Li Chuan said calmly:
"Senior Brother Ding, weren't you a little too careless?"
Ding Luo glanced at Li Chuan, surprise flashing deep in his eyes.
What had he just seen?
Li Chuan... had actually unleashed three channels of Blade Momentum?
He had easily blocked a strike Ding Luo had expected to leave him gravely injured at the very least.
And because Ding Luo hadn't used his full strength, he had even been forced back an extra step and come off worse!
Ding Luo narrowed his eyes slightly and smiled.
"My apologies, Junior Brother Li. My hand slipped just now."
"But it's good that you're all right."
Ding Luo cupped his fists toward Li Chuan, then turned and left with the others.
But the instant he turned away, killing intent surged in his eyes.
He had thought Li Chuan was nothing more than an ant he could crush with ease.
If he got serious, he could kill him with a casual blow.
Only after this test did he realize that the ant had quietly grown stronger.
At that thought, Ding Luo suddenly felt fortunate he had come early.
What would happen if he waited another few months, or even a year or two?
No one knew.
He knew only one thing.
Li Chuan could not be allowed to live.
Li Chuan stood beneath the pavilion, watching Ding Luo leave.
He watched for three full breaths and only came back to himself when Cui Qiongyu reached his side.
Cui Qiongyu asked with concern:
"Brother Li, are you all right after that?"
"Ding Luo says his hand slipped, but he used all three channels of Sword Momentum. I don't believe it was a coincidence."
Li Chuan smiled.
"Thank you for your concern, Miss Cui. Fortunately, I brought my third Blade Technique to the