From a chaotic world of folk customs to becoming a god through extreme methods.

"My name is Xu Changfeng, and I am your senior brother."

Xu Changfeng smiled slightly and greeted his two junior brothers first.

Then, following the instructions of the curator.

He led the two to the weapon rack, gave each of them a wooden practice sword, and then brought them to a corner of the courtyard.

Introducing basic swordsmanship principles.

"My two junior brothers, you'd better listen carefully from here on out."

"The sword technique passed down in my Hanjiang Martial Arts School is called the Hanjiang Sword Technique."

Xu Changfeng pointed his wooden sword diagonally at the ground, his voice clear and resonant.

"This sword draws inspiration from the river, as still as a cold, waveless river, its power restrained, waiting for the opportune moment to strike, and when it moves, it is like raging waves crashing into the sky, continuous and unstoppable."

As he spoke, he began to draw his sword.

"For beginners, start with the introductory chapter, 'The Twelve Styles of Gentle Ripples'."

"These twelve forms encompass the twelve most basic techniques in swordsmanship: pointing, flicking, hanging, clouding, chopping, stabbing, intercepting, twisting, collapsing, picking, lifting, and slashing."

As soon as he finished speaking, he flicked his wrist, and the wooden sword pierced through the air.

"First move, Pointing Sword!"

The sword tip fell like a cold star, converging at a single point before swiftly striking the wooden stake.

"Second move, sword thrust!"

With a turn of the sword, it rose from bottom to top, like a river surging backward, with a powerful and intense force.

"The third move..."

Xu Changfeng demonstrated each move and explained it continuously.

The sword's edge flows like water, sometimes as still as a calm river, sometimes as turbulent as a raging torrent, displaying a thousand changes.

After completing the twelve moves, his breathing was steady, and not a drop of sweat appeared on his forehead.

Lin Yuan studied diligently, memorizing the movements, rhythm, and power exertion methods of the twelve forms.

He used to just play games and practice by controlling the characters.

Now it has come to life, vividly unfolding before our eyes, which is truly astonishing.

Xu Changfeng sheathed his sword and continued his instruction.

"These twelve forms are interconnected. If you practice them in order and become completely proficient, you will have a chance to develop a sense of swordsmanship."

"This depends on talent. Some people can feel it in a few days, while others may not feel it for two or three months."

"And resources can bridge some of the gaps."

"You won't be considered true beginners until you develop a feel for the sword."

Xu Changfeng gave his final instructions.

"You should first practice these twelve forms until you are proficient. Don't rush, focus on stability and accuracy."

"If you encounter any problems along the way, feel free to ask me."

After saying that, he went to another corner to continue his practice.

Lin Yuan didn't say much. He found an open space, took a deep breath, and began practicing his sword skills.

At the same time, a thought occurred to me.

A light screen appeared, and the game panel was displayed in front of us.

Name: Lin Yuan

[Position: A flawed gem in a turbid world]

[Realm: None]

[Skills: None]

[Folk Customs Highlights: 4 Points]

Equipment Slot: 1 (Unequipped)

[Lock function: Not enabled]

Lin Yuan recalled his memories.

According to the game's settings in my previous life, any skill must be cultivated to the beginner level before it can be added to the panel.

Only then can you use folk essence to add points and improve your character.

So from now on, before I can even begin to learn swordsmanship, I'll have to rely on myself.

He had no complaints and withdrew the light screen.

He raised his sword and began to practice the twelve basic sword moves he had just learned, step by step.

Lin Yuan recalled the Li family where the incident had occurred; that ghostly thing had even come to their doorstep.

The sense of crisis in my heart grew stronger and stronger.

For him, practicing swordsmanship was equivalent to surviving.

At the beginning of the practice, mistakes were always made, let alone for someone like Lin Yuan who was already physically weak.

First move: Pointing the sword.

The sword was thrust out, but the wrist stiffened, and the angle was wrong.

Come again!

The second move: Slashing the sword.

The sword blade suddenly slashed upwards, but the force was off, and Lin Yuan staggered, almost losing his balance and falling.

Come again!

One sword, two swords, three swords.

Ten swords, fifty swords, one hundred swords.

If you lack talent, then keep trying.

My arms started to ache, my shoulders felt like they were filled with lead, and it became increasingly difficult to lift the sword.

Fine beads of sweat began to appear on his forehead, and his clothes became damp.

