Chereads / My Treasured Disciples! / Chapter 24 - Chapter 24: Returning Back to Sect

Chapter 24 - Chapter 24: Returning Back to Sect

"Master, you're incredible! How did you increase your strength so much?" Serana asked curiously, the increase in her master's strength shocking her.

 

Pinching her cheeks, Gabrielle smiled. "Your master has completely healed, so the potential of my body has returned to normal and increased even further," she explained.

 

Serana eyes were wide, 'You mean Master Gabriel have been completely healed and even increased his potential even further?' remembering her master's handsome face, she looked at her master who's beautiful as goddess, who's she still hugging, she didn't mind her, but she seemed to prefer to see her master as a man instead.

 

Realizing her crazy thought, she pinched her thigh below waking up from her delulu.

 

"Uhm, master we should leave the sect. The strength of the kingdom has decreased severely, our sect is the next battlefield." Realizing her urgent matter, she told her master as her brows showed worry.

 

"Right, that's indeed a problem." Gabriel has no loyalty towards Gray Mountain Sect, he had been treated badly first by his master, then the sect had labeled him terrible names and spread rumors using his name thus his taste towards sect is very bitter.

 

Now that he had the strength, he didn't need to cower like before.

 

"Then if we left the sect, where should we go?" Gabrielle thought out loud, thinking of possible action plan.

 

Then suddenly, a voice interrupted the two.

 

"Um, you guys can enter my sect. I'll be your guarantor it won't be hard." Asher, who felt had been treated as a ghost, suggested as he raised his hands.

 

Recalling that there's another stranger here, Gabrielle looked at this young man, fiery and handsome, a complete opposite of Serana if she were a man instead. Then she was stunned silently when she saw the golden phoenix symbol in between his eye brows.

 

"Are you from Celestial Phoenix Sect?" Gabrielle asked casually as she read from the books back then that in the records of divine body holders, phoenix divine body holder is usually gifted to Celestial Phoenix Sect who had a deep ancestral history.

 

Rumors about them say that they were children of a real divine phoenix who fell in the world of mortals, then established a sect.

 

Asher, finally being recognized, bowed respectfully with both of his hands clasped, "Celestial Phoenix Sect, Holy prince, Asher Blackwood. Greetings esteemed master." He introduced himself respectfully.

 

Serana's master has the cultivation of the same rank of the first elder of his sect, thus she deserves such respect, even without such status, because she's Serana's master who, he considered as a friend, respecting her master is the same as respecting her after all.

 

Gabrielle only nodded at him as a greeting because she's not used to receive such respect from strangers after all, with her introverted personality its awkward for her.

 

"Well, I'll decide later. Thank you for your offer." Gabrielle smiled faintly as she gave her thanks.

 

"No no, well, I'm thinking for the well being of your disciple after all. Her potential is great, the environment of my sect is very suitable for her due to the quality of qi there." Asher scratched his cheeks as he tried to explain his side.

 

Gabrielle looked at him, then looked at her disciple, "Are you too close?" she asked curiously.

 

Serana looked at her master with a furrowed brows, 'what close? That guy?' She then glanced at Asher who also looked at her, although he had been annoying from the start and had been bothering her, he had helped her a lot during the battle.

 

She wouldn't lie that her opinion of him is good, so she shook her head shocking Asher making him depressed.

 

"I mean, we're not close but I can consider him as my friend, he had been helpful to me and help me escape here." She honestly said at her master, making Asher on the side smile brilliantly.

 

"Hmm, is that so." Gabrielle hummed, then with a wave of her hand a pouch of pills appeared on her hands, "I don't have much, take this as a gift for taking care of my disciple." She threw the bag at him.

 

Catching the bag, when he poured the contents on his palms, his eyes almost popped out!

 

Earth grade pills! And there's ten of them! This costs millions of gold coins! With ten of them, it wouldn't bad to assume that these pills together costs hundreds of millions of gold coins!

 

No wonder, Serana's able to casually give him such precious pills.

 

"That's a recovery pills, it heals and replenish qi." Gabrielle casually explained.

 

"T-thanks esteemed master."

 

"Mn, now that's business is done let's go back to sect for now." She then turned around at Serana, the girl nodded.

 

"Then we'll separate our ways, Serana and esteemed master I hope you'll reconsider my invitation." Asher walked forward towards Serana.

 

Serana looked over, her mind wanted to invite Asher to the sect to recover first, but before she could say anything, Asher's waved his hand at her, "Well, see you Serana. Get stronger so we can face greater threats together." He smiled at her with a cheeky smile.

 

Seeing his smile made Serana recall his usual annoying face when she met her.

