Chapter 45

The scent of blood stirred the bloodfang bats from their slumber, their eyes igniting with a menacing crimson glow. As they unleashed their qi, the cave pulsed with a palpable sense of danger, and in unison, they launched a swift and ferocious attack on the boy, who stood directly beneath their shadow, bracing himself for the onslaught.

With determination etched on his face, he assumed a defensive stance, his wooden sword poised and ready. The bats swooped down like a storm, their fangs bared and wings slicing through the air with lethal precision. He parried and riposted, his movements a frantic dance of survival, each thrust and slash meeting the relentless tide of bats. Their sheer numbers were overwhelming, and he relied on his ability to sense their qi, moving with a desperate fluidity that was both instinctive and honed by training.

As the night stretched on, the cave morphed into a chaotic battlefield. His fireball and lightning shockwave flickered through the darkness, momentarily illuminating the frenzied chaos that surrounded him. Employing his Body Flicker Technique, he evaded the sonic screeches and wind slashes, but even his agility could not shield him from every attack. Soon, his body was a canvas of wounds, blood mingling with sweat and dirt, each injury a testament to the fierce struggle for survival.

With his defenses waning, the bats' bites began to drain his life force, their sharp fangs piercing his flesh with each savage assault. Desperate for a break, he summoned a wood clone to divert their attention, but the unyielding swarm swiftly destroyed it. His movements grew sluggish, each breath a grueling effort, yet despite the exhaustion that threatened to consume him and the fear of death clawing at his mind, he pressed on.

...

Meanwhile, an old man observed Madara's technique with keen interest. His fingers paused on his white beard as he analyzed the boy's ingenuity. "So, you possess a clone technique made of wood, huh? Quite intriguing," he murmured, a hint of admiration in his voice.

...

In the midst of the hellish battle, he grappled with the cycle of life, death, and rebirth, coming to understand it as an intrinsic part of the natural order. He began to perceive death not as an end but as a gateway to a new level of existence, transforming his paralyzing fear into a flicker of anticipation. This profound realization ignited a fleeting burst of strength within him, enough to keep him fighting against the overwhelming odds.

Near the brink of unconsciousness, he recalled the words he had once shared with the old man: "Becoming a cultivator is the only way to survive in this world." With renewed determination coursing through him, he pushed through the pain, his wooden sword a blur of shimmering silver qi as he parried, riposted, and thrust at the encroaching foes.

The battle raged on, an unrelenting exchange of strikes and counters, and after several grueling hours, the first light of dawn began to seep into the cave. In that moment of clarity, he summoned the last reserves of his strength and managed to slay one bloodfang bat. Its body thudded to the ground, its blood essence slowly dissipating into the air, mingling with the shadows that still clung to the cave walls. He stood amidst the carnage, utterly exhausted and covered in wounds, yet miraculously alive. As the warm light of daybreak illuminated the cave, the remaining bats retreated into the shadows, deterred by the encroaching light of dawn.

...

The old man couldn't help but smile at the sight of him, impressed by his resilience in the face of such overwhelming odds.

...

Though he survived the night, the experience left him scarred both physically and mentally. The cave, once a realm of darkness and danger, now held the promise of a new day—and with it, the hope of recovery and growth.

Due to the intense battle, Madara could only walk with a limp, using his worn wooden sword as a makeshift crutch. Eventually, he settled outside the cave, too fatigued to make it back home. He decided to rest here, to replenish the qi he had expended and to heal. Adjusting his position into a cross-legged posture, he began to meditate, focusing on absorbing qi.

Once he had fully recovered his qi, he began to apply the Mystical Palm Technique to the wounds he had sustained during the battle. After about 45 minutes of concentrated healing, he had closed all his injuries, though they left behind a tapestry of scars across his body. With a sense of purpose, he returned to the cave to retrieve the bloodfang bat he had slain, carefully placing its body in his storage ring.

When he arrived home, fatigue washed over him, and he succumbed to sleep. Upon waking, he took the remaining yellow apple from his storage ring, its vibrant color a small comfort, and savored its sweet flesh.

After finishing his meal, he settled into deep meditation to reflect on the decisions he had made during the battle. In his inner realm, just outside the expansive library, he began to watch and analyze the harrowing confrontation. Adopting a meditative stance, he envisioned a sphere of shimmering light before him. This memory sphere, as he had come to call it, floated gently in the air, pulsating with the echoes of his recent experiences, each pulse a reminder of the challenges he had faced and the lessons he had learned.

With a focused thought, the sphere expanded, revealing the dramatic scene of his recent battle. He watched from a third-person perspective, as if he were an unseen observer of his own life. The vivid imagery unfolded with remarkable clarity—the clash of sword, the frantic flurry of movements, and the intense expressions etched on both his face and those of his formidable opponents.

