When Fang Yuan stepped into Zhengyang Martial Arts School, there were not many people in the courtyard. Only a handful of disciples who had arrived especially early were practicing their martial arts with focused concentration.
When they saw him return, they were all taken aback. Then they stopped what they were doing and cupped their fists in greeting, a trace of barely perceptible awe and eagerness in their eyes.
During the past few days when Fang Yuan had been away, they had not seen him practice his saber. Whenever they sparred, they always felt as though something was missing.
Even their saber practice seemed to lack that fierce drive capable of forcing out one's potential.
Fang Yuan returned the gesture without saying much. He walked by himself to an open patch of ground, took a deep breath, and slowly began practicing the Five Tiger Severing Gate Saber Technique.
The saber moved with his body, and his qi and blood surged along with it. After several sets, he felt the qi and blood throughout his body growing ever more vigorous and lively.
Like water brought to a rolling boil, it faintly felt as though it was about to break through some kind of boundary.
He withdrew his stance and stood still. Looking at the chopping knife in his hand, covered in chips and nearly ruined, he murmured, "Looks like it really is time to get a new blade."
"Junior Brother Fang, it seems that even while escorting shipments these past few days, you did not set your martial arts aside." A deep, resonant voice sounded from nearby.
Fang Yuan turned and saw Zhao Tie standing with his arms crossed, leaning against a corridor pillar as he watched, approval in his eyes.
With his eyesight, he could naturally sense the vigorous qi