Tao sat cross legged on the wooden floor of his quarters, the scroll for the Raging Waves Sword Style unfurled before him. Its faint glow reflected the flickering lantern light, casting restless shadows on the walls. He had studied it for hours, dissecting every diagram and annotation, but the technique remained a mystery.

The instructions were clear: channel your Qi into your strikes, feeding it with emotion, particularly anger. The power of the technique lay in its ability to amplify each blow with raw force. Yet this same strength was its weakness—anger was unpredictable, a fire that could consume the wielder if not tempered.

“This isn’t like the Verdant Sword Technique,” Tao muttered, frustration tightening his brow.

The Verdant Sword Technique was a foundational style taught to disciples upon breaking into the Qi Condensation stage. The Verdant Sword Technique emphasized precision and control, its strikes clean and deliberate. It was the standard for Qi Condensation disciples, a reliable method to build their foundations. But it lacked the flexibility to manage the wild surges of Qi required by the Raging Waves Sword Style.

Raging Waves, by contrast, thrived on chaos. It demanded the wielder embrace their anger, feeding it into their strikes. But the very nature of the technique left the cultivator vulnerable—both physically and mentally.

“They’re completely different,” Tao mumbled, his brow furrowed. “I can’t stabilize Raging Waves with the Verdant Sword Technique alone.”

Later that evening, Tao made his way to the Combat Hall with Jian. The hall was quiet, its vast space dimly lit by glowing spirit lamps. Jian stood across from Tao, his sword resting casually in one hand.

Tao stood with his sword drawn, its edge gleaming faintly under the dim light of glowing spirit lamps. Jian stood across from him, his stance relaxed but his eyes sharp.

“This sword technique of yours,” Jian said, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. “You’re going to try it on me?”

Tao nodded, gripping his blade tightly. “I need to practice it against someone. You’re the only one I trust not to skewer me if I mess up.”

Jian’s smirk widened. “I’ll try to hold back.”

The hall was quiet except for the sound of their breathing. Other disciples had finished their sparring for the day, leaving the space empty save for the two of them.

Tao steadied himself, recalling the scroll’s instructions. The Raging Waves Sword Style required him to channel his Qi into each strike, feeding it with emotion. But the challenge was clear— anger fuelled the technique, yet losing control meant the technique would consume him instead.

He lunged forward, his blade slashing toward Jian in a sweeping arc. The movement was raw but powerful, and the Qi he infused into the strike hummed audibly. Jian deflected it with ease, his sword barely shifting under the force.

“Not bad,” Jian said, his tone casual. “But you’re holding back.”

Tao gritted his teeth, frustration flaring. He lunged again, his strikes faster and more aggressive. The Raging Waves Sword Style began to take shape, each swing heavier than the last. His Qi surged, and with it, a flicker of heat in his chest—anger, raw and unfiltered.

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

Jian’s calm expression shifted slightly as he parried Tao’s attacks. “You’re pushing too hard. Control it, or it’ll control you.”

Tao’s vision blurred at the edges as the anger deepened. His strikes became erratic, the power in them wild but unfocused. Jian stepped back, dodging easily now.

“Tao!” Jian’s voice cut through the haze. “Breathe. Focus!”

Tao stumbled, his chest heaving. He forced himself to stop, the blade trembling in his grip. The Qi in his dantian pulsed wildly, and he struggled to reign it in. Slowly, the heat subsided, leaving him drained but aware.

“You see now?” Jian said, lowering his sword. “This technique doesn’t just demand skill. It demands control. If you lose yourself to it, you’re no better than a wild beast. Power without control is a disaster waiting to happen.”

Tao nodded, his frustration giving way to a grudging acceptance. “I need to refine it. Balance it.”

“Keep working on controlling the technique. If you can’t it might be better not to use it.”

Tao nodded, his face flushed with exertion and embarrassment. “I get it now. Thanks for not—”

“—knocking you flat?” Jian finished, smirking. “Don’t worry. You’re getting there.”

Tao smiled. “I owe you one.”

The next day Tao decided to pay the library a visit. The Verdant Dawn Sect Library was quiet, its rows of shelves casting long shadows in the flickering lamplight. Tao walked among them, his mind still replaying the sparring session. He had learned an important lesson, but he couldn’t give up now.

Elder Zhou barely glanced at him as Tao passed the counter. “Looking for sword techniques now, are we?” the elder said, his tone laced with amusement.

“Yes, Elder,” Tao replied, bowing slightly. “Something to help refine the Raging Waves Sword Style.”

Zhou snorted. “The best techniques are reserved for core disciples. You’ll have to settle for what’s in the Beginner Section.”

Tao bit back a sigh and made his way to the section Zhou had indicated. The shelves were packed with jade slips and scrolls, their titles etched in faded characters. Most were mortal grade or early Qi Condensation grade techniques, but Tao was determined to find something useful.

He spent hours sifting through the options, narrowing his choices to three techniques that seemed compatible with the Raging Waves Sword Style:

1. Tranquil Pool Technique

* A sword style emphasizing calmness and control. Its movements were fluid and precise, designed to counterbalance aggressive techniques by stabilizing Qi flow and maintaining focus.

2. Steel Tempest Method

* A technique that channelled Qi into rapid, successive strikes. While not as aggressive as Raging Waves, it complemented its power by adding speed and versatility to attacks.

3. Rippling Tide Sword Art

* A method inspired by the ebb and flow of tides, focusing on alternating between offense and defence. Its emphasis on timing and adaptability could help Tao control the surges of Qi within the Raging Waves style.

Each technique had its merits, but the Tranquil Pool Technique resonated with him the most. Its focus on calmness and control seemed like the perfect counterbalance to the chaotic nature of the Raging Waves Sword Style.

He placed the other two scrolls back on the shelf and carried the Tranquil Pool Technique to the counter. Elder Zhou raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

Back in his quarters, Tao unrolled the Tranquil Pool scroll, its diagrams glowing faintly in the lantern light. The movements were fluid and deliberate, designed to centre the cultivator’s mind and harmonize their Qi flow.

He began practicing the basic stances, focusing on the steady rhythm of his breath. The jade mountain in his dantian pulsed faintly as he channelled his Qi, guiding it into a smooth, controlled flow.

Hours passed as Tao repeated the movements, his mind gradually calming. When he finally picked up his sword and attempted the Raging Waves technique, he noticed an immediate difference.

His strikes were still powerful, but the wildness was gone. The Tranquil Pool Technique acted like an anchor, keeping his Qi steady even as he channelled his anger into each swing.

Tao lowered his blade, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “This... this could work.”