Chapter 114 Interlinked Forces
Ferdinand knew that Fang Xingjian was extremely talented. If not, how could he have transitioned into a Windstorm Sword Hero? How could he have transcended the speed of sound at the age of sixteen?
But he had never thought that the other party would be able to guide him in his spear arts.
However, the scene before him smashed through his common sense. The force that Fang Xingjian sent into him was not only extremely precise as it flowed through his body via his vital energy and blood and his tendons, but it also did not hurt his body in the least!
The most horrifying thing was that this energy was exactly the force his earlier attack was meant to unleash. Its strength was not only profound, it was actually perfect! The grasp on his vital energy and blood suddenly became better tailored for his body, as if he had practiced this move for decades. It could be used by Ferdinand as a standard to refer to, and it was something that even he was unable to display.
He looked at Fang Xingjian and asked in astonishment, "You've practiced the Hundred Blossoms Spear Technique?"
"I haven’t practiced spear arts before." Fang Xingjian let out a light thrust of his longsword with a terrifying whizz, making a crisp explosive sound, as if an enormous dragon had pounced out and onto a lump of air before it.
Feeling the air blowing and pressing against his face, Ferdinand felt even more astonished than before. He pointed to Fang Xingjian's longsword and said, "This... Is this still the previous move?" Ferdinand had, after all, practiced spear arts for over twenty years, and had managed to sense the fine difference right away.
"The sword arts and the spear arts have some subtle differences. The distance from the target and the weight of the weapon lead to a certain degree of difference in the moves used for each. However, as with the previous thrust, there are many similarities between the two," Fang Xingjian said. "I used the longsword to display your spear technique from earlier was because I understood the application of the force in that move. Knowing how the force circulates makes things easier."
"Knowing how the force circulates makes things easier?" The gaze Ferdinand was looking at Fang Xingjian with was now very much different. It was because he recalled something his grandfather had told him earlier.
"Ferdinand, there's a type of genius in this world who will be able to pick up any technique the moment they start to learn, and master just when they start to practice it. It's because they have grasped the circulation of force in the human body. So no matter what Nurturing technique or Training technique it is, nothing is hidden from their eyes. They can even tweak the moves depending on the differences of the human body, displaying the martial technique in the way best suited for them.
They have already reached a level of Interlinked Forces that they’re able to master anything, without exception. When you come across such a genius, you must definitely not make an enemy out of him. If you've already made an enemy out of him, then you must immediately escape, and never turn back."
Ferdinand looked at Fang Xingjian, already treating him as a super genius who was able to achieve Interlinked Forces. He said respectfully, "You've gone through great trouble to guide me today."
Fang Xingjian did not pay any heed to the change in his attitude. It was because with his abilities and talent, it was natural for him to receive respect and admiration.
Especially after he had gotten Unparalleled Sword Intent – there was nothing in normal physical moves which could hide or be hidden from him. He could identify all the connecting similarities they had with sword arts. No matter the moves and means, he was able to identify the flaws with just one look, enough to display the move with just a quick spar.
Of course, this did not mean that he had picked up the technique. It was just that he could imitate the movement of the force in his sword arts.
It was like how the jab of a fist was similar to that of a longsword or longspear. Or the swing of a saber was similar to that of a sword or staff. They all had similarities in the force exertion.
Due to his Unparalleled Sword Intent, and due to having the world's topmost sword talent, Fang Xingjian's sword arts had reached the level of Interlinked Forces. So, regardless of whether it was martial arts in the swords and sabers category, staffs, or even hand-to-hand combat, he was able to display a similar style of force exertion.
And even if he were to learn other styles of martial arts now, he would also be able to pick them up very quickly. However, it would mean that he would have to start all over again. There was no need for this.
And because his Nurturing techniques and Training techniques already covered every part of his physical body, even if he were to pick up other martial styles, they would definitely be repetitive and basically a waste of time.
However, having such means to guide others was too scary.
