This book's title, "The Strength and Significance of Sword Intent," is very fitting. It primarily discusses the strengths and weaknesses of the power and intent aspects of sword intent. The book emphasizes that the significance of sword intent lies more in its intent rather than its power. While sword intent significantly enhances a warrior's sword techniques, fundamentally, the intent aspect holds greater importance.
As Jiang Yun continued reading, he became more engrossed. While some aspects of the book's interpretation of sword intent differed from his own, the insights into the utilization of intent in sword intent were immensely helpful for him.
The book's main theme revolves around the various stages of manifestation of sword intent and its significance. It presents insightful analyses of each stage, gradually clarifying Jiang Yun's somewhat vague concepts regarding sword intent.
As mentioned earlier, similar to a warrior's realms of cultivation, sword intent is also divided into nine stages: Initial Insight, Slight Attainment, Profound Mastery, Consummate Proficiency, Pinnacle Attainment, Profound Mastery Beyond Mortals, Sublime Perfection, Peerless Uniqueness, and Transcendent Sainthood.
Unlike a warrior's cultivation, which can be clearly assessed based on their accumulation of spiritual energy, the boundaries defining the stages of sword intent are quite vague. This lack of clear boundaries makes it challenging for practitioners of sword intent.
"The Strength and Significance of Sword Intent" delves into the various categorizations of sword intent.
At the stage of Initial Insight, practitioners of sword intent have just entered the threshold of understanding. Such individuals usually possess a deep comprehension of the nature of the sword. As a result, their sword techniques in battles tend to be more potent compared to those of average individuals.
So, how can one determine whether a person has comprehended sword intent?
This question directly distinguishes between sword intent warriors and non-sword intent warriors: it's based on whether they can emit Sword Radiance.
Sword Radiance is the fundamental manifestation of sword intent. Those who comprehend sword intent can envelop their swords with a layer of Sword Radiance. This layer of radiance differs from the Sword Light emitted by sword techniques; Sword Light is illusory and merely an effect of powerful sword techniques.
Sword Radiance, on the other hand, is tangible. It not only covers the surface of the sword but can also be projected outward. Simply put, Sword Radiance is an evolved form of Sword Qi, possessing greater power than Sword Qi. Both are phenomena that cannot be controlled once released from the body.
This distinction between sword intent practitioners and non-practitioners underscores the strength of sword intent. Jiang Yun was increasingly impressed by the author of this book, as it was akin to a comprehensive manual for sword intent practitioners. Undoubtedly, the author's own understanding of sword intent was profound.
Jiang Yun focused his thoughts and continued to read, seemingly unaware of the passage of time.
The stage of Initial Insight represents the foundational level of sword intent. As one progresses to the second stage, Slight Attainment, Sword Radiance becomes more refined. At this point, practitioners can cultivate Sword Intent Embodiment, wherein Sword Radiance can transform into various shapes for attacking enemies. The effectiveness of these attacks depends on both the enhancement of sword intent and the form it takes.
For example, when facing a group of opponents, Sword Radiance can transform into a wave-like form for broad-spectrum attacks. However, if confronting a single enemy, using Sword Radiance as a wave would be unwise, as the shape assumed by Sword Intent Embodiment consumes the practitioner's spiritual energy based on its size.
If one were to transform Sword Intent into a wave when facing a single enemy, it would result in substantial energy consumption. Furthermore, the wave generated by Sword Intent Embodiment would offer uniform attacks across its entire area. For the enemy, only the portion of the wave directly in front of them requires defense, rendering the rest wasteful and consuming the practitioner's energy.
Therefore, when facing a solitary foe, a practitioner of sword intent wouldn't typically opt for a large-scale transformation using Sword Intent Embodiment. As seen in Jiang Yun's previous encounter with Qin Haifeng and his brother, he had used Sword Intent Embodiment to kill them, transforming into a ferocious tiger.
Following Sword Intent Embodiment comes the third stage of sword intent, Profound Mastery. At this stage, practitioners have cultivated a deep understanding of sword intent over time. The sword intent they exhibit carries a strong personal aura. For instance, if someone possesses a highly unpredictable nature, their sword intent tends to be enigmatic.
Jiang Yun found a deep resonance with this description. He had experienced something similar before. Initially, his Sword Power was neutral and colorless.
However, when Jiang Yun unsealed his Sword Power this time, he discovered faint traces of gold within it. Although subtle, this represented the initial emergence of an attribute.
Jiang Yun's character was resolute, which led his sword intent to manifest as sharp as metal. The manifestation of his sword intent in gold color was perfectly in harmony with his disposition.
Once an attribute is established for sword intent, the subsequent cultivation process becomes more specialized toward that attribute. This effectively sets a direction for the practitioner's sword intent cultivation, providing a clear goal.
With the goal in place, the practitioner continues to cultivate and progresses to the fourth stage of sword intent. At this stage, practitioners achieve Consummate Proficiency, where their sword intent and self become intertwined. This is akin to the concept of unity between man and sword, where the person is the sword and the sword is the person.
At the Consummate Proficiency stage, the practitioner possesses a presence akin to that of an Earth Realm warrior. Within the aura of sword intent, their attributes experience a significant boost. This boost is substantial, making a practitioner at this level someone that no warrior would want to provoke.
As Jiang Yun continued reading, his understanding of sword intent grew more vivid. He also began to grasp why Feng Lun, upon witnessing Jiang Yun's sword intent, was so eager to take him on as a disciple. Encountering someone who comprehended sword intent was exceedingly rare. Taking on such a disciple would undoubtedly bring honor to himself.
Regrettably, Feng Lun was unaware of Jiang Yun's aversion to coercive tactics. His initial approach to recruitment was excessively forceful, which triggered resistance from Jiang Yun.
"Growl, growl, growl."
Lost in his thoughts, Jiang Yun's stomach suddenly growled. Only then did he realize his hunger. Looking up, he noticed that it was already evening. Unknowingly, he had been reading since morning and now, an entire day had passed without him eating. His stomach rebelled against the neglect.