Chapter 89: Evil-Dispelling Sword Technique

Zu An thought these two women were amusing, both asking the same question about him behind his back. "I suppose it's alright," he mused. "After all, I'm so handsome and charismatic, what woman wouldn't be charmed?"

Shang Liuyu was speechless.

"Don't ever say something like that in front of the Headmistress," Shang Liuyu couldn't help but warn him after a moment's thought. "She's never been fond of glib people."

Zu An paused, thinking, *But the beautiful Headmistress seems to like me quite a lot. Is my charm truly that overwhelming? After all, when someone falls for another, even their flaws can become endearing.*

"Sister Shang, your concern truly flatters me," Zu An chuckled mischievously.

Shang Liuyu scoffed softly. "That was just for the excellent song you played last time. Consider that favor used up; I won't be helping you again."

She expected him to be disappointed, but instead, his eyes lit up. "That's easy," he said. "I have plenty of compositions; I can play them for you one by one whenever we have a chance."

Shang Liuyu's usually placid expression suddenly showed a flicker of excitement. "Really? You have more songs of that caliber?"

"Of course. We can find an evening or some other time to exchange ideas," Zu An replied. "Oh, and where's your dormitory? I have a teacher's dorm now too; perhaps our rooms are next to each other." He mused, *All those transmigrated seniors copied poems to show off and put others in their place. I'm not copying poems, just some musical pieces – that should be fine, right? Pfft, this is called spreading Earth's culture to other civilizations in the universe. How can it be called copying?*

Shang Liuyu gave a half-smile. "Can't it be during the day? Why must it be at night?"

"I have classes during the day," Zu An explained earnestly. "Now I'm not just a student, but a teacher too, so I only have time in the evenings. Besides sharing music, you could also give me some remedial lessons. I've been at this school for so long, and I haven't had a single one of your classes yet."

"Remedial lessons?" Shang Liuyu's expression was peculiar. "We'll see if the opportunity arises." Not wanting to appear too close to him in front of the students who were now filing out, she quickly said a few more words and departed.

Watching her graceful figure depart, Zu An mused, *This woman is certainly hot and cold.*

Due to the recent bet, the "foreign language class" was over, and it was soon time for the next cultivation lesson.

Zu An's spirits instantly lifted. Compared to the disorganized lessons of the past few days, he was far more interested in cultivation class. Although his cheat system allowed him to level up through unconventional means, he still lacked systematic knowledge of cultivation theory, making him quite eager to learn.

The cultivation class teacher, Bai Susu, entered, swaying his hips with an "exquisitely alluring" gait. The previously noisy classroom instantly fell silent.

This was no ordinary class taught by a third-rank part-time instructor; this was a lesson by a sixth-rank grandmaster. While the former classes might have been more practical for Huang-class students, such was human nature that no one dared to act disrespectfully in front of such a powerful figure.

Furthermore, Bai Susu's alluring and peculiar demeanor made few students willing to provoke him. Who knew what might happen if they were inadvertently called to his office for a private discussion?

Bai Susu approached the podium, his gaze sweeping across the room before finally settling on Zu An. He couldn't help but smile. "I've taught in this class many times," he began, "but never has it brought me such a pleasant surprise as today. It seems I have a colleague sitting right here among you."

At his words, everyone turned to Zu An with expressions of envy, jealousy, and resentment. Zu An offered a modest smile, inwardly calculating the rage points he was receiving from Yi Xiaobo.

Bai Susu cleared his throat. "Getting back to the main topic, I have an announcement today: the Yaoguang Secret Realm is about to open. While most of you in this class probably won't have a chance, those who are interested can still sign up."

At his words, the classroom immediately buzzed with excited whispers, faces alight with anticipation.

Zu An mused, *So these guys already know about the Yaoguang Secret Realm. It seems I need to catch up on this world's common knowledge. Hmm, another excuse to ask Shang Liuyu for more remedial lessons...*

"Oh, the Secret Realm is opening much earlier this year."

"Yes, it seems to be at least half a year ahead of schedule, doesn't it?"

Other, better-informed students couldn't help but voice their questions.

Bai Susu explained, "Secret realms are inherently mysterious. Our past research on them may not have been entirely accurate, and the opening patterns we previously summarized could very well have errors. However, this particular opening is indeed unusual, which means it will likely be more dangerous than before. Therefore, if you lack the necessary abilities, do not covet what lies within. The academy will not be responsible for any deaths that occur inside."

"Teacher Bai, you're overthinking it. We know our limitations."

"Exactly. Every time, it's the students from the Heaven and Earth classes who qualify to enter the Secret Realm. How could anyone from our Huang-class possibly qualify?"

"We'll just watch the excitement."

Bai Susu nodded. "As long as you understand. Alright, let's begin today's lecture. Although most of you students will likely pursue civilian careers in the future, our Great Zhou was founded on martial prowess, so some fundamental skills are still essential. It would be quite embarrassing for the academy if you couldn't even handle petty thieves."

"I've already taught you the elementary cultivation mental art; how far you progress depends on your own fortune. Today, I'll teach you a combat technique. After all, while cultivation methods grant you strength and speed beyond ordinary people, it's pointless if you can't fully utilize those advantages."

Zu An's eyes lit up. In his previous fight with Xue'er, he had clearly felt the disparity between them. However, after his severe injuries, thanks to the unique effects of the Phoenix Nirvana Scripture, his raw strength and speed were no longer significantly inferior to hers.

