Chapter 21 : Unique ability Extravaganza
As the sword of judgment was about to fall on Li Liang's head, there was a blur, and a big figure appeared beside Li Liang, grabbing the sword with his bare hands shining with Qi. The scene was almost surreal—like one of those dramatic moments in the cultivation novels I used to read. Ning Jian's hand was covered in a radiant aura of Qi, stopping Ning Rong's sword inches from Li Liang's unconscious body.
"Father!" Ning Rong gasped, her eyes wide with surprise and a hint of frustration. "Why are you stopping me? He caused this mess!"
Ning Jian's expression was calm but stern as he held the blade effortlessly, his Qi glowing brighter than ever. "Rong, calm down. This wasn't deliberate."
I took a deep breath and stepped forward. "Rong, let's hear him out. There might be more to this than we realize."
Ning Rong looked at me, her eyes flashing with irritation, but she reluctantly pulled her sword back. "Fine. Explain."
Ning Jian carefully released the sword and turned his attention to Li Liang's unconscious form. "Li Liang didn't cause the explosion on purpose. It was an unconscious reaction of his body due to his intense emotions at that moment. It's his unique ability."
"What do you mean, unique ability?" Ning Rong asked, still fuming.
Ning Jian sighed, brushing off his hands. "Li Liang has a rare ability that activates when he's extremely angry or feels like his life is threatened. Normally, only people with mid-level concepts in their physiques have unique abilities. But sometimes, people like Li Liang, who have low-level concepts in their physiques, can develop these abilities too. They're just…weird or hard to control."
I couldn't help but chuckle at the absurdity of it all. "So, you're saying Li Liang has a ability that goes off like a firecracker when he's upset?"
Ning Jian nodded. "Exactly. His ability is unpredictable and dangerous, but it's not his fault. He can't control it."
Ning Rong's anger seemed to deflate, replaced by confusion and concern. "But why didn't anyone tell us about this before?"
"Well," I said, trying to lighten the mood, "maybe he didn't want to advertise his explosive temper. Can you imagine how awkward that conversation would be? 'Hey, by the way, I might blow up if I get too mad.'"
Ning Rong's lips twitched, and I saw a hint of a smile. "You're right. That would be pretty awkward."
Wang Mei, who had been standing nearby, finally spoke up. " They are very rare. Li Liang have gone through a lot, dealing with something like this, I had no idea it will turn out like this."
Lu Jing nodded in agreement. "It is terrifying for him, knowing he could hurt others without meaning to."
As we all stood there, the tension began to dissipate. Ning Jian's calm explanation and our shared understanding seemed to bring some clarity to the situation.
"Well, since we're all here, maybe we should focus on helping Li Liang rather than attacking him," I suggested. "He needs our support, not our judgment."
Ning Rong sighed, sheathing her sword. "You're right, Feng. I was just so angry and scared. I didn't think."
"It's understandable," Ning Jian said gently. "We all need to be more aware of each other's abilities. This is a learning moment for all of you."
As the adrenaline faded, I couldn't help but feel a wave of relief wash over me. Despite the chaos and confusion, we had managed to find a solution.
"So, what now?" I asked, looking around at the others. "How do we help Li Liang?"
Ning Jian looked thoughtful. "First, we need to get him to a healer and make sure he's okay. Then, we can work on finding a way to help him control his ability."
"I'll take him to the healer," Wang Mei offered, stepping forward.
Lu Jing nodded. "I'll assist you. We can't let him go through this alone."
"Thanks, you two," Ning Jian said with a grateful nod. "Little girl you sure have your mother's temper."
"Oh , What do you mean by that?" Ning Lian gave him a look and her seems to back away.
"Don't woory about Li Liang I will heal him , i am one of the best on Seven great islands" Ning Lian said as she carried
Li Liang away .
"she will take care of it " Ning Jian reassured the two other kids.
As we moved to secure the area, I couldn't help but think about how bizarrely eventful this day had been. From nearly getting roasted by an unexpected explosion to uncovering a hidden ability in Li Liang, it felt like I was living in one of those wild cultivation novels I used to read. I glanced at Ning Rong, who seemed lost in thought.
"You okay, Rong?" I asked, nudging her lightly.
She sighed. "Yeah, just processing everything. ."
"I know, right? Just when you think you've got a handle on things, life throws you a curveball. Or, in this case, a fireball," I said, trying to inject some humor into the situation.
Ning Rong managed a small smile. "You always find a way to make light of things, don't you?"
"It's a gift," I replied with a wink.
All of us started to clean up the mess they caused in the training ground , well mainly by the explosion that was a very powerful ability , according to what I sensed he basically completely drained all of his Qi instantly and released it in form of a explosion, another wild MC candidate appears , Damn these MC keeps on popping up like Pokemon.
I need to make some preparations , just in case and that once in a decade competetion between 15 clans is also approaching.
As we finished up, Ning Jian approached us. "Everything's under control here. Let's check on Li Liang and see how he's doing."
We made our way to the healer's quarters, where Ning Lian were tending to Li Liang. He was still unconscious, but his breathing was steady, and his color was returning to normal.
"How is he?" I asked, peering at Li Liang's peaceful face.
Wang Mei looked up and smiled. "He'll be fine. Just needs some rest. The healer says he's lucky he didn't suffer any serious injuries."
"That's a relief," Ning Rong said, visibly relaxing.
We all stood there for a moment, taking in the scene.
"Let's make sure he is prepared for situations like these in future," Ning Jian said, his voice firm and resolute. "He has got a lot to learn and a lot to do, but I have faith in him."
"Alright, everyone," I said with a mischievous grin. "Let's get back to training."
"What did you to him when you both were fighting , why did he suddenly stop and looked as if he had seen a ghost or something." Lu Jing said to Ning Rong.
"That's a secret " she said as me and her started to go to our regular spot on the beach .
"Rong your ability to put people in soul related illusion have transformed into something truly terrifying " I praised.
"Yeah, you have no idea how much it has improved, but it does have some drawbacks," Ning Rong said, trying to sound humble, though her smugness shone through like a beacon.
"Is that so?" I replied, my face the picture of innocence. "Does your ability have a range of 12 to 15 meters? Do you have to keep the target within your line of sight? For how long, I can't really estimate."
Her mouth fell agape. "What? H-How did you know? I never mentioned this ability to you for a reason; it was supposed to be my trump card against you. How can you infer so many things from a single fight, you damn weirdo?" She gave me a not-so-light backhanded punch on the chest.
"Why do you have to hit me every single time? You're a body-tempering cultivator now. Even a glancing blow like that is heavy, you know." I coughed, trying to catch my breath.
"As for that ability, if you had used it in our previous battle, there's more than a fifty percent chance you would have won. But there was only a single time you would have been able to use it against me with all those restrictions—or let's say, use conditions—at the last moment. When I had caught you in the Grade 2 binding formation while using my Qi swords as nodes, you were only a meter away from me and I was directly in your line of sight." I explained, feeling a bit proud of my deduction skills.
Ning Rong pouted, crossing her arms. "You're impossible, Feng. Sometimes I think you know me better than I know myself."
"Hey, it's all part of being a genius," I said, flashing a cheeky grin.
"Oh please, spare me the self-praise," she retorted, rolling her eyes. "But seriously, it's creepy how accurate you are."
"What can I say? It's a gift." I winked at her, enjoying our banter.
After a moment, Ning Rong's expression turned serious. "Feng, I've been thinking about Li Liang's ability. Why wasn't he able to control it? Is it really that unpredictable?"
I nodded. "Yeah, it's complicated. People with low-level concepts in their physiques rarely have abilities. For those that do, their control over their abilities is usually unstable because even though they were somehow lucky enough to be born with it, their bodies don't have the right physique to hold them. There's a reason only people with mid-level concepts are born with these unique abilities."
