Ling Tian had given the videos of the merfolk’s combat to the realm spirit when he entered the spirit realm space, for the master blacksmith, Duan, to watch.
As expected of an expert in smelting and forging, Duan immediately spotted the problem: the material of the steel forks. Duan asserted that those items could not possibly be made of metal.
The reason was that merfolk lived in water and on the sea surface year-round. If metal weapons were used, they would rust and rot within a few days.
In fact, the corrosive effect of seawater on metal was terrifying. If anyone was interested, they could observe the vehicles transporting seafood between the sea and markets.
A common characteristic of these vehicles was their dilapidated state; some chassis were so corroded they were nearly broken.
This was because seawater frequently dripped onto the vehicles during seafood transportation, and it was this seawater that corroded the metal parts.
Even without direct contact with seawater, the sea breeze itself was highly corrosive. People living by the sea found that the lifespan of their home decorations and appliances was significantly shorter than in other regions.
Furthermore, it didn't matter what kind of metal it was, be it the crudest cast iron or the most advanced titanium alloy; prolonged exposure to seawater would corrode it.
This was because the substances in seawater were too complex, and there was always something that would react with metal!
Duan analyzed that the most likely material for the steel forks used by the merfolk was the bone of some large sea beast, with whalebone being a more probable candidate.
In reality, Duan’s analysis was entirely correct. These weapons were indeed made from the bones of large sea beasts like whales. After special processing, these bones had a density close to metal, their strength was not inferior to metal, and they possessed excellent toughness. Most importantly, this material was not afraid of seawater corrosion.
Duan then forged a steel fork identical in appearance to those used by the merfolk in a very short time and handed it to Ling Tian – the one Ling Tian held in his hand.
Ling Tian generously shared what he knew with everyone, and they nodded frequently, their admiration for Ling Tian growing.
“Next, I will simulate the combat style of the merfolk. I have a general understanding of their strength.
Because in the videos you watched, some of those who fought the merfolk are my friends, and I have sparred with them, giving me a certain understanding of their strength. Therefore, I can roughly estimate the strength of these merfolk.
Who will go first?”
“Of course, it’s me!”
The person who spoke was Alexander, who stepped forward holding his two-handed greatsword.
“Alright, Alexander, be careful!”
Ling Tian said, holding the steel fork with both hands, and charged at Alexander with the same movements and speed as the merfolk!
Alexander dared not be careless. He swung his greatsword in a horizontal slash. His sword was powerful and directly blocked the fork’s attack.
However, although Ling Tian’s fork was blocked, he did not give up his attack. Ling Tian suddenly let go of his weapon and, in that instant, appeared before Alexander. Ling Tian directly threw a punch at Alexander’s ribcage.
Ling Tian struck an acupuncture point. Even with Alexander’s tough hide, he couldn’t withstand such an attack. He bent over in pain, clearly incapacitated!
“Alexander, how many times have I told you not to underestimate your opponent? It seems you’ve forgotten again!” Lancelot said sternly from the side.
Although Lancelot was older, he was the absolute elder brother in the Frost Knight Order and often guided Alexander and others in martial arts.
Alexander blushed, feeling a bit embarrassed.
“Lancelot, I really didn’t underestimate him. Ling Tian is just too monstrous…
Anyone else would be the same…”
“You scoundrel, Alexander, are you still making excuses? Can’t you see that Ling Tian’s attacks, both in terms of power and method, did not exceed the merfolk’s capabilities!
That’s how the merfolk attack. Even if their weapons are blocked or knocked away, they don’t retreat at all. Instead, they charge at their opponents with the intention of mutual destruction, disrupting the opponent’s balance, and creating opportunities for other merfolk!
You should be glad you encountered Ling Tian. If you had encountered the merfolk, you would be dead by now!”
Alexander and the onlookers fell silent. They had to admit that Lancelot’s analysis was accurate, and Ling Tian’s imitation of the merfolk was lifelike, capturing even the subtle details.
Next, Ling Tian repeated the process, allowing everyone to experience the merfolk’s attack methods. This way, everyone was mentally prepared, and they wouldn’t panic or be at a loss when encountering the merfolk.
After everyone had their turn, Lancelot said to Ling Tian, “Ling Tian, I know your martial arts attainments are very profound.
Could you give everyone some advice on how to deal with the merfolk?”
Ling Tian nodded and faced the crowd.
“I’ll share some of my thoughts, which can also be considered tips for dealing with these merfolk.
Firstly, when facing the merfolk’s attacks, do not confront them head-on. These merfolk possess exceptional strength. Even someone like Alexander, who can slightly suppress them in terms of strength, can only withstand their attacks so many times, right?”
Alexander pondered for a moment and said, “If the merfolk’s strength is similar to what Ling Tian just demonstrated, I can block at most four or five times before I’ll have no more strength to suppress them.”
Ling Tian nodded, “Therefore, try to dodge as much as possible. After dodging an attack, counterattack directly. This will save a lot of stamina.
If you absolutely cannot dodge, you can use your weapon to deflect their attacks, utilizing leverage. This will consume much less energy than directly blocking their weapons…
You must remember that the merfolk outnumber us significantly. If you don’t conserve your stamina, you will die miserably…”
Everyone nodded frequently, and under Ling Tian’s guidance, they began learning how to dodge and block attacks more effectively.
After the training concluded, Ling Tian said again, “When fighting the merfolk, another principle is to try not to slash their torsos, but their limbs.
These fish-like people have tough hides and extremely strong defenses. Even if you attack their torsos, it will be difficult to inflict fatal wounds on these monsters, wasting your energy and damaging your weapons!
However, severing their limbs is very energy-efficient and will incapacitate them…”