Chapter 1035
Rhythmic
Yun Feiyang removed his straw hat, revealing his handsome face, and stepped into the courtyard with a smile: "The two of you are still discussing swordsmanship late into the night; you are truly diligent."
Yang Ling and Dan Yan quickly stood up to greet him. Yang Ling cupped his hands and said, "Senior Yun Feiyang, what brings you here so late at night?"
Yun Feiyang waved his hand and laughed, "I dare not accept your instruction. I was just passing by when I sensed a strong fluctuation of sword energy, so I came to investigate. I did not expect that the two of you would be here sparring."
Dan Yan asked curiously, "Senior Yun, as a esteemed disciple of the Free and Unfettered Sect, your swordsmanship is undoubtedly extraordinary. I wonder if we might have the honor of meeting you?"
Yun Feiyang smiled and said, "It is certainly possible to demonstrate, but my swordsmanship is derived from the Way of Nature, and is quite different from the swordsmanship practiced by the two of you."
Yang Ling's eyes revealed anticipation: "I'd like to hear the details."
Yun Feiyang nodded and walked into the courtyard. He took a deep breath, and his figure suddenly became ethereal. He formed a hand seal and chanted softly. An invisible power spread from his body, and the surrounding air seemed to be affected and began to flow slowly.
"This sword technique is called 'Natural Sword Intent,' which emphasizes following nature and using the power of heaven and earth for one's own benefit." Before Yun Feiyang finished speaking, his figure suddenly moved and transformed into a gentle breeze, disappearing from his original spot in an instant.
Yang Ling and Dan Yan saw a gentle breeze weaving through the courtyard, causing leaves to fall wherever it passed, as if summoned by some mysterious force. The breeze moved erratically, sometimes to the left, sometimes to the right, sometimes up, sometimes down, unpredictable and elusive.
At that moment, the breeze suddenly condensed into a sword light, piercing straight at the ancient tree in the courtyard. With a crisp "crack," the ancient tree fell, the break clean and smooth, as if it had been severed in an instant by a sharp blade.
Yang Ling and Dan Yan were stunned, never expecting Yun Feiyang's swordsmanship to be so profound, able to unleash such power by borrowing the power of nature.
Yun Feiyang withdrew his sword light and reappeared, smiling slightly. "This is the 'Natural Sword Intent.' Unlike the sword techniques you two practice, this art emphasizes comprehending nature and conforming to the great Dao of Heaven and Earth."
Yang Ling and Dan Yan bowed and said, "Senior Yun's swordsmanship is unfathomable, we admire it greatly."
Yun Feiyang waved his hand and said, "You two are too kind. In fact, every sword technique has its unique features. As long as you study diligently, you can understand its mysteries."
Yang Ling nodded in agreement: "Senior Yun is absolutely right. Cultivators should constantly explore and comprehend in order to continuously improve their cultivation."
Dan Yan echoed, "Indeed. It is truly an honor to witness Senior Yun's swordsmanship tonight. I will remember what I saw tonight and strive to learn it."
Yun Feiyang smiled: "Very good. Since you two are so ambitious, I will give you a piece of advice: follow nature and comprehend the great principles of heaven and earth, only then can you reach the pinnacle of martial arts."
Yang Ling and Dan Yan said in unison, "Thank you for your guidance, Senior Yun."
Yun Feiyang waved his hand, about to leave. But at that moment, a dark shadow suddenly swept past outside the courtyard and headed straight for the small courtyard. Yang Ling and Dan Yan both became alert at the same time, and moved slightly to draw their swords to meet the attack.
However, Yun Feiyang waved to signal the two to calm down. In an instant, a dark figure appeared at the courtyard gate, transforming into a middle-aged man dressed in black. This man had sharp eyes like an eagle, and exuded a powerful aura.
Yun Feiyang stepped forward and cupped his hands in greeting: "So it is Senior Shadow Fiend who has arrived. I am so sorry for not welcoming you sooner."
The man in black smiled calmly: "Yun Feiyang, the disciple of the Free and Unfettered Sect is indeed worthy of his reputation. I have come tonight to invite you to join the Shadow Alliance and explore the ultimate realm of martial arts together."
Yun Feiyang frowned slightly: "The Shadow Alliance? The Free and Unfettered Sect has always acted alone and dislikes forming alliances." Disappointment flashed across the black-clad man's eyes, but he quickly regained his composure: "Since that's the case, we won't force you. However, the Shadow Alliance welcomes you to join us at any time."
