Degrade from Nobility to a Humble Slave novel Chapter 386

Sword intent was something that could not be expressed by words, only felt through other sensations, akin to some kind of ethereal power.

If one wanted to comprehend sword intent, one did not only have to spend decades practicing the sword but more importantly, one needed to have outstanding talents and remarkable opportunities.

That was why while there were many people who used swords, only a few of them had a deep understanding of sword intent. Those who could gain a good sense of its essence were in the good graces of the gods.

As he watched the battle, Rocher could see that there was no sword intent in Zen's Sword Step. Strangely, though, Zen's Sword Step looked very childish as if he was not skilled in the technique and only just began trying it out.

Rocher knew that the thought of Zen crudely imitating his Sword Step was untenable.

It was undeniable that the technique could only be performed under the premise that one had a true understanding of it. If the person did not fully understand it, imitating the movements would be fruitless as he would be unable to adapt to the trails and find the direction of the sword intent. Merely copying a stance should have meant nothing.

However, although Zen was unskilled in the area, his every step was not only close to that of Rocher's but exactly like it.

How was it possible?

It left Rocher deeply puzzled.

Unless… Zen had already understood the sword intent and was only hiding his capabilities.

Still, how could a disciple at the second-grade of nature level understand sword intent?

Reluctant to accept such an assumption, Rocher shook his head.

There was no doubt that Rocher was a talent. Although he might not be the strongest in Skytop Peak, he was the one who was the most favored. All talents were very arrogant and Rocher was no exception.

For Rocher, though, being arrogant was not a bad thing. With such an attitude, he could be driven to reach the top of the field of martial arts.

But if Zen really understood the sword intent and had a knack for the Sword Step as well…

It was a shocking idea. Looking at Zen's unmatured, rather awkward steps, Rocher sighed. 'This guy… Has he only just learned the Sword Step?

I haven't seen him employ this skill before. Did he get it after seeing my own Sword Step?'

As his thoughts stirred, Rocher didn't dare continue guessing. If his assumptions were right, it would mean a great blow to him.

Among everyone present, Rocher was not the only one to notice this.

Kenneth was also shooting strange looks at Zen.

Someone like Kenneth who had already reached a high level had the knowledge about the levels of the martial arts that the saints and elders of the Cloud Sect couldn't claim to have.

Although he wasn't a swordsman and didn't have an understanding of the sword intent, he also noticed a strangeness about Zen.

The disciple seemed to be demonstrating the Sword Step he just learned.

The more steps he advanced, the more skilled he became. But did such talent who could pick things up so quickly even exist? The competition became more interesting with this second-grade nature level guy.

As Kenneth pondered over it, he saw the respectable elder named Xu, who was standing beside him, stroke his beard and smile knowingly. "Xu, are you noticing anything odd?"

With a little chuckle, Xu said, "Are you asking if Zen learned the Sword Step just now?"

Kenneth nodded. "I'm not very sure. Zen is a green hand in Sword Step. He's improving rapidly but under close examination…"

"There's something you missed. I did catch it, though, while Rocher battled Kim, Zen imitated Rocher's Sword Step outside the arena. It's surprising, really, how Zen was so quick to learn things. He copied Rocher's Sword Step in such a short time. He is indeed a talent. Huh…When I was watching him, he practiced for a period of only ten minutes. But he mastered the skills so quickly. As far as I can see, Zen already has an understanding of sword intent and knows it well," with another smile, Xu spoke slowly.

Although his cultivation was far from Kenneth's, Xu was a swordsman and knew about sword intent much better than Kenneth did. With that background, he could immediately recognize Zen's situation and give a valid explanation for it.

"Guess how long this guy will stay in this competition?"

Upon hearing the words, Kenneth suddenly popped the question.

"Well…

Understanding sword intent would do him a great help, seeing as he's mastering the Sword Step. This talent is extraordinary. But…" Xu shook his head. "He's only at second-grade of nature level. It's very difficult for him to defeat Cecil, and even harder for him to advance further in the competition."

"Oh?

Is that what you think? I was actually thinking he could enter the top thirty."

The thought brought a smile to Kenneth's face.

Xu, on the other hand, was surprised to hear the other's comment about Zen.

The top 30 of the All Peaks Competition was the same as the top 30 of the Cloud Sect.

The closer the ranks were to the top, the more difficult it would be for them to advance.

Entering the top 100 was already a challenge, even more so was entering the top 50. To enter the top 30 was a nearly impossible task, leaps and bounds more difficult than just getting into the top 100.

With what Kenneth said, did that mean Zen had the strength to compete with the personal disciples?