Knight

There are different ways to gain strength in this world. One way is to become a Magus, but this requires a rare gift that few people possess. Another way is to follow the Path of Knights, which is open to anyone willing to work hard.

The kingdoms of the common world, along with the nobility, were generally made up of Knights. Knights are warriors who have undergone rigorous training and activated their inner life energy. They have physical abilities that far surpass ordinary humans. They are also skilled in using various weapons and killing techniques. Some Knights even have special secret skills that can unleash a burst of power.

## Ranks

Knight progression is split into three Rank:

* **Preparatory Knight (Normal Human)** - A warrior who is unable to activate their inner life energy even after completing their Knight training. Their only recourse is to enter the battlefield and engage in fierce and bloody battles. These battles may trigger their inner life energy and enable them to become a Knight.
* **Knight (Acolyte Rank 1)** - A warrior who has activated their inner life energy. When reaching this stage they experience a surge of blood flow through their body, causing their arteries to expand. This circulation of energy reaches every part of their body, resulting in a warm current that gradually rises in an inverted triangle area located 5cm below their lower abdomen. This area is where the life energy gathers and where the spirit can be cultivated.
* **Grand Knight (Acolyte Rank 2)** - A warrior with extreme physical strength, capable of single-handedly battling a charging cavalry troop.

The advanced version of a Grand Knight is a Branded Swordsman. Part of the information regarding the inheritance of ancient Branded Swordsman was widely spread. After some modifications, it was suited more towards regular humans. This turned into the creation of Knights and Grand Knights.

## Knight Training Method

To become a knight, people use training methods known as the Knight Training Method. These methods involve manipulating the frequency of breathing to adjust the body's secretions and produce more life essence. Below is a list of the most well-known Knight Training Methods available.

* **Cross Blade Technique**: This is a secret skill that the Farlier Family has inherited for generations. It combines a sword style, footwork, and a unique breathing technique. The essence of the cross-blade technique is to use a strong centrifugal force to attack the enemy. After many improvements and refinements, the cross-blade technique has become a top-level secret skill. It can help you achieve the realm of Grand Knights.

Rumour has it that the Cross Blade Technique and the breathing technique were obtained by the founder of the Farlier Family after dozens of bloody battles, where he finally obtained it from the corpse of a Knight. Amongst the many Knight families, it is considered to be the upper middle grade. After the optimization of the breathing technique done by the A.I. Chip, it might even be comparable to the secret scroll techniques of those smaller kingdoms!

The cross-blade technique has five techniques:

* + **Cross Blade Breathing Technique**: The breathing technique involves using external stimulations to activate the inner life energy and stimulate it inside the body. It comprises a sequence of specific breathing patterns, a description of the experience, and an explanation of the technique. To begin, the practitioner must hold their breath for 65 seconds, then take three long breaths followed by one short breath, as explained in the description. One complete revolution of this breathing technique takes about 5 minutes. After practicing the Knight breathing technique, the body will expel a black substance that contains impurities which it has collected. This improves the body's condition and physical attributes, but the improvements will gradually reduce over time.
		- The breathing technique was not straightforward, and some aspects needed more than words to make sense. One had to practice and follow some complex steps. Only then could they achieve enlightenment.
		- The Farlier Family's breathing technique has a cultivation limit. Practicing it for more than 20 minutes a day is not only ineffective but also harmful to the body. To increase the frequency of practicing the breathing technique, one needs to use medicinal items as supplements.
	+ **Cross Blade Basic Sword Technique**: Horizontal Slash, Vertical Slash, Piercing Attack, and Slanted Slash.
		- **Secret Killing Move** - **Cross Slash**: A Killing Move is a technique that combines the essence of various lethal skills and uses a high level of proficiency to enhance one's killing power. It is executed by swiftly slashing vertically and then horizontally, creating a bright cross with the fused slashes.
		- **Secret Technique** - **Cross Star**: Grand Knights had many secret techniques, but most of them only enhanced one attribute. Cross Star was a rare technique that boosted three attributes (Strength, Speed and Defense). It made the body twice as big and covered it with a layer of transparent armor. Cross Star was more powerful than other Grand Knight techniques, but it also had the same drawback: it left the user in a weak state for some time after using it.
	+ **Cross Blade Basic Footwork Technique**: Advance, Retreat, and Dodge.