Time flew by. Three days had passed since Jiang Ping stepped into the Blade Qi Domain.
His comprehension of the Flying Snow Saber Technique had grown ever deeper, though it had yet to reach its limit.
Jiang Ping had asked Escort Huang about it. The ultimate state of Saber Qi for this Fast Saber was to control ten streams of Saber Qi at once.
Therefore, his Flying Snow Saber Technique was still far from complete. He still had a stretch of road ahead.
However, once one stepped into such a realm, one's understanding became entirely different. It was like beginning a brand-new journey, and all manner of novel sensations came easily.
In other words, advancement was relatively easy during the initial stage of a brand-new realm.
For example, in just these three short days, he had mastered another two streams of Saber Qi, and his strength had risen by another notch.
As for his Martial Dao cultivation, his progress in the Ninth Layer of the Nourishing Life Technique was also nearing halfway. He would soon reach Blood Qi Great Accomplishment.
Thus, Jiang Ping grew increasingly eager for a Stance Technique.
Buzz! Buzz!
Just then, a roar came from not far away at the Training Ground, followed by a burst of startled cries.
"That's Blade Light! Fang Yong has broken through!"
"What extraordinary talent. He's the first genius to reach Entry Level with the Flying Snow Saber and master Blade Light—he's even more impressive than Jiang Ping."
"Yeah. I thought Jiang Ping would be the first to break through."
In an instant, Fang Yong was once more "bathed in glory," surrounded by people offering congratulations.
There had originally been the most people watching Jiang Ping practice his blade, but now they all left, rushing over to watch Fang Yong's Blade Light.
Seeing Jiang Ping standing alone in the distance, Luo Tiegen could not help but laugh. "Brother Fang actually sensed several days ago that he was about to break through. He just didn't want me to say it."
"So that's how it is. As expected of a genius even the Head Escort thinks highly of. I thought Jiang Ping could stand shoulder to shoulder with him in blade art talent, but it seems Brother Fang is still a cut above."
Many people suddenly understood and became even more convinced that a genius like Fang Yong excelled in every aspect.
"You all, stand farther back. Next, I'll test the power of an Entry Level Fast Saber."
Fang Yong stood at the center of the crowd, a wooden blade in hand, his head held high and chest thrust out.
At once, everyone made a broad space for this genius. Even Jiang Ping was squeezed to the edge of the square.
In a flash, the Training Ground became Fang Yong's personal blade art performance.
"Watch carefully." Though he claimed he was testing his blade art, this genius demonstrated while explaining its mysteries, drawing repeated gasps of amazement.
"Using one mind for two purposes—there's no doubt now. Fang Yong has the greatest talent among us. Jiang Ping's blade may have its exceptional points, but before Fang Yong, it still pales into obscurity." Someone praised Fang Yong, not forgetting to trample Jiang Ping while lifting the other up.
After all, the two had previously seemed evenly matched in blade art and were often compared. Now the difference was obvious: Fang Yong was more outstanding and had completed his breakthrough first.
Some people also noticed that Liu Wensheng, who had often discussed blade art with Jiang Ping before, was now watching Fang Yong practice with rapt attention.
They could not help turning back to look at Jiang Ping, the blade master who was quickly becoming "yesterday's news."
The result was quite unexpected. This young man did not seem disappointed in the least. He even looked somewhat pleased.
"The stronger, the better."
Jiang Ping was naturally happy. The more Fang Yong stood in the spotlight, the more Jiang Ping could quietly develop beneath the scorching sun. Even if his blade art "broke through" in a few days, these people would probably still think first of Fang Yong, who had broken through before him.
"In a few more days, I'll naturally reveal my Entry Level Flying Snow Saber and become an escort to earn silver."
Jiang Ping made up his mind.
If this had been before he joined the Escort Agency, he would definitely have preferred to lie low until the half-year term ended.
But now that his talent had fully awakened, he no longer resisted going on Escort Missions. Instead, he had gained a measure of confidence.
Moreover, escort missions were also the most reasonable way for him to quickly earn silver and raise his strength.
