ebookslot Chapter 37 The Perfection of Swordsmanship
Chapter 37 The Perfection of Swordsmanship
In that critical duel, Wang Dao, with his extremely focused mind and precise sword strikes and dodges, finally managed to collect one hundred Origin Points.
With a thought, the source points on the panel instantly dropped to zero, and the proficiency of the Flowing Light Illusionary Dust Sword jumped from minor to major in an instant.
A profound understanding of the true meaning of swordsmanship surged into his mind like a sudden enlightenment, and the divine radiance of the Dragon Abyss Sword in his hand grew even more intense.
Wang Ming's Sky-Splitting Slash, carrying unparalleled power, roared in. However, to Wang Ming's astonishment, the sword, powerful enough to split mountains and shatter rocks, actually missed its target.
What it struck was merely a fading afterimage, a phantom figure imbued with a faint trace of sword intent.
This is a killing move that can only be used after the Flowing Light and Illusory Dust Sword has reached its peak – Yesterday's Afterimage.
By moving quickly and striking with the sword, a near-realistic afterimage is left behind, which can not only utterly confuse the enemy's vision, but if attacked, the afterimage will also explode into several fine sword energies, launching a weak counterattack.
In a duel between masters, it's hard to tell who's real and who's fake; one wrong step and you'll be in a position of no return.
Wang Dao's true form had already appeared behind Wang Ming. He seized the opportunity, and the Longyuan Sword in his hand was like a shooting star. The long sword swept across the sky with an indescribable sharpness, slashing straight at Wang Ming's waist.
"Clang!"
Wang Ming hastily returned to defense, and his longsword clashed fiercely with the Longyuan Sword, bursting out with dazzling sparks.
He felt an immense force emanating from the sword, which made his arm go numb and caused him to stagger backward several steps.
Just as the two clashed again, their swords flashing, and the battle seemed about to escalate—
A graceful figure, carrying a gentle yet undeniable aura, instantly entered between the two.
Zheng Wanqing, dressed in a peony and golden phoenix robe, with her wide sleeves fluttering, instantly separated the two with a gentle yet powerful force.
"Alright, alright, we're all brothers, let's just spar a bit, don't get really worked up."
Zheng Wanqing's voice was gentle, yet carried an undeniable authority. She first glared at Wang Ming, signaling him to stop, then grabbed Wang Dao's arm and pulled him to her side.
Wang Dao immediately concealed his sharp edge, and then pretended to be panting heavily, as if the fierce battle had exhausted all his strength.
However, a strange light flickered in his eyes. Under Zheng Wanqing's protection, he unceremoniously raised his middle finger at Wang Ming, a sly smile playing on his lips.
Wang Ming's eyes were bloodshot as he stared intently at Wang Dao, his eyes filled with resentment.
He believed that Wang Dao was no match for him in terms of endurance, and if the fight continued, he would surely be able to kill this piece of trash by virtue of his superior cultivation level.
"Unfortunately, Zheng Wanqing ruined it all!"
Ignoring Wang Ming's almost fiery glare, Zheng Wanqing turned to look at the panting Wang Dao, her beautiful eyes filled with a hint of inquiry and surprise:
"Dao'er, just now... did you master your swordsmanship?"
These words shocked everyone inside and outside the Hidden Dragon Pavilion.
Wang Qingyue's beautiful eyes shone even brighter, and her gaze towards Wang Dao was filled with disbelief.
Ji Mingyue looked surprised. Although she had sensed the improvement in the Kingly Sword Technique, she did not expect it to have reached the Great Perfection stage.
Liu Mei's face was ashen, and her heart was filled with turmoil.
Wang Ming was struck dumb, his face turned deathly pale, and his body stiffened like a stone.
He screamed inwardly, "Impossible! Absolutely impossible! How could this piece of trash have mastered swordsmanship in such a short time? How could someone at the Dragon Spine Realm do that?!"
However, Wang Dao's response shattered all his pride and illusions.
Wang Dao wiped away imaginary sweat from his forehead and smiled sincerely, "Hehe, Your Highness has a good eye! I did gain some insights during the duel just now and have mastered the Flowing Light Illusionary Dust Sword."
He paused, then turned his gaze to Wang Ming, a smug, almost punchable smile on his face. "This is all thanks to my older brother's sparring. If it weren't for his hard work, I'm afraid I'd still be lacking a bit of skill!"
