Chen Xuan.
He was still dressed in white, barefoot, holding a steaming cup of fragrant tea as he watched her at his leisure.
As if he had been there all along.
"Ma... Master."
Zhu Zhuqing lowered her head in embarrassment.
He had seen her like this from start to finish.
Chen Xuan paid no mind to her awkwardness and merely asked, "What are you doing?"
"I... I'm completing your test," Zhu Zhuqing said softly.
"I told you to cut off the flow of water."
Chen Xuan took a sip of tea.
"Not to use your body to smash through it."
"When feline Soul Beasts hunt, they put all their strength into pouncing on their prey, knocking it down and tearing it apart."
"That's exactly what you're doing now."
"You've made this waterfall your prey."
"So every time you charge at it, you use your whole body's strength, trying to pit your pitiful Soul Power against the might of heaven and earth."
His words were like sharp swords, dissecting her actions one by one.
"But what did I tell you yesterday?"
Zhu Zhuqing's body shuddered. She abruptly raised her head.
"Forget that you're a cat..."
"You're a sword."
She murmured to herself.
"What is a sword for?" Chen Xuan asked.
"...Killing. Piercing through."
"Exactly." Chen Xuan nodded.
"A sword doesn't rely on strength. It relies on its edge."
"It breaks through a broad surface with a single point. In the space of a hair's breadth, it gathers all its power at one point and unleashes it in an instant."
"Now take a look at yourself."
Chen Xuan's gaze fell on her still-taut claws.
"Your strength is scattered."
"Your Soul Power is scattered."
"Your heart is scattered, too."
"You're only imitating a cat's form, but you haven't grasped the true meaning of