Chapter 79 - 71: Saber Technique Genius
"Alright," Chen Cheng answered decisively, then walked to the center of the field, Long Saber in hand.
A man’s reputation precedes him. After cutting down Zhou Fang and making a name for himself at the Ruyi Square Sub-Department, Chen Cheng was the center of attention for all the constables, no matter where he went.
The moment he stepped into the field, all the other constables stopped their Cultivation and formed a wide circle to watch.
"Ah Cheng, Elder Mu is here. You have to give it your all. Don’t hold back," Liao San reminded him loudly.
"I will," Chen Cheng replied with a smile. Since he had come to the training grounds to cultivate and ask Mr. Mu for guidance on his Saber Technique, he had no intention of holding anything back. ’I have to display the full extent of my Saber Technique Cultivation to receive proper pointers.’
"Elder Mu, I practice the Wind Chasing Saber Technique, which is a Mid-level Saber Technique."
Chen Cheng cupped his fist in respect toward Mu Zhenhai. He then planted his feet, slightly raised his Long Saber to point diagonally forward, and with a flick of his wrist, performed a flourish.
Immediately after, his body moved swiftly, following the path of his saber as he executed the Wind Chasing Saber Technique, one move at a time.
He had long since cultivated this Saber Technique to Great Success. The coordination between his moves and his Body Technique was seamless and masterful, balanced in both offense and defense, leaving no openings.
For a moment, all they could see was Chen Cheng and his saber, a blur of rapid movement across the field. His Body Technique was as ethereal as catching the wind, his moves fierce and swift. At the peak of his performance, he seemed on the verge of achieving Saber and Man Unity, his form unpredictable and ever-changing.
Such skill with a saber far surpassed the standard of Great Success. Although the other constables had also reached Great Success in their own Saber Techniques, they felt they would stand no chance against Chen Cheng. Deeply impressed, they all began to shout their praise.
After finishing the entire set, Chen Cheng retracted his saber and stood still, a fresh wave of insight washing over him.
The system panel appeared again.
[Cultivation Progress for Wind Chasing Saber Technique has increased.]
[Skills: Wind Chasing Saber Technique (Great Success 1336/10000)]
His progress had increased, but not by much—only by a few points.
He still hadn’t fully processed the insights he’d gained from watching Gongsun Rou’s Sword Techniques. This was partly because Gongsun Rou’s Swordsmanship and techniques were too exquisite for Chen Cheng to fully comprehend with his current level of perception.
On the other hand, even with the insights he did have, his lack of practice time meant his understanding outpaced his ability to execute, preventing him from fully translating his epiphanies into skill.
The Cultivation of Saber Technique relied heavily on practical combat; progress was naturally slow when training in isolation.
Chen Cheng had come to the training grounds to spar with the other constables and, more importantly, to receive guidance from Elder Mu on his shortcomings.
"Mm, not bad. Your Saber Technique is methodical and disciplined, your execution fluid and masterful. You have indeed far surpassed Great Success and would be hard-pressed to find a match among the constables."
Mu Zhenhai nodded slightly in praise, but then his tone shifted. "However, there is no end to the path of the Saber Technique. Merely reaching Great Success is far from enough."
As he spoke, he walked into the center of the field, raised his own Long Saber, and began to demonstrate a Saber Technique.
His Body Technique and speed were not fast, but the light glinting off his blade moved like a bolt of silk, flowing freely. It didn’t seem fierce, yet every single move was exquisitely precise. With each strike, a minuscule amount of power bloomed, so subtle it was almost imperceptible, yet utterly unstoppable.
And the Saber Technique he was performing was, shockingly, the very same Wind Chasing Saber Technique Chen Cheng had just used.
The constables were so captivated that they forgot to cheer.
Chen Cheng’s eyes shone brightly, as if he had come to a realization.
Mu Zhenhai’s Saber Technique revealed its profundity in the details. It was countless times more refined than Chen Cheng’s.
’In terms of pure Saber Technique,’ Chen Cheng thought to himself, ’I probably couldn’t even withstand three of his moves. He’s truly incredible.’
"Seeing Elder Mu’s Saber Technique today has been a great lesson for me," Chen Cheng said solemnly, bowing with his fist cupped.
Mu Zhenhai waved his hand and sighed softly. "My Saber Technique is nothing special, not worth mentioning. This is the first time I’ve ever performed your Wind Chasing Saber Technique, so I’m far from bringing out its true subtlety. If someone who had truly cultivated the Wind Chasing Saber Technique to Perfection were here, they could defeat me in just two or three moves."
"The first time?" Chen Cheng was stunned and blurted out, "You mean... Elder Mu has never practiced the Wind Chasing Saber Technique before?"
’For Mu Zhenhai to surpass me so completely on his very first try... That level of comprehension in Saber Technique is simply terrifying.’
Mu Zhenhai smiled. "All Martial Arts Skills under heaven, no matter how they vary, stem from the same root. They are all simply about how to attack, how to defend, and how to transition naturally between offense and defense to achieve a perfect balance.
The way of the saber, for instance, evolves from combinations of basic moves like cleaving, hacking, peeling, flicking, and slashing.
As a fellow saber practitioner, I have seen no fewer than several dozen different Saber Techniques. When I saw you perform the Wind Chasing Saber Technique just now, I was naturally able to grasp its essence through analogy.
Memorizing an opponent’s moves after seeing them once is but a minor feat. It’s not just me; any Perfect Martial Artist who has reached Saber Technique Perfection can do it.
Of course, this doesn’t mean one can fully grasp the mysteries of a Saber Technique just by watching someone else perform it. Every Saber Technique has its unique aspects and a specific Heart Method Mantra. Only by coordinating with that specific Heart Method Mantra can one unleash the technique’s true subtlety.
Although I have not learned the mantra for the Wind Chasing Saber Technique, I can still discern some of its principles. This technique emphasizes agility, speed, precision, and ruthlessness.
Your performance of the Wind Chasing Saber Technique just now was indeed extraordinary, but you still have a long way to go before you master its finer points."
"Thank you for your guidance, Elder Mu," Chen Cheng said, cupping his fist again as another wave of understanding washed over him.
It was just as Mu Zhenhai said. With Chen Cheng’s current understanding of Saber Technique, if he were to watch another Great Success Blade Master perform a Saber Technique, he too could produce a decent imitation of their moves.
However, he would only be able to execute it at the Small Success Level, approaching Great Success at best. It would be impossible to advance any further.
’But Elder Mu saw me perform it once and could execute the Wind Chasing Saber Technique at a level far beyond Great Success. His mastery of the saber is truly remarkable.’