The return journey to the Wu Clan compound was relatively quiet, with Xiao Yan unable to hide her astonishment at her master's newfound strength.
She kept looking up at him with those beautiful purple eyes of hers filled with admiration and wonder. She knew that the strength displayed by the Su Clan's young master wasn't weak by any means, yet Wu Yang had sent him flying with a single blow.
"Young Master..." Xiao Yan finally couldn't contain her curiosity and asked again. "What is your current cultivation level? I have just broken through to the Foundation Establishment myself and could tell that I would have trouble facing that arrogant Young Master Su in a direct confrontation. Yet you seemed to have handled him with ease."
Wu Yang chuckled at his maid's eagerness and didn't continue to keep her in suspense. "Hmmm... What if I told you that I haven't even broken through to the Foundation Establishment Realm yet?"
"Whaaat?!" Xiao Yan gasped in disbelief, her eyes widening even more. If that were the case, her young master's strength was terrifying. It would mean that even at the Qi Gathering Realm, he could defeat opponents in higher realms.
Although it wasn't unheard of. There were those rare individuals capable of so-called 'cross-realm battles.' But such geniuses were always found in those great sects, not in some smaller city like theirs.
However, it could also be attributed to the difference in cultivation techniques. It was well-known that the best cultivation manuals held in those prestigious sects were far superior compared to those of lower-level forces. If a cultivator practiced a high-rank technique, their combat capabilities could very well allow them to fight with those in higher cultivation levels.
That's why all cultivators coveted higher-ranked manuals. It was because the cultivation techniques were what determined one's foundation and combat prowess!
"Did you perhaps obtain some heaven-defying cultivation technique from somewhere and secretly practice it behind closed doors? Is this how you recovered?" Xiao Yan inquired further, unable to control her imagination as she glanced up at him.
"Your guess is quite accurate, Sister Xiao Yan. It's true; I did indeed receive a legacy that helped me recover. Though as you'll soon find out, it comes with some... unique requirements." Wu Yang replied with a mysterious smirk on his face.
Seeing that Xiao Yan still had many questions she wanted to ask, Wu Yang changed the subject by asking, "Since you've just broken through to the Foundation Establishment Realm, let's spar for a bit. I want to see how much your swordsmanship has improved while I was sick."
"Yes! It would be my pleasure, Young Master!" Xiao Yan's expression brightened, a hint of eagerness flashing through her eyes. For Xiao Yan, testing her skills against the young man who had saved her life—her master, her idol—was both an incredible opportunity to prove herself and a chance to learn.
So when they reached an open training area behind the Wu Clan compound, Xiao Yan drew a slender purple metal sword from its scabbard at her waist. The weapon glimmered in the setting sunlight, appearing elegant yet deadly at the same time.
Wu Yang took a similar stance and retrieved his ancestral sword from his storage ring. It was a weapon passed down through generations of the Wu Clan. His grandfather had given it to him before he passed away, and despite not cultivating during his long bedridden state, the weapon felt light and familiar in his hands.
A faint smile crossed Wu Yang's lips, feeling both excited and satisfied with the sword in his hand. It had been a long time since he last held it.
But he wouldn't waste any more time. Wu Yang nodded his head, indicating that they could start, and Xiao Yan dashed forward.
Her blade was quick, swift, and as precise as a darting serpent. Each slash thrust at his vital points without mercy, but it still maintained an air of grace. Each strike came as if they were in succession rather than separate movements, one flow after another until all formed a complete dance of swordplay.
Wu Yang casually met each attack. His movements might have seemed lazy at first glance, but Xiao Yan felt differently. Every angle his sword made against hers felt firm and controlled, always moving just the right amount to intercept her.
The metallic clanging and whooshing sounds of their clashing blades filled the training grounds with energy as the sunset grew redder and redder with each passing moment. Both participants began perspiring, a sign of their increasing focus and effort.
Suddenly, Xiao Yan saw an opening—or so she thought. She let her spiritual energy flow into the blade in her hands, and it glowed brighter. With a loud cry, she lunged forward and attempted a final and more formidable strike.
But as the sword's tip drew ever so close to its target, something happened. Right at the last second before her glowing blade hit its mark, a flash of white light knocked her sword away, and before she knew it, Xiao Yan felt a cold sensation from her body.
Looking down, she saw her dress was cut in front with a line drawn across her chest. Although there was no physical pain, Xiao Yan felt a different type of ache, a mix of embarrassment from her skin being exposed but also of frustration from her defeat.
However, before her cheeks even flushed crimson from the shame, Xiao Yan found herself swept off her feet as Wu Yang held her in his arms and carried her off toward his room in a bridal style.
"Ah... Young Master..." was all Xiao Yan could manage to say. Her mind had blanked out again from the sudden closeness with her young master.
"Haha," Wu Yang gave an amused laugh. "Sister Xiao Yan, you have gotten stronger, but this is far from enough. We still need to put in a lot of training to get you to your peak potential and beyond."
Xiao Yan nodded her head, agreeing with him without reservation. "I understand! I will continue training hard, Young Master. Whatever it takes, I'll do my best not to disappoint you. But... where are you taking me?" she asked, blushing even harder than before.
"Hahaha... Of course, to let you train with a special sword of mine." A wicked grin formed on Wu Yang's face. "The sword is hidden and very well protected, and only with the right touch will it show up."
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