Specialization (I)

What a genius… Many sighs of admiration combined together to create a strange buzz of energy around the vast arena. This Huang Yaoying, this prince of the Huang Family, he was every bit as impressive as the rumors made him out to be. Once he stepped up, he dominated the competition and gave them no opening for a counterattack. His analysis of the mercenary's weakness was on point. His comprehension of the human body and physical ability was frightening.

And it didn't end with just that.

The next guest that came up wielded a heavy spear. Several participants tried their best to improve that mortal realm spear Dao but it was once again Huang Yaoying who pointed out the guest's numerous physical ailments. By addressing just one of them, he was able to raise their attack power one whole level.

This was the effect of one of the three core foundations of the cultivation, the body. Of the body, mind, and spirit, the body was the one everyone cultivated first. Immortal sects had the knowledge and experience to properly teach their disciples but mortal sects could not. Most if not all mortal cultivators had some flaw in their body, their deepest foundation. This was why correcting even one such flaw could result in such great improvement.

Zhou Ziyun could appreciate this approach to cultivation and the Dao. The first thing her master did was fix her foundation through the Twelve Meridians Body Tempering method. It allowed her to make steady progress from that point until now. She had no physical flaws which certainly made life easier.

After the guest with the spear, Huang Yaoying won two more consecutive rounds with sword cultivators. It was difficult for others to refute his words or stop his momentum. Since it was one of the three core foundations, cultivating one's body could always be considered correct on some level. There would be almost no situation where improving one's body would not benefit their cultivation or combat power.

But as he was attempting to secure his fifth win in a row with another sword cultivator, a new voice rose to the challenge.

"Brother Huang, I still have something to add."

The voice was female and the words were light but firm. They were tinged with a slight coldness but filled with energy like the rising sun on a cold winter morning. Everyone instantly knew who it was, Brilliant Blue Ming Yuqi!

The beauty who was clad in shimmering blue clothes rose and glided forward. Her steps were imperceptible and it was as if she was traveling over a beam of blue light.

Huang Yaoying's expression brightened at her appearance and he bowed respectfully, "Of course, Sister Yuqi. I am also eager to hear sister's wise words. After all, that is why I joined this event, because I had heard that you were going to participate.

He gave her a winning smile which she ignored.

Ming Yuqi played her part as the frosty beauty perfectly. She was still young and lacked the charm of Long Yifei. She was simply cold and indifferent. Her attitude created an impenetrable aura around her that most men wouldn't dare to approach.

Huang Yaoying wasn't affected by her reaction. His handsome smile remained as he stood to one side. It was as if he was simply happy to stand close to her. His entire body was giving off a joyful vibe that many observers couldn't help but shake their heads. Young love, even one-sided, was truly a sight to behold.

Ming Yuqi seemed to not notice and focused her attention on the female sword cultivator, a loose cultivator with a well-known reputation, "Sword Heroine Mu, I have recently heard of your achievements. Subjugating three different bandit groups within the Death Plateau and bringing peace to that province, you are an inspiration to us all."

The guest surnamed Mu fell to one knee and saluted, "Thank you, Lady Ming. Lady Ming's words are too kind for this one."

Ming Yuqi's expression softened ever so slightly, "Mmmm, please rise, Sword Heroine Mu. I wanted to speak with you today because I felt that I can help you. You've already received some advice to improve your Dao and your attack power but I feel that they are inadequate, especially for someone as deserving as you."

The middle-aged woman didn't reply. She was put in a difficult position as Ming Yuqi was directly challenging Huang Yaoying. She couldn't find any words that wouldn't offend either party.

The crowd also realized the same thing, that these two geniuses were directly clashing for the first time. Silence filled the air along with excited tension. These situations were exactly why everyone had paid the ticket price to come and watch this Great Dao Preaching Convention. They all wanted to see with their own eyes who would come out on top as the Dao Genius.

Huang Yaoying's expression didn't waver. He made a polite gesture with his hand, "Sister Yuqi, please speak."

Ming Yuqi glided forward, still ignoring him. She came to a stop in front of the swordswoman and unexpectedly put a slender hand on the other's shoulder.

The older woman trembled.

"Auntie Mu, don't be afraid. I just wanted to feel your spiritual aura. My Eastern Light Clan's core Dao has a component that involves mental arts. Therefore, I am especially sensitive to others' thoughts and emotions. I say this because I believe the greatest weakness to your current condition is your mental state and not anything with your body."

"Wha… what?"

The swordswoman's skepticism was shared by many.

Even Zhou Ziyun had doubts. A cultivator's mental state did indeed affect their cultivation but how could anyone tell? Perhaps her master would be able to tell if she was in bad mood but was only because they had been together for many years now. But what about this Ming Yuqi, she had barely met the guest for a few minutes!

Ming Yuqi continued smoothly, "Auntie Mu, there is nothing overly wrong with your sword. You managed to slay three large groups of bandits so that much is clear. As for your physical condition, that is due to your recent battles and that you have not completely recovered. The most important thing… if I am not wrong, is that you suffered a tremendous emotional incident recently."

"I…"

A pale blue light surrounded Ming Yuqi as her First Light of Zhulong activated. Her eyes closed even as she spoke slowly, "I feel tremendous sadness, anger, despair, and hopelessness. So many intense emotions… the source of your emotional state is a family member intimately close to you, your husband, your children, or your parents? Oh my, there is also so much pain and betrayal… Was it your husband? Am I right? Tell me, what did he do to you?"

The other woman gasped and froze up, "You… how… how?"

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