Chapter 126 : The True Edge

Ra Cun's teeth ground together as he pushed himself up from the floor. His remaining hand reached out, drawing in the surrounding sand. The particles swirled and condensed, forming a crude but deadly blade.

He raised the sand-forged sword to eye level, his stance shifting into a familiar form. The air around him began to stir, creating visible currents that traced his outline.

"Come at me, Xie Mu." His voice carried renewed strength. "Prove yourself."

Xie Mu stood at attention, her body tensing as she assessed the situation. Her qi reached out, attempting to weave the subtle threads of Lotus Whisper into Ra Cun's consciousness. But something was wrong.

The Serpent Stance revealed itself as more than just a defensive posture. As her qi approached Ra Cun, she felt it being drawn in, absorbed, and transformed. The technique acted as a perfect conversion system, taking any incoming force - physical or spiritual - and repurposing it for the user's benefit.