In the blink of an eye, the two had exchanged several moves, yet neither had gained the upper hand.
The Graceful Swan Swordsmanship was elegant and free-flowing, graceful as a startled swan and supple as a roaming dragon. Yet Li Bie's saber shadows seemed to be everywhere. The two advanced and retreated in flashes, dazzling the spectators.
"Li Bie's cultivation realm is far above his opponent's. His strength should be utterly overwhelming, but this He An... is clearly extraordinary too. In your opinion, Academy Head... which of them will win?"
Watching the thrilling exchange, Feng Shaotang cheered inwardly and could not resist turning to ask Cheng Zi Ya, who sat beside him.
"Li Bie is renowned for his mastery of both saber and sword. His skill with weapons is beyond anything this He An can match. Besides... so far, he seems to have used only half his strength. The question now is... how many moves He An can withstand."
Before Cheng Zi Ya could answer, Xu Kangnian, seated to his right, stroked his beard and spoke with absolute confidence.
"It's still too early to draw that conclusion, Elder Xu!"
Cheng Zi Ya chuckled, lifted the hem of his robe, and crossed one bent leg over the other. He leaned slightly forward, seemingly settling into a more comfortable position.
Only then did he continue unhurriedly, "A higher realm does not mean absolute superiority in strength. It merely measures how far someone has progressed in cultivation. Mindset, martial skills, cultivation methods, adaptability in combat-all these factors can affect the two sides in a match!"
"Sometimes, it is entirely possible for someone of a lower realm to defeat an opponent above them. You should know... there are people in this world who can kill an opponent two realms higher!"
"Hiss..."
Xu Kangnian and