Chapter 373: Knife Intent and Sword Intent

“It’s about to begin...”

Far away, inside a tall building, several elders sat, their gazes fixed. One of them was Dean Xie Bi, who had examined Zhang Xuan and was so angered he almost coughed up blood. The others were, surprisingly, the most senior elders of the academy.

Although the fight between Mu Xueqing and Teacher Zhang’s student was a student matter, it involved too much, surprising even them.

“If Mu Xueqing wins this time, our academy might very well rise in prestige and gain great renown!” an elder said, stroking his beard.

“Indeed, Teacher Zhang is the most dazzling star of the King City Teacher Guild in a thousand years. His students' trust in him has reached an unprecedented 85%! If young Xueqing can win, our academy’s overall teaching standard will be praised by countless people, and the sensation it creates will be immense!” Another elder nodded in agreement.

“Winning would be a huge sensation, but have you considered that Mu Xueqing might lose?”

“Actually, no matter who wins or loses, our academy still wins!” the second elder who spoke said with a smile.

“Why?” The one who had just asked the question clearly didn’t understand.

“It’s simple. Teacher Liu is just an ordinary teacher at the academy, while Teacher Zhang is an incredibly powerful figure who has passed the two-star master teacher examination. Even if she loses to him, there's no shame. But if she wins, do you even need to think about how great the benefits would be?” The second elder who spoke said with a smile.

“Elder Luo is right. No matter the outcome, it’s good for our academy! That’s why I didn’t stop their private duel!” Dean Xie Bi waved his hand, his gaze suddenly serious. “Quick, look! It has already begun!”

Everyone looked over in unison and indeed saw that the two girls’ battle had already started.

“Xueqing’s opening move is excellent! The long saber sweeps across the sky, instantly giving her momentum. As expected of someone from a renowned family, her mastery of martial arts has reached an extremely profound level!” The elders were all masters among masters. They immediately spotted issues in the two girls’ moves and began to comment.

“This move is indeed good. Let’s see how her opponent responds...” Another elder also nodded. Before he finished speaking, he couldn’t help but slap his thigh, his eyes shining. “Amazing, amazing! This student named Zhao Ya is truly a genius! With a single diagonal thrust of her long sword, she not only dissolved the long saber’s momentum but also carried a sense of breaking through the air, turning defense into offense.”

“To break open the situation with one move—this kind of decisive action and temperament, I’ve only ever seen it in Elder Wu!”

“Her reaction is fast, and Xueqing is no slouch either. Look, she’s counterattacking! Her horizontal slash with the long saber is perfectly executed – a bit more force would be excessive, a bit less wouldn’t be enough! I’ve seen her use saber techniques before. When did she get so powerful? I’m afraid she’s no weaker than Elder Bai!”

“Compared to Elder Bai? What a joke!” Dean Xie Bi shook his head. “Elder Bai has been immersed in saber techniques for no less than thirty years and is only half a step away from comprehending Saber Intent. He’s the most formidable saber user in our academy! How old is Mu Xueqing? Even if she understands saber arts quite well, she’s definitely far from Saber Intent!”

“That’s true... Saber Intent is something one can only comprehend after reaching the pinnacle of understanding with the saber, one in ten thousand. In our Tianwu King City, only ‘Mad Saber’ Guo Da from back then reached that realm. Even Elder Bai is a bit short.”

“Indeed...” Dean Xie Bi nodded. “The True Intent of a weapon is not easily comprehended! Without decades of immersion, it’s absolutely impossible. Although Mu Xueqing knows a great deal about the saber, to truly reach the realm of comprehending Saber Intent, she’d need countless more years of accumulation... Holy moly!”

Before he could finish speaking, Dean Xie seemed to have seen something unbelievable and blurted out an expletive. Seeing his loss of composure, the other elders also looked forward in confusion. Upon seeing it, their pupils simultaneously contracted, and they trembled as if having an epileptic seizure.

“This... this... how is this possible?”

They saw Mu Xueqing on the stage, her dark hair flying, her long dress fluttering, making her appear like a goddess of the waves! Above the long saber in her hand, a stream of pure white saber qi pulsed ceaselessly, like a long serpent, moving everywhere, giving off a ferocious aura.

