A whirlwind swept up the leaves on the ground, sending them flying everywhere. In a daze, a few leaves landed on the sharp blade, crisply and silently splitting in two before drifting down from mid-air and falling back to the ground.
The leaves, split in two, show no rough scratches; everything appears so simple and natural.
"Come on!" Holding a sharp sword, its smooth blade reflecting a blinding white light in the sunlight, he declared, " Sword Intent!"
"Seal up!"
With a mere gesture, the sword thrust was already aimed straight at the opponent's face, the opponent turning his face to the right and grazing his nose.
There was not a trace of blood, which clearly indicated that his attack had been anticipated by his opponent.
"Too slow."
Upon hearing this, Ji Juechen was suddenly startled. He then focused his gaze, exerted force in his hand, and twisted the angle of his sword to sweep it horizontally towards his opponent.
However, he remained calm, leaning back as the sharp blade only grazed a few strands of hair that hadn't yet fallen.
Ji Juechen also became more serious, and his subsequent attacks became faster and more fierce.
After several rounds, his sword finally struck his opponent's arm with a loud clang.
He realized something was wrong in that instant, and then he saw Cao Yu's tattered sleeve slowly slide down, revealing the protective gear that gleamed with a black metallic sheen.
"Hey, not bad, you've improved!" He glanced at the scratches on the metal protective gear; they were shallow, but at least his shirt was ruined.
Besides, the sleeves were torn, which affected the appearance of the clothes. People might think that the person was too poor to afford nice clothes.
Of course, those who like to wear tattered clothes probably wouldn't mind too much.
"Since you're resorting to such underhanded tactics!"
"After all, all's fair in war, and besides, you're using a sword while I'm wearing protective gear, isn't that reasonable?"
Ji Juechen was speechless for a moment, then raised his sword and attacked again.
This time, Cao Yu changed his previous carefree attitude and began to take it seriously.
"Clang!"
Cao Yu lunged forward, then slammed his hands down hard on Ji Juechen. The blade struck the metal armor once more, this time sending sparks flying.
The two sparred for more than ten minutes. Cao Yu deliberately controlled the intensity of his movements, and sometimes even intentionally exposed weaknesses for Ji Juechen to see, but each time the protective gear on Cao Yu's hands would block them.
Ji Juechen also began to slowly comprehend his Sword Intent, and his moves became smoother and more fluid. He knew in his heart that Cao Yu was letting him practice his swordsmanship, or even deliberately helping him practice.
Half an hour passed in the blink of an eye, and the two were still locked in a fierce battle, while the people waiting outside were growing impatient.
The two had been playing since get out of class ended until about 7 p. m., and there was no sign of dusk in the sky.
After waiting for so long, Ju Zi's hair was already dry, and she was starving.
" Cao Yu, let's fight again when we get back. Come eat with me now."
Ju Zi on the viewing platform had already started waving at him. After realizing what was happening, Cao Yu pushed Ji Juechen away with all his might.
Ji Juechen instantly understood, and after sheathing his sword, he slowly said, "I lost again this time, but I should thank you for practicing with me for so long."
"Go have dinner with your girlfriend, don't keep her waiting."
Cao Yu nodded and said, "Alright, you should spend more time with Jing Ziyan too. She's been waiting for you."
They exchanged glances and both kept their eyes fixed on Jing Ziyan, who stood silently in the audience.
There seemed to be a light in her eyes when she looked at Ji Juechen.
As Cao Yu him on the shoulder and whispered in his ear, "Mastering swordsmanship doesn't necessarily require ruthlessness. Learn from me, fall in love, and you'll see I still beat you."
Cherish the people around you more.
"Understood."
At this moment, Ji Juechen sheathed his sword, as if he had understood something.
Without lingering, Cao Yu quickly turned and walked towards the Ju Zi; they had agreed to have a picnic outside that evening.
This time, Ju Zi will be in charge of cooking again, but since it's just the two of them, they'll have some alone time together.
"Let's go eat together." At this moment, Jing Ziyan had also come down from the spectator stands. The two looked at each other, and Ji Juechen nodded with a smile.
However, most of their gazes remained on Jing Ziyan, and Ji Juechen seemed to be recalling what Cao Yu had just said to him.
Is it really true, as he said, that cultivating swordsmanship doesn't necessarily require ruthlessness?
Perhaps I really overlooked too much of Jing Ziyan's personal feelings.
After thinking about it carefully, I realized that if a girl didn't like me, why would she be so foolish as to stay with me for so many years?
To test his idea, Ji Juechen grabbed Jing Ziyan's hand when she wasn't paying attention.
He truly lives up to his reputation as a " Sword Maniac," acting straightforwardly and decisively, showing no trace of timidity.
He just went straight for it!
The moment he held her hand, Ji Juechen could clearly feel that Jing Ziyan was stunned for a moment, and then she turned her face to observe him with a slightly flushed face.
All she heard was Jing Ziyan asking softly, "What... are you doing?" Her eyes were filled with barely concealed shyness, and she didn't shake off his hand, letting him hold it tightly.
A faint smile appeared on Ji Juechen's lips. At this moment, the shy Jing Ziyan in front of him seemed exceptionally beautiful.
You look so cute when you blush.
Today marks the second challenge Ji Juechen has issued to Cao Yu.
Cao Yu had previously promised him that he would be allowed one opportunity to challenge himself each year.
As a condition, Ji Juechen would naturally have to join Cao Yu's research institute after graduation.
Unfortunately, he was defeated by Cao Yu again.
The main reason for Ji Juechen's failure was the significant difference in their Soul Power cultivation levels.
During this period, Ji Juechen seemed to have encountered a bottleneck in his cultivation. Since reaching Soul Power Level, his cultivation level had not improved any further.
However, Cao Yu's cultivation level was three levels higher than his.
However, he spends most of his time on dating and learning about Soul Tool.
In a few days, he will be able to take the assessment for Level 7 Soul Engineer.
After dinner, Cao Yu deliberately took the leftover meat dishes with him.
Ju Zi asked with a curious look, "Are you leaving so much uneaten? Are you going to take it home for a late-night snack?"
"You guessed right! I'll be coming over a little later tonight, remember to leave the door open for me."
"I'm not staying, you'll worry me to death."
"Don't worry, it won't be too late." Cao Yu grabbed her hand, then hugged her and gently kissed her.
(End of this chapter)