Chapter 37: The Untrainable Sword Technique
Chapter 37: The Untrainable Sword Technique
The sound of rustling pages was crisp and pleasing, but Zane Sterling found it irritating.
Ignoring Eli Mason, who was engrossed in reading, Zane walked back to the edge of the pond, drew his long blade from the soil, and started practicing his swordsmanship.
Eli glanced at Zane's energetic display but quickly refocused on the book in his hands. He was flipping through the pages at an astonishing speed, devouring the contents of each thick tome with remarkable efficiency.
As Eli buried himself deeper into the text, his expression fluctuated between excitement, contemplation, and disappointment. His mind raced with the information he was processing.
Hours passed swiftly, and by the time Eli had finished the eleventh book, he felt the need to pause. Closing his eyes, he took a moment to gather his thoughts and let the newfound knowledge settle in.
When Eli finally reopened his eyes, he was startled to find Zane's face mere inches from his own.
"What are you doing? Weren't you practicing your sword techniques?" Eli asked, trying to mask his surprise.
"It's getting late, Eli. Can't you tell?" Zane replied, pulling back and rolling his eyes.
Only then did Eli notice the dimming light around them. He looked up to see the sky painted in shades of gray, signaling the onset of evening.
"Time flies when you're engrossed in something," Eli remarked, standing up and stretching his limbs.
"So, did you find anything interesting in those books?" Zane asked eagerly.
"Yes, quite suitable for me," Eli replied.
"What do you mean 'quite suitable'? Give me something concrete," Zane demanded impatiently.
"These manuals are a mixed bag, without any cohesive system. They seem to be a collection of assorted techniques," Eli explained.
"Is there really a Blinking Sword Technique? And why such a peculiar name?" Zane pressed on, still unsatisfied.
"The Blinking Sword Technique does exist, but it's only a small part of these compilations. The name comes from its ability to exploit visual errors and light conditions to defeat opponents, making it seem like they were struck in the blink of an eye," Eli elaborated.
"That's a strange technique indeed. There are some real oddballs in the world," Zane mused, intrigued. However, his interest waned quickly as Eli continued.
"The technique comes with three conditions: you can't practice it if you have any substantial inner strength, lack determination, or don't have the right aptitude," Eli concluded.
Zane immediately lost interest upon hearing the first condition. His inner strength was considerable, and there was no way he would abandon his existing skills for an uncertain technique.
As Zane prepared to leave, he reminded Eli to copy the manuals quickly. They couldn't afford for the originals to be missing for too long, as it would eventually attract attention.
After Zane left, Eli also departed, making his way back to Godhand Valley. The entire mountain range was shrouded in a thin layer of mist, creating an eerie atmosphere. The narrow mountain path was flanked by dense pine forests, their branches rustling ominously in the wind.
Eli hurried along the path, his senses heightened by the Longspring Technique, which made his eyes more acute in the dark. Despite the treacherous route, he moved with confidence, aware of the dangers but undeterred.
As night fell, Eli's pace quickened. He knew the risks of traveling this path in the dark but trusted his enhanced perception to guide him safely. The path twisted and turned, with steep drops on either side, but Eli navigated it with precision.
Reaching his room, Eli set to work. He began copying the Blinking Sword Technique meticulously, making sure not to miss any detail. His fingers moved swiftly, transcribing the ancient characters onto fresh pages.
Each stroke was deliberate, each word carefully noted. The technique was intricate, and Eli wanted to ensure he captured its essence fully. The Blinking Sword Technique was unlike any other he had studied. It relied on speed, precision, and the manipulation of light and shadow.
Eli's determination grew with each passing moment. This technique, though challenging, could give him an edge. It was a way to balance his lack of inner strength with superior skill and strategy.
As he copied the manuals, Eli's mind wandered to his previous encounters with Doctor Mo. The old man had proven to be a formidable adversary, using cunning and manipulation to control him. But with the Blinking Sword Technique, Eli saw a path to freedom, a way to break free from Doctor Mo's grip.
The night deepened, and Eli's room was filled with the soft glow of candlelight. He worked tirelessly, driven by a newfound sense of purpose. The Blinking Sword Technique was more than just a martial art; it was a symbol of hope, a beacon guiding him toward a brighter future.
By dawn, Eli had finished transcribing the last of the manuals. He leaned back, exhaustion weighing on him, but satisfaction gleaming in his eyes. The Blinking Sword Technique was now within his grasp, and he was ready to master it.
Eli Mason was determined to rise above his circumstances, to become more than just a pawn in someone else's game. With the Blinking Sword Technique, he would carve out his destiny, one swift, precise strike at a time.
The journey ahead was fraught with challenges, but Eli was ready. He had the skill, the determination, and now, a powerful new technique. Nothing would stand in his way as he pursued his path to greatness.