With only half month before examination, every student were busy in training as the school reduce the class section to give the students some space.
Since Chu Yan ranked best in the class, the teacher even give him day-off, allowing Chu Yan to spend more time training with Uncle Su.
Dojo Room.
In the training room, clashing metal sound can be heard as two shadow figure fighting at high speed with their sword. Based from the fight, both of them seems equal in term of sword skill but one it slightly suppress other person with pure strength.
The person who been suppressed with is Chu Yan, while the other is Pavilion master, Su Hai. Even though Chu Yan been suppress, he immediately regained balance, stepping forward with a counterattack, his blade aimed at Su Hai's midsection.
The Pavilion Master easily sidestepped, his movements fluid and precise, almost as if he was anticipating Chu Yan's every move.
Their swords clashed again, the sound of steel ringing through the training room. Chu Yan pressed forward, his strikes fast and relentless, trying to find a gap in Su Hai's defenses. But Su Hai was a fortress, his swordplay impeccable, each movement efficient and controlled.
Despite the difference in their realms, Chu Yan's skill in term of sword far surpass his peer. After several minutes of intense sparring, Su Hai suddenly shifted his stance, his aura flaring as he unleashed a powerful strike aimed directly at Chu Yan's sword.
The impact was tremendous, the force of the blow knocking Chu Yan off balance and sending him skidding back across the floor.
Chu Yan gritted his teeth, struggling to maintain his footing. The gap between their cultivations was like a chasm, and Su Hai had just reminded him of it. But instead of discouraging him, it only fueled his determination.
"Your swordsmanship is excellent, Chu Yan," Su Hai said, his tone even. "But you must learn to compensate for the difference in our power. Relying solely on your current strength will not be enough."
Chu Yan nodded, his breathing heavy as he adjusted his stance, his mind racing as he tried to find a way to overcome the challenge before him. He knew that defeating Su Hai was unlikely, but he was here to learn, to push his limits.
"Again," Su Hai said, his voice a command.
This time, Chu Yan didn't rush in. Even though with his rich battle experience gained in the wild, there is still a big gap between them since Su Hai accumulated his battle experience for more than 10 years.
He took a moment to focus, his mind clear as he analyzed Su Hai's movements. When he finally moved, it was with calculated precision, his sword striking not with brute force but with the intent to disrupt Su Hai's rhythm.
Su Hai's eyes narrowed slightly as he recognized the change in Chu Yan's approach. This brat's talent is really good. In an instant, he can easily adapt to the fight, making his strikes more refined. But Su Hai was still a step ahead, his blade meeting Chu Yan's with practiced ease.
The two exchanged a flurry of blows, their swords a blur of motion. Chu Yan could feel the strain in his muscles, the exhaustion creeping in, but he pushed it aside, focusing solely on the battle.
Finally, Su Hai saw an opening. With a swift, decisive movement, he disarmed Chu Yan, his sword flying out of his hand and clattering to the ground. The spar was over.
Breathing heavily, Chu Yan stood still for a moment, his chest heaving from the exertion.
Su Hai sheathed his sword, a small smile playing on his lips. "I never expected that with just a few months, you could reach the intermediate stage of the Martial Artist realm. Your talent really makes others envious. But still, don't be arrogant with just this performance. From what I heard, there are even students around your age in big cities who have already reached the Martial Master realm."
Chu Yan bows respectfully. "Thank you, Uncle Su. I'll remember that."
Su Hai nodded, his expression approving. "Good. Today you faced an opponent stronger than you, and you learned valuable lessons. I really want to see how far your martial path can reach in the future."
With that, Su Hai nodded as he turned and left the training room, leaving Chu Yan to reflect on the sparring session.
Based on his sparring today, Chu Yan knows the limit of his true strength. At full strength, Chu Yan easily defeats the fifth or even sixth-layer martial artist expert; as for late-stage martial artists, he can defend their attack as long as they don't have secret technique.
'For the remaining half month, I need to improve my skill to increase my trump card,' thought Chu Yan as he clenched his fist.