 

Remembering that, she couldn't believe that she's able to have a friend like this. She smiled genuinely and looked at him in the eyes, "Thank you, don't worry I'll continue to work hard. See you, Asher."

 

Seeing her real smile stunned Asher, who had never seen such smile from her face ever since they had met.

 

Serana turned around at her master, Gabrielle then floated into the air and with the help of her qi, she carried Serana through an ice platform below her feet. The two floated then flew away, their distance faded above the forests path.

 

Asher seeing the two figure's vanished, he held hand on his chest. Beating wildly, as his face was flustered with red taint. "Serana…"

 

 

"Master, at what rank can I start flying too?" Serana asked, as she looked below the ice platform. The two of them were flying fast that the trees below were blurry as wind howled onto their ears.

 

"When you rank 7, you'll eventually learn to fly. Because when you exceed rank 5 and broke through rank 6 you'll stop using world qi to refine your qi, instead you'll automatically refine your qi with heavenly qi." Gabrielle explained, "When you start cultivating heavenly qi, your blood, body, and meridians would start to evolve, your lifespan would increase, and the heavenly qi would prepare your body towards immortality."

 

Hearing her explanation, Serana nodded her eyes gazed ahead seemingly trying to look into her future, her mind began wondering if she would be able to become an immortal.

 

"Master, do you think I can be an immortal?"

 

Gabrielle looked at her, then pinched her tofu like cheeks, "Of course you silly, with your potential it'll be easy. Don't forget you're a divine body holder, the heavens favored you greatly. To become an immortal, once the mortal body had been greatly refined by the heavenly qi, once you comprehend the last requirements to become an immortality, your body would begone to absorb immortal qi!"

 

"And because the heavens favored divine body holders, the heavens would not be stingy towards you when it comes to providing you with heavenly and immortal qi." Gabrielle enviously said, good thing she had a system.

 

Understanding that her future cultivation isn't bleak as she had initially thought, her mind got cleared and her confidence got stronger than ever.

 

Gabrielle glanced at her disciple as she continued to flew towards the sect.

 

"Sera, I'm sorry for not being there when you and your friend faced a tragedy." Gabrielle felt bad for her disciple, had she been finished early her friend's life wouldn't have to suffer and die.

 

Serana shook her head immediately, "No master, it's not your fault. I'm just too weak to protect my friend and my team back then… had I been cultivating properly and perfected my sword arts back then, it wouldn't been an issue."

 

"My only wish right now, is to get stronger… So that no one important to me would lose their lives in front of me." Serana tightened her grip.

 

"…" Seeing how her disciple had grown so much within more than a month, Gabrielle sigh and then assured her disciple, "With your master right here with you now, I'll teach you a lot to become stronger. I've mastered master techniques of the frozen star sword art, I'll impart you my notes."

 

Serana smiled brightly when she heard that, feeling happy she quickly hugged her master's arm and clung to it like a koala.

 

It only took three hours for them to arrive in the sect back in their peak. The two landed in the compound of the 7th peak.

 

When Serana stepped down the ice platform, when she turned around to face her master she was stunned. The goddess of beauty had turned into a handsome man! An Incubus!

 

Seeing her real master returned back to original, seeing that familiar face that she seemed to be longing, she didn't know what to say, her mind went black and bowed her head and greeted, "Master welcome back!"

 

Gabriel almost jumped on how sudden suddenly his disciple greeted him again. Meanwhile, Serana realizing her stupid mistake confusing Gabriel and Gabrielle were the same, thus her face was red in embarrassment. Her face is very hot, she had never been felt hot than before! She's even sweating!

 

Looking at his malfunctioning disciple he couldn't help but laugh. "Hahaha, Sera, I'm back." To prevent her from getting more embarrassed he just caressed her head and patted.

 

"Mn…" still embarrassed, Serana felt like dying.

 

She realizes that her master's appearance as a man is really her weakness, right now, her master is very handsome. It was shocking how he had changed from before, he was already good looking before but now her heart couldn't take it, especially the age gap between them was very short, only 3 years in between. She really likes her master, she's her type when it comes to preferences.

 

 

After the two had settled down back at the mountain, Gabriel decided to improve Serana's fighting prowess by increasing her efficiency and mastery on her advance skill set of her sword art.

 

He does this by pointing out Serana's errors and guiding her in the right path using the complete walkthrough of the sword art, the two moved through the courtyard as if they were dancing. The flow of their movements was very fluid and refined making the scenery between them glisten as ice crystals formed each between their steps.

 

As Serana's executes her skills, her gradual improvement was very evident for her, making Serana excited deeply without revealing to her face, she can feel how fast and efficient her movements now unlike before. She's had been training her advance skills to mastery levels but wasn't able to figure out on how to refine her movement.

