: Ring-Pommel Straight Sword!

As the night deepened, Su Yang arrived at the courtyard where Yang Yunxing lived.

The courtyard gate was ajar, letting in a sliver of dim light.

He calmed his slightly agitated blood and qi, which had been stirred by his minor mastery of swordsmanship, and made sure he looked only a little more energetic than during the day before raising his hand to gently knock on the door.

"Come in."

Yang Yunxing's deep voice came from inside.

Su Yang pushed the door open and entered, then gently closed it behind him.

The courtyard was simple. Yang Yunxing was standing by the stone table, wiping a sheathed longsword by the light of an oil lamp. He wasn't wearing the short-sleeved clothes he had during the day, but only a single layer of clothing, which made his physique appear even more robust and imposing, like a mountain.

Upon seeing Su Yang enter, Yang Yunxing stopped what he was doing and looked up.

His gaze swept over Su Yang like lightning, and his brows twitched almost imperceptibly.

"His breathing is deeper, and his steps are more steady... Has this kid improved again in just this short time back?" Yang Yunxing thought to himself, but showed no sign of it on his face: "He's certainly careful when closing the door."

"Instructor."

Su Yang stepped forward, clasped his hands in a respectful gesture, but showed no sign of timidity.

"Um."

Yang Yunxing sheathed the knife he was wiping and casually placed it on the stone table with a soft "thud." He turned around to face Su Yang, his gaze lingering on him for a moment as if it were a tangible presence, before speaking slowly in a low voice: "Your aura seems more composed than this afternoon. You haven't been idle since you got back?"

Clearly, Su Yang's subtle progress in such a short period of time did not escape his notice.

Su Yang's heart skipped a beat, knowing he couldn't hide it any longer. He respectfully replied, "This disciple is foolish and fears I may have failed the instructor's guidance today. After returning home, I pondered it repeatedly and practiced for a while longer..."

"Diligent practice is very good..."

Yang Yunxing nodded, then changed the subject, his tone becoming as firm as iron: "However, you must remember, the wooden sword is a training method, meant to familiarize you with the moves, hone your muscles and bones, and control your strength. Real combat and life-or-death situations rely on this!"

As he spoke, he reached out and picked up the knife that had been placed on the stone table.

The knife, including its scabbard, is over three feet long. The scabbard is made of dark hardwood, simple and unadorned, with only worn copper hoops around the mouth and end of the scabbard, indicating that it has been used frequently.

"Clang!"

Yang Yunxing pushed the hilt of the sword with his thumb, drawing the sword half a foot out of its sheath.

A sharp, cold light suddenly shone under the oil lamp, seemingly dispelling some of the darkness in the room. The blade was straight, with fine, wavy lines, and the edge was gleaming white; even in the dim light, it exuded a chilling sharpness.

"This sword is an improved version of the standard military 'ring-pommel straight sword,' with a thicker blade for greater durability. Forged from refined steel, it is not a divine weapon, but it is strong, sharp, and durable enough to cut through ordinary iron armor."

With a flick of his wrist, Yang Yunxing sent the blade flashing like mercury in a semi-circle before it precisely returned to its sheath. The entire process was so fast it was dazzling. He held the blade level and offered it to Su Yang.

"From today onwards, it belongs to you."

Su Yang was shocked. Although he had expected it, when he actually saw the real, cold-looking knife being handed to him, an indescribable excitement surged into his heart.

He took a deep breath, stepped forward, and steadily received it with both hands.

It feels slightly heavy in the hand, several times heavier than a wooden sword.

The scabbard was made of hard, cold wood, while the copper band was warm to the touch. Just by holding it, one could feel a faint aura of menace and sharpness emanating from it, as if it were yearning to drink blood.

"Thank you so much, Coach!"

Su Yang's voice was calm, but the light in his eyes betrayed his inner turmoil.

"Don't thank me yet."

Yang Yunxing's voice suddenly turned cold, carrying an undeniable, ironclad authority: "Listen, three rules, memorize them!"

"First, you may use this knife for private practice to feel the weight of a real knife and practice generating power, but you must never draw it in public to show off, and you must never use it to fight with your colleagues! If I find out, I will punish you severely!"

"Secondly, the knife needs regular maintenance; wipe it frequently to prevent rust. It will become half your life; neglecting it is neglecting your own life!"

"Third, and most importantly!"

Yang Yunxing stepped forward, his gaze intense, almost piercing Su Yang's heart: "The wooden sword training method, the real sword training courage, and even more so, the killing intent! When I ask you to use it, you must have the thought of 'slaying the enemy' in your heart, but you must also be able to control this killing intent, letting it flow freely from your heart! Starting tomorrow, every day after returning to your room, use it to practice the 'Three Forms of Breaking the Edge.' Remember, practice in your own room, with the doors and windows tightly closed! It doesn't need to be fast, it doesn't need to be fierce, but it must be accurate, it must be ruthless, and you must train that 'intent of breaking the edge' into your very bones! I will open the door to check on you at any time."

"Disciple understands! I will certainly follow your instructions!"

