Chapter 264: Heart Blade
The Queen of the Void had gone into seclusion. This was something that would surprise everyone except herself, including Welt, who was in the midst of executing a grand plan.
"That radical and reckless Herrscher of the Void, filled with resentment, actually managed to restrain herself? Whatever, she'll show up sooner or later. I still have a lot to do. You all just do your best, and come find me if you need anything."
In a brief encounter before breakfast, Welt spoke to Kiana and Bronya with his usual gentle expression before quickly departing, as if he were too busy to even pause for a moment.
Kiana and Bronya exchanged a glance but remained silent.
In truth, that was no longer the Sirin of the past. That person had truly perished. The current Herrscher of the Void was merely a new soul born from the remnants of Sirin's resentment and power, something akin to Kiana herself. She had wanted to share this information, but Welt left too quickly for her to speak.
The two then entered the dining hall.
All the members of the anti-Sirin battle squad had already gathered. Seele and Mei were distributing breakfast.
Meanwhile, Sin Mal enthusiastically guided Bronya to her seat—though she had already taken the liberty of reserving the seat next to Bronya for herself.
On the other side, a small hat belonging to Seele had already been placed on a seat near Bronya, marking its ownership.
Bronya glanced at the starry-eyed Sin Mal, then at Seele, whose gaze was slightly averted, before calmly taking her seat.
After receiving feeding services from both Sin Mal and Seele—something she was evidently used to—Bronya nonchalantly asked Seele:
"Has the other Seele still not awakened?"
"No... I can feel that she's still here, but she's very weak and in a deep sleep."
Seele placed her hands over her heart, her slightly furrowed brows expressing her concern.
Bronya patted Seele's head gently and reassured her:
"Don't worry too much. Your situation is similar to Wendy's—just a temporary power depletion after losing your authority. You'll recover over time."
At that moment, Wendy, who had been deep in thought, looked over and nodded, acknowledging Bronya's words.
"Mm, Seele understands. Thank you, Sister Bronya."
Seele smiled softly.
Breakfast concluded with each person lost in their own thoughts.
Afterward, some went to find Durandal to familiarize themselves with their Herrscher abilities, some went to receive new equipment, and others went to discuss tactics. Under Bronya's arrangements, everyone dispersed in an orderly fashion.
Though the Herrscher of the Void's continued silence over the past ten days was unexpected, Bronya found it reasonable. Even someone as reckless as Kiana occasionally had moments of wisdom—so it was not inconceivable that the once-brash Herrscher of the Void had learned caution.
Since they couldn't track down the Herrscher of the Void in the real world, they needed to focus on strengthening their own combat power, refining their tactics, and making thorough preparations.
The Herrscher of the Void was waiting, but they, too, needed time to prepare and improve.
While everyone else was busy, Kiana alone made her way to an unoccupied training hall that occupied an entire floor.
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In the center of the vast training hall stood a small square table, with several green meditation cushions placed around it.
When Kiana entered, Fu Hua, who was accustomed to waking up early, was already sitting cross-legged at the table. She had a slight smile on her lips as she gently stroked Book of Fuxi with her fingertips while gazing at two cups of tea.
"Mmm... Yes, yes, right there! Just a little more pressure! So comfortable~~"
Book of Fuxi rested on Fu Hua's palm, tilting its chin up to enjoy the delicate caress of a slender white finger. It looked utterly relaxed and content.
Following Book of Fuxi's instructions, Fu Hua continued her gentle strokes. The long sleeves and hem of her robe draped casually on the ground. Not only did her lips curve into a faint smile, but it seemed as if even the tips of her hair radiated warmth. In this moment, she did not resemble a decisive and battle-hardened immortal of Shenzhou but rather a gentle and elegant older sister from next door.
"You're here? Sit down, Kiana."
"Teacher Fu Hua seems to be in a great mood!"
"Eternal beauty is rare, but a pleasing sight is a true delight... Perhaps it's because Kiana is so beautiful that I am indeed in good spirits."
"Eh? Teacher Fu Hua actually knows how to joke! You're so different from when we first met!"
Hearing the serious and old-fashioned compliment, Kiana blushed slightly before sitting down. Compared to Fu Hua, who remained as poised as a mountain, Kiana—who disliked rigid postures—appeared far more casual and laid-back. She responded with a playful grin.