Ning Rong furrowed her brow. "So, what happens to people like Li Liang?"
"Well, normally, people like him are considered lucky because once they completely comprehend the concept to the highest degree—that's the same condition for someone to enter the Core Formation realm—they can control the ability. It's like their bodies finally catch up to their potential." I shrugged. "But until then, it's like trying to ride a wild horse without a saddle."
"And the reason why unique abilities are so highly regarded," I continued, warming to the subject. "They grow along with the cultivator. The stronger you get, the stronger and more refined your ability becomes. It's like having a personal cheat code for life.
instead being bound to a level such as human, earth , heaven or immortal grade like a normal technique , it will evolve as your cultivation level goes up. "
Ning Rong laughed. "A cheat code, huh? Leave it to you to put it in terms no would would understand."
"Hey, you know me. I'm just translating cultivation speak into something relatable." I grinned. "But seriously, it's a tough break for Li Liang. He's got this incredible power but can't control it. It's like winning the lottery but losing the ticket."
Ning Rong nodded thoughtfully. "I guess I never thought about it that way. It must be a headache for him ."
"Exactly," I agreed. "He's got to work twice as hard to get to the point where he can control it. But once he does, he'll be a force to be reckoned with."
We sat in comfortable silence for a moment, the weight of our earlier banter and serious discussion settling into a mutual understanding.
"So," I said, breaking the silence, "are you going to use that trump card against me next time, or have I ruined your plans?"
Ning Rong grinned mischievously. "Oh, I've got plenty of tricks up my sleeve. Don't think you've seen the last of my surprises."
"I wouldn't expect anything less," I said, chuckling. "Just try not to blow me up, okay?"
"No promises," she replied with a laugh, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
"But the soul ability of yours is better kept for sneak attacks as elusive concepts like the soul concept give abilities which are almost impossible to counter if you don't know about their specifics."
.....
Ning Jian and Ning Lian were sitting together in healing quarters where Li Liang lay sprawled on the bed.
" There is something weird going on in the world, every powerful clan , empire and sects are producing geniuses akin to the golden age of cultivation, people with mid level concepts which were rare enough that not even a single one entered the top sects in a three or four decades are now appearing every decade .
Then there is someone like my own daughter born with two mid level concepts one of them being the elusive soul concept." Ning Jian said worry evident on his face.
"Reports from the clan suggest that a meeting is going to happen between the top sects and empires regarding something important , we should keep our guard up but I don't think it will have anything to do with us , we are too far away from such things in our islands" . Ning Lian said trying to calm his mind.
"Let's hope you are right ." Ning Jian said .
Chapter 22: Luo Bing's POV
Faraway on a different continent in the middle of a sect that covered a whole mountain range , stood a large and ancient palace made of ivory stone covered with beautiful runic symbols which laced with bluish hues, today many people were coming and going out of the magnificent palace unlike it's usual calm .
There was a sense of urgency among the people , many different coloured somewhat organized units of cultivators were standing in its outer courtyard awaiting the result of meeting being held inside by the few of greatest cultivators in this era all nascent soul stage and above .
"Master Zhao , what do you think about this disturbance in our plane and I heard it might be related to the Lost continent and the various sub realms." A man dressed in black robes with golden marking symbolizing the powerful Tian ji empire said with some curiosity and apprehension .
"I think it must have some thing to do with either the emergence of a new sub realm which seems unlikely or a few sub realms merging to create a new one or something similar but I don't know the details and I don't think it will emerge anytime soon ". Master zhao said while drinking some wine from his gourd .
"So what are the higher ups discussing with other factions , is something big about to happen , they haven't told us anything. " The man in black clothes said a little disgruntled.
"Yes , its about the Legacy of an immortal cultivator that the princess found while she was out on training with her friends on one of the islands near seven great islands which comes under Heaven Dao sect .
Since she is a disciple of heaven dao her companions were also from there so they informed their clans and the sect while the news reached us through her .
It spread like wildfire on the entire continent and since there is a treaty in place which binds every major power on the continent to conduct a 'fair' competition if something like an immortal's abode is found … they are discussing it's details." Master Zhao said while drinking.
The man in black robes, now intrigued, leaned closer. "An immortal's legacy? This could change the balance of power across the continent. But why all the secrecy? Shouldn't we be preparing?"
Master Zhao chuckled softly. "Patience, young one. The elders are determining the rules and conditions for this 'fair' competition. You know how these things go; every faction wants an advantage without appearing to break the treaty. They need to ensure the competition's fairness while also safeguarding their interests."
...…
Meanwhile, inside the grand palace, the atmosphere was tense. Representatives from every major sect and power on the continent were present.
Luo Bing, a young and talented disciple of the Heavenly Dao Sect, stood quietly in a corner, observing the proceedings without any interest.
At just six years old, she possessed a rare and captivating beauty. Her long, silky black hair cascaded down her back, contrasting strikingly with her clear, sky-blue eyes that sparkled with not with innocence and curiosity but maturity.
Her skin was smooth and flawless, with a jade-like quality that seemed almost ethereal. Despite her young age, there was a serene elegance about her, her delicate features perfectly balanced. She moved with a natural grace.
.....
Master brought me here to attend this meeting and wants me to meet other kids of my generation from other top powers.
I really didn't want to come to this meeting, but I had no choice in the matter. My master was quite overbearing and insisted on my presence. From a very young age, I had been trained in the intricacies of political maneuvering.
In fact, she had started learning how to navigate complex political environments when she was only four years old.
This extensive training was now being put to the test as she found herself amidst a sea of influential cultivators and powerful sect leaders.
"Bing'er don't speak and observe carefully , it will help you in future and try to make connections with other kids in your generation and don't show weakness in front of anyone , you are the princess of our Tian ji empire." A tall man with broad shoulders and black robes with dragon markings said.
"Yes, uncle" Luo Bing said already feeling tired before anything even started I went closer to master and stood beside him. I came here with him in heaven dao sect's entourage . Meeting was about to start.
The main hall was an architectural marvel, with high vaulted ceilings and intricate carvings that depicted ancient battles and legendary figures. The air buzzed with the hum of protective formations, ensuring that no one could eavesdrop or interfere with the discussions taking place. At the center of the room, the leaders of the various factions were engaged in a heated debate.
"We cannot allow any single sect to dominate this !" declared Elder Wu of the Spirit Mountain Sect, his voice echoing through the hall. "The legacy of an immortal cultivator is too significant to fall into the hands of just one power."
Elder Mei of the Heavenly Sword Sect nodded in agreement. "We must establish clear rules and ensure that the competition is truly fair. The last thing we need is another war among the sects."
"Only Qi manifestation and lower level cultivators can enter the abode and there is no limit to people who can enter but we can't allow too many cultivators to enter the abode or else there would be too much bloodshed and too many lives will be lost and humans will suffer a big loss." Luo Bing's master said.
Luo Bing understood very well why her master was saying such words she wasn't concerned about the lives of those cultivators but worried about how would the presence of so many variables affect the sect's interest.
Even if cultivators in the top powers are much stronger than those belonging to other lower level powers or independent cultivators at the same level, there is still quality in quantity and there could be unforeseen circumstances.
"I suggest we restrict the number of cultivators that can enter the abode and allot spots, half the spots will go to Top powers while the rest can divided between others and independent cultivators ." Luo Bing's master said.
I knew that by doing this not only would top powers not anger the masses but they will gain a huge advantage as half the people inside will be from their side and that means the biggest advantage others held, that of numbers will be lost . This was a brilliant plan .
A representative from the Beast Taming Sect spoke up, his tone measured but firm. "Agreed. However, we must also consider the security risks. We can't allow forces from outside our continent to intervene and will have to keep an eye out for trouble. "
"Well that's a given for something of this magnitude and while we take care of that we can also ask the cultivators from the islands to keep a look out for the beasts or demonic cultivators . I think they fall under your sect's jurisdiction Elder Qing." Elder Wu said while looking towards Luo Bing's master.
