Chereads / Soul Land: The Untold Tales / Chapter 5 - Advanced Disciple

Chapter 5 - Advanced Disciple

Senior Jing Yi, her techniques honed through years of dedication, took it upon herself to instill the foundational wisdom of the Body Sect into young Feng Long.

"Feng Long, among our ranks, you stand as our sole beginner disciple," Senior Jing remarked, her voice carrying the weight of expectation.

"Beginner disciple?" Feng Long's curiosity bubbled forth, eager to understand his place in this martial hierarchy.

"Yes, our sect categorizes disciples into five levels based on strength and training completion," Senior Jing explained, her eyes twinkling with amusement at Feng Long's earnest inquiry.

"How exactly are we categorized, Senior?" Feng Long pressed further, sensing the depths of knowledge that awaited him.

Senior Jing chuckled softly before delving into her explanation. "Let me enlighten you, young one." With practiced grace, she demonstrated the techniques repeatedly on the training equipment, each movement a testament to her mastery.

"Firstly, there are the beginners, akin to your current status, typically at the Soul Master and Soul Grandmaster level," Jing Yi elucidated, moving seamlessly to the next phase of instruction.

"Once proficiency with the equipment is achieved, you'll advance to the intermediate stage," she continued, her tone now conveying the seriousness of progression. "Here, at the Soul Elder level, precision in execution is paramount, with the added challenge of handling weights up to 4000 kilograms."

Transitioning to a different apparatus, Jing Yi demonstrated yet another set of techniques. "Advanced disciples are next in line," she clarified, her movements fluid and assured. "At the Soul Ancestor level, they receive guidance from esteemed Soul Saints and Soul Douluo, delving deep into the arts of battle strategy and tactics."

"Elite disciples ascend further," Senior Jing proclaimed, her gaze momentarily turning inward as she recalled the trials of her own journey. "Only after facing a soul beast of millennia-old stature can one claim the title, wielding Soul King-level powers."

"And finally, the pinnacle—supreme disciples," Jing Yi concluded, her voice tinged with reverence. "Attaining this honor demands besting a Soul Saint master without reliance on a soul ring, embodying the purest essence of battle prowess."

"Why forego the soul ring?" Feng Long queried, eager to grasp the rationale behind these rigorous traditions.

"The essence of our Body Sect's teachings begins with understanding your body as the ultimate weapon," Senior Jing Yi explained patiently. "This foundational principle forms the bedrock of your journey, to be fully unveiled as you progress into the intermediate disciple ranks."

Feng Long absorbed her words, his resolve solidifying as he glimpsed the path ahead, lined with challenges and opportunities for growth within the esteemed halls of the Body Sect.

A week later, Feng Long had mastered every piece of training equipment in the battle arena, totaling over 36 units, each demanding mastery of distinct combat techniques. Senior Jing Yi was astounded by what she witnessed, unable to comprehend how he had progressed so rapidly.

(In truth, Feng Long's sharp intellect and relentless determination explained his swift advancement.)

In the Body Sect, disciples typically focused on cultivating brute strength through physical conditioning, embedding Body techniques directly into their bodies rather than studying them academically. This approach meant that intellectually inclined disciples like Feng Long were exceedingly rare.

Witnessing Feng Long effortlessly complete the beginner-level training, Instructor Mei Ling concluded it wasn't enough to fully unlock his potential. Unlike most disciples who spent years honing physical techniques, Feng Long absorbed them mentally with ease.

Instructor Mei Ling assigned Liang Hua, a friendly and personable teenager with a slightly darker complexion and sturdy build, to guide Feng Long to the physique training area. Liang Hua, though he appeared imposing, was surprisingly amiable.

Draping an arm around Feng Long's shoulder, Liang Hua led him to the physique training area, explaining Instructor Mei's directive: "Our sect places great emphasis on rigorous physical training to fortify our bodies for the awakening process."

Liang Hua began asking Feng Long with a flared nose, "Alright Feng Long, what do you think of your spirit body?"

Feng Long proudly said, "Senior Jing Yi already explained to me that we can use our spirit body as a weapon, so you don't need to explain from the beginning."

Liang Hua was disappointed that Feng Long had already known about this before.

Senior Liang began explaining again, "This is the first lesson you will be learning. We use our body as a weapon because it is the strongest weapon we can utilize effectively and efficiently since we know our body the best."

"We can make our body stronger, like striking iron to make it tougher. As our soul level rises, our body continuously becomes stronger and sturdier."

In the physique training area, Feng Long began effortlessly lifting weights.

