Chapter 3: Basic Sword Techniques

Chapter 3: Basic Sword Techniques

"Huh? Did I hear you correctly? You want to learn how to handle a sword?" Su Qiao had a look of disbelief on his face. Su Yang has never shown interest in swords, much less wielding one, so it was shocking to hear that he wanted to learn how to use swords.

"Don't tell me that you're serious about chasing after the General? What about your desire to become a scholar? The next exam is only a month away!"

Su Yang glanced at his desk, adorned with towering stacks of books and scattered scrolls, and released a deep sigh. "Truth be told, I never aspired to be a scholar. It was more of a default choice since I had no clear direction. Becoming a scholar just seemed like the widely trodden path to take. I also wanted to support the family–support Su Jia, so I had to do something."

"Su Yang..." Su Lin covered her mouth from shock after hearing his reveal, and she asked, "Why didn't you tell us sooner? You were always very passionate in your studies, so we thought that you truly wanted to become a scholar..."

"I didn't want to worry you guys..."

"You silly son... Why would we be worried? While we may not live a luxurious life, we are not struggling either. There's no need to shoulder such responsibilities. As for Su Jia, we wouldn't have had her if we weren't confident in supporting her." Su Qiao shook his head.

A moment of silence filled the room before Su Qiao continued, "Let me ask you again. Are you serious about chasing after the General?"

Su Qiao had a conflicted look on his face as he asked the question. As a father, it was only natural for Su Qiao to be against Su Yang wasting his life away for a single woman. However, it was also a father's duty to respect and support his son's dreams, no matter how ridiculous they may sound.

Su Yang placed his hand on his chest and mumbled in a low voice, "I have never felt so restless before. For the first time in my life, I want to chase after something earnestly. If I don't follow my heart, I have a feeling that I will regret it for the rest of my life."

He got on his knees and kowtowed before Su Qiao, who had a stunned look on his face and continued, "Please, Father. I am aware that I am being very selfish right now, but I want to do this–even if I might regret it in the future."

Su Lin and Su Qiao exchanged gazes with each other. After a moment of silence, a defeated smile appeared on their faces.

Su Qiao turned to look at Su Yang and spoke, "I understand. If this is what you truly want to do, I won't stop you."

Su Yang lifted his head with a beaming smile on his face, "Thank you!"

"We'll begin your training tomorrow, okay?"

"Of course!"

Su Lin then spoke, "If you're truly serious about giving up on becoming a scholar, you might as well sell the books for some extra money."

"I will do that right away!"

After their conversation ended, Su Yang went to his desk and started cleaning up the place. He organized the books and scrolls and tied them in an orderly fashion.

Sometime later, Su Yang left the house with these books with the intention of selling them.

"I can't believe it... He's actually going to chase after someone like the General despite their differences. I don't know if I should be happy or worried for him." Su Qiao sighed after Su Yang left.

Su Lin smiled and said, "A real man should have big aspirations, wouldn't you agree?"

"Then what does that make me, a man with small aspirations?" Su Qiao chuckled in a bittersweet manner.

"Su Yang is here as well? What's the occasion?"

Su Qiao's fellow workers stopped their training to start a conversation.

"My son wanted to learn how to wield a sword, so I'm here to train him." Su Qiao said.

"What?" The guards were dumbfounded.

"Why are you learning how to wield a sword? Aren't you going to become a scholar? I don't know any scholars that wield swords..."

Su Qiao laughed, "He's given up on becoming a scholar."

"Eh? Then what are you going to do now, Su Yang?"

"Don't tell me you're going to follow your father's footsteps as a guard? That'd be a waste of your handsome looks!"

"Are you saying that only ugly people are allowed to work as guards?!" Su Qiao snapped back.

After messing around for a bit, Su Qiao started Su Yang's training.

"Before you even swing a sword for the first time, you should know what you're getting into. I am going to perform a series of basic sword techniques. Make sure you keep your eyes wide open or you'll miss it."

Starting with a poised and focused stance, Su Qiao's body seemed to become an extension of the sword itself. In a swift motion, he executed a precise upward cut, the blade slicing through the air with a whispering sound.

The gleaming steel of his weapon caught the sunlight as he effortlessly transitioned from one stance to another, the fluidity of his movements reflecting years of dedicated practice.

The dance of the blade continued as Su Qiao effortlessly shifted between swift and delayed strikes. His movements were minimal yet powerful, a testament to the efficiency of his techniques. With a controlled and concentrated expression, he engaged in a series of quick thrusts, the tip of the sword darting forward like a striking serpent.

The rhythm of his techniques created a mesmerizing display, each motion calculated and deliberate. Su Qiao's focus was unwavering, his eyes tracking an invisible opponent as he seamlessly connected one movement to the next.

As he concluded the sequence, Su Qiao brought the blade to a rest. Yet, the air around him continued to be charged with energy, and in the aftermath of his display, the essence of a seasoned swordswoman lingered, leaving the spectators in awe.

"What do you think?" Su Qiao looked at Su Yang, his body soaked in sweat after performing the sword techniques.

However, Su Yang did not respond, his gaze fixated on the space before him, almost as though he was still watching the performance.

"Su Yang?" Su Qiao raised his eyebrows.

Suddenly, Su Yang started moving his body.

"T-This is..." Su Qiao's eyes widened with shock and disbelief as he watched Su Yang perfectly replicate his performance of sword techniques from the very beginning.

Su Yang's body flowed with surprising fluidity and an air of tranquility as if he had honed these movements for decades. Yet, Su Yang had never handled a sword before and had witnessed Su Qiao performing these movements for the first time just moments ago.

"What am I witnessing...? How is he pulling this off...?" Su Qiao muttered, his voice tinged with bewilderment. Despite the perplexity, a realization dawned deep within Su Qiao–that he was beholding the birth of a sword prodigy!