The sword master's blade and Shi Lang's sword intent collided, and the former stepped back. He opened up the distance between the two of them. However, Shi Lang had not even moved an inch away from the spot he was standing at.
The sword master replied, "You had this capability from the first blow, why did you not use it?"
Shi Lang opened his eyes slowly and said, "All my life I wielded the sword to defend myself, protect my beliefs and my people. I never looked at a sword or any other weapon as means of killing, or tools to show off my worth in the world. All these tests mean nothing to me, however, while I was exchanging blows just now, I realized that if showing off my worth can end this trial then I would not hold back."
The sword master fell in a thought before he said, "You are good, both with words and with your blade. I hope that you step in the realm of a sword saint."
Shi Lang cupped his fist and said, "Thank you for guiding me."
