The comment was clearly intended to suggest that relying on weapons indicated weakness or lack of skill.
Grim answered his provocation angering him and drew his sword, testing its balance while considering his strategy.
The assembled fox spirits formed a loose circle around the designated combat area. Word had apparently spread quickly, because more spectators continued arriving as they prepared for the duel.
"Ready when you are, Lord Ambrose," Xùyán said, settling into a relaxed stance that suggested complete confidence.
Grim began cautiously, using a basic sword form to gauge his opponent's capabilities. Xùyán responded by seeming to split into three identical figures, each moving independently around Grim's position.
Unlike the training exercises, these illusions felt completely solid and real. Grim struck at the nearest figure and his blade passed through empty air, while one of the other versions launched a counterattack that forced him to dodge quickly.
