Chapter 14

Listening to the *Dripping Water Sutra*, taking the meaning of 'dripping water can penetrate stone.'

The sword technique is endless and continuous, like rain falling from the sky. When the sword is unleashed, it is like a torrential downpour, making it difficult for the enemy to dodge. The defense is also impenetrable... When countless raindrops converge, they can unleash an extremely terrifying power. Even ordinary dripping water can penetrate stone, and the power of each sword stroke, when condensed, is invincible.

"Indeed, the *Dripping Water Sutra* is profound." Ji Ning nodded, then picked up the second book, the *Beidou Secret Manual*.

The *Beidou Secret Manual* is a part of the legendary *Beidou Sword Canon*, divided into seven major sword techniques: Tian Shu, Tian Xuan, Tian Ji, Tian Quan, Yu Heng, Kai Yang, and Yao Guang. These seven sword techniques all have the power to invoke the stars, such as the ferocious Yao Guang Greedy Wolf Sword and the extremely gentle Tian Quan Literary Sword...

The sword technique is profound and unpredictable, both offensive and defensive.

"Excellent sword technique." Ji Ning was amazed and picked up the third simplified book.

The *Thunderfire Sword Remnant*, which was obtained by Ji's ancestors during their wanderings and training on the vast land, is a partially burned book. The title of the burned book is unclear, but only the two characters 'Thunderfire' can be discerned. Only three complete sword techniques can be found within.

Each technique is offensive, and when unleashed, it is like the collision of heavenly thunder and earthly fire. In terms of attack power, it is undoubtedly the first among Ji's sword techniques! Just the three remaining techniques can rank it among the five supreme sword techniques, clearly indicating that the complete, unknown sword technique... is far superior to the other four major sword techniques.

However, while its strengths are obvious, its weaknesses are also clear. Because it is a remnant... with only three techniques, it is not continuous, and all three techniques are offensive, with no defensive techniques. How can a powerful warrior fight without defensive techniques? Therefore, very few choose this sword technique.

"I really want to see the complete version of the *Thunderfire Sword Remnant*." Ji Ning couldn't help but sigh.

"If it were the complete version," Ji Yichuan said beside him, "it would be the undisputed first immortal and demon secret technique on the Yan Mountain."

Ji Ning nodded and picked up the fourth simplified book.

The *Illusion Demon Book*, strictly speaking, cannot be considered a sword technique. Once the true meaning of 'Illusion Demon' is understood, one can also perform the Illusion Demon Saber Technique, the Illusion Demon Spear Technique, the Illusion Demon Staff Technique... It is a powerful immortal and demon secret technique that uses illusions to conceal the real attack, often killing the enemy before they even see it.

This technique follows a treacherous and devious path.

"This doesn't suit my character." Ji Ning immediately rejected the *Illusion Demon Book*. Choosing a secret technique that suits one's temperament is very important. A sword technique that completely contradicts one's nature, no matter how profound... would be counterproductive in cultivation. Ji Ning naturally rejected it.

"Hmm, the last one, which was the foundation of our Ji family's establishment." Ji Ning flipped through the *Myriad Sword Melody*.

The *Myriad Sword Melody* is the most complex among the five major sword techniques, even more complex than the *108 Heavenly and Earthly Swords* that Ji Ning had once cultivated. However, if truly comprehended, the *Myriad Sword Melody* can be condensed into three major sword techniques: 'One Sword, Myriad Shadows,' 'Myriad Swords Converge,' and 'Myriad Sword Melody.'

...

Ji Ning closed his eyes and thought carefully.

In terms of grandeur and complexity, or simplicity, the *Myriad Sword Melody* is the most fitting.

In terms of treacherous and unpredictable attacks, the *Illusion Demon Book* is the best.

In terms of the most balanced, the *Beidou Secret Manual* is the best.

In terms of the strongest defense, the *Dripping Water Sutra* is the best.

In terms of the strongest attack, the mysterious *Thunderfire Sword Remnant* is the best.

"First, eliminate the *Illusion Demon Book*, as it doesn't suit my nature!" Ji Ning thought, "The *Beidou Secret Manual* is a part of the *Beidou Sword Canon*. In terms of attack, it is not the strongest, in terms of defense, it is not the strongest, and in terms of profundity, it is not the best... everything is mediocre, but nothing is bad. However, in a battle between strong warriors, advantages are very important! The *Beidou Secret Manual* is also rejected."

"Only three remain: the *Myriad Sword Melody*, the *Dripping Water Sutra*, and the *Thunderfire Sword Remnant*."

"The *Dripping Water Sutra* is a must!" Ji Ning thought.

The *Dripping Water Sutra*, like endless rain, is the best in defense among the five major sword techniques.

Defense is even more important than offense in a battle!

In the previous era, Ji Ning had seen many sports competitions. Those who won boxing championships and kickboxing titles were all extremely skilled in defense and evasion. Even in football and basketball, there is a saying that 'defense wins championships.' Offense may look impressive, but true victory relies on defense.

Though the categories are different, the principles are the same!

Defense is equally important in life-and-death battles. When facing a stronger opponent, one can only try to defend and survive. If the defense is strong, there is a chance of survival. Those with strong attacks, once they encounter a stronger opponent, will be finished if their attacks are ineffective.

