The Chinese sword is both light and flexible, so it is no wonder that this style is
rich in quick combination attacks that use both sword and body as a weapon.
Even the most seasoned of warriors can find themselves unable to keep pace with
the blizzard of varied techniques unleashed by a master in its use. The graceful,
almost dance-like moves are perfect for flowing around an opponent's attacks and
chipping away their health.
This style's strike-and—evade techniques can be used to confound an opponent,
and sudden transitions into the Silent Xia Sheng stance allow a savvy fighter to
quickly change their angle of attack. An opponent who lunges carelessly when
they think they found an opening will find themselves on the receiving end of a
lethal counterattack.
Style Lesson: Beginner
Closing Distance
This style excels at close-range combat. At the start of a fight, use moves like
Playful Rhythm (33_66_99BB) and Woan Shyong Swing (33_66_99K) to attack while getting into a more favorable position.
If the opponent tries to maneuver with an 8-way run, Fragrant Dream (33_66_99ABA) will help you stop them and set up a follow-up attack.
Playful Rhythm 33_66_99BB
(3)_(6)_(9)BB - Attack Level:
Impact
Damage
Block
Hit
Counter
Guard Burst
20
16,24
-14
4
STN
5%
Woan Shyong Swing 33_66_99K
(3)_(6)_(9)K - Attack Level:
Impact
Damage
Block
Hit
Counter
Guard Burst
14
18
-8
4
4
1%
Fragrant Dream 33_66_99ABA
(3)_(6)_(9)ABA - Attack Level:
Impact
Damage
Block
Hit
Counter
Guard Burst
16
18,12,32
-10
KND
KND
5%
Tech Jump
Close Combat Basics
Close combat is all about rapidly mixing up high, middle, and low attacks to thwart the opponent's defenses. Wear down the foe with combos that can switch
between middle and low attacks later on, like Still Water (6BB) and Rippling
Chant (6BA), or Advancing Rhythm (4BA) and Pointing Thrust (4BB).
Still Water/Rippling Chant 6BB/6BA
6BB - Attack Level:
Impact
Damage
Block
Hit
Counter
Guard Burst
18
18,17
-6
KND
LNC
7%
Tech Crouch
6BA - Attack Level:
Impact
Damage
Block
Hit
Counter
Guard Burst
18
18,12
-10
-2
-2
2%
Tech Crouch
Advancing Rhythm/Pointing Thrust 4BA/4BB
4BA - Attack Level:
Impact
Damage
Block
Hit
Counter
Guard Burst
12
15,20
-10
4
4
2%
4BB - Attack Level:
Impact
Damage
Block
Hit
Counter
Guard Burst
12
15,15
-12
2
2
5%
Tech Crouch
High Damage Feint Attacks
It is difficult to defeat opponents by slowly chipping away at their health. Feint
with low horizontal attacks like Angry Shui Shian (3AK) or Wind Watcher
Sweep (1A), and when the opponent ducks, hit them with Lian Hua Upper (3B) to start a deadly air combo.
Angry Shui Shian 3AK
3AK - Attack Level:
Impact
Damage
Block
Hit
Counter
Guard Burst
22
16,18
-2
KND
KND
2%
Tech Crouch
Wind Watcher Sweep 1A
1A - Attack Level:
Impact
Damage
Block
Hit
Counter
Guard Burst
28
22
-16
4
4
4%
on hitting an opponent while they are side rolling
Lian Hua Upper 3B
3B - Attack Level:
Impact
Damage
Block
Hit
Counter
Guard Burst
18
24
-12
LNC
LNC
9%
Style Lesson: Adept
Juggling into Bea Her Hua
After launching your opponent with a Lian Hua Upper (3B) or Playful Slice
(22_88B), you can juggle them with Swallow's Blade ~ Bea Her Hua (6K[A]) to return to Bea Her Hua.
The low attack Feint Wheel Kick (during Bea Her Hua K) is effective against a
downed foe. If they defend with a crouching guard, hit them with Jade Break
(during Bea Her Hua B), which can pull them into a reversal edge.