“Saber gleam across the sky, aura like lightning, this is... Saber Intent!” Dean Xie Bi’s throat went dry. He had just said that the opponent couldn’t achieve Saber Intent without many years of diligent effort, and then he saw this scene. The shock in his heart was unimaginable.

Elder Bai had been immersed in the world of saber techniques for decades and still hadn’t achieved it, yet a teenage girl had done so... How was that possible?

“It’s Teacher Liu, it must be him!” An elder couldn’t help but exclaim, “Young Xueqing, I’ve known her since childhood, and I’m very clear about her skill level. A while ago, she demonstrated her saber techniques in front of me, and she was a million miles away from Saber Intent. For her to comprehend Saber Intent in such a short time, if it’s not because of him, I can’t think of any other reason!”

“I heard that Teacher Liu Cheng just taught her a set of saber techniques a couple of days ago. Could it be that very set of techniques that allowed her to comprehend Saber Intent?” An elder who had previously attended Teacher Liu’s class said.

“Comprehending Saber Intent in just three days... How did this Teacher Liu manage that?”

“However he did it, there’s no denying that his teaching level has reached an astonishing degree. The young girl opposite her is probably going to lose!”

“Indeed. Against a master who has comprehended Saber Intent, the only way to contend is to comprehend Sword Intent... I just watched her swordplay!” Dean Xie Bi shook his head. “Though not weak, it’s still a long way from comprehending Sword Intent. Losing is inevitable...”

“Ahem, Dean, that might not be the case. Look quickly...” Dean Xie’s words were cut off by an elder.

“What’s wrong?” Frowning, Dean Xie looked over in confusion.

“Well... although Zhao Ya’s long sword isn’t raised, the blade is humming softly, and a white light is flowing. How does it look to me... like Sword Intent?” The elder couldn’t help but say.

“Sword Intent?” Everyone followed his gaze.

Previously, Zhao Ya had her back to them, and her long sword wasn’t raised. Also distracted by Mu Xueqing’s stunning display, they hadn’t observed carefully. Now, paying close attention, they immediately noticed something amiss. They saw the long sword in the girl’s hand humming and wailing softly, a white light flowing along the blade like ripples on water.

“Ripples flowing, phoenix’s golden cry! It really... is Sword Intent!” Seeing this clearly, everyone confirmed it. This Zhao Ya... had also comprehended Sword Intent!

Two teenage girls, one comprehending Saber Intent, the other Sword Intent... Is this even real?

Seriously!

Can anyone tell me what’s going on? Comprehending Saber Intent and Sword Intent within three days... If anyone else had told them this, they would surely have spat in their face. Seeing it with their own eyes, they felt as if the entire world was about to turn upside down, their hearts nearly bursting.

Dean Xie Bi nearly wept. He had just said it was impossible for Mu Xueqing to comprehend Saber Intent, and she immediately displayed it. He had just said Zhao Ya was bound to lose, and she also produced Sword Intent... Are you two intentionally trying to embarrass me today?

The embarrassing part isn’t the main issue... Saber Intent, Sword Intent, and such... to be cultivated so easily, and to appear on teenage girls... Is there some mistake?

For a moment, all the elders in the room stood frozen, speechless.

***

Tianwu Academy, the elders’ courtyard.

Whish! Whish!

An old man, holding a long saber, continuously danced in the courtyard. The saber’s wind was like monstrous waves, and a single glance would draw one in, making it hard to look away. The saber movements ceased, and the old man retracted his saber, standing still.

“Teacher’s saber techniques are becoming more and more refined. I’m afraid you’re not far from true Saber Intent!” A young man quickly handed over a towel, saying respectfully.

“Sigh!” The old man shook his head, his eyes filled with melancholy. “Although I’ve been able to perceive that realm recently, and it seems not far, in reality, as long as I haven’t truly comprehended it, it’s as good as being worlds apart!”

