The Eternal Way-Chapter 97: Getting Stumped

Dao is rules.

When applied to the vast universe, it represents natural laws and cosmic principles. When applied to the human body, it signifies behavioral guidelines and mental activities.

Such a broad concept clearly cannot be encapsulated by mere swordsmanship skills.

Thus, as a true seeker of Dao, Shen Shuibei was furious.

In her view, sword techniques were merely techniques, not Dao. Seeing Jing Yan claim herself as a practitioner of Sword Dao infuriated her more than Li Qi teasing her ears.

Therefore, she must prove her wrong! Strip away her pride in the sword! Make her understand the gravity of the word "Dao"!

"Her sword techniques are overly focused on trivial details, with too many flaws—1562 of them!" Shen Shuibei spread out a cloth and began drawing with charcoal.

Li Qi was stunned.

Wow, the rabbit is really serious!

Moreover, he hadn't expected that Shen Shuibei was skilled at drawing. With just a few strokes, she depicted the sword moves vividly, almost like an animated sequence.

She marked different weaknesses and flaws on each move with small dots.

Shen Shuibei explained to Li Qi, "Look, her sword moves seem refined but overly focus on trivialities. The internal energy is complex and purely superficial. She claims to have reached the microcosmic level, but beyond that, there's nothing substantial. One push and it all collapses."

"Understanding the flow of qi involves knowing its direction and intensity. You need to know when to seize opportunities based on these changes! I'll explain how her qi flows during her sword techniques, and if you grasp this, two punches will make her face swell!" Shen Shuibei said enthusiastically, full of fighting spirit.

Li Qi looked at the rabbit.

She's so excited...

Well, might as well learn; it's for a good cause.

Li Qi studied until late into the night.

---

The next morning, even Manager Jing came to watch the spectacle.

It seemed... everyone from the Jing family wanted to see Jing Yan get stumped.

Li Qi mentally criticized Jing Yan's poor interpersonal skills, then took his long saber and walked into the crowd.

The resting place of the ox carts formed a circle, like a makeshift arena surrounded by people. Among them were martial guards, merchants from other departments, laborers, accountants, and managers like Manager Jing, all gathered eagerly.

They could almost be holding a handful of sunflower seeds.

Li Qi felt he was being treated as entertainment.

Did these people lack recreational activities?

"Brother Li, go for it!" A group of laborers cheered behind him.

Some women were more reserved, whispering among themselves while sizing him up, curious about who dared challenge the "tiger woman."

Manager Jing greeted Li Qi cheerfully, "Brother Li, you're indeed both brave and intelligent. Coming up with such a method to engage with Executive Jing is much better than directly challenging her. Truly a hero who ventures alone!"

Li Qi was baffled.

Oh well, if everyone thinks so, let it be.

But would Jing Yan become enraged by this? Her own family supporting an outsider?

Li Qi thought about it as he stepped into the circle formed by the crowd.

Shen Shuibei stood outside, hands clasped to her chest, looking at Li Qi with confidence and anticipation.

She wasn't worried at all; she had thoroughly analyzed Jing Yan's sword techniques and was sure they wouldn't fail!

Li Qi carried the weight of everyone's expectations.

But unexpectedly, Jing Yan didn't seem affected at all.

On the contrary, she approached Li Qi and apologized first.

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"You're called Li Qi, right? I'll address you directly," Jing Yan said, stepping forward. "Li Qi, yesterday I was a bit hasty and attacked your little sister. Luckily, you stopped me in time, preventing any harm. I apologize for my rashness."

Li Qi, surprised by her politeness, immediately responded, "My little sister spoke out of turn first. It's understandable for you to react strongly. There's no need to apologize."

"Hold on, I'm only apologizing for my hasty action, not agreeing with what she said," Jing Yan interrupted.

"We can settle her brash remarks after I win." She drew a new longsword, a fine blade forged from hundred-refined steel.

Apparently, she didn't have a Ninth Rank sword herself, otherwise, she wouldn't choose an ordinary good sword despite knowing Li Qi had the advantage of a superior weapon.

Looking at her stance with the sword, Li Qi could feel her pride, standing straight as a sword pointing to the sky.

She truly is... reclusive and peculiar.

However, Li Qi sighed and drew his long saber, assuming a strange posture.

Despite his thoughts, the fight had to proceed.

"That's not a proper saber stance," Jing Yan frowned.

"It's a stance to counter swords," Li Qi explained.

Without further words, Jing Yan raised her hand, and in an instant, she vanished!

"Whoosh!" The sound of the sharp sword slicing through the air, a powerful vortex-like force tugged at Li Qi's saber, seemingly trying to rip it away!

Li Qi's original stance was torn apart, his posture twisted, and his balance disrupted by the sudden attack.

Damn! Wasn't this supposed to be easy? How did she break through with brute force right from the start!

Li Qi nearly fell from the immense force pulling him, and the sword tip was already stabbing towards him!

The surging sword qi stung his face, making him feel like a goat facing a tiger hunting prey.

Li Qi had only been practicing for over a month, lacking both experience and technique.

Fortunately, he activated Carp Flow Intent, momentarily doubling his strength, stabilizing himself instantly. His saber clanged against hers, blocking the strike.

But that was just the beginning.

Jing Yan's speed suddenly exploded, her already fast sword movements now resembling a storm.

Facing a swordsman, holding just a sword, Li Qi felt like he was under machine gun fire, the sword tips striking like bullets, dozens of attacks per second!

Relying solely on his physical abilities and reflexes, Li Qi barely held off for two or three seconds before bursting into another round of Carp Flow Intent, retreating several meters to avoid direct confrontation.

Two consecutive bursts of Carp Flow Intent left Li Qi's heart pounding, his vision tinged red.

The consequences of his unrefined heart became apparent.

His heart couldn't handle the massive blood supply from his liver, leading to overload whenever he engaged in combat.