Chapter 43: Elements Sword Art (Volume 1)
Ming Hao took a step back, his eyes narrowing as he observed the approaching figure.
The street was covered in a thick layer of dust, and the heavy thud of iron boots echoed with authority. In a low voice, he said to Adrian,"Young Master, that is Commander Karl of Sphere City."
As the dust clouds parted slightly, a tall, composed man emerged with steady steps. His black uniform was trimmed with silver insignias denoting his rank. A thick, gleaming sword hung from his waist, and a deep blue cloak fluttered behind him, adding to his intimidating aura. Two soldiers stood behind him at a measured distance.
Adrian fixed his cold gaze on the man. He tilted the blade of his sword downward. The stone beneath its tip scraped lightly, leaving faint marks.
The boy standing in front — Max — who had earlier puffed his chest with arrogance, now exhaled as if a burden had been lifted. His two guards, who had been half-crouched in fear and fury, began to straighten their backs. They hurriedly pulled out healing potions from their belts and gulped them down. The cracking sounds of mending bones in their shoulders and ribs began to fade. As they turned to climb the steps of the restaurant—
Whoosh!
A gust of wind, followed by a blurry figure, slammed directly into the staggering guards. All three crashed onto the street, raising a cloud of dust. Max's face turned red with rage.
Commander Karl had been watching the entire scene with his deep brown eyes. A faint wrinkle appeared on his forehead. He spoke in a calm yet firm voice,
"Young Master Adrian, this is not your Thorn Clan. You can't go around courting trouble in Sphere City."
The soldiers and bystanders instantly fell silent. The authority in Karl's voice seemed to ripple across the entire city. Even passersby stopped to watch the scene unfold.
Adrian was about to speak when Elina suddenly stepped forward and said in a sharp tone,
"Commander Karl, we don't care whose city this is. That boy overstepped his boundaries, and he got what he deserved. If you think the dignity of the princesses of Sunshine and Thorn Clans is so cheap, then why don't you test it yourself?"
Her voice was so resolute that the surrounding soldiers instinctively lowered their heads. Karl's eyes dipped for a moment. His fist clenched. He knew — no matter how powerful Sphere City was, it likely couldn't withstand the wrath of two clan leaders.
In the heavy silence, Adrian raised his hand slightly, signaling Elina to calm down. There was a faint weariness in his eyes, but also a composed brilliance. He then spoke in a firm tone,
"It was out of respect for you that I didn't take his head—only broke his mouth. But if you mistake my restraint for weakness, then I suggest you reconsider your judgment."
Lines deepened on Commander Karl's face. Gripping the hilt of his sword lightly, he replied,
"Young Master Adrian… Max occasionally acts inappropriately. But do remember—he is Elder Shaun's only son. That's why I tried to stop you."
Adrian gave no response. He simply glanced at everyone present and then made a subtle gesture with his hand. His voice was calm now.
"Let's head back inside."
Everyone followed him. Max still trembled in fury. His guards limped behind him.
Then Commander Karl's grave voice rang out again:
"Young Master Adrian, Mayor Liu has invited you and both princesses to the palace. That is the message I came here to deliver… though the situation clearly escalated."
Adrian looked at Ming Hao. His gaze silently asked, "What now?" Ming Hao responded in a soft voice,
"Young Master, you should go."
Adrian took a deep breath.
"Very well, Commander Karl. But my sister has just arrived after a long journey. Allow her to rest first. After that, we will visit the Mayor."
Commander Karl opened his silk pouch and took out a scroll sealed with a blue crest. He extended it toward Ming Hao.
"This is your formal invitation. Make sure to present it at the palace gate."
Ming Hao received it with both hands and bowed respectfully.
Karl's eyes scanned Adrian and his companions once more, then shifted to Max and his injured guards, who still stared with hatred.
"Max," Karl's voice carried a warning, "go home and report everything to your father."
Max opened his mouth to speak but stopped. Without another word, he left with his guards.
Adrian and the others returned to the restaurant. The floor still bore broken chairs and the lingering scent of spilled wine. Adrian signaled the waiter.
The frightened waiter approached. Adrian handed him 100 low-level spirit stones.
"Use these to fix the damages. The bill's covered in this."
The waiter's eyes sparkled. He bowed, accepted the stones, and quickly scurried away.
Some time later, they returned to the inn. Ming Hao exhaled deeply, entered his room, and locked himself in for cultivation.
Adrian gestured to Sophia to rest. Her steps were heavy—the exhaustion of travel had settled in her eyes. She quietly disappeared into her room.
Adrian turned to Elina. The two exchanged a wordless look of understanding. Together, they stepped into their self-dimensional space.
