Chapter 76: Chapter 74: Jingzhe Knife Technique

First, I’ll analyze the source text for context and key elements.

[Step 1: Contextual Analysis]

Literary genre: This appears to be a wuxia (Chinese martial arts) web novel with cultivation/martial arts elements.

Language style: Classical martial arts literature style with formal speech patterns and martial arts terminology.

Tone: Serious, respectful, with moments of tension and some lighter exchanges.

Plot keywords: Martial arts, secret techniques, escape, danger, loyalty, teacher-student relationship.

Characters:

- Wu Liangchen (武良辰): Male protagonist, appears to be a martial arts student with high talent.

- Aunt Fan (樊姨): Female, martial arts master, seems to be in hiding or danger.

- Yang Lian’Er (杨莲儿): Female, appears to be connected to Aunt Fan, possibly her disciple or relative.

- Xiao Rong (萧荣): Male, antagonist, described as a top expert from Capital City Six Gates who has trapped the characters in Dinghai City.

- Zhu Chao (朱超): Only mentioned briefly as someone Wu Liangchen took a soft knife from.

- Heartless Dao (无情道): An organization that had plans that were foiled by Xiao Rong.

[Step 2: Translation and Polishing]

Now I’ll translate the text paragraph by paragraph, applying all the rules.

The text discusses Wu Liangchen visiting Aunt Fan and Yang Lian’Er at night after hearing some news. He learns they are trapped in the city by Xiao Rong of the Six Gates. Aunt Fan decides to teach Wu Liangchen her secret sword technique called "Jingzhe" before what seems to be an inevitable confrontation. The Chapter focuses on this teaching moment and Aunt Fan ultimately giving Wu her sword with the request that he protect Yang Lian’Er.

Let me translate the full text now:

The reason Wu Liangchen didn’t immediately notify Aunt Fan after learning the news was because he didn’t want to expose himself to public view.

Especially when the information hadn’t been verified, rushing over might have caused unnecessary trouble.

Even in the dead of night, Wu Liangchen didn’t head straight for Yang Lian’Er’s home, but chose to circle around the perimeter first.

After making several rounds and confirming that everything looked normal, with no ambush or spies in sight, Wu Liangchen finally approached the back of the Yang family residence. Following their previously agreed signal, he tapped lightly on the back door before leaping over the wall.

At this moment, Aunt Fan was dressed in form-fitting combat clothes, sitting with Yang Lian’Er around a small brazier brewing tea. Beside her lay a saber nearly one meter long.

The scabbard was pitch-black, and the circular pommel was wrapped with a light red silk ribbon that fluttered in the cold breeze.

Upon seeing Wu Liangchen, Aunt Fan didn’t speak but merely raised her chin slightly, gesturing for him to sit across from her.

Wu Liangchen paused momentarily, then smiled faintly before calmly approaching and taking a seat opposite Aunt Fan.

The tea had finished brewing. Yang Lian’Er skillfully picked up the teapot and poured the tea precisely into the bowls.

The tea was nearly emerald green with an enticing fragrance. On such a cold winter night, a bowl of hot tea was indeed a comfort to the stomach.

After finishing a bowl of tea, Aunt Fan finally spoke: "You already know?"

"Yes."

"So you also know our true identities?"

Wu Liangchen nodded.

In truth, he had long suspected, and this incident merely confirmed his thoughts.

Aunt Fan sighed, "And you still dare to come?"

Wu Liangchen raised his head and said very earnestly, "I could never forget the kindness of one who has taught me."

Hearing these words, a flash of light suddenly appeared in Aunt Fan’s eyes. She examined Wu Liangchen up and down as if seeing him for the first time.

"I never expected that after recognizing countless people in my life, I would misjudge you."

"Misjudge?" Wu Liangchen found this curious.

Yang Lian’Er suddenly laughed, "Indeed, after all, your previous impression on Aunt Fan was that of someone both cowardly and troublesome."

Wu Liangchen was momentarily stunned, then all three of them burst into laughter.

With this shared laughter, Wu Liangchen felt the distance between them shrink considerably.

Previously, although Aunt Fan had taught him, she had always kept a certain distance, maintaining an inexplicable wariness.

Now that feeling was gone.

"What do you plan to do?" Wu Liangchen asked seriously.

"We can’t leave the city now. Not only are the city walls guarded by Xiao Rong and people from various prominent families, but all transportation routes outside the city have been controlled as well. So to leave the city, we’d have to fight our way out," Aunt Fan said calmly.

"You’ve already scouted it out?" Wu Liangchen asked.

