Chapter 1381

"On the contrary, forcing me to draw my sword proves you are strong."

Ye Li gently shook her head, unbinding her high ponytail; her black hair cascaded like a waterfall, gleaming with smooth luster under the training ground's lights.

"Although I've suppressed my Yuan energy to Starlight Peak and used only the Wind Law and the first layer of the Destruction Law."

She tilted her head slightly, a strand of black hair slipping from her shoulder, adding further cold elegance, "but I am still a Nourishing Realm cultivator."

"The same first-layer law, when used by me, has entirely different power than when used by you."

She paused, her crimson lips pressing lightly, as if choosing her words, then added:

"If I truly faced you as a Starlight Peak cultivator back then, I might not have won."

Xu Jingming froze, surprised that this icy-sounding senior sister would evaluate him so highly.

Ye Li's gaze shifted slightly, scanning him from head to toe, then continued:

"Your combat power is strong, and your use of Lightning and Destruction Laws is exquisite—but..."

She furrowed her slender eyebrows slightly, a hint of confusion forming between them: "You've learned too many things."

"The ranged bombardment of an Elementalist, the close-quarters combat of a Warrior—what path are you truly pursuing?"

This was precisely what most astonished her.

Despite learning so many different techniques, Xu Jingming had still perfected them all.

If he had focused on just one path, how strong would he be?

"I want them all."

"Ranged combat handles groups; close combat excels in one-on-one."

"Different situations demand different combat styles."

Xu Jingming grinned.

"Oh?"

Ye Li raised her willow-like brows, a faint, elusive smile curving her lips, "This path is not an easy one."

"You're still at Starlight Stage now, and the number of techniques you need to master is small, so it's not difficult yet."

"When you enter the Star Stage and the Universe Stage, you'll realize time simply isn't enough—you can't possibly master both."

She crossed her arms, the curves beneath her black battle attire more pronounced, yet her tone remained icy.

"I have confidence in myself," Xu Jingming smiled.

Joke.

As long as he had enough Source Points, he would never hit a bottleneck.

"By the way, Senior Sister, what path do you follow?" Xu Jingming asked curiously, looking at her.

"At our level,"

"there's little real difference between the two paths—only the way we apply the Laws differs."

Ye Li said softly, "If I must name it, I follow the Warrior path, leaning toward close combat."

"I guessed as much."

Looking at the black longsword hovering behind Ye Li, Xu Jingming felt no surprise.

"Your spear technique is good, but you haven't reached the realm of 'Spear Intention.'"

"If you enter this realm, your close combat will grow even stronger."

Ye Li's beautiful eyes carefully scanned Xu Jingming from head to toe.

Warriors differ from Elementals—their first and foremost requirement is physical prowess!

As a Nourishing Peak powerhouse, she had seen countless prodigies.

Xu Jingming's physique was the strongest she had ever seen in the Starlight Stage.

And he hadn't even trained the Source Core Secret Scripture yet—if he succeeded, his physique would strengthen further!

Currently, the only weakness in Xu Jingming's Warrior path is his weak spear technique.

"Spear Intention?"

Xu Jingming's expression froze, "What's that?"

"It's hard to explain in words."

Upon hearing this, Ye Li raised her jade hand lightly; the black longsword slid into her palm like a swimming fish.

The instant her fingers closed, the entire training ground plunged into absolute silence.

The insect chirps thirty kilometers away, Ye Li's breathing, even the sound of air particles moving—all vanished.

Xu Jingming's pupils contracted sharply.

He felt no trace of Yuan energy or Law activation from Ye Li!

"Watch closely."

Ye Li uttered softly.

As the blade rose, it traced an invisible path.

At the moment the tip reached its highest point, Xu Jingming felt every cell in his body screaming warnings at him!

Though the blade still hung several meters away, he felt a piercing pain at his throat—as if a sharp blade pressed against it.

"What is this...?"

Xu Jingming's Adam's apple moved, finding even swallowing difficult.

"This is Intention."

Ye Li flicked her blade sideways; countless sword marks suddenly appeared in the air!

"It is not Law, not Yuan energy—it is the resonance between you and your weapon."

Suddenly, she reversed her grip and slashed—the black blade vanished mid-strike.

In its place were three hundred and twenty-seven emerald sword beams, as if piercing heaven and earth!

Xu Jingming's body hair stood on end.

Those sword beams appeared chaotic, yet precisely avoided every strand of his hair.

The nearest sword beam skimmed past his earlobe, leaving not a single scratch.

"The same applies to spear intent."

Ye Li sheathed her sword, and all the phenomena vanished instantly:

"Your spear technique is good—you've put in the work."

But you've probably noticed yourself: spear technique is still just technique, the application of various weapon skills.

Once perfected, all techniques merge and flow as one, yet cannot advance further.

The next stage of spear technique is the awakening of 'spear intent.'"

As Ye Li finished speaking, Xu Jingming felt profound shock.

Perhaps because his former teacher Lu Wen and his senior brother Jiesi both followed the elemental master path.

He had never even known that beyond spear technique lay the realm of spear intent!

"Generally speaking, regardless of the weapon, intent is first encountered at the Star Stage."

You're currently at the peak of Star Radiance—this is not too early to begin."

The academy's secret scripture repository holds three texts: 'Initial Exposition of Spear Intent,' 'Distinction Between Law and Intent,' and 'Weapon Resonance.'

You have 500,000 points as a reward for clearing the Star Abyss Death Realm."

These three texts are not expensive for you—only about 200,000 points each."

With these texts, you should be able to awaken spear intent within a century."

Ye Li advised.

Xu Jingming finally came to his senses, slightly embarrassed:

"I've spent nearly all my points—I'll need some time before I can buy these texts."

"Spent that fast?" Ye Li was surprised.

"I'm planning to enter the Heaven's Punishment Thunder Realm—most of my points went toward equipment."

Xu Jingming explained.

"To the Heaven's Punishment Thunder Realm? You really should upgrade your gear."

Ye Li raised her hand, activated her smart wristwatch, made a few adjustments, then spoke:

"I've transferred you 300,000 points—repay me whenever you have surplus points later."

Hum~~

Xu Jingming's smart forearm bracer vibrated slightly—indeed, a notification confirmed 300,000 points credited!

"Thank you, Senior Sister!" he hurried to say.

This Senior Sister Ye Li appeared icy and cold, yet inwardly warm-hearted.

"No need to thank me—I also hope you improve your strength quickly."

Ye Li turned, her long, straight legs stepping forward with graceful sway, "Come, next I'll guide you in the cultivation of the Source Core Secret Scripture."

Xu Jingming immediately followed after her.