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When Xia Chen woke up from the bed, his body felt utterly drained.
He genuinely didn't expect that when the Herrscher of Sentience suggested sleeping, she meant it quite literally.
His thoughts had been tainted by his own wickedness.
However, this wasn't worth dwelling on deeply.
What truly concerned him was the pain experienced during the alteration of his consciousness.
Having one's perception and behavior distorted was not easily bearable.
Xia Chen realized that while his physical strength might be formidable, his mental fortitude remained incredibly fragile.
It wasn't entirely accurate to call it fragile, but against opponents like the Herrscher of Sentience, his mind essentially lacked any defense.
After a long while, Xia Chen got out of bed, took a shower, hoping to wash away his physical exhaustion.
"I really wonder how the civilization from the previous era defeated the Herrscher of Sentience," thought Xia Chen, sitting on the sofa.
"Also, should I say it's considerate? The System even provided an introductory guide for Taixuan Sword Qi."
Before entering the simulation, he had pondered why Fu Hua gave him "Taixuan Sword Qi." Now, the System conveniently offered an entry-level guide, as if tailored just for him.
Taixuan Sword Qi is a martial art developed by Fu Hua, based on Divine Sound. It harnesses one's inner potential through intent, allowing immense power to be unleashed.
Moreover, the Taixuan Sword Spirit can sever the connection between a person and the Will of Honkai.
Unable to resist, Xia Chen extracted the guide and became engrossed in studying it.
Meanwhile, at the Valkyrie dormitory:
Fu Hua opened her eyes.
"What a peculiar dream, felt almost real," she murmured to herself.
To cultivate Taixuan Sword Qi, one must utilize Divine Sound in conjunction with it. The peculiar syllables Fu Hua taught Kiana in the storyline were essentially based on this Divine Sound.
However, with the beginner's guide at hand, Xia Chen found it less cumbersome to learn. He quickly memorized both the guide and the Taixuan Sword Qi technique provided by Fu Hua.
Early the next morning, he located an iron sword in the training room and began his attempts.
"Young age is the best time to refine your Sword Heart, as the earlier, the purer it becomes. Attempting to cultivate a Sword Heart as an adult is akin to trying to grasp wind with bare hands - futile. Even if you achieve mastery, continuous refinement throughout life is necessary; any momentary wavering can shatter the Sword Heart."
Fu Hua unexpectedly entered the training room and, upon seeing Xia Chen practicing Taixuan Sword Qi, couldn't help but comment, "I didn't give you this sword technique for actual cultivation. My hope was merely that it might benefit you somehow, perhaps integrating it as part of yourself."
For someone with exceptional talent like Xia Chen, she felt it would be a waste to spend time on such inefficient practices. Fu Hua had learned about Xia Chen's aptitude from Rita, and she suspected Otto's request for her to watch over him stemmed from his usual paranoia.
"Thank you for the guidance."
Xia Chen lowered his sword, displaying a remarkably proficient stance already.
"However, based on what you've provided, I may have already entered the Still Water Heart Sublimation."
He had practiced with this guide throughout the previous night.
If Taixuan Sword Qi could be compared to calculus itself, then the introductory manual outlined the process from 'starting with 1+1=2' to gradually learning calculus.
Taixuan Sword Qi consists of five sublimations: Heart, Form, Intent, Soul, and Spirit. The Heart Sublimation serves as the initial threshold for cultivation, divided into four realms: Still Water, Dustless, Mirror Bright, and Greater Void.
With the help of the manual, reaching the entry-level was not particularly challenging.
Upon hearing this, Fu Hua briefly hesitated before gesturing, "Let's see your progress."
"All right."
Both Xia Chen and Fu Hua engaged in a sword exchange using basic iron swords, their moves fluid and responsive.
Although Xia Chen had just begun, he had already grasped about seven to eight tenths of the Taixuan Sword Qi's Form aspect. For him, executing any humanly possible sword technique posed little difficulty.
The focus of Taixuan lies more in sublimations than form, making sword techniques its simplest component.
Despite this, his natural talent was undeniably exceptional.
After achieving the Still Water realm, Xia Chen noticed an improvement in his concentration. Now, even though Fu Hua's sword movements were swift, he could easily track her trajectory.
However, from Fu Hua's perspective, his own sword strikes appeared slower.
Fu Hua adjusted her skill level to spar with Xia Chen, simultaneously evaluating his abilities.
After a brief moment, they tacitly stopped their exchange.
"You truly possess exceptional talent," Fu Hua couldn't help but exclaim in awe. "Later, I'll compile a summary of the Sword Heart Art for you; it might be beneficial."
Taixuan Sword Qi is generally unsuitable for adults to practice, as their minds tend to be too cluttered, while Taixuan emphasizes purity.
However, Xia Chen was an exception.
Perhaps due to experiencing numerous simulated deaths, his other concerns had become dulled or even numb. Alternatively, one could say that the transcendence brought by death drew him closer to the Sword Heart required by Taixuan Sword Qi.
In any case, he was highly suited to learn this martial art.
Xia Chen, speaking earnestly, said, "Then I should address you as Teacher Fu Hua from now on."
With Taixuan Sword Qi at his disposal, he couldn't help but think, facing the Herrscher of Sentience wouldn't likely be as challenging anymore.
It seemed Fu Hua had something else on her mind. Turning away slightly, she replied calmly, "There's no need. This is merely a mutual exploration of martial arts."
Her thoughts were far from light, especially after having such peculiar dreams last night, making it almost difficult for her to face Xia Chen.
Following a brief conversation, both resumed their individual training sessions.
Soon, it was eight o'clock again.
As Kiana and the group entered the training room, they noticed Xia Chen seemed different somehow - more approachable.
Kiana couldn't help but mutter, "Did Xia Chen-sensei put on makeup? Isn't that unnecessary at Saint Freya?"
"No," Raiden Mei shook her head from the side, "It seems he's concealing his true strength."
"Eh, eh, eh? Conceal strength? Like those martial arts masters Class Monitor mentioned?" Kiana was visibly surprised.
Mei slowly responded, "I'm not entirely sure either. My father once said that individuals who master swordsmanship often possess such abilities. His progress is remarkably fast."
"I think you're overthinking it, Mei." Kiana felt somewhat dissatisfied with Mei's high regard for Xia Chen.
On the other hand, Bronya remained expressionless, "Bronya senses that he has become even more dangerous."
Naturally, Xia Chen, being the center of their discussion, paid no heed to their murmurs. He calmly announced, "Today will be similar to yesterday; follow my lead during practice. If your body can't handle it, take breaks as needed."
After speaking, Xia Chen equipped all the additional weights available and began his workout.
Observantly, Mei mentally calculated that today he had increased his weight load by another 200 kilograms compared to yesterday.
"So this is how a genius progresses... Well then, I can't afford to fall behind either."
A determined glint flashed in the girl's eyes.
This time, Mei successfully endured for three hours.
However, the cost was reaching her limit and collapsing into Kiana's arms.
Kiana grinned mischievously, "Mei~ hehe~"
Bronya remained silent, unamused.
"How embarrassing. Bronya doesn't know her anymore."