Upon hearing this, Wang Ming felt a sweet taste in his throat, followed by a rush of salty, metallic flavor, which almost made him vomit blood on the spot.
He pointed at Wang Dao, his lips trembling, but he couldn't utter a single word. All that remained in his mind was an endless barrage of "damn it!"
Meanwhile, deep within the armory, Elder Wu sat cross-legged amidst a pile of ancient books, his eyes slightly closed.
However, a faint yet extremely sharp sword intent seemed to transcend space, instantly disturbing his meditation.
He suddenly opened his eyes, two beams of light shooting out from them, piercing through numerous obstacles and landing on the chaotic battlefield of Qianlong Pavilion, accurately locking onto Wang Dao's figure.
A look of wild joy instantly appeared on Old Wu's weathered face. His beard trembled as he muttered to himself:
"Could it be that Heaven took pity on this old man and delivered such a sword prodigy right to my doorstep?"
The swordsmanship talent that Wang Dao had just displayed had already won his approval; the princess had indeed found him a good successor.
Even when Wang Ming joined the Taihao Sword Sect, he didn't give him a second glance, thinking he was just an ordinary genius.
But the sword intent that Wang Dao was unleashing at this moment gave him a glimpse of a different future.
Old Wu stroked his beard, his eyes gleaming: "Perhaps... it's time to go and have a chat with that kid."
Inside the dilapidated Hidden Dragon Pavilion, Wang Dao reveled in the moment when everyone was watching.
His full head of black hair danced wildly, his pores radiating a faint divine glow, like a war god descending.
His gaze swept over the crowd, finally landing on Ji Mingyue, and a big smile appeared on his face.
"My swordsmanship has improved today, thanks not only to my elder brother's meticulous training,"
Wang Dao deliberately emphasized the words "carefully accompanied the student," which angered Wang Ming so much that he swayed and almost fainted.
"I also want to express my special thanks to Her Highness the Princess for the Dragon Blood Body Strengthening Pill! It truly lives up to its reputation as a supreme treasure for body refinement. One pill is enough to compensate for several months of my arduous cultivation, replenishing my blood and energy, which enabled me to sustain myself until the very end!"
Ji Mingyue's lips twitched at Wang Dao's high-profile thanks, and a fleeting hint of embarrassment crossed her exquisite face.
Wang Ming, on the other hand, stared intently at Ji Mingyue with bloodshot eyes, looking heartbroken, as if questioning her:
"Why did you give him the pill?!"
Suppressing her helplessness, Ji Mingyue cleared her throat, maintained her princess-like composure, and said calmly:
"My father has taken pity on my seventh son and bestowed upon him a precious medicine to aid his cultivation. I am merely passing it on on his behalf."
Zheng Wanqing rolled her beautiful eyes at Ji Mingyue, but inwardly thought, "You'd be a fool to believe that! Father's favor? He's clearly just trying to support your little man!"
Then, Zheng Wanqing turned her gaze to Wang Dao, a gentle smile on her face.
"Dao'er, the Hidden Dragon Pavilion has been destroyed by you and Ming'er. It's now in ruins and needs time to be repaired."
"You shall stay at Tingfeng Pavilion for the next few days."
Upon hearing this, both Wang Dao and Ji Mingyue were stunned. They looked at each other, clearly bewildered by this sudden arrangement.
Before the two could react, Wang Ming suppressed his anger and spoke in a deep voice:
"Your Highness's arrangement is inappropriate! Tingfeng Pavilion is the residence of Her Highness the Eldest Princess; how can other men be allowed to enter?"
His tone carried a subtle warning.
Zheng Wanqing smiled gently, like a spring breeze, yet her words held a hidden sharpness: "Ming'er, you are mistaken."
"Dao'er is no other man, but a member of the royal family. Mingyue has come here to take a good look at Xiao Qi on behalf of His Majesty."
"Besides, Tingfeng Pavilion isn't just one room, what's there to be afraid of?" she said, her beautiful eyes narrowing slightly as she looked at Ji Mingyue with a playful glint in them, and asked, "Mingyue, you should be alright, right?"
Contrary to Wang Ming's expectations, Ji Mingyue did not fly into a rage. Instead, she remained calm, her cold, star-like eyes undisturbed.
She nodded slightly, her voice clear and calm: "When in Rome, do as the host says. Everything will be arranged by the Princess."