Wang Ba looked toward the voice in surprise.
A powerfully built figure not far ahead and to his side had slowed his flight.
"Senior Brother Ji?"
Wang Ba was a little surprised.
The speaker was Ji Yuan, a Gold Core disciple of Heavenly Blade Peak.
Seeing Wang Ba look his way, he smiled and said heartily:
"Don't misunderstand, Junior Brother Wang. I meant no disparagement... I simply noticed that you didn't seem particularly adept at the Blade-Riding Technique, and couldn't help speaking up."
Wang Ba paused, then an idea stirred in his mind. Still flying, he let a hint of admiration show on his face:
"Your eyes are as keen as a torch, Senior Brother Ji. It's not merely that I'm unskilled—I've never encountered any blade-control Dharma Methods at all... You're a renowned blade wielder in the sect. Might you offer me a little guidance?"
Hearing Wang Ba's unobtrusive flattery, Ji Yuan showed no sign of smugness. Instead, he said modestly:
"I'm hardly renowned. Even now, I've only drawn a ladleful from the vast ocean of blade arts. If you'd like to learn the Blade-Riding Technique for self-defense, we could certainly exchange ideas."
Wang Ba was genuinely surprised by how accommodating this Senior Brother Ji was.
But he had no time for formalities. A top-tier Gold Core cultivator was offering him free instruction in the Blade-Riding Technique. He certainly wasn't going to miss such an opportunity, and quickly said:
"Then I'll certainly have to trouble you, Senior Brother Ji."
Ji Yuan quietly glanced at Xi Wushang among the people behind Wang Ba, whose attention seemed not to be on them. Thoughts stirred in his mind, but he wore an open, hearty smile:
"No trouble. We can discuss it when we stop to rest."
With that, he nodded slightly to Wang