Chapter 14: What Is the Sword Qi Realm
That strike left Franklin completely dumbfounded. Even though his combat power had surpassed two hundred, all he could really do was deliver devastating single-target attacks.
But this kind of long-range strike — one with such terrifying destructive power — was something Franklin was still utterly incapable of.
Seeing the astonishment on Franklin's face, Zastin's lips curved upward slightly. After calming himself, he explained, "The Sword Qi Realm, as the name suggests, is a realm of the sword path where one can release sword aura with a swing.
It took me six full years to reach this level — six years of relentless training before I finally found a sliver of opportunity and broke through into the Sword Qi Realm.
Even so, I would say I was already quite lucky. Some people spend their entire lives practicing the sword, yet in the end, they achieve nothing — they can't even touch the threshold of the sword path. That's what people on Blue Star mean when they say 'the first step is the hardest.'
To reach the threshold of the sword path requires not only immense comprehension and exceptional talent, but also ceaseless practice — and a touch of luck."
Hearing this, Franklin frowned deeply. According to Zastin's words, he was doomed. There was no way he could break into the Sword Qi Realm within three days — this was basically a death sentence.
But the whole point of the mission list was to accelerate his growth, not to kill him. Which meant there had to be some way for him to touch the threshold of the Sword Qi Realm in a short time.
"Zastin, you know I don't have that kind of time to slowly train. The younger generation from those great powers could arrive on Blue Star at any moment. Isn't there any way for me to touch the threshold of the Sword Qi Realm in a short period?"
Franklin's question made Zastin fall silent in thought. After a long pause, he shook his head slightly.
"Sorry. With the experience I have, I really don't know. As far as I know, the only way to touch the sword path is through constant practice — building a bond with the sword in your hand. When the mind moves, the sword aura follows."
Seeing that even Zastin only had a vague understanding of it, Franklin felt helpless. Still, he refused to give up. At the very least, Zastin was a master at the Sword Light Realm — if he couldn't break through on his own, then imitating Zastin's movements might get him part of the way there.
Before that, Franklin decided to give it a try himself. With the Guardian Sword appearing in his hand, he recalled the angle of Zastin's strike and swung his sword. Empowered by immense strength, the sound of the blade cutting through the air echoed through the forest.
But Franklin didn't feel anything special. Even so, he didn't get discouraged. He then began practicing the basic techniques he had learned as a child, swinging the sword through a series of moves:
Slash, sweep, lift, parry, strike, thrust, tap, crash, stir, press, cleave, intercept, rinse, cloud, hook, raise, chop, pick, wipe, slice, stab, circle.
Under Zastin's verbal guidance and aided by his childhood memories, every swing Franklin made was fierce and powerful, each cut carrying more momentum and pressure. Immersed in the process, Franklin recalled the basic sword forms he'd practiced as a boy — and his father's guidance.
"Franklin, practicing empty sword forms like this is pointless. If you only stay on the surface without digging deeper, it's all in vain. If you ask me, you'd be better off reading more books — at least that would make you smarter."
"You've never practiced swordsmanship, so how would you know it's pointless? Since you think my training is useless, then tell me — how should I train?"
"If you ask me, you need to meditate and reflect — feel the breath of the sword in your hand, sense its life, and forge a bond with it — one that never abandons or gives up.
If you succeed, then your sword training won't be yours alone. You'll feel as if some divine force is aiding you."
"Oh, please. You should focus on your job instead of reading novels all day — they're rotting your brain."
Now, as he recalled his father's advice, Franklin gradually calmed his mind, swinging the Guardian Sword again and again.
With each swing, he began to sense something — but it always slipped away just before he could grasp it. And the more elusive it was, the deeper Franklin sank into the training.
He didn't know how much time had passed before he finally stopped. He was just one step away — he could feel it — just one step from forming a bond with the Guardian Sword. But that step remained out of reach. Continuing like this would be pointless.
When Franklin opened his eyes, the moon was already hanging high in the sky. Under its pale light, he realized he was standing in a vast clearing, the ground covered with sword marks and countless broken branches and leaves.
Looking closely, he saw that within a radius of several kilometers, not a single tree stood taller than his waist.
"Zastin — Zastin — where are you? What happened here?"
As a flash of white light appeared, Zastin materialized beside him. Seeing the deep sword marks carved into Zastin's armor — deep enough to pierce through — Franklin grew even more confused.
"What happened to you? You look like you just walked off a battlefield. Don't tell me I caused all this just from practicing."
Zastin's lips twitched, his expression turning rather strange. "It was indeed your doing, young master. After you closed your eyes, at first, you were just flailing about — I was honestly a little exasperated watching you.
But as time passed, it was as if you'd become a completely different person. Every move and every technique was sharp and precise, your speed fast as lightning, darting through the forest.
And of course, you didn't hold back against me either. As far as sword technique goes, I wasn't your match in that state. When I lost in technique and couldn't wake you, I had no choice but to withdraw and let you wreak havoc here to 'find your feeling.'"
Hearing this, Franklin was speechless. "Are you messing with me? I know exactly how skilled I am. And you're telling me your swordsmanship isn't as good as mine? Give me a break."
"If young master doesn't believe me, there's nothing I can do. I'm just wondering if you managed to touch the threshold of the sword path."
Franklin didn't believe a word of it. How could his clumsy swordsmanship surpass that of someone like Zastin — the captain of the royal guard? What a joke.
"You said it yourself — I need luck, talent, and tireless training. There's no way I've touched the threshold of the sword path that easily. Let's just call it a day and try again tomorrow."
Zastin nodded in agreement. "Indeed, you should rest. You've exerted yourself quite a lot today, so I'm sure you'll notice something different tomorrow. You may not believe it was really you, but I do have a recording of everything. You're welcome to review it. Of course, you might think I faked it to encourage you, but I'm certain your body remembers everything. Sleep well.
Oh, and by the way, Lady Lala left Blue Star after you departed from school today. It seems she's still agonizing over making you a meal, hoping to raise your favorability toward her. You might want to tell Miss Mikan not to prepare too much dinner."
Franklin sighed helplessly. "So it ended up like this after all, huh. I know — just send me back. I'll find you again tomorrow if I need anything."
"Very well. If you need me, just shout my name toward the sky — I'll receive the signal."
As a flash of white light enveloped him, Franklin found himself back in his backyard. After washing up, the dinner table once again seated three. He explained everything that had happened to the other two, and once dinner was over, he returned to his room.
For some reason, after his bath, he felt an overwhelming fatigue settle deep into his body.
(Support me and read ahead on Patreøn: patreøn.com/craxxtranslations.
Two new chapters are released daily—thank you for your support!
Powerstone Event: For every 50 powerstones, 1 bonus chapter will be unlocked (capped at 500).)