Chapter 11: The Long-Awaited Nine Swords of Solitude
Chapter 11: The Long-Awaited Nine Swords of Solitude
Night had fallen, and Zheng Jian was still reciting the general principles of the Nine Swords of Solitude. At this moment, he resembled his former self on the eve of the college entrance exams—asking nothing more than to force the knowledge into his mind. In the past, he had relied on cheats to advance in martial arts, rarely putting in such earnest effort.
But when it came time to learn the Nine Swords of Solitude, Zheng Jian found he could be ruthless with himself. After all, missing this opportunity might mean he’d never get another. Unlike Linghu Chong in the original story, who memorized the text word for word within mere hours, Zheng Jian’s progress was far slower. Even so, thanks to a few lucky draws over the past years that increased his comprehension, his memory had improved enough to achieve this result.
After Zheng Jian flawlessly recited the text three times in succession, Feng Qingyang finally nodded. “The general principles of the Nine Swords are the foundation. For now, you have merely forced yourself to remember them. You must frequently review and ponder them, gradually grasping their meaning if you wish to truly master this sword art.”
Zheng Jian nodded in agreement.
“Now, I’ll teach you the specific sword moves. As the name suggests, the Nine Swords of Solitude consists of nine moves. The first is the general principle, the second is the Sword-Breaking move, which is what I demonstrated just now using my finger as a sword to break through all sword techniques. The third is the Saber-Breaking move, countering single and double sabers and all manner of blade techniques. The fourth is the Spear-Breaking move, aimed at long weapons such as spears and staves. The fifth is the Whip-Breaking move, countering steel whips and short weapons like Emei stingers. The sixth is the Rope-Breaking move, designed to counter flexible weapons like long ropes. Then comes the Palm-Breaking move, which counters unarmed techniques. The Arrow-Breaking move is used against all sorts of hidden weapons. The final move is the Qi-Breaking move, to break through superior internal energy techniques.”
Having explained the broad strokes, Feng Qingyang noticed Zheng Jian’s attentive expression and thought to himself, “This child is truly teachable.” He continued, “In fact, this sword art is not a conventional set of moves. More accurately, it is a theoretical system, to be flexibly applied. The essence is to anticipate your opponent’s actions. No matter what weapon or move the enemy uses, there will be minute movements in their muscles before they act. You must observe these subtle cues and predict their next move, thus gaining the upper hand. This is the true essence of the Nine Swords of Solitude.”
“It is a purely offensive style, with almost no defense. Each time your opponent prepares to attack, you intercept them before their move even takes shape. It’s like a game of chess: if you can make your move before your opponent plans theirs, you will always have the advantage and force them into a dilemma.”
…
In the days that followed, Zheng Jian would rise at dawn and head to the Cliff of Contemplation, not returning until midnight. He spent his entire days learning the Nine Swords of Solitude from Feng Qingyang.
Master Yue believed Zheng Jian was going to study the Five Mountains Sword Techniques engraved in the cave at the Cliff of Contemplation. Comforted by this thought, he did not inquire further.
For a full half month, Feng Qingyang poured all he knew of the Nine Swords into Zheng Jian. Zheng Jian did not disappoint; he learned with hunger and devotion, growing noticeably thinner in the process.
The results, however, were outstanding. After half a month, Zheng Jian found himself grasping the first eight forms. Only the final move, the “Qi-Breaking move,” remained shrouded in mystery. Feng Qingyang offered only the mnemonic and method of practice for this move: “Understand it spiritually, it lies in the heart.”
One evening, as dusk crept in, Feng Qingyang called Zheng Jian over and sighed. “Zheng Jian, the Nine Swords of Solitude was once the peerless sword art with which the solitary master swept the world, seeking defeat but finding none. You have now grasped its basics, thanks to your remarkable comprehension. In the future, practice diligently. Perhaps in ten years, you will have nothing to fear from the world’s greatest masters. One last word of advice: the strength of these Nine Swords lies in the word ‘comprehension.’ Do not rigidly follow the forms—grasp the spirit and forget the shape. Only then will you reach the state of formlessness, where all moves are forgotten, and no set pattern remains. From now on, take care of your own path. Do not reveal my existence to anyone. Never seek me out again.”
