Magus Xion explained that even though it had some applications in swordplay, the new technique Emery had and utilized was not a sword technique. His master was a renowned magus and a sword expert, so there was little doubt about the information.
"What you have shown me just now is more akin to a concept. It was not a sword art."
Master Xion was able to quickly guess that the technique Emey used was his own creation, and that he did not learn it from someone, which was partially true as although he did come up with his own variant, he still based it off from the swordsmanship the two Han swordsmen displayed.
It was as his master stated, it was a skill made up from his observation and his understanding of the Dao. Therefore, calling a concept wasn't exactly inaccurate.
After unerring the err and misconception Emery had regarding a sword technique, Master Xion then proceeded to explain that a proper sword technique would require a variant that could connect between the sword hand, the steps, and the cultivation method.
What Emery has so far right now was just the cultivation, incomplete sword hand variant, and almost none of the steps. The result was, although he was talented enough to have the combat sense to use what he accumulated in live battle, as the consequence for the absence of the steps, he lacked mobility. Simply put, his so-called sword technique was still half complete.
His master's words directly hit the spot of what has been troubling Emery's mind so far. He stood there frozen like a statue as his mind comprehend the things he had just heard.
Afterwards, Emery bowed towards his master and said with a pleading, sincere tone. "Master, please give me your guidance."
A smile appeared on Magus Xion's face as he walked forward and said. "I will now teach you the sword techniques I have been developing all these years and hope this will help yours. Watch and learn!"
Xion picked up his sword, took and maintained his battle stance for a while before he started moving. Emery had seen his master's movements before and even experienced it firsthand, so he could quickly realize that his master was moving at half his actual speed.
The speed of his steps were halved, but the movements of his sword stayed the same. As a result, each of Master Xion's movements looked like it was slow at first glance, but at closer inspection, it was really fast. As the final strike cut the air, the distinct shing of metal could be heard in the air making a shrieking sound.
"I named this the Weeping Phantoms!" he said as he drew back his sword. "This is the first variation!"
Emery's gaze did not leave his master at all as Magus Xion performed the first variation to the sixth. In fact, he didn't even dare to blink his eyes for fear of missing out and losing the details of the actions.
The first three variations covered less ground but with more strength and number of strikes, while the last three prioritized movements and speed at the cost of power. It seemed that the first half of the sword technique was aimed to fight a single enemy, while the second half was aimed to fight multiple enemies.
"I will show it one more time! Watch the steps carefully!" His master then moved once again while reminding him to watch how he took his steps.
Emery was still a bit confused, but did as he was told, and quickly the reason why Master Xion showed him this style became clear to him. Just like his Dao style, the technique used a combination of two seemingly separate concepts and a flowing motion particularly similar to the former technique.
"Now, watch this carefully!"
Magus Xion repeated the demonstration for the third time, and unlike the previous two, as the final strike drew closer, the sword in his hand was overflowing with dark light. Right as he unleashed the last attack, a sound similar to a shriek could be heard, and the black light left the sword into a crescent shape as he continued to swing the blade downward.
Swwiisssshhh!
The dark light unleashed by the sword was similar to the [Enfeeble Blade] spell that Emery usually used, but much more refined than the crude style the former had. Its movement was fast, and the moment it hit the ground, a crack tore it into halves.
Emery was familiar with that skill, it was his master's signature battle art, [Shadow Edge].
He was elated and impressed with his master's skill, but before he could say anything, the next moment his master fell kneeling to the ground and spat out some blood.
"Master!!"
Emery quickly approached the latter, but Magus Xion quickly stopped him by raising his hand. As he slowly tried to stand up, Emery could clearly see his feet were still wobbly and the hand holding the sword was shaking.
Seemingly not noticing Emery's worried gaze, Magus Xion finally got to his feet again and touched his storage ring. From there, he took out two scrolls and then handed them to Emery. "Take this, I have prepared this for you…"
Even though he was still worried about Magus Xion, Emery accepted the two scrolls when he saw the serious look on his master's face. Right as he touched the scroll, the symbol on his palm lit up and a notification appeared in front of his eyes.
[You just receive a new skill]
[Weeping Phantom sword art]
[Shadow Edge sword art]
Right as he saw the notification appear, a bunch of information akin to a gushing river entered and flowed into his mind. Now, he was no longer an observer, and he could feel himself move using the same techniques as his master did, along with the cultivation method to allow him to use both arts.
Emery quickly tried to kneel in gratitude toward his master once again, but Magus Xion quickly interrupted him and told him to stand up.
His master's face was pale. It was clear that his wound was not yet healed, but he still strained himself to teach Emery the technique he needed.
Realizing that, Emery once again moved by how much his master did for him.
His master then walked toward the side of the arena to sit down in lotus position and quickly control his breath to heal. He then slowly said
"Emery, I need to treat you a bit harsher from now on, as you will face many challenges…"
Seeing Emery stat once again made him realise how much khaos energy was within him and it made him more concerned for his disciple future.
He let out a huge sigh and said, "I remember it… That day, on the first time we met in front of the stone origin room.. I already felt something off from you… I should have inquired further that time.. If only I found out that khaos was with you at that time.. then things probably wouldn't get this far…"
His master has seen his ability and believes soon enough he won't be able to help him much.
"When my master comes out from her training I will do whatever in my power to convince her.. I am sure she will listen to reason"
Hearing that, Emery once again expressed his sincere and deep gratitude to Magus Xion. All his master gave as a response was a tired nod.
Looking at the sight of his wounded master once again gives him strong resolve and determination deep within Emery's heart.
Emery bowed to his master who had closed his eyes before turning around and walking toward a nearby combat puppet.. He quickly tried his newfound sword skill.
