There are different types of swords one can use: longsword, shortsword, two-handed, double-edged, rapier, broadsword, and more. Sword Cultivators, who use swords as their weapon, also focus on cultivating the Way of the Sword.
Cultivation is mysterious and profound.
They find enlightenment in all kinds of things, and those who do achieve something extraordinary. Well, Cultivation itself is beyond the ordinary. Initially, they used fists and words, but once they took up swords, Sword Cultivators were born.
Techniques upon techniques have been created throughout the river of time. Countless wars bathed the land in blood as Cultivators began to study the Cultivation of Weapons.
Bel Helflick uses a broadsword, a weapon of choice for many Martial Students and veterans. With its wide blade and double sharp edges, it's a very popular sword. This sword also allows the user to extend their reach, giving them enough room to breathe.
Bel cultivates the Great Serpent Sword Technique, a Battle Technique that Headmaster Axton personally used. She earned the technique when she placed first in the school's competition—at a time when she was only in her first year, which immediately drew people's attention to her.
It's a technique that doesn't rely on the type of sword used, but Bel feels most comfortable wielding a broadsword.
She raised the sword in front of her and began using the technique. Bel closed her eyes, and the moment she opened them, a sharp glint flickered in her gaze. The wooden broadsword suddenly glowed, and the roar of a mythical serpent echoed from it.
She had barely completed the Beginner Stage of the technique, and if she wanted to reach the next stage, she needed another enlightenment. However, the pressure radiating from the technique made her opponent activate his own, proving that her current stage was sufficient.
Arke's surroundings suddenly heated up, while his body became enveloped in dark, murky smoke.
"I'm going all out!" Arke shouted, his cold eyes locked on his opponent. "And I must say, I can't control this technique very well!"
"Can't control it? Who would believe that?" Bel smirked.
"Then don't blame me if something goes wrong!" With that, Arke lowered his stance, placing his hands in front of him.
Bel mirrored his movement, but neither made the first move.
They knew each other's capabilities, especially their techniques, as they had fought numerous times before. One wrong move could be fatal, so they carefully observed each other's movements.
This time, they remained silent as the audience held its breath.
The referee, however, watched the two contestants intently. If there was little disparity in their strength, there was a chance one of their moves could end the other's life. He had to remain vigilant and be ready to act the moment the situation became life-threatening.
Suddenly, Bel's and Arke's auras shifted slightly, and in the blink of an eye, they vanished from their spots. When they reappeared, they were right in front of each other. A fist cloaked in dark, murky smoke clashed against a blindingly bright wooden broadsword, producing a powerful impact that stirred chaotic winds across the platform!
The silence was broken as the audience erupted with excitement!
Bel put all her strength into her sword, but her opponent did the same. Their hands trembled, yet neither could overpower the other.
"I have the Poison Body, you b*tch! You should know that getting close is a bad idea!" Arke shouted, and the dark smoke covering him surged toward Bel.
"I know!" Bel responded. As if expecting this, a white light appeared above her head, and the same glowing broadsword she was holding materialized in the air, hurling itself toward Arke!
Arke didn't panic. Instead, he directed part of the murky smoke to block the incoming attack while sending the rest toward Bel. But Bel had already leapt back.
The materialized broadsword collided with the smoke, exploding into a dark, watery mist.
When one completes the Beginner Stage of the Great Serpent Sword Technique, they can duplicate the sword they're using without losing any of the original sword's strength. However, the number of swords the user can duplicate depends on their talent. Of course, the technique also increases attacking power and sharpness, though its true potential is only realized at the Intermediate Stage.
Arke quickly followed after Bel, using his movement technique. Watery Qi surrounded his feet, and in just a few steps, he was right in front of her.
He hasn't changed, Bel thought as three bright broadswords materialized around them, shooting toward Arke before he could close the distance!
The broadswords exploded into a watery mist as a cocoon of black, murky smoke enveloped Arke just in time.
Bel smirked and swung her sword. A projection of an azure serpent emerged from her weapon, its jaws wide open as it attacked the black cocoon!
The serpent bit into the cocoon, pushing it toward the edge of the platform. If this continued, Arke would no doubt fall off the stage!
However, Bel narrowed her eyes. She knew it wasn't over yet. There was no way Arke would be defeated that easily. Preparing for her next attack, she bent her knees and brought the broadsword to her side, gripping it with both hands.
The wooden broadsword let out a faint 'weiing' sound, vibrating softly at first. But soon, it vibrated so intensely that Bel's arms began to shake with it.
Bel waited, and sure enough, before the cocoon fell, it exploded, shattering the Great Serpent projection into a dark, watery mist! As the mist clouded the area, it began to churn, and Arke emerged, once again covered in dark, murky smoke!
He possessed a physique known as the Poison Body, which gave him a natural talent for using poison. The dark smoke that surrounded him—called Poison Dust—could be used for both offense and defense. Furthermore, when he activated Battle Techniques, he could infuse them with his poison, making them even deadlier.
Using a Battle Technique from the Great Serpent Cultivation School that enhanced his strength, Arke dashed toward his opponent, employing his movement technique at the same time.
Seeing that Bel was preparing for another strike, Arke smirked. Pulling his fist back, the roar of a serpent echoed, and a black projection of the Great Serpent appeared behind him!
The audience fell silent, their eyes glued to the stage. All they could see were the glowing broadsword and the black Great Serpent, racing toward each other, ready to collide!