The moment the duel began, Lin Mu's world narrowed into motion, instinct, and edge.
The Third Stage puppet moved quickly, with crisp precision and a practiced style that mirrored the Flowing Water Sword Arts.
Its blade carved arcs through the air like smooth waves, but to Lin Mu, it was as if he were watching a slow dance. He sidestepped one horizontal sweep, redirected a thrust with a simple pivot of his wrist, and in three strokes, he disarmed the puppet.
His final strike tapped its shoulder joint, releasing a sound like cracking porcelain.
The puppet stilled. Then, with a hiss of spiritual energy, it returned to its original position and stood straight once more.
"Too easy," Lin Mu muttered, though he was smiling.
He turned back to the inscription panel and selected the next level:
Immortal Tribulation - Fourth Stage
