Chapter 73: Chapter 73: The Rebirth of the Sword Saint
Myriad Swords Convergence, as a martial arts secret manual, represented the pinnacle of swordsmanship, but possessing the manual alone was not enough to master its secrets. The path to practicing it required deep personal comprehension, a process unique to each individual who dared to undertake it.
To draw an analogy, receiving a complete set of textbooks for nine years of compulsory education does not guarantee immediate admission to a university. Knowledge must be internalized, understood, and applied through dedicated effort.
Originally, Alex's own understanding and knowledge of swordsmanship would have been utterly insufficient to grasp the complexities of Myriad Swords Convergence. The technique's esoteric nature demanded a level of insight far beyond his initial capabilities as a novice swordsman.
Fortunately, Alex had copied Wuming's 28G swordsmanship knowledge file, a vast repository of expertise that elevated his understanding to match Wuming's exactly. With this foundation, his knowledge and vision of swordsmanship were now on par with the martial world's greatest legend, granting him the clarity needed to comprehend Myriad Swords Convergence.
Alex's precise and confident explanation of the technique left both Wuming and Jiansheng, the Sword Saint, quietly astonished. His words carried an authority that dispelled any lingering doubts about the authenticity of Myriad Swords Convergence, affirming its status as a supreme sword art.
Wuming nodded to himself, his thoughts aligning with Alex's exposition. The principles of Myriad Swords Convergence were indeed genuine. As he reflected, Wuming compared it to his own Heavenly Sword, the transcendent realm he had recently touched.
After careful consideration, Wuming concluded that his Heavenly Sword was not inferior to Myriad Swords Convergence. Both represented the apex of swordsmanship, each with its own profound depth.
This realization brought Wuming a sense of clarity. "If that's the case, why should I abandon my martial arts to practice Myriad Swords Convergence?" he thought. "I need only continue to refine my Heavenly Sword, deepening my mastery of the path I've already chosen."
Meanwhile, Jiansheng's resolve was unwavering, his decision swift and resolute. "Okay! Today, I will try the supreme swordsmanship of Myriad Swords Convergence!" he declared, his voice resolute, brimming with determination.
Without hesitation, Jiansheng extended his sword finger and directed it toward his Qi Sea, the core of his inner energy. In an instant, he abolished all his martial arts, dispersing the formidable power he had cultivated over decades with a single, decisive act.
Alex watched the scene unfold, a pang of regret stirring within him. "Alas, what a pity…" he thought, his mind lingering on the lost opportunity.
His copy ability, derived from his apocalyptic origins, allowed him to replicate blood, skills, and knowledge, but it could not capture the raw energy cultivated by others. If he could have copied Jiansheng's inner strength, the power of a master with 1200 crystal points, Alex imagined he could have become an invincible force in the martial world.
For instance, if he had copied the immense power of Garp from the One Piece plane, his strength would have rivaled that of a naval hero, capable of shattering mountains with a single blow.
Regardless, Alex was struck by Jiansheng's ruthlessness and decisiveness. The Sword Saint acted with unwavering resolve, wasting no words. Once convinced of Myriad Swords Convergence's authenticity, he abandoned his cultivation without a moment's hesitation, a choice that left Alex in awe.
Such a sacrifice was unthinkable for most. To relinquish decades of hard-earned power, the very foundation of one's martial prowess, required a level of courage and conviction that few could muster.
Having abolished his martial arts, Jiansheng was eager to begin his new path. He turned to Wuming and requested, "Please arrange a room for me to stay in. I wish to start practicing the supreme swordsmanship of Myriad Swords Convergence immediately."
Wuming, though confident in the strength of his Heavenly Sword, could not deny the allure of Myriad Swords Convergence, a technique that embodied the dreams of every sword practitioner. Watching Jiansheng prepare to undertake this legendary art, Wuming felt a surge of curiosity and anticipation.
What would the true Myriad Swords Convergence look like when fully realized? Wuming wondered if observing Jiansheng's practice might offer insights to refine his own swordsmanship, drawing inspiration from the supreme technique.