"Defense is to protect one's life. Only by protecting one's own life can one take another's. Moreover, this is the ultimate technique that made my father famous, and with his guidance, my progress will be greater. The *Dripping Water Sutra* is a must." Ji Ning thought carefully, "As for the *Thunderfire Sword Remnant* and the *Myriad Sword Melody*."

"Right, the *Thunderfire Sword Remnant*!" Ji Ning quickly made his decision.

If he were like an ordinary person who could only use one sword, Ji Ning might have chosen either the *Dripping Water Sutra* or the *Myriad Sword Melody*.

However, since he uses dual swords, with the *Dripping Water Sutra* already chosen for defense, he should choose the *Thunderfire Sword Remnant* for the strongest attack. The *Thunderfire Sword Remnant* lacks defensive techniques, but for him, using dual swords, this is not a disadvantage. He also greatly desires powerful killing techniques.

"The *Dripping Water Sutra* and the *Thunderfire Sword Remnant*." Ji Ning confirmed, "The *Dripping Water Sutra* is extremely good at defense, and the *Thunderfire Sword Remnant*, though only three remaining techniques, are three powerful killing techniques."

"Moreover, my Nine Heavens Diagram of Bright Red has the patterns of the Moon and the Sun. Once I break through to the innate stage, I can control water and fire. Water corresponds to the *Dripping Water Sutra*, and fire corresponds to the *Thunderfire Sword Remnant*. I believe this will also help my sword techniques."

"Defense must be flawless!"

"Attack must be like a volcanic eruption!"

"I have dual swords, one for defense, one for attack. Or both hands can defend together, or both hands can attack together. Everything is at my command!" Ji Ning's thoughts raced, and his future battle strategy was crystal clear. He knew very well... having a clear path for the future is essential to minimize detours and accelerate growth!

In war, strategy is more important than tactics.

For personal growth, the path is more important than diligence.

A clear path, advancing a little each day, will lead to a high point in ten or twenty years. Without a clear path... blind diligence may result in stagnation or even regression!

...

Carefully examining the five simplified books took more than an hour, and the thick candle had burned halfway. Ji Yichuan and Wei Chi Xue were still waiting, occasionally whispering to each other.

"Father, Mother." Ji Ning suddenly spoke.

"Hmm?" Ji Yichuan and Wei Chi Xue turned to look at him, and Ji Yichuan asked, "Have you made your choice?"

Ji Ning nodded.

"Ning'er, what did you choose? One or two?" Wei Chi Xue asked.

"I chose two." Ji Ning picked up two simplified books, "One is the *Dripping Water Sutra*, and the other is the *Thunderfire Sword Remnant*."

"Dripping Water Sutra? Thunderfire?" Ji Yichuan nodded slightly. As the first person of the Western Manor of the Ji family, he had not achieved any notable victories since his son's birth, but his influence was even stronger. No one knew how powerful Ji Yichuan was now... but it was undeniable that ten years ago, Ji Yichuan was already the first person of the Western Manor of the Ji family.

How sharp was his insight?

"Right, it's fine." Ji Yichuan nodded.

"Please guide me, Father." Ji Ning said.

"No rush." Ji Yichuan shook his head, "I have some insights into the *Dripping Water Sutra*, but since you have never cultivated it, even if I explain it to you, you won't be moved. You must truly experience many cultivations and life-and-death battles, and then my guidance will truly move you."

"Tomorrow morning, I will give you the complete versions of the *Dripping Water Sutra* and the *Thunderfire Sword Remnant*. When you perform them in front of me, as long as the sword techniques and postures are correct, it will be fine." Ji Yichuan nodded, "Three days later, you will begin real battles. Regular sparring is too gentle; you need real life-and-death battles."

Ji Ning was puzzled.

"Father, haven't I already experienced killing?" Ji Ning couldn't help but ask, "When you determined that my sword technique reached the first level and laid the foundation, didn't you have me fight some death row inmates and kill many of them?"

He still remembered the first time he killed someone, his whole body trembled uncontrollably, even though he was not afraid in his mind, his body still trembled. According to his father... except for a few people born for killing, most people tremble the first time they kill.

After killing dozens of death row inmates, he had already calmed down.

"That wasn't killing, but training courage." Ji Yichuan shook his head, "Fighting death row inmates, who are all weaker than you, how can that be called life-and-death battles? Three days later... I will arrange for you to fight real demons, all of which are powerful demons that have reached the innate stage."

"Demons?" Ji Ning's face changed.

"Those imprisoned demons, for food and survival, will become very fierce, and they will not show any mercy." Ji Yichuan looked at his son, "In a large cage, one-on-one with a demon. This is the 'Cage Battle' that important descendants of our Ji family must experience. About half of these well-cultivated Ji family descendants die in the cage."

Half?

Ji Ning was startled but quickly calmed down, because he knew that in this land, tribal women and some slaves could have many children, but the total population had not changed much in thousands of years. Why? Because in the harsh environment, countless tribes had to fight against nature, the land, and the great demons lurking in the mountains and lakes, and even other tribes. Only a few survived! Even being born in the Ji family, one must still undergo harsh training, and only the elite survive.

It is precisely because the Ji family members are all powerful that the Ji family is feared and respected in all directions, becoming a dominant force!