 

But with the help of her master, she was able to breakthrough the difficulties she had encountered, her movement now were fluid and efficient, each strikes of her advance techniques used less qi now without draw backs. If she were to continue this practice she would be able to master the advance techniques, but it will be long way before to perfect it.

 

Just as Serana was practicing and refining her sword skills, Gabriel on the other hand observed his disciple. To his surprise, his disciple is indeed a genius, her battle experiences from these past few days had increased her battle prowess and her endurance were evident on her moves alone. She was able to retreat when needed and attack when opportunities came. She's very swift and lethal.

 

But after observing her skills for a while, he finally found the flaw of the sword art skill, it had a major disadvantage and that's the movement speed of the sword wielder. It's fine at close quarter combat, however, the initiation of attacks lacks speed making the opponent able to see the incoming attack and comprehend how to defend themselves before the first strike of the sword landed onto the opponent.

 

Gabriel opened his system and looked through his points, then opened his gacha rolls and selected a technique, more specifically the movement technique, With demons wreaking a havoc around, the safety of my disciple is at stake here.

Without hesitation, he pressed the rolls.

 

[rolling for movement skills! … … … Ping!]

[Heaven Grade!]

[Elemental Stride!]

[Description: skill that enhances speed, agility, and tactical movement by harnessing any elemental Qi. This technique adapts to the practitioner's elemental affinity, creating unique effects and advantages.

[Core Techniques Overview:]

[Elemental Path:]

[Creates a path aligned with the practitioner's element, enhancing movement speed and providing unique elemental effects.]

[Elemental Step:]

[Each step leaves behind a trace of the element, which can affect the battlefield and hinder opponents.]

[Elemental Leap:]

[Executes a powerful leap that utilizes the element to create strategic advantages upon landing, such as disorienting or damaging enemies.]

Reading the description of the technique, Gabriel nodded, although it's only a heaven grade technique, It's more than enough to compliment the already terrifying frozen star sword art.

 

Since the technique is a versatile movement skill when it comes to the element, Gabriel could use this technique as well for temporary measures. It's not like he would not be able to afford more higher tier skills.

 

Swiping his system panel back, he bought the complete walkthrough of the skills, to implement the movement skill perfectly and master it easily.

 

[Applying movement technique…]

A short but compact information entered his mind, soon images of the technique were visualized. The movement techniques were fast and agile, very useful in CQC's and in engagements, exactly what Gabrielle and Serana lacked. The technique is very simple and effective, the elemental effects are what made this technique a Heaven grade because without it, the technique is at best an Earth grade.

 

 

After comprehending the technique, he looked at Serana who still practicing her sword arts, It's time to teach her this while we still have time.

Gabriel approached Serana, the new technique Elemental Stride is powerful enough to provide Serana and Gabrielle an edge that these two needed, ensuring their survival and effectiveness on the battlefield, even if Gabrielle could fly, her flying speed is not fast enough to evade quick attacks.

 

"Sera," Gabriel called out, his voice calm yet firm.

 

Serana paused mid-strike, her phoenix blue eyes turning to her master. She held her sword to her side and stood attentively, a light sheen of sweat on her forehead from rigorous practice, she had been doing this for hours now. "Yes, Master?"

 

"Your progress in mastering the advance techniques of the sword art have improved greatly, however, I've noticed some flaws in your current technique after observing the skill from outside perspective. While your strikes are precise and lethal, the initiation of your attacks lacks speed, making it easier for opponents to anticipate and defend against them." Gabriel shared his insight, explaining to her seriously.

 

Serana was stunned to hear this as familiar thoughts appeared on her mind, due to her experience in battle for a month, she obviously noticed this problem, even at the beginning when her first squad attacked the demon gate that failed miserably.

 

Her lack of skills was evident back then, it's the reason that Serana blamed herself from. Remembering her friend, Serana's expression turned serious. "I understand, Master. What should I do to correct this?"

 

Gabriel smiled and laughed, "You're lucky, I, your master found something useful. It's a new technique that should complement your sword skills perfectly. It's a movement technique called Elemental Stride. This technique will enhance your speed, agility, and tactical movement by harnessing your elemental Qi. Given your affinity for ice, it will create unique effects and advantages that should make your attacks less predictable and more effective."

 

Serana's eyes lit up with curiosity. "Elemental Stride?"

 

Gabriel nodded. "Yup. Let me explain the core techniques. There are three main components: Elemental Path, Elemental Step, and Elemental Leap." He motioned Serana to approach him, as she did, his hand touched her forehead with his finger as string of light passed through her mind.

 

The elemental stride skill appeared on Serana's mind, reading everything the compact skills, her eyes were wide in surprise.

