In their contest of force, each had his or her own strengths. As for techniques and fighting methods, both knew the Three Great Neijiaquan inside out. In a one-on-one fight to the death, they might have found an opening, but with another formidable enemy before them, a prolonged battle was already ill-advised.
What they were testing now was each other's path.
What was a path?
In plain terms, it was a martial artist's aspiration, an expression of the heart and will.
Just as anyone living in this world needed something to look forward to, something to aspire to, a goal to set.
The Martial Way was no different.
It could never be a passing fancy, a brief burst of enthusiasm.
Only those whose will was tempered into solid rock could persevere through every setback, hold fast to their true hearts, and press forward without hesitation across a thousand mountains.
But an ordinary martial artist's will was only will.
The way of the spirit was something purer.
Such a method was not a realm of attainment, but a rare fighting art that allowed a martial artist to enter an extraordinary mental state with a sudden stirring of thought.
Feeling the earth-shaking killing intent emanating from Lian Youming, Gu Chan's eyelashes trembled slightly, and she slowly turned her face toward him. Though her eyes remained closed, she seemed able to see.
"To think you understood the way of the spirit too."
"I wouldn't call it understanding," Lian Youming said softly. "I'm merely a latecomer who inherited the will of those before me."
After a brief pause, he continued, "Does your path have a name?"
Gu Chan kept her eyes closed, but her expression was utterly earnest. "Mencius once said that a sage beyond comprehension is called divine. If I must give it