Chapter 158: Basic Spear Method

The next morning at dawn!

Yang Wudi brought Yu Tianyun and Yang Ruolin to his private Training Ground. It was spacious and tranquil, a place dedicated to practicing spear techniques. As for why Yang Ruolin was also brought here, Yang Wudi said plainly that she was to serve as Yu Tianyun's sparring partner.

"Yu Tianyun, the way of spear technique puts the basics first," Yang Wudi said with a serious expression, holding a Fine Iron Long Spear, "This is the first stage of training; start by practicing the holding stance."

Yu Tianyun nodded earnestly, and following Yang Wudi's instruction, he also grasped a Fine Iron Long Spear, his body upright like a pine, the spear shaft vertical to the ground.

"When holding the spear, you must be steady, as if rooted in the earth, unmoved by external force," Yang Wudi said while circling Yu Tianyun, observing his stance, "But you must not be overly rigid; retain some flexibility, so you can give and take freely."

Yu Tianyun's powerful soul power showed its advantage here; he sensed the weight and balance of the long spear and effortlessly grasped the basic holding stance.

Yang Wudi nodded with satisfaction, yet he still did not let Yu Tianyun skip this part. After all, mastering the holding stance is not difficult; the key is to turn it into muscle memory, forming a habitual instinct, which requires consistent, long‑term perseverance.

Beside them, Yang Ruolin, who had undergone the same training since childhood, was now deftly practicing the Yang Clan's Basic Spear Method. This Basic Spear Method is widely known across the continent, just as the Chaotic Cloak Hammer Technique is not exclusive to the Clear Sky Sect; in fact, many renowned blacksmiths are familiar with it, though practitioners of the Clear Sky Sect excel at it.

The Clear Sky Sect's true core hammer techniques are the Clear Sky Nine Absolutes and the Great Sumeru Hammer that follows the explosive ring, while the Yang Clan's core spear technique is the Soul‑breaking Spear Technique.

Thus, under Yang Wudi's strict supervision, Yu Tianyun maintained various holding stances for a full hour. For him, the training was not physically arduous; the focus was to imprint this subtle sensation.

"This is only the beginning," Yang Wudi said, looking at Yu Tianyun with a blank expression, "Next, practice thrusting the spear."

Yang Wudi demonstrated personally; with a swift movement, his long spear shot out like lightning, accompanied by a rushing wind sound.

"When thrusting, be fast, accurate, and ruthless, concentrating the whole body's power into the spear tip," Yang Wudi said, sheathing his spear, "Your turn to try."

Yu Tianyun inhaled deeply, mimicking Yang Wudi's movement, and thrust the long spear with force.

"Your power is too scattered!" Yang Wudi barked, "Do it again!"

Yu Tianyun repeated the thrusting motion again and again, focusing his mind, and with Yang Wudi's occasional corrections, after only thirty thrusts he began to show the proper timing.

"Not bad, next practice the upward thrust," Yang Wudi said, nodding with satisfaction, and continued his guidance.

The upward thrust is a bit more complex than the basic thrust, requiring mastery of force and angle.

Yu Tianyun kept trying, failing each time, and starting over again and again.

During the upward thrust practice, Yang Wudi also taught Yu Tianyun the force‑channeling technique of spear methods.

"Force channeling should be like a continuous flowing stream, unbroken, with no interruption," Yang Wudi said while demonstrating, "Feel the internal power smoothly travel through your arm to the spear tip."

Yu Tianyun, following Yang Wudi's instruction, carefully grasped the method of force channeling and soon discovered a few tricks.

After one incense stick's worth of time, Yu Tianyun had already mastered the basic essentials of the upward thrust.

"Now begin practicing the sweeping thrust," Yang Wudi said. The basic moves he taught required gradual escalation. Sweeping thrust demands greater power and finer control; Yu Tianyun had never practiced spear techniques before, so his initial movements naturally failed to earn Yang Wudi's approval.

"Sweeping thrust must be wide and open, yet you must not lose control," Yang Wudi guided Yu Tianyun hand‑by‑hand.

Yu Tianyun continuously adjusted his movements, and, contrary to expectations, quickly found the correct sweeping thrust technique.

Next, Yang Wudi gradually handed over all the basic spear movements, and Yu Tianyun learned each of them swiftly.

"Yu Tianyun, from now on you must repeatedly practice these basic movements, and continue to do so until they become muscle memory, only then can you proceed to learn the Basic Spear Method," Yang Wudi said earnestly.

In the days that followed, Yang Wudi no longer gave personal instruction; having taught all the movement essentials, the rest required only Yu Tianyun's diligent daily repetition of the basic motions.

Meanwhile, Yang Ruolin stayed beside him, training together and occasionally offering pointers; whenever the morning sun bathed the Training Ground, their silhouettes wielding long spears could be seen, though Yu Tianyun's gaze remained as steadfast as ever.

As time passed, Yu Tianyun's basic movements grew ever more proficient, reaching the level of muscle memory that Yang Wudi demanded.

A week later, Yang Wudi returned to the Training Ground, and after observing Yu Tianyun's performance, nodded with satisfaction and said, "Yu Tianyun, your foundation is now solid enough; you may now study the Basic Spear Method."

Yu Tianyun heard this and felt very calm; these were merely basics, and would not pose difficulty for him. Relying on his powerful soul power, his learning speed was swift, and the real climax lay ahead.

Yang Wudi began demonstrating the Basic Spear Method techniques, each move vigorous and powerful, accompanied by a sound that broke the wind.

"This Basic Spear Method emphasizes the combination of strength and speed, as well as the transitions between techniques," Yang Wudi explained while demonstrating.

Yu Tianyun watched intently, committing every movement and detail to memory.

After the demonstration, Yu Tianyun could not wait to begin practicing. As soon as he started, he wielded the spear with a convincing, fierce vigor.

Yang Wudi showed a satisfied smile; this was the result of mastering the basic movements. Those who come from unorthodox backgrounds often neglect fundamentals, aiming too high too soon; practicing spear techniques from the start leads to slow progress and many hard‑to‑correct flaws, even hidden injuries. The sturdier the foundation, the greater the boost for subsequent training.

Although Yu Tianyun was now practicing these Basic Spear Method techniques for the first time, he was only slightly inexperienced and encountered few problems.

Then, Yang Wudi patiently pointed out some of Yu Tianyun's mistakes, had him correct them, and said slowly, "Yu Tianyun, it seems you will soon master this Basic Spear Method completely, but to wield it well you need real combat. Next, Ruolin will be your sparring opponent; during the duel you may not use martial soul or soul power!"

These past days, Yang Ruolin had been eagerly awaiting this moment; without using martial soul or soul power, her gap with Yu Tianyun would be minimal, and she had trained with spears far longer than him, finally able to unleash the malice she harbored.

She brandished a long spear, her face excited as she stood opposite Yu Tianyun, saying, "Yu Tianyun, today I'll show you just how formidable I am, miss."

Yu Tianyun gave a slight smile and replied, "Then I must be careful in response."

The two instantly assumed their stances, spear tips facing each other, and the atmosphere grew tense. Yet Yang Ruolin's aura was clearly dominant, exuding an unwavering resolve; Yu Tianyun understood this was the essence of the Breaking Clan's offensive‑only spear path, while he himself felt ordinary and devoid of any imposing presence.

(End of Chapter)