The Way of Heaven is a supreme skill, yet it has also become a cage. He is undefeated, yet he cannot advance.
[Dongyun Academy · Tiandao School of Swordsmanship Private Lecture]
"The 'Three Unbreakables' signifies the pinnacle of swordsmanship and the rules of defense."
In the lecture hall, the elderly, third-generation successor of the Tiandao School, dressed in a gray training robe and holding a short scabbard, discussed sword techniques.
"Before breaking the enemy, one must break their three aspects." Form, Mind, and Momentum."
"Respond to the enemy's movements with the speed of form. Resist the enemy's temptations with the steadiness of mind. Seize the initiative of momentum to cut through the enemy's intentions."
The only person in the audience listening was Tiandao Jingyi. He sat upright, pen and paper unnecessary, as all of this had long been engraved in his mind.
"You have mastered the 'Three Unbreakables.' Why do you remain stagnant?" The old man's tone was grave. Jingyi raised his eyes and calmly replied, "Because I have realized that the 'Three Unbreakables' are to avoid defeat, not pursue victory."
The old man's expression darkened. "You are blaspheming the sword."
"I am questioning the human heart."
Jingyi stood up, his gaze sharp as a blade. "The sword can break the enemy, yet it cannot mend loss.He turned and left, his figure cold and austere.
[Same day · Swordsmanship Department Practical Training Hall]
Bai Chuan assembled six members from the "Intermediate Swordsman Group" to engage Tiandao Jingyi in a "Six-Person Interlocking Battle." This was one of the most intense training methods in the entire swordsmanship department.
"Use your 'Three Unbreakables' to block their every assault. Until you are injured or your mind is disturbed."
Jingyi nodded. "Understood."
—The training began.
The first person charged forward, and Jingyi's "Form" was broken. His sword was skewed, and he was restricted.
The second person moved with elusive footwork. His "mind" was tested but failed, resulting in his being slashed and losing his sword.
The third person pressured him with overwhelming momentum, forcing an approach. However, the momentum was reversed and he was thrown back.
"First round cleared," said Bai Chuan coldly.
In the subsequent second and third rounds, the pace quickened and the combinations grew increasingly complex. Yet, none could break through Jingyi's "Tiandao Sword Stance." He seemed to embody the ultimate manifestation of swordsmanship algorithms.Unbreakable strikes met unbroken defenses. With three layers of barricades, every move felt precalculated with pristine accuracy.
Until the sixth person took the stage. This person was unfamiliar and silent yet moved like a storm. Bai Chuan looked at him and murmured, "That is the newly transferred recommended student from another school this month—Lin Shiyu."
[Practical Showdown: Lin Shiyu vs. Tendou Kyouichi]
Kyouichi immediately sensed something unusual about his opponent. Lin Shiyu did not attack directly. Instead, he used his footwork to confuse Kyouichi's line of sight and provoke a reaction of "breaking the shape." Kyouichi swung his sword but missed.Lin quickly countered with a flick of his wrist, executing "Break Shape · Phantom Blade." Following that, he coldly provoked Kyouichi's emotions, aiming for his "heart." However, Kyouichi remained unmoved.
"The heart is not broken?" Lin stepped back half a pace, preparing his final move: Break Force: Aerial Assault Heavy Ring.
In an instant, the atmosphere became extremely oppressive.
However, Kyouichi suddenly drew his sword. Rather than defending or blocking, he actively broke the force!
"You are mistaken," he said, stepping forward. His eyes shone. "Today, I will not defend against the three strikes."
With one sword stroke, he aimed decisively at Lin's throat, stopping just five centimeters away.
The air was dead silent.
Bai Chuan rarely smiled. "You finally learned to break the style with the sword rather than guard with it."
Lin laughed lightly, sheathed his sword, and nodded in acknowledgment.
"I lost."
[That night, outside the swordsmanship headquarters]
Kyouichi sat alone on the steps, gazing at his hand. His palm was numb, and his fingers trembled slightly.For the first time, he actively broke the framework of "Tendou Style's three consecutive strikes never broken," not out of compulsion but by choice.
The words from that letter echoed in his ears: "Your sword is meant to bring me home."
He murmured softly, "I have finally stepped out of that cage... Heigami."
The shapes, hearts, and forces of swordsmanship—the three strikes, if never broken, would mean never advancing.
The first step to awakening is breaking the seal of one's own sword path.