Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

Chapter 79 +25 BONUS Joseph strode onto the tournament stage , his twin hammers hanging easily from each hand . Samuel stood at nearly nine feet tall , giving him an undeniable height advantage . He wielded a massive broadsword that looked cumbersome , yet his heavy , deliberate steps revealed him as a master of the Inner Arts . " My lady , who do you think will win ? Prince Zachary's general or the Dawnmere fighter ? " Sally asked , unable to keep her curiosity to herself . Beside her , Sebastian laughed heartily . " Mr.

Kirk trains in the External Arts , while General Yates ' strength lies in the Inner Arts . At a glance , it is hard to say who will prevail . " Selena smiled . " You seem in excellent spirits today , Seb . " " Nonsense . I have only spoken my mind , " he replied , though the cheer in his eyes betrayed him . Even Sally couldn't help but catch his good humor , a small smile touching her own lips . No doubt it was the Obsidian Monarch's gift of the duskgold spear that had put him in such a mood . The confidence in his bearing made him all the more striking .

" Would you care for more tea , my lord ? " Sally asked , pouring Sebastian a fresh cup . However , Yuvan was visibly tense . " My lord , it will be your turn on the field soon . Y - you shouldn't drink too much . " Why are you so worried ? " Sally cast him an amused glance . " Do you not see how calm our lady is ? If she is so untroubled , it must mean Lord Sebastian's victory is assured . " Yuvan looked at Selena . Indeed , there was a serene calmness in her eyes , as though she were entirely certain her brother would win . But where could such certainty come from ?

Sebastian's current physical condition and strength were ... Yuvan was extremely worried . Selena smiled . " Don't worry . Seb will win . " " And this match ? " Sally asked . Selena studied the two combatants seriously . After the formalities , both sides moved into action . With a clang and a crash , broadsword met hammers , sparks flying in all directions . Those watching from below were on edge , particularly the young ladies , who gasped and even shrieked at the sudden blows . After observing for a moment , Selena spoke quietly , " Mr.

Yates has trained in the Inner Arts for many years , at least a decade or more . His skill with inner energy is formidable , yet lately , he has begun practicing the External Arts . " Sebastian looked surprised . " How can you tell ? " He had heard of Samuel before . Though he wielded a broadsword , his true strength came from his mastery of the Inner Arts . Someone who had spent over a decade mastering the Inner Arts wouldn't change their method halfway . If done well , it strengthened both body and technique .

If done poorly , progress in one area would come at the expense of Chapter 79 +25 BONUS If the new skills weren't mastered , the old ones would weaken - a sure sign of trouble . " Perhaps his Inner Arts training has reached its limit , " Selena murmured , eyes still fixed on the stage . " Unable to break through , he turned to the External Arts , hoping to find a point of breakthrough there . " She shook her head gently . " Unfortunately , he has chosen the wrong method . It only diminishes the skill he already possesses .

Had he stuck with the Inner Arts alone , he might have lasted thirty moves . As it is , he will manage no more than ten . " No sooner had the words left her lips than a sudden crash rang out from the stage . Joseph slammed his twin hammers against Samuel's sword . The weight and force were too much , and the broadsword was sent flying . Samuel followed it to the ground with a resounding thud . Yuvan's eyes went wide in disbelief , his mouth nearly hanging open . " T - ten moves ! Truly ten moves ! My lady , how did you know ? He really lasted only ten moves ! " A Π - T