*"The Dripping Water Sutra," takes the meaning of "water droplets can penetrate stone."*
The swordsmanship is intricate and endless, like rain falling from the sky, each strike akin to a torrential downpour, making it nearly impossible for enemies to evade. Its defense is also impenetrable. When countless droplets gather in one place, they can unleash terrifying power, capable of piercing stone. Naturally, the power generated by every sword stroke as a "droplet" is indestructible.
"This 'Dripping Water Sutra' is indeed profound," Ji Ning nodded as he picked up the second book, *"The North Star Secret Manual."*
*"The North Star Secret Manual"* is a legendary excerpt from the *"North Star Sword Manual,"* consisting of seven major sword techniques: Tianshu, Tianxuan, Tianji, Tianquan, Yuheng, Kaiyang, and Yaoguang. Each of these techniques harnesses the power of the stars, from the fierce Yaoguang Greedy Wolf Sword to the gentle Tianquan Wenchang Sword…
The swordsmanship is unfathomable and serves both offense and defense.
"Great swordsmanship," Ji Ning marveled, then reached for the third book.
*"The Remnant Compilation of Thunder and Fire Sword"* is a tattered book his ancestors obtained while wandering the Endless Lands, with the title barely legible. Only the words "Thunder Fire" could be discerned. Among the remnants, only three complete sword moves could be identified.
Each move is an aggressive attack, akin to the collision of thunder and fire. In terms of sheer destructive power, it undoubtedly ranks as the strongest among Ji Clan's sword techniques. Even these three remnants can match the top five sword techniques, suggesting the original work must far exceed the others.
However, while its strengths are clear, so are its weaknesses. With only three incomplete moves, it lacks continuity and defensive techniques. Few would choose such a technique without any defense.
"I really want to see the complete *Remnant Compilation of Thunder and Fire Sword*," Ji Ning couldn't help but sigh.
"If it were complete," Ji Yichuan said nearby, "it would undoubtedly be the top immortal and demon secret technique on Yanshan's land."
Ji Ning nodded and picked up the fourth book.
*"The Illusion Demon Book"* can't really be considered a sword technique, as understanding the essence of "illusion demon" allows the practitioner to wield various weapons like swords, spears, or staves. This set of techniques conceals true methods with extreme cunning, often killing enemies before they realize it.
"This doesn't align with my character," Ji Ning immediately rejected the *Illusion Demon Book.* Choosing techniques that suit one's temperament is crucial; even the most profound techniques would be counterproductive if they contradict one's nature.
"Now for the last book, which was the foundation of the Ji Clan," Ji Ning flipped to *"The Ten Thousand Sword Melody."*
*"The Ten Thousand Sword Melody"* is the most complex of the five great sword techniques, surpassing even the *"Heavenly Star Earthly Fiend One Hundred and Eight Swords"* that Ji Ning had practiced. Though complicated, mastering it allows one to refine it into three main sword techniques: "One Sword, Ten Thousand Shadows," "Ten Thousand Swords Returning to One," and "Ten Thousand Sword Melody."
Ji Ning closed his eyes to contemplate.
In terms of grandiosity, the most complex, or perhaps the simplest, is *"The Ten Thousand Sword Melody."* For cunning and unexpected attacks, it's the *Illusion Demon Book.* The most conventional is the *North Star Secret Manual.* The strongest defense belongs to the *Dripping Water Sutra,* while the most potent and mysterious attack comes from the *Remnant Compilation of Thunder and Fire Sword.*
"First, I'll eliminate the *Illusion Demon Book;* it doesn't fit my nature!" Ji Ning pondered. "Then the *North Star Secret Manual* is merely an excerpt, neither the strongest in attack nor defense, nor particularly refined. It's average in every way—acceptable, but not exceptional. In battles, having an advantage is crucial! Thus, I'll dismiss the *North Star Secret Manual* as well."
"Only three remain: *The Ten Thousand Sword Melody,* *Dripping Water Sutra,* and *Remnant Compilation of Thunder and Fire Sword.*"
"*Dripping Water Sutra* is essential!" Ji Ning concluded.
*Dripping Water Sutra,* like endless rain, is the top defense among the five sword techniques. Defense is even more important than offense in battles! Ji Ning had observed many champions in various sports, all excelling in defensive maneuvers. Even in football and basketball, the saying goes, "Defense wins championships." Though offense looks attractive, victory relies on defense.
