After Old Gu had left, it had taken Tang Lin a full incense stick of time to process his task.
"Sigh, I guess I should get started before nightfall", muttered Tang Lin, looking concerningly at the colossal magnitude of the task.
Now resolute, Tang Lin searched for an axe he could use to cut the wood. It was in the middle of the fallen trees that formed an encirclement where the axe was. The blade of the axe was stuck tightly inside the stump.
Slowly walking towards the axe, Tang Lin felt exasperated by the high density of yin within the area, which he thought was caused by the spirit trees' wistful and resentful emotions. He could feel his soul constantly being tempered and refined. Despite the negative atmosphere, Tang Lin's strong will enabled him to survive there without being affected and consumed by his heart demons.
"This place is surprisingly beneficial", thought Tang Lin joyfully, gripping the shaft of the axe firmly with both hands.
Although the axe was a bit heavy, it was light enough for Tang Lin to swing with enough concentration.
"Today, I will carve my own path to reach the Strength Training stage and it will all start with this slash", shouted Tang Lin passionately as he cleaved the log into two.
After his initial chop, Tang Lin cut a couple more logs before becoming exhausted.
"Long-term, this isn't sustainable", thought Tang Lin.
He had identified multiple flaws in the efficiency of his technique that had either made him overexert his energy or compromised his cleaves, causing him to expend even more unnecessary energy.
"I'm focusing too much of my strength in my arms. Maybe if I spread my energy evenly throughout my body and keep a firm stance with my feet. Thus, when my arms and shoulders rotate, I would also have a counter force from my legs to prevent my body from collapsing due to the recoil or losing excess energy in the process of overswinging. To unearth the maximum efficiency and increase my strength, I must use every muscle, flesh and cell in my body", mulled Tang Lin, grabbing another log.
Taking into consideration of his theory, Tang Lin stamped his feet deep into the ground, linear to the log.
*Inhale*
As he held the axe tightly, he felt an electrifying sensation in all of his cells as rushes of adrenaline started circulating to every inch of his body.
*Exhale*
His surroundings seemed to fade away with all distractions being cleared from his mind. In the dark space, only the stump holding the log on top and Tang Lin existed.
"Hmph, CLEAVE for me", shouted Tang Lin as he moved his arms in the shape of a circle still holding the axe.
Unknowingly, he had entered an immersive state as he sliced downwards with perfect precision, his form still steady. Despite his injuries and exhaustion, this opportunity brought before him to grow stronger fueled him. His thirst for power had become his remedy.
A moment of silence followed, before the log fell apart into two pieces.
"The execution of my self-created technique was perfect. With this, I should be able to apply it to everything with a blade. Maybe I should name this technique?" thought Tang Lin.
"Hmm… let's keep it simple. How about 'Descending Blade'? Since the concept is a blade cutting down everything blocking its path, whether it was God or Buddha", decided Tang Lin.
Just as he decided, he felt a stinging pain everywhere on his body.
"Ouch. Looks like I still need to strengthen my physical body or I won't be able to handle the backlash", observed Tang Lin as he found all his old wounds reopening again.
"But this is nothing compared to the pain I felt yesterday. There are no victories without sacrifice. If this is what it costs to improve myself, then so be it", grumbled Tang Lin with an ardent flame igniting within his eyes.
Unbeknownst to him, while continuing to cut the trees, his spirit had grown considerably through his recent hardships and yin environment. Now his physical strength was also developing at a steady pace with his muscles being slowly refined and consolidated.
Within an incense stick of time, Tang Lin had entered a state of immersion once again seemingly perpetual.
It was dusk by the time Tang Lin heard the sound of footsteps, interrupting his concentration.
"T-t-this-…", muttered someone, concealed by the darkness of night as they walked closer.
Looking up, Tang Lin could finally discern who it was.
"Old Gu?" asked Tang Lin, who had completely forgotten him and the time.