"The first level of the Void Sword Sutra is split into two techniques. The first is Void's Whisper: a subtle but lethal technique where the sword is drawn with a soundless motion, its edge cutting through the air like a whisper, before unleashing a devastating strike infused with sword aura.
The second is a spatial movement technique known as Void Stride: a technique that slightly bends space around the user, allowing them to instantly cross vast distances in a single step, leaving behind a faint trace of spatial energy." Eldrin paused before continuing, "While both of these techniques might seem powerful for only the first level, you have to remember that this is an Ancient rank cultivation technique. Now, before we can start practicing, you need a sword." Finishing his words, Eldrin immediately made four swords appear in front of him.
"A sword cultivator embodies the traits of their sword and sword techniques. For example, a holy sword will usually have a righteous master. However, there is one trait that all sword cultivators share—a will as unbendable as their sword." As Eldrin was explaining what it means to be a sword cultivator, Cade was thinking one thing: 'This is so fucking cool!!'
"Now, pick a sword, and remember that your sword is not just a tool; it is an extension of who you are. It is your closest friend, your most steadfast ally, for if all else fails, your sword will never betray you," Eldrin said solemnly.
Cade nodded in understanding before looking at the four swords that appeared in front of him, floating as if they were waiting for him to decide. The first sword caught his eye immediately—it was long and curved, its blade resembling the fang of a serpent. The dark metallic surface gleamed faintly with an iridescent green hue, and the hilt was wrapped in black leather, embossed with a dragon-scale pattern. The guard looked like the wings of a dragon, sharp and angular.
Next, his gaze shifted to the second sword. It was sleek and straight, with deep midnight-black metal that shimmered with traces of purple energy. The hilt was wrapped in silver wire, and the translucent crystal-like guard hummed faintly with otherworldly power.
The third sword had a broad, slightly curved blade with a silver edge that crackled with energy. It was lined with faint blue lightning-like markings that flickered and shifted with every movement. The hilt resembled a storm cloud, swirling with patterns, and a deep blue gemstone adorned the pommel.
Finally, Cade's eyes fell upon the last sword. It was slender and elegant, with a pale gold hue that gave it an ethereal glow. The blade gradually tapered to a fine point, and the guard was shaped like a delicate lotus blossom, with intricate floral patterns etched along the surface. The hilt was wrapped in white silk, with a jade gemstone at the pommel.
Each sword floated before Cade, its presence commanding attention. He felt the weight of Eldrin's words, knowing that the sword he chose would be more than just a weapon—it would reflect who he was and what path he would walk as a cultivator.
Cade looked at each of the four swords while thinking, 'What type of cultivator do I want to be? The first and second swords seem to be for someone who is agile. The third sword seems to be focused on brute force and strength.' After thinking for a moment, Cade decided that he was a bit greedy and wanted to be all those things at the same time, which seemed to correspond with the last sword, as it looked quite durable with a blade that was neither too wide nor too thin, not too long nor too short—a sword that was perfectly balanced in every way. Walking towards that sword, Cade extended his hand, and the second he grasped the hilt, he saw a vision of the sword's past. He saw the way the blacksmith, from the stem of an ancient flower that had stood for millennia, rising to the height of a skyscraper, forged the sword's blade, and how he had used a petal from the same flower to make the sword's hilt. He saw the carving of the jade and its embedding into the pommel. He watched as the blacksmith finished the sword, placing it into a green sheath before naming it Flower Burial.
After the vision ended, the sword let out a low hum as if to greet its new master, causing Cade to smile at it. "Nice to meet you too, Flower Burial. I hope we can be friends for a long time to come."
Eldrin, noticing that Cade had finished picking a sword, spoke: "Since that sword is made out of the stem and petal of a Divine Lotus, it will help you in comprehending the Dao of Flowers and the Dao of Light. It will also give you a significant boost in mastering a flower-related sword technique. Unfortunately, that's not one of the martial techniques in my collection." After Eldrin finished lamenting, they started training.
TWO WEEKS LATER
For the past two weeks, Cade's schedule had been entirely full. He'd start with breakfast and some physical training, like running and push-ups. Afterward, he'd swing his sword 1,000 times in each direction for a total of 8,000 swings. When he asked his master why, all he got in reply was that it wouldn't make sense to start mastering a technique when Cade couldn't even swing a sword properly. In the afternoon, Cade would meditate on the first level of the Void Sword Sutra and try to comprehend it. Supposedly, if he fully mastered both techniques, he would gain comprehension of Sword Intent and Space Intent to the 3rd level. Afterward, Cade would sit down and cultivate until the next day.
Something that Cade had discovered was that he no longer needed to sleep since he gained energy simply by cultivating. Cade also managed to break through to the third level of the Spirit Warrior realm.
As Cade was meditating on the Void's Whisper technique in front of a small forest, he suddenly felt enlightened. Opening his eyes, grabbing Flower Burial, which had been lying next to him, Cade stood up and got into a sword-drawing stance with his left hand holding the sheath and his right hand holding the sword hilt. He moved his left foot back while slightly bending his body. Releasing a breath, Cade suddenly drew his sword out at an unreal speed, enough that the sword's blade seemed invisible until he stopped moving. No sound was released except for the subtle whisper of the sword as it cut through the air. When the whisper faded, Cade opened his eyes to a devastated scene. He had split every tree within a one-meter radius in front of him.
As Cade was admiring his handiwork, he heard Eldrin clapping behind him. "Good job, it seems you've finally entered the first stage of mastery for the Void's Whisper technique. I also felt a faint hint of Sword Intent from you." When Cade turned, he saw Eldrin beaming. One other thing that happened these last two weeks was that Cade and Eldrin had become much closer, with Cade starting to view the latter as family.
"Thank you, master. I couldn't have done it without your help," Cade replied.
"Nonsense, this is all the reward of your hard work. Don't belittle your achievement. It took me twice as long to enter the first stage of mastery," Eldrin said, refusing to acknowledge his part. "C'mon, we should go and celebrate this achievement."
Cade rolled his eyes. One thing that he'd learned after spending two weeks with Eldrin was that the latter was always looking for an excuse to drink. Nevertheless, Cade grinned and followed Eldrin so they could celebrate, and thus the day ended.