Alex, too, was filled with curiosity as he awaited Jiansheng's progress. Though he knew from the Storm Riders original storyline that Myriad Swords Convergence was extraordinarily powerful, he longed to see its true might in reality. The special effects of a television series could not compare to the tangible presence of such a technique in the flesh.
Moreover, Alex's newly acquired swordsmanship knowledge had transformed his perspective. With Wuming's insights now part of his own, he viewed the art of the sword through the eyes of a grandmaster, eager to witness how Myriad Swords Convergence would manifest in this world.
As he waited, a sudden thought struck Alex, tinged with both reflection and concern. "I didn't expect that I would actually inspire Jiansheng to practice Myriad Swords Convergence. If he succeeds, does that mean Sword Twenty-Three, the technique capable of destroying the heavens and earth, will never come to pass?" he mused.
In the original Storm Riders storyline, Sword Twenty-Three was the culmination of Jiansheng's Destructive Sword Art, a devastating technique that pushed his self-harming path to its extreme. Yet, it came at a terrible cost. Ten years later, Jiansheng's body was severely weakened, his vitality eroded by his own sword aura. Before Wuming's fully matured Heavenly Sword, Jiansheng had described himself as a "broken sword," a shadow of his former self.
Now, by guiding Jiansheng toward Myriad Swords Convergence, Alex had set him on a different path, one that might preserve his life and alter his tragic fate. The Destructive Sword Art was too dangerous, and Sword Twenty-Three amplified its flaws to a lethal degree. If Alex's intervention could save Jiansheng from that grim future, he felt it was a worthwhile endeavor.
After all, Jiansheng's death in the original story was a poignant loss, a warrior consumed by his own relentless pursuit. Preventing such an outcome felt like a meaningful act, even if it meant diverging from the established narrative.
As Alex contemplated the broader implications, his thoughts turned to the future of the Storm Riders plane. With Jiansheng potentially mastering Myriad Swords Convergence and Wuming wielding the Heavenly Sword, the martial world was poised for significant change.
"I wonder how much these ripples will alter the storyline of the Storm Riders plane?" Alex thought, his mind alive with possibilities. The convergence of two legendary swordsmen on such divergent yet powerful paths could reshape the events he knew from the original plot.
But the thought was fleeting. Alex shook his head, dismissing his musings.
A question lingered in his mind, one that intrigued him: which was truly stronger, Myriad Swords Convergence or the Heavenly Sword? In the original Storm Riders story, Wuming had only comprehended Myriad Swords Convergence after losing his martial arts, a state that some argued weakened him compared to his Heavenly Sword mastery.
The debate among fans had persisted, with many claiming that Wuming's Myriad Swords Convergence was less formidable than his Heavenly Sword at its peak. Alex, now privy to Wuming's knowledge, was eager to see how the two techniques would compare in this altered reality.
In the days that followed, Wuming settled into a tranquil routine, spending his time playing the erhu, the soothing melodies reflecting his serene state of mind. His life at the Harmony Pavilion was one of quiet contentment, free from the pressures of the martial world.
Alex, meanwhile, capitalized on his copied swordsmanship knowledge to accelerate his own training. The 28G file from Wuming provided a clear roadmap, allowing him to refine his skills with remarkable efficiency.
The most noticeable progress was in his mastery of the Dugu Nine Swords, a technique that grew increasingly fluid and precise with each passing day. Alex even began to incorporate his own insights and variations, tailoring the style to his unique perspective and abilities.
The growth of his Dugu Nine Swords file, a digital representation of his skill within his E drive, was a tangible sign of his rapid advancement. Each new entry and refinement reflected the leaps he was making in his swordsmanship, a testament to the power of Wuming's knowledge guiding his practice.
Throughout this time, both Alex and Wuming kept a close eye on the room where Jiansheng had secluded himself, their anticipation building with each passing day. They were eager to see the fruits of Jiansheng's efforts, to witness the realization of Myriad Swords Convergence.
