Daily life of a teacher in the martial arts department

While leaping back, Ying Qin Guan did not forget to launch a counterattack. He flicked his finger, and his violent inner energy transformed into divine light, rushing towards his opponent at supersonic speed no less than that of a sniper bullet.

The man with crimson pupils didn't dodge, letting the divine light strike him. However, the expected explosion of the divine light tearing his body apart didn't happen. After being hit, the man's body shattered into countless pieces like a mirror image. But in the blink of an eye, a slight breeze passed by, and the shattered pieces instantly gathered behind Ying Qin Guan. The man remained expressionless, his black Tang sword carrying a chilling killing intent as he slashed down!

The Mirror Turns!

This move was absolutely a progenitor-level skill, its initial killing power fully unleashed, all happening in an instant. However, Ying Qin Guan was no pushover either. Without even turning his body, he unleashed his Consciousness Slash, and simultaneously thrust his Killing Strike straight behind him!

Since Ying Qin Guan developed the Consciousness Slash, he has mostly used it before battles to instantly kill opponents and end the fight. It's extremely rare for him to use it directly in battle like this... because the opponent is truly worthy!

Against an opponent of this caliber, the duration of the Consciousness Slash control was less than one-three-hundredth of a second. However, that was enough; the Killing Blade advanced a distance, sufficient to strike the opponent before the black Tang sword could strike!

"We've made quite a few preparations...it's true that seeing is believing."

Finally, the killing strike struck the man with the crimson pupils' inner energy barrier. Although it failed to shatter the barrier, it still caused him to lose some of his balance. The black Tang sword struck Ying Qin Guan's inner energy barrier, but it didn't even manage to wear down much of Ying Qin Guan's inner energy.

In a battle between martial artists of equal skill, there are essentially two ways to determine a winner. First, one can break through the opponent's defenses with a sudden, unexpected move, catching them off guard. Essentially, this involves finding a way to overcome the opponent's internal energy barrier and striking once—just one strike is enough to decide the outcome; a martial artist's overflowing output is no joke. Second, one can slowly whittle down the opponent's strength, gradually building an internal energy advantage in each exchange, eventually accumulating enough to defeat them.

After exchanging three blows, except for the second blow where both sides were evenly matched, Ying Qin Guan gained the upper hand in the other two blows. This was only because the man used a series of mystical-level skills; otherwise, his advantage would have been even greater.

Despite being knocked back two steps, the man with crimson pupils remained expressionless. He lightly touched the black Tang sword, and countless threads suddenly appeared on its surface. Then, the entire sword transformed into countless cubes, which in an instant combined to form a longsword of blue steel that gleamed with a cold light!

Ying Qin Guan had no intention of giving his opponent a chance to breathe. He used the Space-Time Cutting technique, and in that brief moment when his body and consciousness were out of sync, he drew his sword and slashed out.

If you're powerful enough to understand the principles behind the "Consciousness Slash" skill, you can reduce its duration using your strength. But "Time-Space Cutting" is different; even if you know it, you can't defend against it. This is because you don't know whether your body can't keep up with your consciousness, or your consciousness can't keep up with your body. Moreover, this move has only been experienced by Darius and the designer of the "Time-Space Kill" technique. However, it ultimately became a scrapped design, its fame nowhere near the now-famous "Consciousness Slash." More importantly... when you think it's "Consciousness Slash," it's actually "Time-Space Cutting"!

Ying Qin Guan hadn't deliberately set up a trap for this skill; no one in the world was worthy of him setting a trap in the matter of combat. But at this moment, the skill did indeed achieve its purpose of setting a trap, causing the man with crimson pupils to mistake it for a consciousness slash. Thus, he made a mistake that was almost impossible at this level.

The opponent made an almost impossible mistake, but Ying Qin Guan wouldn't let this seemingly impossible opportunity slip by. He unleashed his ultimate strike, slashing down with a single blow. Despite the opponent's last-minute internal energy barrier, the blade still pierced the opponent's body, penetrating an inch and a half deep!

Chapter Twenty-Four: The Appearance of a Half-Ancestor

An ancestral level, a fantasy level, an almost unsolvable first encounter kill.

The "Ten Thousand Paths Talk? Mirror Turn" skill can be considered half of such a skill. However, the spacetime cutting, especially the spacetime cutting that is now mistaken for a consciousness slash, is a true first-time kill.

The man with the deep purple pupils possessed immense combat experience; a thousand years of struggle had accumulated unparalleled expertise and awareness. Yet, he still couldn't withstand the domineering force of the spatial-temporal cleavage. Ying Qin Guan shattered his inner energy barrier, the killing blow penetrating his body. Unfortunately, the battle was far from reaching its mid-to-late stages. The man's inner energy was abundant, and even though he hastily reconstructed an inner energy barrier, its defensive power was still outstanding. Otherwise, this attack would likely have directly decided the outcome.

