In the air, Yang Ying thrust his sword toward Qingfeng’s head, the tip vibrating so intensely that its target was impossible to discern. Qingfeng quickly ducked his head aside, evading the strike with a clumsy somersault. He scrambled back up, his face flushed, as the sword gleam intensified, circling back toward Yang Ying—still the Tai Chi Sword style.

Master Pang Qian once said that even a swordsman with low Psionic energy could defeat someone with high energy if they excelled in swordplay; while this didn't involve light swords, the principle was the same.

Yang Ying unfurled his own swordsmanship. Though his blade lacked a visible aura, if it never made contact, the aura served no purpose and only wasted Psionic energy.

Poor Qingfeng, who believed he was already a master among the young after mastering the sword aura, had sought an opponent to display his strength. Instead, Yang Ying’s technique was superior; Qingfeng couldn't even graze the corner of Yang Ying’s robe.

While parrying, Yang Ying secretly analyzed the characteristics of the Tai Chi Sword style, intending to integrate it into his foundational sword techniques later. As for transforming Psionic energy into a visible aura, he only knew that it was done, not how, so he set that knowledge aside for the moment.

The two sparred for dozens of exchanges. Qingfeng’s gaze grew scattered, and his breathing quickened. Though his reserves of Psionic energy were deeper, the aura caused it to deplete much faster.

Finally, the sword aura vanished.

Sensing his opportunity, Yang Ying pressed the attack, driving his sword straight toward Qingfeng’s chest. Qingfeng tried to block but lacked the strength; he attempted to retreat but turned his ankle, stumbling to the ground as his sword flew from his grasp.

“Senior Brother Qingfeng!” Mingyue cried out, rushing onto the practice area. She hurried to Qingfeng’s side and helped him up, only to find he had already passed out.

Mingyue checked him quickly and found nothing serious, just exhaustion. She turned to Yang Ying and said, “Layman, you have won this bout. Please return quickly; Uncle-Master Tianhe might arrive at any moment.” Then, hoisting Qingfeng onto her shoulder, she ran off.

The Tai Chi Temple was vast yet sparsely populated; few people wandered its grounds normally. Furthermore, Qingfeng and Mingyue’s challenge had been something they couldn't easily explain. Thus, the path they led Yang Ying down was exceptionally secluded, traversed by even fewer people. Yang Ying encountered no one on his return journey.

Less than a minute after arriving back in the reception room, Daoist Tianhe entered, holding a letter. He bowed slightly. “My apologies for keeping Layman Yang waiting. The letter is complete and is here.” He presented the parchment.

Yang Ying reached out and took the note. “Since that is settled, I shall take my leave now, Daoist Tianhe. Please take care.”

Having glimpsed a sliver of the Tai Chi Temple’s sword secret through Qingfeng, Yang Ying felt the trip was worthwhile and wished to depart promptly, lest Qingfeng wake and cause further trouble.

Tianhe looked surprised. “Layman Yang leaves so soon? Why not stay a while longer? Allow me to fulfill my duties as a host. Moreover, you mentioned earlier that you came to Wudang Mountain to absorb the strengths of various schools. While I cannot disclose our sect’s cultivation methods, I can certainly share some insights with you.”

Yang Ying’s heart stirred, especially upon hearing his last sentence. He smiled and sat back down. “In that case, I shall remain a little longer. By the way, Daoist, have you seen Qingfeng and Mingyue?”

“Them?” Tianhe nodded. “I did indeed see them. I happened to run into Mingyue carrying Qingfeng in the corridor, heading toward Qingfeng’s room. When I asked what happened, Mingyue said Qingfeng fainted from over-exertion during practice. Ah… the youth today are so diligent.”

“I see,” Yang Ying murmured, turning to look out the window, a peculiar smile touching his lips. “Indeed, very diligent.”

“Layman Yang,” Tianhe called out.

“What is it, Daoist?” Yang Ying turned back.

Tianhe inquired, “Have you ever considered cultivating here at the Tai Chi Temple? We possess Daoist cultivation methods passed down for a thousand years. Should you be accepted, all our techniques would be taught to you without reservation.”

“And then be trapped here until my cultivation is complete?” Yang Ying shook his head. “There is no need to discuss this further. I have many obligations in the mortal realm.”

“If that is your decision, then so be it.”

The two conversed for half the morning and half the afternoon. Through Tianhe’s descriptions, Yang Ying gained a general understanding of the advanced applications of Psionic energy.

Once mental power reaches a certain foundation, various methods can imbue it with different attributes—sharpness, density, extreme heat, extreme cold, lightning, and so on—unleashing power far greater than the raw Psionic force itself.

Tianhe demonstrated the high-temperature application for Yang Ying. He held out his hand, concentrating Psionic energy in his palm. The temperature rose higher and higher until fire actually erupted!

Although Tianhe did not explain the mechanism, Yang Ying now had a general direction. At the very least, he knew he could consult the Temple Warriors of the God Clan regarding the method for generating lightning.

After multiple failed attempts to persuade him to stay, Tianhe escorted Yang Ying away from the Tai Chi Temple.

Yang Ying retraced his steps, navigating the illusion array back down the mountain, until he reached the Tai Chi Sword Arts association run by the Xin mother and daughter at the foot of the mountain.

Xin Jinyun spotted Yang Ying instantly from the front desk and became visibly delighted. She asked with anticipation, “Yang Ying, did you… deliver the package?”

“I delivered it,” Yang Ying confirmed, holding out the letter. “Daoist Tianhe asked me to bring this letter to your mother.”

“Then quickly, come with me!”

Xin Jinyun snatched the letter and grabbed Yang Ying’s hand, pulling him into the Hall Master’s office. Madam Xin was working there; seeing her daughter enter with Yang Ying, she immediately stood up. Xin Jinyun waved the letter high and exclaimed joyfully, “Mom, Dad sent a letter!”

This statement confirmed Yang Ying’s guess: Daoist Tianhe was indeed Xin Jinyun’s father, and Madam Xin Tianqing and Daoist Tianhe were likely former fellow disciples, perhaps martial siblings. This explained why Xin Tianqing knew so much about certain matters concerning the Psionic Temple. As for what caused their eventual separation, Yang Ying had no interest in discovering or revealing that secret.

“Quickly, let me see!” Madam Xin took the letter, opened it, and pulled out a data chip containing a holographic video recording that Daoist Tianhe had specially made for the mother and daughter. Given the advanced state of modern technology, physical letters were rarely used anymore.

Noticing that the two had forgotten his presence, Yang Ying cleared his throat. “Um… should I excuse myself?”

“Oh, young man.” Madam Xin snapped back to attention and nodded. “I sincerely apologize. You must wait outside for a moment. I truly don’t know how to thank you enough. May we treat you to dinner tonight?”

However, Yang Ying already had plans for the evening and was preparing to leave. He politely declined. “Hall Master, Miss Xin, I already have an engagement this evening and fear I cannot attend. Besides, my visit to the Tai Chi Temple has already been immensely satisfying. You both need not trouble yourselves over me; I shall take my leave now.”

Xin Jinyun looked disappointed. “You’re leaving already?”

Yang Ying smiled. “Miss Xin, we are bound to meet again sooner or later. I will certainly visit again before the Sword Master qualification exam next month.”

Finally, Yang Ying exchanged contact numbers with them before bidding them farewell and departing.