Right after, Zhao Ya began to freely swing his blade.
No elaborate or ornate techniques.
Just the simplest of moves imaginable.
And all of this was derived from the unremarkable Gale Saber Technique.
In fact, even if the originator of the Gale Saber Technique were here, they would probably struggle to recognize these moves.
Because Zhao Ya had completely absorbed this Gale Saber Technique, refining and summarizing it into something of his own.
The sharp gales that once accompanied it were gone, replaced by a gentle breeze akin to the caress of a spring wind.
Yet beneath this seemingly gentle exterior lay an even more terrifying killing intent.
Unconsciously, Zhao Ya became immersed in it, and by the time he finished a set of techniques, his proficiency in the Gale Saber Technique had increased by five percent.
But when Zhao Ya concluded his moves, his face showed little sign of joy.
Admittedly, his attainment in blade work had reached a very high level.
However, problems began to gradually emerge at this point.
The main issue was that his blade techniques were too monotonous.
The Gale Saber Technique is an excellent introductory technique, and Zhao Ya had honed it to an unprecedented level.
But no matter how excellent a technique may be, it cannot encompass everything. So to continue progressing, one must be open to exploring other techniques of this world.
Only this way could one avoid the pitfall of becoming narrow-minded.
It seemed it was time to visit the Golden Saber Institute.
Zhao Ya thought quietly.
Previously, Wang Tiancheng had invited him several times, but Zhao Ya had never gone.
Firstly because of lack of time, and secondly, because it wasn’t necessary.
Although the Golden Saber Institute is formidable, Zhao Ya’s current objective in entering the capital is clear: to find Mo Qi, refine the Beast Pearl, and advance to the Fifth Realm.
Everything beyond that is merely an added bonus.
However, Mo Qi needed time to prepare.
It was a perfect opportunity to improve his blade skills.
With this resolved in his mind, Zhao Ya sheathed his blade, washed up, and went to sleep.
The next morning.
Before Zui’Er and Shang Luoluo had gotten up, Zhao Ya was already dressed, gave a few instructions outside the door, and left.
The Golden Saber Institute wasn’t hard to find.
It was located beside Furong Garden in the southeast corner of Yan Capital City.
Upon arriving, Zhao Ya spoke to the guard at the gate, and someone went inside to report.
Before half an incense stick’s time passed, a hearty laugh came from inside the door.
"I felt completely refreshed today upon waking up. As expected, it turns out Zhao has arrived."
With those words, Wang Tiancheng was the first to emerge from the door, followed by a group of junior brothers and sisters.
Upon seeing Zhao Ya, their faces showed a trace of surprise.
They had been practicing martial arts on the training ground of the Golden Saber Institute with Wang Tiancheng.
At present, the Golden Saber Institute held the eldest senior brother, Wang Tiancheng, in the highest esteem, next to the elders in seclusion.
Not only was he talented, skilled in martial arts, but his kind nature also made many disciples seek him out for training after joining the Golden Saber Institute.
These junior brothers and sisters had been doing just that when a gatekeeper came in to report that someone named Zhao Ya had come to visit.
Wang Tiancheng was overjoyed to hear it, disregarded everyone, and went outside.
The junior brothers and sisters, not knowing what was happening, followed along.
Little did they expect that someone as young as Zhao Ya would excite their senior brother so much, who even addressed him as Zhao.
Naturally, this shocked them.
Zhao Ya smiled and cupped his hands, "Senior Brother Wang, you’re too kind. I had wanted to visit earlier but was caught up in various affairs until today."
"No need for words, come on, follow me inside!"
Wang Tiancheng personally led the way, guiding Zhao Ya through the door.
The junior brothers and sisters quickly stepped aside to make a path, watching Zhao Ya and Wang Tiancheng’s figures fade into the distance, then began to converse quietly.
"Who is that person?"
"I don’t know, could he be a disciple from the Three Sects, Two Institutes, or one of the Manors?"
"He doesn’t seem like it, even when Senior Brother Xu from Wunian Academy visits, our senior brother doesn’t treat him so respectfully."
"I heard from the guards his name is Zhao Ya, sounds familiar!"
