At dawn, the West Courtyard was lively under the bright morning sun.
Qin Wei, as usual, practiced the Clear Wind Sword Technique, while Qin Yi trained Basic Swordsmanship in a meditative state.
Qin Xu remained lazily on his soft couch, basking in the sun, and Huang Lao quietly stood in his shadow, enjoying the serene moment.
Suddenly, the peace was broken.
Qin Yi paused his practice, rushing to Qin Xu: "Master, I can sustain a full fifteen minutes now. I request another match with Qin Wei."
Ten days had passed—so quickly.
Though Qin Xu anticipated this, given Qin Yi's extended training time, he still marveled at his progress.
"Xiao Wei, what do you say?"
Hearing Qin Yi's challenge, Qin Wei stopped and, when asked by Qin Xu, glared sharply at Qin Yi: "Uncle, I am willing to fight Qin Yi."
He would not rely solely on martial aura to win this time. Last match, fatigue, separation from his father, restrictions to Hundred Battles Sword Technique, and initial underestimation allowed Qin Yi to exploit his weaknesses and snatch victory.
Being defeated by a non-martial artist was humiliating.
Now, Qin Wei's gaze hardened.
Qin Yi returned the glare with equal intensity. Only Qin Wei dared call him by his given name, unlike Qin Xu, Huang Lao, or his family.
A grudging respect lingered between them—only victory could reconcile this rivalry.
Qin Xu smiled and raised an eyebrow, his eyes mischievous: "This time, besides the fifteen-minute limit, there are no restrictions. You may use any means to win. Understood?"
Both boys were stunned, then nodded.
No restrictions?
Qin Yi feared this would be dangerous. Qin Wei, however, thought victory would come easily.
Seeing Qin Yi's hesitation, Qin Xu teased: "Da Tou, regret it?"
"Impossible! I'm just considering tactics," Qin Yi said confidently, recalling his recent reading of military strategy books.
Qin Xu merely smiled: "Remember, use any means. Huang Lao and I are here. Nothing you do will harm the other."
Once Huang Lao confirmed readiness, Qin Xu said: "Begin."
The boys performed the martial courtesy and stepped into the center, swords drawn.
This time, Qin Wei struck first. His clothes didn't flutter, but his body moved like drifting willow catkins—slow in appearance but blindingly fast, closing to Qin Yi in a single step.
Qin Yi, already in a meditative state, could not relax even slightly.
Indeed, Qin Wei used his martial aura immediately. Facing it in meditation, Qin Yi felt like a rock bracing against relentless ocean waves.
Though difficult, he maintained clarity, controlling his body fully. He was no longer powerless—he could finally counterattack.
Meditation allowed him to stay calm, analyzing the situation and planning strategies.
Clear Wind Sword Technique!
Watching Qin Wei practice it daily, Qin Yi had secretly recorded it into his "game panel" at Level 1.
Now, in combat, the technique's speed struck him—it left no room for reaction.
The initial offensive was blocked. Qin Yi switched to defense, using all available maneuvers.
Suddenly, recalling military strategy, he wondered if "attacking as defense" could be applied here.
He tried it.
Adjusting his sword direction, he met Qin Wei's strike. The swords clashed midair, producing a clear bronze chime.
It worked!
Qin Wei's form flickered to Qin Yi's right, striking again. Qin Yi rotated lightly, parrying once more.
Realizing that Qin Yi's Basic Swordsmanship could defend beyond the limits of standard moves, Qin Wei abandoned the idea of a quick victory.
Every strike from Qin Yi contained a counterforce, constantly pressuring the attacker, forcing Qin Wei to stay cautious.
Outside the duel, Qin Xu whispered to Huang Lao: "Who do you think will win?"
Huang Lao didn't hesitate: "Qin Wei."
On the surface, the situation was clear—Qin Wei dominated. Qin Yi's chances seemed minuscule.
Qin Xu shook his head: "Not necessarily."
Huang Lao looked surprised: "Oh? Master thinks Qin Yi can win in this disadvantage?"
Qin Xu raised an eyebrow, smiled, and said nothing.
Huang Lao returned his attention to the match, unconvinced. Even with his experience, he couldn't see how Qin Yi, constantly on the defensive, could triumph.