"No Problem "Elder Qing nodded .
I was used to such things but this time when I went out with my senior sisters and senior brothers they discovered this abode by chance when they were fighting against two Qi manifestation beasts .
Well I was just looking from a distance as I can't fight on that level yet and that's when all of them heard a huge bang from the forest nearby, when they investigated it , it turned out to be the abode of the once renowned Jade immortal.
They were all very eager to enter first and almost ended up destroying their friendship but they soon realised that the entry was banned and it will only open up after 2 to 3 years .
But this incident also taught me one thing: friendship was fragile in the face of profit and power. I learned it the hard way. Then there was…a fly.
"Miss Luo Bing, I didn't think we would meet again so soon. How have you been? I was worried since you never sent me a reply," a boy, eight years old, with black hair and black eyes, said while showing a brilliant smile. Ah, Huo Lu—the persistent pest of my life.
"It's nothing serious. I was out training with my senior brothers and sisters," I replied half-heartedly. Huo Lu, a disciple of the Heavenly Sword Sect, was under the wing of Elder Mei.
I remember the first time we met. His master brought him along when she visited my master. He had been shy then, hiding behind Elder Mei, stealing glances at me when he thought I wasn't looking. But now, ever since he turned eight and became an initial stage body tempering disciple, he had developed this uncanny ability to show up wherever I was 'by chance.'
I sighed inwardly. "So, Huo Lu, what brings you here today?"
"Well, I heard about the meeting and thought I'd come see how things were going. And of course, I hoped to see you," he said, flashing that dazzling smile again. Oh, great. Here we go.
"Huo Lu, you seem to have a knack for being in the right place at the right time," I said, trying to keep my tone light. "Or should I say the wrong place at the wrong time?"
He laughed, not catching my hint. "It's just fate, Miss Luo Bing. It's like we're destined to cross paths."
Destined, my foot. More like a determined pest. I tried to keep my face neutral as he chattered on about his latest training achievements. I couldn't help but notice how he puffed up with pride, like a rooster trying to impress a hen.
"And then, I managed to break through the first stage of body tempering. Elder Mei said I have great potential," he said, his eyes shining with excitement.
"That's...nice, Huo Lu. Congratulations," I replied, trying to muster some enthusiasm. I didn't want to be rude, but his constant presence was starting to wear on my nerves. He was like an overly enthusiastic puppy, always underfoot.
He leaned in a little closer, lowering his voice conspiratorially. "I was thinking, maybe we could discuss dao sometime. You know, share some pointers. I could really learn a lot from you."
I fought the urge to roll my eyes. "Huo Lu, I appreciate the offer, but my training schedule is quite rigorous. Besides, I'm sure Elder Mei has plenty of wisdom to share with you."
He looked slightly deflated but quickly perked up again. "Of course, Miss Luo Bing. Maybe another time then."
As he continued to ramble on, I couldn't help but wonder how he managed to find me every single time. Did he have a sixth sense for my whereabouts? Or was he just incredibly lucky—or unlucky, depending on how you looked at it?
Just then, I caught sight of my senior brother, Zhao Wei, approaching. Relief washed over me. "Huo Lu, it seems my senior brother needs me. We'll catch up later, alright?"
Huo Lu's face fell slightly, but he quickly masked it with another smile. "Of course, Miss Luo Bing. Until next time."
I hurried over to Zhao Wei, who raised an eyebrow at me with some amusement. "Oh little Bing has another admirer , how many will you collect by the time you turn 8 years old, I guess we can open bets on this?"
"More like another nuisance," I muttered under my breath. "Huo Lu. He's been popping up everywhere ."
Zhao Wei chuckled. "He's got it bad for you. Can't say I blame him."
I shot him a glare. "Don't you start too. One pest is enough."
As we walked away, I could feel Huo Lu's eyes on my back. I knew he'd be back again, showing up unexpectedly, hoping to catch my attention.
"It seems like they have decided to hold an internal sect competition to select those who will enter for both body tempering and Qi manifestation realms , it will happen 2 years later and now they are talking about some other boring stuff." Zhao Wei explained while they both walked back .
I would rather pass my time reading some stories.she thought of her favourite pass time. I guess I also want to know what's inside that abode , it will make a good story.
"Your master is looking for you he told me to tell you that he found what you were looking for." Zhao Wei said , the moment she heard that all her previous laziness vanished into thin air replaced by ecstasy.
Chapter 23: Qi Circuit powers up a flame
On a beach two kids were sitting under a luminescent tree bickering about something , small one had a frowning face as he spoke unusual for a kid of that age while a beautiful girl with silver hair had a frustrated look as she listened.
"I have been teaching you all this for about a year now , why can't you grasp such easy concepts on Nodes placement . " I said feeling helpless
"You are so random , sometimes you break mid level Grade 1 formations other times you can't even escape Low level ones , I told you to read some books on it , you need to do some self study if you want to improve in it and you were the one who asked me to teach you."
I tried to teach Ning Rong formations but to my surprise she couldn't understand them well , I thought she had a very high comprehension since she able to pick up a lot of things I taught her about lightning and electricity. She was even closer to gaining initial understanding in that.
Turns out , it's not correlated with each other, she didn't struggle with the calculation part since I had taught her some important formulae and even helped her build her own soul calculator, well obviously on the condition that she wouldn't reveal it to anyone .
I knew she never broke any promises she made to me, so I came up with another plan , I will teach her how to break formations instead although she wouldn't be as graceful as someone who knew formations but she can definitely save herself if she combined it with force .
This was only possible due to my soul calculator and all the knowledge I was giving her which I have derived after studying formations on my own and these things can't be found in books .
"You said I have to calculate the position after sensing the rough direction of a node with my soul sense oh.. after I identified the type of formation based on your classifications and strike hard ." She said feeling wronged .
"You have done all of that correctly but you also have to understand and comprehend which nodes are the ones acting as pillars of the whole formation.
Which is the hardest part in breaking a formation but you have been successful a few times which means my method is working.
It's the most efficient method you will find here to break the formations If you don't care about alerting the enemy." I explained
"Now go ahead and read my notes regarding pivotal nodes and how to identify them and also review everything else once again." I gave my instructions with a dead pan face.
"Can we have a sparring match instead?" She said with a hopeful smile.
"Do you want to get beaten up that badly, you violent tsundere?" I said with a shit eating grin on my face.
If there is one thing she hated the most, It was losing in a battle Which is also the reason she was so adamant on learning how to break formations as she has been losing to me mainly due to them.
Using her pride Is the best way to motivate her and I am also a little eager to get something done as I am very close to achieving my goal.
"The Only reason you are winning our duels is that I am restricted to using only one of my abilities and soon I will be able to break your formations." She said with a very angry red face.
"Yeah but you're also using the new techniques you have learned against me to detect my position using sensory techniques and ambushing me with stealth techniques." I shot back
She started huffing and puffing as I looked at her with a victorious smile. You are 25 years too young to be debating with this old man .
Sue turned around and went to another tree nearby started doing what I told her but not without shooting me last glare.
With that out of the way , I closed my eyes and started to focus on my fire concept , I was able to gain a preliminary understanding in it mainly due to my knowledge behind its workings because of my previous life.
But I feel like I'm very close to gaining initial mastery over it. There was a bottleneck that was stopping me from realizing it.
But after toiling for so many months and sensing what was happening with Rong's body . I think I have finally understood what was I lacking.
It was once again the resonance between spiritual energy of the soul and qi . The same way my meridians were formed and the reason we can comprehend the concept after creating meridians.
The working behind qi control Was simple the soul and the qi acted like an electric circuit.
So qi can be considered electricity while the soul can be considered as the electrical wires which direct the energy wherever the user wants.
Without the other one was energy with no direction and other was just a moderately useful tool.
