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There are three tiers in both fighting and argument techniques: Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced.
The Qi Sword is considered an advanced sword argument technique. The difference in tiers reflects the complexity of learning and using the technique, not necessarily its combat power.
In some cases, an Intermediate technique can outperform an Advanced one. However, Advanced techniques generally surpass the other two tiers in effectiveness and, in later stages of mastery, may even become more Qi-efficient.
The techniques learned by a cultivator that surpass Elite mastery and reach Master mastery will begin to merge, forming a new kind of technique unique to that individual. This fusion is shaped by the techniques they have chosen and the personal understanding or epiphany they attain along the way.
I've already learned the Qi Sword, which is an advanced technique and reached early mastery in the Common tier. I also like its lethality, so I'll continue on this path. The techniques suitable for this path are One Sword, Asura Sword, and Silent Sword.
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One Sword
[ The sword is not merely a weapon forged from metal—it is an extension of the body, just like the arms and legs. When a sword aligns with the soul, it can even cut the heavens. ]
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Asura Sword
[ A sword that thrives on carnage, drawing strength from the blood of sinners—it grows sharper with every sin it severs. ]
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Silent Sword
[ Moves without whisper, kills without trace—death arrives unseen, unheard, and inevitable. ]
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These three techniques are advanced-tier and have restricted access, granted only to the main family of Raindal. The first technique, One Sword, makes the sword an extension of the body, granting advanced control over the sword and its trajectory. It also offers excellent movement control. However, ultimately, it wouldn't suit me.
If I were to learn this technique, it would cut off my path to the Path of Vision—meaning I would be unable to do the necessary training required for advancement. That's because One Sword means focusing solely on the sword, nothing else.
Then, Asura Sword and Silent Sword are both equally powerful. In the chaos of slaughter, Asura Sword truly shines, while Silent Sword excels in assassination, as its name suggests.
If I could retain the lethality of these techniques even after reaching the Path of Vision, I would gladly learn both. However, according to the archives in the library, it's not possible to continue using these techniques beyond that stage.
I still have doubts about the claim that these techniques can't be used in the Path of Vision—that only envisioned abilities work then. But whether it's true or not, I don't have time to learn both before the trials. After that, I'll need to start preparing for the Path of Vision advancement.
So, I finally choose Asura Sword, because these trials are basically duels or fights against Order Beasts. It's a better technique for onslaughts, and its mastery improves with each sinner I slay—a bonus, since this technique advances through deep practice, understanding, and killing sinners.
Killing humans doesn't sit well with me, but on the bright side, killing sinners doesn't always mean killing humans. Even an Order Beast is a sinner if it kills other Order Beasts or humans for food.
Wishing never to kill a human is a noble thought—but not in this world, where the strong prey on the weak. I'll kill my enemy if they try to kill me, or even if there's the slightest chance they might harm me or my interests… even though, in both of my lives until now, I've only ever killed cockroaches and rats.