Therefore, for the next hour, Ferdinand continued to display various Nurturing, Training, and even Killing spear techniques to Fang Xingjian. Each time, Fang Xingjian would easily see through them and tell him the flaws in his performance. Fang Xingjian would then send a force into his body, allowing him to carefully inspect it.
"So that's how it is, that's how it is. I've always thought that my Hundred Blossoms Spear Technique had already attained perfection, but was unable to understand why I hadn’t been able to reach level 10 after so long. So it's because I was short that bit of force from my heart. But the heart is inside the human body, and is extremely weak and delicate. If force is channeled here, if one is not careful, it may cause internal injuries or even death.
"Only someone like you, who has attained the state of Interlinked Forces, would be able to grasp the circulation in my body so easily, and even be able to demonstrate the ideal strength."
Ferdinand looked at Fang Xingjian, astonished. His gaze towards Fang Xingjian now had a hint of clarity, free from inhibitions. Being guided by Fang Xingjian like this, he had managed to find the ideal force circulation in just a moment. To a martial arts practitioner, this was extremely satisfying.
It was like a high school student solving biology questions with someone doing the same questions beside him and explaining the solution to him, in detail. He would not have to fumble around by himself.
Hearing Ferdinand's words, Fang Xingjian nodded, saying, "When one practices martial arts, one must be very careful with the standard movements for Nurturing techniques and Training techniques, as well as with the circulation accuracy of the muscles, vital energy, and blood.
"Only then will you be able to gain the maximum potential points and the greatest amount of experience points, thus achieving the best training results.
"Otherwise, it'll just be twice the work with half the results, and it may even be harmful to the body."
Ferdinand nodded in agreement, "It's the same for Killing techniques. Regardless if it's for sword arts or spear arts, when it boils down to the basics, they all require one to display the most fundamental moves such as stab, flick, point, and parry.
"Even if it’s a battle between Knights, once they get into close combat, other than the extraordinary strength from Killing techniques, the physical strength used to circulate the Killing techniques is also very important. If one is able to perfectly grasp the circulation of forces required for Killing techniques, then that one will become extremely terrifying."
At the mention of the word 'terrifying', Ferdinand took a long look at Fang Xingjian, thinking that the Fang Xingjian now was the one who was truly terrifying.
Early morning the next day, Ferdinand brought along Carter, who was also cultivating in spear arts, just like himself. Other than that, there were also three other Knights from other classes. They were all seniors from the same academy as Ferdinand.
Ferdinand called out towards Fang Xingjian, saying, "Xingjian! Could you see if you're able to spar and give guidance to these three seniors of ours?"
The corner of Fang Xingjian's lips curled up slightly and calmly said, "It's fine as long as each of them provide me with a sword arts manual not available in the academy."
Although these Knights all practiced spear arts, with their respective status and power, it was not that difficult for them to look for a sword arts manual which was not available in the school.
Moreover, they had long heard about the prerequisite from Ferdinand, and had brought it along with them today.
Keeping the secret manuals, Fang Xingjian walked out slowly, receiving Lilia's longsword, and told the three of them, "All of you can attack at once."
The three of them were aware that Fang Xingjian was very strong, since he had single-handedly challenged six Prefectural Champions. However, they still held some doubts regarding what Ferdinand had said, that the other party had attained the realm of Interlinked Forces, and could now provide guidance for other people's martial arts, be it saber, spear, or even the staff.
No matter how talented Fang Xingjian was, no matter that his speed was unparalleled, but having attained the state at which his sword arts could be linked with other styles of martial arts... How unbelievable was that? How could a person who had not taken up the sword less than a year before be able to accomplish this? They were extremely doubtful about it.
Hearing Fang Xingjian say this, they exchanged a glance and nodded.
"Then we'll seek your guidance."
The next moment, three cold gleams lighted up, as if three flood dragons were overturning seas and rivers, with a might as if meteorites had fallen from the skies, making a smell of burnt metal. They thrust it towards Fang Xingjian.