The little courtyard fell silent for a moment. Even the birds hushed, leaving only the rustle of the autumn wind through the woods.
"From what you said, junior brother, do you wish to discuss the way of the sword with me?"
Liu Xingfang looked at Mountain Stand in the other man's hand, seemingly tempted.
"Precisely. Please instruct me, senior brother."
Xu Fayan's aura surged, his yellow eyes gleaming, reminding Liu Xingfang of the evil creatures in the mountains.
"Since you put it that way, let us spar. Only, let us not damage our harmony."
Liu Xingfang remained calm, showing no sign of anger.
He pressed a hand to the blue-violet short sword at his side. It transformed into a spinning sword pellet and dropped into his left palm. This was his flying sword, Gangyin.
Then he summoned a silvery-white longsword from his qi sea and gripped it firmly in his right hand.
Its guard bore patterns of roiling wind and clouds, roaring lions and tigers. This was Panpo, a Dharma Sword passed down by the Liu Household, an upper-grade Qi Refining weapon.
Liu Xingfang had never underestimated this junior brother. On the contrary, he considered the man before him almost the most gifted person he had ever encountered. Yet someone with such talent possessed a deeply calculating disposition that seemed anything but kind.
Now that Xu Fayan spoke plainly instead of putting him off with hypocritical courtesies, Liu Xingfang actually felt a trace of satisfaction.
All their arguments would be settled on their blades.
"Now let us see which of us has the stronger case, Fa Yan or me."
The two rode the wind straight to the summit of Frostreturn Peak, landing in a square before the great hall. This place was called the Karma-Punishment Ground. In years past, the