Playful Slice 22_88B
(2)_(8)B - Attack Level:
Impact
Damage
Block
Hit
Counter
Guard Burst
20
14,11
-8
LNC
LNC
9%
Swallow's Blade ~ BHH 6K[A]
6K(A) - Attack Level:
Impact
Damage
Block
Hit
Counter
Guard Burst
16
14,20
-20
-4
-4
2%
Tech Jump. into BHH. vs vertical H M
BHH ~ Feint Wheel Kick BHH K
BHH K - Attack Level:
Impact
Damage
Block
Hit
Counter
Guard Burst
24
22,16
-8
KND
KND
9%
Tech Crouch
BHH ~ Jade Break ~ RE BHH B
BHH B - Attack Level:
Impact
Damage
Block
Hit
Counter
Guard Burst
16
25
-2
-
-
4%
Crouching Attacks
This style has a wide variety of crouching techniques. Mei Guei Hua (while
crouching 3B) is effective after ducking a high attack. If the opponent is
defending in a standing guard, you can break it with the low attack Mei Hua Divide
(while crouching 3AB).
Mei Guei Hua FC 3B
FC 3B - Attack Level:
Impact
Damage
Block
Hit
Counter
Guard Burst
18
26
-8
LNC
LNC
9%
Mei Hua Divide FC 3AB
FC 3AB - Attack Level:
Impact
Damage
Block
Hit
Counter
Guard Burst
29
24,26
-8
STN
STN
11%
Breaking a Guard with Silent Xia Sheng
The Silent Xia Sheng stance has a number of options for getting through an
opponent's guard. For example, you can feint with Sweet Harmony (4AA)
into Sweet Harmony ~ Silent Xia Sheng (4[A]), making them wary of a follow-up,
which can let either Waterfall (during Silent Xia Sheng B) or Wind Chime (during
Silent Xia Sheng A+G) be effective. If an opponent sidesteps Waterfall, try for
a counter hit with Splitting Mist (during Silent Xia Sheng A).
Sweet Harmony/ ~ SXS 4AA/4[A]
4AA - Attack Level:
Impact
Damage
Block
Hit
Counter
Guard Burst
28
18,14
-6
4
STN
1%
4(A) - Attack Level:
Impact
Damage
Block
Hit
Counter
Guard Burst
28
18
-20
-6
-6
4%
into SXS
SXS ~ Waterfall SXS B
SXS B - Attack Level:
Impact
Damage
Block
Hit
Counter
Guard Burst
28
35
-10
STN
STN
9%
SXS ~ Wind Chime SXS A+G/SXS 4A+G
SXS A+G - Attack Level:
Impact
Damage
Block
Hit
Counter
Guard Burst
18
25
-
14
-
-
SXS 4A+G - Attack Level:
Impact
Damage
Block
Hit
Counter
Guard Burst
18
25
-
14
-
-
SXS ~ Splitting Mist SXS A
SXS A - Attack Level:
Impact
Damage
Block
Hit
Counter
Guard Burst
18
26
-2
8
STN
4%
Style Lesson: Master
Counter Your Foe's Attacks
If you are expecting a retaliatory strike after one of your attacks is blocked, this
style has unique options beyond just reversal edges.
You can dodge and strike back simultaneously with Hwu Dye (1B+K) against
a high or vertical attack, or Vengeful Lian Hua (11_44_77B)
against a short-range attack.
Hwu Dye 1B+K
1B+K - Attack Level:
Impact
Damage
Block
Hit
Counter
Guard Burst
24
24
-8
4
4
2%
Tech Crouch
Vengeful Lian Hua 11_44_77B
(1)_(4)_(7)B - Attack Level:
Impact
Damage
Block
Hit
Counter
Guard Burst
32
36
-20
KND
STN
15%
In addition, Muu Jiann Retreat (4A+B),
Fluttering Lan Se Ren (2A+B), and Twin Mei Hua (6A+B) have guard
impact properties during the opening motion, so use them to deflect an incoming
attack and score a lethal hit, which will restore your guard stamina.