Fu Hua tilted her head slightly, her serene and ethereal eyes blinking as she asked after a brief pause:
"Have I changed that much?"
"Of course! When I first met you at Tai Xu Mountain, I thought you were some kind of wooden doll—you looked so lost, like your soul was missing, and there was no light in your eyes. Then, you became this rigid old scholar who was obsessed with rules and discipline. But now, you're different. You smile more— It's like you've come back to life!"
Kiana gestured dramatically with her hands as she spoke. Then, she grabbed her teacup and tipped it into her mouth, gulping it down like she was rinsing her throat before swallowing it all at once.
Watching this, Fu Hua shook her head with a helpless smile.
"But you're still the same—so reckless and unrestrained. If Sigurd saw you, he'd probably have a headache all over again."
"Hehe! He's not here, so I'm not afraid!"
Kiana puffed out her chest with a proud, triumphant look.
Little did she know that behind her, a few invisible worker drones adjusted their miniature cameras, silently and dutifully recording the moment.
Fu Hua cast a glance at the seemingly empty space, a knowing smile in her eyes.
These two—so at odds yet so complementary—were people she had watched grow up.
Their dynamic had always been particularly amusing to her.
At the same time, she felt a deep sense of relief. Kiana, who carried a dangerous power, had Sigurd as a safe harbor, and Sigurd, who was fiercely independent, had Kiana as his weakness. Without this balance, either of them could have become an unimaginable threat.
"Sigh..."
Fu Hua let out a soft sigh, tapping Book of Fuxi on the head and stopping her cat-like indulgence.
"The Six Fists stance is an art of coordination between body, will, and Honkai energy. You have the right qualities, and after years of training, you've made progress. But the Art of Taixuan Sword is different. Each of its five essences depends on something distinct, and whether one can master it largely depends on personal opportunity. Its essence and profound mysteries... To be honest, I have no confidence in teaching it to anyone, because it is not a state that can be conveyed with mere words. Kiana, are you sure you want to spend your precious preparation time on such a slim possibility?"
"Teacher Fu Hua, I think my Blade Heart has entered the Make the Taixuan thrust stage."
"What!?"
Fu Hua's normally serene expression shifted, revealing rare surprise.
Kiana sat up straight, closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and slowly exhaled. When she reopened her eyes, her blue irises glowed faintly. All traces of restlessness and playfulness had vanished, replaced by a stillness as calm and profound as a mirror-like lake.
Fu Hua's lips parted slightly, momentarily at a loss.
"How... did you do it?"
"I can't fully explain it myself. I suppose after she left me, things that I couldn't understand before suddenly became clear. Many thoughts that once troubled me just faded away... Then, one morning, I woke up and realized I had crossed all four Stages of Taixuan Blade Heart—Be as still as water, Be free from dust, Be as clear as a mirror, and finally, Make the Taixuan thrust."
Fu Hua pondered for a moment before nodding.
"The Blade Heart is difficult to comprehend, but even harder to attain because it requires self-liberation. Those who carry too many burdens in their hearts may never step through the gate in their lifetime. Yet, a single moment of enlightenment is not unheard of… In any case, congratulations, Kiana. Do you feel anything new?"
"A new feeling? Hmm… At that moment, I suddenly had this sense that the whole world was open to me, that I could go anywhere. Does that count?"
"That is the process of breaking free from the shackles of the heart. You have passed through it, and now the sky is vast, and the seas are boundless for you. The advancement of your Blade Heart means that you can now absorb and release Honkai energy with complete ease, reducing its erosion on your body and mind to an absolute minimum… In a way, saying 'the world is open to you' is quite accurate."
Fu Hua looked at Kiana with a genuine and heartfelt smile.
Over the years, many children had been sent by Anti-Entropy and Schicksal to learn from her. But talent, temperament, comprehension, and opportunity—these factors had barred countless students from ever stepping through the true gates of martial arts.
Most people only managed to pick up some Honkai energy control techniques and basic combat skills. That was helpful, of course, but compared to the true essence of Fu Hua's knowledge, it was insignificant.
Among all her students, the most promising ones were the girls around Sigurd. Wendy and Mei had each made progress in Six Fists stances; Bronya had reached the Be as still as water stage of Taixuan Blade Heart; Seele had even entered the Be as clear as a mirror stage, though she lacked the fighting spirit to match. Kiana had previously integrated Six Fists stances into her physical combat—impressive, but nothing beyond that.
