Chapter 64

After Yue Fangxing comprehended the Dao of sword intent, his path in swordsmanship became smooth, and his progress was rapid. In just a few days, he perfected the Profound Yuan Sword Technique, making his movements more fluid and continuous. At the same time, he re-examined the other techniques of the Huashan introductory sword method, hoping to comprehend their essence.

Yue Fangxing was extremely familiar with these sword techniques. It had taken him four years to master them, and he had a very good grasp of each move. Although he had not yet comprehended their essence, he was only a step away. The essence of these techniques, while slightly different from that of "White Cloud Emerging from the Mountain," was still connected as they belonged to the same sword method. With his recent breakthrough and clear mind, he successively comprehended the essence of the other techniques.

From then on, Yue Fangxing's introductory sword method could be considered fully accomplished. Even if the ancestors of the Huashan Sect were to come back to life, they would probably not surpass him. However, during practice, Yue Fangxing discovered a problem: while the sword method was suitable for beginners to build a foundation, it was somewhat complicated for actual combat, and the essence of each technique was quite different, lacking coherence.

After some thought, Yue Fangxing selected the nine techniques with the greatest power and closest sword intent: "White Cloud Emerging from the Mountain," "Phoenix Arrives," "Heavenly Ribbon Hanging Down," "White Rainbow Piercing the Sun," "Golden Goose Soaring Across the Sky," "Endless Falling Leaves," "Ancient Cypress Forest," "Distant Green Mountains," and "Purple Qi from the East." These nine techniques were the essence of Huashan swordsmanship, best representing the perilous and wondrous nature of Huashan. Yue Fangxing combined them into a new sword method, naming it the "Nine Techniques of Huashan."

Although the "Nine Techniques of Huashan" consisted of only nine techniques, all derived from the introductory sword method, they were extremely simple. However, precisely because of this simplicity, Yue Fangxing could deliberately connect each technique with the other eight. Each technique could lead to eight follow-up moves, creating countless variations. Thus, the method appeared simple but was actually complex, fully showcasing the perilous and wondrous nature of Huashan swordsmanship.

If it were only this, the sword method might be criticized for relying too much on clever variations. However, Yue Fangxing combined it with the Huashan foundational cultivation method, connecting the cultivation methods of the nine techniques. This way, although the techniques varied, the power did not diminish, and it could also assist in practicing the Huashan foundational cultivation method during regular practice.

Thus, the "Nine Techniques of Huashan" could be called a sword technique and could be considered a first-class sword method. However, compared to other first-class sword methods, its techniques were too simple, and frequent use could make it easy for opponents to predict the pattern. Despite this, it could greatly enhance the strength of Huashan disciples, making their introductory sword method more effective. After all, while the Huashan introductory sword method was good, it lacked the power needed for first-class experts. The "Nine Techniques of Huashan," however, could even make first-class experts take notice.

Yue Fangxing, having created the "Nine Techniques of Huashan," naturally did not keep it to himself. He presented it to his father, Yue Buqun, and together they refined the cultivation methods. Yue Buqun, having practiced the Huashan foundational cultivation method for decades and taught many disciples, was much more proficient in it than Yue Fangxing, who had been practicing the Profound Yuan Technique. After refining the cultivation methods, he passed them on to the disciples of the Huashan Sect who were qualified to learn them.

Initially, the disciples saw the sword method as simple and familiar, and they did not take it seriously. Yue Fangxing, seeing their expressions, wanted to teach them a lesson and also test the power of the "Nine Techniques of Huashan." He challenged them with this sword method.

Naturally, the disciples accepted the challenge, curious about the extent of their second senior brother's martial arts. In Hengshan City, he had even seemed slightly superior to the Qingcheng Sect's leader, Yu Canghai. Now, with another breakthrough, they wondered how far he had advanced.

In the sparring, the disciples realized the method's power. Without relying on his internal strength, Yue Fangxing easily defeated them using only the "Nine Techniques of Huashan." Not a single one could force him to use all the variations of the method.

