C310 The Difference Between a Genius and a Genius!(1)
Woo Zhengyang and Qian Banruo were both aware of the arrival of Simon and Lau Piaopiao, but neither spoke up. They continued their mock battle, with one striking and the other dodging, as if it were child's play.
As Simon and Lau Piaopiao quickly approached the fight, Qian Banruo remained calm and composed, while Woo Zhengyang felt a twinge of regret. Sparring with Qian Banruo had been incredibly beneficial for Woo Zhengyang, offering a rare opportunity for personal growth. Unfortunately, this moment was about to be disrupted by Simon and Lau Piaopiao.
"Banruo, I'm here to help!" Simon called out, raising his green-tinted sword and slashing toward Woo Zhengyang.
Lau Piaopiao stayed silent, but a length of white silk appeared in her hand, multiplying into dozens, even hundreds of strands, weaving a net around Woo Zhengyang.
This was "Heavenly Silk Snare," Lau Piaopiao's signature technique, said to be at its peak. The white silk followed its target relentlessly, refusing to relent until the opponent was ensnared. It paired well with Simon's "Chaotic Blade Technique," making it no surprise that the two worked together.
In an instant, Woo Zhengyang found himself surrounded by the white silk from all directions, with a sword poised among the strands, ready to strike at any moment.
Before Woo Zhengyang could react, Qian Banruo made the first move.
With a swift strike, the white silk seemed to lose its energy, scattering to the ground. Yet, Qian Banruo's sword maintained its power, perfectly striking the flat of Ximen Buyue's long blade.
"Clang..."
Ximen Buyue's sword was knocked aside, and before he could react, he felt a chill as if a cold light enveloped him. It was too late to retreat. When he looked again, Qian Banruo's sword tip was less than an inch from his brow.
Qian Banruo's sudden move caught everyone off guard. Even more surprising was how this single strike not only broke through the combined attack of Lau Piaopiao and Ximen Buyue but also relentlessly suppressed Ximen Buyue.
"Qian Banruo is truly formidable!"
The spectators, who had become numb from watching the battles of Woo Zhengyang and Qian Banruo, suddenly felt a surge of excitement. The distinction between the four great talents and the four lesser talents was often exaggerated, a fact most people understood. Logically, Qian Banruo should have been on par with either Lau Piaopiao or Ximen Buyue individually. Yet, here was Qian Banruo, single-handedly overpowering both Lau Piaopiao and Ximen Buyue.
As part of the lesser talents, Lau Piaopiao and Ximen Buyue were no pushovers. Their previous successes, both individually and together, had proven their capabilities.
Before this, Qian Banruo's performance was just average, and his duel with Woo Zhengyang nearly exhausted everyone's patience. No one expected that his combat power would explode to such an impressive level! But if he was so strong, why did he and Woo Zhengyang remain deadlocked for so long? Was he holding back on purpose? That doesn't make sense! They shouldn't have any connection. Or perhaps... Woo Zhengyang is also strong? Strong enough to defeat the combined forces of Lau Piaopiao and another opponent in a single move?
The truth remains a mystery, leaving everyone to speculate. However, in the minds of many, there's now another contender who could challenge Moh Lunhui, besides the nearly overlooked Woo Zhengyang: Qian Banruo.
"Qian Banruo, we were trying to help you! What are you doing?" shouted Ximen Buyue, standing in the Heavenly Martial Realm with Qian Banruo's sword tip pointed at his forehead. Despite his anger, there was an unmistakable fear on Ximen Buyue's face. If Qian Banruo had moved just a bit further, his life would have ended right there.
"My battles never require assistance!" Qian Banruo's voice, usually steady, showed a rare hint of emotion, indicating how seriously he took this fight with Woo Zhengyang. What seemed like a dull battle to the onlookers was actually of immense benefit to both Woo Zhengyang and Qian Banruo.
Woo Zhengyang's ability to refine his mindset is beyond question, and Qian Banruo's swordsmanship is equally tied to the strength of one's mental state. He has faced many opponents and has been decisively defeated before. However, whether in victory or defeat, Qian Banruo had never encountered anyone whose mindset could match his own—until Woo Zhengyang appeared.
As Woo Zhengyang benefited from their encounters, Qian Banruo's every sword stroke steadily improved. Woo Zhengyang's formidable mental state allowed Qian Banruo to continually perfect his technique. While it still wasn't effective against Woo Zhengyang, against others with less mental fortitude, it would be nearly impossible to withstand. This was clearly demonstrated through the experiences of Simon and Lau Piaopiao.
