Under the lens of his visual technique, Han Xiao scrutinized the live action between Teng Liang and Zhao Jian. To avoid alarming others with his pitch-black eyes, he shut them, feigning sleep, but in reality, he uniquely observed the scene.

Though his vision was dark and gray, he could see the flow of qi in every being and object around him, as well as their interactions with the surrounding qi, creating harmony.

During the first part of the duel, he noticed the essence qi of both Teng Liang and Zhao Jian harmonizing with the natural qi of their surroundings. Han Xiao could even predict their next moves by observing the circulation of their essence qi.

However, everything changed when Zhao Jian switched tactics, using the 'Thousand Leaves Severing Style' and began pushing Teng Liang backward. Han Xiao saw something others couldn't with their eyes wide open. Although Zhao Jian's twin swords didn't leave a mark on Teng Liang, each quick slash severed the essence qi connection between Teng Liang and the environment, disrupting his harmony.

Han Xiao formed a wild theory in his head. ‘If Teng Liang were a large tree connecting with his environment through his leaves, then Zhao Jian is severing that natural balance. If this continues and all the essence qi connections are cut, Teng Liang would struggle to cast his spells, and the sudden disruption of qi might result in a backlash.’

He realized Zhao Jian's strategy wasn't just physical but deeply spiritual, aiming to isolate Teng Liang from the natural qi, making it harder for him to harness external energy. This insight gave Han Xiao a deeper appreciation for the duel, allowing him to understand the intricate dance of essence qi that most couldn't perceive.

Although Teng Liang couldn't see the severing effect with his eyes, he felt uneasy accessing his essence qi and knew Zhao Jian's severing sword law was to blame. If this continued, Teng Liang would struggle to access his essence qi outside his body, risking a backlash from the surrounding qi. Despite this, he remained calm.

As he was about to be pushed off the stage, Teng Liang quickly bent forward to regain his balance. Infusing a large amount of essence qi into his right arm, he swung his sheathed sword.

Peng! The physical force within the sheathed sword was astonishing, propelling Zhao Jian away.

A powerful wave of wind swept through the classroom from Teng Liang’s seemingly simple strike, sending Zhao Jian airborne.

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Zhao Jian flipped in the air and landed a bit farther from the center of the platform, his stance slightly shaken but his determination unwavering.

Han Xiao muttered, “Oh, interesting! He's using essence qi to strengthen the muscles of his arm. Is he a dual cultivator like me?… No, it seems more like a specific muscular enhancement from a bloodline inheritance.”

Ding!

[Correct! It’s a bloodline inheritance—Inborn Muscle Enhancement Technique. You could gain it by eating his flesh!]

“Yikes! Now you’re encouraging cannibalism? Not happening. Plus, I have little interest in that skill,” Han Xiao responded.

[You’ve already used human corpses to cultivate. Why not him?]

“Nope! That’s totally different. One is cultivation, the other is flesh consumption. I can't stomach that,” Han Xiao said. “And why am I explaining this to an emotionless computer thingy!”

[Noted! According to my host, consuming the same species as food is morally wrong.]

Teng Liang felt at ease as he regained his natural harmony. “Zhao Jian, your technique is quite remarkable, one of the top-graded sword styles I've seen. However, you chose the wrong opponent… It’s useless against me.”

While others were clueless about his meaning, Han Xiao understood. Despite the technique severing Teng Liang from natural harmony, his bloodline technique—the Inborn Muscle Enhancement Technique—remained effective. Even Elder Wang didn't grasp the hidden meaning behind his statement.

Panting heavily, Zhao Jian asked, “Brother Teng Liang, why haven’t you drawn your sword? Are you looking down on me?”

“Yes, you’re still not qualified for me to use my blade,” Teng Liang responded bluntly. “Show me your strongest move, and I’ll show you my blade.”

Though his words seemed arrogant, no one in the hall thought so. Teng Liang had the strength to back up his confidence.

Zhao Jian narrowed his eyes and said, “Fine! Let’s end this with our final move.” He chanted a spell, infusing both twin swords with a surge of essence qi, igniting inscriptions on each blade. Without another word, he dashed toward his opponent, swinging his swords. “Second Law of Thousand Leaves Severing Style: Mountain Cleavage!” As he approached, a looming aura gathered behind him, forming a virtual image of a sword above the twirling blades.

A monstrous level of pressure from the sword law bore down on Teng Liang. He said with a slight shoulder movement, “Your sword law is almost strong enough to make me feel scratchy. Since you’ve shown me something interesting after a long time, today, I’ll show you my sword.”

He switched hands, holding the sheath with his left and clasping the handle with his right. He quickly unsheathed the sword. In that instant, everyone saw a new side of him—like a demon standing against an unending tide in the middle of the sea. The sudden aura blast quickly receded as he sheathed the sword again. It happened too quickly for most to comprehend.

Bowing slightly toward his opponent, Teng Liang strode back to his seat beside his two friends. Only after he sat did the sound of metal hitting the floor reach everyone’s ears. They glanced toward the source and saw that the twin swords in Zhao Jian’s hands were cut in half. His expression was pale.

“Brother Teng Liang, today I admit that you’re the most formidable opponent I have ever faced. But the funny thing is, I still don’t know how I lost to you even to this level of humiliation. But mark my words, as you broke my swords, I’ll also break your sword one day.” With those words, he collapsed!

Teng Liang didn't even spare him a glance. Instead, his gaze first passed over Han Xue for three seconds before shifting to Han Xiao. Still shutting his eyes, Han Xiao glanced back with a smile that wasn’t really a smile.

‘That Sword Drawing Technique is truly an eye-opener. So this is the level of those in the Five Tigers of the Outer Court. I still have a long way to go,’ Han Xiao thought.