"I understand now. Fang Yong truly is worthy of being called a genius—he has quite the bearing of a famous master."
At that moment, someone spoke in delight, seemingly having grasped a thing or two from Fang Yong's blade art.
Hearing this, many people watched even more intently.
Another two days passed.
Over these two days, the most popular person to watch practice his blade had changed from Jiang Ping to Fang Yong, and Fang Yong attracted the vast majority of spectators and learners.
Fang Yong seemed to enjoy this atmosphere. He gladly answered many people's questions.
"Brother Fang is still better. Unlike some people—when I asked him questions, he could barely be bothered to answer. Wasn't it just because he had the tiniest shred of talent?" Luo Tiegen glanced at Jiang Ping, who had only a scattered few people watching him in the distance, and laughed. His voice rose several degrees.
"What a petty villain!"
In a corner of the Training Ground, Liu Wensheng, who was squatting nearby and watching Jiang Ping practice, grew rather angry and could not help cursing.
"He really is a petty villain. How did I ever drink and eat meat with him?"
The person sitting beside Liu Wensheng was also somewhat displeased.
It was none other than Sun Qi, who had once been quite arrogant.
However, after being surpassed one after another by Fang Yong, Jiang Ping, and the others, he had put away his ego and become simple and humble.
He also often watched Jiang Ping practice his blade.
"He was always a slick opportunist, a blade of grass bending with the wind. Seeing that Fang Yong's talent was too high, he chose to step on Jiang Ping to show his loyalty and take sides. If someone with even greater talent than Fang Yong appeared one day, this petty villain would definitely turn around without hesitation and step on Fang Yong instead."
Another person spoke. It was Qian Dele, who had once had minor friction with Jiang Ping but now seemed more willing to draw close to him.
Of course, his old friend Sun Zheng had steadfastly chosen to follow Fang Yong. He was very close to Luo Tiegen and was currently joining in to put down Jiang Ping.
"Well said." Liu Wensheng looked at the two beside him, then suddenly asked, "Speaking of which, Fang Yong's blade art is stronger. Why have you two chosen to watch my brother practice instead?"
"Don't talk about us, Liu. The day before yesterday, you 'neglected' Jiang Ping for an entire day while watching Fang Yong practice," Sun Qi countered.
Liu Wensheng's small face reddened slightly. Then he said earnestly, "If I hadn't watched for an entire day, how would I have known what insight my brother's blade art could give me?"
"Exactly."
Sun Qi nodded solemnly in agreement. "I also watched Fang Yong for quite a while. His understanding of blade art truly has profound aspects, but after watching for a long time, I felt that it was very different from Jiang Ping's blade art."
He glanced at Jiang Ping, who was practicing his blade by himself, his face full of respect. "Jiang Ping's blade seems to possess a kind of magic. It's as if it points straight at the essence, allowing me to go farther."
"I feel the same. Fang Yong's blade only feels strong to me, but it cannot enlighten me. Jiang Ping's blade, on the other hand, turns complexity into simplicity. It's easy to comprehend."
Qian Dele nodded in agreement as well. From time to time, he looked toward the young man practicing his blade, his gaze carrying a trace of admiration.
"Right. It's nothing like what Luo Tiegen said. Watching Jiang Ping practice doesn't require him to explain anything. Watch for a while, and you'll naturally feel as though the clouds have parted and the sky has cleared." Sun Qi added, then smiled as his thoughts shifted.
"If I watch Jiang Ping a while longer, I reckon I'll reach Entry Level too."
"Me too!" Qian Dele felt the same way.
"I understand now." Liu Wensheng propped up his chin and said, "Only those whose Flying Snow Saber is nearing Entry Level can experience the marvels within my brother's blade art."
"But..." He frowned again, uncertain. "If people like us, who are about to reach Entry Level in blade art, can still improve through my brother's blade art, then he..."
"You guessed right."
At that moment, Jiang Ping suddenly stopped, turned around, and smiled. "I can feel it. Within two days, my blade art will reach Entry Level."
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