I was told I'd be a late bloomer, but I was born with the potential to achieve great things!

"Now you are all formal disciples of the Seven Mysteries Sect. Remember to wear formal attire when you move around the sect in the future."

Coach Guo was not in a good mood.

Presumably because they didn't choose the sword technique, the first thing they said upon meeting was about clothes.

However, seeing that Zhao Nian was also scolded, Zhou An didn't take it to heart.

The reason is simple: Guo Tao taught him and Liu Shuqing first.

"It takes ten years to hone a sword, and three years to master a sword technique. Sword techniques are different from knife techniques; they require more skill. If you still can't get the basics within a month, you can come to me for further training at any time."

Although Guo Tao was very unhappy with Zhou An and Liu Shuqing listening attentively, as a coach, he did not show any perfunctory attitude.

Because he once dreamed of becoming a sword immortal one day, but unfortunately he didn't have the talent.

"Yes, Coach Guo."

Zhou An understood the other party well and his attitude was very sincere.

"Watch closely, follow my rhythm."

Guo Tao nodded, immediately drew his long sword, a flicker of lost youth flashed in his eyes, and then he spoke solemnly.

"The foundation of swordsmanship lies in the thirteen forms; no matter how profound the sword technique, it cannot escape this principle."

"I will not teach you the Qingfeng Sword Technique today. I will formally instruct you in the sword technique after you have memorized it thoroughly in three days."

Liu Shuqing dared not be negligent and began to learn with a serious expression.

Although Zhou An's Qingfeng Sword Technique was nearing completion, he still maintained a solemn expression.

Even Zhao Nian, who had chosen to learn swordsmanship on the side, watched intently at this moment.

If I weren't worried about being scolded, I might have started practicing too. Instead, I can only secretly gesture with my right hand behind my back now.

"I will come to inspect in three days. You'd better watch yourselves."

After repeating it several times, Guo Tao gave a solemn instruction and then looked at Zhao Nian.

"Your turn."

"Yes, Coach Guo."

Zhao Nian dared not delay and quickly handed over one of the two knives in his hand.

"The same applies to swordsmanship. There are thirteen basic moves, but the core lies in slashing, chopping, parrying, and thrusting..."

As he spoke, Guo Tao began to demonstrate in front of the three of them.

Zhou An and Liu Shuqing did not leave; they watched carefully from the side as well.

"Alright, that's enough for today."

After teaching the lesson several times, Guo Tao stopped.

"While martial arts skills can help you improve your combat power, the essence of everything still lies within yourself."

Therefore, your most important task right now is still the fist techniques and stance training. Do not let small things distract you from the bigger picture. I will come to check on you in three days. Remember that?

"I've got it."

The three responded loudly.

Seeing this, Instructor Guo didn't say anything more, waved his hand, picked up his sword, and turned to leave.

He didn't believe a single word the three of them said.

Because that's how he got there.

Soon, Guo Tao's figure disappeared from the three people's sight.

"Brother Zhou?"

Liu Shuqing was eager to try.

"Keep practicing."

Zhou An nodded.

"I'm going back now."

Seeing the two men looking at him, Zhao Nian wisely returned to his room.

Both of them practiced swordsmanship, but he was the only one wielding a knife, which was quite awkward.

"Let's begin."

After Zhou An spoke, he immediately began practicing the basic sword techniques with Liu Shuqing.

He knew very well that only by laying a solid foundation could a tall building be constructed.

Although his Qingfeng Sword Technique is almost complete.

Practice boxing in the morning and swordplay in the afternoon.

Zhou An made rapid progress.

Two days passed in the blink of an eye.

In the courtyard, Zhou An stood with his feet on the ground, holding the sword horizontally in front of him with his right hand, while his left hand traced the snow-white blade from the hilt, and a chilling light appeared before his eyes.

The Qingfeng Sword Technique is a fast sword technique.

The key is speed. A sword strike must be swift as the wind; any slowness will result in numerous mistakes.

"hiss!"

Zhou An took a deep breath and then moved.

As he stepped out with his right foot, the long sword in his hand thrust straight forward with a right bow stance, a flash of cold light burst forth, accompanied by a clanging and buzzing sound.

Then, with a flick of his wrist, he delivered a long, sweeping slash, the wind from the sword whipping through the air.

Zhou An's movements were swift and fluid. With one sword strike, the second was already upon him. With a light flick of his wrist, the longsword attacked with the speed and ferocity of a venomous snake.

Thrust, chop, point, flick, hang, collapse...

Zhou An's speed increased, but his breathing remained perfectly steady. Instead, with each strike of his sword, his breath intertwined with the longsword in his hand, subtly harmonizing with it.

Inside the courtyard, gusts of swift wind echoed continuously.

As time passed, Zhou An's mind became incredibly focused, his eyes no longer seeing anything else, completely immersed in the Qingfeng Sword Technique.

At a certain moment, a snow-white sword light suddenly bloomed on the sword like a winter plum blossom.

It appeared out of nowhere, yet it carried a chilling cold.

It's a sword's edge!

With a sweeping sword strike, the snow-white sword light, like silver lightning, emitted a low, rapid whistling sound in mid-air.

Zhou Anxin sensed something and glanced at the earthen wall not far away.

At that moment, he moved with the sword, arriving nearby in just a few steps, and the long sword in his hand slashed down from top to bottom.

With a soft thud, the longsword swept across the earthen wall, leaving a visible sword mark on the surface.

The cut was smooth, as if the earthen wall in front of me were made of tofu.

【Qingfeng Sword Technique (Mastery 8/800): Practice 100 times daily, mastery can be achieved in three years】

"As expected, once the sword light is condensed, even an ordinary downward slash will have astonishing destructive power. Not a single brick on this earthen wall was ejected."

Looking at the sword marks on the earthen wall, Zhou An thought to himself.

"However, the sword's aura still has its limitations; it can only be attached to the sword's body and cannot kill enemies from a distance."

At that moment, Zhou An thought of the sword energy that Guo Tao had mentioned.

Only by cultivating sword energy can one kill from a distance, and even break through the defenses of a martial artist at the Skin Polishing Realm.

"My swordsmanship is not strong enough. I need to practice more. Only when I cultivate sword energy will I be able to protect myself."

Zhou An whispered.

But he laughed soon after.

In just a few days, the Qingfeng Sword Technique had already reached the Great Perfection stage.

"With my talent, it won't be long before I reach the perfect realm and master sword energy."

Guo Tao, the new head instructor of the Seven Mysteries Sect, spent 18 years and still couldn't master the sword energy. It's likely that even if others are strong, they can't be much stronger.

"With the support of two servings of medicinal food and meat every day, my strength is increasing day by day. Before long, I will also master the Tongbei Fist technique."

Once I master sword energy, I can try doing some quests; it should be much safer that way.

Thinking of this, Zhou An's eyes filled with even more anticipation.

"Keep practicing!"

With this thought in mind, Zhou An took a deep breath and buried himself in cultivation again.

......