Fang Han leaned against an ancient tree, his fingertips unconsciously tracing the cool cover of the *Wind-Splitting Swordsmanship* manual.
The dark, almost black material glinted faintly under the sparse light filtering through the forest.
He didn't begin practicing immediately. Instead, he slowly opened the book again, his calm gaze sweeping over the calligraphy-like script and the complex diagrams.
He had long since memorized the general Heart Method. Now, he was focused on studying the details of Inner Qi circulation and the secrets of power generation for the Nine Sword Techniques.
He read through the manual several times until he was sure that every diagram, every mantra, and even every marked Qi circulation point was seared into his mind like a brand. Only then did he slowly close the book and tuck it into his robes.
Taking a deep breath of the fresh, grassy air, Fang Han stood up and drew his Cyan Blade Sword.
