When Xue Shilou talked about losing to the Carefree Wanderer, he didn't feel embarrassed at all. Instead, he seemed rather excited.
"I've nearly mastered my rake technique. Once I fully comprehend the swordsmanship hidden within it, the Carefree Wanderer won't be my match anymore."
"And once I comprehend the mysteries of the shovel technique, I'll become even stronger!"
Ever since he'd realized that his rake technique contained swordsmanship, Xue Shilou had felt his long-dormant sword heart stir to life. His understanding of the Sword Dao had grown with each passing day.
"I have Fellow Daoist Lu to thank for his guidance."
"Old Lu's guidance?" Meng Jingzhou looked at Lu Yang suspiciously. Something about this felt off. What did rake techniques have to do with sword techniques?
Lu Yang's expression remained calm. "Why are you looking at me? You don't understand anything about the Sword Dao."
Then Lu Yang changed the subject. "Go on, Fellow Daoist Xue. What's the third trial?"
"The third trial is to create a move that's uniquely your own. You can't pass off some trivial everyday spell as a proper move."
"According to the memories in my bloodline, the point is to test my creativity. I can't just inherit what came before—I have to surpass my predecessors."
"This third trial does sound pretty difficult," Lu Yang said. He counted up the moves he knew... and realized that they all seemed to be uniquely his own.
Xue Shilou took it in stride. "I'll take it one step at a time. You can't force this kind of thing."
"If I pass all three trials, I won't just become the Snow Emperor's successor; I'll also be able to ask the current Snow Emperor to grant me any wish."
"That really is a good deal."
"Alright, we've eaten enough. Time to