Training Partner! . . .
Cha Eun Xiao had proven his dominance against lower-level Dream Origin Stage disciples. When Yue Changtian received the report, he was anything but astonished by Cha Eun Xiao's ability to effortlessly prevail against them.
However, this presented a dilemma for Yue Changtian. What should be done now? Should Cha Eun Xiao be entered into the second-grade Dream Origin Stage ground competition, challenging disciples in levels three and four? While he was undoubtedly talented and brimming with potential, it was clear that he had already reached an unparalleled level among level one Dream Origin Stage disciples. Moreover, level two disciples also proved powerless against him.
But the chasm between lower and higher levels of Dream Origin Stage was not one that could be easily bridged. The disparity was not as vast as the gap between different cultivation stages, but it remained substantial. The profound differences in power could make it extremely perilous for Cha Eun Xiao to face upper-level opponents.
Disciples at level three and level four of Dream Origin Stage had often developed an unstable foundation, struggling to wield their powers with precision. Engaging Cha Eun Xiao in combat could lead to accidental overuse of their abilities, potentially resulting in a tragic outcome.
However, there was also a risk in allowing Cha Eun Xiao to become complacent, as his overwhelming victories might inflate his ego. Yue Changtian grappled with the question: how should he guide this exceptional talent?
Scratching his head in contemplation, Yue Changtian, who had served as Prime Master of Cold Moon Palace for many years, found himself in a predicament he had never encountered before.
Yet, he was a shrewd and thoughtful leader, known for his cunning strategies. He devised a plan and approached Zhan Yunfei with his solution. "Arrange a few disciples in levels five or six of Dream Origin Stage. Instruct them to spar with Chongxiao multiple times to help him refine his combat skills."
Zhan Yunfei grasped the significance of the plan. The idea was to temporarily withdraw Cha Eun Xiao from the ground competition, protect the pride of the other talented disciples, and simultaneously bolster Cha Eun Xiao's combat proficiency. It was a brilliant and well-balanced approach to the situation, which Zhan Yunfei deeply admired.
In response, Zhan Yunfei playfully commended his leader's ingenuity, "What a cunning, tactful, wise, and scheming Prime Master... I could never come up with such a brilliant idea."
Yue Changtian couldn't help but kick him playfully, "Praise me, and you are mocking me. Isn't that so?"
Zhan Yunfei took his leave, and Cha Eun Xiao was engaged in a fierce combat. His opponent, a fellow genius disciple approaching level three of Dream Origin Stage, would have easily defeated him in his previous state as a Spirit Origin Stage cultivator. Yet, the tables had turned. Under Cha Eun Xiao's relentless assault, his opponent struggled to fend off the attacks, his clothing in disarray, and his face bearing the marks of the battle.
It was clear that the opponent had suffered enough. Cha Eun Xiao had already displayed great restraint in the fight, knowing when to stop.
As he battled, Cha Eun Xiao felt his cultivation continuing to rise. His knowledge of martial techniques from his previous life was resurfacing, interweaving with Cold Moon Palace's martial arts. The longer he fought, the stronger he became, leaving his opponents bewildered by his movements.
Even Dao Origin Stage disciples watched him closely, not simply to observe the combat but to dissect his martial arts techniques. They weren't there to learn from Cha Eun Xiao, but to analyze his martial arts, recognizing the new perspectives he brought to the fundamental principles of Cold Moon Palace's martial arts. He was breaking the established conventions, infusing the martial arts with fresh energy.
In that moment, no one cared about the fate of the unfortunate genius Cha Eun Xiao was pummeling. They were more concerned about witnessing the evolution of their martial arts.
Their collective sentiment was clear: Let him execute all these movements. They wanted to see the innovative ways of employing their martial arts. They cared not for who was on the receiving end of these techniques.
Cha Eun Xiao's relentless assault on the level two genius disciple ceased with the arrival of Zhan Yunfei. With a few concise words, Zhan Yunfei concluded the combat, pronouncing Cha Eun Xiao as the victor. The defeated disciple sprawled on the ground, utterly drained and depleted. Without waiting for assistance, he swiftly escaped the scene, as if fleeing from a nightmarish creature.
[Finally!]
[I will never engage that monstrous entity again!]
[He isn't human. He's an aberration!]
After a brief interval, Zhan Yunfei disclosed the Prime Master's decision. "Cha Eun Xiao's cultivation is advancing at an astounding rate. However, his foundational strength is inadequate, and this might lead to future cultivation shortcomings. The leadership has resolved to appoint two disciples who have exceeded level five of Dream Origin Stage as his sparring partners. Who... Who is willing to serve as his training partner?"
In Zhan Yunfei's estimation, those who had already surpassed level five of Dream Origin Stage would likely be reluctant to partner with Cha Eun Xiao, who was merely at level one of Dream Origin Stage. This could be seen as demeaning and wasteful of their time. Zhan Yunfei was concerned that no one would volunteer for the task. In that case, he had a contingency plan to select a group of disciples to assist Cha Eun Xiao. After all, facing over ten level five disciples at once would be an exceptional training regimen for him.
However, reality defied his expectations. A multitude of disciples stepped forward, eagerly answering the call for training partners. They were all enthusiastic about aiding Cha Eun Xiao.
What astonished Zhan Yunfei even more was the caliber of these volunteers. Some of them had surpassed level seven, while others had even reached level nine. Astonishingly, a few were already in Dao Origin Stage.
"Me, me, me, me..."
"I'm up for it! I've got plenty of free time and can dedicate it to helping him!"
"Count me in! I'm available and eager to support him!"
"I'm ready too! I have more time on my hands than others..."
"You must include me! I can spare some of my time to aid him. Taking care of the younger generation of our sect is our duty..."
"I'll do everything I can to assist! You must let me be part of this endeavor!"
…
A throng of disciples swarmed around Zhan Yunfei, with some of them on the verge of starting a skirmish to secure the role.
Zhan Yunfei was completely taken aback by the overwhelming response.