Enraged, the old man charged the newcomer, his saber dragging on the ground and carving a deep gash. The flying sparks were like fireflies, there one moment and gone the next.
As he closed the distance, the old man swung the saber in a wide arc over his head. The tip whistled sharply as it cleaved the air, chopping down toward the newcomer.
The newcomer somersaulted away, simultaneously reaching out to slap the flat of the blade. The immense force knocked the saber aside, and at the same time, a strange True Qi instantly traveled up the blade into the old man's hand.
The old man shuddered, his mind momentarily befuddled. His opponent seized the opportunity to palm-strike his chest.
The old man's eyes flew open. It was too late to dodge. He could only circulate his True Qi throughout his body, preparing to take the full force of the blow.
Just then, atop the courtyard wall, a cold light flashed. It streaked through the air, reaching the black-clad man in the blink of an eye.