There were few things needed to comprehend a concept , first would be the how to create that element from qi or it's link with qi .
Second would be how that element behaved in the environment or interacted with it which is the part where my knowledge shines.
Third should be infusing the qi in the concept and gaining full control over it.
Well most of it is the theory I created after 2 years of studying the concepts both mine and rong's .
The only step I was lacking was the third one but after gaining the enlightenment by comparing soul and qi with electrical circuit.
I think I can finally solve the third step as for the first step after creating runes and formations to create various effects related to not just fire but also other elements, I pretty much understood how that was done.
As for how the people of this world understood the second step I think they observe how the concept they want to comprehend interact with qi itself and affect the environment.
After gaining if preliminary understanding the fire concept I tried to do just that and that's I came up with this theory.
People with extreme physique usually skip step 1 and understand step 3 as the go older but the step 2 is the one the truly holds everyone down.
To gain a preliminary understanding of a concept one must understand step 1 and to some extent step 2.
That's why most people without a extreme physique are not able to comprehend the concepts without some external help like Dao fruits.
As I sat there trying to complete my qi circuit to create a complete fire concept, I guided my qi with the help of soul sense to arouse it but that failed like every other time.
But this time I tried something different I compressed my soul sense inside my dantian and took charge of all the energy there and started guiding it to Infuse it with my concept like trying to use electricity to light up a bulb.
Suddenly I felt like he have been lit on fire and I could sense every flame in a 1 km area , then I started feeling comfortable.
A ring of fire surrounded me, flowing around me in a donut shape and started compressing towards me and finally got absorbed inside me.
A halo made of blue fire appeared behind me in donut shape , I looked like a deity of fire, it represented my understanding of fire concept .
Ning Rong who was watching all this from the side exclaimed in shock "You actually did it , I thought you were just bragging, how can you comprehend a concept so soon , you little monster."
I opened my eyes and smiled at her reaction. "It's all about understanding the principles and then applying them. My methods might be unconventional, but they work."
Ning Rong shook her head in disbelief. "You always surprise me, Ning Feng. Just when I think I've caught up, you pull ahead again."
I chuckled. "That's because I have over two decades of experience over you, literally."
She rolled her eyes. "You're not even that old."
"True, but wisdom isn't just about age. It's about how you apply what you know," I said, feeling a bit philosophical.
Ning Rong sighed. "Fine, you win this round. But mark my words, I will break your formations one day."
"I look forward to it," I replied, genuinely meaning it. Her determination was one of the things I admired most about her.
As we settled back into our respective tasks, I couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. Comprehending the fire concept was a significant milestone, and it brought me one step closer to my goals. But for now, I needed to help Ning Rong understand formations better.
"Rong, let's take a break from reading. I'll show you a practical demonstration of how to identify pivotal nodes in a formation," I said, getting up.
Her eyes lit up with interest. "Really? That sounds way better than reading notes."
I laughed. "I figured as much. Come on, let's find a suitable formation to break."
We walked along the beach until we found a low-level formation I had set up earlier for practice. "Alright, let's start with this one. Use your soul sense to identify the nodes."
She concentrated, her expression serious. After a few moments, she pointed out several nodes. "These are the nodes, right?"
"Correct. Now, which one do you think is the pivotal node?" I asked.
She hesitated, then pointed to one of the nodes. "This one?"
I nodded. "Good. Now, strike it with your qi-infused force."
Ning Rong took a deep breath, gathered her qi, and struck the node. The formation shimmered and then collapsed.
She looked at me, her face glowing with excitement. "I did it!"
"Yes, you did. Now, remember, not all formations are this simple. Higher-level formations have more complex structures, and identifying the pivotal nodes can be tricky. But with practice, you'll get better," I encouraged her.
We spent the rest of the day practicing, breaking formations and discussing different strategies. It was exhausting but rewarding. By the end of the day, Ning Rong was visibly tired but had a satisfied smile on her face.
"Thanks, Ning Feng. I feel like I actually learned something today," she said as we headed back to our camp.
"You're welcome. You're a quick learner, Rong. Just keep practicing, and you'll get even better," I replied.
As we walked towards our clan estate, I couldn't help but feel proud of her progress. Despite her frustrations and setbacks, Ning Rong never gave up.
Later that night, as we sat by the campfire, Ning Rong looked at me with a serious expression. "Ning Feng, can you tell me more about your theory on concepts and qi?"
I nodded, knowing she was genuinely interested. "Sure, but every person has to visualize his/her understanding in their minds or else it would never work, even so i will tell you somethings that might help, It's all about understanding the relationship between qi and the soul. Think of it as an ..."
And so, I explained my theory in detail, sharing my insights and observations. Ning Rong listened intently, occasionally asking questions or making thoughtful comments. It was moments like these that reminded me why I enjoyed teaching her. Despite her occasional stubbornness and impatience, she had a keen mind and a thirst for power.
.....
As we approached the estate, the sight of Li Liang caught our attention. He was making his way toward us with a purposeful stride. Upon noticing us, his eyes narrowed slightly in my direction, conveying a mix of irritation and impatience.
However, the moment his gaze shifted to Ning Rong, his entire demeanor softened. His eyes shone with an unmistakable adoration, like a love-struck puppy attempting, but failing, to mask his emotions.
I couldn't help but feel a twinge of sympathy for the poor guy.
Li Liang wasn't a bad person, despite the sharp glare he directed my way. Over the past year, I had spent considerable time with these three kids, getting to know them better than I had initially anticipated.
Through countless training sessions, shared meals, and late-night conversations, I had gained a deeper understanding of each of them. Li Liang, with his determined and somewhat abrasive exterior, was no exception.
He probably had a backstory straight out of a cliché martial arts novel—tragic past, immense potential, and a burning desire for justice or vengeance.
Just like the other two, he had his own burdens to carry, his own demons to face. Despite his rough edges, he had shown moments of genuine kindness and loyalty, qualities that spoke volumes about his true character.
At least, from what I could see, none of them seemed like they were on a path to becoming future villains. But then again, the future was unpredictable, and circumstances could change people in unimaginable ways.
"Master has called you both," Li Liang announced, his voice steady but his eyes still flickering nervously toward Ning Rong. He was trying to maintain stable eye contact with her, but his evident infatuation made it difficult.
"He wants to discuss the upcoming training," he added, his tone a bit more formal than usual, likely an attempt to cover his nervousness.
Ning Rong nodded, her expression attentive . "Thank you, Li Liang. We'll head over right away," she said, offering him a kind smile that only seemed to make him more flustered.
I chuckled inwardly at the interaction. Despite the craziness of this world, things like these added a touch of normalcy. It was refreshing to see that even in a world filled with cultivation, power struggles, and endless training, there was still room for the simple, human experience of a young boy harboring a crush.
Damn I guess I will have to postpone my plans. He thought
Chapter 24: Expedition into wilderness
With my newfound understanding of the fire concept, I was eager to experiment with creating runes imbued with its power. These temporary runes, in the battle would significantly expand my tactical options and boost my offensive capabilities.
Although they can't compare to offensive techniques at the same level in terms of strength but they required less personal qi
because they harnessed the ambient qi from the environment just like the formations . This was particularly advantageous for me, given my somewhat limited qi reserves.
By incorporating the fire concept into my formations, I could also enhance their potency and lethality, tapping into the very essence of fire's destructive nature. This new skill set would be invaluable in combat situations, where adaptability and efficiency often made the difference between victory and defeat.
"Let's go," I said, signaling to the others that it was time to head to the main hall where Master Ning Jian was waiting for us.
As we walked, I couldn't help but notice the glances Ning Rong was receiving from both Li Liang and Lu Jing. It was starting to get out of hand.
These would-be protagonists were already vying for the attention of a jade beauty, despite being not even ten years old yet. Jade beauties truly were problematic, and Rong was especially dense to their advances.
