The mountain breeze blew.
Shen Ye stood on a rock, looking somewhat dazed.
An incomparably sharp streak of Sword Qi had just shot into the sky from over a dozen miles away.
Then everything had quieted down.
Nangong Sirui sped up to provide support, only to stop again shortly afterward.
Xiao Mengyu appeared on the mountain path.
"Fight's over. All done!"
She waved at the two of them.
Never mind Shen Ye-even Nangong Sirui stared blankly for a moment.
That had been far too fast.
Mojiahou gazed at the Sword Qi rising into the sky, frowning in thought.
When Xiao Mengyu returned, the parrot on his shoulder immediately spoke:
"Your swordsmanship has advanced too quickly. Your foundations are a little unsteady. Don't make any breakthroughs for now."
"Why?" Xiao Mengyu asked, startled.
Mojiahou's expression grew solemn as the parrot continued:
"You think you're climbing toward the pinnacle of swordsmanship, but you're not. You're still laying your foundations. You need to take one solid step at a time."
"Across the Ten Thousand Worlds, I've seen far too many arrogant sword wielders. Every one of them possessed astounding talent, yet ultimately failed to scale higher peaks."
"I hope you won't be like them."
"I suggest you make no breakthroughs for the next month. Spend that time consolidating what you've learned and looking for your weaknesses."
Xiao Mengyu stood stunned for a moment, then solemnly cupped her fists and bowed. "Yes. Thank you, Teacher."
Mojiahou nodded and was about to continue when he suddenly looked back.
A frail little girl was crouching on a rock.
She had listened intently to what Mojiahou had just said, a thoughtful look on her face.
Xiatelai!
"Need something?" Mojiahou asked.
Xiatelai nodded.
"Nangong, Xiao Mengyu, go do as you please. Shen Ye, stay. We have something to