He Jiu propped himself up and tilted his head with a smile. "We don't even know which of us is older yet. Why give me such a generous advantage?"
Their sword trial had plainly drawn more attention. Quanzhen Daoism was also among the Thirty-Three Sword Sects, its tradition being the dual cultivation of alchemy and the sword. Sure enough, Ning Chaolie's attacks bore the authentic flavor of the Profound Gate. His foundation in the way of "alchemy within, sword without" was extremely solid. Every stroke issued from within, brimming with energy and strength, without the slightest trace of insubstantiality.
They exchanged their first blows at seven steps. Ning Chaolie unleashed a sweeping stroke of [Snowflow Sword], the orthodox Profound Gate method of prevailing through abundant True Qi. The Little Sword Immortal pushed off his cloud and sprang up. Their blades met, his striking his opponent's sword tip, only to be pressed straight down by Sword Qi like a river of snow!
Though the spectators were all distinguished guests, quite a few clapped and cheered. At twenty-two, Ning Chaolie ranked one hundred and twenty-first on the Teal List. Counting off those few monstrous talents under heaven, he was among the rarest talents at the very pinnacle of the Jianghu. A chance to watch someone like him wield a sword did not come along every day.
Ning Chaolie's expression remained perfectly composed. Having gained the advantage with one stroke, he stepped into the sixth pace, his sword carrying its momentum smoothly downward, as naturally and seamlessly as guiding a river of snow into its channel.
With the balanced, harmonious swordsmanship of Daoism, gaining the advantage with one stroke often meant laying the foundation for victory. It had always been the swordsmanship least prone to mistakes in the Jianghu, and the hardest to