Liang Hua couldn't believe his eyes—a young man not even half his age lifting such weights effortlessly. He kept adding more stones, but Feng Long didn't break a sweat. Feng Long had lifted the amount of weight that would challenge a seasoned soul elder realm practitioner.

(Despite appearing frail, Feng Long possessed considerable strength relative to his build)

When the weight reached around 5000 kilograms, Feng Long finally began to struggle, signaling Liang Hua to stop adding more.

(From that moment on, Liang Hua knew a formidable figure was emerging within their Body Sect)

Inspired to hone this young talent, Liang Hua started sharing vital knowledge with Feng Long:

First, he taught the squatting stance, strengthening the legs, backside, and midsection.

Next, Liang Hua demonstrated the lift from the ground, focusing on the muscles in the back, bottom, and lower legs.

Thirdly, he showed the lying-down pushing motion, working the chest, arms, and shoulders.

Following that, he instructed on the pulling action, aiming at the upper back, arms, and front arm muscles.

Lastly, he guided the upward pressing movement, engaging the upper body and arm muscles.

(These movement techniques with heavy weights not only strengthened major muscle groups but also enhanced coordination and stability by requiring weight stabilization throughout the movements. They formed the foundational exercises of strength training, effective for both muscle growth and overall strength and endurance improvement.)

After a month, Feng Long had become substantially stronger. He could now lift around 6000 kilograms of weight without breaking a sweat. His form was immaculate while performing different sets of weightlifting exercises.

Feng had built a substantial amount of muscle in just a few weeks.

He started creating his own training regimen and principles, utilizing the existing knowledge of the Body Sect and his martial soul. Feng used his Jade Eyes to observe others' training, collecting information to improve his posture and techniques to another level.

Feng lifted weights in moderation to properly heal his muscles and minimize the risk of injury.

In contrast, other disciples often trained to failure with excessively heavy weights, resulting in frequent injuries.

Feng began sharing his discoveries regarding the training regimen with fellow students. Those who followed his methods avoided injuries while lifting weights. Never before had a junior in the Body Sect taught his seniors.

When Instructor Mei inspected the training area, she found it hard to believe that someone at the age of six could achieve such techniques and posture in just a month of training. Discovering the amount of weight Feng lifted, she began to wonder what other surprises he would bring in the near future.

Instructor Mei asked everyone to gather around and announced some very big news: "Feng Long is now no longer an intermediate-grade student."

All the students were shocked to hear this. In the history of the Body Sect, the minimum amount of time it took for a student to reach the advanced level was three years. But Feng Long had been training for no more than five weeks in total.

Every student started to congratulate Feng. Instructor Mei also congratulated him for becoming an advanced-level student.

Now, Feng Long could take the same classes as his seniors, studying the battle tactics of Soul Saints and Soul Douluo veterans.

Before that, Instructor Mei began teaching Feng Long the three primary rules of the Body Sect regarding soul rings.

The first rule states that members must not reveal their soul ring information to others. Only designated instructors are allowed to provide guidance related to soul ring. Members should never display their soul rings and abilities to the enemy. This emphasis on building a resilient body is meant to conceal their weaknesses and prevent others from devising strategies against their soul ring abilities.

The second rule demands that any enemy who discovers their soul ring abilities and weaknesses must be shown no mercy and killed instantly.

The third rule prohibits disciples from acquiring soul rings with assistance from instructors or others. They must defeat the soul beast on their own to ensure they can fully utilize the soul ring without suffering any backlash.

Feng Long, along with his seniors, began diligently studying battle tactics and strategies directly from the Soul Saints and Soul Douluo of the Body Sect.

Feng Long was a smart kid with a strong body, so he had no problems remembering and displaying battle techniques.

At the training grounds of the Body Sect, enveloped in an aura of determination and martial discipline. Feng Long stands before the revered Soul Saints and Soul Douluo, eager to absorb their teachings on brute battle techniques and strategies

("Here, amidst the echoes of countless battles and the weight of centuries-old traditions, I stand before the masters of brute battle techniques—the Soul Saints and Soul Douluo whose prowess has shaped the very essence of our sect's martial legacy.

Soul Saint Zhang's voice resonates with authority as he imparts the principles of raw power and unyielding resolve. His eyes, sharp with experience, pierce through the veil of combat, unveiling the essence of brute strength. He speaks of harnessing one's inner fury, of unleashing torrents of soul power with precision and purpose. His words are like thunderclaps, reverberating in my core, urging me to embrace the primal force that lies dormant within.

