https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-15-Ocular-Tremors-Flesh-Proliferation/13535082/
Chapter 16: Solar Corona Swordsmanship Black Market
Chapter 16: Solar Corona Swordsmanship Black Market
Luo En wanted to press further, but seeing the other's grim expression, he chose to suppress his curiosity for now.
He understood perfectly well that in this eerie, terrifying Dark World, sometimes knowing too much wasn't a good thing.
After bidding farewell to Andie and returning to his dormitory, Luo En still couldn't calm down. The eerie scenes kept replaying in his mind, refusing to fade and making him feel nauseous.
"Where did Luo Ke even get that prohibited drug?"
He muttered to himself, then opened his system interface to check his status:
【Luo En Lalf】
【Age: 15】
【Current Combat Class: Knight Attendant (One Star)】
【Current Life Occupation: Apothecary Apprentice (One Star)】
【Attributes: Physique 1.4, Spirit 1.6, Mana 0.4】
【Skills: Basic Alchemy (Proficient), Basic Meditation (Novice), Slime Splash (Novice), Potion Brewing (Novice), Herb Identification (Novice), Foundational Swordsmanship (Introductory), Breath-Forged Body (Introductory)】
【Special Talents: Dual Soul, Remnant of Solar Protection】
【Strength Tier: Knight Attendant】
"At least I have my cheat ability", Luo En thought, studying the steadily improving numbers on his interface. "No need to take those shady paths."
And with his current meditation progress rate, he might even achieve ascension this month. Once that happened, many problems would resolve themselves.
Suddenly, a muffled thud from Darend's room next door interrupted his thoughts.
"Damn sound wave magic! Why did it fail again?" came the angry curse through the walls.
Luo En shook his head with a wry smile. His neighbor's determination truly deserved admiration. Though failing daily, the man never considered shortcuts. Yet at this rate, he'd likely never pass the apprentice examination either.
But he had no bandwidth to worry about others right now.
Night fell, and Black Mist Jungle fell into silence.
Yet in certain hidden corners, secret transactions continued as always.
"Did you hear? Another servant died at Tower Three."
"Sigh... Ma Kusi's been experimenting with curse sorcery lately. His methods are particularly ruthless."
"Tsk tsk, but becoming his servant at least guarantees survival. Though the nights are torment, it's better than becoming test subjects or magical creature feces."
Scattered murmurs drifted from the corridor's end, where several lavishly dressed female servants lounged.
Their faces wore smug expressions - in this cutthroat Dark World, attaching oneself to power was a form of capital in itself.
Standing behind his door, Luo En's enhanced five senses from physique forging let him clearly hear their whispers through the wood. While mostly mundane gossip, occasionally useful information surfaced.
"That Luo Ke was an idiot, buying contraband elixirs from Black Market merchants."
"But it's none of our concern anymore. Those merchants only target candidate apprentices nearing their deadlines anyway. Better them than us."
"Black Market merchants", Luo En mentally noted. Another channel to remember - more options meant greater advantages.
Footsteps gradually faded, leaving the corridor in silence once more.
Yet beyond his vision, those deliberately loud servants quickly gathered respectfully before a gray-robed figure after leaving the Dormitory Area.
...
The next morning at first light, Luo En abandoned sleep. With time before his Herbal Medicine Shop shift at the Apprentice Market, he grabbed Andie's "Solar Corona Swordsmanship" notes and sat at his desk.
This specialized sword technique complemented the "Solar Corona Breathing Technique", emphasizing using breath to guide body movements into blazing solar intensity.
Their school had been generous - though the dorm's single rooms contained minimal furniture, their spaciousness allowed ample room for sword practice.
"Starting with the most foundational stance", Luo En took his wooden sword and stood in the room's center.
【Foundational Swordsmanship Training Activated】
【Please use Solar Corona Breathing Technique to guide movements】
After twice physique forging, he understood the breathing rhythm's intricacies. This cadence guided spiritual energy while charging every movement with power.
Taking a deep breath, he began practicing the most basic slash from the notes. Initially clumsy, the movements grew fluid as his breath synchronized. Each slash synchronized with breathing - inhale to gather momentum, hold breath to focus, exhale to strike.
The wooden sword carved arcs through air, accompanied by faint wind whistles.
【Foundational Swordsmanship Experience +1】
【Foundational Swordsmanship Experience +1】
【Foundational Swordsmanship Experience +1】
...
"Progress at the introductory stage really is swift", Luo En noted, smiling at the interface data.
This sword style's perfect synergy with Solar Corona Breathing Technique made him feel like a fish in water during practice. Combined with his Knight Attendant class's swordsmanship proficiency boost, every correctly timed slash deepened his understanding.
It felt like his muscles remembered a special rhythm, charging each motion with power.
"This gives me new ideas", Luo En mused. "'Guide sword through breath' could be practical in actual combat."
He continued practicing foundational slashes, the wooden sword's arcs growing increasingly smooth. Even the simplest movements contained unique rhythms under proper breath guidance.
Suddenly, urgent knocking interrupted his training.
"It's me", Andie's deep voice came through the door.
Luo En placed his training sword neatly, grabbed a towel to wipe sweat, then opened the door. The Thirteenth Prince's anxious face met him.
"I must tell you something", Andie whispered while closing the door. "I just learned Luo Ke took such risks because he received certain intelligence..."
(End of Chapter)
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