"Could it be the one who had a duel with Yan Xizhao not long ago?"
The incident with Zhao Ya and Yan Xizhao had been heard of by these disciples of the Golden Saber Institute.
Upon hearing it mentioned, they exchanged looks and then all followed up, wanting to see what the newly emerging young expert wanted at the Golden Saber Institute.
Meanwhile, Wang Tiancheng brought Zhao Ya into the guest hall, where a junior disciple served tea and snacks, and the two sat down to chat casually.
Wang Tiancheng first looked Zhao Ya over carefully, then, rather surprised, remarked, "In just a few days, Junior Brother Zhao seems to have improved again."
"Yes, indeed some insights," Zhao Ya acknowledged openly.
Since unlocking the Hua Gai Siqing endowment in his lungs, Zhao Ya’s progress in expelling the poison from his marrow had quickened considerably.
In just a few days, he was already giving off a fresh sense of perception.
Wang Tiancheng was naturally awestruck.
He had witnessed Zhao Ya’s growth step by step and knew how recently Zhao Ya had reached the half-step Fifth Realm.
Typically in such a brief period, it was remarkable just to stabilize one’s cultivation realm.
Yet Zhao Ya was already advancing towards the Fifth Realm, a disparity beyond measure.
If Zhao Ya could break through to the Fifth Realm this year, he would be three years younger than the recently sensational Yan Xizhao.
Reaching the Fifth Realm at barely twenty years old was terrifying to imagine.
All the more, Wang Tiancheng was thankful for forging a good relationship back then.
If he had been biased in his attitude, not only would he lose a friend with unlimited potential, but he might gain a formidable foe.
After all, Zhao Ya wasn’t just extraordinary in talent but backed by a vast and formidable sect.
Despite Wang Tiancheng’s reputation for earnestness, getting to where he was hadn’t been easy.
Thoughts like these made Wang Tiancheng’s demeanor even more polished.
"Truly, a hero matures early; compared to Junior Brother Zhao, I feel embarrassed."
"Senior Brother Wang, you’re too modest!"
Zhao Ya responded politely while his eyes kept scanning the guest hall.
Renowned for its blade techniques, the Golden Saber Institute had the image of blades everywhere, starting from the moment one joined.
Even this guest hall was no exception.
A beautifully decorated long saber was placed on the table.
Zhao Ya stepped forward to examine it closely.
Wang Tiancheng noticed and, with a hint of intrigue, remarked, "That’s merely a ceremonial blade for decoration; what could interest you about it, Junior Brother Zhao?"
Zhao Ya smiled and glanced at Wang Tiancheng, "I was merely curious about what your personal saber might be like, Senior Brother Wang."
Wang Tiancheng laughed aloud, "What’s there to be curious about? Come and see for yourself."
He gestured for a junior disciple to fetch his commonly used saber from his room.
Moments later, the long saber arrived.
Wang Tiancheng handed it to Zhao Ya.
"Please have a look!"
Zhao Ya took it and immediately felt its weight, noticing that the scabbard was not ornate but rather worn from frequent carry.
As he gently unsheathed it, a chill seemed to pierce his eyes.
Zhao Ya appeared moved, "It’s a good blade!"
He didn’t need to completely unsheathe it; the mere sight of three inches was enough to judge its quality.
Wang Tiancheng smiled, "Junior Brother Zhao’s visit today surely isn’t just to view the blade. Speak your mind, and whatever I can do, I’ll do my utmost."
Zhao Ya sheathed the blade and returned it to Wang Tiancheng, then solemnly stated, "Recently, I’ve hit a bottleneck in my blade techniques, so I wanted to witness the famous techniques of the Golden Saber Institute. If possible, may I have the honor to spar with you, Senior Brother Wang?"
Such a statement stirred the disciples outside the door.
Many of them wore expressions of outrage.
To many, Wang Tiancheng was an unparalleled figure in Yan Capital City, next only to the elders and sect leaders of the Three Sects, Two Institutes, and Manor.
Not even the prodigy Yan Xizhao of the Washing Sword Manor compared.
And now this young man dared to challenge, was this not overestimating himself?