"That sounds pretty good," Rowan nodded. "I'd like to learn what swordsmanship education in the Silver Blue Empire is like."
After breakfast, the two of them boarded a sword vessel and headed toward the academy.
The Silver Moon Sword Academy was located in the southeast region of Sword Heart Star, an ancient institution built among the mountains. From above, the entire academy was layered along the terrain, its buildings rising in tiers and blending seamlessly with the surrounding nature.
"It's beautiful here," Rowan sincerely praised.
"The Silver Moon Sword Academy has an eight-hundred-year history and is one of the oldest sword academies in the Silver Blue Empire," Silver Moon explained. "I started studying here when I was seven and only left when I turned eighteen. This place holds all my childhood and teenage memories."
The sword vessel slowly landed at the academy's docking platform. As soon as they disembarked, several people hurried over to greet them.
Leading them was a middle-aged woman. She was tall and elegant, and although no longer young, every movement still carried the grace of a seasoned swordswoman.
"Silver Moon! My dear student!" the woman exclaimed excitedly, pulling her into a tight embrace. "You finally came back to see your teacher!"
"Teacher Lin!" Silver Moon replied emotionally. "I've missed you and everything about the academy."
"And this is?" Teacher Lin's gaze shifted to Rowan, curiosity flickering in her eyes.
"This is my partner Rowan, and also my best friend," Silver Moon introduced. "Rowan, this is my enlightenment teacher, Teacher Lin Ya. She taught me the fundamentals of swordsmanship."
"Greetings, senior," Rowan said respectfully, bowing.
Lin Ya carefully studied Rowan, a trace of surprise flashing in her eyes. "So this is the young man who was recognized by Sword Saint in yesterday's arbitration hearing? You certainly have an extraordinary presence."
News travels fast," Silver Moon said with a wry smile.
"The entire Sword Heart Star is talking about it," Lin Ya laughed. "An outsider from another world receiving praise from Sword Saint is unprecedented in the Silver Blue Empire."
She warmly gestured for them to follow. "Come, I'll show you around the academy. Silver Moon, the principal already knew you were coming and specifically asked me to take good care of you."
The group walked along a stone path deeper into the academy. Trees and flowers lined both sides of the road, and the air was filled with a faint floral fragrance. Occasionally, students in academy uniforms could be seen practicing basic sword techniques. Their movements were still rough, but each of them was serious and focused.
"These are newly enrolled students," Lin Ya explained. "Ages range from six to twelve. In the Silver Blue Empire, children usually begin formal sword training at this stage."
Rowan observed them carefully. Despite their young age, they were all highly focused, with none of the laziness or playfulness typical of children.
"Are children here always this disciplined?" Rowan asked curiously.
"Swordsmanship is not only about combat training," Silver Moon explained. "It is also about shaping character. From the very first day, teachers emphasize discipline, focus, and perseverance."
They arrived at the main building complex of the academy. The architecture was ancient and elegant, each structure carrying a deep sense of history. Lin Ya guided them through lecture halls, libraries, and combat training grounds.
"Silver Moon!" a young voice suddenly called out.
A teenager around seventeen or eighteen ran over excitedly. "You really came back!"
"Xiao Feng!" Silver Moon greeted him with a smile. "You've grown so tall!"
The boy clearly admired her. "Silver Moon, can you teach us some advanced sword techniques? The teachers always say our basics aren't solid enough."
"Basics are indeed important," Silver Moon said gently. "But if you want, I can guide you in some practical combat techniques."
"Great!" Xiao Feng said excitedly. "I'll go call the others!"
Soon, word spread, and more and more students gathered. They had all heard of Silver Moon, one of the academy's most outstanding graduates, now an elite agent of the Virtual Universe Company.
Seeing the enthusiasm, Lin Ya smiled. "Silver Moon, since the children are so eager, why don't you temporarily act as their instructor? Today is a practical training day anyway. You can guide the intermediate class."
"Would that be too much trouble?" Silver Moon hesitated.
"It's no trouble. The academy always welcomes outstanding graduates to guide their juniors," Lin Ya said warmly. "The principal also hopes you'll participate more in academy activities."
Looking at the students' expectant eyes, Silver Moon finally nodded. "Alright, then I'll embarrass myself a little."
"Yay!" the students cheered.
Lin Ya arranged for them to move to a spacious training ground. Over thirty intermediate students were already gathered there, mostly between twelve and sixteen years old. They stood in neat formation, eyes bright with excitement.
"Students, this is Senior Silver Moon, one of our academy's pride," Lin Ya announced. "She is now an agent of the Virtual Universe Company and is extremely strong. Today, she will guide you in practical combat techniques."
The students erupted into applause.
Silver Moon stepped forward and spoke gently. "I'm glad to return to my alma mater and see everyone studying swordsmanship so seriously. Today, I want to share some practical combat experience and techniques with you."
She began explaining key combat principles, such as how to observe an opponent's openings, how to stay calm during battle, and how to use environmental advantages. Her explanations were vivid and often included real experiences, keeping the students completely engaged.
"Now we'll do some sparring exercises," Silver Moon said. "Pair up and practice using the techniques I just explained. Remember to control your strength. This is training, not a real fight."
The students quickly paired up and began practicing. Silver Moon moved through the training ground, correcting postures and giving guidance. Rowan stood nearby, observing closely and gaining a deeper understanding of swordsmanship education in the Silver Blue Empire.
