Guidance

"Clang-clang-clang..."

On the deck of the large ship, swords and sabers clashed, sending bursts of metallic ringing into the air.

In the center, a young swordsman in white robes and a blade-wielder in blue were sparring on their own, their flashing steel drawing cheers from the finely dressed young masters and ladies watching around them.

"Excellent! Brother Ling's 'Swift Light Swordplay' grows ever more polished! I suspect he's already reached the second-stage Minor Accomplishment and will soon ascend to the second-stage Great Accomplishment, breaking through to the Great Accomplishment of Muscle Tendon Strengthening. I think Brother Ling will take this match."

Among the gathered young nobles, a smiling young master in white, holding a white fan, gazed at the white-robed swordsman and praised him aloud.

"Ah! Brother Zhang, you're mistaken there. Brother Ling's 'Swift Light Swordplay' is strong, but Brother Zhou's family heirloom 'Blazing Flame Saber' is no weakling either. Both are at Minor Accomplishment of Muscle Tendon Strengthening—who wins and who loses is still unknown!"

No sooner had the fan-holding young master Zhang finished speaking than another youth in purple robes chimed in.

"Right! I also think Brother Zhou's saber art is superior!"

"Not at all! Brother Ling's swordplay is far better!"

At their words, the other young masters and ladies quickly broke into heated whispers and arguments.

"Young Lady, what is your view?"

When the chatter reached its peak, a young master in the crowd smiled fawningly at a strikingly beautiful young woman who stood like the moon surrounded by stars, his eyes full of respect and admiration.

The Young Lady they spoke of was named Liu Yiyi, the youngest daughter of the current Prince Liu of Prince Liu's Estate. Though born a woman and thus without the right to inherit the title, she was inexplicably doted on by the Prince. On ordinary days, even the several strong candidates for the heir's position within the estate would not lightly offend her—such was her standing.

Beyond her extraordinary status, Liu Yiyi's Martial Path Talent was also exceptional. At just eighteen, she had already broken through to Great Accomplishment of Muscle Tendon Strengthening with her 'River Condensing Swordplay,' only a step away from the First-rate level of Blood Tempering in the martial world. Such strength made her the undisputed foremost among the crowd. With her identity and talent, even though everyone present was of no small standing, they still deferred to her and took pride in winning her favor.

Thus, when that young master steered the topic to Liu Yiyi, the others' eyes lit up, and they urged her on:

"Yes! Young Lady, who do you think has the better chance?"

"Young Lady, just a few casual remarks—it might help Brother Ling and Brother Zhou break through more easily!"

"Right! Sister Liu, just say a little something!"

The words swirled around Liu Yiyi. Seeing the young masters and young ladies all eagerly inviting her, she found it hard to refuse. Smiling, she said:

"Mm... very well. Since everyone so earnestly asks, Yiyi will offer a few casual observations. But let me say in advance—this is just one person's opinion. Take it as entertainment and don't take it to heart."

Liu Yiyi nodded with a smile, then turned her beautiful eyes to the sparring pair. After observing for a moment, she spoke:

"In truth, whether it's Ling Xiujing's 'Swift Light Swordplay' or Zhou Chuan's 'Blazing Flame Saber,' I've heard of both. They are extraordinary martial arts. Not just in Qinghe City, but across the entire north, they are renowned. In terms of the techniques themselves, they are evenly matched.

But techniques have no high or low—only people do.

Ling Xiujing broke through to the second-stage Minor Accomplishment of 'Swift Light Swordplay' noticeably earlier than Zhou Chuan did with 'Blazing Flame Saber.' His movements are not only more fluid but also faster and more powerful in his strikes. Clearly, he has tempered one more major sinew than Zhou Chuan.

So, in Yiyi's view, Ling Xiujing should win this match."

Liu Yiyi smiled faintly, her beautiful face brimming with confidence—clearly, she trusted her own judgment.

But just as she finished and the assembled young nobles were about to heap more praise, a discordant voice suddenly cut through.

"Not so. Though Ling Xiujing is slightly stronger, his mind is already unsettled. In my view, he will soon lose."

Beneath the large ship, Gu Han arrived in a small boat and spoke softly.

"How dare you! Questioning the Young Lady's words?"

"What reckless fool is this? Tired of living?"

"Come up here, boy! Fight me! Let's see what skill you have to dare question the Young Lady's judgment!"

The moment Gu Han's words fell, the young masters and young ladies on the deck erupted in righteous indignation, shouting curses at the cold-faced blade-wielder Gu Han was disguised as.

But in the next instant, the two sparring in the center shifted.

"Clang!"

Another metallic ring drew everyone's attention. The blue-robed youth Zhou Chuan suddenly erupted, seizing a flaw in Ling Xiujing's swordplay. With a fierce slash, he sent the longsword flying, then spun his blade and brought it to rest at Ling Xiujing's throat.

This match—Zhou Chuan wins!

"What! Zhou Chuan actually won!"

Seeing Ling Xiujing, flushed with shame and defeat, the crowd gasped in disbelief. Just moments ago, Ling Xiujing held the advantage and seemed on the verge of victory. Yet the moment this mysterious black-robed blade-wielder appeared, the tide of battle reversed completely, and the outcome was decided in an instant—truly incredible!

"You scabbard-toting rogue! Did you use some sorcery to make Brother Ling lose and embarrass the Young Lady?"

Seeing the white-robed swordsman defeated, a sweet-faced young lady in pink cried out loudly from the crowd.

"Qingyin, mind your manners. This gentleman has great talent and extraordinary skill—far beyond what Yiyi can match. Please accept Yiyi's bow!"

Liu Yiyi first scolded the pink-clad young lady, then, disregarding her noble status, actually bowed deeply toward Gu Han below the ship.

Having grown up in a noble household surrounded by experts, she had long developed sharp eyes. Though this man was young—seemingly under thirty—the extraordinary bearing he carried was far beyond ordinary people. It reminded her of the Internal Qi Realm grandmasters in her estate.

"Heh! You little girl, you do have some sense, unlike your underlings. Very well. Since you're on the verge of breaking through to Blood Tempering, and fate has brought us together, I'll offer you a few pointers to help you break through."

Looking at the polite, sincere Liu Yiyi, Gu Han chuckled lightly, as if guiding someone through Blood Tempering was a trivial matter—something he could do with ease.