Su Yang solemnly replied, clutching the knife tightly to his chest.

"Um."

Yang Yunxing's expression softened slightly. He took a step back and said, "It's past 7 PM. Go back and get some rest. Put the knife away."

"yes!"

Su Yang bowed again, picked up the newly acquired steel knife, and left the courtyard.

Back in his private room, Su Yang locked the door, turned on the light, and examined the knife in his pocket carefully once again by the light.

He gripped the knife handle, which was wrapped in non-slip hemp rope, with his right hand and slowly applied force.

"Clang—"

A clear, melodious sound rang out in the silent night as a gleaming blade emerged completely from its sheath, shimmering with a cool, serene light under the moonlight.

Su Yang swung his sword gently, feeling the completely different weight, balance, and the smooth sensation of its sharpness cutting through the air. The sharpness in his heart, born from his minor mastery of swordsmanship, seemed to resonate strangely with the cold steel in his hand.

"With the Hundred-Refined Ring-Pommel Straight Blade, if I were to perfect the Breaking Edge Blade Technique tonight..."

Su Yang sheathed his sword, his eyes shining even brighter with anticipation.

"Keep chopping wood!"

Su Yang composed himself, picked up a wooden knife and stick, and began chopping firewood!

...........

After seeing Su Yang off, Yang Yunxing had just sat down cross-legged to prepare for cultivation when there was another knock on the courtyard gate.

"Instructor Yang, I apologize for bothering you."

The visitor was Butler Ye from the inner quarters, with his usual polite smile on his face.

"Butler Ye, please come in."

Yang Yunxing ushered the butler, Ye Jianhong, into the courtyard: "Coming so late, did the master give you some instructions?"

"Instructor Yang, the master has instructed that a batch of goods be sent to Liu Family Village tomorrow." Steward Ye got straight to the point, saying, "It's mainly ordinary cotton cloth, with a small amount of silk mixed in. It's not very valuable, but it's still a portion of the family's assets."

Yang Yunxing nodded: "How many people do you need?"

Butler Ye said, "Master means that the eldest young master took away a lot of elite veteran guards today, and the manor is short-handed. This batch of new guards must be sent out in batches for training as soon as possible so that they can handle things when needed. You can choose two steady veterans to lead the team, and bring five or six newcomers with you. This will serve as both a delivery and a training opportunity."

"Understood."

After a moment's thought, Yang Yunxing replied in a deep voice, "Please inform the master that I will select the right people and we will depart promptly at dawn tomorrow to ensure the goods are delivered safely."

Seeing that he agreed so readily, Steward Ye's smile became even more sincere, and he cupped his hands and said, "Then I'll have to trouble Instructor Yang to take care of it."

After saying this, he took his leave.

After seeing Butler Ye off, Yang Yunxing returned to the stone bench in the courtyard and sat down, his fingers unconsciously tapping the stone table.

The master only set the rules for "old mentors new," leaving the specific candidates to be chosen by him; this was a sign of trust.

The selection of personnel must balance stability and experience. It is necessary to ensure that the goods are in good condition, to broaden the horizons of newcomers, and more importantly, to ensure that those who should see it see what they want to see.

The first veteran who came to his mind was Wang Tiezhu, an experienced and steady man who had been with him for five or six years. With Wang Tiezhu in charge, the overall situation was stable. His deputy, Li Shitou, was alert and capable, and could fill any gaps in his abilities.

Moreover, the two of them had also mastered the art of breaking through enemy lines.

As for newcomers.

The image of Su Yang appeared in his mind.

This child's performance today was truly amazing.

A keen understanding of swordsmanship and a calm temperament are both excellent qualities, but more importantly, it is the precocious wisdom to know how to "conceal".

True jade needs to be polished by wind and rain to reveal its brilliance. This relatively safe escort mission is the perfect initial test to see its capabilities and adaptability.

"Wang Tiezhu".

With his mind at ease, Yang Yunxing shouted in a booming voice.

A moment later, the sturdy, composed old guard, Wang Tiezhu, strode into the courtyard, clasped his hands in greeting, and said, "Instructor, you called me?"

"Um!"

Yang Yunxing didn't waste any words. He briefly explained the task conveyed by Steward Ye and his own decision, and finally said, "...I want Su Yang to go out and broaden his horizons. Take him with you tomorrow."

He paused, his gaze falling on Wang Tiezhu's face, his tone calm yet authoritative: "As for the other new recruits, you can decide. Just pick five more who are usable. You're leading the team, so the people should be compatible with you; that'll ensure a smooth journey."

Upon hearing this, Wang Tiezhu understood. The instructor had specifically named Su Yang, entrusting him with all the remaining authority and responsibility.

He immediately replied in a deep voice, "Understood! I will select carefully to ensure the success of this mission!"

"Okay." Yang Yunxing nodded and waved his hand: "Go and prepare. Pass on the word that we will assemble at the drill ground at 5:00 AM tomorrow."

"yes!"

Wang Tiezhu bowed and withdrew, then turned and disappeared into the night, already calculating the list in his mind.