"Yes, after receiving the news during the day, I investigated. This Xiao Rong truly deserves his reputation as a top expert from Capital City Six Gates. The security measures he arranged are indeed formidable," Aunt Fan sighed.

Even though they were adversaries, Aunt Fan had to acknowledge that this Xiao Rong had considerable skill.

First, he had thwarted the Heartless Dao’s scheme, rapidly turning a favorable situation into a dire one, then continued to press the advantage, trapping her and Yang Lian’Er in Dinghai City.

"So what you’re saying now is..." Wu Liangchen inquired.

"Before long, our whereabouts will be exposed. When that happens, I have no other options left but to fight to the death," Aunt Fan said casually, as if discussing an ordinary matter.

But Wu Liangchen understood what those words meant.

His gaze was drawn to the enormous saber beside Aunt Fan.

Seeming to sense Wu Liangchen’s gaze, Aunt Fan reached out and took hold of the saber, gently pulling it from its scabbard.

CLANG.

With a crisp sound, the true form of the saber was revealed.

The blade was straight, with an edge as thin as snow, bright enough to see one’s reflection.

Just looking at it, one could feel the aura of bloodlust emanating from it.

"What a fine blade!"

Even someone who knew nothing about sabers could recognize this weapon’s extraordinary quality, and Wu Liangchen couldn’t help but exclaim in admiration.

"Would you like to learn?" Aunt Fan raised her eyes and fixed her gaze on Wu Liangchen.

Wu Liangchen’s heart stirred, and he nodded without hesitation.

"Yes!"

By now, Wu Liangchen’s hand-to-hand combat skills had reached a level sufficient for self-defense, and his archery had compensated for his weakness in ranged attacks. The only thing he lacked was proficiency with weapons.

That’s why, although he had taken a flexible knife from Zhu Chao, he could only use it as a throwing weapon.

Wu Liangchen had considered secretly learning weapon techniques, but unfortunately, almost all martial arts schools in Dinghai City taught only hand-to-hand combat, with very few specializing in weapons.

Now, hearing that Aunt Fan was willing to teach him weapon skills, Wu Liangchen was naturally very eager.

"Heh, you’re quite direct. But do you know that learning my saber technique comes with a price?" Aunt Fan smiled.

Wu Liangchen fell silent.

He certainly understood what price Aunt Fan was referring to.

Aunt Fan looked at Wu Liangchen, the light in her eyes gradually dimming, her expression becoming increasingly calm.

"I shouldn’t force you."

She was about to sheathe the saber when Wu Liangchen suddenly reached out and grasped the scabbard, then spoke very seriously.

"I want to learn."

Aunt Fan was momentarily surprised, then laughed heartily, "Good! Since you’re so sincere, I’ll teach you now."

She rose and walked into the courtyard, declaring in a clear voice: "My saber technique is called Jingzhe, named after one of the twenty-four solar terms of ancient times. It is exquisite and is my secret technique that I’ve never passed on. Today I will teach it to you, but how much you can learn depends entirely on yourself."

As she spoke, Aunt Fan held the saber in her hand and suddenly raised her eyes. The entire spiritual state of her being instantly underwent a tremendous change.

If the Aunt Fan who had been drinking tea around the brazier moments ago was relaxed and calm, then the current Aunt Fan was as sharp and fierce as the blade in her hand.

Then, a flash of the blade swept by. Despite being at some distance, Wu Liangchen felt as if this slash had struck between his eyebrows, making his eyes ache.

"Breaking Ice!"

This strike was like a seemingly gentle spring breeze that nevertheless cleaved through winter’s solid ice.

"Cutting Wind!"

This strike completely abandoned the gentleness of the previous one, becoming incredibly fierce, as if it could sever the biting cold wind.

"..."

Aunt Fan demonstrated one move after another, while Wu Liangchen watched intently, his attention highly focused, afraid of missing any detail.

Finally, after practicing the last move of the Jingzhe saber technique, Aunt Fan sheathed her weapon. Beads of sweat appeared on her forehead, showing that these few strikes had been quite demanding for her as well.

"Did you see it clearly?" Aunt Fan asked.

Wu Liangchen nodded, "I did."

"Good, catch!" Aunt Fan tossed the saber directly to him.

Wu Liangchen caught it, showing a surprised expression.

"Aunt Fan, you..."

"This saber is yours now!"

Aunt Fan waved her hand, indicating that Wu Liangchen shouldn’t refuse, then continued, "Young man, your martial arts talent is among the highest I’ve ever seen in my life, so passing this Jingzhe saber technique to you is not a waste."

"I have only one request: within your capabilities, protect the young lady’s safety."