Chapter 16: Beginning to Understand the Sword
The little girl transformed by the black light had a pretty face as delicate as a piece of jade. Her jet-black hair was tied into a pair of cute ponytails. Her big, bright eyes were looking at Shangguan Jiannan with anger, and her cheeks were bulging with anger. However, she only looked cute and not scary at all. She was like a lily, full of innocence.
"Damn idiot! What's your name?" Shangguan Jiannan, who was in a daze, recovered after hearing the sword spirit's words. As soon as he recovered, Shangguan Jiannan blurted out: "Why is it a little ghost?"
"What's your name?" the little girl asked in a contemptuous tone.
"Uh, ... Shangguan Jiannan." Shangguan Jiannan thought to himself. This shadow spirit is not easy to talk to.
"Bitch? Hehehe"
"Shangguan Jiannan"
"Shangguan the jerk? Hehehe"
"It's Jiannan, not a jerk." Uh...
"I'm talking about Jiannan?" Ying Ling said with a smile, "Hey, I'm not teasing you. Let me see your sword?"
"I don't have a sword. Where can I find a sword in this poor place?"
"Foolish pig, if you don't have a sword in your hand, is there no sword in your heart?"
The shadow spirit was silent for a while, then slowly said: "Sword spirit is not something you can comprehend simply through practice and meditation. It requires you to completely integrate your heart, soul and sword together to achieve the state of unity of heart and sword. And you can't do this now."
"The mind and sword are one..." Shangguan Jiannan repeated Ying Ling's words in a low voice, and a thoughtful look gradually appeared in his eyes.
The shadow spirit continued, "Your mind is now full of distractions and anxieties, and you can't focus on the way of the sword at all. You need to clear your mind and immerse yourself completely in the world of swords, so that you can truly touch the core of the sword's meaning."
"This emperor, let me teach you a little trick, come here."
The shadow spirit pointed a finger at Shangguan Jiannan’s brow, “Shadow and heart become one.”
This is a high-level sword technique that integrates the practitioner's mind with the essence of swordsmanship to achieve the state of unity of mind and sword. This technique not only improves the power and accuracy of swordsmanship, but also helps practitioners generate strong sword intentions, thereby gaining a significant advantage in battle. Its core lies in the deep integration of mind and sword, so that swordsmanship no longer relies solely on external skills, but is driven and strengthened by internal spiritual power.
Shadow Spirit explained to Shangguan Jiannan. In the later stage, the sword intention can be transformed into actual sword power. Through the practice of the unity of shadow and heart, you can gain a huge improvement in swordsmanship. Not only can you reach the state of unity of heart and sword, but you can also generate powerful sword intention in battle, making his swordsmanship more invincible and accurate.
Once you have cultivated to the point where your mind and sword are united, you will be able to comprehend the meaning of the sword.
Shangguan Jiannan listened to Ying Ling's words, and suddenly his mind became clear. He closed his eyes, trying to calm his mind, feeling the weight and temperature of the sword in his hand, and gradually entered a state of selflessness.
Time seemed to stop flowing at this moment, and the netherworld spiritual energy in the nine-story tower prison slowly flowed around Shangguan Jiannan. His breathing became steady, and the distracting thoughts in his mind gradually dissipated, leaving only the existence of the sword.
"Yes, that's it." There was a hint of approval in Shadow Spirit's voice, "You are entering the realm of unity between mind and sword. Continue to maintain this state and feel the resonance between sword and soul."
Shangguan Jiannan smiled, and he felt the connection between him and the sword become closer. The spiritual energy in the sword slowly flowed into his body, resonating with his soul, like an invisible bridge, completely connecting him and the sword.
"Sword Intention..." Shangguan Jiannan murmured in a low voice. Suddenly, he felt a powerful force gushing out from the sword and reaching deep into his soul. This force was full of endless sharpness and determination, making his mind unusually clear and tough.
"This is the sword intent." Ying Ling's voice was filled with some relief and excitement. "You have finally touched the core of the sword intent. Keep up this state, and as time goes by, your sword intent will become more proficient and powerful."
After the training, Shangguan Jiannan took a deep breath and opened his eyes, his eyes full of determination and confidence. He knew that he had finally taken a crucial step in the way of the sword.
"Thank you, Ying Ling." Shangguan Jiannan said gratefully, "If it weren't for your guidance, I might have been wandering in confusion for a long time."
There was a hint of pride in the shadow spirit's voice: "Don't thank me, I just saw that you were too stupid and couldn't help but teach you a lesson. In fact, you have great talent, you just need some guidance."
"Can you tell me more about kendo?" Shangguan Jiannan asked expectantly. He was eager to know more about the knowledge and skills of kendo.
In the following days, Shangguan Jiannan continued to practice and explore according to the guidance of the shadow spirit, and gradually mastered more sword skills and shadow techniques.
Shangguan Jiannan was concentrating on meditation, trying to calm his mind. The voice of the shadow spirit echoed in his mind again: "The way of the sword is a road full of difficulties and challenges. In addition to the understanding of the sword's meaning, you also need constant practice and actual combat to truly master the essence of the sword."
Shangguan Jiannan frowned, feeling somewhat confused: "Actual combat? How can I conduct actual combat in this nine-story tower prison?"
The shadow spirit's voice was filled with helplessness and ridicule: "Fool, if you don't have an opponent, can't you just fight yourself?"
"Fighting against yourself?" Shangguan Jiannan was stunned for a moment, then the corners of his mouth slightly raised, revealing a bitter smile, "Do I have to create my own opponent here?"
Shadow Spirit's voice became relaxed but serious: "Of course not. I will create an image that is exactly like you in your consciousness space and let you fight against this image. In this way, you can practice actual combat without an actual opponent."
"I see," Shangguan Jiannan nodded, and a little understanding came to his mind. "Then, what are the characteristics of this image?"
The shadow spirit's voice was full of confidence: "This image will not only copy your appearance, but also imitate your swordsmanship and fighting style. It will become your most realistic opponent, allowing you to constantly improve yourself in battle."
As the shadow spirit finished speaking, Shangguan Jiannan felt a breeze blowing through the secret room. He closed his eyes and waited for the shadow spirit's arrangement. When he opened his eyes again, he found an image that looked exactly like himself in front of him - a swordsman wearing the same clothes and holding the same long sword.
"This is your opponent, let's start!" Shadow Spirit's voice sounded in Shangguan Jiannan's ears with an encouraging tone.
The eyes of the swordsman flashed with a cold light, and he slowly raised his sword, ready to attack. Shangguan Jiannan took a deep breath, clenched the sword in his hand, and prepared to meet the challenge.
"Come on!" Shangguan Jiannan whispered to himself, the sword flashing, and he quickly entered combat status.