Muu Jiann Retreat 4A+B
4A+B - Attack Level:
Impact
Damage
Block
Hit
Counter
Guard Burst
26
18,20
-12
STN
STN
14%
[4-10] vs horizontal H M. on successful .
Fluttering Lan Se Ren 2A+B
2A+B - Attack Level:
Impact
Damage
Block
Hit
Counter
Guard Burst
28
20
-12
STN
STN
12%
[4-8] vs L. LH on successful .
Twin Mei Hua 6A+B
6A+B - Attack Level:
Impact
Damage
Block
Hit
Counter
Guard Burst
22
16,20
-16
STN
STN
8%
[4-12] vs vertical H M. on successful . Tech Crouch
Bait and Retaliate Against a Reversal Edge
Close-range combos like Emperor's Lament (BBB) into Lapis Chime
(BBK), or Rippling Chant (6BA) into Still Water (6BB) are
difficult to defend against, and many opponents will attempt a reversal edge. If
you sense a reversal edge coming, switch stances with Emperor's Lament ~ Silent
Xia Sheng (BB[B]) or Still Water ~ Playful Xia Sheng (6B2) and use
Great Wall (during Silent Xia Sheng or Playful Xia Sheng A+B). This will avoid
the reversal edge and deliver a lethal hit.
Emperor's Lament/ ~ SXS BBB/BB[B]
BBB - Attack Level:
Impact
Damage
Block
Hit
Counter
Guard Burst
14
12,12,12,14
-6
4
4
3%
BB(B) - Attack Level:
Impact
Damage
Block
Hit
Counter
Guard Burst
14
12,12,12
-6
4
4
1%
into SXS
Lapis Chime BBK
BBK - Attack Level:
Impact
Damage
Block
Hit
Counter
Guard Burst
20
12,12,16
-8
4
10
1%
Tech Crouch
Still Water ~ PXS 6B2
6B2 - Attack Level:
Impact
Damage
Block
Hit
Counter
Guard Burst
18
16
-16
-6
4
2%
into PXS
PXS or SXS ~ Great Wall PXS or SXS A+B
SXS A+B - Attack Level:
Impact
Damage
Block
Hit
Counter
Guard Burst
30
38
-16
KND
KND
9%
on counter hitting or whiff punishing a reversal edge
Critical Edge
Sublimating Blade
Properties
A blindingly fast critical edge with relatively short reach. It can be used in air
combos or as a counter after blocking an attack.
Sublimating Blade A+B+K
A+B+K - Attack Level:
Impact
Damage
Block
Hit
Counter
Guard Burst
12
75
-20
-
-
8%
Tips
This is a guaranteed hit after an opponent attempts to block the break attack
Waterfall (during Silent Xia Sheng [B]). Remember this while on the offensive in
Silent Xia Sheng. Use the speed of this attack to your advantage, especially when
the opponent moves in to attack.
SXS ~ Waterfall SXS [B]
SC SXS (B) - Attack Level:
Impact
Damage
Block
Hit
Counter
Guard Burst
46
62
STN
STN
STN
-
Soul Charge
Even Greater Close Combat Power
Wind Blossom Song's (during soul charge AABB) follow-up does
increased damage on a counter hit. Qing Quake Step (during soul charge
AABK) is another follow-up that is strong against a reversal edge, letting
you maintain pressure.
Wind Blossom Song SC AABB
SC AABB - Attack Level:
Impact
Damage
Block
Hit
Counter
Guard Burst
10
8,10,10,9,24
-12
4
10
5%
Qing Quake Step SC AABK
SC AABK - Attack Level:
Impact
Damage
Block
Hit
Counter
Guard Burst
10
8,10,10,9,39
10
STN
STN
10%
Melee hit of Quake is +10 on block
Easier Guard Crushes
You can use Radiant Ring (during soul charge 33_66_99A+BB) to quickly eat through the opponent's guard stamina and keep
up your assault.
