Kai completed a required call and hastened back to resume training under the guidance of Master Liang.
Approaching his instructor, Kai received affirmation with a nod and heard the gentle command, "Excellent. Time is brief so let us start with a serious sparring session to provide you a taste of the real-life battle experience."
Master Liang continued, "During this spar, I won't use any spiritual energy, but you can. We'll fight with our real weapons, just as you and your opponent will tomorrow. Don't worry about me; I'll be fine without using any spiritual energy."
Kai, concerned for his teacher's well-being, asked, "Sir, will you be alright without using any spiritual energy?"
Master Liang chuckled lightly at Kai's remark and reassured him, "Yes, I'll be fine. You'll see during our spar if you're worried."
With that, Master Liang retrieved two real swords and handed one to Kai. The weight and presence of the weapon felt different from the practice swords they usually used.
"Are you ready?" Master Liang asked, gripping his own sword firmly.
Kai took a deep breath and nodded, his grip on the sword tightening. "Yes, sir. I'm ready."
"Good. You can start first," Master Liang instructed.
Taking a moment to center himself, Kai lunged forward, aiming a strike at Master Liang's sword.
He focused on his technique, trying to remember everything he had learned. But Master Liang quickly noticed Kai's predictable pattern of attacking only his sword.
"Kai, why are you only attacking my sword and not aiming for other body parts? Do you think your opponent will only attack your weapon?" Master Liang asked, his voice calm but firm.
"You must always remember that an opponent will aim for critical regions such as organs that could cause grave harm or even death. Thus, it would be best to attack with the intention of killing"
Kai's eyes widened as he realized his mistake.
He hadn't considered the possibility of his opponent targeting his vulnerable areas.
Determined to correct his approach, he refocused his attacks, aiming for various body parts, each strikes more deliberate and precise.
The spar intensified, with Kai displaying newfound determination and improved attacks.
Master Liang defended himself skillfully, evading and countering Kai's strikes with calculated precision.
The clash of steel echoed through the training grounds as their swords met in a dance of skill and technique.
An hour passed, and the spar came to an end.
Throughout the intense exchange, Master Liang remained unharmed, his experience and expertise evident.
However, Kai took some minimal cuts on the parts where Master Liang's attacks could have been lethal.
After getting drained from their recent sparring, fatigue showed on Kai's face - evident in the sweat droplets trickling down from his forehead.
Master Liang called a halt to the sparring session and said, "Let's stop the sparring here and rest for a few minutes. During this break, listen carefully to what I'm about to say."
Kai nodded, grateful for the momentary respite. He sat down, catching his breath, and listened attentively to his mentor's instructions.
"In tomorrow's fight, I want you to utilize the technique I taught you: Dragon's Breath," Master Liang began.
"Take this time to rest, and afterward, we'll focus on training you extensively in this technique, so you can use it effectively."
After the short rest, Master Liang resumed the training by instructing Kai on the correct posture and stance for the Dragon's Breath technique.
He explained, "Assume the ready position. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, ensuring a stable base. Keep your knees slightly bent, allowing for flexibility and ease of movement."
"Next, hold the sword firmly with both hands," Master Liang continued.
"Your dominant hand should grip the hilt closer to the guard, while your other hand supports the blade further up. Maintain a relaxed yet focused grip, ready to execute swift and precise strikes."
He emphasized the importance of maintaining proper body posture, saying, "Straighten your back and align your spine, maintaining a centered and upright posture. This will help you maintain balance and control as you engage in the technique."
Kai followed Master Liang's instructions, assuming the ready position and listening intently.
"To cultivate the Dragon's Breath, you must understand the symbiotic relationship between sword and soul," Master Liang explained, his voice calm and reassuring.
"Your sword is an extension of your spirit, a conduit through which your intentions and will are manifested."
He paused, allowing Kai to absorb his words before continuing, "The Dragon's Breath technique requires both swiftness and precision. In battle, you must move with the agility and speed of the dragon. Your strikes must be precise as if every swing carries the weight of the dragon's breath."
Drawing closer to Kai, Master Liang lowered his voice to a whisper.
"As you execute this technique, imagine your sword as an extension of your very being. Feel the surge of energy flowing through your arm, guiding your movements with fluidity and purpose. Let your strikes possess the force and impact of a dragon's roar."
Kai contemplated Master Liang's words, his mind focused on the concept of merging his spiritual energy with the physical aspect of the sword.
As he tried to infuse his sword with his spiritual energy, he initially struggled, finding it much more challenging than he had anticipated.
Then, remembering his Spirit Manipulation skill, he drew upon its power to facilitate the process.
With newfound determination, Kai attempted once more to coat his sword with his spiritual energy. This time, he succeeded, albeit with a faint and unstable manifestation.
Master Liang, witnessing Kai's achievement, called out, "Kai, how did you do that?"
Confused, Kai replied, "But didn't you say, sir?"
Master Liang interrupted him, explaining, "What you did now is not the same. What you did is a phenomenon called 'Spiritual Blade Manifestation' or 'SpiritBlade' for short. It can only be done when u achieve a high proficiency in the way of sword."
Curious, Kai listened as Master Liang continued, "The coating of spiritual energy extends along the length of the sword, often taking on a distinctive color, glow, or ethereal appearance, making it visible to others."
Master Liang examined Kai's sword and noted its faint and colorless manifestation.
"However, what you possess is not SpiritBlade but a half version of it. Let's call it 'Partial Spiritblade.' It improves your attack power and the durability of the sword, as I can see."
Kai's face lit up with delight, grateful for the newfound ability, even if it was only a partial version.
Continuing their training, Kai practiced the Dragon's Breath technique and engaged in further sparring sessions with Master Liang.
As the time came for Kai to return home, Master Liang presented him with a different sword.
"This is the sword I used during the beginning of my cultivation," Master Liang said, handing it to Kai.
"You can use it for tomorrow's fight, and consider it a gift from your mentor. Its name is 'Dragonheart.'"
Kai accepted the sword with gratitude, feeling honored by the gesture. "Thank you, Master Liang. I will treasure it."
With a smile, Master Liang replied, "You've earned it, Kai. Now go home and rest. Tomorrow's battle awaits."