Liang Yue examined the Sword Soul Template's skill tree but didn't rush to spend his points just yet. After confirming the area was safe, he found a spot to rest briefly and reviewed the skills now available to him after leveling up.
[Triple Slash]
Level Requirement: 15
SP Cost: 10
Skill Description: Unleashes a three-hit combo slash toward the target.
[Moonlight Slash]
Level Requirement: 15
Skill Description: Fires a crescent-shaped sword slash at a target in front.
[Backstep Slash]
Level Requirement: 15
Skill Description: Performs a backward leap to evade enemy attacks while releasing a sword energy slash.
Leveling up the Sword Soul class granted Liang Yue several new combat options—some of which were clearly Ghost Swordsman skills.
Upon closer inspection, something stood out.
Skills like Ghost Slash, Flame Wave Slash, or Kazan's Soul Blade weren't included in this system. It was clear that the Sword Soul Template only offered a pure Sword Soul path—untainted by other Ghost Swordsman disciplines.
"Each skill costs 10 SP to learn."
"That's manageable…"
Compared to his current Inner • Ghost Swordsmanship, these new techniques would give him more tactical options in battle. The cost was definitely worth it.
Back in his past life, he had been very familiar with these moves. And now, with SP points spent, the techniques synced with his body. His mind quickly absorbed the corresponding muscle memory.
The once-empty skill interface was beginning to fill out:
Skills:
Inner • Ghost Swordsmanship (Mastered)
Triple Slash (Lv1)
Moonlight Slash (Lv1)
Backstep Slash (Lv1)
The newly acquired skills now had level indicators beside them.
Just like in the game, it seemed that as he leveled up, he'd be able to allocate more points to improve their performance.
"I'm pretty familiar with Triple Slash…"
"And if I'm using Moonlight Slash with a short sword, would it trigger Inner • Ghost Swordsmanship's sword aura?"
Liang Yue skimmed through the interface. The template merely granted tools—it was up to his comprehension and mastery to wield them properly.
Only by merging all his skills seamlessly could he unleash their full power.
Excited to try out these new abilities, he took out his packed meal to replenish his energy. The War Shadows on Floor 6 were starting to give less EXP.
Venturing deeper was inevitable. Besides, there was no way he could suppress the itch to try out these new skills.
"Once I reach the 7th Floor, that should wrap up today's run."
——
With the Dungeon's perpetual dimness and no way to measure time, Liang Yue couldn't tell how long he'd been down here.
After a quick recovery, he grabbed his short sword and began heading toward deeper territory. So far, everything had gone smoothly.
That is… until he approached the passage to Floor 7.
There, things began to shift. He hadn't run into other adventurers, but a small swarm of War Shadows—infamous rookie-killers—was clearly waiting.
Likely drawn here by another adventurer's presence.
"Perfect. Time to break in the new skills!"
Though he was familiar with the War Shadows' attack patterns, fighting so many at once was a new challenge.
But Liang Yue's eyes burned with fighting spirit.
Gripping his short sword with both hands, he didn't start with Inner • Ghost Swordsmanship. Instead, he launched forward with Triple Slash, known for its burst mobility.
Bending low, he channeled all his strength into his legs.
With explosive force, he shot forward, closing in on the War Shadows in a flash. His blade swung diagonally from above.
Each slash infused with Inner • Ghost Swordsmanship's aura tore through the monsters like a blade through paper.
He quickly retracted his blade.
Pivoting mid-run, he adjusted his direction and dashed at another War Shadow that hadn't reacted yet. There were no flashy sword trails—just a solid arc of white sword energy.
The slash interrupted the monster's pre-attack motion.
Triple Slash could be executed once or chained for follow-ups depending on the situation.
With efficient precision, Liang Yue cut down two War Shadows.
Before he had time to reposition—
The remaining five monsters charged all at once, their instincts in full effect. Though the skills had no cooldowns, continuous use did strain the body—a truth Liang Yue was already beginning to feel.
Now surrounded by enemies—
The War Shadows' speed, power, and aggression far surpassed any goblins. For most adventurers, this would've been a fatal situation.
But not for Liang Yue.
He didn't panic. Seeing enemies flanking both sides and ahead, his battle-hardened instincts kicked in.
He leapt several meters backward, evading their encirclement—and in midair, he slashed downward.
Sword energy burst forth.
A bright arc swept across the path ahead, carving a deep gash into the stone floor itself—never mind the shadowy monsters.
The condensed blade aura shredded every last War Shadow.
Only their magic stones and razor-sharp claws remained—soon turning into black dust and fading into the Dungeon's ecosystem.
They would respawn later, reborn from the Dungeon's cycle.
"Hell yeah!"
"That's the feeling!"
Liang Yue's blade felt hotter in his grip. He could barely hide his excitement.
Triple Slash and Moonlight Slash were ideal for both offense and area-clearing.
Backstep Slash, meanwhile, gave him an excellent counter when surrounded by large groups.
"With my current moveset…"
"Reaching the 12th floor shouldn't be an issue, right?"
He hadn't yet run into any rare monsters, much less a floor boss.
At this rate, the only thing holding him back might be his weapon's sharpness.
The short sword's sword aura, when used with Inner • Ghost Swordsmanship, seemed dependent on his stats and the weapon's quality.
Just like in the game.
He didn't dwell too deeply on the mechanics for now. There would be plenty of time to explore the full extent of the Sword Soul Template's capabilities.
After looting the monster drops—
He felt a rare lightness in his heart. Sword in hand, he headed toward the path leading deeper, always on guard.
"Here's hoping the 7th floor has some pleasant surprises. Preferably a ton of EXP!"
Without hesitation, Liang Yue stepped into the stairwell, a relatively safe passage, and descended to the 7th floor.
The scenery hadn't changed much.
But then he spotted something up ahead—a lone adventurer battling a Killer Ant.
What caught his attention wasn't the fight itself, but rather…
That adventurer looked awfully familiar.
His eyes lit up with recognition.
He knew that person very well.
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