Lin Zian closed his eyes beneath the plum tree.
"Don't fight against him, Xiao An. Flow with him."
Xiao An inhaled slowly. His breathing matched the rhythm Lin Zian had drilled into him. His foot turned. Shoulders loosened. His sword swept sideways, not to strike — but to glide.
> [Vault Guidance Engaged: Flowing Mountain Sword Style – Form One: Drifting Gale]
Qi Yue's next strike came, horizontal now — aiming for the ribs.
Xiao An lowered his body and twisted. The blade passed overhead like a whisper. With a sharp intake of breath, he pushed off the back foot and lunged.
His sword sliced upward with a smooth curve — not fast, but unstoppable.
Crack!
Qi Yue's shoulder jerked backward from the impact. His saber wobbled.
Shock rippled through the spectators.
"What?! Did Xiao An land a hit?"
"That was a real strike!"
Liu Fen sat up, fan forgotten.
Qi Yue gritted his teeth. "You dare—!"
He drew in his Qi, this time unleashing Sweeping Thunder Arc, a saber technique that required precise internal control — and was known to fracture bones if struck directly.
Xiao An held his breath.
The blade descended with roaring force, drawing wind behind it.
Lin Zian whispered from afar.
"Now."
> [Vault Correction: Form Two – Rising Mist Execution: Ready]
Xiao An's stance dropped, knees bent, arm extended. His sword moved not with power, but clarity. He stepped into the storm, let the saber fall past, and swept his blade upward into Qi Yue's side — the narrow blind spot of the Thunder Arc.
A burst of golden light surged from the point of contact.
Qi Yue's Qi scattered. His feet skidded backward.
His saber flew from his grip, spinning across the platform and landing with a clang.
Silence.
The silver-bearded elder stepped forward, his voice low but undeniable.
"…Victory: Xiao An."
Gasps broke from the crowd.
Some laughed in disbelief. Others murmured.
Liu Fen stood abruptly, face red with fury. "He cheated! This is rigged!"
Lin Zian finally opened his eyes. "The only thing rigged was your confidence."
Liu Fen's aura flared. The elder raised his hand sharply. "Enough. You challenged the match. You agreed to the rules. Sit down."
Qi Yue staggered to his feet, eyes wide, teeth clenched. He looked at Xiao An not with hatred… but fear.
Lin Zian stood as Xiao An knelt before him.
"I only won because of your guidance, Instructor Lin."
"No," Lin Zian said. "You won because you trusted the path I gave you. The Vault corrects what others discard… but you walked it."
> [Vault Record: Disciple Advancement – Confirmed]
[Technique Mastery Level: Intermediate]
[Spiritual Foundation Strengthened]
The sky above the outer sect cleared slightly, and though no one else noticed… the winds seemed to whisper approval.