Although he had a powerful background and renowned upbringing, Ling did not slack off in his training and always pushed himself to the limit.
As a war veteran in his previous life, Ling was well-versed in the world of martial arts where the strong are respected and the weak will be ridiculed by the entire world.
Perseverance, Tenacity, and Discipline. Those principles were the things that he always kept in mind.
Ling was even very strict with himself. No matter how talented you are, there will always be bigger fish, and you'll never know when or where you would meet with a monster.
Aside from ringing The Bell of Heavenly Dragon, Ling also spares the remaining daylight by doing other exercises to strengthen his muscles and his agility.
Unlike Sword Cultivation Path, which relies on Cultivation Level and how much Qi ones could exude in a certain amount of time, his Spear Cultivation Path was really demanding both of his physical and mental state since Spear Battle Skills requires a hefty amount of Qi Energy.
This was the major difference compared to other martial arts disciplines.
Likewise, the vixen girl, Qiqi also followed Ling's etiquette in training. She was indeed very talented at handling the Soft Bone Sword.
Her agility was truly top notch for a six year old girl. Every movement that she made flows with sucha grace. So serene and beautiful, simple and yet very deadly.
Even Ling himself almost gets killed when sparring with her a couple of times.
This was his very reason to not slack off and determined to get stronger. He hates losing from others, especially from a little vixen who was afraid of lightning and thunder.
"Nine hundred and ninety nine! One thousand!" Qiqi finished her task when the sun was about to set.
Ling also finished his exercise by hitting the wooden dummy.
"How many strokes?" asked Ling.
"100 strokes to 1 successful flawless stroke on the water."
"Eh. Not bad, Qiqi. You have improved so much from two months ago!"
"Humph!" Qiqi pouted her reddish cheek. "Said by someone who had a successful strike every time. Don't tease me, brother Ling!"
"Please don't take me wrong. Matter of fact, our body constitution is totally different. Yet again, if I tried your training, I might have broken the whole Eternal Spring Fountain instead of slicing through the water flawlessly."
"Hmmpph!" Qiqi perched her hands on the hips showing her disapproval. However, she hid a proudful smile when Ling complimented her.
After the daily training, they used to bathe together and meditate inside the hot spring to replenish their energy.
Of course, Ling sat cross legged with his back facing against her and she did the same.
Qiqi didn't mind at all since she truly trusted him that he wouldn't do anything foolish to her.
"Brother Ling, what is your cultivation level right now?" Qiqi asked out of her curiosity.
"Seventh Stage Body Foundation. Once my body hits puberty, I ought to be able to break through and step into the Earth Realm."
"Puberty, huh? And when is that I wonder."
"How would I know?" Ling feels very awkward, he regretted bringing that topic. "Anyway, I am leaving first."
"Off to the forest again to hunt the Spirit Beast?"
Ling halted his step as he exited the bath. He glared at Qiqi fiercely "How did you know?!"
"Because, you always come back with a strong smell of blood at midnight. I don't mean to stop you from what you are doing. Just be careful out there, you will never know what kind of monster is lurking in the dark."
"I know exactly what is lurking in the dark. That's why I am training so hard to protect myself."
***
For a couple of months, Ling would spend the night in the forest to hunt any Spirit Beast that he can kill and collect their blood to further strengthen his Blood Spearhead.
He was aware that there's a ferocious Spirit Beast lurking in the deep woods. However, that Spirit Beast wouldn't dare to step in since Fang Zhen's presence was enough to deter any spirit beast.
Ling spread his senses and was only able to scan a one kilometer radius area of observation.
"Hmm… Her ability to sense the surroundings is quite terrifying I see. But, I must not be unwavered by it and challenge that beast."
"Only the real battle between life and death will make me stronger. I must not rely on Fang Zheng's protection all the time!"
Thus, the little brave young boy ventures deeper and exits Fang Zheng's reach without any doubt.
The Bramble Maze Forest whole area was shaped like a fully open paper fan, divided into several different areas whereas many species of Spirit Beasts Dwells deep.
Fang Zheng's mansion was only a small part of the forest and the safest area, the green zone.
However, the area that Ling about to go is the Yellow Zone whereas many high level beasts lurking in the shadow.
Meanwhile, Fang Zheng who was always watching over his disciple smirked upon knowing Ling's bravery.
"Huh! Let's see if you can survive out there kids. The deeper you go, the more danger you will face."
Qiqi was worried about his safety and came to the training hall to inform Fang Zheng about Ling's departure.
"Shifu! Ling is-"
"I know… let him be. If death is what he seeks, let him have it."
"Shifu, will he be okay out there?"
"Who knows? Ling might be a little bit arrogant due to his upbringing. But he's no fool, I believe he knows what he's doing."
"I see…"
"Qiqi… You better train harder. Otherwise, you'll be surpassed by him when he comes back here."
"Yes, Shifu. I will not let myself be defeated by him in terms of cultivation level!"
Fang Zheng nodded and then he took out a Battle Skill Book for Qiqi to learn. "Master this Battle Skill, until then, you'll be able to spar with Ling equally.
"This is… Seven Strike Sword Skill?! An Earth Rank skill book. My current strength is insufficient to learn this skill."
"I won't give you this skill book if you weren't ready for it. Now go back to your room and study this skill every night amidst your meditation."
"I understand, Shifu."