Bai Zhu Pavilion is skilled with the short sword, executing swift and perilous maneuvers.
Yet, as they say, an inch longer is an inch stronger, and an inch shorter is an inch more dangerous. The advantage of long weapons is inherent. Even if you possess a lethal dagger, you must first close the distance.
'To make the short superior, seize three initiatives.' This statement, written in the 'Bamboo Cutting Sword' prolegomenon, explains the principle—claim three advantages with the short weapon to claim life.
Normally, this phrase refers to the strategy within combat, where each quick move, each winning move, is a seized initiative.
However, in the case of Qing Huang, the chief trainer of the two hundred disciples of Bai Zhu Pavilion, this philosophy extends beyond unsheathing the sword.
Qing Huang knew he was due for a single combat with Meng Chuyuan. From three days prior, he had been brewing this confrontation, preparing for these 'three initiatives'.
