Directly Pointing to the Essence

Time flew by. Three days had passed since Jiang Ping stepped into the Blade Qi Domain.

His comprehension of the Flying Snow Saber Technique grew ever deeper, though he had yet to reach its limit.

Jiang Ping had asked Escort Huang before: the ultimate state of Saber Qi for this Fast Saber was to simultaneously control ten streams of Saber Qi.

Therefore, his Flying Snow Saber Technique was not yet complete. He still had a stretch of road ahead.

However, once one stepped into such a domain, one's perception became markedly different. It was like setting foot on an entirely new road, easily giving rise to all kinds of fresh and strange sensations.

That was to say, during the initial stages of a brand-new domain, improvement came relatively easily.

For instance, in these mere three days, he had mastered two more streams of Saber Qi, and his strength had risen another notch.

As for his Martial Dao realm, his progress in the Ninth Layer of the Nourishing Life Technique was nearing halfway. His qi and blood would soon reach Great Accomplishment.

Thus, Jiang Ping grew ever more eager for a Stance Technique.

Buzzz!

Just then, a roar came from not far away at the Training Ground, followed by a burst of astonished cries.

"That's Blade Light! Fang Yong has broken through!"

"He truly is extraordinarily gifted. The first genius to gain entry into the Flying Snow Saber and master Blade Light—he's even more remarkable than Jiang Ping."

"Yeah. I thought Jiang Ping would be the first to break through."

In an instant, Fang Yong was once again crowned in glory, surrounded by onlookers offering their congratulations.

There had originally been the most people watching Jiang Ping practice his saber, but now they all left, rushing off 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 days ago that he was about to break through. It was only that Brother Fang didn't want me to say it."

"So that's how it is. No wonder he's a genius even the head escorts think highly of. I thought Jiang Ping could stand shoulder to shoulder with him in talent for the Blade Art, but now it seems Brother Fang is still a cut above."

Many people came to a sudden realization, becoming even more convinced that a genius like Fang Yong was outstanding in every respect.

"All of you, stand farther back. Next, I'll test the power of the entry-level Fast Saber."

Fang Yong stood in the center of the crowd, Wooden Blade in hand, head held high and chest thrust out.

At once, everyone made way for this genius, clearing out a broad space. Even Jiang Ping was squeezed to the edge of the square.

In the blink of an eye, the Training Ground became Fang Yong's lone stage for saber techniques.

"Watch carefully." Though he claimed he was testing the Blade Art, this genius demonstrated while explaining its subtleties, drawing repeated gasps of admiration from many people.

"Using one mind for two purposes—there's no doubt about it. Fang Yong has the greatest natural talent among us. Jiang Ping's saber may have its exceptional qualities, but before this man, it still pales into shadow." Someone praised Fang Yong while not forgetting to trample Jiang Ping to elevate him.

After all, their Blade Arts had previously seemed evenly matched, and people often compared them. Now, the difference had become clear: Fang Yong was the more outstanding one, having taken the lead in breaking through.

Some people also noticed that Liu Wensheng, who had often discussed the 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, this saber expert who would soon be "yesterday's news."

The result surprised them. This young man did not seem disappointed at all. On the contrary, he even seemed rather pleased.

"The stronger, the better."

Jiang Ping was naturally delighted. 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 been the first to break through.

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 certainly have preferred to lie low until the half-year term was over.

But with his talent now fully unleashed, he no longer resisted going on Escort Missions. Instead, he had gained a measure of confidence.

Moreover, escort missions were the most reasonable way for him to quickly earn silver and increase his strength.

"I've understood! Fang Yong truly deserves to be called a genius. He has quite the air of a famous master."

At that moment, someone spoke in delight, seeming to have 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 while practicing the saber had changed from Jiang Ping to Fang Yong, who drew the observation and study of the overwhelming majority.

Fang Yong seemed to enjoy this atmosphere. When faced with many people's questions, he gladly answered them.

"Brother Fang is still the best. Unlike someone else—I ask him questions, and he can barely be bothered to respond. Isn't it just because he has the tiniest shred of talent?" Luo Tiegen glanced at Jiang Ping, who had only a scattered few people watching him nearby, and laughed. His voice rose several notches.

"What a petty man!"

In a corner of the Training Ground, Liu Wensheng, who was squatting nearby and watching Jiang Ping practice, became quite angry and could not help cursing.

"He really is a petty man. How did I ever end up drinking and eating meat with him?"

The person sitting beside Liu Wensheng was also somewhat displeased.

It was none other than Sun Qi, who had once been rather arrogant.

However, ever since Fang Yong, Jiang Ping, and the others had successively surpassed him, he had put away his pride and become plain and humble.

He also often watched Jiang Ping practice his saber.

"This person was always a slick opportunist, a fence-sitter swaying with the wind. Seeing that Fang Yong's talent was too high, he chose to step on Brother Jiang to show his loyalty and take sides. If another person with even greater talent than Fang Yong appears someday, this petty man will definitely turn around without hesitation and step on Fang Yong instead."

Another person spoke. It was Qian Dele, who had once had a few minor frictions 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 on excellent terms with Luo Tiegen and was currently joining in to disparage Jiang Ping.

"That makes sense." Liu Wensheng looked at the two beside him, then suddenly asked, "Speaking of which, Fang Yong's Blade Art is stronger. Why have the two of you chosen to come watch my brother practice instead?"

"Don't talk about us, Brother Liu. Didn't you 'neglect' Brother Jiang for an entire day the day before, watching Fang Yong practice all the while?" Sun Qi asked in return.

Liu Wensheng's Small Face reddened slightly. Then he said earnestly, "If I hadn't watched for a whole day, how would I have known the enlightenment my brother's Blade Art could offer me?"

"That's right."

Sun Qi nodded solemnly in firm agreement. "I also watched Fang Yong for quite a while. His understanding of the Blade Art truly has profound aspects, but after watching for long enough, I felt that it was very different from Brother Jiang's Blade Art."

He glanced at Jiang Ping, who was practicing by himself, his face full of respect. "Brother Jiang's saber seems to possess a kind of magic. It is as though it points directly at the essence, letting me walk farther."

"I feel the same. Fang Yong's saber only gives me the impression of strength, but it cannot enlighten me. Brother Jiang's saber turns complexity into simplicity, making it very easy to comprehend."

Qian Dele nodded in agreement as well. From time to time, he looked toward the young man practicing his saber, his eyes carrying a hint of admiration.

"Yes. It's not at all as Luo Tiegen said. When watching Brother Jiang practice, there's no need for him to explain anything. Watch for a while, and the clouds part to reveal the blue sky," Sun Qi added. Then he smiled and said,

"If I watch Brother Jiang a little longer, I reckon I'll be able to gain entry as well."

"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 can appreciate the mysteries within my brother's Blade Art."

"But..." He frowned again, uncertain. "If people like us, who are close to gaining entry into the Blade Art, can also improve through my brother's saber, then he..."

"You guessed right."

At that moment, Jiang Ping suddenly stopped, turned around, and smiled. "I have a feeling that within two days, my Blade Art will gain entry."