Chapter 17: Yin and Yang
The first thing Anji noticed as the two ladies clashed against each other was the difference in the air. Although Shao Yin was considered graceful, there was still a different type of sharpness to his movements that lacked the flexibility of these ladies.
Yu Jiang and Hao Yizhen lacked power and stamina compared to the male disciples who sparred earlier. This could be due to their lower level of cultivation or biological disadvantage. However, both girls had something else that the men lacked. Anji frowned, unable to place a finger on this strange feeling.
Yu Jiang was a recruit with Hong Nian Niang. Not many people were expecting her to be able to hold her own against an inner disciple of the Heavenly Phoenix Sect. Although both sects had female sect leaders, their training methods did not share any similarities.
Unlike Hong Nian Niang, Liu Guiya’s philosophy was to use minimal movements to confront the enemy. Regarding swordsmanship, the Heavenly Phoenix Sect had one of the most refined techniques that was easy for most people to learn. It did not emphasise power, flexibility or reflex time. Most of their sword skills looked boring and lacked flair. It was a very straightforward style that capitalised on efficiency over everything else. Although it appeared simple, mastering it was difficult. If not for the strict discipline under her aunt’s tutelage from a young age, Liu Yanxia would not be able to become the new sect leader as soon as she did. The Heavenly Phoenix’s sword style’s true potential heavily relied on the swordsman’s mastery. With sufficient time and training at the Heavenly Phoenix Sect, Hao Yizhen quickly gained momentum and early advantage, pushing Yu Jiang into a defensive stance.
However, Yu Jiang did not seem panicked as she deflected attack after attack. Anji noticed how she was constantly moving with a rhythm around those predictable sword strikes. In contrast to the strict sword style of the Heavenly Phoenix Sect, Yu Jiang’s movement resembled a dance. It reminded Anji of the way Hong Nian Niang walked. She always had a flamboyant sway in her steps, catching everyone’s eye. It was a different sort of grace from Shao Yin’s.
One incense stick later, Yu Jiang held up well against Hao Yizhen without returning a single counterattack. Anji frowned. Nobody was using qi in their match. Were they not going to use it?
Smiling from two seats away, Zhang Yi placed down a silver ingot and turned to Liu Yanxia.
"Hey, lass! I’d bet you one silver that your disciple will lose."
Annoyed by the gambling, Liu Yanxia was about to turn it down when Bai Dajin threw in his lot with a string of copper.