It was Elder Bai, whom Dean Xie and the others had just mentioned. He had been immersed in the world of saber techniques for decades, yet he still couldn’t break through. The True Intent of a weapon sounds simple, but it’s actually very difficult. Sometimes, even if you’re only one step away, you might not achieve it in your entire lifetime.

“I believe you’re only missing an opportunity, Teacher. When it comes, success will follow naturally!” The young man, also understanding this truth, offered a word of comfort.

“Indeed, just an opportunity. But where can I find one?” Elder Bai gave a wry smile. “If there were an elder who had comprehended Saber Intent right now, I would immediately prostrate myself and become his disciple. As long as I could observe that artistic conception every day, I guarantee I could break through completely in less than a month! Unfortunately... no one in Tianwu King City has comprehended such an artistic conception. These are just extravagant hopes!”

Saber Intent is something that can be intuitively understood but not easily explained. If there were an elder who had comprehended Saber Intent and demonstrated their saber techniques in front of him, he could quickly grasp it and take that final step. Unfortunately, any master who can comprehend Saber Intent is a renowned figure. Who among them would possibly become his teacher and practice saber techniques for him every day?

“Teacher, don’t worry...” The young man was about to offer another word of comfort when he suddenly saw his teacher’s eyes widen, and his breathing became rapid. Clang! The long saber, which he treasured, fell to the ground, yet he didn’t seem to notice.

“Teacher...” His teacher was always composed. Seeing him lose his composure like this for the first time, the young man couldn’t help but look over.

“It’s Saber Intent! An elder is demonstrating Saber Intent in the academy!” Ignoring his question, Elder Bai’s face turned pale, and his lips trembled with excitement.

“Saber Intent?” The young man was confused. He was too far from that realm; even if Saber Intent appeared, he wouldn’t be able to comprehend it.

“Quick, quickly bring me my clothes and take me there! I want to prostrate myself and become the disciple of that elder who comprehended Saber Intent...” Unable to contain himself any longer, Elder Bai turned and roared. He had been practicing earlier, wearing a training uniform, which was not formal enough. If such an esteemed elder were to take offense, it would be big trouble!

“Yes!” The young man finally reacted and quickly fetched his elder’s robes. Quickly putting them on, Elder Bai turned and rushed straight towards the direction from which the Saber Intent emanated.

***

“It’s actually Saber Intent and Sword Intent!”

Below the sparring platform, Zhao Wuxing and Liu Changyan had lost all their previous composure, their faces pale, their bodies trembling slightly. When Mu Xueqing had demonstrated her saber techniques earlier, Zhao Wuxing already knew he was no match. Now that she was using Saber Intent, he immediately understood that if she truly intended to kill, someone of his strength would absolutely be instantly killed on the spot, with no chance of escape.

Previously, this girl, though powerful, still had a significant gap compared to them. How could she have become so strong after only a few days? What kind of person is this Teacher Liu, to cause such earth-shattering changes in a student in just a few days?

“A duel of Saber Intent and Sword Intent...” A shout pulled him back from his shock. He looked towards the stage and saw the two unbelievably beautiful girls clashing again. Saber gleam soared through the air, sword gleam whistled. The moment saber and sword met, a violent surge of energy swept through like a hurricane, cracking the stone ground of the sparring platform with countless lines of varying depths. True Qi imbued with the True Intent of a weapon became incredibly sharp. Ordinary people couldn’t resist it at all, let alone these rocks.

“Damn it!” Mu Xueqing’s face turned ashen. Having learned Teacher Liu’s saber techniques and comprehended Saber Intent, she knew her saber skills now far surpassed others. She could easily defeat Zhao Wuxing with these martial arts. She had thought today’s match would be easy and enjoyable, a simple crushing victory with her first move. She never expected that while her own progress was significant... her opponent’s progress was even greater!

This Zhao Ya, who previously only knew some rudimentary martial arts, was now displaying Sword Intent. Moreover, her Sword Intent was infused with her Yin-Cold Constitution, making the fight increasingly difficult for Mu Xueqing, even with Saber Intent protecting her. She was almost unable to hold on!

