C308 Red Blood Red Eyes Qian Banruo(1)

Qian Banruo's eyes, though crimson like blood, lacked any menacing aura. Delving deeper, one would find his gaze free of distractions, desires, or ambitions. Unlike the innocence of childhood, Qian Banruo's eyes were a pure clarity that comes from understanding the complexities of life.

Woo Zhengyang had never encountered such eyes. Even though he considered himself calm and composed, he knew his tranquility was only because he hadn't faced enough entanglements. Many people and things still had the power to drive him to obsession, anger, or joy.

Woo Zhengyang had always focused on mastering Soul Energy, even attempting multiple times to harness the golden vortex for his use. Yet, he never grasped the method to wield soul attacks and defenses. But through Qian Banruo's blood-red gaze, Woo Zhengyang suddenly understood.

Soul Energy is effective only when guided by the mind. However, the mind can only grant Soul Energy the ability to act, not form attacks or defenses. It is human emotions that are intrinsically linked to the offensive and defensive capabilities of Soul Energy.

Moh Lunhui's soul attack unsettled Woo Zhengyang, triggering a deep-seated fear within him that surfaced instantly, even without his conscious awareness.

Yelv Qingyin's soul resonance used a unique melody to penetrate directly into the mind, causing Woo Zhengyang to momentarily lose focus. It's the fear and temptation from within that can make a person feel unsettled and confused. So, tapping into the deepest fears and temptations is likely a method of soul attack, at least one of them. Learning how to resist fear and temptation is the corresponding method of soul defense.

Even though Woo Zhengyang understood this concept, he was still a ways off from creating a soul attack method that could manipulate others' emotions. However, controlling himself to withstand such soul attacks wasn't too difficult. Given his mental fortitude and the strength of his soul energy, as long as he remained steadfast, it would be quite challenging for anyone to invade his mind.

On the other hand, Qian Banruo, or the technique he practiced, "Desireless Wisdom," was particularly effective against soul attacks. This practice emphasizes control over one's emotions and desires. How can you stir fear in someone who desires nothing? Nonetheless, Woo Zhengyang knew that Qian Banruo couldn't truly be without desires. His practice was closely tied to his mindset, making him less likely to show emotions easily. If faced with a soul attack, it would ultimately depend on whose mental strength was greater.

Moreover, since the "Desireless Skill" is a technique meant for gaining strength, practicing it without any desires or goals seems pointless. Otherwise, Qian Banruo wouldn't be here, striking at Woo Zhengyang with a sword.

Qian Banruo's sword carried a unique aura, akin to a soul attack. This aura seemed to be an effect of the skill itself. As the sword slashed down, Woo Zhengyang felt as if he was being absolved, with an overwhelming sense that resisting was wrong, even sinful.

However, having just grasped the art of soul defense, Woo Zhengyang wasn't swayed by this aura. He remained steadfast, his mind clear. Employing the "Floating Light Step," Woo Zhengyang easily dodged Qian Banruo's strike.

Seeing Woo Zhengyang unaffected and effortlessly evading the attack, Qian Banruo's eyes narrowed slightly, her crimson gaze becoming sharp and intense, almost otherworldly. But in a flash, she regained her composure and launched another strike at Woo Zhengyang.

This time, the sword wasn't fast, but midway through, the sword energy split into nine, then multiplied into eighty-one, surrounding Woo Zhengyang's vital points. Yet, faced with these eighty-one strands of sword energy, Woo Zhengyang stood motionless, causing many onlookers to hold their breath in anticipation.

All the sword energy dissipated, leaving Woo Zhengyang unharmed. Qian Banruo's sword had struck an empty spot to Woo Zhengyang's left. It was all an illusion. Anyone else might have been misled by the illusion, choosing to dodge left due to the distribution of the sword energy. Little did they know, the true attack point was predetermined to be the left side. Dodging left would leave them with no escape, making it the most dangerous aspect of the technique.

However, Woo Zhengyang, being an Array Master and having practiced sword skills similar to the Ink Night Sword Washing Arts, was all too familiar with these tactics. With his powerful Soul Energy, even though it was his first encounter with this sword technique, he quickly deduced the purpose of the illusion, allowing him to remain unfazed.

"Impressive! They say Qian Banruo's sword techniques are incredibly intricate. Very few can withstand even the second move, yet Woo Zhengyang evaded it so effortlessly. No wonder he's considered one of the top prodigies," someone in Heavenly Martial City remarked in awe.