When we arrived, Ning Jian welcomed us warmly. "Rong'er, you both arrived at just the right time. I was about to explain our upcoming training. Come, sit down," he said, pointing to his left.
We settled down, and Ning Jian began his briefing. "Alright, we will be entering one of the islands on the outer parts of the seven great islands. I will be teaching you and helping you gain experience in fighting monstrous beasts.
These beasts are not very rampant on these islands, but on the mainland, you can find them everywhere. So, you must learn how to deal with them. I will also help you master your new techniques by sharing my own insights. We will be leaving at dawn tomorrow, so pack your stuff and be ready."
"Master, what about Ning Feng? He hasn't reached the body tempering stage yet," Wang Mie asked thoughtfully, his concern evident.
Ning Jian sighed, looking slightly helpless. "Well, he can stay with me to watch and learn. The beasts on the island are mainly at the body tempering stage, with perhaps two or three at the qi manifestation stage. Nothing I can't handle," he said.
Though it was clear he had other concerns. He knew that if he refused to bring me along, Ning Rong would likely refuse to go as
well. She never went anywhere without me, and it seemed to irk him for some reason.
Despite his annoyance, Ning Jian knew the importance of this training. The outer islands were relatively safe compared to the mainland, and it was an ideal place for us to gain practical experience. "It's crucial that you all learn how to handle yourselves against these beasts. They will test your skills and force you to apply what you've learned in real combat situations," he continued.
Ning Rong, sitting beside me, nodded eagerly. She was always excited about new challenges and opportunities to improve. Her enthusiasm was contagious, and even the usually stoic Lu Jing seemed more animated than usual.
"Master, will we be focusing solely on combat, or will there be other aspects of training as well?" Lu Jing asked, his curiosity piqued.
"We will primarily focus on combat, but there will be lessons on survival skills, teamwork, and strategy. Understanding the environment and how to use it to your advantage is just as important as knowing how to fight," Ning Jian replied. "You'll also have the chance to practice your formations and techniques in real-world scenarios, which will be invaluable for your development."
As Ning Jian spoke, I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. The prospect of facing monstrous beasts was daunting, but the opportunity to learn and grow was too good to pass up. Plus, I knew that with Ning Jian's guidance, we would be in capable hands.
After the briefing, we were dismissed to prepare for the journey. "Remember, we leave at dawn. Make sure you have everything you need," Ning Jian reminded us.
Many people from the continent also came to these islands to gain experience since they were relatively safe . I hope these wanna be protagonists wouldn't attract trouble.
...….
The next morning, as the first light of dawn crept over the horizon, we gathered at the entrance of the estate. Ning Jian was already there, waiting for us with a confident smile. "Are you all ready?" he asked, his eyes scanning over us.
We nodded in unison, all the kids had a look of excitement.
"Good. Let's move out," he said, leading the way.
As we embarked on our journey to the island, I felt a surge of anticipation. This expedition into the wilderness would be unlike anything I had experienced before, what's the point in being reborn in xianxia world if you don't get to fight monstrous beasts .
There were seven kids in this group us five and two other from our clan were also going to accompany us.
I was curious about how are we going to travel such a long distance just then I heard Ning Jian's voice.
"Everyone use your movement techniques to get to the port and Ning Feng you come with me" he ordered .
Suddenly I got lifted up and then all I could feel was air hitting my face and I couldn't open my open my eyes after 15- 20 min we both were at our destination.
I feel like he did it deliberately , he could have put a qi barrier so that I won't be affected by the air . He had a grin on his face.
Should I punch him? I contemplated the consequences of doing such an action and it doesn't seem like a very good idea.
We waited for the others to arrive, meanwhile a ship came towards our position at the speed of a motor boat.
"Looks like our ride has also arrived and those kids will arrive soon as well." Ning jian said
Well considering his level he must have kept them in his sensing range using a sensory martial technique.
Once all of them arrived we all got on board. "You must accustom yourself to using movement techniques in all kinds of terrain.
It will not only make you more familiar with your techniques which can help you in battle and when you are trying to run away for your life but also increase your comprehension of that technique." He explained.
At least he have some good advice and this is where experience truly shines through I will remember the s pointer.
Comprehension of techniques also followed the same pattern as concepts namely-
initial , intermediate, advanced and consummate , these were mainly for technique one didn't create himself as when someone create a technique , it already consummate.
"While we are sailing , I will be giving you pointers on various techniques and we will also talk about Dao and how to gain comprehension of your current realm quickly
So gather up and be ready once we land we will be greeting some guests before we venture into the forest." He announced.
And so the session started , I have to say this guy made a great teacher and even I learned a lot, not everything can be learned from just books.
Practical experience is just as important, after the session ended everyone was meditating, trying to absorb all the knowledge .
As the time passed everyone started to open their eyes except Ning Rong who was still cultivating. The ship was not far from reaching it's destination.
We could see land already and sun has already started to climb rather high. At this moment she opened her eyes and a heavy qi pressure descended on all of us.
"Congratulations , my little Rong has broken through to mid level body tempering stage , this speed I have never seen it .
Even little Mei has only reached the limit of low level body tempering realm and I used to think she has the highest comprehension of anyone I have ever met ". Ning jian said happily.
Ning Rong seemed extremely happy and then looked towards me with a smug smile .
Damn it woman don't you forget who your teacher is.
Wait ,why is that Ning Jian giving me the stink eye . I didn't even do anything. It's not my fault you were missing for 8 years , you old bastard.
What is he a kid trying to seek attention. From the look she is giving me it's not just about cultivation realm increment .
She won't be this smug otherwise,
it probably has something to do with her lightning concept almost reaching initial stage or her soul concept reaching preliminary level.
I have been teaching her everything I know and discovered about soul in this world and given it's a world of cultivation my knowledge regarding soul from Hindu and Buddhist culture should be relevant somewhat .
Well at least she has enough brains to not scream it in my face in front of so many witnesses.
As the ship reached the island we all disembarked our ship. Just then another ship came into our sight coming from a different direction.
"Elder Ning , I heard you came back , how have you been? " an old geezer in yellow clothes asked.
"Elder Lin what a pleasant surprise , I was expecting you." Ning Jian said with formally. " It is only supposed to be an interaction between younger generation to develop better bond for the upcoming event so, why did you bring someone like him ?" Ning Jian pointed towards a kid 14 years old.
"Don't worry he isn't supposed to be a participant , he is here for some other reason." elder Lin replied.
"And what might that be ?" Ning asked .
"Nothing important, just some personal matter." Elder Lin replied vaguely unwilling to disclose any more details.
Ning Jian looked at the person with suspicion but let it go since he didn't even fear the elder lin let alone someone so much weaker.
"So everyone get ready seven people from both clans will participate in a friendly competition to collect the beast cores and there will be a prize for the winning team" Ning Jian explained
"Master will there be any individual awards" Li Liang asked. "Yes, there will be individual prizes, those of you in top three positions from both sides combined will receive them based on points earned from beast cores" Ning Jian nodded in agreement.
"Now , listen carefully I will explain all the rules . First , no one is allowed kill or severly harm a fellow human be it clansmen or otherwise .
Second , every beast is of a different level so, they will be assigned different points based on their strength :-
Body tempering :
Low level: 1 point
Mid level : 3 points
High level: 9 points
Peak level: 27 points
As for qi manifestation there will be none in the area event is being held so don't worry." Ning Jian patiently explained the rules .
"How are you so sure that there will be no beasts of the Qi Manifestation realm? And how are you going to stop us from breaking rules? How will you keep track of points gained by everyone, and what if someone wants to give up?" Ning Rong asked with a seriousness that belied her usual demeanor.
Ning Jian was momentarily taken aback by the barrage of questions, but he quickly regained his composure and smiled. "Good questions, Rong'er, and they can all be answered easily by this," he said, moving his hands in a fluid motion.
