68 Currents Behind The Scenes (1/2)

Within an empty training chamber, a man was meditating cross legged with a few swords around him. The man was tall, incredibly muscular and intimidating. He was the epitome of Gutu physique. He was wearing training robes while a string had the locks on his head tied backwards.

Kufa walked into the room, her footsteps unsteady and her eyes blazing with fury.

She had intended to create another avatar, but she received notice that her father had ordered her to stop all activity and come to his training chambers.

Kufa was embarrassed because of what the hooded figure had done to her, but she was in no position to disagree with her father. So she briskly travelled to his chambers, well aware of what was to happen.

”Ready yourself.” Kufa's father, Kuziwa, threw a sword to his daughter, and proceeded to attack her. Kufa snorted and counter attacked.

Recently, Kufa had come to learn many sword skills. Although she had not mastered the sword, her progress with her sword skill had come a long way. But seeing Kuziwa's attack, Kufa quickly learnt what a true sword skill was.

That did not mean Kufa thought the skill was powerful, however. It gave her the feeling that Kuziwa was an extension of the blade he wielded and vice versa. The sword and the person were bound together, like one. That was what was so profound.

Dong!

The ancient sword Kufa wielded effectively blocked Kuziwa's sword. Kufa had reached the one with the sword realm, which allowed her to sense the strength delivered in Kuziwa's attack. Quickly, she took a step back.

Kuziwa's waist turned, and the sword became a spike. It drove towards Kufa like a drill.

Kufa had never before seen a person use a sword skill so naturally. There was never much difference in the performance of sword skills from person to person, but Kuziwa had truly taught her that she had much to learn. Being one with the sword was nothing, Kuziwa was one with the universe!

Usually in their spars, her father would use his bare hands, thus his progress in the way of the sword was truly enlightening.

Kuziwa's wielding of a sword was so dexterous, adept, and natural-looking, it really looked like the sword was a part of him. It was like a third arm connected with his flesh and bone, creating the illusion of a living metallic limb.

Kufa's power was stronger than Kuziwa's, or rather it was more accurate to say that she was using more power in her attacks, but when he attacked, he did so only with his sword. When Kuziwa attacked, his whole body was an extension of the metallic weapon, the moment he stepped forward, a domino effect would take place from movement to final blow.

Kufa was able to evade each attack, but every time she tried to return a hit, her sword clashed with her opponent's and she was forced to fall back. Even though their sword skills were seemingly even, Kufa was at a disadvantage.

If Kufa hadn't reached the one with the sword realm, not only would she had lost miserably, she would not have even noticed how wide the gap was between her and Kuziwa. To Kuziwa battle was something which robbed him of all emotion, he would only exist within the moment. He was holding back a lot in this bout with Kufa, but this required even more focus from him. When you had his level of power, even making a 1% error in judgement could bury civilisations. Let alone one person. Kufa was a Gutu, but she could still be killed. True Gutu royalty were often called immortals because they had very long lifespans. They didn't need to eat much, sleep and were not affected by ordinary diseases. They could heal from injuries that are deadly to mortals and had a far higher aptitude for the mystic arts.

With one final clash, their bout ended. Kufa believed Kuziwa gained nothing from their fights but he claimed otherwise. She was not his disciple, yet he had taught her quite a bit. Kuziwa treated all those under him that way, earning him respect.

”When that boy becomes older, the world will enter a state of turmoil.” Said Kuziwa with a grin.

”What do you mean father?” Said Kufa with her head tilted. The previous bout had calmed her down. Her father's presence had that effect on her quite often.

”Well it's quite simple really. Right now the world is in a delicate balance. The flames of war are being quelled by a delicate balance, but that balance won't last forever. With his abilities of disrupting the equilibrium of things I am sure this boy will bring about the result which I am finally hoping for.”

”So you believe this boy will end the war?” Kufa questioned.

Kuziwa looked at her like he was looking at an idiot. ”End it? Why would I want that? No, no, no my dear. Taku will not end the war. Far from it, in fact I am sure he will start it! Mark my words. His words and actions will result in the deaths of trillions upon trillions of lofty foreigners who believe that they are untouchable.”

Kufa didn't quite understand. She knew Kuziwa as an advocate for peace. He read her mind and looked at his sword, ”There is a difference between peace, and silence my dear. For there to be true peace, the era has to change, and that change will be brought by a wave of blood!”

Kuziwa was a man who wanted absolute control, and his daughter was no different. He did not want to fight with foreigners because it would disturb his other plans. He was obsessed with training himself in the martial arts and the results were very fruitful. The number of Gutu warriors that could defeat him in hand to hand combat could only be counted on one hand.