"Tell me what you know about cultivation Kailen."
Lana spoke facing Kailen in a large open field outside of the town by a fair distance. She wore an expensive-looking slim black armor, which clung to her body showing off her curves. It looked like just a fashion item but Kailen knew better, he believed it was a piece of high-class defensive armor only the top masters could create. She didn't wear a veil today, Kailen judged that if she didn't wear it in the town, problems would arise from the locals due to her beauty.
"By infusing qi into the body, the muscle fibers, tendons, ligaments, and bones allows us to strengthen the body and hence improve our combat capabilities. Different elemental qi's can be used to apply different effects to different parts of the body. Earth qi for toughness, fire qi for explosiveness, water qi for vitality, air qi for flexibility and so forth."
Kailen learned the basic knowledge of cultivation from the books he owned, he was lucky one of the servants looking after the slaves were affectionate towards him which allowed him to gain access to these books.
"That is true. However, the strongest rely on their martial skills to enhance their strength over just the attributes of their qi. The attribute of qi is a supplement to the martial skill, the correct balance for the martial art is key."
Kailen knew that learning martial arts was the key if you could outstrike your opponent with the sword what did it matter if they were more flexible or stronger. Kailen's experience as a combat slave had allowed him to learn a primitive and rash style of fighting, though that was with his access to qi blocked. If the slave he fought recently were a cultivator the blow he landed on Kailen's arm probably would have blown through his body.
"The other aspect of cultivation is the physique that each individual is born with. These physiques come with different effects, some mental and some physical. The effectiveness of these physiques can vary."
This information was something outside of Kailen's limited knowledge of cultivation, though the more he learned the more excited he became. Kailen has always loved the feeling he gets while in combat, the total control over the consequences of the fight. While he had no control over almost every aspect of his life, in the arena he was the master of his destiny.
"You have a strong physique Kailen, that I can tell. Your cat-eyes are just one indicator, along with your sharp senses. I believe you will become strong enough to be with me."
Lana said while staring into his eyes, a faint excitement hidden within her mischievous red eyes. Though Kailen still didn't understand her motivations, the thought of being by her side excited him.
"I'll do my best then, my Lady Lana."
Kailen picked up a one-handed ax from the floor and faced her. Lana picked up her saber from the table set up near them. It was a beautifully designed sword, silver with a protective hilt that looked like black vines twirling around her hand. Lana looked elegant as she stood before him, saber in her right hand with the black armor hugging her figure and gazing at him with a slight smile on her face.
"Then, here I come."
She exploded forward twirling her wrist to strike with an upward blow coming from the left. The strike was so fast, Kailen barely dodged the strike with a backstep. Being on the backfoot while having a short-ranged weapon was a huge disadvantage, one which he was forced to give due to her extremely quick strike. Lana continued to advance with fast, strong strikes forcing Kailen to back up constantly just evading her blows.
"That all you've got my dear Kailen?"
Lana taunted while spinning her wrist changing the direction of the blow from a downward overhand strike to and upward strike aiming for his chin. The speed of the change caught Kailen off guard as the strike just grazed his chin flying straight between his eyes and over his head. Cold sweat dripped from Kailen's head, though he was excited to learn of the high level of martial arts displayed before him.
"I win, if I didn't pull my strike your head would have split like an orange."
Lana said while smiling towards him, though the result was expected considering Lana's martial training since childhood. Along with her higher cultivation, Kailen stood no chance of competing as it currently stands. The only reason he could even dodge her sword was due to his extraordinary eyes and physique.
"I wish to learn swordsmanship, using the ax alone doesn't give me enough range."
Kailen said while staring at her sword with a burning passion in his eyes.
"I don't mind teaching you, anyone can learn to use the basics of the sword but mastery eludes most for a lifetime. The intricacies of the sword know no limits."
Lana replied, her smile growing wider seeing the determination within his eyes.
"Maybe he does have the talent and qualities needed to reach that world together with me."
Lana thought inwardly as she saw his passion for martial arts gleaming in his grey eyes.
The whole day passed as Lana gave Kailen instructions on the basics of swordplay using the saber, the correct footwork was the most important Kailen learned. Most of the day was spent correcting his foot placement while moving. Kailen couldn't remember a day in his life that he enjoyed as much as learning swordsmanship with Lana. Seeing her passion for teaching him the martial art she enjoyed so much increased the fondness he felt towards her.
***
The sun had set, Kailen together with Lana and Ali ate a large meal in the living area of their floor at the inn. The increased diet and access to natural qi allowed Kailen's body to develop, he already had a fairly muscular physique but due to malnutrition of both food and qi his body had an unhealthy and skinny look. Now, his muscles have become dense and compact along with his low body fat he was extremely toned.
"Maybe tonight I will tease him further."
Lana looked towards him with appreciation and thought to herself while laughing mischievously, Ali sat beside her caught the gleam in her eye and sighed.