After finishing the viewing, he spoke aloud, his voice steady yet contemplative. "I realize I have a long way to go if I want to survive against foes like those bloodfang bats. I must improve my qi control to execute my techniques with greater precision and power. Additionally, studying advanced combat techniques will help me diversify my fighting style and enhance my abilities through real experience."

"I understood the importance of spatial awareness; I had to learn to anticipate my enemies' moves and react faster. Building my endurance was essential, too; I needed to strengthen my body to withstand prolonged battles. Mental fortitude was just as vital; I had to overcome my fear and self-doubt through meditation and visualization techniques. "

"Exploring unique techniques that drew from my experiences could give me an edge, and studying the combat styles of others (enemies) would provide valuable insights. Mastering defensive techniques like advanced parries and dodges was non-negotiable. Lastly, I had to learn to use my environment to my advantage, whether it was finding high ground or using obstacles for cover."

"If I focused on these areas, I could transform myself into a more formidable cultivator, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead....."

Upon exiting his inner realm, he noticed the sun still shining brightly, inspiring him to begin his endurance training. He understood that building physical stamina and resilience was essential for withstanding prolonged battles. To enhance his overall combat effectiveness, he incorporated rigorous training regimens focused on endurance, strength, and agility.

After several hours of intense training, he made his way to the cave for his second day of practice. As night fell, he returned to the same location, ready to repeat the actions he had taken during his initial session, determined to push his limits further.

~As a sword cultivator you need unwavering dedication and discipline, fully committing to the path of swordsmanship (Sword Dao). Perseverance is crucial, as you'll face numerous challenges that test your mental fortitude. Maintaining sharp focus and concentration allows you to master techniques and sense your opponents' movements. Courage is essential for confronting powerful adversaries and exploring unknown territories. Wisdom guides you in understanding the deeper philosophies of swordsmanship, while adaptability helps you adjust tactics to different situations. Treat your sword with respect as an extension of yourself, reflecting your inner state.~

...

Days, weeks, months, and years passed in the rhythm of his training routine...

He felt a deepening connection with his wooden sword, a bond forged through desperation and determination. Each swing and thrust became more than just mechanical motions; they transformed into extensions of his will and essence.

He began to understand the fundamental unity between himself and his weapon. With every parry, he focused not only on defense but on harmonizing his movements with the rhythm of the fight. He sensed the sword's weight, its balance, and how it responded to his intent. Each time he infused it with silver sword qi, he felt his energy intertwining with the blade, allowing him to project his will into every strike.

As he fought against overwhelming odds, the sword became more than just a tool; it transformed into a vessel of his spirit. With each slash and thrust, he expressed not only his desire to survive but also his resolve to grow stronger.

He learned to anticipate his opponents' movements by attuning his own energy to theirs, enabling him to counter their strikes with grace. This heightened awareness allowed him to execute a series of cutting techniques that flowed seamlessly from one to the next, creating a beautiful dance of steel and spirit.

This understanding of unity with his sword led him to see death not as an end, but as a transformation. Each swing became a declaration of his will, his essence projecting through the blade, empowering him to overcome fear and injury.

In that moment, he realized that true mastery came from unity with one's weapon, allowing his will and essence to flow freely through it.

...

After 2 years and 8 months (Spring)

That morning, by the tranquil lake, a scruffy 15-year-old boy was diligently practicing swordplay with his wooden sword. He wore bat skin cloth draped over his upper body and a skirt made of the same material, giving him a rugged, cave-dweller appearance. Despite his rough attire, the numerous scars adorning his body were unmistakable, each one telling a story of past struggles. His long black hair flowed down to his waist, with bangs framing the right side of his face and partially obscuring his eyes, slightly parted off-center.

After completing his drills, he entered his home to meditate, seeking inner focus. Several hours later, he stepped outside once more to continue his practice. As he released his sword qi from his right hand, his wooden sword crumpled to a thickness as fine as paper. This was a significant sign: the sword cultivator had achieved his basic sword intent. When Madara observed this transformation, he found himself unable to express his emotions—torn between joy and sorrow—before exclaiming, "Sister Yun, I've created my own sword intent!"

---Sword Intent (剑意, jiàn yì): is a profound concept that transcends basic sword techniques. It refers to the wielder's mental and spiritual comprehension of the sword, encompassing both their mastery of techniques and the philosophical understanding of the weapon's essence. ---

~As a sword cultivator, you need unwavering dedication and discipline, fully committing to the path of swordsmanship (Sword Dao). Perseverance is crucial, as you'll face numerous challenges that test your mental fortitude. Maintaining sharp focus and concentration allows you to master techniques and sense your opponents' movements. Courage is essential for confronting powerful adversaries and exploring unknown territories. Wisdom guides you in understanding the deeper philosophies of swordsmanship, while adaptability helps you adjust tactics to different situations. Treat your sword with respect as an extension of yourself, reflecting your inner state. Strive for continuous improvement, balancing emotion with rationality, and connect deeply with the natural energies around you to enhance your abilities and achieve personal enlightenment.~