Therefore, it's best to save your ultimate move for the end of the battle, so that the opponent's internal energy barrier can't block it, or they won't have time to block it. Otherwise, the opponent will be on guard. But while you're saving your ultimate move, your opponent is also saving theirs, so you have to be flexible in the actual fight.

Ying Qin Guan had only achieved a slight effect so far, but unfortunately, his opponent's combat experience was terrifyingly rich. In an instant, a terrifying gale erupted again, sending Ying Qin Guan flying and simultaneously allowing the man with the crimson pupils to escape danger.

A thousand paths can be discussed without a single leak!

Twice in a row, the opponent escaped danger using this skill. Although it's not a fantasy-level skill, its cost-effectiveness is ridiculously high, and Ying Qin Guan has to admit that its use is truly powerful!

The two sides have exchanged several blows so far, but in reality, less than 1.5 seconds have passed since the first exchange. This is even less than the time it took Ying Qin Guan to arrive. Shen Jiu on the balcony has only just reacted and turned around—of course, Shen Jiu's reaction was somewhat slow. She should have reacted from the moment Ying Qin Guan crashed through the railing and charged towards the man. But she didn't know Ying Qin Guan well enough, and after observing him briefly, she only reacted now.

By the time she turns around, runs into the room, and finishes speaking, it will probably take at least four or five seconds for Himura Tan's Sakura and Feng Yunke to arrive. Based on the previous frequency, the two sides can probably exchange at least ten more moves.

"It lives up to its reputation!"

The man with crimson pupils gave a thumbs-up. He should know that Ying Qin Guan's reinforcements were on their way, but he wasn't afraid at all. It wasn't about heroism or anything like that. It was mainly because of the environment. Putting himself in Ying Qin Guan's shoes, he certainly wasn't afraid either. Even Luo Shui, that cowardly guy, wouldn't be afraid, because... the city environment was just too perfect for escaping.

After a brief exchange, the man moved again. Despite being lightly injured by Ying Qin Guan, he still dared to take the initiative to attack. He slashed with his green steel longsword, but there was no response. Just as Ying Qin Guan was wondering, he suddenly saw three fierce sword energies appear out of thin air, less than twenty centimeters away from him!

The Talk of Ten Thousand Paths? Void Slash!

Another fantasy-level skill!

Ying Qin Guan didn't understand the principle behind it, but this move was similar to his own swordplay... He didn't know what his opponent had done. But he guessed that the man had hidden these three sword energies in the void, only revealing them when they were about to strike him!

"All mystical skills are qualitative changes brought about by powerful internal energy..."

Ying Qin Guan did not forget the general principles of martial arts, although the person who summarized these principles was certainly not as powerful as Ying Qin Guan. But these principles are definitely correct; martial artists are not the originators, and all skills must be based on reason.

Ying Qin Guan's martial arts skills were different from ordinary martial artists, but he also had his own understanding. In addition, there was a similar skill in the Void Sword Technique. He quickly figured out the key to this move. He slashed out with his sword, his inner energy surging, but there was no movement. However, the three sword energies in front of Ying Qin Guan were suddenly cut in half. Unfortunately, Ying Qin Guan was acting on impulse and it was his first time using this move. The invisibility of this move could not be maintained for long. He soon revealed his figure and was easily dodged by the man.

【"..sharp."】

The man remained calm, but inwardly he couldn't help but marvel. He knew that as one of the world's only two remaining true god-level martial artists, his opponent's martial arts prowess was undoubtedly exceptional. But to see through such a fantastical skill was one thing, but to actually learn it and counter it on the spot...

"This talent is no less than mine!"

Despite his overwhelming emotions, the man's hands didn't slow down an inch; it didn't matter if others learned it. Because the mystical skills he possessed... were probably more than all the martial artists in the world combined.

"Defeat the enemy through orthodox methods, and subdue the enemy through unorthodox methods!"

Suddenly, a startling purple light flashed in the man's eyes. His gaze swept across the area, and in an instant, the skin touched by the purple light showed signs of necrosis. Ying Qin was horrified. Despite being prepared, the absurd ability of a single glare to cause unknown illness still made him suspect that the man was the Progenitor… a half-Progenitor, a half-Ancestor level figure!

The myriad paths of discussion? Disaster strikes!

