Ever-Changing! Utterly Baffled!

Li Bufan's heart tightened. He cupped his fists and said, "Yes, Master. This disciple understands."

He said nothing more, because he knew that the higher Xie Qisha's demands of him, the greater his expectations were. He could not disappoint his Master.

Xie Qisha looked at him, a trace of gratification flashing through his eyes. Though this disciple was young, his temperament was steady; neither arrogant nor impetuous, he was a promising talent.

Just as he was about to wave Li Bufan away, Li Bufan spoke again. "Master, this disciple has one more question."

Xie Qisha raised a brow. "You brat, why do you have so many questions? Go on, ask."

Li Bufan said, "Master, when this disciple took the Core Disciple assessment before, I felt that the pressure at five thousand zhang was even greater than the pressure I now feel at eight thousand zhang. Why is that?"

At his words, Xie Qisha laughed. There was a hint of teasing in that laughter. "So that's what this is about. I had someone arrange it. I knew your potential was extraordinary, so I wanted to push you. The pressure you felt there was actually his saber intent layered atop Blade Peak's own saber intent, strong enough to rival the intensity at nine thousand zhang on Blade Peak."

Li Bufan smacked his forehead, suddenly enlightened. "Ah, so that's how it was! This disciple thought there was something wrong with my saber intent. So it was Master's arrangement."

Xie Qisha waved a hand. "Any other questions?"

Li Bufan thought for a moment, then shook his head. "No. Thank you for your guidance, Master."

Xie Qisha nodded and swept his sleeve. A gentle force enveloped Li Bufan. In the next instant, Li Bufan's vision blurred, and when he regained his senses, he was already