 

As Gabriel began to explain, when Serana blinked her eyes for a moment Gabriel turned into Gabrielle so quick as she demonstrated the techniques with precise movements.

 

"Elemental Path creates a path aligned with your element, enhancing your movement speed and providing unique elemental effects. For us, this means creating a path of ice that can freeze anything it touches, giving you control over the battlefield."

 

She moved swiftly, her feet barely touching the ground as a black icy path formed beneath her, shimmering with frost.

 

"Elemental Step leaves behind traces of your element with each step, which can affect the battlefield and hinder opponents. In our case, each step will leave behind patches of ice that can trip or slow down enemies."

 

She took a few steps, and small patches of ice appeared where her feet had been, creating potential hazards for anyone who might follow, she then demonstrated the next move.

 

"Elemental Leap is a powerful leap that utilizes your element to create strategic advantages upon landing, such as disorienting or damaging enemies. This will allow you to leap across the battlefield, creating icy shockwaves upon landing."

 

With a graceful jump, Gabriel landed softly, but a burst of cold air and ice radiated outwards, demonstrating the disorienting effect.

 

Serana watched intently, her analytical mind already processing how to integrate these movements into her combat style, her eyes shined, realizing how useful this technique is, "This is incredible, Master."

 

Gabrielle smiled at her and pinched her tofu like cheeks, "Start by familiarizing yourself with the basic movements. Once you have those down, we'll work on integrating the elemental effects. Remember, the key is to maintain fluidity and control. Your element should enhance your movements, not hinder them."

 

Serana nodded, her determination flashed. "I understand. I'll start right away."

 

Gabrielle nodded, satisfied with her enthusiasm. "Good. I'll be here to guide you through it."

 

For the next few hours, Gabriel who transformed back to his male form and Serana practiced the new technique. Gabriel would point each movement slowly at first, allowing Serana to observe and mimic his actions. She stumbled a few times, unused to the fluidity required for the Elemental Path, but her natural grace and agility soon adapted to the demands of the technique.

 

 

As Serana moved, the air around her began to chill, and patches of frost appeared on the ground. Her initial steps were hesitant, but Gabriel's steady guidance helped her gain confidence. He corrected her posture, adjusted her stance, and encouraged her to feel the flow of her Qi aligning with the movements.

 

"Remember, Sera," Gabriel said as she practiced the Elemental Step, "each step should be purposeful. The ice you leave behind isn't just an aftereffect; it's a weapon. Use it to control your enemy's movements."

 

Serana nodded, focusing on her steps. As she moved across the training ground, patches of black ice formed behind her, creating a hazardous path. She could already see the potential in combat—how an opponent could be caught off guard by the sudden appearance of ice beneath their feet.

 

When it came time to practice the Elemental Leap, Gabriel took her to a higher vantage point on the peak. "This technique is about more than just distance. It's about impact. When you land, your element should create a shockwave that disorients your enemies. Visualize the ice spreading out from your landing point."

 

Serana took a deep breath, concentrating on her Qi. She leapt from the ledge, and as she landed, a burst of icy air radiated outwards. The ground around her was covered in a thin layer of black frost, and the air temperature dropped noticeably.

 

"Excellent," Gabriel praised happily as he clapped. "Now, combine all three techniques. Move with purpose, leave a trail of ice, and use your leaps to control the battlefield."

 

Serana took the challenge to heart. She moved with increasing speed and confidence, her ice affinity enhancing her movements. Gabriel watched with pride as she seamlessly integrated the Elemental Stride into her combat style. Her movements became a blur of icy elegance, each step and leap creating a tactical advantage.

 

Serana's unlimited talent is blatantly visible for eyes to see, she had yet to master the skill but the progress she had is already reaching mastery levels. Her achievements sound like *kaching!* To Gabriel's mind as points poured into him. Hehe, I'm really lucky to have a heaven defying disciple!"

 

As the sun began to set, Serana completed her training with a final, powerful leap. She landed gracefully, an icy shockwave emanating from her, and stood up with a look of satisfaction.

 

"You've done well, Serana," Gabriel said, his voice filled with genuine pride. "You've mastered the basics of Elemental Stride. With more practice, this technique will become second nature to you."

 

Serana bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Master. I feel more confident now for the upcoming battles ahead."

 

Gabriel nodded. "Good. Now, let's rest. Tomorrow, we'll continue refining your skills and integrating them into real combat scenarios. The demons won't know what hit them."

 

As they made their way back to the compound, Gabriel couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. Serana's progress was remarkable, and he knew that with the Elemental Stride, she would become an even more formidable force on the battlefield. The future battles would be challenging, but with him almost close the rank 7, he would be able to separate Gabrielle from his body and follow Serana all the time as her guardian, thus the worry of her having run into life threatening accidents is minimal.