Different categories, but the principle holds! In life-or-death battles, defense is crucial. Against a stronger opponent, one must fend off attacks to survive. Strong attackers, when faced with a mightier adversary, risk defeat if their offense fails.
"Defense is about survival. First, protect my life, then take others'. Besides, this is my father's renowned skill; his guidance will help me improve, so the *Dripping Water Sutra* is a must." Ji Ning carefully considered. "As for the *Remnant Compilation of Thunder and Fire Sword* and *The Ten Thousand Sword Melody*…"
"Hmm, I'll choose the *Remnant Compilation of Thunder and Fire Sword!*" Ji Ning made a quick decision.
If he were like an average person using a single sword, he might choose between the *Dripping Water Sutra* and *The Ten Thousand Sword Melody.* However, since he wields two swords, and already has strong defense with the *Dripping Water Sutra,* he would select the strongest offense with the *Remnant Compilation of Thunder and Fire Sword.* Despite its lack of defensive moves, that's irrelevant for him as a dual-sword user. Having chosen the *Dripping Water Sutra,* he eagerly desires a powerful offensive technique.
"*Dripping Water Sutra* and *Remnant Compilation of Thunder and Fire Sword*," Ji Ning silently confirmed. "*Dripping Water Sutra* excels in defense, while the *Remnant Compilation of Thunder and Fire Sword,* despite only having three remaining moves, possesses limitless power."
"Moreover, with my *Red Bright Nine Heavens Diagram*, I will soon control both water and fire, corresponding to the *Dripping Water Sutra* and the *Remnant Compilation of Thunder and Fire Sword.* I believe this will aid my swordsmanship."
"Defend with impenetrable water! Attack like a volcanic eruption!"
"I wield two swords—one for defense, one for offense. Or both can defend or attack together. Everything flows from the heart!" Ji Ning's mind was racing with thoughts, clearly envisioning his future combat path. He understood that having a clear growth route minimizes detours and accelerates progress!
In warfare, strategy is often greater than tactics. For personal growth, having a defined path surpasses mere diligence.
With a clear route, advancing a little each day will lead to great heights over ten or twenty years. But without a definite path, blind effort may result in stagnation or even regression!
After closely examining the five manuals for over an hour, the thick candle had burned down more than halfway. Ji Yichuan and Wei Chiyue waited patiently, occasionally whispering to each other.
"Father, Mother," Ji Ning suddenly spoke.
"Hmm?" Ji Yichuan and Wei Chiyue turned to look, with Ji Yichuan asking, "Have you decided?"
Ji Ning nodded.
"What did you choose? One book or two?" Wei Chiyue asked.
"I chose two books," Ji Ning said, holding up the two manuals, "*Dripping Water Sutra* and *Remnant Compilation of Thunder and Fire Sword.*"
"*Dripping Water Sutra*? *Thunder Fire*?" Ji Yichuan nodded slightly. As the first of the Ji Clan's Western House, his presence was formidable, having remained strong even after his son's birth, with no significant achievements since. Few knew just how powerful Ji Yichuan had become—ten years ago, he was already the foremost in the Western House.
His discerning eye is sharp.
"Alright," Ji Yichuan agreed.
"Please guide me, Father," Ji Ning urged.
"Not yet," Ji Yichuan shook his head. "I have some insights on the *Dripping Water Sutra*, but since you haven't practiced it, merely telling you won't help. You must experience it through rigorous training and life-and-death battles for true understanding, after which I can guide you."
"Tomorrow morning, I'll provide you with the complete texts of the *Dripping Water Sutra* and the *Remnant Compilation of Thunder and Fire Sword.* You can demonstrate them to me; as long as your techniques are correct, that will suffice," Ji Yichuan nodded. "In three days, you'll face real battles; ordinary sparring is too mild. You need genuine life-and-death combat."
Ji Ning was puzzled.
"Father, haven't I experienced killing before?" Ji Ning interjected. "Didn't you once say I reached the first realm of swordsmanship after establishing a foundation? I've killed several death-row inmates."
He recalled the first time he killed, trembling uncontrollably. Although he wasn't frightened, his body shook. According to his father, apart from a few born for killing, most people tremble on their first kill.
After killing dozens of death-row inmates, he had calmed down.
"That wasn't killing; it was testing your courage," Ji Yichuan shook his head. "Those inmates were all weaker than you;