But now, for the first time, Fu Hua felt as if she had finally found a seed worth nurturing.
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Tn: If anybody is interested, I archived this from an official FB post ages ago. Gives some interesting insight into the Edge of Taixuan:
❨Art of Taixuan Sword❩
=============== [Origin]===============
The people in Shenzhou under the guidence of a guardian from the Previous Era, Phoenix (Fu Hua) learnt how to use / direct the Honkai energy for themselves. They call it "Blade Ki".
The Shenzou martial artists can intake Honkai energy (Blade Ki) to strengthen themselves, however the success rate isn't high and there's a chance to zombiefy themselves. (it's a term that they use in wuxia novels where overloading themselves with ki training makes you go mad).
The martial art of intaking Blade Ki (Honkai Energy) is a method created by the Phoenix to adapt Honkai energy around them, to minimise risks of corruption and such. This technique is called Taixuan Blade Heart, first stage of Art of Taixuan.
Fu Hua's group is the most recognised and the strongest one with using the Art of Taixuan Sword.
============= [Blade Ki] =============
There's 5 essences of Art of Taixuan Sword: Heart, Form, Meaning, Soul and Divinity.
Among them, "Heart" and "Meaning" are internal strengths, Ki and mind training. "Form" and "Soul" are the sword skills. Divinity is when you perfect absolute everything, from sword skill to training your mind.
Although the name is "Blade Ki", if you really want to deify the sword, Blade Ki by Heart, you must understand the 5th essences, "Divinity". For thousands of years, there's only 2 people who reached the 5th essences, that is Phoenix and Li Sushuang.
When you reach the 5th essence, you become one with your will, you forge the blade with your mind and strength it with your heart, the true understanding of the Art of Taixuan Sword.
* The "Edge of Taixuan" is the ability of 5th essences. Which is the Fu Hua's last attack on Sirin. (Image 1)
============= [4 Stages of Taixuan Blade Heart] =============
◆ 1st stage. Be as still as water. (To adapt and know yourself to every situation come)
◆ 2nd stage. Be free from dust. (Remove all negative thoughts or be pure.)
◆ 3rd stage. Be as clear as a mirror. (to clear your mind and let yourself free from your own ego, but let the reasoning show your way instead)
◆ 4th stage. Make the Taixuan thrust. (Which means greater void.)
In the "Art of Taixuan Sword", the Heart is the essence of entry, and it's the most difficult thing to learn, if you can't get this part you can't continue. The younger you are, learning the Blade Heart, it will become more purer. The elder who practice the Blade Heart will take a long time to master it, and their effort will be in vain.
★ Note 1 : Blade Heart can be broken or go backward, if you break one of those 4 stage.
Ex : When you felt confusion or guilt, you will go back to the 3rd stage. Because you need to reach inner peace to get to the 4th stage.
The author of Honkai Classroom said that the art (martial art) of intaking Blade Ki (Honkai energy) is a method left by the "Previous Era" to adapt to Honkai Energy around them, to minimise risks of corruption and such.
★ Note 2 : You don't even need Fenghuang Down to use "Edge of Taixuan" ability, since Ling Sushuang could actually use it.
Tao, the essence of everything, takes no sides in conflict. The blade is formless, but needs no form. The edge, though shapeless, fills every space. This is my blade. This is the edge of the Blade of Taixuan. It is formelss, yet vast. Infinity its span. Its essence is divine. And ends where it began. For there is no escape from the Edge of Taixuan. It is beyond fury, hatred, envy or wrath. The Edge of Taixuan cannot be defined, for it is beyond every aspect of design. From burning stars to specks of sand, nothing stands against the Blade of Taixuan.
It is the origin of change, the impetus behind creation and cannot be restricted by forms. It is the Edge of Taixuan.
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Tn: If you want to see more chapter of this story, please go to my Patreon[1], just for $5 each month, you can read till the latest chapter.
Latest Chapter in Patreon: Chapter 314: Still Just a Child[2]
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[1] https://www.patreon.com/collection/95348?view=condensed
[2] https://www.patreon.com/posts/honkai-strijder-131283359
[3] https://www.patreon.com/posts/honkai-strijder-131283359
[4] https://www.patreon.com/collection/95348?view=condensed