Radiant Ring SC 33_66_99A+BB
SC (3)_(6)_(9)A+BB - Attack Level:
Impact
Damage
Block
Hit
Counter
Guard Burst
20
10,10,24,55
8
KND
KND
25%
Improved Juggles
The technique Shining Swallow (during soul charge 6KBB) also becomes
available. Using it after a launcher like Lian Hua Upper (3B) will cause you to
slam your opponent back to the ground where you can keep attacking.
After a high launcher like Mei Guei Hua (while crouching 3B), you can also hit
them with Scintillating Waterfall (during soul charge 33_66_99B+KB).
Shining Swallow SC 6KBB
SC 6KBB - Attack Level:
Impact
Damage
Block
Hit
Counter
Guard Burst
16
14,18,21
-12
KND
KND
10%
Scintillating Waterfall SC 33_66_99B+KB
SC (3)_(6)_(9)B+KB - Attack Level:
Impact
Damage
Block
Hit
Counter
Guard Burst
18
42,19
-12
STN
STN
10%
Tech Crouch
Windswept Blossom
A soul attack that unleashes a middle thrusting attack as it puts you into a soul
charged state. You can use 236A+B+KA to turn the second attack
into a horizontal attack, or cancel the second attack and shift to either Silent Xia Sheng or Playful Xia Sheng.
Windswept Blossom 236A+B+K
236A+B+K - Attack Level:
Impact
Damage
Block
Hit
Counter
Guard Burst
16
23
-12
4
4
9%
236A+B+KA - Attack Level:
Impact
Damage
Block
Hit
Counter
Guard Burst
16
23,17
-2
8
STN
3%
236A+B+KaG - Attack Level:
Impact
Damage
Block
Hit
Counter
Guard Burst
16
23
-10
6
6
9%
236A+B+Ka2 - Attack Level:
Impact
Damage
Block
Hit
Counter
Guard Burst
16
23
-10
6
6
9%
into PXS
Unlike the soul charge performed with 4A+B+K, this attack allows you to
power up your moves and still stay close to the opponent to keep the pressure on
them.
Reversal Edge
Following Up with A
Palace Rhythm (after reversal edge hits AA) and Jewel Song (after reversal
edge hits AB) are middle and low break attacks. If the opponent uses a guard
impact for the second attack, use AaG to face away from them and keep up
your attack.
Palace Rhythm RE AA
RE AA - Attack Level:
Impact
Damage
Block
Hit
Counter
Guard Burst
-
20,22
-4
KND
KND
33%
on hit in RE round 2 as the initiator. Tech Crouch
Jewel Song RE AB
RE AB - Attack Level:
Impact
Damage
Block
Hit
Counter
Guard Burst
-
20,20
-4
LNC
LNC
34%
Following Up with B
A middle attack with high damage that can be used to crush an opponent's guard.
Following Up with K
A kick that dodges B attacks. If you have a full soul gauge on a hit, it can be
chained with a critical edge. Pressing KB+K will switch to Hou Lee, which
will let you quickly move right up to your opponent while attacking.
If They Reversal Edge
If the opponent charges Reversal Edge, get into SXS/PXS as fast as you can and do A+B. Generally speaking, you achieve this by:
A[A] SXS A+B!
6B2 PXS A+B!
[B+K] SXS A+B!
This is a lethal hit that causes crumple. At this point, you can do a variety of exciting combos that deal so much damage you'll think you were playing a different character. Some examples include:
Note that if you plan to go for the second option, you gain HALF A BAR from the initial combo on the A[A] route (with the Lethal Hit granting you 25% meter off the bat). The [B+K] route gives you slightly less, and the 6B2 route gives you less than that. Lab your own situations!
(3)_(6)_(9)K - Attack Level: 
on hitting an opponent while they are side rolling
6K(A) - Attack Level: 
into BHH. 
vs vertical H M
A+G - Attack Level: 
BB(B) - Attack Level: 
