Chapter 721: Midnight Martial Competition: Testing the Edge (21)

"If the two of them meet, it's either death or injury…"

San Yue Qi scratched her head: "I don't want to be too rude… but after watching this drama for so long, I really want to see who wins and who loses between the two of them."

"Quiet down in front of the guests! I, the old man, presented the treasured sword to glorify the martial performance ceremony, not to listen to your quarrels, which damage the alliance. Though both of you are confident you won't lose to the other, the arena always yields one victory and one defeat, inevitably harming harmony. I have an idea—"

Huai Yan brushed his white beard: "Although the winner hasn't been revealed, and it may not be either of you, if you want that prize, I want you to jointly train a disciple, have him appear at the martial performance ceremony, and at least secure one victory."

Yun Li and Yan Qing said in unison: "Where's the logic in that?"

"In my humble opinion, it's delightful for the Cloud‑Riding Swordsman Zhuoran to stand atop victory; but passing on the skill, letting it branch out and benefit others, is far more valuable." Huai Yan shifted his tone, "If this person can represent the train with Cloud‑Riding Sword Technique at the ceremony and showcase his prowess, I would be greatly pleased!"

Jing Yuan also agreed: "Huai Yan's idea is indeed interesting. Teaching a disciple shows cooperative spirit. That way, the victor gains something, and the loser doesn't return empty‑handed. The question is, which of the two should take a disciple?"

Dan Heng and Xing simultaneously glanced at the San Yue Qi in the middle.

"Huh? Who? Me? Me?"

San Yue widened her eyes and, bewildered, scratched her head.

——

Genshin.

"Yes, this one! This is exactly what I want to see!"

Fu Ning Na's eyes lit up, she set down the troupe's script on the table, and said, "Zero‑basis introduction! If San Yue Qi Xiaojie can master it, perhaps I could also learn a move or two from Teacher Yan Qing and Yun Li!"

"Next time on the stage of Ou Bi Ke Lai Opera House, maybe I could add a more spectacular sword‑dance segment! And…" she lowered her voice a bit, with a hint of excitement, "…when I go out alone, I'll have more confidence. When I've made some progress, perhaps I could give that 'local legend' a good lesson!"

Nearby, Na Wei Ya was equally enthusiastic: "It's indeed interesting, but my weapons are axe and spear, which don't seem to fit swordsmanship…"

"A two‑handed sword is still a sword." Ke Luo Lin De reminded from beside, "I think Miss Yun Li's sword style suits you; one wields an axe, the other a massive blade, and the aura is quite similar."

"Eh hey… I'll take that as a compliment."

"However, if you're truly interested in swordsmanship, I can teach you—provided you're willing to put in the effort." Ke Luo Lin De drew her single‑handed sword named "Pardon", "My sword art is inherited from the Shadow‑Chasing Hunters; although it differs greatly from the Luofu Celestial Boat's sword art, it will certainly boost you."

"Really?!" Fu Ning Na rushed closer to Ke Luo Lin De, her heterochromatic eyes sparkling, "Ke Luo Lin De, does the Shadow‑Chasing Hunter's sword art have any quick‑learn techniques? Like, after ten days or half a month, one could 'swish' and defeat an opponent!" She finished with a dashing sword swing.

"Pfft—!" Na Wei Ya looked at the eager Fu Ning Na with helpless amusement.

Ke Luo Lin De was silent for a moment, apparently pondering the feasibility of a "quick‑learn" plan. In the end she shook her head: "The Shadow‑Chasing Hunter's sword art, I'm afraid, won't work. But—"

She flicked her wrist, and her signature gun‑spear appeared in her hand.

"…Perhaps this could work."

——

General Huai Yan nodded: "Earlier I saw San Yue Xiaojie taking a keen interest in your duel on the arena. How about you teach her the basics of swordsmanship?"

"…Eh? Hey! The old general can't be serious?" San Yue Qi was stunned as if the drama had turned on her, "Why am I suddenly dragged into this? I've never practiced sword! Zero basis! Can I even learn? Won't I end up disgracefully expelled from the sect?"

"Why not choose me?" Xing pointed at herself.

"This youngster's bone and tendon network is… rather unique. Are you also interested in swordsmanship?" Huai Yan said leisurely, "But in my many years of judging people, you needn't study sword art to supplement strength… hardly anyone in this world can point you the right path. As for San Yue Xiaojie… she's still an uncut jade."

"Thank you, General Huai Yan, for your generosity. Yun Li and Yan Qing originally intended to settle a win‑or‑lose battle, and now they have to turn around and teach me swordsmanship; doesn't that waste the two of them's training time? Moreover, I've heard swordsmen each have their own signature moves; if I accidentally reveal them while being taught, everyone will know each other's tricks, and when we fight, wouldn't that make the moves unusable?" San Yue Qi worried.

Yun Li: "San Yue Qi, you're quite considerate. Don't worry, even after ten or so years of diligent training you might still not master a signature move. Don't be afraid; with the might of Zhu Ming sword technique, just learn a few moves from me and you'll benefit endlessly."

"R‑really?"

San Yue seemed completely moved.

"Hehe, that's exactly about knowing each other's strengths. A single move on the arena to defeat an opponent is so weak! Moreover, a swordsman's life isn't decided by some 'signature move', but by solid fundamentals."

Jing Yuan looked at the anxious disciple beside him: "So, Miss Yun Li has agreed. Yan Qing, what do you think?"

Yan Qing lowered his head: "General… I have not yet taken a disciple; I lack the qualification to teach swordsmanship to others."

——

One Punch Man.

This kid still isn't confident enough.

Thus line: Yuanzǐ Wushi sighed lightly, "They say 'youthful recklessness'; ever since Yan Qing challenged those senior masters, his sharp edge has vanished. While it's good for youngsters to temper their brilliance, this is perhaps too excessive."

In his view, Yan Qing's strength would be solidly S‑rank on Earth; the Sword Saints would definitely be the first to recruit him. With such power, not only teaching a disciple but even founding a sect would receive their full support.

"Having received General Jing Yuan's true transmission and the guidance of Jing Liu, plus his high comprehension, he's already one of the few masters on the Celestial Boat. Yet he has never been a teacher; now he fears that teaching could ruin a disciple and tarnish the general's reputation, right?" Juhe An offered his opinion from beside.

"Hmm… that's true. Yet archery and swordsmanship aren't solely about arm strength; they both rely on waist power. San Yue Qi's arrows are accurate and steady, so her core muscles must be well‑trained. As long as she practices diligently, her sword‑learning progress won't be slow, and Yan Qing should have some confidence in San Yue Qi."