Chapter 18 Flattery
Over the next few days, Fang Xingjian practiced the basic sword techniques of The School of Sword Arts during the day, and secretly practiced the Nine Yang Divine Sword Technique at night. This sword technique was much more difficult than the Grizzly Bear Sword Technique, and so Fang Xingjian was learning this technique at a much slower pace.
Kaunitz had once again entered the limelight, this time on the training grounds.
The youngster from the Tresia Clan seemed to be in the limelight regardless of where he went. He would always be accompanied by a group of youngsters, even when he was practicing the Eagle Sword Technique by himself. The youngsters were both males and females who wanted to train with him, as if they were certain that they would improve by learning from him.
And every time Kaunitz stopped to take a break or pause to reflect, people would offer him snacks or refreshments, trying to get close to him.
“Young Master Kaunitz, would you like some water?”
“Young Master Kaunitz, you learn really fast. You must have already reached level 2 of the Eagle Sword Technique, right? As expected of the Tresia Clan’s genius.”
However, even when facing such flattery, Kaunitz did not bother smiling at them. His attitude stayed cool when he looked at the other students’ faces, meanwhile focusing his attention on the sword technique. However, a slight frown betrayed his impatience.
At that moment, Ogden stepped up and, as usual, dismissed the rest of the people. “Alright, alright, stop bothering Kaunitz. You’ll need to depend on yourselves in your training, and to pass the Prefectural Selection.”
Kaunitz nodded and spoke in a commanding tone, “You’re just in time. Show me moves twelve and thirty-three of the Grizzly Bear Sword Technique.”
Ogden started the demonstration with pleasure. In fact, ever since the other party had arrived, he no longer trained together with Fang Xingjian, but stayed near Kaunitz. He practiced with him daily and had no qualms about sharing all of his experience of training the Eagle Sword Technique and the Grizzly Bear Sword Technique.
‘This is the heir to the Tresia Clan. As long as I maintain a good relationship with him, won’t the examiners for the Prefectural Selection also see me in a better light? Even if I am not able to pass the Prefectural Selection, if I can land myself a job in the Tresia Clan... No, it’s even better if I can get into Tresia Knight Academy!’
Ogden had the typical commoner’s sly manner of thinking. Pondering these things, he put more effort in swinging the wooden sword in his hand.
Fang Xingjian did not care about Ogden’s flattery. This was reality, and this was how society worked. It was natural for those at the bottom of the ladder to do their best to flatter those above. If he had not gained his extraordinary talent in sword arts, he might have made the same choice as Ogden.
However, he had initially thought that Ogden was an honest and straightforward fellow. It seemed that it was only for show, as he was actually a scheming commoner following his own agenda.
“How can Eldest Martial Brother act like this?” Vivian bit her lips and said, “He was practicing with us before, and he looked so honest.... This... this is too...”
“What is it to you?” Fang Xingjian continued practicing the Grizzly Bear Sword Technique, planning to achieve its complete mastery. “We each choose our own paths, even if it’s relying on backdoors to enroll in academies or to pass the Prefectural Selection. When it comes to practicing martial arts, one can only rely on oneself.
“Attributes, techniques, and specialties don’t lie.”
Vivian turned around to look at Fang Xingjian. She gradually regained her concentration and focused on her sword practice once again.
During the past few days, Fang Xingjian had been making full use of his time, only practicing the Grizzly Bear Sword Technique. He had already reached level 29, and was not too far from reaching level 30.
As he waved the wooden sword in his hand, its afterimages seemed to be connected. Each time the sword slashed, its trembling would split the air, making a sound similar to a grizzly bear’s roar.
It rumbled explosively, as if gunpowder had been lit in the air. Fang Xingjian suddenly felt as if there were a huge tremor in his head. It was as if a thunderbolt had cut across the clear skies, making him see stars.
He was stunned for a moment, and then he felt a tingly numbness spread all over his body, as if he had been struck by lightning. His muscles and bones trembled three consecutive times before he managed to come back to his senses.
Grizzly Bear Sword Technique level 30: an additional 6 points in strength, 6 points in agility, increased toughness for his bones and organs, and a substantial increase in the body’s potential, along with its ability to recover from muscle and bone fatigue.
Fang Xingjian felt as if his body was being continuously soaked in a hot spring. His bones and muscles were trembling in extremely slight movements, massaging and nurturing his body. The trembles also shook away all excess burdens, fully cleansing his body.
To think that level 30 of the Grizzly Bear Sword Technique would be nurturing his body at all times, helping him increase his body’s potential, strengthening its constitution, and amassing energy!
Now his attributes had changed to:
Name
Fang Xingjian
Age
16
Occupation
Warrior’s Squire
Level
9
Strength
20
Agility
24
Reaction
11
Endurance
8
Flexibility
12
His strength was no longer below, but rather above Ogden’s and Lambert’s.
Fang Xingjian was overjoyed. At that moment, a noise broke out from the training grounds.
“He lost. Lambert lost too.”
“To think that both Eldest Martial Brother Ogden and Second Martial Brother Lambert have lost... This... this...”
“What’s there to be surprised about? This is Tresia’s super genius we are talking about. Kaunitz is too strong. He’s only been learning the Grizzly Bear Sword Technique for such a short time! We’ll never be able to catch up with this kind of talent in our whole lives.”
Kaunitz looked at the fallen Lambert as he shook his head and said, “Your attributes are too low, and you are unable to fully express the profoundness of the Grizzly Bear Sword Technique. There’s no benefit from training with you.”
Ogden, who was at the side, smiled as if he did not care about his loss at all. He took a look at the pale-faced Lambert and said, “After all, we are only mediocre in talent and we aren’t able to compare with a genius swordsman like you, Kaunitz. One day of your practice is equivalent to a few years’ worth of our training.”
Lambert’s chest heaved a few times, as if he had harsh words to say, but nevertheless, he did not speak up. Eventually, he picked up his sword and dashed out with a flushed face. He was obviously too embarrassed to stay there.
Kaunitz shook his head again, “Practicing the sword requires one to be bold, hardworking, and relentless. How are you going to learn if you can’t even put up with such minor humiliation?”
Saying that, he turned to look in Fang Xingjian’s direction, asking, “I heard that there’s another genius in The School of Sword Arts, who managed to pick up the Grizzly Bear Sword Technique on the first day?”
Ogden nodded and said, “That’s right. The teacher said that his foundation was very sturdy, and that he had already fully mastered a set of basic sword techniques. That was why he could easily pick up the Grizzly Bear Sword Technique.”
“A good foundation?” Kaunitz walked up to Fang Xingjian, saying, “I need a person to pair up with me and practice the Grizzly Bear Sword Technique together, breaking it down in stances. You can give it a go.” From his tone, it was as if he took the other party’s agreement for granted, making it sound as if this was actually an act of charity.
“Not interested.” Fang Xingjian did not even turn his head around as he switched to practicing the Eagle Sword Technique. He had perfected the Grizzly Bear Sword Technique up to level 30, and his next goal was to fully master the Eagle Sword Technique. He had no interest in exchanging blows with Kaunitz, nor was he interested in helping him.
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