This is the domineering nature of a fantasy-level skill. Even Ying Qin Guan, after winning several moves in succession, was slightly outmatched. Fortunately, he reacted quickly, activating his inner energy barrier to block the purple light. However, the power of this purple light was truly astonishing, possessing many armor-piercing properties. Ying Qin Guan felt that his inner energy barrier was like Ruo Ye in front of Ji Fa!

This tactic definitely can't be sustained for long.

Ying Qin Guan activated the footwork he had learned from Ji Fenming. He had practiced this move for quite some time and could now use it with his soul, stepping on the unexpected places of his opponent with every step.

While using this footwork, he was somewhat worried. Ji Fenming's footwork was of unknown origin, and it might even have been created by this man before him. However, the man's face remained expressionless, and Ying Qin Guan had no idea what he was thinking.

Regardless, relying on this mysterious footwork, Ying Qin Guan managed to avoid the incredibly powerful purple light and approach his opponent. Without hesitation, he slashed at the opponent's head with his sword.

—This is a 'bad habit' left over from dealing with the Jue Tian Army.

Yes, for martial artists, attacking 'vital points' is actually a bad habit, because if you land a solid blow, it's basically an instant kill. So the best method is naturally to attack the easily hit chest and waist, that is, the torso, and definitely not the head or neck, which are harder to hit. But when Ying Qin Guan was fighting against the Jue Tian Army, he couldn't use his internal energy indiscriminately. Sometimes he couldn't achieve the instant kill effect of a martial artist, so he could only use some fighting techniques he had figured out himself. This bad habit has followed him to this day and is hard to erase. So you could say that Ying Qin Guan is a self-taught fighter, and just happens to be a tiny bit stronger.

The opponent withdrew the purple light from his eyes, clearly realizing that maintaining this skill would prevent him from channeling other internal energy. He inexplicably looked towards Ying Qin Guan, and the next second, the world suddenly darkened. The man, with incredible speed, severed Ying Qin Guan's body in two with a single strike.

He used a consciousness slash on Ying Qin Guan!

Chapter Twenty-Five: Taking the First City

Consciousness Slash!

The man learned this trick and used it on Ying Qin Guan!

Ying Qin Guan wasn't surprised by this; the Consciousness Slash skill required a high level of spirituality. But it wasn't to an exaggerated degree. When Hishimura Tan Sakura was hit by it, she learned it. Although Ying Qin Guan didn't know how long it took him, it was an indisputable fact that she learned it. If even he could learn it, then the man in front of him would certainly be able to.

only..

"The feeling of having someone learn your unique skills and then use them on you is truly unpleasant..."

Ying Qin Guan roughly understood the other party's feelings. The Consciousness Slash naturally wouldn't have much effect on him. He was stronger overall. It was his skill, and he understood it better. The other party's proficiency was not high. Moreover, the control effect of the Consciousness Slash was not very strong in a god-level battle.

Ying Qin Guan broke free instantly, his sword remaining on target and still slashing towards his opponent!

If the other party hadn't been at the same level, he might not have even realized that Ying Qin Guan had briefly fallen into an illusion.

Clang!

The astonishing clang of metal rang out once more as the blade and sword clashed. However, unlike the subtle difference in strength last time, the man was injured, his internal energy was depleted more than Ying Qin Guan's, and his own strength was somewhat inferior. This attack already showed signs of fatigue.

This slight fatigue could be recovered with just a little breathing; the one-and-a-half-inch wound on his waist was nothing to a martial artist of this level. After all, Ying Qin Guan hadn't been able to inject any foreign internal energy, but that was on the condition that he had a chance to catch his breath.

Ying Qin Guan wielded a sword in his left hand and a saber in his right. Although this cannot be simply converted into double the attack frequency, his attacks were indeed like a storm, leaving people breathless.

Unfortunately, the enemy on the other side possesses countless skills to break the deadlock.

After a few brief but intense exchanges, Ying Qin Guan began to gradually gain the upper hand and suppress his opponent. The man, of course, was unwilling to be suppressed so easily. He seized the opportunity to mobilize his inner energy, and just as Ying Qin Guan thought he was about to unleash his signature "Whirlwind" move...

A myriad of paths to explore, a thousand lights to refract!

The world before Ying Qin Guan's eyes suddenly distorted, transforming into an unfamiliar scene. He instantly realized this was the opponent's method. Because this method was very crude, it couldn't be considered a fantasy-level skill at all; it was simply using internal energy to distort light and create an illusion. However, the opponent's control over internal energy was terrifyingly precise, which was why such a convincing illusion could be created.

Moreover, Ying Qin Guan believed that his opponent could launch a supersonic attack just like him, which meant that his vision and hearing had lost most of their effectiveness. But breaking this move was also simple. His opponent's inner energy was not infinite. He just needed to get out of this area. The only problem was which direction to go. What if his opponent was waiting in that direction to ambush him? That would be a real problem.

