Tang San's dark gaze was unmistakable to Xiaotian. He was certain Tang San remembered him and feared he might have been marked for death.
Still, with Tang San's current power, unless Tang Hao suddenly attacked without honor, Xiaotian felt relatively safe—he only needed to watch out for low-level hidden weapons.
Even so, it gave him a headache.
Glancing first at Xiao Wu, then Tang San, a bold plan formed in Xiaotian's mind. Why not push things even further?
"Tang San, why are you staring at me like that? Just because I beat you once, you're so angry that you plan to take revenge in secret? I'm only innate level five. No need for that, right?"
Xiaotian's act of mock horror drew everyone's attention to Tang San, leaving him startled and scrambling to cover his thoughts. He admitted silently that Xiaotian's perception was sharp.
Putting on an innocent smile, Tang San said, "No way! You must have misunderstood. I'm just a six-year-old kid like you. How could I want to secretly retaliate? I just didn't use my full strength earlier. How about a proper rematch outdoors in a few days? We can learn from each other and improve."
His words were flawless, instantly easing everyone's doubts.
Wang Sheng smiled, "Xiaotian, you must be mistaken. Tang San seems honest. We'll all be classmates soon. Our real opponents will be those nobles."
Secretly, Xiaotian laughed. Honest? That was the biggest joke in the world!
Xiao Wu, observing both, thought deeply but, with a small head, came up blank. Instead, she suggested playfully to Xiaotian, "Let's have a competition. We can use our martial spirits."
Xiaotian nodded. Xiao Wu's martial soul was mostly for show—her real moves came from her skills, like her nimble footwork.
He braced himself, knowing he couldn't afford her to touch him—he lacked Tang San's physical prowess. His sword remained his best offense.
Seeing Xiaotian's nod, Xiao Wu grinned slyly and charged.
"Fifteen, stay sharp. This is just a friendly match."
Xiaotian whispered to Sword Fifteen. The sword trembled and dullened slightly.
Xiaotian smiled, pleased by his martial soul's liveliness. He didn't need to hold back now.
Taking advantage of this, Xiao Wu got within a meter and punched at Xiaotian's face.
"Don't hit someone in the face!" Xiaotian said, raising his sword defensively.
Boom!
They both staggered several steps back from the force.
Xiaotian sighed inwardly. Xiao Wu clearly excelled at powerful attacks. Luckily, his years of sword practice had boosted his fitness too.
Xiao Wu looked surprised. "Xiaotian, you say you're innate level five? Why do you feel about the same as me?"
After the clash, Xiao Wu grew curious. Xiaotian's strength didn't match what she expected from anyone with level five innateness.
Xiaotian thought wryly to himself: It's true—I'm level five, but with a cheat. I've been boosted to innate level ten, hehe.
"Of course it's true. I have a certificate from the Spirit Hall. I envy you tenth-levels," Xiaotian said, feigning a sigh.
Then, smiling, he added, "Come on, let's see your true strength. I won't go easy!"
"Humph! I don't want your mercy. I want to be boss!" Xiao Wu snorted.
Though impressed by Xiaotian's strength, Xiao Wu was no weakling herself.
She focused her soul power beneath her feet, pushing off at top speed toward Xiaotian.
Tang San watched in shock. "What speed!"
Xiaotian smirked. "What speed! Time to try my new move."
"Drunken Immortal Moon-Gazing Step!"
Xiaotian vanished, reappearing behind Xiao Wu just as she lunged.
Seeing the opening behind her, Xiaotian grinned mischievously. "Fifteen, be gentle."
Sword Fifteen trembled and suddenly softened, drawing astonished gasps.
Everyone thought, Wow! This sword is amazing! Can it really be played like this?
Xiaotian grabbed the hilt with both hands, eyes locked on the hem of Xiao Wu's skirt, and swung like a stick toward her rear!
"Ah!"
Xiao Wu screamed, instinctively covering her behind.
"Xiao Xiaotian! How dare you hit me there!" she spun, cheeks flushed.
"Hey, we're even now. You tried to hit my face earlier but missed," Xiaotian said, unbothered.
"You jerk! If you dare, I'll get you!" Xiao Wu stomped, glaring fiercely.
Xiaotian chuckled, amused by her fury.
"Fifteen!"
He relaxed his grip, using sword control to make Sword Fifteen wrap around Xiao Wu.
The move was spontaneous—a soft sword technique inspired by Daben's Soft Sword from The Legend of the Seven Heroes of Rainbow Cat and Blue Rabbit. The softened sword acted like a whip, its hardness making escape difficult. The only drawback was he couldn't enlarge the sword.
"Xiao Wu, admit defeat. I know you have moves, but nowhere to use them. I wasn't holding back, but neither were you."
Xiaotian, half a head taller, leaned in and whispered, "I'm just being polite."
P.S. This chapter shows Xiaotian confidently pushing boundaries with rivals Tang San and Xiao Wu, learning to wield his spirited sword with new finesse. The playful clash between youthful pride and emerging skills sets a lively tone, while hints of Xiaotian's secret boosts keep him ahead of the pack.
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