Chapter 69: Transformation

"Techniques and arts are essentially the same. Nothing more than precision, flexibility, and mastery. If you have refined an advanced technique to perfection, you are already passable in this regard."

"However, for those who truly wield combat qi, momentum, intent, and dao, techniques are merely experiences they have summarized on their path."

Theo nodded, only half-understanding.

He could only draw parallels from his past life’s knowledge of mathematics.

If combat dao was like mathematics, then techniques and arts were formulas.

For most people, solving problems meant plugging numbers into formulas. But where did the formulas come from?

They were derived by geniuses who grasped the underlying principles.

Theo took out paper and a pen.

"You are...?"

"Ah, I am just taking notes."

Theo grinned and began scribbling furiously.

The concepts were still simple now, but he feared he might forget them later when they became more profound.

Liana felt slightly disoriented.

In all her past and present discussions on the dao, this was the first time someone had taken notes mid-conversation.

After all, these weren’t things to be memorized. Those who understood would grasp them intuitively.

After a pause, she continued.

"Combat qi, momentum, and intent are indeed three different paths, yet they converge toward the same destination."

"First, combat qi. Before the era of the current Dynasty, there was a scholar who spent sixty years reading and writing poetry, never practicing martial arts. Yet, upon entering the imperial court, he used his sharp tongue as a blade to criticize the monarch and sever the nation’s fortune."

"This is the transformation of scholarly energy into combat qi."

"As for momentum, it follows the natural flow. The rising and setting of the sun and moon are the momentum of heaven and earth. The blooming and withering of flowers are the momentum of nature. The will of the people is the momentum of humanity."

Liana paused to sip her tea, moistening her throat.

Her demeanor reminded Theo of a young teacher from his past life. Usually quiet, but when lecturing, she exuded a sacred confidence, as if holding the truth in her hands.

Of course, Theo wasn’t just listening intently. His hand never stopped writing.

Half an hour later, eight sheets of paper, still damp with ink, lay spread across the table. Theo licked the tip of his brush, satisfied.

If he could memorize all this, he would become a formidable "Sovereign."

That little princess Elara wouldn’t stand a chance against his lore drops.

Just as Theo was swelling with pride, Liana’s questioning voice reached him.

"Did you understand everything I just explained?"

As a genius capable of asking such profound questions, she assumed he grasped most of it by now.

"Understood!" Theo nodded confidently.

"Then share your own insights."

Liana’s frost-like eyes locked onto his, waiting expectantly.

Theo’s expression froze. His smile faded as he sank into deep thought.

Had he gotten carried away? How had he forgotten that the ice block would test him?

Ah, right. It was a discussion.

After Liana spoke at length, he couldn’t just stay silent.

But truthfully, he was utterly lost.

Practicing blunt-force hammer arts and philosophical combat theory were worlds apart.

After all, had anyone ever heard of a blacksmith who forged iron for sixty years, then went to court and smashed a tyrant to death with a single hammer using ’Dao’?

Noticing the faint confusion creeping into Liana’s gaze, Theo’s brain kicked into overdrive.

Liana was genuinely puzzled.

She only asked for his thoughts. Why was he struggling so much?

Finally, after a long silence, Theo spoke with an apologetic smile.

"My apologies. I was lost in thought just now."

"In my opinion, Liana, you do not need to make it so complicated. A warrior’s path boils down to just three realms."

"First, mastery of technique. A blade in hand, but no blade in heart. The rage of a common man. Blood spilled within five steps."

"Second, no blade in hand, but a blade held within the heart. Cultivating unity of man and weapon, where all things can become a blade."

"Third, no blade in hand, no blade in heart. At that point, your very existence becomes the combat dao."

His calm tone carried an air of indifference. As if he cared not for others’ judgments, merely stating his understanding of the great dao.

Across from him, the jade-like woman sipping tea seemed to thaw slightly. A flicker of emotion crossed her frosty demeanor.

After a long pause, she finally parted her lips.

"Well said."

"You taught me well."

"No, you are right. The great dao is simple. Refining complexity into simplicity is the true path."

"Not at all."

Theo smiled lightly on the surface. Inside, he wiped away a cold sweat.

Thank goodness he secretly read novels during class back then. Even if his teacher caught him and scolded him for having no future.

Now, it had come in handy!

But noticing Liana’s softened expression and the hint of further questions, Theo quickly seized the initiative.

"If one only practices techniques, can they still touch the dao?"

Liana pondered before nodding.

"Yes, but also no."

"Yes?"

Theo thought to himself, since when did the ice block speak in riddles?