Zhang Yan had spent over twenty years searching for herbs out in the world. He had encountered nurous accomplished cultivators, and cut down many foes under his sword. It could be said that he had fought and killed his way through life. Such contests, devoid of life-and-death concerns, did not occupy his mind. Thus, he spoke calmly, as though it were no matter: "Yanyi, when I saw you sparring with Wan Zhang earlier, despite being forced into a disadvantage, I noticed that you remained composed, secretly prepared a spell while concealing it in your sleeve. It seems you still had the intent to make one last stand. Tell , did you study that flying sword killing technique, planning to strike unexpectedly when your opponent let their guard down and finish the fight with one decisive blow?"
Liu Yan Yi was astonished. She had thought she had acted stealthily, but unexpectedly, Zhang Yan had seen through it all. Filled with admiration, she said earnestly, "Master, your insight is truly vast. Indeed, that was my plan. Four years ago, under the guidance of my martial uncle, I traveled to Yingluo Island to study swordsmanship and learned several flying sword techniques. Yet, as these thods are profound and enigmatic, forgive your disciple’s limited aptitude—I have failed to grasp their essence. In the heat of battle, I dare not use them recklessly, and had to rely on cunning to win."
Back then, upon hearing that her esteed master had once mastered the Sixteen Swords technique with unparalleled skill, Liu Yan Yi felt imnse admiration. Thus, she resolved to study the flying sword techniques until she mastered them as well.
Within the Mingcang Sect, Yingluo Island hosted a sword conference every sixteen years, not only teaching swordsmanship but bestowing sword balls upon those with exceptional talents. Hearing of this, Liu Yan Yi eagerly made the journey.
Unfortunately, things did not go smoothly. Despite giving her all in several battles against a female disciple nad Yuan Yanhui, she ultimately fell just short and lost to her by the slightest margin—allowing Yuan Yanhui to win the sword ball.
After hearing Liu Yan Yi recount the details, Zhang Yan pondered in silence for a mont before shaking his head and saying, "You cannot be blad for this."
The Yingluo Island sword competition is far from fair. If my predictions are correct, Yuan Yanhui is likely just like Feng Ming back in the day—having received secret instruction from several elders and trained in swordsmanship for years in advance. In such circumstances, even if your talent is exceedingly high, how could you compete with her?"
Zhang Yan himself would have been no match for Feng Ming back then without the help of the Broken Jade.
He thought to himself, "Yanyi’s foundation is solid and steady, but when it cos to fighting others, she falls short. Judging from her words, her comprehension of flying sword techniques is not lacking. If she truly masters swordsmanship, it would indeed be a great fortune."
With that thought, his anticipation grew. He said warmly to Liu Yan Yi, "Disciple, demonstrate the sword techniques you’ve learned for ."
Liu Yan Yi lightly responded and imdiately complied. She ford a spell, and a point of white light flew out from the sachet she carried. Under her command, it transford into a streaking beam of light, darting to and fro, spiraling up and down like a soaring Jade Dragon, intricately dancing in midair as she showcased the sword moves she had learned from the True Origin Sword Scripture one by one.
Zhang Yan watched closely from the side and nodded silently to himself. It was evident that his disciple had put in considerable effort in private practice. Every move was precise and thodical, without the slightest mistake. The only shortcoming lay in the sword ball itself.
Flying sword techniques are easy to learn but difficult to master. Basic techniques can be wielded by anyone, but truly achieving a superior realm is rare. While many cultivators are limited by their natural talent and thus cannot progress, another critical factor is the extre rarity of high-quality sword balls.
Take Zhang Yan and Luo Xiao’s return journey to the mountain gate from the Water Country, for instance. They were intercepted by Shen Yuefeng, who attempted to kill them at the river crossing. Though Shen Yuefeng used a sword ball, its poor quality allowed Zhang Yan and Luo Xiao to destroy it together with the Heart-Hitting Hamr.
The sword ball in Liu Yan Yi’s possession was rely refined from White Essence. Although it allowed her to utilize various flying sword killing moves, it proved inadequate when facing powerful opponents, rendering it practically useless.
Fully aware of its flaws, she refrained from using it during her duel with Wan Zhang until she was cornered with no other choice. Only then did she act weak to lure him into complacency, preparing to unleash a surprise killing move to reverse the situation.
If she had a high-quality sword ball at hand, she would not have been compelled to resort to such tactics. She could have even used sword escape techniques to outmaneuver her opponent. But with the White Essence sword ball, such maneuvers were simply impossible.
Zhang Yan suddenly raised his voice and declared, "If one wishes to sharpen their craft, they must first refine their tools. Disciple, what you lack is no more than a high-quality sword ball. Back when I was at the Immortal Market, I acquired one. Today, I shall grant it to you."
He raised his hand and pointed, sending a beam of Clear Light flying toward Liu Yan Yi.
Liu Yan Yi let out a soft cry and opened her palm to accept the light. In her hand lay a shimring orb, glowing vibrantly, moving and jumping with life. Its coolness seeped into her heart, filling her with delight. She quickly knelt down and offered a formal bow, saying, "Disciple thanks Master for bestowing the sword ball."
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