In the Bamboo Sea, Chen Chong was sparring with his master, Luo Yu.
Tiger Roar howled incessantly in Chen Chong's hands. The massive saber stood as tall as he did, its edge as broad as a palm, its body straight with a slight upward curve. As he swung it, the wind from its blade gave a low, resonant howl, like a fierce tiger roaring through the bamboo grove.
The power of Ravine-Returning Profound Severance was unleashed as well.
With the first slash, the force of collapsing mountains gathered along the edge, and bamboo leaves shaken loose by the blade's wind fell in a shower of green rain. A second slash followed, mountain ranges piled upon mountain ranges, each layer of force pressing down upon the last, leaving no room to escape.
Ravine-Returning Profound Severance was meant to be paired with a heavy weapon like this. Chen Chong had gained a new understanding of the technique. Before, he had used the Hundred-Forged Saber, light and nimble. Though the saber intent was there, he had always felt as if a breath were trapped in his chest.
The "ravine" in Ravine-Returning Profound Severance meant a deep valley, and "profound" meant depth and distance. Its saber intent had to be weighty and substantial, building layer upon layer like Myriad Ravines Return to the Edge. But the Hundred-Forged Saber was too light. Its force dispersed before it could sink to its full depth. Tiger Roar was different.
This saber had weight and strength in its very bones. With every swing, the blade's momentum carried the saber intent forward. Without any extra exertion, Ravine-Returning Profound Severance unfolded naturally.
Even after a bout of sparring, Chen Chong still could not break through Luo Yu's sword. Luo Yu's sword remained as it always had been, neither hurried nor