Chapter 44: Heavy Sword Form, Success! A New Record in the Great Spirit Arena

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The second stage of cultivating the Seven Kill Sword focused on adapting to the enemy and not being bound by fixed methods.

The emphasis was on the principle that "the sword has no fixed form; victory comes from adapting to the enemy."

It required the practitioner to be flexible and adaptable when facing different opponents or situations, rather than clinging to rigid techniques.

Most of the techniques Ning Tianchen had learned were taught by Elder Sword Dao Chen Xin.

However, not all sword techniques could be applied in battle. In the current situation, sticking to his existing methods would make victory impossible. 

But changing them? That was easier said than done. 

After six years of practice, he was no longer a blank slate. 

Chen Xin had once said that mastering the goals of the second stage required the courage to break old habits in order to build anew. 

Failure could lead to regression in swordsmanship at best, but at worst, it could plunge one into self-doubt, never to recover. 

Taking a deep breath, Ning Tianchen flicked his wrist, recalling the Seven Kill Sword to his hand.

The Variegated Bewitching Butterfly's advantage over him lay primarily in raw power. If he could counter with even greater strength, he might turn the tide. 

Elder Chen Xin always wielded the sword with one hand, and Ning Tianchen instinctively followed suit.

But why couldn't he switch to wielding the sword with both hands, relying on sheer brute force to win?

The Seven Kill Sword was long and heavy, far from being categorized as a light sword. Back in the sect, Ning Tianchen had witnessed an outer sect elder wielding a heavy sword in combat. 

Heavy sword techniques emphasized wide, sweeping motions, powerful and unrelenting. 

Having decided to change, he attempted to treat the Seven Kill Sword as a heavy sword. 

Grasping the hilt firmly with his left hand while switching to a two-handed grip, he actively met the incoming guillotine attack. 

Lifting the Seven Kill Sword high above his head, he suddenly exerted force with both arms, relying on his strength and momentum. When the sword collided with the guillotine blade, it didn't falter. 

"Got it right!" Ning Tianchen's heart leapt with joy. 

Wide, sweeping techniques relied heavily on maintaining rhythm. The slightest misstep could cause him to lose grip on the sword, leading to disaster. 

"What is this little brother trying to do? Does he still intend to fight?" 

Yu Die had already noticed the change in Ning Tianchen's sword techniques. 

Previously, his strikes were precise and swift. Now, they were entirely different—disregarding precision, relying purely on brute force. 

… 

In the spectator stands.

Because of the commotion earlier, Flender had also arrived here. 

"This kid knows two different ways of wielding a sword?" 

The size of the Seven Kill Sword could be considered that of a greatsword. Using heavy sword techniques made sense. 

But why was Ning Tianchen able to wield it so effortlessly?

"This time, we've truly struck gold. Shrek Academy might actually have a chance to make a name for itself in the Soul Master Tournament."

Suddenly, Flender's heart sank. 

You see, Shrek Academy hadn't been officially approved by the Ministry of Education of the Balak Kingdom. Essentially, it wasn't recognized as a proper academy but rather as a training institution.

As such, they weren't eligible to participate in the Soul Master Tournament.

A sense of urgency welled up in Flender's heart. If they missed this opportunity, who knew how many more years Shrek Academy would have to wait.

… 

After exchanging blows for over a dozen rounds, Ning Tianchen gradually began to grasp the essentials of wielding a heavy sword. 

His swings became increasingly fluid and natural. 

He suddenly realized that perhaps he was suited to using a heavy sword. This time, he seemed to achieve mastery without any formal instruction. 

Yu Die let out a soft snort. "Let's settle this with one decisive move." 

Maintaining a Spirit Fusion Technique required a massive expenditure of soul power. They had initially thought victory would come easily, but Ning Tianchen's sudden burst caught them off guard, dealing them some minor setbacks. 

Now, they couldn't afford to drag things out any longer. 