Yet, when her combat techniques came into play, he was utterly on the defensive, reduced to taking hits. It was like a wild buffalo facing a tiger: the buffalo might be physically stronger, but it ultimately becomes the tiger's prey because it cannot fully utilize its strength. Zu An was now facing this exact issue.

Thus, upon hearing that Bai Susu would be teaching combat techniques, he immediately became fully attentive.

Bai Susu lifted the hem of his robe, fumbled beneath it for a moment, and then produced a three-foot-long sword. The entire class stared, wide-eyed. *He didn't have a sword when he came in earlier. Where on earth did he hide it?*

Many students instinctively lifted their own robes and fumbled around, wondering where such a long object could possibly be concealed. *Uh, surely he didn't hide it *there*?*

A flush of excitement colored Bai Susu's pale face. "Alright, the combat technique I'll be teaching you today is called the 'Elementary Sword Arts: Thirteen Forms.'"

Zu An nearly choked. The phrase 'combat technique' conjured up many grand names from his previous life. He'd imagined that an esteemed institution like Brightmoon Academy would offer something on the level of the 'Nine Swords of Dugu' or 'Six Meridian Divine Swords.'

Who would have thought it would be such a generic name? "Elementary Sword Arts"—it sounded incredibly weak.

Evidently, he wasn't alone in his thoughts, as a chorus of boos quickly erupted throughout the classroom.

Bai Susu had clearly anticipated their reaction. Once they had finished booing, he slowly spoke. "Do not underestimate these Elementary Sword Arts: Thirteen Forms. You must understand that these thirteen forms are the very foundation of all sword arts. Any miraculous sword technique, you could say, evolved from these thirteen fundamental movements."

"Furthermore, these thirteen forms have been refined over hundreds of years, perfected to maximize damage to the enemy with the shortest distance and fastest speed. Even the world's most formidable experts, in their ultimate techniques, return to this simplicity; every move resembles these thirteen forms."

Hearing this, the students finally perked up and listened attentively.

Bai Susu nodded with satisfaction, then raised his sword with an effeminate flick of his wrist. "These thirteen forms are 'Thrust, Chop, Point, Raise, Lift, Collapse, Intercept, Slash, Wipe, Shave, Cloud, Hang, and Block.' Each form is exceedingly simple, devoid of any elaborate flourishes. Yet, despite their apparent simplicity, mastering them is exceptionally difficult. I will now demonstrate all thirteen forms, and in subsequent classes, I will teach each one to you in detail."

His demeanor instantly transformed. Gone was any trace of his previous effeminate mannerisms. The sword in his hand became a flash of cold light, and the chilling sword energy made every student in the classroom shiver.

Watching the figure dance with the sword on the podium, poetic lines spontaneously came to Zu An's mind:

*Of old, there was a beauty, Lady Gongsun, whose sword dance stirred the four directions;**Spectators, like mountains, were awestruck, and heaven and earth long ebbed and flowed for it;**Swift as Yi shooting down nine suns, graceful as a host of emperors riding dragons;**Coming like thunder collecting its wrath, ceasing like rivers and seas congealing into clear light.*

*Alas, what a shame it's a man,* he thought. *What a waste of such a handsome physique; otherwise, this would truly be a painting of a beauty dancing with a sword.*

The thirteen forms were quickly demonstrated. Seeing the students' mesmerized expressions, Bai Susu asked with a delicate smile, "Isn't it magnificent?"

"It's absolutely incredible!"

"So these Elementary Sword Arts are truly that powerful!"

"I think it's more about the showmanship; it'd be great for attracting girls."

"Hmph, that's because Teacher Bai is handsome. Don't you know how you look?"

Bai Susu took out a small mirror to check if his hair was in disarray, then continued, "I've just spoken about the advantages of this sword art; now I must also discuss its disadvantages, lest you act impulsively later on."

"Don't assume this sword art is powerful just because I wield it well," he cautioned. "That's because my cultivation is higher than yours; my speed and strength are sufficient to unleash its maximum power. If your cultivation is insufficient, using this sword art will create various obvious weaknesses, as its primary purpose is to inflict damage most efficiently, making it quite vulnerable defensively."

"However, you needn't worry. It's unlikely you'll encounter high-level cultivators in the future. This sword art is quite effective for maintaining public order and apprehending thieves."

A collective "Hmph" rippled through the class.

Upon hearing him explain the sword art's shortcomings, the previously enthusiastic students immediately lost much of their interest. *I knew it,* they seemed to think. *What good combat technique would they teach us Huang-class students?*

Zu An, however, was intrigued. This elementary sword art had clear strengths and weaknesses. While it might serve as a basic foundation for ordinary people, it could be incredibly useful for him. He didn't lack strength or speed, and combined with his ability to summon powerful winds for a teleportation effect, wouldn't these concise and fierce sword moves become infinitely potent?

He couldn't help but recall the Bixie Sword Manual from *The Smiling, Proud Wanderer*. Its moves were direct, prioritizing offense over defense, appearing riddled with flaws to true masters. Yet, when paired with specific, uncanny movement techniques, this seemingly flawed sword art became the most bizarre and formidable of all.

As long as one's speed was sufficient, those weaknesses ceased to be weaknesses; instead, the offensive power could be maximized.

The more Zu An considered it, the more excited he became. But then, a sudden realization struck him. He looked down at his "little brother" and nearly burst into tears. *Am I truly fated to be compatible with the Bixie Sword Manual?*