Although the Serpent Venerable's words were arrogant, Li Yi still sensed his concern. He nodded slightly and said, "I'll use it to get through the current situation. This low-level Zhuque combat skill shouldn't take up too much of my focus. Old Coot, once I reach the Fighter level, I'm curious to see what kind of combat skills you can offer me." The Serpent Venerable snorted and replied, "When did I say that I would give you advanced combat skills once you reached the Fighter level?" Li Yi smiled slightly and said, "Old Coot, don't forget that because of the Martial Deity Temple, we are now in the same boat..."
This seemed to hit a nerve with the Serpent Venerable. After a slight change in expression, he sighed and said, "Clever-tongued youngster, enough with the chatter. Time is short; you better focus on mastering the Backwind Palm." Li Yi nodded, unrolled the scroll in his hand, and then dabbed a drop of blood from his finger onto it. As he did, numerous phantom figures appeared on the scroll and instantly entered Li Yi's consciousness, causing his body to shudder. A flood of information gave him a slight headache, but after a moment, the pain subsided, and the cultivation method of the Backwind Palm became clear in his mind.
According to the scroll, the Backwind Palm needed continuous practice to strengthen, but once mastered, it could easily divert an opponent's attacks. Fortunately, the Backwind Palm was not difficult to learn. With the Serpent Venerable's guidance, Li Yi managed to get the hang of the skill in less than half an hour, surprising even the Serpent Venerable, who did not expect him to master it so quickly.
Standing on the stone platform, Li Yi waved his right hand lightly, and Yuanqi surged out with his movement, forming a small whirlpool in his palm before sweeping to one side. This marvelous feeling was incredibly satisfying. After a light laugh, Li Yi looked at the Serpent Venerable and asked, "Old Coot, do you want to test the power of my Backwind Palm?" The Serpent Venerable nodded, "Alright, let's see if you've truly mastered it or not." Without any noticeable movement, he pointed a finger, and a streak of blood-red Martial Qi rushed towards Li Yi. Li Yi responded with his right hand, and Yuanqi surged out, forming a mysterious energy in his palm...
"Backwind Palm!" With a soft sound, the streak of Martial Qi from the Serpent Venerable was deflected by Li Yi's palm and slid towards a mountainside, leaving a deep mark upon impact. This success brightened Li Yi's eyes. The power of the Serpent Venerable's move was evident from the mark on the mountainside, but Li Yi had easily diverted it. Although he couldn't reflect the attack back for the time being, this at least showed the Backwind Palm's effectiveness as described.
"Good! Old Coot! Let's continue!" Li Yi shouted, and blood-red Martial Qi surged over the pond. Initially, the attacks were deflected around, but as time passed, they began to reflect back towards the Serpent Venerable...
The next day, as sunlight again fell on the forest, Li Yi stood up with a satisfied smile. A night of arduous cultivation had paid off. He had not only grasped the Backwind Palm but also sensed a breakthrough in his Yuanqi. "No wonder people cultivate combat skills alongside their techniques. There are indeed benefits..." Li Yi mused, looking at the battered mountainside with a meaningful smile on his face.
"Kid, cultivating combat skills indeed benefits your technique practice, and the trials of life-and-death battles even more so. I thought you understood this; why are you realizing it only now?" The Serpent Venerable's voice sounded weak, probably exhausted by Li Yi's overnight training. Li Yi rolled his eyes - was he supposed to tell this old creature that he was a transmigrator and didn't know much about the Martial Deity Continent? Ignoring the Serpent Venerable's remark, he said, "Well, Old Coot, today I'll see if the clan meeting can bring me any benefits."
The Serpent Venerable seemed to laugh, "With your mastery of the Backwind Palm, it would be surprising if any of the Li family's younger generation could match you. If you can progress in such a one-sided battle, that would indeed be something." Li Yi nodded and didn't say more. He changed into a white robe from the Yunhuang Ring. Ever since he got the ring, he had stored various items in it, and fortunately, the ring appeared ordinary to others.
After changing, Li Yi swept away the traces of his training to avoid detection and quickly headed towards the exit of the forbidden area in the back mountain. Although he was faster now, he wasn't completely satisfied. For an assassin, speed was crucial, but with his current realm, this was the limit.
Thinking of the legendary Emperor level experts who could fly with Martial Qi wings, Li Yi yearned for such power, wondering how long it would take for him to reach that level. What level was the mysterious Serpent Venerable at? If he was an Emperor...
Outside the forbidden area, two guards sent by Li Han were anxiously waiting. They couldn't enter the forbidden area but were worried as the clan meeting had almost started. If Li Yi didn't appear soon, he might lose his position as the family heir. The annual clan meeting was a grand event, and even Li Han, the family head, wouldn't dare to appoint an absent heir.
Just as the guards were sweating with anxiety, a figure swiftly emerged from the forbidden area – it was Li Yi, wearing a pleasant smile. Greeting the guards, he said, "Thank you for waiting. The clan meeting is about to start, right?" Li Yi's appearance brightened the guards' faces. Two months ago, his Yuanqi was visible, but now it was completely concealed, a sign of his profound control over it. This mastery indicated that even if he hadn't reached the Fighter level yet, he wouldn't have much trouble advancing in the future.
The guards, loyal to Li Han, were thrilled to see their young master's progress and treated him with newfound respect. The guard on the left bowed slightly, "Young Master, most people are already at the training ground behind the manor. The family head has messaged that you should head there immediately if you come out. The clan meeting is about to begin." Li Yi nodded and replied, "Then, gentlemen..." The guards, resigned to their duty to guard the entrance, wished him well.
Li Yi headed towards the training ground, anticipation for the clan meeting growing in his heart...