“Is this Teacher Zhang... really that formidable?” Three days ago, she only knew some low-level martial arts. Three days later, she’s this powerful. If someone said Teacher Zhang hadn’t guided her, Mu Xueqing wouldn’t believe it even if it killed her. Only that super genius, renowned throughout the thirteen kingdoms, who made Mo Hong unable to lift his head, could possess such an ability to enable someone with no martial arts skills to unleash several times their own combat power in just a few days.

“Even if Teacher Zhang is powerful, our Teacher Liu won’t lose to you...” She gritted her teeth, a fierce determination rising in her heart. Teacher Zhang is formidable, is powerful, but their Teacher Liu is no less so! Not only did he allow her to easily learn Saber Intent, but seeing Lu Chong, who was still cultivating, she immediately realized how terrifying he was. Three days ago, Lu Chong was only at the initial stage of the Dingli realm, millions of miles away from her Pixu realm. She could have crushed several of him with ease. When she went to see him this morning, he astonishingly already possessed the strength of the initial stage of the Tongxuan realm! Even an average Tongxuan realm mid-stage cultivator might not be able to defeat him. In such a short time, to enable someone with ordinary talent at the initial stage of the Dingli realm to cross two entire major realms... Mu Xueqing was confident that no matter how formidable a master teacher, not even Teacher Zhang, could compare to Teacher Liu’s methods!

“Teacher Liu’s reputation must not be insulted. I must win today!” She roared in her heart, and the saber gleam in her hand surged again, wildly hacking down towards the girl opposite her.

While Mu Xueqing gritted her teeth and persevered, Zhao Ya on the other side also began to feel a bit anxious. Her grand-teacher’s personally taught sword art had allowed her to comprehend Sword Intent, making her think she could easily crush her opponent. She hadn’t expected the other’s progress to be not much weaker than her own.

“No wonder she defends him so fiercely. It seems this Teacher Liu is not simple at all!” Before, because Teacher Zhang was so powerful, she thought all heroes in the world were just like him. Only now did she understand that there were simply too many powerful individuals. At the very least, this Teacher Liu was also very strong.

“She (Mu Xueqing) is formidable, and her comprehension of Saber Intent is extremely strong, but unfortunately... her physique is not as good as mine!” Zhao Ya exhaled, her eyes flashing like lightning. Her opponent’s strength was also extremely powerful, and her moves very skillful, but unfortunately, in terms of physique, there was too great a difference! As a Pure Yin Physique holder, even if her own strength was slightly lower, she could challenge those above her level. Previously, she was limited by weak martial arts and thus not a match. Now that she had comprehended Sword Intent, and it was comparable to the opponent’s Saber Intent, how could she be stopped!

“It ends now!” Her eyebrows arched, her dark hair fluttered in the wind, and with her Pure Yin Physique operating at full power, she appeared like a celestial maiden untainted by dust. At this sight, even Mu Xueqing, who considered herself beautiful, couldn’t help but feel a pang of shame.

The Pure Yin Physique could fully manifest a woman’s perfection. Once activated, it had no flaws and was something every woman yearned for and dreamed of. As the physique was pushed to its limit, the sword gleam pulsing from the blade suddenly shot out like a swimming dragon, directly striking towards Mu Xueqing. This strike was incredibly powerful. The moment the saber gleam met it, it was instantly cut in half. Without the slightest pause, the sword gleam continued its advance.

“Ah...” Mu Xueqing’s face changed, instantly turning deathly pale. Because... if the sword gleam struck her, not only would she be severely injured, but Teacher Liu’s reputation would also be ruined.

However, the saber gleam had been severed, and the sword qi was already upon her. Even if she wanted to change her move, it was too late. She couldn’t dodge or escape. She could only close her eyes, waiting for the sword gleam to hit.

“It seems Mu Xueqing is going to lose...”

“Indeed, there’s no way around it. Faced with this sword gleam, no one could withstand it!”

“Such a powerful attack would be difficult for even an initial-stage Tongxuan realm expert to block, let alone someone at the Pixu realm!” Seeing this scene, everyone’s hearts sank, and they simultaneously felt a sense of regret. Both girls were outstanding, but in any competition, one was bound to lose. They just hadn’t expected it to be her...

