28. Zoro: Take this—Myriad Swords Return to One!

Zoro: Take this—a strike from beyond the heavens!

Zoro’s attitude could not have been more respectful. Overlord Chu was quite satisfied with the young man’s humble demeanor.

"Zoro, how long do you think it would take to become the world’s greatest swordsman if you relied solely on your own grueling training?"

"This..."

"Speak freely."

Zoro scratched his head in embarrassment. "While it doesn't seem entirely out of reach, I understand that becoming the world's greatest swordsman isn't as simple as just hard work."

"That is the fundamental reason I seek a master. In you, I seem to have glimpsed an entirely different path of swordsmanship!"

"A conservative estimate would be at least twenty years!"

Before his encounter with Hawkeye, Zoro might have boasted that he was only a hair’s breadth away from the title. But he had been truly shaken by Mihawk’s fruit knife. It was merely a common, ordinary blade, yet in Mihawk’s hands, it was elusive, ever-changing, and impossible to track. Even his own specialty moves—the Ghost Slash and the refined Four-Sword Style: Three Thousand Worlds—could not withstand a single exchange.

In twenty years, he might reach his peak. By then, Zoro was fifty percent confident he could claim the title of the world’s greatest swordsman.

In Zoro's eyes, "Sword Come" must be that other path of cultivation. Flying on swords, nourishing sword spirits, the return of ten thousand swords... all of these opened the doors to a new world, one that left him utterly mesmerized and unable to pull himself away.

Overlord Chu raised two fingers, shook his head, and smiled. "If it takes that long to cultivate a disciple to become the world's greatest swordsman, wouldn't that be rather dull?"

"Zoro, with me as your mentor in the way of the sword, as long as you are willing to dedicate yourself to this cultivation, I can accelerate your progress tenfold!"

"In other words, within two years—three at most—you will inevitably secure the title of the world's greatest swordsman."

Zoro’s jaw dropped, utterly stunned by Overlord Chu’s words. Two years to achieve the title of world's greatest swordsman! Was this not an exaggeration? That was the world-recognized pinnacle of swordsmanship! It was not something to be compared to mere commoners.

Overlord Chu curled his lips. He knew his words sounded earth-shattering, but this was the cold, hard reality. If he couldn't cultivate a master-swordsman capable of rivaling Mihawk within two years, he would be doing a disservice to his own mastery of the blade.

Overlord Chu beckoned slightly, and the three swords hanging at Zoro’s waist flew automatically into his hand. Even the Wado Ichimonji, which had birthed its own spirit, could not resist this pull.

"Zoro, I know you are skeptical of my claims."

A hint of apology flickered in Zoro’s eyes. "I would not dare, Master."

"It is of no consequence." Overlord Chu did not dwell on the triviality. "There are many, many sword techniques I can teach you. If you can master even a few, never mind Hawkeye Mihawk—even if all the swordsmen in the world joined forces, they would not be a match for you in a single exchange!"

As he spoke, a terrifying, soul-stirring brilliance erupted in Overlord Chu’s eyes. A surge of boundless ambition welled up within Zoro.

"Zoro, watch closely! These are supreme sword arts. Once you grasp them, dealing with Hawkeye will be as easy as reaching for something in your pocket."

Zoro sat upright, watching intensely as Overlord Chu swung his blade into the distance.

"This move is called the Nine Swords of Dugu. Created by Dugu Qiubai, this peerless technique is said to be able to break every sword art in the world. It emphasizes striking only after the opponent has moved, gaining the upper hand through timing. It is incredibly powerful and does not require deep internal cultivation; even a practitioner of average strength can defeat experts far superior to themselves using this art."

"It is the perfect way for the weak to overcome the strong!"

Zoro’s eyes widened in shock. He felt the overwhelming murderous intent and heroic spirit! The Nine Swords of Dugu—defeating moves with no moves at all, slaying enemies and vanquishing heroes until no one in the world could stand against him, leaving him to retreat into the deep valleys with only a giant eagle as his companion.

Overlord Chu tossed the Wado Ichimonji aside and shaped his fingers into a sword. With a light shout, he declared:

"This move is called the Six Meridians Divine Sword!"

"It is the supreme secret art of Tianlong Temple. This technique is quite unique; it is a form of 'finger-sword.' By using the fingers to project sword qi, it strikes with extreme speed, leaving the enemy defenseless, and possesses immense destructive power."

"The so-called Six Meridians Divine Sword channels internal energy through the fingertips, launching it into the air to move at high speeds. Its forms are simple, its effects profound, and its sensory feedback is second to none. With long practice, one achieves the realm of the finger-sword, where whatever your finger points at is struck as if by an invisible blade. Whether sweeping or pointing, it can wound the enemy."

*Swish!*

Overlord Chu extended his right thumb toward the distant sea and roared:

"Shaoshang Sword! Go!"

*Boom!*

The powerful sword path surged forward with the force of an earth-shattering storm. Zoro’s eyes were as wide as copper bells!

"What?! How can a finger emit sword qi?"

Overlord Chu’s movements suddenly became clever, flexible, and unfathomable. His aura grew grand and unrestrained, soaring into the heavens!

"This move is called 'A Sword Comes from the West, a Fairy from Beyond the Heavens.'"

"It is Ximen Chuixue’s peerless sword art. This strike emphasizes a kill with every draw; it is swift, unconventional, and ends a life in a single thought!"

"The number of people it has killed is countless; it is a technique that strikes fear into the hearts of gods and demons alike. Very few in this world have ever seen it, and those who have are mostly dead."

In that moment, the Wado Ichimonji appeared as pristine as a clear sky. A streak of sword light flew diagonally, like a bolt of lightning, like a rainbow cutting across the sky! Overlord Chu and his blade seemed to merge into one—the sword light was brilliant and rapid, devoid of superfluous changes or follow-ups, with his entire life’s power fused into that single strike!

"This final move is called the Return of Ten Thousand Swords."

"It belongs to the Sword Sect’s peerless arts. To practice it, one must first abandon all previous swordsmanship. After starting anew with the manual, once this technique is unleashed, all blades serve the master like servants to a lord."

"It is as if bowing to a supreme deity. Once the sword technique is unleashed, a sharp, incomparable sword energy erupts from within. The practitioner’s form can transform into a wisp of green smoke, while the energy permeates everything."

The moment Overlord Chu moved, countless blades swirled like a violent storm. Filling the sky, the sword energy formed a web—sharp, peerless, and a magnificent spectacle!

He sheathed the blade and returned the four swords to the stunned, statue-like Zoro. Overlord Chu patted his stiff shoulder and smiled faintly:

"Once you have practiced these techniques well enough, you can consider your training complete. Go, challenge Hawkeye Mihawk, and seize the title of the world's greatest swordsman!"

After a long, long time, Zoro finally recovered from his shock. He knelt before Overlord Chu, overwhelmed by the master’s unparalleled teachings:

"Master Overlord Chu, your kindness to me is like that of a parent who has given me new life. Roronoa Zoro will remember this for all eternity!"