"Well... I learned that from Sword Saint Xie in the Imperial City lately. Forgive my clumsy display."
Zhang Yuan added this by way of explanation.
In truth, his swordsmanship was still much the same. He only knew the basic sword techniques from the Long Waterfall Sword Manual, with a few variations he had devised himself at most. Both Wei Jianxing and Wu Qing surely knew more sword techniques than he did.
After all, the life-bound weapons they refined through the Blood Furnace Lantern-Lighting Path were the swords at their waists. He, who merely dabbled in swordsmanship for fun, could hardly compare.
"So that's it!"
Realization dawned on Wei Jianxing, Wu Qing, and Pan Zhong, and they could not help feeling a little envious.
That was the Sword Saint who had severed the Demon King's arm with a single sword strike, a supreme expert who lived in legends. Zhang Yuan was truly fortunate to be able to study swordsmanship under her.
Zhang Yuan chuckled, then moved on from the subject. Pointing at the Corpse Chiū's head and torso on the ground, he said:
"This should be the demon that's been plaguing the Northern City. Let's wrap it in cloth and take it to the Yamen. Once we collect the bounty, we can head back."
No one objected, though his last remark left them somewhat puzzled.
"Daoist Zhang, what bounty are you talking about?" Wei Jianxing asked in confusion.
Why had he never heard of any bounty they could collect?
Now it was Zhang Yuan's turn to be puzzled. Raising an eyebrow, he asked, "We slew this Corpse Chiū. Surely the Yamen ought to give us a bounty?"
"They really don't. Hunting demons in the city is voluntary. There's no payment or bounty," Wei Jianxing said, shaking his head.
The corner of