Chapter 47: Solution
Was the old man telling the truth, or just trying to scare him? Previously he said that this test was just to measure his talent in this particular field, why threatening him with taking the sabre for good?
Who knows, maybe it was for the motivation; or he just forgot, never can know with old people like that. Xin took a breath and focused on the hilt of the sabre. Before trying again, he has to analyze the task and came up with some strategy.
Such an easy way to success…
…
…
…
The old man, surprisingly, appeared on the exact place he has always been appearing at. However, now his gown wasn't shining at all, darkness shrouded his silhouette and blended with the night sky.
"I wonder how much time it will take him…"
He said aloud not even trying to lower his voice, but for some reason, the boy, who currently was poking at the shadows with a stick, could not hear him.
"His approach is right, to think It slowly, however, that is a normal person's approach. A true genius would grasp it right away." The old man, named Lao, sighed and looked at the starry sky. Now, with the trees down, he could also see the moon at the edge of the sky, slowly gliding to the other end.
"I am setting standards too harsh, he really was only one such genius. A blessing of heavens."
His gaze was unfocused as if his eyes were directed into his own mind.
"But, why was? There is a chance he still is!" On the last word, excitement appeared in his tone. And still, the boy could not hear him. And not because currently, his body was spinning in the air after the second unsuccessful try.
"If that is the truth, I should really rethink my plans." Lao closed his eyes, listening only to his thoughts.
Right now he was in a very strange situation; the death, so near on the horizon, vanished. Just like that, the clouds cleared up and a pure blue sky smiled to him.
That smile was vague, distant, and oppressive. After spending so much time in the dark, light became unusual to him. The death was still appealing, but there was no reason for it now. No bitter reason.
He gently stroked his beard. It wasn't in the best shape; when was the last time he took a bath? Was he really going to die so dirty? Shameful.
Everything up to now was shameful.
He wished to take revenge on Han by siding with beasts; that already was pitiful, no better than how propaganda was portraying him. He should work on himself a little bit more now.
Nevertheless, before that, he has to make a plan for his future. The old man sat down and crossed his legs, then lowered his head and closed eyes.
…
…
…
The night thickened. Grey clouds seen only under the moonlight slowly shrouded the moon; the wind blew, grass and leaves of the fallen trees rustled. The boy felt sweat on his hands getting colder.
"Ha…"
He gasped and started the sixth continuous offense.
The left shadow went right after him; just as expected. He changed the direction and started running around the hilt of the sabre, praying that his calculations were right. And they indeed were, the front shadow, currently behind him after several assaults in which he was slowly changing its location, tailed after him. The only problem was the right shadow.
His plan was to attack shadows continuously from different sides so they won't have time to return to their initial positions. That way he will be able to gather all of them behind and won't have to worry about many directions.
"Come on!" Rang his childish voice, and finally, the right shadow moved after the others. Xin immediately adjusted his speed, trying to keep all of them behind himself like a tail.
Now comes the hardest part.
Because he hasn't planned what exactly he supposed to do after gathering the shadows like that.
"…"
The boy and the shadows started running in circles.
Several times Xin tried to get closer the hilt of the sabre in the middle, but each time the shadows were too near behind him to make that possible.
"No."
Suddenly the boy jumped out of the circle. He took a breath and looked behind, at how the shadows were slowly returning to their initial positions, his hard work melting before his eyes.
Tasting the peculiar night air, Xin slowly calmed down.
"What I was doing?"
Something stupid, probably. After analyzing the whole situation he still couldn't think of any solution. Therefore, like always when you don't know what to do, he started trying different things in hope that they will succeed; it never works.
He shook his head.
"I'm doing it wrong."
His voice was loud and clear in almost complete silence save for the wind.
What the point of just trying to get the sabre? What the point in deceiving the shadows, in running around?
It's a test for his talent with sabre, not just some puzzle. The true task isn't to take the sabre out; the blade in the ground represents the need to strike an enemy, the power required for it.
Xin turned back toward the sabre. All the shadows were in their initial locations.
Suddenly, the boy ran forward.
Like in all the previous attempts, the shadows headed straight toward him, from left, right and front. The boy's Qi was surging in his legs; if it was one of the previous tries, he would have directed all of it to his hands now.
However, this time was different. Only half of the Qi went into the hands with which he grasped the sabre, the rest remained in the legs. Suddenly, when the shadows were just several centimeters from him, he jumped with all his might making a backward flip.
The edge of the sabre caught the light of the moon that just came out of dark clouds.
Silver shine spread around, and at once all the shadows vanished.
The boy landed on his legs, but then staggered several steps and fell to his back.
Ouch.
"Do you understand it now, brat?"
The old man appeared out of nowhere, looking down at him. Xin massaged his back and said:
"Yes. When fighting like that, evading and slashing, you have to use all your body."
"Exactly brat, all your body. You have to slash while evading, you have to evade while slashing. Instead of stopping to make a slash you have to remain on move, constantly changing position; you have to become one with your saber, so when you step – you also attack!"
Xin nodded.
"It took you an entire hour; not so bad, you do have a talent. But don't feel great because of it. My previous pupil accomplished the same on his first try!"
"…"
Xin could only bitterly smile. He already knew there are people more talented that he is.
Doesn't mean he can't challenge them.