"Spirit Fusion Technique, Twin Butterflies Dance." 

The figure of the Variegated Bewitching Butterfly spiraled through the air, then split into two.

This wasn't the dissolution of the Spirit Fusion Technique state—it was a division into two Variegated Bewitching Butterflies. 

The twin butterflies folded their wings, transforming their forms into irregularly shaped cleavers. They shot toward Ning Tianchen with explosive speed. 

"To withstand a thousand soldiers, one must channel all their strength into a single strike. Let's call this move the Heavy Sword Form!" 

The Heavy Sword Form wasn't part of the Seven Kill Sword Techniques. Ning Tianchen's move was undoubtedly a self-created soul skill. 

Holding the Seven Kill Sword high above his head with both hands, he tensed every muscle in his body, leaning back slightly.

Power surged upward from his calves, finally concentrating in his core muscles. With the elasticity of a slingshot, he "hurled" the Seven Kill Sword forward. 

This method of exertion was akin to throwing a shot put in his previous life. 

It had to be said, this approach allowed him to unleash the full extent of his strength. 

In an instant, the two soul skills collided, emitting dazzling, colorful light. 

Most of the spectators instinctively covered their eyes, but Flender merely adjusted his glasses, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips. 

… 

"Who won?" Ning Rongrong anxiously rubbed her eyes, immediately turning her gaze toward the arena.

There stood Ning Tianchen, holding the Seven Kill Sword, its tip pointed at the fallen Flying Sisters.

Earlier, he hadn't blocked the attack from the Spirit Fusion Technique. But he wasn't foolish. After hurling the Seven Kill Sword, he charged directly at Yu Die and Cai Die, forcefully interrupting their Spirit Fusion Technique. 

Adapting to the enemy and not being bound by fixed methods—this was all about flexibility. 

Using the heavy sword's attack to paralyze the opponent, then unexpectedly unleashing swift and agile sword techniques—that was the key to victory. 

The intensity of this spirit battle caught the attention of the Great Spirit Arena, prompting them to send a commentator to provide live analysis.

When the spirit battle concluded, the host announced in a loud voice:

"Wow, contestant Sword Dao Tianchen has made history by setting an entirely new record. The myth of Spirit Fusion Techniques being undefeated in the Great Spirit Arena has been completely overturned. Indeed, the Great Spirit Arena is never short of miracles." 

For a moment, the spectator stands erupted in thunderous cheers. The audience continuously chanted, "Sword Dao Tianchen!"

Ning Rongrong excitedly grabbed Zhu Zhuqing's sleeve. "He won! Big brother Tianchen really won!"

Down below, Oscar's expression was somewhat complicated.

If Ning Tianchen had lost, others would have simply thought he assessed the situation and tactically conceded. But now that he had won, people would only label Oscar as a deserter. 

… 

"My thanks," Ning Tianchen said with a faint smile. 

Yu Die felt a twinge of frustration at his last-minute change in tactics, but she wasn't someone who couldn't accept defeat. She could only blame herself for not noticing her opponent's cunning.

"Your strength is impressive. I hope we'll have the chance to meet again."

Neither of them sustained serious injuries and remained mobile. With a soft snort, Yu Die supported Cai Die and prepared to leave.

"Wait," Ning Tianchen called out to them. 

"What? Are you trying to humiliate us?" Yu Die turned sharply, her tone sharp. 

Ning Tianchen smiled faintly. "Did you forget our agreement before the match?" 

Yu Die turned back, speaking as she walked away. "My sister and I are both sixteen. We're from Silvis City. We'll wait for your challenge at the Silvis Great Spirit Arena!" 

Ning Tianchen nodded slightly. 

Sixteen years old, thirty-fourth level, possessing a Spirit Fusion Technique—they were clearly prime recruits. Adding them to his group, along with Zhu Zhuqing and Oscar, forming a spirit battle team didn't seem difficult at all.

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