Twelve moves, repeated again and again, gradually becoming proficient.

In the courtyard, some other disciples practicing swordsmanship also noticed Lin Yuan.

"Isn't that the second son of the Lin family?"

"That spoiled brat from the Lin family? Why isn't he out partying and indulging in debauchery? What's he doing at our martial arts school?"

"I heard that he almost drowned a while ago, and was so scared that he came to learn swordsmanship to save his life."

"He only started practicing swordsmanship at eighteen. What kind of skill can he possibly achieve? He's probably just here to put on a show for some girl he's taken a fancy to."

"I think so too. They'll give up soon enough."

They whispered among themselves, sneering at Lin Yuan with mockery in their eyes.

But Lin Yuan turned a deaf ear.

He simply kept swinging the wooden sword, repeatedly practicing the movements.

On the other side, Wang Gou Dan was also practicing with a wooden sword, gritting his teeth.

He came from a poor family and his clothes and mannerisms were rustic.

In this martial arts school, which was mostly filled with disciples from wealthy families, I also overheard some people gossiping about him.

He lacked Lin Yuan's composure and was often distracted.

But when he thought of the agreement the master made, if he really followed the bone-strengthening technique, he could complete the so-called first body tempering in a month.

They could then be exempted from all tuition fees and become disciples of the inner academy.

This opportunity was given to me by the young master.

His family was poor, his mother had passed away, and he was left with only his father who was devoted to him.

He cannot let his father and young master down.

His expression became even more serious, and he continued to practice, swinging his sword.

Under the pavilion corridor.

Shen Jianhe sat on the recliner, his gaze sweeping over the disciples.

The longest time was spent on Wang Gou Dan.

I noticed that the child's movements were initially clumsy, but he quickly became familiar with them, and his understanding of the power of sword moves far surpassed that of ordinary people.

His long, ape-like arms made wielding the sword seem effortless.

As expected of someone with superior physical constitution, if they are willing to endure hardship, tempering their body in a month will not be a problem.

Shen Jianhe nodded slightly.

His gaze then fell on Lin Yuan beside him.

But it was only a fleeting glance before I looked away and stopped paying attention.

Eighteen years old, lower middle calcaneus.

No matter how much you practice, it'll only be so-so.

……

The sun rose higher and then began to set in the west.

At noon, Lin Yuan and the others ate a nourishing meal at the sword hall, rested for half an hour, and then continued practicing.

Until evening.

By the end of the day, Lin Yuan had lost count of how many times he had practiced.

My palms were blistered and burning with sweat.

The eldest disciple, Xu Changfeng, came to visit several times and corrected some of his incorrect movements.

Overall, Lin Yuan gained a lot today.

At this moment, Shen Jianhe looked up at the sky.

He stood up and clapped his hands.

"That's enough for today, let's call it a day."

The disciples sheathed their swords and walked out of the courtyard in twos and threes.

Someone walked past Lin Yuan, glanced at the blood blisters on his hands, and sneered.

"He's quite the actor."

Lin Yuan ignored him, put the wooden sword back on the weapon rack, and flexed his fingers.

It hurts, it hurts like hell.

But the more pain I feel, the stronger my sense of security becomes.

Wang Gou Dan followed him out, his face flushed, clearly also suffering from back pain from the exercise.

"Young master, will you come again tomorrow?"

"I'll come, I definitely have to come."

Lin Yuan was in a rare good mood, so he had the carriage take Wang Gou Dan for a while before they went home.

We arrived at the Lin family mansion.

He was about to enter when he heard his elder brother's furious rebuke.

"What are you trying to do? One human sacrifice wasn't enough, what other tricks are you playing?"

"Greedy and insatiable, always pushing their luck!"

"Aren't you afraid of angering that old tortoise and bringing disaster upon the entire town?"

Another man's voice came from inside, his tone cold.

"Young Master Lin! This isn't a discussion with you; this is a mutually agreed-upon result, and it's the only way."

"The Lin family just needs to cooperate obediently."

"I hope you understand the implications and think it over carefully."

After he finished speaking, a middle-aged man dressed in a fine robe, slightly overweight, adorned with gold and silver, but with anger hidden between his brows, came out from the inner room.

He glanced at Lin Yuan, then got into the carriage and left.

Lin Yuan frowned and went into the inner room.

The eldest brother, Lin Che, was sitting alone in a chair, his expression extremely grim.