The outcome would depend on a single strike.0

I fixed my gaze on the ominous purple flame. The moment I summoned it, my mind had emptied of everything but swordsmanship and movement. Yet, as I looked at the Yin-Yang Dao, memories of Senior Brother He Lou flooded my mind.0

Senior Brother He Lou excelled in both spear and sword techniques. In fact, even his askill with fists and palms surpassed mine by far. I often sparred with him on Spirit Mountain. Unlike when I trained with my master, I never suffered serious injury during those bouts. Above all, he was kind—unlike my master, whose harsh lessons bordered on neglect.1

During our training, Senior Brother He Lou had shown me countless starting stances: some focused on overwhelming power, others on defense, and still others on swift evasion.0

"What I need right now is the fastest strike," I muttered.0

The purple flames wrapped around the Yin-Yang Dao meant I was not short on destructive power. I had never unleashed it before, but I was certain of this.0

I adjusted my breathing and took a steady stance. Without a sheath or belt, I slipped the Yin-Yang Dao into my waistband. Then, I bent my upper body slightly, curling...3