Suddenly, a vast area in front of us was covered by a beautiful dome of shimmering blue light. The dome extended high into the sky and far into the distance, encompassing a significant portion of the island. It was made up of intricate formations, with lines glowing in other hues faintly along its surface, creating a mesmerizing pattern that seemed to pulse with energy.
"This dome is a protective barrier created using advanced formations," Ning Jian explained. "It not only serves to keep any dangerous Qi Manifestation level beasts out but also helps us monitor everything that happens within its boundaries."
He then produced several jade tablets from his sleeve, each one gleaming with a soft light. "These jade tablets are the key to our training exercise," he said, handing one to each of us. The tablets were smooth and cool to the touch, inscribed with complex runes that hummed with latent power.
"These tablets will keep track of the points you earn by defeating beasts and completing various tasks. The points will be updated in real-time, so you can always check your progress. If you want to give up at any point, simply break the tablet. It will send a signal to me, and I will come to escort you out."
Ning Jian continued, "The tablets are also designed to enforce the rules of our training. If anyone attempts to break the rules, the tablet will immediately notify me, and the person will be disqualified. This way, we ensure a fair and disciplined training environment."
"As for the beasts, we have thoroughly scoured the entire area to ensure there are no creatures at the Qi Manifestation level. The beasts you'll encounter are at the body tempering stage, which is suitable for your current level of training." Ning Jian reassured.
I was a little taken aback this is a permanent peak grade 2 formation , it must have sucked away a mountain of Grade 2 resources to build something like this .
Also it's the first time I am seeing at least some level of co dependence of runes and formations to achieve a goal, something I have been experimenting with for the last two years or so. They are being used together.
Ning Jian then clapped his hands together, drawing our attention. "Now that you understand the rules and the tools you'll be using, it's time to get started. Remember, this training is not just about physical strength but also about strategy, teamwork, and perseverance. Use your knowledge, your skills, and your wits to overcome the challenges ahead."
Chapter 25 : Competition begins
"You all, come with me for a second," Ning Jian pointed towards our group of five. We followed him.
"You can use your unique abilities, but try not to expose them in front of the Lin clan. And as for you, Ning Feng, you can also participate. Ning Rong has taken responsibility for keeping you safe. She is convinced you can help with your runes. Plus, these jade tablets will ensure your safety," Ning Jian instructed.
Keep me safe? Ning Feng thought, his eyes twitching. I looked towards Ning Rong, who was smiling at me innocently.
"Thank you, Ning Rong," I replied with a forced smile.
She nodded and turned towards Ning Jian " father when is it going to start ?"
"You all should get ready we are bout to begin the competition in a few minutes." Ning Jian replied.
After sometime of explaining rules and discussions among groups Ning Jian gave the signal "Move out".
The moment he said a semi circle shaped gap appeared in the dome and all of us moved in .
With that, we set off into the wilderness, each of us clutching our jade tablets. The blue dome above us shimmered in the morning light, a constant reminder of the boundaries and the rules that would guide our training.
As we ventured deeper into the island, the sound of waves crashing against the shore faded, replaced by the rustling of leaves and the distant calls of wild beasts.
The island was a mix of dense forests, rocky outcrops, and open meadows, providing a varied terrain for us to navigate.
The air was fresh and filled with the scent of pine and earth, invigorating our senses and heightening our awareness.
"My name is Lin Ji and I am the leader of my group for this competition." The oldest looking kid said.
"Who is your representative?" He asked .
Ning Rong stepped forward confidently " my name is Ning Rong and I am the representative of our group." She said with her head held high.
She is definitely enjoying this. I mused to myself.
Everyone introduced themselves one by one.
"Do you want to cooperate in the beginning? We all will get a smoother start that way," Ning Rong asked politely, well, as polite as she can sound.
Lin Ji seemed to ponder the suggestion for a moment and then replied, "I think we will do it on our own."
"Brother Lin Ji, we will be taking this route then. I wish you good luck," Ning Rong said, acting as our leader. After she said that, our team moved in the east direction while they moved northward.
"Hey, don't move too fast. I can't use a movement technique yet," I reminded them, feeling a bit left behind.
Ning Rong turned around and smirked, "Don't worry, Ning Feng. We'll slow down for you, after all you are our supplies."
I rolled my eyes. "Yeah, yeah. Just remember, this supply still need some energy to use runes."
Ning Rong laughed. "Do you want me to carry you in my arms ."
I tried to keep a straight face. Damn Kids, on the side two pair of eyes were trying to drill holes in my skull.
"Sure, sure. Anyway, what's the plan, oh fearless leader?" I said trying to change the topic . " I can also create the traps around our camp to ambush beasts who come to attack us ," I offered.
She rolled her eyes but then turned serious. "We need to set up a camp near a water source and hide it using formations. When beasts come there to drink, we can ambush them."
Ning Rong continued, "It's the most strategic place I can think of, but we should survey our surroundings and study their behavior first. We can keep an eye on the beasts and set up runic traps according to their habits, ensuring we fight an advantageous battle."
Lu Jing, who had been quietly listening, nodded in agreement. "Makes sense. Plus, we can refill our water supplies with runes, so we only need to look out for food for the next few days."
We trudged on for a while until we found a small stream with clear, flowing water. The area was surrounded by dense foliage, providing good cover for an ambush. I had to admit, it was a nice idea; she was being surprisingly cautious.
"We should try to hunt down high-level beasts, or maybe even peak-level ones, but only after studying their strength. That's the fastest way for us to accumulate points," Ning Rong added.
And here I thought she was being cautious.
"Alright, this looks like a good spot," Ning Rong said, surveying the area. "Let's set up camp over there."
Despite my grumbling, I knew Ning Rong was right. This spot was ideal for our needs; we could keep an eye on the water source and be ready for any beasts that came our way. Plus, it was a good opportunity for me to practice my runes in a real-world setting.
As we finished setting up, the sun was at its zenith. We gathered around, and Ning Rong looked at Wang Mie. "Sister Mie, can you please set up a formation to conceal us from the beasts' senses?" Then she looked at me.
"Ning Feng, you set up runes for water now and be ready to create the fire ones on demand," she ordered.
"No problem," I replied. Then she started to instruct everyone. She makes a fine leader.
We were doing our stuff when I saw Wang Mie struggling to find the correct position for the node. Just then, Ning Rong pointed her finger towards a certain point in space over Wang Mie's head. "Place that node right there."
Wang Mie was confused but followed her instruction by instinct. Suddenly, a white dome in a pyramid shape appeared around our camp before turning transparent.
She had a shocked expression on her face as she turned towards Ning Rong. "How the hell did you do that? You are even better at formations than I am!" she almost yelled.
Ning Rong said with a proud smile, "I am not better than you. I can't even make grade 1 formations. It's just that I have studied formations for some time, and I am pretty good at node placement."
"Having someone like you who is well-versed in formations is already a huge advantage, and now we even have young miss," a young kid with black hair and black eyes said.
"Ning Po, stop trying to butter young miss up," Ning Ye, another one of our female members, said.
"Alright, everyone, let's form teams and divide our work. Ning Feng and I will go in the northern direction.
Wang Mie and Li Liang can guard this camp since Wang Mie needs to keep the formation functioning, even if we are using some resources to support it. Keep a lookout in this part of the forest.
Ning Po and Ning Ye will go in the southern direction. Lu Jing, you will go in the west direction.
But you all should remember this is only a scouting mission, so don't engage unless absolutely necessary," Ning Rong ordered.
Li Liang wanted to reject the idea but still nodded. I could only feel pity for him. After a while, everyone started to move.
Both Rong and I moved towards a relatively less dense part of the forest.
"You were grinning so wildly back on the ship. Have you mastered a concept?" I asked with an annoying smile.
