Chapter 195: Zhang Bai chuan's Sword Intent

The middle-aged man was extremely burly, standing there and giving people a strong sense of oppression.

"Classmates, my name is Hong Yongchun, and I am your practical combat teacher!"

Hong Yongchun stood on the podium, glanced at the students below, and his gaze lingered on Lu Jing for a few seconds.

"Before this, Teacher Tang Mingyue should have already explained the origins of martial artists to you; next, I will teach you practical combat and weapon usage!"

"First, I have a question for everyone: which do you think is more important, fists and feet or weapons?"

Hong Yongchun posed the question, then pointed to the blue-clad male student in the front row and said, "You answer!"

The blue-clad male student stood up, thought for a moment, and said, "I think fists and feet are more important, because fist and foot martial arts are the foundation of the Martial Way; when mastered, their lethality is not inferior to weapons, and there are always times when weapons are not at hand."

"Hmm, sit down, and let the classmate next to you share your view."

Hong Yongchun then called the blue-clad student's desk mate to stand up.

"Surely having a weapon is more formidable!"

His desk mate blurted out without thinking, "If fists and feet could match weapons, who would spend a fortune buying weapons? Everyone would just fight with their fists!"

"Hehe, you both make sense."

Hong Yongchun smiled.

"To understand this, first you need to know what practical combat is for," Hong Yongchun paused, "practical combat is killing, and practical combat skills are killing techniques!"

"Of course, the state does not waste so many resources to train you for internal strife, but to send you into the Cave to fight exotic beasts!"

"For martial artists, fists and weapons are equally important; you can treat weapons as extensions of your limbs, so in the upcoming lessons I will focus on weapon instruction, after all, a broken weapon can be replaced, but if your fists are broken you can only wait to die."

After finishing his explanation, Hong Yongchun turned around, opened the projection equipment, and called up some weapon illustrations.

"What you see on the screen are currently common weapons; take some time to choose your future major weapon, it's advisable to practice only one, for you can't have too much and still chew it well."

Lu Jing looked at the screen, where blades, spears, swords, and halberds—all kinds of weapons—were present.

The students began discussing among themselves.

"What weapon should we choose?"

"Go with the sword; it looks cooler—just look at Zhang Bai chuan carrying his sword, how suave!"

"Carrying a slender sword is too effeminate; a man should use a blade, slashing and hacking is much more satisfying!"

"I also choose a blade; Lu Jing uses a long blade, and just looking at his blade makes me envious..."

Lu Jing listened to the discussion, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.

Even if Hong Yongchun didn't say so, he had already resolved in his heart to walk the blade's path to the end.

Of course, if he ever gets the chance and time, Lu Jing doesn't mind practicing other weapons as well.

"Brother Lu, are you going to choose the blade?"

Ma Houshi beside him glanced at Lu Jing's long blade at his waist and asked quietly, "Is the blade easy to practice? How long will it take to reach your level?"

"I think you don't need to blindly imitate me; I use the blade because I have talent in this area, you can choose what you like."

Lu Jing said lightly.

"Alright..."

Ma Houshi nodded and said nothing more.

"Have you all decided? Follow me to the Training Hall, where weapons are available for you to practice!"

After saying that, Hong Yongchun led the way out of the practical combat classroom.

The students rose one after another, following behind with high spirits.

Many of them had never encountered cold weapons before, since high school didn't offer this course.

Zhang Bai chuan carried his family's heirloom sword and glanced at the calm-faced Lu Jing beside him.

As an inheritor of the ancient martial clan, Zhang Bai chuan has practiced the sword since childhood.

At the age of eight he first grasped sword intent, and upon reaching adulthood he attained the Minor Accomplishment level, renewing his family's record.

"In overall strength I am not as good as Lu Jing, but if it's talent with weapons, surely no one surpasses me?"

Zhang Bai chuan thought confidently.

Once he enters the domain of the sword, his whole person seems to become someone else.

The training hall is in another building; a crowd of people marched there for five minutes.

"Hey-ha!"

Clang—

Ding—

This building is full of students practicing weapons against each other, and from time to time you can hear the clashing of metal and halberd.

"This is the place, everyone go get your weapons; those who brought their own need not collect any."

Hong Yongchun pointed to the weapons-filled warehouse ahead and said, "After collecting them, gather in the empty training hall beside it!"

Soon, the students all had weapons in hand, excitedly forming ranks.

"Basically everyone chose blades or swords; these two weapons are relatively light and portable, and we happen to have two classmates who are skilled with blades and swords, so I will have them demonstrate."

Hong Yongchun glanced at Lu Jing and Zhang Bai chuan; before class he had already done his homework, understanding the students' situation.

Upon learning that the Martial Top Scholar was his student, Hong Yongchun was startled and revised his teaching plan.

"Zhang Bai chuan, you go first; I heard your family practices the sword."

Hong Yongchun said with a smile, "First, demonstrate some basic sword techniques for the class."

"Okay, teacher!"

Zhang Bai chuan stepped forward with his longsword on his back.

Clang—

As the longsword was drawn, a refined aura spread outward.

Paired with his suave white attire, it made Zhang BaiChuan look imposing and sharp.

As his sword technique unfolded, a gentle breeze swirled around his entire body.

A strand of green sword intent flowed in the direction the sword tip pointed.

Holy crap, he's so handsome!

If I had known earlier, I would have chosen the sword too—being handsome is all that matters.

This must be Zhang BaiChuan's sword intent—I keep feeling a chilly coolness all over.

Clang—

Suddenly, Zhang BaiChuan thrust his wrist forward, the long sword letting out a ring, shooting out the green sword intent coiled around its tip.

Whoosh—

This strand of sword intent took a crescent shape, shooting forward.

On the dummy not far away, a bowl-sized gap instantly appeared.

Exhale—

Teacher, I've finished the demonstration.

Zhang BaiChuan exhaled, returning the long sword to its sheath.

Not bad, classmate Zhang BaiChuan; at your age, being able to grasp sword intent to a minor accomplishment already shows extraordinary talent.

Hong Yongchun praised.

Next, you attack me with your sword; I'll demonstrate to the classmates how to respond to a sword attack!

Having said that, he casually drew a long sword, "Don't hold back, rest assured—you can't hurt me."

Good!

Zhang BaiChuan nodded, then walked up to Hong Yongchun.

Before making his move, he deliberately glanced at Lu Jing beside him.

Seeing Lu Jing watching attentively like everyone else, Zhang BaiChuan felt a surge of pride well up.

Even if he is the Martial Top Scholar, does he not have to follow me in learning sword arts?!