Huang Lao carefully watched the two dueling in the courtyard, reaffirming his thoughts—there was no mistake.
The gap in their strength was still vast.
Qin Yi's brief turnaround last time had been a sudden breakthrough, catching Qin Wei off guard. This time, Qin Wei was well-prepared and would not underestimate his opponent.
Moreover, after all this time, Qin Wei knew Qin Yi's abilities intimately.
With knowledge of his adversary, how could he possibly lose? No matter how Huang Lao reasoned, Qin Yi had no chance. Surely, Master must be wrong this time.
Qin Wei struck again, using his speed to shift positions and attack from another angle. Yet, Qin Yi skillfully countered with unexpected moves, turning defense into offense.
The limited techniques of Basic Swordsmanship now seemed boundless in his hands. Over twenty-three moves were played out like a dance; no matter the angle of attack, Qin Wei could not break through.
The scene became surreal—Qin Yi standing almost motionless while Qin Wei circled him, swords clashing in continuous resonance.
"Time's up. Draw."
Before either could find a decisive opening, Qin Xu's voice rang out.
Both were stunned.
A quarter of an hour had flown by so quickly, and it ended in a draw?
Neither was satisfied. They exchanged glances, snorted, and sheathed their swords, stepping forward to stand before Qin Xu. Only then did they feel the exhaustion in their bodies.
Huang Lao realized the truth—Master declared it a draw! Yet earlier, he had asked who would win. Qin Xu had cleverly deceived an old man with his words.
Still, Huang Lao was truly astonished. Qin Yi's Basic Swordsmanship had reached a level where, without a major breakthrough from Qin Wei, Qin Yi stood unassailable.
Qin Xu then instructed them:
"Da Tou, you only have Basic Swordsmanship. It's solid in defense but lacks offensive power. In future training, don't neglect Hundred Battles Sword Technique."
Qin Yi nodded, determined to train Hundred Battles Sword Technique to the same level as his Basic Swordsmanship. He had realized his techniques were still too few. He remembered Master's words—once he could execute a full Hundred Battles Sword Technique set in one breath, he would learn another sword art. His repertoire would grow with time.
"Xiao Wei, your Clear Wind Sword Technique still has the same problem: flexibility is abundant, offense insufficient. Continue to refine it."
Qin Wei nodded firmly. Previously, Qin Xu had pointed out that his technique lacked "penetration without gaps" and "unpredictable variation." Now, he clearly understood the flaw—without these, Clear Wind Sword Technique was flashy but hollow.
After their guidance, Qin Xu gave another instruction:
"Da Tou, Xiao Wei, prepare yourselves. Tomorrow, we move to the county town."
Qin Wei was indifferent; he had little attachment to this place and would follow Master anywhere. He nodded and returned to training.
Qin Yi, however, froze. Though he had long prepared to leave Qin Family Village, he had never expected it would be so soon.
"Master, must we go to the county town? Can't we stay?" He knew he shouldn't ask but couldn't help it.
Qin Xu sighed, answering earnestly: "Da Tou, martial training is not only about skill, but also about real-world experience. This move is for your growth. I hope you understand my intention."
Understanding was one thing; the thought of leaving family and friends was another. His heart ached uncontrollably.
"Master, I… I want to take today to bid farewell to my family and friends." Qin Yi's voice trembled.
Qin Xu nodded, conceding: "Go ahead."
Originally, he had preferred Qin Yi remain in the village, practicing quietly until adulthood. But for Qin Yi's better growth, he could not be selfish.
For a talent like Qin Yi, capable of becoming a pillar of the human race, Master could not let personal attachment hinder his potential.
Lost in thought, Qin Yi wandered out of the West Courtyard, barely noticing the path home. Seeing his mother, Zhen Niang, feeding chickens in the yard, he finally snapped out of it and ran into her arms, tears streaming:
"Mother… Master says we're moving to the county town… sob…"
Zhen Niang, surprised at his sudden appearance and strange demeanor, froze as her own eyes welled up.
"Why so sudden?"
Qin Yi could only shake his head while crying, unable to answer.
Zhen Niang, having already prepared herself for her children to leave, hadn't expected it would be so soon. She had thought he would stay a few more years.
Yet Master's decision was final. She gently sighed, patting Qin Yi's back:
"Da Tou, stop crying. It's just the county town, nearby. You're grown now. When do you leave?"
"Tomorrow," Qin Yi answered, burying his head deeper into her embrace.
"Alright. Go pack your things, I'll call your father and second brother…"
He had to properly say farewell.
Qin Yi nodded, sorrowful, and headed to his room. Zhen Niang, thinking of his best friend Wang Gensheng, decided to call him along the way.