She rolled her eyes. "Don't play dumb; I know you already guessed. I think I am very close to gaining initial insight into my lightning concept, and I also reached an intermediate level in my movement technique thanks to Father's advice.
I recalled my previous experiences, and it all became a lot clearer.
Now I have every kind of technique I use in a battle at an intermediate level. Get ready for a beating next time we fight."
So that's what this is all about. Kids and their useless pride.
I chuckled, shaking my head. "We'll see about that. Just make sure you don't trip over your own feet again."
She shot me a glare but couldn't hide the small smile tugging at her lips. "Keep talking, Ning Feng. One day, I'll surpass you, and then we'll see who's laughing."
"I look forward to it," I said, genuinely
....
Lu Jing's POV
In the western direction,
I moved swiftly toward a lake where I had seen some movement not long ago. The anticipation of a fight thrilled me, but I am feeling a bit frustrated with the fact that I had been instructed not to engage. The importance of caution was clear, but the prospect of battle ignited a fire within me that was hard to quell.
The area around the lake was serene, almost picturesque. Tall, ancient trees surrounded the water, their leaves forming a dense canopy that allowed only slivers of sunlight to reach the forest floor. The lake itself was crystal clear, reflecting the green of the surrounding foliage and the blue of the sky.
Birds chirped in the distance, and the air was filled with the gentle rustle of leaves swaying in the breeze. Despite the beauty, there was an underlying tension, a sense of lurking danger.
I activated my sensory technique, my soul sense spreading out like an invisible web, seeking any signs of life. My brows furrowed in concentration, but to my frustration, I found nothing. The forest seemed empty, as if the creatures had sensed my presence and fled
"Ba-dump Ba-dump". But suddenly my heart started beating faster for some reason ,one I can guess If there is one thing people with weapon concepts were known for was their uncanny danger sense .
Just then, a blur of movement caught my eye. Before I could react my body moved on it's own due to sheer instinct which even my master praised me for. I snapped my head towards right as I jumped towards a tree for cover and a shadow passed over me. I quickly rose to my feet.
Before I could react, the shadow lunged at me from the left side of my back. I barely had time to counter, instinctively raising my arm to deflect the attack. Claws, sharp and deadly, scraped against my forearm as I twisted my body, sliding back to create distance between myself and my assailant.
This was too close for my comfort , I can't believe I just brushed shoulders with death. It was so close.
Standing before me was a monstrous beast, a massive feline with dark, sinewy muscles rippling under its fur. Its eyes glowed with a predatory gleam, and its claws, now stained with a trickle of my blood, gleamed menacingly.
This was a beast at the middle of the Body Tempering stage, while I was only at the limit of the low level in that realm.
Realizing I couldn't outrun the beast, my heart raced with a mix of fear and exhilaration. The only choice left was to fight, and truth be told, that was what I wanted to do anyway.
With a swift motion, I drew my sword, the blade catching the light and flashing brilliantly. I took a stance, feet firmly planted, my body poised for battle. My eyes locked onto the beast, and a fierce grin spread across my face. My fighting intent soared to the sky, a palpable energy that seemed to electrify the air around me.
"Come on, then," I muttered under my breath, my voice steady and filled with determination. "Let's see what you've got."
The beast growled, a deep, rumbling sound that resonated through the clearing. It crouched low, muscles coiling in preparation to strike. I tightened my grip on my sword, every sense heightened.
It lunged towards me like a bolt of lightning, attacking with its claws. I calmly waited for the claws to arrive within striking range and then, when it was about one meter from me, I swung my sword.
Claw and sword clashed, the attack was stopped but I was pushed back a few steps.
The feline disappeared, and I sensed another attack from my right side and parried it again. This happened a few more times.
I understood that this monster relied heavily on stealth and speed, which meant it should have weak defenses. Its attacking power wasn't too great either, as I was able to deflect its attacks without losing too much ground.
This time, instead of parrying, I used my movement technique to create some distance between us. I concentrated qi in my sword and slashed a few times in the beast's direction.
This was my 'Heaven Rend Technique'. It easily evaded my long-range slashes.
The beast growled as it shone white with qi and moved towards me again. We continued this game of cat and mouse a few more times.
"I guess pressure is indeed the most effective tool," I said as I sheathed my sword, made some distance between us, and took another stance while closing my eyes.
I felt something in my mind shatter, and my concentration skyrocketed.
The beast, enraged by the persistent prey, dashed towards me with full speed once again. The qi around me moved, and my sword hummed melodiously.
When the beast was within striking range, I opened my eyes. This time, the world in my eyes was different.
I could see my reflection in the beast's eyes, its mouth starting to open and its feet leaving the ground. Everything slowed down in my vision, and I could see a shining white string. It started from my sword and went all the way to the beast's neck in an arc.
It was not a string but a path, the path of my sword.
I drew my sword, and all the qi concentrated on it exploded, taking its speed to unprecedented levels. There was a white flash, and then there was silence.
My sword concept had finally taken shape and reached the initial level.
Chapter 26: The vast chasm
Outside the dome,
Ning Jian raised an eyebrow as he looked at the score tablet .
"Looks like someone has been making good progress" he said with a smile.
Although they didn't have runes of high enough level to project live images , they can still sense how many people were there when a battle happened .
Lu Jing might not look very impressive and is not very noticeable in this group because of Ning Rong's and Wang Mie's talent but he is a total monster .
He have crazy instincts , when it comes to close combat he is an unparalleled genius .
"He actually killed a mid level body tempering realm monstrous beast , he must have mastered initial stage sword concept." Ning jian thought with a smile on his face.
Without the initial stage sword concept , he could have still held his own due to his combat instincts and high level qi control he has.
And Ning Jian understood him enough to know Lu Jing doesn't like to use his unique ability as that makes the fight unfair in his eyes unless it's life and death situation.
Oh your clan has already gathered 3 points , they must have fought a mid level beast or small group low level ones" elder Lin said , detailed info of their respective clan's wasn't shared between the two.
Formation was there to prevent cheating and ensure safety. But Ning Jian has enough attainments in this field to bypass that .
But there was no need to do something like that yet.
"Your clan isn't doing too bad either elder Lin , they were able to gain 1 point in a short amount of time," Ning Jian praised.
Elder Lin seemed happy as well "Two of my little brats fought a low level beast and defeated it what about yours? " He asked.
"Nothing fancy here either, quite similar to yours" Ning Jian replied vaguely .
....
In the northern direction,
I felt a surge of excitement. I wanted to fight some beasts and see how it goes. I had sparred against Rong countless times but never against a beast.
They are vastly different from humans. Unlike humans of the same level, beasts have extremely powerful bodies and usually possess abilities based on their species. They can't comprehend concepts like humans, at least in the early stages, due to their lack of intelligence.
As for their capabilities at higher levels, I have no idea, nor have I found any books on the subject.
"Feng, look! There are some disturbances in the qi over there. Should we check it out?" Ning Rong said, her voice tinged with impatience.
She must be itching to punch something.
We moved cautiously towards the source of the disturbance, Ning Rong using her stealth technique, which she had mastered to an intermediate level along with the rest of her techniques. I had cast a peak-level concealing formation around us when we left the camp, ensuring we stayed hidden.
As we approached, we saw two clan members of the Lin clan struggling against a low-level Body Tempering bear-like beast. They were putting up a valiant effort, but the beast's raw power was overwhelming them. Fortunately, they hadn't discovered us due to our stealth skills.
"I think we should help them," Ning Rong whispered, her eyes filled with determination.
I sighed inwardly. She was always eager to jump into the fray, especially when someone needed help. It made me wonder if giving her the morals of my world was a good decision. But there was no point in dwelling on it now.
"Rong, think rationally," I said softly. "They are our opponents in this competition. Morals should be kept for when the time and people are right."
She frowned, clearly torn. "But they're in trouble."
I sighed again. "I get that, but we can't afford to be too soft-hearted. We need to focus on our goal and they will not die anyway."
