Thud!

The essence sword that shattered was naturally Ian.002's!

This result didn't seem to be easily predictable considering that we seemed to be equal adversaries, but remembering the main point of the test, one could easily pinpoint the difference once again.

It was comprehension and mastery of the technique!

The only reason the two elemental essence swords that were made of the very same components have such difference in strength was the execution of the technique.

The revolving sequence of essence and elements in an elemental weapon technique was something similar to the buttons that needed to be pushed for the strike to launch in concept, but in reality it was something more complicated.

Mastering the correct sequence with the precise revolving paths was something that could only be improved with training, more training and even more training. Of course, one's own talent at controlling Ki or essence mattered, but it wasn't the main factor, one had to repeat the sequence till it became a natural daily life action, one's talent could only slightly accelerate such process.

Naturally, one's own instinctive comprehension of the sequence's exact revolving impacted the degree of binding between the elements and the essence, thus explaining the great gap in quality between the two similar essence weapons.

Ian.002 didn't seem to be that surprised at the result of the very first clash as he produced a few more essence swords and sent them flying towards me as he seemed to be going for the 'Overwhelming' tactic, but that didn't make much of a difference…

'I guess the first test is naturally the easy one…'

While it was true that I hadn't been able to spend that much time practising 'Aerial Sword', only sparing about 12 hours or so for it, my process of learning was completely different as I had the sequence engraved into my own mind after possessing the body of the technique's creator as he executed the technique continuously for another 12 hours, that was enough for me to fully pass this 'Basic' test.

Not to mention the fact that I had already practised the fusion of weapon energy and Wind elements before using the basic 'Swift Swordsmanship', I had already grasped the level of Ian.002's technique…

'It should be slightly above lv.10…'

Deciding to no longer remain passive I doubled my output as I sent out 5 essence swords, four of which clashed with the ones that Ian.002 sent and almost shattered them again as the 5th went straight for his head… or my head to be exact.

Ian.002 level of mastery was only at the peak of the 'Beginner' stage of technique, a stage that I simply surpassed before even fusing the technique with my 'Swordsmanship', so I didn't plan to spend more time entertaining this doppelganger of mine, my only problem doubt was whether I could actually kill it just by relying on this technique considering the level of my physique, thankfully…

[ You have successfully eliminated your opponent! The full point reward will be handed out! ]

'I see…'

The essence sword that I spent flying towards my opponent's neck simply traveled through it as if it had passed through a ghost before Ian.002 disintegrated alongside the remnants of his essence swords and the decorative sword that he held in his hand. That made it pretty obvious that the duplication of the bodily stats were simply for the sake of engaging as managing to land a clean hit on any of the vital parts of the body was probably going to prompt the same reaction.

The reason behind that was also related to Ian.002's control of the essence swords, after all, if it was me I would still have managed to dodge that attack since I didn't need to put the largest portion of my concentration to maintain the swords, but Ian.002 couldn't react fast enough for putting all of his concentration on the swords, thus causing his premature loss.

[ You have received 999 Achievement Points! ]

[ Would you like to proceed to the next test? ]

"Yes."

[ Choice confirmed! Preparing for the commencing of the next test… ]

[ The comprehension test will start in 1 minute… ]

'I guess that's another difference…'

As I glanced at the sword that I threw away earlier which didn't dissipate as well as the scenery that didn't change in color, it meant that even the second test would be held within the same location, unlike how it was at the 'Tower of Inheritance' where at least the visual scenery changed as I would feel as if I have changed place, regardless if it was supposed to be a mental illusion or not.

Having already passed the first test and analysed how it worked so far, I no longer test anything as I just waited for the minute to pass so as to start the test once again.

The whole test earlier barely took 5 minutes of me so I didn't even need to bother resting as the essence and elements that I spent were more or less recovered by the time the minute has passed…

[ The comprehension test starts in 5 seconds ]

[ Intermediate Mastery Test: Use 'Aerial Sword' to counter and possibly defeat your opponent ]

[ Opponent: has achieved complete Intermediate mastery over 'Aerial Sword' ]

[ Test Results:

1. You will receive...

2. Completely defeating the opponent will reward you… ]

[ The comprehension test starts now! ]

As Ian.0022 materialized before me, I didn't let him launch the first attack this time!

Forming 5 essence swords the moment he appeared and dashing closer to him, I couldn't afford to hold back my punches this time if I wanted to get a good result.

Of course, the moment my swords approached his body they were immediately blocked by their copies, this time the clash lasted as both swords remained steadfast, the difference between Ian.0021 and Ian.0022 was obvious to see for the plain eye as my swords even started to slightly fall back…