Feeling the power of the "Nine Techniques of Huashan," the disciples began to take it seriously. They were amazed that such a simple set of nine techniques could have so many variations and such great power. They also became even more admiring of Yue Fangxing, realizing that he not only had high internal strength but also outstanding swordsmanship.

After teaching the "Nine Techniques of Huashan" to his junior brothers, Yue Fangxing continued to explore Huashan, deepening his understanding of the mountain's terrain and purifying the sword intent of the "Nine Techniques of Huashan."

One day, Yue Fangxing reached Yvnu Peak and, thinking of Linghuchong, climbed to Sigu Cliff to visit him.

Linghuchong had been diligently practicing the Purple Mist Divine Technique for some time. Although he did not feel bored, he rarely saw anyone. Seeing Yue Fangxing, he was very happy and began to talk non-stop.

As they talked, the conversation turned to swordsmanship. Hearing Yue Fangxing describe his comprehension of the Dao of sword intent and the "Nine Techniques of Huashan," Linghuchong was greatly surprised. He had practiced the Huashan introductory sword method for many years and never imagined that a more powerful sword method could be derived from it. He immediately wanted to spar with Yue Fangxing.

Linghuchong was full of confidence. His internal strength had greatly improved from practicing the Purple Mist Divine Technique, and although he was not yet as strong as Yue Fangxing, the gap was not as wide as before. He believed that with more time, he could reach the first-class realm. In swordsmanship, he had always been ahead of Yue Fangxing. Although he heard that the "Nine Techniques of Huashan" were powerful, he did not take it seriously, thinking it impossible for Yue Fangxing to surpass him after only a few years of practice!

However, when they sparred, Linghuchong realized he was wrong. Yue Fangxing's "Nine Techniques of Huashan" had nine techniques, but they were full of variations and great power. Using only the introductory sword method, Linghuchong was no match, and even with the newly learned Zhenyue Sword Technique, he still lost to Yue Fangxing.

Despite his carefree nature, Linghuchong felt a bit dejected, realizing that even his strongest sword technique had been surpassed by his junior brother. However, he was broad-minded and quickly shook off his disappointment, asking Yue Fangxing to teach him the "Nine Techniques of Huashan."

Yue Fangxing did not keep it to himself and explained it in detail.

Linghuchong, with his high talent and familiarity with the Huashan introductory sword method, quickly learned the techniques of the "Nine Techniques of Huashan." Although it took him more time to master the cultivation methods, he soon learned them. He tried practicing them and found that they were indeed more powerful and seemed to suit his nature.

The deeper Linghuchong felt, the more he admired Yue Fangxing. He sighed, "Junior brother, although you sometimes defeated me in the past, I was not convinced. But now, seeing the 'Nine Techniques of Huashan,' I am thoroughly convinced!"

Yue Fangxing consoled him, "Senior brother, there's no need to belittle yourself. Junior brother has just taken a step ahead."

Linghuchong was confident. After all, his talent in swordsmanship was higher than Yue Fangxing's, and he just lacked the internal strength to fully utilize it. Now, with the Purple Mist Divine Technique, his progress was rapid, and he believed he could catch up to Yue Fangxing in a few years, perhaps even surpass him, as the Purple Mist Divine Technique was more powerful than the Profound Yuan Technique.

Yue Fangxing talked with Linghuchong for a while longer, but as the sky grew dark, he descended the cliff.

After walking for a while, Yue Fangxing suddenly slowed down. He sensed that someone had been following him and, feeling uneasy, he touched his heavy sword, carefully on guard. He was extremely shocked by the person's strength.

This shock was significant. Yue Fangxing, having practiced natural breathing techniques since childhood, had extremely sensitive senses. Even the now highly skilled Yue Buqun could be faintly sensed when he was close. But the person following him was almost undetectable, and he only sensed a hint of their presence due to his unease. This made him realize that the person's strength was likely even greater than Yue Buqun's.

While Yue Fangxing was thinking, a figure suddenly appeared before him, saying, "Not bad, little boy. I only took a few steps, and you sensed me!"

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