Chapter 62: I Advise You to Abstain

After bidding farewell to his two sisters, Zhou Yan returned once again to the martial training hall.

He did not immediately begin his practice, but silently reflected on the meaning behind Luo Xuan’s words that evening.

It was clear that the young woman did not believe he could perform particularly well at the upcoming tournament.

Zhou Yan understood that Luo Xuan’s reasoning was sound—he had studied swordsmanship for less than a month, and had trained in the Southern Ming Sword for scarcely half that time.

Even if he was exceptionally gifted, progressing at a remarkable pace, and had already mastered a single “Secret Sword” technique, from Luo Xuan’s perspective, his chances of defeating the carefully nurtured elites from other sword academies were, frankly, exaggerated.

In sword duels, beyond daily proficiency in routines, the decisive factors were real combat experience and physical prowess.

In these two aspects, as far as Luo Xuan was concerned, Zhou Yan was still lacking. Perhaps he had already surpassed the likes of Yan Yong, but that level only placed him among the lowest ranks of the tournament’s participants.

Most of the elite representatives sent by the sword academies possessed physical attributes superior to the average person, and each had mastered at least one Secret Sword move.

Some, the particularly favored prodigies, not only mastered all the Secret Sword forms, but may have already begun practicing the breathing techniques, further tempering and strengthening their bodies...

“However, only I know that my strength is not limited to that...” Zhou Yan mused silently. Even without donning his Fate Gear, his physical attributes had nearly reached twice the limits of an ordinary human.

Even those prodigies who had started breathing techniques in advance—if they had only practiced for a year, how far could they really have come?

In other words, true super talents—like Luo Xuan herself, already astoundingly strong at nineteen—were likely discovered early by the internal ranks of Vermilion Bird Palace, and had no need to display themselves at such minor exchange events.

Zhou Yan was merely comparing himself to the “ordinary prodigies.” Was it possible he would lose?

If he could lose even here—wouldn’t that be an embarrassment to his golden finger?

With his thoughts clarified, Zhou Yan let out a long breath, picked up his sword, and began to practice in silence.

*

The next morning, ten o’clock.

With Luo Xuan’s notification, Zhou Yan ended his strength training and returned to the assembly of students.

He glanced at his own attributes. After several days of practice since his return, his stats had changed significantly.

[Attributes: Physique 17 (24), Agility 14 (20), Spirit 12 (17)]

His physique had surged from “13” to “17.”

Indeed, breathing techniques of the “Hundred Chimes” level were powerful, though their consumption was equally astonishing.

If not for the “Essence of Life” obtained from his journeys in the Calamity World, relying solely on the black secret medicine supplement Luo Xuan provided would never have sustained his training schedule.

Then there was agility. He had gained experience controlling a robust body during his time in the Calamity World, and now, with his powerful physique in reality, his mastery over his body had rapidly increased through high-intensity training fueled by spiritual burning, rising straight from “10” to “14.”

He wondered what level this corresponded to on this planet.

Was it enough to reach the threshold of so-called “Fierce” class?

Zhou Yan couldn’t help but glance at the cold girl standing before the students.

He wondered how she had managed to reach such formidable strength relying merely on those supplements...

Someone like her, a true powerhouse, must have had other sources of resources.

His gaze seemed to catch Luo Xuan’s attention.

She looked up at him briefly, then shifted her eyes to look past the students gathered before her.

“Since everyone is here, I have an announcement.”

Her expression was calm, her voice clear and cold: “The day after tomorrow, representatives from all Southern Ming Sword Academies in Allwing City will be sent to Wing City to participate in an exchange event hosted by the Fire Pavilion. I plan to finalize our candidate today.”

As Luo Xuan delivered this news, the students began whispering amongst themselves.

Soon, all eyes focused on three individuals.

Yan Yong, Luo Zhiming, and Zhou Yan.

Aside from these three, the other youths were still students, just attending summer classes to see if they had any talent for swordsmanship, and naturally lacked combat ability.

Once the crowd quieted, Luo Xuan spoke: “No need for unnecessary words. Though this event is called an exchange, it is actually a competition, and the reputation of the academy is at stake. Yan Yong, Luo Zhiming, Zhou Yan—you three will compete, and whoever is strongest will be chosen. Any objections?”

As soon as she finished, Luo Zhiming raised his hand.

Seeing everyone turn their attention to him, he shrugged: “I withdraw.”

“Very well.” Luo Xuan nodded, her gaze sweeping over Yan Yong and Zhou Yan. “Either of you wish to withdraw?”

This time, neither Yan Yong nor Zhou Yan spoke.

Luo Xuan raised her hand: “If there are no objections, you two go change into your gear, then come back for the match.”

The two responded and left the group, entering the changing room one after the other.

*

Inside the changing room.

Zhou Yan opened his locker and began donning his protective gear. His left hand, now equipped with the custom-made Luo Hand from Luo Ke, was still merely a prototype and far less dexterous than a real hand, so his dressing speed remained slow.

While he was still fastening the straps, Yan Yong had already finished.

After glancing at Zhou Yan twice, Yan Yong approached him.

“I advise you to withdraw,” Yan Yong said calmly.

Zhou Yan paused briefly, but said nothing, continuing to tie his straps.

“You do have talent, but defeating me is unlikely,” Yan Yong asserted with confidence. “Last time was just a warm-up. This opportunity is important to me—I won’t hold back again.”

“Mhm, so what?” Zhou Yan finished fastening the last strap, tugged at the armor to ensure it was secure, then turned to look at Yan Yong. “You plan to use both hands for Southern Ming Sword technique, thinking you’ll have me beat, right?”

He glanced at Yan Yong, whose expression clearly said, “Isn’t that obvious?”

Zhou Yan had no interest in further conversation; he picked up his practice sword and walked past Yan Yong, saying, “Let’s see, then. In swordsmanship, it’s the blade that speaks.”

Yan Yong’s brows furrowed, uncertain where Zhou Yan’s confidence came from.

With a grim expression, he swiftly followed Zhou Yan back to the training hall.

Upon seeing them emerge, Luo Xuan signaled for everyone to clear the area, giving the two ample space.

She herself took up a long staff and spoke calmly, “We’ll use the usual sparring rules. Yan Yong is already familiar; Zhou Yan, are you?”

Zhou Yan donned his mask and nodded lightly: “No problem.”

“Then, make ready.” Luo Xuan delivered the instruction crisply, and the two contenders immediately assumed their stances.

Yan Yong gripped his sword with both hands, causing a stir among the spectators.

He was determined to use his two-handed advantage to overpower Zhou Yan.

Luo Xuan’s gaze flickered, but she said nothing.

In sword duels, the victor reigns—no matter how one wins, there is no reproach.

So, Zhou Yan, having been defeated by Yan Yong’s two-handed technique last time, surely you’ve devised a way to counter it by now?

*