***

“What kind of show is this? Why are you dragging me to see it? I have things to do; I don’t have time to watch a spectacle with you!” Walking out of the royal palace, Zhang Xuan felt a bit speechless seeing Princess Mo Yu looking excited not far away. He still had to go to the Physician Guild to read, and return to his residence to guide Zhao Ya and others in their cultivation... He had so many things to do, where would he find the leisure to watch a show with her?

“Don’t worry, we’re almost there. You’ll definitely be very pleased with this show...” Her eyebrows raised, Mo Yu smiled faintly. This guy in front of her was always calm and composed in her presence, seemingly oblivious to everything, yet in reality, he could easily solve any problem. “Now, your two students are fighting fiercely for your honor. Let’s see how you handle this!”

“This is going to... Tianwu Academy?” Seeing that she didn’t want to say, Zhang Xuan knew asking was futile. He looked at their route, his face full of doubt. Their route was indeed directly to Tianwu Academy. Didn’t she say we were going to watch a spectacle? What are we doing at the academy?

Feeling strange, he followed closely. The moment he entered the academy, he immediately sensed something was wrong.

“Why is there no one here?” It was midday; the academy should be bustling with people, yet he didn’t see a single soul?

“It’s already started... Let’s hurry!” Her face serious, Princess Mo Yu hurriedly walked towards the sparring platform. Everyone on campus was gone, which could only mean one thing: they had all rushed to watch the spectacle! Both Teacher Zhang and Guild Master Liu Cheng were famous throughout the King City. A match between their students would undoubtedly capture everyone’s attention.

Seeing her hasten forward, Zhang Xuan, feeling curious, followed. Soon, he saw countless people gathered beneath a sparring platform, a lively scene.

“Is someone competing? Could it be the Dean is dueling someone? Otherwise, how could so many people gather?” Blocked by the crowd, he couldn’t see the situation inside for a moment. However, seeing so many people gathered, Zhang Xuan speculated. For so many students to gather here, he truly couldn’t think of anyone with such great appeal other than someone of dean-level stature.

“It seems Teacher Zhang is still superior; his student is even more formidable!”

“You can’t say that. Teacher Liu has only taught for four days and already achieved such results. I think that’s even more impressive!”

“This Zhao Ya, she’s truly beautiful! From today onwards, she’s my goddess!”

“I didn’t expect Mu Xueqing to be so powerful either. Saber Intent... that’s Saber Intent! To comprehend it at such a young age is too incredible...”

Arriving at the front of the crowd, before he even entered, he heard widespread discussions.

“Teacher Zhang? Teacher Liu? Zhao Ya? Mu Xueqing?” Frozen in place, Zhang Xuan felt as if struck by lightning. His eyes widened, and many things connected in his mind. “Could it be... those two are sparring?”

On the same night Zhao Ya was injured, Mu Xueqing was also injured. Both seemed to have been injured by someone, and had agreed to continue fighting. Originally, in his view, the possibility of the two meeting was very small. Students taught under different identities couldn’t possibly know each other, so he hadn’t considered this. He never dreamed that they would not only meet but also start fighting!

Is this for real? He quickly looked at Mo Yu, who was not far away, only to see her looking at him triumphantly, seemingly excited by his predicament. His heart tensed, he ignored her and quickly darted forward, finding two suitable spots from which he clearly saw the two people sparring on the stage. Who else could it be but Zhao Ya and Mu Xueqing!

Whoosh!

Just as he recognized their identities, he saw Zhao Ya’s Pure Yin Physique activate, her long sword cutting through her opponent’s saber gleam, heavily chopping downwards. Mu Xueqing... was in imminent danger!

“Stop!”

A figure flashed, utilizing Heavenly Dao Movement Technique, instantly passing through the crowd and appearing on the sparring platform. Having believed she would certainly lose this time, Mu Xueqing was closing her eyes and waiting when she felt a whoosh of wind, followed by a substantial figure blocking her path.

“Teacher...” Her eyes reddened, Mu Xueqing could no longer hold back.