Chapter 5: Sparring with the Sword Prodigy!

Chapter 5: Sparring with the Sword Prodigy!

A gentle breeze swept across the training grounds as Leon Xian and Su Lanyi stood a few feet apart. The tension in the air was palpable.

Several disciples nearby noticed the unusual matchup and quickly gathered around.

"Is Leon crazy? He's challenging Su Lanyi?"

"She's ranked #6 in the sect! Her swordsmanship is on another level!"

"He just got strong recently. He'll be humiliated here!"

Leon ignored the murmurs, his focus locked onto Su Lanyi.

She held her silver longsword with a graceful yet deadly posture, her cold eyes assessing him. "I don't usually waste time sparring with lower-ranked disciples," she said flatly. "But since you've been making waves… I'm curious."

Leon smirked. "Curiosity is good. But after this, you'll be more than just curious."

Her expression didn't change, but a faint flicker of interest flashed in her eyes.

Whoosh!

Without warning, Su Lanyi moved like a ghost, her sword slicing through the air in a blur.

Leon's instincts screamed at him—she was fast!

But he was faster.

Wind Shadow Steps!

With a slight shift, Leon's body became a blur, effortlessly dodging her strike.

The watching disciples gasped.

"He dodged Su Lanyi's attack?!"

"That speed… is he really just Qi Condensation (5th Layer)?!"

Su Lanyi's eyes narrowed slightly. "Not bad."

She twisted her wrist, and in an instant—

Ten sword shadows appeared at once!

Phantom Blade Dance!

This was her famous move, an attack so fast that most opponents couldn't tell which strike was real.

Leon grinned. Perfect.

As the strikes came down, he reached out and tapped her sword with his fingers.

Ding!

> [Copy Successful!]

Phantom Blade Dance Acquired!

Heavenly Sword Intent Acquired!

Boom!

A sudden wave of sword energy exploded from Leon, shaking the ground beneath him.

Su Lanyi's eyes widened slightly. "What…?"

Leon's smirk deepened. "My turn."

Phantom Blade Dance!

With a flick of his hand, ten sword shadows appeared around him, mirroring her technique perfectly—but even faster and sharper!

Su Lanyi barely had time to react before she was forced to step back, her composure finally cracking.

The watching disciples were stunned.

"He… he copied her technique?!"

"No! His version looks even stronger!"

"Just how terrifying is this guy?!"

Su Lanyi steadied herself, breathing slightly heavier than before.

Then, something unexpected happened.

She smiled.

It wasn't a mocking smile, nor one of arrogance—it was pure interest.

"You… are quite interesting."

Leon chuckled. "Told you."

Su Lanyi lowered her sword. "That's enough for today. But I'll be watching your performance in the tournament."

She turned and walked away, leaving behind a courtyard full of disciples who could barely process what had just happened.

Leon stood there, flexing his fingers as he felt the new sword intent flowing through him.

His power had just taken another leap forward.

And the tournament hadn't even started yet.