After a moment, she nodded, her expression resolute. "You're right. I need to be more strategic."
"Good. Now let's keep moving," I said, relieved she had agreed. This moral compass of hers was admirable but often misplaced in this cutthroat world.
We continued to watch from our hidden position as the Lin clan members struggled. The bear-like beast roared and lunged, its powerful claws swiping through the air. One of the Lin clan members narrowly dodged, while the other stumbled back, clearly exhausted.
Rong bit her lip, her fists clenching. "They're really in trouble."
"Yes, but it was their choice ," I reminded her. "Just like we did. Sometimes, you have to let people fight their own battles."
She nodded again, though I could see the internal struggle in her eyes. Despite her fierce exterior, she had a kind heart. It was one of the things I admired about her, even if it could be a liability in this world.
As we moved away, I couldn't help but chuckle. "You know, Rong, if you keep this up, you might actually become a hero."
She shot me a glare. "Shut up, Feng. I'm still going to punch something."
I grinned. "I wouldn't expect anything less from someone so violent."
As we ventured further, we stumbled upon a small clearing. In the middle stood a trio of flaming apes. These beasts were notorious for their fiery temper and formidable strength.
There was one mid-level Body Tempering ape, significantly larger and more intimidating, flanked by two low-level ones. Their fur flickered with embers, and the air around them shimmered with heat.
Ning Rong's eyes lit up. "Perfect. Three of them, two of us. Let's take them down!"
I said trying to keep my voice low. "And let's not forget, these are flaming apes. They're not exactly easy targets."
She rolled her eyes. "Details, details. We can handle them."
I sighed, knowing there was no stopping her once she had that look in her eyes. We had to be strategic about this. Charging in blindly would only get us killed.
"Okay, but we need a plan. I'll set up a formation to trap them. You focus on the mid-level one. It's the biggest threat. I'll take the smaller ones."
"Got it," she said, her eyes gleaming with excitement.
We moved silently into position, using the trees for cover. I began to weave a formation, my hands moving in intricate patterns as I manipulated the qi around us.
I can't create a grade 2 formation or else these monstrous beasts will notice the anomaly and even for the grade 1 formation I am creating it's only a matter of time before they sense it , so I have to be quick.
The air shimmered as the formation took shape, creating a mist barrier that would muddle their senses both physical and qi based and also make them dizzy and sleepy, causing the apes to lose their numbers advantage and give us the upper hand.
It's the same formation I used against Ning Rong in our battle , she was able to counter it because she had human knowledge but that's not the case for these apes.
Ning Rong waited for my signal, her muscles tense and ready to spring into action. I finished the formation and nodded at her.
Beasts were confused about the situation and were feeling dizzy and sleepy.
She launched herself out of hiding, her fists glowing with qi as she charged at the mid-level ape.
The beast roared in surprise, swinging a massive, flaming fist at her. She ducked under the blow and landed a punch on its side, flames bursting from the impact. The ape staggered back and coughing, clearly not expecting such a strong attack.
I created three fireball runes using my fire concept as canvas and this is my limit for now, these are highest number of mid level runes I can maintain without them dispersing with my initial level fire concept.
Fireballs darted out from my hiding spot, targeting the two smaller apes. Their reactions a bit late due to the effect of my formation, they roared ,their flaming bodies creating an intimidating sight. I focused my qi into controlling the attack, focusing at the first one.
It tried to counter with its fiery claws, but I exploded the first fireball right before it made contact disorienting the beast , it reeled back from the impact , and other beast tried to stop the other one but got the same treatment, sending it sprawling.
The mid level ape sensed me, it tries to lunge in my direction but was unable to. Ning Rong suddenly produced a sword out of nowhere and slashed at its arm, drawing a line of blood. The ape howled in pain, its fury only intensifying. It swung wildly, but its attacks were sloppy while her qi control was impeccable even scary .
she dodged and weaved, her movements fluid as she wore it down.
Ning Rong was holding her own against the mid-level ape, her movements a blur as she dodged its powerful blows. She withdrew her sword back changing the rythme again as she landed a series of rapid punches, each one igniting small explosions of flame. The ape roared, its rage evident, but she was relentless.
I glanced over and saw the first smaller ape recovering, its eyes locked onto me with murderous intent. I gripped my sword tighter, my heart racing .
The ape charged at me . I took a deep breath, my mind focusing on the last fireball . The ape was a lot more wary of it now and tried to actively avoid it . The weaker beasts were affected a lot more by my mist formation that directly affected the soul. That's why were moving completely based on their instincts.
The moment the flaming ape entered the range, I activated my formation. An intricate triangular pattern of glowing runes sprang to life around the beast, shimmering with a vibrant, fiery energy.
The ape, sensing the sudden shift in its surroundings, snarled and tried to back away, but it was too late. The formation snapped shut, trapping it within its luminous walls.
Inside the formation, the fireball rune that I had placed began to pulsate with an intense heat, growing brighter and more volatile by the second.
The flaming ape's eyes widened in fear and confusion as it realized it was trapped and couldn't use qi to protect it's body from the fireball.
It roared, a sound filled with both fury and desperation, and lunged at the nearest wall of the formation, its flaming claws raking against the barrier. But the it held firm, it's energy humming with an unyielding strength.
Then, with a sudden, deafening bang, the fireball rune detonated. The explosion was a brilliant flash of orange and red, a searing burst of flame that filled the confines of the triangular formation.
The heat was immense, a scorching wave that seemed to consume everything within its reach. The flaming ape's roar was cut off abruptly as the fire engulfed it, the force of the blast sending it sprawling to the ground.
For a moment, the clearing was bathed in an eerie, fiery glow, the aftermath of the explosion casting flickering shadows among the trees. When the flames finally subsided, the formation's glow dimmed and faded, revealing the aftermath of the blast.
The flaming ape lay still on the ground, its once fearsome form now charred and lifeless. The explosion had left it scorched and blackened, smoke rising in thin wisps from its singed fur.
Ning Rong sidestepped the mid level ape's attack and moved her arm in a downward arc but her attack was way off and quite a bit away from her target but then something flickered into existence once again and she brought her sword down in a powerful arc, cleaving into its shoulder.
It screeched in pain, flames flaring from the wound. The ape lunged at her, and she barely managed to dodge its claws, feeling the heat singe her skin.
"Rong, watch out!" I called out, but she was already moving.
she spun around and delivered a swift kick to the second ape's knee, making it stumble. With a quick slash, she cut across its chest, the blade biting deep. It fell back, struggling to rise.
Ning Rong had the mid-level ape on the defensive. Her relentless assault left it with little room to counterattack.
She retrieved her sword once more as she ducked a flaming punch and delivered a powerful uppercut that sent it reeling.
"Nice one, Rong!" I shouted. Her qi control is truly amazing the way she shifts her qi from one technique to another while also shifting it from one body part to another and also shifting it between different tools is something even I will find difficult to do.
That's despite me having so much experience in qi control due to my runes and formations.
The ape lunged at her again, but this time she was ready. she sidestepped its attack and drove her sword through its heart. It let out a final screech before collapsing in a heap.
The last ape, seeing its companions fall, roared in fury and charged at me with renewed vigour. I met its charge with my sword formation I can only control two formations at one time so I had to disperse my triangular formation before producing a more powerful sword formation than the one I used against Rong.
The ape was struggling with my mist and was enraged by it.
So it directly clashed with my qi swords instead of easily dodging them our attacks, it clashed in a shower of sparks. Precise sword strikes were wearing it down bit by bit.
Finally, with a powerful thrust, I drove one of my qi sword through its chest. It let out a gurgling roar and fell to the ground, its flames flickering out.
I turned to see Ning Rong standing over the defeated mid-level ape, her chest heaving with exertion. She had done it.
"Well done, Rong," I said, walking over to her.