"Mr. Rowan, would you like to help guide as well?" Lin Ya asked. "Even though you're not a swordsman, your combat experience is rich. You might offer the students a different perspective."
"Me? Guide swordsmanship?" Rowan was surprised. "I don't know much about sword techniques."
"It's fine. You can assist Silver Moon by observing the students and giving feedback on combat awareness," Lin Ya encouraged. "Different perspectives often reveal different problems."
Rowan thought for a moment and agreed. He began carefully observing each pair of students.
Most were doing well, though there was still plenty of room for improvement. Their foundations were solid, but their techniques were still immature.
However, in a corner of the training ground, one boy caught his attention.
He looked about eight or nine years old, slightly shorter than his peers, and his movements were awkward and clumsy. His opponent, a similarly aged girl, was clearly stronger than him.
The boy was defeated repeatedly, yet each time he stood back up and continued training. His face was covered in sweat, his clothes soaked, but his eyes still burned with stubborn determination.
"Who is that child?" Rowan asked a nearby student.
"Oh, that's Xiao Shi," the student replied. "He's the weakest in our class. The teachers say he's not suited for swordsmanship. But he works very hard and practices longer than anyone else every day."
"The weakest?" Rowan frowned.
"Yes. His reaction speed is slow, his coordination is poor, and he barely has any sword sense," the student said sympathetically. "Some teachers even suggested he switch to another skill, but he refuses to give up."
Rowan carefully observed Xiao Shi's movements. The boy's talent was indeed lacking, but his focus and persistence were striking.
"Xiao Shi, come here," Rowan called gently.
The boy walked over nervously, head lowered.
"Teacher, am I really that bad?"
"Lift your head and look at me," Rowan said, crouching down to meet his eyes.
Xiao Shi hesitantly raised his head, revealing a pair of clear but slightly lonely eyes.
"Why do you want to learn swordsmanship?" Rowan asked.
"Because… because I want to become stronger," Xiao Shi said softly. "I want to protect my family and my friends."
"Then what do you think about your talent?"
Xiao Shi's gaze dimmed. "Everyone says I don't have talent. That I'm not suited for swordsmanship. But… but I don't want to give up."
Rowan looked at the stubborn boy and felt a warmth rise in his chest. He remembered his own early days of spiritual cultivation, when many had also told him he lacked talent.
"Xiao Shi, I want to tell you a secret," Rowan said mysteriously. "Do you know who the real strong people are?"
Xiao Shi blinked.
"They are not the ones with the best talent," Rowan continued, "but the ones who persist the longest."
"Really?" Xiao Shi's eyes lit up.
"Of course," Rowan nodded. "Look at plants. Some grow fast and strong naturally, while others seem weak. But if they receive enough sunlight and rain, even the weakest ones can bloom into the most beautiful flowers."
He pointed toward a small tree at the edge of the training ground. "Just like that tree. It's small now, but if it keeps growing, one day it will become a towering tree."
Xiao Shi nodded slowly, as if beginning to understand.
"Also," Rowan continued, "your problem isn't lack of talent. It's that your method is wrong. You're too anxious. You want to become strong immediately, so you're ignoring the basics."
"What should I do then?" Xiao Shi asked eagerly.
"First, learn to observe," Rowan said patiently. "Don't rush to attack. Watch your opponent's movements and find patterns."
He asked Xiao Shi to spar again, but this time, not to attack immediately. Instead, he was to observe his opponent's habits.
"You see that small movement she makes before attacking?" Rowan pointed out.
After a few exchanges, Xiao Shi suddenly lit up. "She twists her wrist slightly before every attack!"
"Good. That's the power of observation," Rowan said. "Now use that to predict her moves."
As the practice continued, Xiao Shi's performance improved noticeably. He was still losing, but now he could anticipate some of his opponent's attacks.
Silver Moon noticed Rowan guiding him and walked over.
"What are you teaching him?"
"Observation and prediction techniques," Rowan said. "This child's persistence really moved me."
Silver Moon looked at Xiao Shi and smiled gently. "He's a special case here. His talent is poor, but his effort surpasses everyone else."
"Then why do teachers suggest he give up?"
"Because talent matters a lot in swordsmanship," Silver Moon explained. "Without it, even hard work may not lead to high achievement. The teachers are thinking about what's best for him."
"But," Rowan said calmly, "the meaning of cultivation is not only reaching the highest level. It is growth itself. Even if he never becomes a top swordsman, he will become more disciplined, more resilient. Those qualities matter everywhere."
Silver Moon thought for a moment and nodded. "You're right. Maybe we should redefine what success means."
At that moment, Teacher Lin Ya approached.
"I saw you guiding Xiao Shi. His situation is well known to us. Honestly, we've always been conflicted about whether to encourage him or redirect him."
"Teacher Lin," Rowan asked, "does the academy have special methods for students like him?"
"That is indeed a difficult problem," Lin Ya sighed. "Our system is designed for talented students. We lack effective methods for cases like Xiao Shi."
"If you allow me, I'd like to try a different approach," Rowan said. "Not teaching him sword techniques, but helping him find a method that suits him."
"What do you have in mind?" Lin Ya asked with interest.
"I think his issue is not talent, but that his coordination between body and mind has not been developed," Rowan analyzed. "If we can improve his control and reaction speed through special training methods, there may be improvement."
"You mean using spiritual cultivation methods?" Silver Moon understood.
"Not exactly. It would be a combination of spiritual training and physical conditioning," Rowan explained.
He continued.
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