After saying this, the man in black turned and left, disappearing into the night. Yun Feiyang watched his retreating figure, a thoughtful look in his eyes.
Yang Ling leaned closer and whispered, "Senior Yun, is the Shadow Alliance really that mysterious? They act discreetly yet their strength is unfathomable. What truth lies behind them?"
Yun Feiyang sighed softly, his gaze deep: "The Shadow Alliance is indeed a mystery. I have not had much contact with them, but every time we meet, I can feel the unspoken understanding and strength among their members. They seem to not care about fame in the martial world, but every move they make causes a stir."
Dan Yan interjected, "Senior Yun, should we be wary of the Shadow Alliance? After all, they are so powerful; if they were to harm us..."
Yun Feiyang waved his hand to stop Dan Yan's worries: "The Shadow Alliance is not an evil sect, and it has its own principles. Moreover, the world is vast, and each sect has its own characteristics, so there is no need to worry too much. As long as you stay true to your principles and cultivate diligently, you will be able to meet all kinds of challenges."
Yang Ling nodded in agreement, his gaze firm: "Senior Yun is right. The path of the martial world is full of unknown challenges, but as long as we forge ahead and keep surpassing ourselves, we will surely reach the pinnacle of martial arts."
As night deepened and the stars shone brighter, the three sat around a stone table, discussing the future of the martial world.
In the secluded courtyard of the Black Fiend Sect, Yang Ling and Dan Yan were conversing with Yun Feiyang. As night deepened, the moonlight softened, and the surrounding scenery seemed to be imbued with a mysterious aura. The three sat around a stone table, their conversation under the starlight imbued with their pursuit and exploration of the martial arts.
"Senior Yun, your demonstration of 'Natural Sword Intent' just now was truly eye-opening." Yang Ling's eyes shone brightly, and his face showed admiration. "I have cultivated for many years, and I have never seen such a unique sword technique."
Yun Feiyang smiled slightly, waved his hand, and remained calm. "Sword techniques are ever-changing and each has its own characteristics. Natural sword intent emphasizes the integration with heaven and earth and all things, which is the core essence passed down by my master."
Dan Yan raised an eyebrow and asked curiously, "Senior Yun, could you explain to us in detail how to integrate the power of nature into swordsmanship?"
Yun Feiyang nodded, looking around as if searching for a suitable object to demonstrate. His gaze finally settled on the flowing water beside him, and he said softly, "Look at this flowing water, trickling gently, seemingly soft, yet containing inner strength. Swordsmanship is the same principle, outwardly gentle and graceful but inwardly strong, soft within strength, and strength within softness."
Having said that, Yun Feiyang slowly rose and moved lightly to the stream. He lightly touched the water with his finger, and ripples spread out. Then, a flash of sword light appeared in his hand, and a gentle yet swift sword aura cleaved the water in two, splitting the stream into two streams that flowed gently along their new paths.
Yang Ling and Dan Yan watched intently, as if they had gleaned some profound meaning from this scene.
Yun Feiyang turned back to the stone table and continued to explain: "My sword techniques are as fluid and agile as flowing water, yet they can also reveal the sharpness of the blade. Swordsmanship is like the person, and the sword is like the person. The way of nature is also contained within them."
Upon hearing this, Dan Yan's expression turned solemn, as if she were pondering its profound meaning. Suddenly, she stood up, drew her long sword from her waist, and lightly touched the ground with the tip of the sword, saying, "Senior Yun, could you please give me some pointers? I would like to try to combine my ice sword technique with the Way of Nature."
Yun Feiyang smiled and nodded, signaling Dan Yan to begin. Dan Yan took a deep breath, her sword dancing lightly in her hand, a chilling aura gradually gathering at the tip. Her movements were elegant and rhythmic, each strike like fluttering ice and snow, serene and beautiful.
Yun Feiyang watched Dan Yan's movements and said softly, "Very good. Your swordsmanship has taken shape, but it still needs more depth. Try to sense the surrounding cold air and draw it into your own domain."
A flash of understanding crossed Dan Yan's eyes. She then closed her eyes and focused her mind, sensing the subtle flow of cold air around her. With each sword dance, wisps of cold air seemed to be summoned, naturally flowing into her sword. Her swordsmanship suddenly became sharper and more powerful, each strike carrying a gust of wind, and the surrounding temperature seemed to drop accordingly. (End of Chapter)