Jiansheng, however, remained in isolation, never emerging from his room. The only contact with the outside world came through the Harmony Pavilion's attendants, who delivered food and water to him three times daily, ensuring his basic needs were met as he immersed himself in cultivation.
Half a month passed in this manner, the days slipping by in a quiet rhythm. Then, without warning, Alex felt a sudden tremor from the Peerless Sword at his side. The blade vibrated softly, emitting a series of gentle humming sounds, as if resonating with an unseen force.
Simultaneously, Alex sensed a powerful sword intent surging into existence, its presence unmistakable and commanding.
"What is this? The aura of Jiansheng?" Alex thought, his heart racing as he recognized the source. He rose swiftly and made his way to the courtyard outside Jiansheng's room, where he found Wuming already standing, drawn by the same phenomenon.
After a prolonged moment, the sword intent emanating from Jiansheng's room began to subside, its intensity fading like a receding tide. At the same time, the door to the room creaked open, and Jiansheng stepped out, his figure illuminated by the soft light of the courtyard.
Jiansheng's appearance was striking. His hair and beard remained white, a testament to his age, but his face radiated vitality, his eyes bright and youthful. The transformation was profound, a stark contrast to the weary warrior who had entered seclusion.
Gone was the razor-sharp aura that had once defined him, the cutting edge that had been both his strength and his downfall. In its place was a new presence, one that felt mellow, harmonious, and flawless, like a polished blade tempered to perfection.
Previously, Alex had observed that Jiansheng's aura, while powerful, was marred by the damage inflicted by his own Destructive Sword Art. Amid the sharpness of his sword aura, there had been an undercurrent of decay, a trace of lifelessness that betrayed his deteriorating vitality.
Now, Jiansheng's aura was serene and refined, exuding an extraordinary elegance. His demeanor carried a quiet strength, a balance that spoke of renewal and mastery.
As Jiansheng emerged, Alex and Wuming spoke in unison, their voices filled with recognition. "Congratulations, Myriad Swords Convergence has been completed," they said, their words reflecting their shared understanding.
With their identical swordsmanship knowledge and vision, both could see that Jiansheng had achieved the principle of breaking down and building anew, successfully cultivating Myriad Swords Convergence to its fullest.
Jiansheng's presence was like a gentle spring breeze, warm and invigorating. He turned to Alex and Wuming, his voice sincere as he spoke. "Thank you, both of you!" he said, his gratitude heartfelt.
His thanks were twofold. First, he thanked Wuming for generously sharing the supreme swordsmanship of Myriad Swords Convergence, a selfless act that had given him a chance to preserve his life. Second, he thanked Alex for explaining the cultivation method of Myriad Swords Convergence, providing the clarity and guidance needed to embark on this path.
Without Alex's insight, Jiansheng admitted to himself, he might have lacked the courage to abolish his martial arts and embrace Myriad Swords Convergence, a decision that had now transformed him.
Wuming, ever humble, shook his head gently. "No, you misunderstand. Although Myriad Swords Convergence is the supreme secret manual of the Sword Sect, the manual itself was not provided by me, but by Alex," he said, his tone frank, refusing to take credit for Alex's contribution.
Jiansheng's eyes widened, his surprise evident as he turned to Alex. "So, the manual of Myriad Swords Convergence was also provided by you?" he asked, his voice tinged with astonishment.
The revelation was staggering. Obtaining the manual of Myriad Swords Convergence was one thing, but comprehending its profound principles was another entirely. Like trying to decipher Einstein's manuscripts, the technique required a rare intellect and insight, a mastery few could claim.
Yet, Alex had not only possessed the manual but had fully grasped its secrets, articulating its cultivation method with a clarity that had guided Jiansheng to success.
Jiansheng stared at Alex, his gaze lingering as he processed the implications. After a long moment, he spoke, his voice filled with emotion. "Wuming is right, you are indeed a genius in swordsmanship. I thought my own talent in the sword was exceptional, but I see now that there is always someone greater…" he said, his words a candid admission of Alex's superior potential.