Chapter 3: Half a Year

The first level of the Sword God Body Tempering Technique was not about training the body, but rather a method to quickly heal injuries.

"Feel the flow of blood within, control the warmth circulating inside..."

As Li Yuan practiced the first level of the technique, he found it surprisingly smooth and easy to sense the flow of blood within his body.

"Could it be that my body, with its vampiric bloodline, allows me to sense the blood flow so quickly?"

His late parents had once told him that their family possessed the bloodline of the vampires. However, because vampires were the favorite slaves of the world's nobility, they lived incognito on this small island.

From a young age, his body was different. He remembered accidentally cutting his hand with a kitchen knife, and in less than half a minute, the bleeding stopped, and the wound healed completely within a few hours, showcasing an incredible regenerative ability.

"Vampiric bloodline, indeed a remarkable heritage."

Li Yuan smiled slightly as he continued practicing the first level of the Sword God Body Tempering Technique.

"Unexpectedly, practicing this technique has also elevated my understanding of swordsmanship!"

During practice, he clearly sensed his body becoming more relaxed, and the aches from his earlier battle faded away. Simultaneously, the sword techniques he learned in both his past and present lives began to reappear in his mind like a movie, highlighting flaws he hadn't noticed before.

However, once he stopped practicing the Sword God Body Tempering Technique, that peculiar clarity vanished, as if his intelligence and understanding of swordsmanship had diminished.

"Is this why it's called the Sword God Body Tempering Technique and not just a Body Tempering Technique?"

"It enhances one's swordsmanship talent and comprehension while practicing!"

Li Yuan was highly satisfied with his golden finger's characteristics. With this, he was confident he could reach the pinnacle in both physique and swordsmanship!

"I've mastered the first level of the technique. The second level involves rapid digestion, while the third involves controlling the entire body, akin to a different form of Life Return. These three levels shouldn't be difficult for me."

While practicing the Sword God Body Tempering Technique, Li Yuan also began physical training, doing push-ups, sit-ups, and frog jumps. His body was still weak, unable to handle advanced exercises.

"Hmm?"

The master of the Infinite Sword Pavilion, Louis, came to check on Li Yuan's safety at the pavilion but was surprised to see him training his fitness instead of practicing swordplay.

"Master, I've realized that while swordsmanship is powerful, I won't abandon it. But a strong body is equally important. Without it, I can't reach the pinnacle of swordsmanship!"

Li Yuan immediately explained, noticing the confusion in his master's eyes.

"Well, as long as you know what you're doing. If this is the path you've chosen, don't regret it. Keep moving forward."

Louis was taken aback by Li Yuan's words but saw the determination in his eyes and said no more. A master leads the way, but practice is personal. His role was to pass on his swordsmanship to Li Yuan. How far Li Yuan could go was up to him.

"Yes, Master. I will fulfill my promise to become the world's greatest swordsman!"

Li Yuan declared with conviction. This was his goal and belief. He had the foundation to become strong and was confident that perseverance would lead to success.

Louis nodded and left, while Li Yuan continued his training regimen. Even when exhausted after morning workouts, a meal followed by practicing the first level of the Sword God Body Tempering Technique revitalized him.

In the afternoon, he focused on sword practice. His innate talent in swordsmanship was why he was chosen as the sole personal disciple of the pavilion's master. Instead of practicing the Infinite Sword Pavilion's inherited techniques, he honed basic sword moves, which are foundational to all swordsmanship.

Basic sword moves include thrusting, cutting, pointing, sweeping, lifting, collapsing, intercepting, slashing, wiping, shaving, clouding, hanging, framing, and pressing. Though basic, these moves are critical. The firmer the foundation, the easier the advancement in swordsmanship—this is undeniable.

With goals and beliefs, he had the motivation to become stronger. From then on, Li Yuan stayed at the Sword Pavilion, tirelessly training his body and practicing swordsmanship.

Thanks to the Sword God Body Tempering Technique, he wasn't afraid of overtraining. As long as he didn't die, he trained to the limit! He maintained this regimen for half a year, not because he didn't want to continue, but because he'd reached a bottleneck in his training at the pavilion.

Over these six months, his progress was rapid in both physique and swordsmanship. The result was that staying at the pavilion no longer allowed him to progress; he needed more challenging training, which meant leaving the pavilion.

"Although I'm not very strong yet, as long as the master of the Sharp Sword Pavilion doesn't intervene personally, I'm not afraid of them anymore!"

"I've decided to leave the pavilion and have some junior disciples help me train."

After half a year of secluded training, Li Yuan's height hadn't changed much, but his bones and muscles had filled out, no longer looking scrawny.

True to his decision, Li Yuan went to a spot not far from the pavilion, taking ten junior disciples with him, removing his shirt.

"Senior Brother, are we really going to hit you?"

Kano and the ten junior disciples from the pavilion surrounded Li Yuan, holding whips, hesitant to strike as they looked at his bare form. Some even showed strange expressions, which was odd!

"Of course, you have to hit me. If anyone holds back, I'll make them practice sword swings 10,000 times at the pavilion without eating until they finish."

Li Yuan sternly warned the juniors around him.

"Senior Brother, then forgive us!"

"Whip!!!!"

Upon hearing the punishment, Kano immediately swung a whip at Li Yuan's rear.

"Hiss!!!!"

Even though he expected the pain, the force of the whip still made Li Yuan gasp. However, with the first level of the Sword God Body Tempering Technique in effect, the pain quickly diminished and disappeared.

"The Sword God Body Tempering Technique is indeed powerful!"

Li Yuan couldn't help but marvel.

"What are you all standing around for? Begin!"

With that, Li Yuan signaled the other junior disciples to start.

"Senior Brother, we're really going to do this." 

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