Chapter 433: Masterful Guidance
Instantly, Wen Penglai launched himself at Hui. His sword transformed into a blaze of light, darting for Huis heart.
Hui jumped back, operating the Pond Reflecting Waltz on instinct. Using the time-freeze step, he dodged to the side, and Wen Penglais sword went wide.
Chen Wuya dug his claws into Huis hair. What is that, huh? Why arent you using the Seven Steps?
Senior the Seven Steps are suited for attacking, not dodging! You cant blame me
Chen Wuya stomped on his head. Theyre suited for all kinds of combat scenarios. You arent trying to use the Seven Steps! Instead, youre wasting your energy coming up with shortcomings that dont exist. How can you know what my steps are suited for if you never try to use them, except in aggressive close combat?
Thats true, but
Do you want my help or not? Use the Seven Steps! Chen Wuya barked.
Yes! Hui responded, straightening. Im not good at close combat! I dont like it! I cant do it! IVisit no(v)eLb(i)n.com for the best novel reading experience
Im defeating myself before I even start. If I dont try now, when will Senior ever try to help me again? I need to take advantage of this opportunity and learn the most from it. Who knows? Maybe Ill even become somewhat able to handle a sword after this!
Taking a deep breath, Hui settled his qi. He adjusted his feet, moving into the firm-footed first form of the Seven Steps instead of leaning his weight backward, the way he would to perform the mysterious and swaying forms of the Pond Reflecting Waltz.
Thats more like it. Now then, are you going to rely on your strange talisman technique, or learn these moves with your body? Chen Wuya asked.
Hui glanced at the judge overhead, then at Wen Penglai. I cant be sure yet, Senior. If I can face this Wen Penglai without it, Ill try that but he is a long-trained swordsmaster. All I can do is cheat and use shortcuts against someone like that the same as I did against Xin Mobing in the first round.
Mmm. Well, I cant disagree with that, Chen Wuya allowed. He nodded. Let me know when youre swapping styles.
Yes! Hui replied.
Wen Penglai spun around and charged again. This time, Hui used the Seven Steps and strode forward rather than back. I remember this attack. I can handle it! He lifted his beating stick to meet Wen Penglais blade, using the weight and thickness of the blunt rod to deflect the lighter and more flexible sword away from his body. The bell chimed, and Wen Penglais expression turned strange, only for a moment.
Now. Attack! Chen Wuya snapped.
Wen Penglai caught up and released a slash. Hui raised the beating stick, but too slowly. A gash opened up in his stomach.
He jumped back again, buying time for his wounds to close. His heels hit the edge of the tournament floor. Wen Penglais eyes glittered as he closed in.
Alright, never mind. Start using those talismans of yours. Use one when I say. Ready? Chen Wuya said.
Hui nodded. He assumed the first stance. Lifting one hand off his beating stick, he drew the two talismans on his chest in qi. The two designs glowed, one next to the other.
A beam of light shot toward his heart. Wen Penglai grinned in victory. A barrier talisman wont save you!
Now. Third Step! Chen Wuya shouted.
Hui activated his talisman. Glowing lines of blue grew from his chest and connected his limbs together. His body moved on its own, even his qi flowing according to its own desires. Hui gave himself to the talismans power and strode forward, striking out with his beating stick at the same time.
Wen Penglai struck him through the shoulder. Pain sparked, but Hui didnt flinch, caught in the grips of the talisman. His shoulder immobilized Wen Penglais sword, and he smashed his beating stick into Wen Penglais gut. Wen Penglai went flying, sword left behind in Huis shoulder.
Hui looked up at the judge.
The judge raised his hand. Compared to the first time, there was a much more approving expression on his face. Victory, Xing Huang.
Ah! There we go. I put on a good enough fight with that to please the judges. As long as I use these talismans, I can succeed, and succeed enough to make it as a weapon-cultivator Peak Lord somehow!
He pulled the sword out of his shoulder and threw it aside, rolling out his shoulder as the wound healed.
Hmm I hope they wont expect me to teach people weapon arts after this. He snuck a glance at Chen Wuya. Unless Senior decides to step in
Hmph. Just because I helped you this once, doesnt mean I want to start my own group of disciples again. Besides, you saw how that worked out. Locked away, and my own sect forgetting I was ever Patriarch Chen Wuya muttered, annoyance creeping into his voice at the end.
Ah, thats true. Ill claim that my preference is forging weapons. They shouldnt turn that down, Hui reasoned. Weapons forging is a rare art, and it aligns with my goal of destroying All-Heavens resources. In any case, I doubt every Peak Lord has to take on disciples. After all, look at Master! He only took one disciple, and he barely put any effort into raising me once he did!
Eh though I feel like comparing anything and anyone to Master is a mistake