Inside was a vast, ancient chamber. The walls resembled a deep cave, lined with large books and resources. Elina headed toward a normal cultivation room to increase her energy. Soft light and pure spiritual energy flowed through the chamber.
Adrian remained alone. He took a deep breath, determination lighting up in his chest.
He raised his trembling fingers, summoned the system interface, and tapped on the glowing panel—[Sword Art Manual]
Suddenly, the air grew dense. A cold golden glow began to form a circle around him. The system's resonating voice echoed—
"Transferring data of Elemental Sword Art (Volume 1)..."
Transfer progress: 10%...
A thin golden stream entered Adrian's mind.
30%...A tingling sensation began spreading through his body.
50%...He could hear the clash of swords inside his ears.
70%...A golden aura thickened in the space before him.
90%...His vision began to blur, a strange warmth gathering at the back of his head.
100%...Transfer complete.
For a moment, silence hung in the air. Then, as if an invisible curtain had been drawn aside, three glowing figures appeared before Adrian.
The first figure shimmered with a pale blue aura. It bore the appearance of a simple, resolute warrior.
With both hands, it gripped its sword and began to demonstrate seven foundational techniques—slow, deliberate, and clear.
Each move was precise and perfectly executed, as if a master were teaching his most dedicated disciple:
First move: Forward Slash
Second move: Upward Parry
Third move: Side Swipe
Fourth move: Counter Strike
Fifth move: Downward Cleave
Sixth move: Pivoting Stab
Seventh move: Retreat Block
Adrian widened his eyes, absorbing every motion with intense focus.These seven basic techniques were the pillars upon which future sword arts were built.
The second figure emerged, wrapped in swirling red and black flames. Its expression was grim, its gaze merciless.
As it raised its sword, red Qi surged along the blade's edge like fire. Then it began to demonstrate nine advanced techniques—
Each move was a seamless blend of raw Qi energy and martial finesse:
The first move sent a wave of Qi with every swing.
The second etched a burning trail through the air.
The third wrapped the blade in a shield of condensed Qi.
The fourth spun the sword upward, exerting pressure from above.
The fifth abruptly accelerated the blade's movement.
The sixth formed a spinning defense around the wielder's body.
The seventh struck with lethal precision, aimed at the heart.
The eighth carved patterns into the air, holding them with Qi.
The ninth exploded in a blast of energy and steel.
Sweat beaded across Adrian's brow.This was far more complex than anything he'd encountered.
Then came the third figure—dim and almost translucent. Yet, it radiated an ancient, boundless presence.
The sword in its hand didn't move at first, but its stillness felt like it was bound by the laws of creation itself.
It displayed only three techniques.But the depth within those three was overwhelming.
First Technique — Blazing Infinity Cleave (Element: Fire)
The sword swept through the air in a slow, deliberate arc, its edge engulfed in flickering flames. As it moved, the surroundings grew unnaturally still — as though time itself paused in reverence to the burning blade. The fire did not rage; it flowed, eternal and unyielding, leaving behind a searing trail that shimmered like molten glass suspended in the air.
Second Technique — Tempest Enrapturing Cut (Element: Air)
Before the blade even moved, the air around Adrian pulsed. Invisible gusts spiraled inward, creating a vortex of pressure that pressed from all directions. Then the sword sliced forward — not through flesh, but through wind itself. The strike carried a force so refined that it bent the space it cut, collapsing unseen barriers as though entire storms had been condensed into a single elegant motion.
Third Technique — Verdant Nirvana Slash (Element: Wood)
The sword drifted forward with the softness of falling leaves, each motion resonating with the rhythm of life itself. Vines of pure green energy coiled around the blade, blooming and withering in an instant. With every breath, the technique grew stronger — not through aggression, but through harmony. It did not destroy; it transcended, its power quietly multiplying like a seed growing into a towering forest.
Adrian's hands began to go numb. His head throbbed under the strain.
He had grasped the seven foundational moves of the first figure in just three hours.The nine Qi-enhanced strikes from the second figure had taken nearly eight hours of careful observation.
But the third figure…Even after an entire day of deep meditation, he couldn't begin to unravel the meaning behind a single movement.
He sat still, eyes closed, breathing slowly and deeply, trying to comprehend the hidden truths within the fading glow of that final figure.
Each time he thought he understood, a voice inside whispered:"You've barely scratched the surface."
Finally, Adrian opened his eyes.He saw Elina still immersed in her cultivation, so he quietly rose and left.
He made his way to the training stadium.
Standing at the center of the arena, Adrian drew his King-rank sword.
He began to replicate the seven basic techniques of the Sword Art's first form.
And thus began his journey—The long, relentless pursuit of becoming a master swordsman.