Chapter 26: Chap 26

As I thought, this flimsy sword is ill-suited for my strength. If I want to mobilise my power like I used to, I either have to strengthen the blade further with qi or pick up something at the same calibre as my old pal. The latter should be delayed till I get taller, the former though will take a lot more time. Still, to be able to use a fraction of that strength with this level of weapon, qi is truly interesting. Even if I couldn’t improve the quality of my enhancement, obtaining mid qi manipulation would result in another great leap in power. To achieve that goal… there is only diligently putting qi manipulation into practice. That will be an issue… for this sword. Back to feet and fists, I guess.

Both Li Cao and I were in sync. We launched at each other. It appears he spotted the issue at my end. His blade aims at my limbs and body more than the sword. The Lightning Slash, as Yin Lin called, and the Invisible Sword work in tandem to deny my approach. The tactic was the same as before, but he dared not get too far. Any slip and my sword will howl once again. Meanwhile, medium and long range can be dodged. Even when push comes to shove, another knifehand can cancel the qi blade like I did to Yin Yu. My compliment. He knows his opponent well.

As we exchanged attacks, Li Cao began to pick up the patterns in my moves. Having only lower qi manipulation as the extra hand, I have to alternate between sword strengthening and foot gripping. To not blow myself back like when I punched Yin Yu, I have to choose either the left or the right foot whichever was the pillar at the time my fist struck. Diverting the qi from the sword to the foot or from one foot to another requires time. These windows of delay were actively exploited by Li Cao to prepare his response, either a dodge or a counter. I believe he also realised I couldn’t swing my sword any way other than an upward slash. Unless I use my qi to keep one of my feet immobilised, the counterforce of my other sword strike will throw me off balance. If I use qi on my foot, then I can’t protect my sword against my own strength. It’s not like my qi can grant absolute protection but without it, I won’t be able to use the sword for more than ten times. With so much restriction on me, Li Cao gained ground. I had to carefully make room to bring out the occasional wind bursts to disrupt our state and restore the deadlock.

These endeavours though are not without suffering. Several minor cuts chipped in. In return, the prolonged fight accumulated positive effects on my qi manipulation. Diverting my qi from time to time got my body more acquainted to the qi. I even developed shortcuts in controlling them. Overall, the speed of my qi was turned up a notch.

The pace at which he pushes me slows down. However, I still have to rely on my sword to make breathing room. This sword, my lifeline, isn’t looking too good. There is no change in its appearance but I know the stress is building up. Even so, it’s my only card to stay in the game, for example right at this moment. 

My sword roars once more.

To my shock, Li Cao’s look is far sharper than previously. With no hesitation, he unleashes the qi blade right at my wind blade. Li Cao had expected this, so we let loose at the same time.

If my blade is akin to a wild beast trampling over the terrain with its barbaric might, then his qi blade is a stern folk hero. As easy as an axe chopping through a wood log, his blade goes right through mine. The wind howl is cut short. My untamed strength was slain by his sharpness. Such qi puts a large cut from my shoulder vertically down my right chest.

“Yun An!” Senior Tian Zhong screamed.

“Yun An.”

“I am ok, senior Fang Yun. Please don’t interrupt the match.” I replied.

As my words confirmed the match would continue, he showers me with qi blades. His onslaught grazes at my skin as my qi-imbued hand barely deflects them.

This boy… At first, he went into the ring like a defeated man convinced himself he would be ok. Then, here he is, exuding confidence. As I adapted to the situation, he acclimated to my attacks. What can I say, I showed my card too often. It was certain he would think of something. This prolonged fight isn’t only beneficial to me.

I smile inside. This is it. The risk of having your back against the wall, one of the motivations that kept my previous life aflame. 

Li Cao, thank you. Thanks to having to constantly relocate my qi, I somewhat grasped the feeling of Mid qi manipulation. Turns out, it is the same as writing different letters using two hands. Of course, I am far from being able to do that reliably.

However, I will take this. I will gamble with my being. Either I will be denied victory or you will reward me with the ecstasy of overcoming the hardship.

I immobilise my foot. While keeping my focus on it, I divide a part of my attention to the sword, coating it with as much qi as my concentration can allow.

Li Cao, you had only seen me making the wind howled with an upward strike. How about a downward one this time? Will this be a surprise for you?

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My sword forces its way through the air, pulling a current behind it. Li Cao’s entire body shines even brighter than normal. The defensive mechanism should protect his life, but before my sword can trespass the space around his skin, it has to pass the blocking sword before it first.

When our sword meets, the first to shatter is mine. Ah, I am not surprised. It has received a lot of abuse today.

Then it is Li Cao’s turn to lose his sword. The storm my sword brought with it was strong.

Li Cao is then blown backward. Judging by the motion of his feet, he jumped back to assure his safety.

“That’s mid qi manipulation!”

“Didn’t she just barely step into lower qi manipulation the other day? How could she skip three levels in two days?!”

“What are you so surprised about? It’s Foundation stage. It’s the basics of basics. Anyone can easily skip them as long as they understand the principles.”

Setting aside the comments, I look at Li Cao. He lost his sword. If it’s a fist fight, I am confident he would be easier in spite of the injuries I received.

Li Cao bends down toward senior Fang Yun. “I give up.”

“What? Li Cao surrenders?”

“Can’t be helped. He is only known for his sword anyway.”

“Li Cao. Are you sure?”

“Yes, senior master.”

“This fight. I announce Dong Yun An win!”

“Well fight.”

“Li Cao thanks you for your guidance, junior master.” He lowered his head before me.

Hmm? This is new, the first time a sect disciple genuinely addresses me respectfully.

“I dare not.” I greeted him in return.

After neither of us straightened up, Fang Yun gave me the cue. Since Li Cao acknowledged me to be superior in rank, he couldn’t leave before me. I bid farewell to Li Cao and stepped out a victor.