Location: Back mountain of the Spirit Hall
Qian Daoliu stood still after sheathing his sword. His golden hair fluttered, and he looked detached from the mortal world.
Beside him, Murong Huai was filled with shock. When he closed his eyes, the sacred and powerful sword technique seemed to replay in his mind, leaving a deep impression and admiration.
"Huai'er, this is the complete Ninefold Holy Judgment Sword Technique. What do you think?"
Murong Huai opened his eyes and sighed:
"Sacred, magnificent, powerful… yet hiding killing intent, protection, and resolve. With a single strike, it brings peace to heaven and earth."
Qian Daoliu nodded in satisfaction. The long sword in his hand turned into golden particles and disappeared.
"Before practicing this sword technique, you must first build a solid foundation. Basics are everything. Without them, even a towering tree will collapse sooner or later."
As he spoke, he pointed at a small peach tree. It transformed into two wooden swords, identical in size to Murong Huai's martial soul. One floated in front of Murong Huai.
"Come, I'll teach you the basics first."
Murong Huai nodded, gripping the sword with both hands and standing behind him.
---
Basic Sword Techniques
Qian Daoliu demonstrated:
"There are thirteen fundamental sword movements:
Draw
Carry
Lift
Block
Strike
Thrust
Point
Flick
Stir
Press
Chop
Cut
Wash
"All sword techniques in the world are built from these."
He slowly demonstrated each move. Murong Huai followed behind, learning step by step.
At first, Murong Huai was stiff and inexperienced, having no prior sword training.
But Qian Daoliu didn't criticize him—he patiently guided him again and again.
Surprisingly, Murong Huai improved rapidly. Whether due to talent or natural aptitude, his movements quickly became smoother and more refined.
Qian Daoliu nodded approvingly and gradually increased the speed. Murong Huai managed to keep up, becoming more fluent with the sword.
After practicing ten full rounds, they finally stopped.
"Huai'er, you truly have talent. You've mastered the basics in less than half an hour. Rare indeed."
"It's thanks to your teaching, Master," Murong Huai replied modestly.
Qian Daoliu laughed.
"From now on, practice these basics for at least one hour daily."
---
Training & Next Soul Ring
"Also, don't neglect your physique. Tomorrow, I'll assign two people to help train your body so you can quickly reach your current soul power limit and obtain your second soul ring.
You've just started cultivation—holding back your level too long will only harm you."
"I understand, Master."
---
Murong Huai's Request
Murong Huai hesitated, then asked:
"Master… can you help me gather something?"
"What is it?"
"Uh… whale glue."
Qian Daoliu froze for a moment, then looked at him strangely.
Murong Huai quickly explained:
"Don't misunderstand! I need it to improve my physique!"
"Oh? Whale glue can do that?" Qian Daoliu asked, confused.
Murong Huai explained:
"Deep-sea whale glue has special effects. Besides… that use, it can temper a soul master's body. The older it is, the better the effect.
If a first-ring soul master consumes ten-thousand-year whale glue, they might be able to absorb a thousand-year second soul ring."
He added:
"I'm only six years old—what else would I use it for?"
---
Qian Daoliu's Reaction
Qian Daoliu thought for a moment. He had never paid attention to this before.
"Actually… I've heard others mention it. It does have some effect."
"Really? Who told you?" Murong Huai asked curiously.
Qian Daoliu quickly improvised:
"Uh… the Third Worship Hall Elder mentioned it…"
Then he changed the topic:
"I'll arrange for people to collect it. I suddenly remembered something important at the Pope's Hall—I'll go handle it first!"
With that, he turned into a streak of light and disappeared.
---
Murong Huai's Thoughts
Murong Huai stroked his chin:
"The Third Worship Hall Elder… that's Grandpa. So he used it before too?"
He chuckled, then suddenly froze:
"Wait… does that mean Father also…"
---
Meanwhile…
Far away, Murong Fuhai suddenly sneezed:
"Ah-choo! Did the weather get colder?"
He wrapped himself tighter in his blanket:
"Must've been last night… I should drink more goji berries tonight…"
---
Back on the Mountain
Murong Huai shivered as a cold wind blew.
Then he suddenly realized something and shouted toward the Pope's Hall:
"Master! You forgot me! I don't know the way back—!"
---
(End of Chapter)