"I'll go get Junior Apprentice Brother." Huang Xiaoyun said as she entered the living quarters and made her way to Su Yang's room.
Since she knew he couldn't cultivate, she knocked on his door without worry.
"Junior Apprentice Brother, the Sect Leader, and Master are waiting for you outside," she called out to him.
The door opened a moment later, and Su Yang's handsome figure walked out.
Huang Xiaoyun, still unfamiliar with his appearance, quickly blushed at the sight of his face.
"The Sect Leader is here as well?" Su Yang asked, wondering if he'd misheard her.
"That's right. Make sure you greet him properly."
"Of course."
When they arrived outside, Su Yang bowed to the two figures standing before him, "This disciple greets the Sect Leader and Master."
"..." Han Jianzhi wore a shocked expression on his face when he saw Su Yang's handsome features for the first time, almost as though he couldn't believe his eyes.
He finally comprehended the reason behind Senior Wu's reluctance to allow a dual cultivator to instruct Su Yang.
Senior Wu cleared his throat and said, "We will be evaluating your progress with the Sword Tyrant's Void Insights. Just show us everything you know."
Su Yang nodded and approached the training ground. He retrieved his sword and closed his eyes, taking a moment to mentally prepare himself.
Prepared and poised, Su Yang elevated his sword into the air, executing a seamless sequence of techniques encompassing all he had comprehended over the preceding three months.
His body and sword moved in perfect harmony, exhibiting a seamless and natural flow.
"Sword Tyrant's Void Insight's first stage, Principle of the Void!" Han Jianzhi sucked in a breath of cold air as he witnessed Su Yang perfectly perform the first stage.
He never anticipated Su Yang would actually comprehend the first stage in three short months, especially when he did not have the Perfect Sword Body. Yet, Su Yang had surpassed his expectations.
Huang Xiaoyun wore a bewildered expression as she observed Su Yang's performance, a sensation akin to being doused with a bucket of cold water. As the pride and joy of the Fleeting Sword Sect, her sword skills had been unparalleled since her induction into the sect, even outshining most of her seniors. Yet, standing before the formidable display of Su Yang's sword talents, she couldn't help but feel a sense of inferiority.
Senior Wu clenched his fists in exhilaration, a radiant smile lighting up his face.
Su Yang lowered his sword once he finished showing off the first stage.
After a brief moment of silence, Senior Wu clapped his hands and laughed out loud, "You've exceeded my expectations once again, Disciple Su! I cannot believe that you'd actually managed to learn the first stage in just three short months!"
Han Jianzhi nodded, supplementing, "Furthermore, considering your fluid motions and flawless executions, you've attained a level of mastery that rivals even the most seasoned Inner Disciples. I am thoroughly impressed with your performance, Disciple Su."
However, what came out of Su Yang's mouth left them utterly speechless.
"Umm… I am not finished yet…" he said in an awkward voice.
"Excuse me?"
"Come again?"
Senior Wu and Han Jianzhi muttered at the same time.
Su Yang had already completed the first stage from beginning to end, leaving nothing further for him to accomplish.
Senior Wu and Han Jianzhi exchanged looks with each other, their expressions saying, "There's no way, right?"
"May I continue?" Su Yang asked when they didn't respond.
"S-sure…"
"G-go ahead…"
Upon receiving their acknowledgment, Su Yang continued his performance.
When the spectators saw the stance he took, their eyes widened with disbelief.
'He's actually going to perform the second stage?!'
Sure enough, Su Yang started executing the Sword Tyrant's Void Insight's second stage, Void Perception.
The first stage facilitated the user in grasping the fundamental aspects of the sword technique, while the second stage aided in comprehending the essence that underlies the technique.
Senior Wu and Han Jianzhi observed the entire spectacle without blinking. While Su Yang's movements in the second stage weren't as inherently natural and fluid as his performance in the first, displaying a hint of rigidity and inexperience, it nonetheless attested to his successful grasp and assimilation of the second stage, a feat that normally required years of training and effort for even the sect's most talented disciples.
"A-am I dreaming…?" Han Jianzhi muttered in a dazed voice, feeling lightheaded.
Senior Wu was a step ahead, pinching his backhand to make sure he wasn't dreaming.
Huang Xiaoyun silently stood still with her eyes and mouth wide open, looking like she just witnessed a ghost.
"Okay, I'm finished this time," Su Yang declared as he lowered his sword, his body drenched in sweat. Despite not utilizing any Profound Qi, each swing of the sword took its toll, gradually sapping his energy.
However, nobody there responded to him.
"Sect Leader? Master?"
Su Yang looked at them with raised eyebrows.
After a long moment of silence, Han Jianzhi spoke in a trembling voice, "I-Innate Swo…"
"Innate Sword Instincts!" Senior Wu suddenly blurted out loud.
"What?" Su Yang became even more puzzled.
"It must be the Innate Sword Instincts! There's no other explanation for this phenomenon!" Senior Wu continued shouting out loud, looking even happier than a grandfather who just received news of a new grandchild as he awkwardly danced in place.
Han Jianzhi was so happy that tears formed in his eyes, looking like he'd won the lottery.
"What in heaven's name…?" Su Yang was flabbergasted by their exaggerated reaction, even feeling a little terrified.
"Innate Sword Instincts? There's no way he has that legendary aptitude…" Huang Xiaoyun muttered to herself, her disbelief palpable.