The early morning light filled the training hall, casting long shadows across the polished stone floor as Liang Chen took his place in the center, awaiting Yan Shu's instructions. The previous day's training had left his muscles sore, his body reminding him that this path would demand every ounce of his strength and focus.
Yan Shu observed him in silence, her expression composed yet intense, her storm-gray eyes scrutinizing his stance. Today's lesson would continue his introduction to sword cultivation, but he could sense a greater challenge awaiting him.
"Today, we will continue with the basics of sword cultivation," she began, her voice firm and steady. "You have learned to channel Qi into your body. Now, you must learn to direct it through the sword."
Liang Chen felt a thrill of anticipation. He had experienced Qi within himself, but guiding it through an external object would be a new level of control. He gripped his training sword, feeling its weight settle in his hand.
"Begin by standing as you did yesterday," Yan Shu instructed. "Form and balance are the foundations of every strike. If your stance is flawed, no amount of Qi will make up for it."
He adjusted his stance, steadying himself as he held the sword with both hands. Yan Shu approached, making minor adjustments to his posture—the angle of his shoulders, the bend in his knees, the placement of his feet. Each correction made him feel more grounded, more prepared.
"Your stance should feel natural yet strong, as if rooted to the ground," she said. "From this stance, you will learn to guide Qi from your core and channel it through the sword. Take a deep breath, focus on the Qi within you, and let it flow."
He took a breath, his mind calming as he focused inward. He felt the ember of Qi he'd nurtured over the past few days and guided it slowly down his arms, trying to direct it into the blade. The sword grew warm, a subtle indication that the Qi was beginning to flow, but the sensation was faint, and the energy dispersed before reaching the blade's edge.
"Again," Yan Shu said, her tone unwavering. "Qi must flow smoothly. If it scatters, it is because your intent is unclear or unfocused. Take your time."
He nodded, adjusting his grip and breathing deeply, trying to concentrate on directing the energy in a steady, controlled flow. He visualized the Qi as a stream, guiding it carefully from his core to his hands and into the sword. This time, the warmth intensified, spreading through the entire blade before fading again.
Yan Shu watched him with a slight nod. "Better. Remember, Qi follows intent. If your purpose is clear, your Qi will respond accordingly. In time, this process will feel as natural as breathing."
They continued the exercise, with Liang Chen focusing on refining the flow of Qi, guiding it with increasing precision and control. The process was demanding, requiring a level of focus that left him mentally and physically drained. Yet, each successful attempt brought a surge of satisfaction.
After an hour of practice, Yan Shu signaled for him to halt. "You are beginning to grasp the basics. But now we must incorporate movement."
She demonstrated, shifting gracefully from one stance to another, the blade in her hand moving like an extension of her body. Her steps were light yet firm, her strikes precise and powerful. Even in simple movements, she exuded a mastery that left him awestruck.
"Sword cultivation is not only about the flow of Qi; it is about harmony between movement and energy," she explained. "A true sword cultivator moves with purpose, each step and strike aligning with their intent. Mimic my stance, and let your body follow the natural flow of the blade."
Liang Chen mirrored her stance, focusing on keeping his movements steady. He followed her lead, stepping forward and bringing the sword down in a clean arc. His form felt unsteady, and his strikes lacked the precision he saw in Yan Shu's, but he focused on maintaining balance and alignment.
"Do not rush," Yan Shu said, observing his movements. "A single, controlled strike is worth more than a dozen careless ones. Practice each movement as if it were the only one that matters."
He nodded, adjusting his pace, focusing on every shift of weight, every slight turn of the wrist. His movements grew smoother, though far from perfect, and he began to feel a subtle rhythm between his stance and his strikes.
They continued in silence, Yan Shu offering corrections here and there, her instructions clear and concise. Liang Chen found himself settling into a rhythm, his strikes becoming more controlled, his stance more stable. By the time she signaled for him to stop, he was drenched in sweat, his body aching but his mind alert.
"Good," she said, giving a slight nod of approval. "Your progress is satisfactory. With consistent practice, you will develop a natural flow that allows Qi to integrate seamlessly with your movements."
Liang Chen bowed deeply. "Thank you, Teacher Yan Shu."
Her gaze softened for a brief moment. "Tomorrow, we will focus on endurance training. Sword cultivation is a path that demands both physical strength and stamina. Without them, your form and Qi control will suffer."
He nodded, feeling the weight of her words. Sword cultivation was clearly not just a skill but a way of life, a path that required total dedication.
As Yan Shu turned to leave, the Dream Reincarnation System's voice chimed in, its usual playful tone tinged with a hint of pride.
"Not bad, kid. You're actually starting to look like a cultivator. Keep this up, and you might even survive long enough to impress her."
Liang Chen smirked, rolling his eyes slightly. "One step at a time."
"That's the spirit," the system replied with a chuckle. "Just remember, every cultivator starts at the bottom. Today it's Qi control and balance, but soon enough, you'll be swinging that sword like it's second nature. Don't rush it."
He set his training sword aside, feeling a quiet satisfaction settle within him. Today had been challenging, but each step forward gave him a glimpse of his potential. He was beginning to understand that mastery of the sword was not about power alone; it was about control, balance, and a relentless dedication to improvement.
As he prepared to leave the hall, he found himself looking forward to the next day's training, eager to face whatever challenges awaited. With Yan Shu's guidance and his own determination, he knew he was on the right path.
The journey ahead was long, but with each day, he felt himself growing stronger, more focused, and ready to embrace the path of the sword.