Qi Tian didn't know what this so-called "Serious Sword" was, but judging by Elder He's demeanor and the disciples' excitement, he gathered that Elder He was planning to end the duel with a single strike.
Perfect.
Qi Tian looked at the data on his computer. He had already collected most of Elder He's information. Since Elder He was going to use his ultimate move, that made things easier.
This was a perfect opportunity to learn, so he could understand everything about Elder He. This data could later be merged with Lin Xiao's data, allowing the puppet's chip to learn even more.
It was a shame that the AI's learning speed was entirely dependent on the opponent. Without a sufficiently powerful opponent, even if the chip in the puppet's brain learned a lot, its potential would remain limited.
The strongest force his current puppets could withstand was the Divine Realm. As for puppets that surpassed the Divine Realm… he couldn't achieve that with purely artificial beings at present; it would have to be modified humans.
This was the limit for puppets.
Or, it was Qi Tian's limit.
And Elder He was the perfect candidate to test the boundaries of his puppets.
Let him see the "Serious Sword."
He maximized the sensitivity of his information capture. Not only was his computer detecting, but his subordinates were also intently watching Elder He. If there was anything the computer couldn't capture, he would use his own human intelligence to observe.
This way, even if there were gaps in the data, he could fill them in as quickly as possible.
Elder He was fast with this strike.
Faster than ever before.
He skipped all techniques and skills, maximizing his focus. His spiritual energy was almost concentrated to a single point.
His speed reached its apex.
The "Serious Sword" was, in essence, the unity of man and sword.
This strike seemed to have no fluctuation of spiritual energy, yet as it landed, everyone felt as if they were enveloped by a blinding light, instinctively squinting their eyes, unable to clearly see what was happening in the arena.
Except for Qi Tian.
He saw it all clearly.
He knew that the puppet he had brought had shattered.
But he felt no regret. The data gathered had already been synchronized to his computer the moment the puppet was destroyed.
As long as the data was obtained, everything else would fall into place.
All commotion ceased. Elder He retracted his accessories, hands behind his back, his head tilted slightly upwards at a forty-five-degree angle. He didn't look at the puppet behind him; his gaze was fixed on the sunset clouds in the distance.
Brilliant and dazzling, beautiful and captivating.
*Crack.*
The puppet's body split in two and fell to the ground.
The cut was smooth, as if unimpeded by anything.
Only then did Elder He turn to Qi Tian with a hint of apology and say, "Nephew Qi Tian, my apologies. I got carried away just now and couldn't hold back. This puppet, I'm afraid, is no longer usable."
"It's fine! Uncle-Master He, thank you for allowing me to witness such a spectacular duel. My purpose for coming today has been fulfilled, so I shall take my leave!" Qi Tian said, packing up his laptop and preparing to depart.
"Ah, Nephew Qi Tian, why the hurry? Since you're here, why not stay for a simple meal?" Elder He squinted, emerging from his trance. He walked up to Qi Tian and proposed.
"Uncle-Master He, no need."