logically speaking, it's already quite extraordinary that a friend you met in the martial arts arena, based on a chance encounter, would display such exceptional comprehension and talent.

What the hell is this kind of cultivation progress that only legendary geniuses could achieve these days?

With a helpless sigh, Lu Jinnian confirmed Lu Heng's guess.

"Aheng, you're right, if you really show this talent."

Even if you only have talent in swordsmanship, the insects of the main family will not hesitate to regard you as a major threat and eliminate you.

and so…

You should focus on your spiritual practice.

You absolutely must not let this talent show out.

Lu Jinnian was at a loss for words. A genius of this caliber would be hailed as a god in any other family.

However, for the Lu clan, this was a threat that they absolutely had to eliminate.

This world is truly a mess!

"No problem, that's what I think too." Lu Heng was naturally indifferent.

"That's good." Lu Jinnian still sighed.

"Ah Heng, come with me, I'll lead the way. The gang is nearby."

………………

"Alright, do you want to sign the contract?"

Looking at the two teenagers in front of him, the middle-aged man in black robes, who had been looked after beforehand, spoke with a kind expression.

With a flick of the fingertip, a golden talisman floated in the air, its vermilion patterns shimmering with spiritual light.

Lu Jinnian's expression shifted slightly, but he didn't say anything.

Lu Heng remained expressionless, his gaze sweeping over the small, intricate details on the contract. His tone was flat: "Ten spirit coins, one-year term, according to the rules."

A hint of surprise flashed across the middle-aged man's eyes, but he quickly smiled and said, "No problem."

Lu Heng bit his fingertip, and a drop of bright red blood fell onto the talisman paper. A flash of golden light entered his sea of ​​consciousness.

He took the cloth bag containing spirit coins, weighed it in his hand, nodded, and turned to leave.

Lu Jinnian quickly followed.

Once the two had walked a distance, the middle-aged man's smile completely vanished, and he muttered to himself,

"Finally fell for it!"

Business is tough!

With this latest deal, another cultivator has been forced to work like a slave for the gang to pay off their debts for many years!

"The commission adds up to quite a bit; young people are definitely easier to fool."

………………

"Finally, I've been fooled." Lu Heng sighed as he casually tossed the cloth bag in his hand.

He had initially thought there might be some unexpected events, or even tests, but it seems he was overthinking it.

For a high-quality customer like him, the gang is too busy entertaining him to possibly turn him away.

and so…

His spiritual practice plan can now be put on the agenda!