Chapter 10: Coming Of Age [5] (1/2)
Ju Feng had just reached the martial arts' Yinying stage after three years of intense training. Although this was just a level above the beginner, it was the silver eagle stage of the martial arts. He had just finished learning various stances of hand combats from his grandfather. Despite having a long way to go in his hand martial training, he would be moving on to swordsmanship to have a balance.
With all readiness, he steadily walked up to his grandfather, who was checking the defensive arrays that were protecting the cave. He looked a little grown as he walked, probably due to his physique which resembled that of a twelve year old. His stature was over five feet tall with bones as strong as a cave bear, and skin as thick as a bark hide. The senses in his eyes, nose and ears, were also growing keener as he engrossed himself in hard training.
”Good morning grandpa.”
”Ju Feng!. A very good morning to you too. I guess that means you are ready for your morning training?”
”Yes grandpa, I even woke up ealier today to prepare.”
”Mhm. I can see that. Then, let's go.”
Arriving at the training center, Zhang Li Qiang produced a sword-shaped wood replica and gave it to his grandson.
”Swordsmanship means the abilities of a martial artist to use the sword properly.”
Zhang Li Qiang materialised his own sword, the Skyfire. Made from white nephrite with the core of a white wyvern at its centre, this was a beautiful white sword. He glanced at his grandson as he performed a few rhythmic swings.
”True words I tell you, my grandson. Sword is a weapon of blade that can look beautiful and delicate, but in the hand of a swordsman, it's a deadly weapon. This is the reason why a martial artist must be mentally and spiritually prepared. Proper training must be taken by a cultivator to be a true swordsman. Know this Jufeng, it takes a true swordsman to know when to draw a sword and when not to. You do not draw your sword for every little things. You draw your sword when it's absolutely necessary and you are left with no other alternative.”
With his brows furrowed tightly together, Zhang Li Qiang stared extensively at his grandson and slowly asked.
”Ju Feng, which one is easier, to destroy or to make?”
”To destroy something is easier, grandpa.”
”Yes, it is easier to destroy. But to make? It can take forever. This is where the nature of a heart comes in. How can a violent and easy to anger heart understand the true nature of the universe? It takes a calm and patient heart. Now, let's start and I will need your extra focus and seriousness. Alright?”
His unyielding stare on his grandson who quickly replied with a focused gaze.
”Yes, grandpa.”