Swordmanship (2)

"Waving the sword isn't good enough. If you encounter other sect's disciples, you would be smacked to the grounds with those skills."

"The basic swordsmanship is the maximization of effectiveness in every strike with the least energy possible. But it must also have the correct movement and posture to avoid a powerful retaliation from the enemy. For example, Tang Ling, when you opened the fight with Pordhi's wolves, you went for a horizontal slash. it wasn't the best move as it opened yourself to an attack; an attack which you've paid dearly."

Remembering the excruciating pain, Tang Ling could only nod. Although the wound was healed, with his surprising health regeneration, it was a lesson to be learned. If he had proper knowledge in fighting with weapons, he would be able to avoid such 'random' injuries.

"Good." Gu Ye nodded in satisfaction, he was quite happy to see a disciple reflecting on his experience. It would prove useful if he wanted to go further, not every person who can reflect is an expert but every renown experts are people who can reflect. If not, how could they improve to become the top of their fields? Only by reflecting and understanding your mistake can you refine your skills and reach the top.

"First, let's start with the basic stance. There are many stances, but most swordsmen like to use the 'balanced' stance, that is putting the sword forward. It is capable of defending and attacking at the same time, switching between the two modes smoothly. There are some variations that differentiate schools and sects with each other but as long as you master how to properly attack and defend, you can't go wrong with this stance."

He then demonstrated the stance for everyone to see. It was the most popular stance in the swordsman's world, so popular that it reached into the ears of the commoners. Plus, it was almost instinct to waive your sword forward towards the enemy, so any ordinary man could somehow copy the basic stance. The difference lies in the intricacies and footwork which differentiate masters with experts and experts with the general Jianghu martial artists.

"Now, repeat what I have done."

"Yes!"

The four disciples shouted and dispersed to have enough space to train. After they have confirmed their 'boundaries', they've started practicing.

Swish!

Swish!

Swish!

Numerous sounds of wind-breaking was heard as they've started practicing their strikes.

Tang Ling was the same and started with a simple swing.

Swish!

At the end of the first swing, Tang Ling felt a little uncomfortable. It felt strong but the move destabilized him which meant that he couldn't follow up with another strike.

Again!

After he returned to his position, Tang Ling took another second to focus and swung!

Swish!

This time, it was weaker but his balance still retained, meaning that he could retaliate or continue. If his last slash was at 95% of his strength then the current one was at 65% of his strength but allowed him to continue!

Again!

...

One hour later.

Gu Ye's eyes shined as he watched soundlessly the progress of his disciples. Particularly, the performance of Tang Ling impressed him the most.

'What a talent. He was able to recognize the defects of his swordsmanship and adjust to make an optimal distribution of strength.'

...

Two hours later, Tang Ling finally got an epiphany and immediately tried to put in practice.

'To make a successful slash, the strike must be thoroughly controlled but even then, power and maneuverability are in contest. The more power I apply, the less maneuverable it is and vice-versa. At the extreme scale of either side, we can see a diminishing return for the sacrifice we make. A most optimal distribution would be 50% each but at this level, it is one realm lower than my actual strength; equivalent to a child undergoing puberty going against a fully-grown adult.'

Pang! Swish! Swish! Swish!

In a very fast succession of slash, to the common untrained eye, it seemed like two-blade light overlapping in each other, and half a second later, another blade light could be seen.

[Congratulations to comprehend {Overlapped Attack}!]

[Overlapped Attack LV1(Skill): Make a succession of attacks at 75% of the damage in a short amount of time. The stamina consumed is dependant on the number of strokes made, growing exponentially the more you overlap the attacks. Only applicable to slash attacks currently.]

Gu Ye's eyes shined even brighter, like the sea of stars in the night, as he said: "Continue! I want to see it again!"

Even though he was tired and drenched in sweat, Tang Ling still obeyed and performed [Overlapped Attack].

Swish! Swish! Swish!

This time, it was a little slower but still relatively fast compared to other slashes. But with this, Gu Ye had confirmed it wasn't just a fluke, but the product of hard training and was engrained in Tang Ling's muscle memory.

After finishing his [Overlapped Attack], Tang Ling fell to the floor, panting.

"Huff... huff..."

The other Jianghu disciple looked at him, eye-bulging. Overlapped Attack! It's really an Overlapped Attack!

As a Jianghu swordsman himself, he knows how the cast works. While an ignorant strongman can swing his sword and get the job done, a swordsman needs technique. However, some technique needs great control of strength and dexterity to execute. The Great Zhou Family's version of Parry, Flood Dragon Counterattacking the Seven Seas, or the now-fallen noble house of Peng Songtian's Yin-Yang Bending Water Technique is very demanding variations of Parry but are also very strong.

It is said the Great Zhou Family's Patriarch may not master the Flood Dragon Counterattacking the Seven Seas and the other corresponding techniques but when he manages to do so, he would reign the province for an era, establishing the family as one of the top hegemons of the Western Region.

Dexterity is tantamount to master the weapon. At the speed where Tang Ling is doing, most people under Veinmasters would not be able to react and suffer greatly in the process.

"Good!" Gu Ye was extremely satisfied, "You can rest for fifteen minutes then we'll train in thrusting."

"Understood!"

Tang Ling nodded and immediately collapsed to the ground. However, he knew that laying on the ground wasn't the greatest idea so after recuperating some energy, he used his strength to sit down and took a small vial of yellow liquid.

It wasn't urine. It is in fact the extraction of herbs he picked on the way to Godsword City. Although he wasn't sure of the plant's name and value, he knew that some herbs have medicinal properties if done right. This vial could accelerate stamina recovery but needs nutrients to support energy recovery.

He then pats his body with sunflowers. As they slowly absorb the sweat, Tang Ling began to circulate the cultivation method, absorbing in the way, the essence of those sunflowers. Strangely enough, he also seemed to absorb something more than just Qi and could feel the earthly essence entering his body...