The kungfu master swayed and staggered in the courtyard, wholeheartedly honing his skills while anticipating of his guests' arrival. His punches, delivered with a drunken flair, were rapid and capricious. His unsteady stances were merely illusions to the naive novice. His joints flexible but the movements were sharp and firm, displaying an unwavering foundation beneath the surface. Ending his routined with a stomp, a burst of qi dissipated underneath. Eliciting applause from his mesmerised guests. The trainer gracefully turned towards his guests, executing a bow that exuded both respect and flair, "Greetings your Grace, Cori."
The duchess praised, "Your skills had become sharper and more refined." She glanced around with amusement, "No trainees this year too?"
With a somber tone, the trainer explained, "Yes your Grace. I'm afraid none from this batch and the preceding year managed to reach the hall."
Acknowledging the situation, the duchess remarked, "I see. So they are there afterall."
"Yes, your Grace. They are camping," said Cloud, "... and I'm afraid it might be a dis-service to show Cori the Hall now."
"Why?" Cori interrupted.
"It's a rule set by the Lord," the dark trainer explained and continued, "you will only hurt yourself if you proceed without training."
"But I am here now and nothing bad had happened to me," Cori replied.
The trainer was shocked by his insight but kept his expressions neutral, "That is true, otherwise the tribulation lightning would have struck by now. You can try entering the library behind me."
Cori jiggled to the library in an attempt to enter but was swiftly repulsed by a forcefield. Undetered, he used his observation skill but found all his skills unusable. "It seemed that all skills are sealed here," he comtemplated and guessed, "Since this place is filled with pure, unadulterated qi. Perhaps the only way to enter is through meditation?" In an attempt to validate his theory, he positioned himself before the library, engaging in a focused meditation. This time, the cosmic scene that unfolded differed from the norm—the same library materialised beyond the stars. His conciousness ascended a celestial staircase, gaining access to a library adorned with endless rows of books. However, a revelation struck; he could only grasp books centered around meditation. As he delved into the contents, employing his skill to commit them to memory, he observed the material seamlessly registering in his mind. Confirming his suspicions, he wielded his skills in this unique realm. Content with the outcome, he returned to his physical body.
"What happened Cori?" the duchess inquired.
"Your Grace, I think I am not allowed in the library physically yet. But I managed to enter with my conciousness." Cori explained with an ounce of deliberation.
The beast kin trainer nodded, realising that Cori was indeed gifted but recognising the deficiency in his physical training, the beast kin trainer nodded thoughtfully. "Hmm... mm," he mused, retrieving a martial arts manual from his robe. "You should dedicate some free time to training. I look forward to your progress."
Cori casually perused the manual, attempting to commit its details to memory, but to his dismay, the memories failed to solidify. "Even your passive skills are sealed, so there's no use. Just keep it," Cloud advised. "Here, take these pills to enhance your qi. And remember these rules if you decide to return: 1. No killing. 2. No destruction. 3. Prioritize peace over disharmony."
"Shall we go Cori?" Noticing that they were short of time, the duchess asked with concern.
"Yes, your Grace." Cori answered.
"Your Grace, allow me the honor of escorting both of you," the trainer proposed. The duchess, giving her consent with a nod, replied, "Pardon me, Your Grace and Cori." With that, he proceeded to perform a bridal carry, holding the duchess while Cori remained in her embrace. In a surprising move, Cloud nimbly leapt into the air, jumping off the hall's edge.
As they descended, Cori was captivated by the realisation, 'The Hall of Kirin is concealed among the skies! No wonder no trainees have ventured to this place.'"
As Cloud navigated the air with ease, walking through different altitudes before agilely landing by the waterfall near the waterfall, executing a move seldom witnessed—bridal carrying the duchess—his apprentices, fueled by the rare spectacle, erupted in excitement, their imaginations running wild. Little did they know, this little spectacle would turned their training into living hell.
Ignoring the trainees, the duchess conveyed her gratitude as the dark handsome beast kin gently lowered her to the ground. With hues of orange and purple across the sky, the duchess, with a gentle smile, commended their progress and dedication. Cloud, ever enigmatic, hinted at the untold adventures awaiting them in the realm of martial arts. As a sign of reverence, both trainees and trainers bowed in unison as the duo teleported to their next destination.
In a flash of enlightenment, Cori made an astute observation throughout his journey- never once had the duchess touched the grounds with her feet.