Brief Summary
This episode of Tale of Herding God focuses on the challenge presented by Daoist Lin Xuan to the Imperial Academy and the subsequent arrival of the Imperial Advisor to impart his wisdom. The Imperial Academy is struggling to find a worthy opponent to defeat the Daoist, who has been effortlessly defeating their scholars. The episode highlights the clash between traditional methods and innovative approaches to swordsmanship, with the Imperial Advisor introducing new concepts that challenge the conventional understanding of the sword. Qin Mu, an outcast with unconventional methods, begins to grasp the essence of the new sword style, setting the stage for a potential showdown.
- Daoist Lin Xuan defeats multiple scholars from the Imperial Academy, causing unrest and frustration among the academy's leaders.
- The Imperial Advisor is invited to the academy to impart his knowledge and help the scholars overcome the Daoist's challenge.
- The Imperial Advisor introduces a new concept of swordsmanship, emphasizing the formless nature of the sword and the importance of breaking free from traditional constraints.
- Qin Mu, an outcast with unconventional methods, begins to grasp the essence of the new sword style, showing promise in mastering the technique.
Intro and Context
The episode opens with a recap, urging viewers to support the series by liking, commenting, and sharing. It sets the stage for Episode 45, titled "Coiling Sword Style," highlighting the ongoing challenge to the Imperial Academy. The initial scene depicts the frustration and pressure within the academy as they struggle to find someone capable of defeating Daoist Lin Xuan.
The Imperial Academy's Struggle
The Imperial Academy is in turmoil as Daoist Lin Xuan continues to defeat their scholars. Ling Yushu, the Second Prince of Yankang Nation, steps up to challenge the Daoist, representing the Royals' Residence. Despite his formidable Nine Dragons Imperial Art, he is ultimately defeated, highlighting the Daoist's superior skills in swordsmanship, pupil technique, Vital Energy, and Magic Arts. The academy's scholars and officials express their frustration and desperation, questioning the effectiveness of their training and resources.
Seeking Guidance: The Imperial Advisor
With the Imperial Academy's scholars demoralized, the leaders discuss potential solutions, including reporting to the Imperial Advisor. Libationer Bashan opposes relying on the Imperial Advisor's disciple, arguing that it would reflect poorly on the academy's competence. Instead, he suggests inviting the Imperial Advisor himself to lecture at the academy, hoping to inspire the scholars and find a way to counter the Daoist's Innate Supreme Mystic Art. The decision is made to invite the Imperial Advisor for a limited time of two days.
The Imperial Advisor's Arrival and Philosophy
The Imperial Advisor arrives at the Imperial Academy, and begins his lecture by challenging the conventional understanding of the sword. He emphasizes that the sword should not be bound by rules or fixed moves, but rather be seen as something formless and adaptable. He introduces three new basic sword moves based on the fourteen sword moves, including the Coiling Sword Style, which focuses on creating a surface rather than attacking in straight lines.
Coiling Sword Style
The Imperial Advisor introduces the fifteenth move, Boundless Sword Aura, and demonstrates the Coiling Sword Style. He explains that old sword moves attack in straight lines, while the Coiling Sword Style forms a surface, encompassing heaven, earth, and the four directions. He encourages the scholars to channel their Vital Energy into swords and demonstrate their technique, but many struggle to grasp the concept.
Qin Mu's Unconventional Approach
While the other scholars struggle to understand the Imperial Advisor's teachings, Qin Mu, an outcast from the Great Wasteland, begins to experiment with the Coiling Sword Style in his own unconventional way. He focuses on splitting his Vital Energy Trail, eventually mastering the Vital Energy Trail. His unique approach draws attention and raises questions among the other scholars and officials, who are unfamiliar with his background and methods.
