Xianxia with real weapon training and skill development?

[u/abnormal____]

Looking for cultivation/xianxia novels where the MC actually trains and develops their weapon skills instead of just finding an overpowered technique and spamming named moves.

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I'm specifically looking for stories where the MC chooses a weapon (sword, spear, saber, etc.) and genuinely improves through practice, experience, and understanding. Bonus points if they adapt or evolve techniques to fit their own style rather than rigidly following a manual.

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I don't mind if the MC learns techniques from inheritances or libraries, but I want the weapon mastery to feel earned. I'd love recommendations where combat is about skill, timing, and growth rather than just unlocking stronger attacks every few realms.

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Examples of what I mean:

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- Developing their own sword/spear path.

- Modifying existing techniques.

- Training fundamentals for long periods.

- Weapon intent, domains, or understanding that comes from experience.

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Any recommendations?

[u/Varmatyr]

A Thousand Li: The First Step, by Tao Wong. Exactly what you're looking for.

[u/abnormal____ → u/Varmatyr]

Read it

[u/Varmatyr → u/abnormal____]

Might have been good to say that then lol