..

Ying Qin Guan didn't hesitate for long after all. He couldn't afford to waste time. If it were a one-on-one life-or-death struggle, he would spend more time fighting his opponent and looking for weaknesses. However, the situation and location were special, and he couldn't wait like that. Even knowing that he might be attacked by his opponent, he had no choice but to charge forward.

He circulated his inner energy, covering his entire body, and charged in one direction. If his opponent didn't seize the opportunity, he would be wasting so much inner energy distorting light, which was another accumulated advantage. At this level, it was almost impossible to find an opening and kill instantly. Because there were no openings at this level, victory was achieved slowly through these advantages.

Ying Qin Guan broke through the illusion and looked around... only to find that the man had disappeared without a trace.

He ran away!

It was at this moment that Fengyunke arrived at the scene before Hisumura Tan's arrival. A fraction of a second later, Hisumura Tan's arrival was also marked by grim expressions.

Himura Tanzaku said, "You probably didn't see it just now... He can achieve optical invisibility by distorting light. If we looked closely, with the three of us, we would definitely be able to see it. It's not a problem in battle. But if he uses it to escape... If he runs away, there's no way we can catch him."

Ying Qin Guan realized that the other party had indeed left. Fei Cun Tan Ying and Feng Yun Ke had both arrived at the battlefield, and it wouldn't be long before Wang Qiu Shui appeared again. Being targeted by him wasn't a big deal; regardless of whether he could win or not, he could definitely escape. But being targeted by Wang Qiu Shui was a different story.

and many more..

Ying Qin Guan realized he had made another mistake. Wang Qiu Shui had ostensibly disappeared, but only Ying Qin Guan knew this; the other side certainly didn't. It seemed he had simply decided the timing wasn't right and he couldn't win, so he retreated.

He frowned deeply, then contacted P.S., who was a sensible person and was afraid that Ying Qin Guan was still fighting and that his initiative to contact him would disturb him, so he had not taken the initiative to contact him.

"To be frank... regardless of whether we can win or not, if he doesn't want to, I definitely won't be able to keep him here, even on plains, let alone in a city."

Ying Qin Guan got straight to the point: this opponent was indeed too strong. Although Ying Qin Guan felt he was slightly stronger, with so many mystical-level skills, if his opponent wanted to leave, Ying Qin Guan would have no chance of stopping him, even with Feng Yun Ke and Fei Cun Tan Ying by his side.

"..I see."

Piece accepted this matter quite readily.

For martial artists, the difficulty of defeating, killing, and capturing alive increases in that order. He only needs Ying Qin Guan to achieve the first one; he dares not hope for anything else.

Ying Qin Guan and P.S. exchanged a few words and quickly ended their conversation.

His fight with the man, though seemingly lengthy, actually lasted less than seven seconds; it all happened in a few fleeting moments, something an ordinary person couldn't have seen. But the shattered glass of the nearby shop witnessed it all.

"What...what happened?"

Yu Xietian's voice rang out from the side. Behind him was Shen Xin, who was still jogging. They had obviously seen Ying Qin Guan fighting with that man. They were much closer, but they didn't dare to approach the battlefield like Fei Cun Tan Ying and Feng Yun Ke. Now that the battle was over, they came forward.

"The person who could fight you to that extent... that person is—"

Ying Qin Guan didn't answer Yu Xie Tian. He circulated his inner energy, intending to destroy the wisp of inner energy the other party had left behind, thus restoring the distorted light. However, upon closer inspection, the light on it twisted and contorted, eventually slowly forming several large characters... This meant the other party might not be far away. After all, inner energy separated from the body for a certain period of time and distance is uncontrollable. But having witnessed the other party's various methods, Ying Qin Guan wasn't certain now... However, Ying Qin Guan made no move. Even if the other party was nearby, they wouldn't be able to find him, and even if they did, they couldn't possibly capture him.

Ying Qin Guan had no choice but to look at the handwriting.

"Today, you have gained the upper hand by half a move, but this battle is not yet over."

"Farewell, nameless swordsman of Southern Qin, we will have another battle... not far off!"

Chapter Twenty-Six: The Eternal Struggle

(P.S. Ying Qin Guan didn't know the name of the move, but it was written down in the book for the sake of coherence and flow.)

As night deepened, Ying Qin Guan remained standing in the courtyard, unwilling to rest.

He wasn't concerned with the aftermath of today's battle or the trouble it caused. This time was indeed different from before; the previous incident with the Crimson Beast had already shown him something... good or bad, in any case, Ying Qin Guan didn't need to worry about logistics.