Chapter Sixty-One: GSD Training

The surroundings changed in an instant. The once bright sky transformed into night, the stars glittered like brocade, and two moons shimmered overhead. Streetlights illuminated the avenues of Dark City, and the players who had been wandering around disappeared without a trace.

It felt as though this place belonged to another world, one outside the game.

Galantis stepped forward and asked Xie Jing if he wanted to chat in the tavern, but Xie Jing declined. He was looking for GSD.

According to his memory, after Genesis, GSD—who used to sit in the back alleys of Hetonmar—had relocated to the Dark City Guild. Xie Jing walked in alone.

Inside the guild, all the other NPCs had left their posts. Nighttime was their only chance for relaxation, so most went to the tavern for a drink or to visit old friends.

In the spacious hall, only a uniquely dressed old man sat cross-legged, motionless. He appeared to be about fifty or sixty years old, carrying several swords on his back, his eyes covered by two strips of cloth. His left hand was crimson, engraved with intricate patterns and designs.

His forehead and arms bore visible, enormous scars—one could hardly imagine what kind of assault he had survived. He sat there quietly, a sword resting across his legs.

Xie Jing walked slowly over and knelt in front of him.

“Young man, there is immense energy within your body,” GSD spoke, his voice hoarse.

Xie Jing replied solemnly, “Sir, I wish to learn from you how to control this energy.”

GSD said nothing, but silently sensed for a moment before continuing, “There’s no Kazan curse on you. Strange… such vast power—how did you acquire it?”

“It’s a long story!” Xie Jing had no desire to reveal his secrets, and respectfully said, “Having power but not knowing how to use it reduces one to a mere brute. GSD, I wish to become your apprentice!”

“I won’t refuse your request; it is part of my duty. Young man, this old timer can only teach you the basics of swordsmanship, so don’t be disappointed,” GSD replied breezily, readily agreeing to Xie Jing’s request. As one of the Ghost Swordsmen’s mentors, it was his job to instruct newcomers from other worlds; Xie Jing’s request was no surprise.

“Thank you, teacher!”

Xie Jing was overjoyed to receive GSD’s guidance.

Never underestimate GSD!

---

Though he appeared to be just an ordinary old man, and in the game merely stayed within the bounds of Dark City, responsible for his assigned duties, he was not as renowned as the Four Sword Saints. But if you underestimated GSD, you’d pay dearly!

As a mentor to Ghost Swordsmen, GSD mastered all four skill sets and was a pioneer in the study of wave will. Though blind, his inner vision was perpetually clear.

While others focused on defeating enemies through sword techniques, he sought to annihilate souls with the power of the mind.

Swordsmanship without visible moves—killing without leaving a trace.

“Blades cut flesh, the mind cuts the soul!” GSD often said, describing a higher realm of mastery.

Players only came to him to activate skill icons in their panels, endlessly repeating the same fixed abilities.

Xie Jing didn’t want that. He sought to earn his skills through relentless practice.

“Restrain yourself! Curb your impulses! If you wish to become a great swordsman, unwavering will is the most fundamental requirement!”

Within the range of GSD’s killing intent wave, Xie Jing sat cross-legged as well. His eyes reddened, veins bulged on his hands and forehead, as if enduring tremendous pain.

Within the sphere of killing intent, GSD radiated his powerful wave in all directions, like a knife ceaselessly slicing flesh. The pain was physical, but the real terror was the overwhelming urge to destroy everything, assaulting Xie Jing’s mind and making it impossible to think calmly.

Xie Jing could sense his life force draining away—such was the nature of this game world, where vitality could be clearly perceived.

The light within his body kept circulating, replenishing lost life force instantly, earning GSD’s praise as he intensified the wave.

A cool feeling rose from Xie Jing’s ankles, spreading through his body. The pain persisted, but seemed bearable.

The violent inner demon gradually subsided, and Xie Jing suddenly remembered he had an epic accessory.

Proof of a True Man!

He’d always worn it on his ankle, too embarrassed to show it off because of its unique design. Yet, its effects were good, so he couldn’t bring himself to remove it.

The accessory had a bonus: Willpower +5. This effect had helped him greatly during his transformation in the Diga world, strengthening his endurance.

Now, however, it was actually hindering him.

Its bonus didn’t count as his own ability, so Xie Jing called for a pause, took off the accessory, and tossed it aside.

---

GSD picked it up, examined it repeatedly, and exclaimed it was a fine item, then resumed releasing his wave.

Without the accessory, Xie Jing’s suffering intensified. The torment felt like being sliced to pieces, making him want to scream, but he held back.

Sweat streamed down his forehead, his fists pounded the floor, his breathing was labored, and blood seeped from the corner of his mouth.

“Starting tomorrow, come to me during night hours. Endure three days of the wave, and I’ll teach you sword techniques.” GSD’s blindfolded eyes hid his expression, but his words were hoarse and steady, carrying an air of finality.

“If you don’t wish to come, that’s fine. With your current abilities, you can handle many monsters without needing sophisticated sword skills.”

Xie Jing wiped the blood from his lips, his face contorted by pain, yet he managed a smile.

“See you tomorrow, teacher!”

He picked up the Proof of a True Man, placed it in his inventory, bowed deeply in gratitude, and staggered out of the guild.

Once Xie Jing’s figure vanished, GSD chuckled softly.

“What terrifying light—interesting!”

Night in Dark City, stars glittered overhead, street lamps illuminated patches of the avenue, and countless familiar NPCs mingled with many strangers.

“They’re all living people, surely with families,” he mused.

In the distance, Kanina played with four little ones, their laughter drifting to Xie Jing’s ears, carrying a special charm.

The Matchmaker floated behind Xie Jing, her cold face expressionless as she watched GSD train him.

“Master, if you command it, I can bring them to you!”

“No, no, no!” Xie Jing quickly stopped her. The Matchmaker, as a semi-human pet, thought quite differently from people, and her words were often shocking.

“I just want to sleep,” Xie Jing said, gazing at Seria’s hollow tree in the distance—the most famous inn on the Arad continent.