Zheng Jian felt a pang in his heart. Though he had long known this moment would come, when the time for parting truly arrived, he found it hard to bear. His emotions welled up, and his voice quivered, “Grandmaster, where will you go?”
“I have lived in seclusion for decades. Passing this sword art to you, I only hope that the efforts of those before will not go to waste. Now that my wish is fulfilled, I shall return to obscurity. From this day forth, I will not see any member of Huashan Sect again, including you. Now, go down the mountain.”
Stirred by emotion, Feng Qingyang’s voice grew stern as he spoke.
Zheng Jian understood the reason for Feng Qingyang’s seclusion: the ancient dispute between the sword and qi factions. As a swordsman, he had been tricked into leaving just as the sword faction was destroyed and the qi faction gravely weakened, sending Huashan into decline. Since then, Feng Qingyang had withdrawn from the world.
Zheng Jian knelt immediately, his voice thick, “Yes, your grand-disciple bids you farewell!”
Feng Qingyang accepted his bow, patted Zheng Jian’s head, and said, “Very good, very good…” With that, he turned and drifted away.
Zheng Jian stood in silence for a long while, his heart filled with conflicting emotions, before finally descending the mountain in slow steps.
Though Zheng Jian’s initial visits to the Cliff of Contemplation were motivated by self-interest, when he finally obtained the Nine Swords of Solitude, he came to regard Feng Qingyang as another true mentor. Over time, his ambition gave way to admiration and sincere respect.
He had a way to bring Feng Qingyang back to Huashan, but doing so would go against the old master’s wishes. Better, he thought, to let things follow their natural course. With himself present, Huashan would never tread the old path again, and Master Yue would not be corrupted.
When Huashan flourished once more, even if Feng Qingyang remained in seclusion, the knot in his heart would gradually ease, and all would find peace.
…
As he returned to the sect and passed along a small path, he overheard a few disciples chatting idly.
“Ah, these past two weeks have truly been a relief,” one disciple said with a laugh—Zheng Jian recognized it as Liang Fa’s voice.
“Isn’t that the truth? Heaven has blessed us. Senior Brother has been nowhere to be seen lately, so we’ve finally enjoyed some peace,” added Lu Dayou.
“Yes, but word is Master will soon send us down the mountain for training. I only hope I’m not grouped with Senior Brother…”
“It’s not that Senior Brother is a bad person. It’s just that when he’s silent, he’s the brother we all respect. But once he opens his mouth, he becomes a demon king! You have no idea, but my hair has been falling out these past years…” said Lao Denuo, the third disciple.
At these words, the others exchanged glances, feeling as if the past fortnight had been like paradise.
“Who do you think will be paired with Senior Brother?” Liang Fa asked in a trembling voice.
Silence fell instantly.
“Aha, it’s so late and none of you are asleep yet. I must have been too absorbed in my training to look after you these past days…” Zheng Jian strolled over, casual as ever.
At once, the younger disciples turned pale, their legs twitching as if ready to flee. But meeting Zheng Jian’s gaze, they froze, silent and stiff as if facing a mortal threat.
“Oh? Why so quiet? I could hear your lively conversation from far away. Were you speaking ill of me behind my back?” Zheng Jian asked with a gentle smile.
“Of course not!”
“Not at all!”
“We wouldn’t dare.”
They answered in a rush, their unease growing.
“Good. We’re brothers, after all—one big, loving family. Wouldn’t you agree?” Zheng Jian continued.
“Yes, yes, Senior Brother is absolutely right. Isn’t that so, everyone?” Lao Denuo chimed in quickly.
“Right, right.”
“Senior Brother is wise—family and harmony above all…”
Satisfied, Zheng Jian nodded and slipped into his room, leaving only a parting remark: “Rest early. Tomorrow on the training ground, I’ll be assessing your sword techniques.”
The group turned ashen at his words.
…
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(End of chapter)