Beside him, Soul saint Mei offers insights into the art of relentless aggression and calculated brutality. Her gaze is unwavering as she demonstrates the seamless integration of technique and instinct, showing how each strike can resonate with the intensity of a raging storm. She speaks of seizing opportunities amidst chaos, of overwhelming adversaries with relentless onslaughts that leave no room for hesitation.

I listen intently, my spirit ablaze with determination. Their teachings transcend mere physicality—they delve into the essence of battle itself, revealing the symbiosis of strength and strategy. Soul Saint Liu recounts tales of legendary skirmishes, where warriors forged their destinies amidst the crucible of combat, their spirits undaunted by adversity.

And as Soul Douluo Chen demonstrates the art of resilience and endurance, showing how to weather the fiercest of assaults with unwavering fortitude, I am reminded of the indomitable spirit that defines our sect. His teachings ignite a fire within me—a resolve to push beyond my limits, to embody the relentless pursuit of martial excellence.

In their presence, I am humbled yet emboldened—a disciple entrusted with the legacy of champions, a steward of techniques honed through generations of sacrifice and triumph. I vow to honor their teachings, to forge my body into a vessel of unyielding strength and unwavering courage.

For in the art of brute battle techniques and strategies, I see not just a means to overpower adversaries, but a testament to the resilience and determination of the human spirit. And as I absorb the wisdom of these masters, I know that each lesson brings me closer to embodying the ideals of the Soul Saints and Soul Douluo—a legacy that echoes through the annals of our esteemed sect.")

In the heart of the Body Sect's training grounds, Feng Long's journey under the tutelage of the Soul Saints and Soul Douluo is one of relentless pursuit of martial prowess, where the teachings of brute battle techniques merge with the spirit of indomitable determination.

Two months later, Feng Long had gained a lot of knowledge on battling and strategies to win in unfair and disadvantageous fights. He became the most Gifted student in the Body Sect.

All the instructors wanted to impart their fighting experiences onto Feng Long, and he also shared his own insights with his peers.

Despite having no problems regarding the training and studies in the body sect Feng long was not satisfied at all because his soul level wasn't increasing at all even after all the regirious training and meditation.

It had been three frustrating months of training without progress in soul cultivation, Feng Long sought guidance from his grandfather, Shu, within his spiritual sea.

"Grandfather Shu, I'm not making any headway in my soul cultivation. Can you help me understand why?" Feng Long asked.

Guardian Shu explained, "Your dense soul energy needs purification and condensation."

"How do I achieve that?" Feng Long inquired.

After a moment of thought, Old Shu advised, "Retrieve the complete Mysterious Heaven Manual."

Feng Long closed his eyes, and a jade-green glow appeared between his brows. Suddenly, a weathered old book materialized out of thin air. He immersed himself in studying the manual, focusing on cultivating internal qi (soul energy).

This technique involved circulating soul power through a greater number of meridians than usual for Soul Masters. It enabled Feng Long to withstand pressure, detoxify, recover from injuries, and enhance stamina.

Regular practice of the Mysterious Heaven Skill provided numerous benefits, expanding his meridians, purging impurities, and gradually enhancing his physical resilience.

Moreover, this method accelerated cultivation speed, compressed soul power for greater concentration and potency, resulting in a soothing and nurturing soul energy.

Having practiced the Mysterious Heaven Manual in his spare time for over a month since receiving it, Feng Long concentrated his soul energy, making it potent and refined through continuous cultivation. He started to notice significant improvements in his soul cultivation, bringing him great happiness to see his progress.

In the afternoon, while Feng Long was taking a break after his training, Instructor Mei arrived in the training arena.

"Instructor Mei: 'Feng Long, come with me to the battle arena.'"

Feng Long had heard that new disciple would be allowed to duel once they reached the advanced level. Since Feng had just achieved this requirement, he was fired up to finally duel against his seniors.

All the disciple students and some of the instructors gathered around the central battle arena, a large sandy circle marked by wooden posts. The occasion was a celebration of strength, skill, and the sect's deep-rooted martial traditions.

Facing him was Li Wei, a fourteen-year-old, an imposing figure with his bulky physique. Standing taller than most peers, he boasts a powerful frame sculpted by rigorous training and innate strength. His broad shoulders and muscular arms suggest a natural aptitude for physical combat, while his sturdy legs denote agility despite his size.His soul level was at the soul ancestor realm.

Li Wei was known for his strength and speed, having trained in the body arts since he could walk. His experience and age made him a formidable opponent, and he carried himself with the confidence of a seasoned fighter.

As Feng Long entered the arena, Instructor Mei began explaining the rules for the duel: "Both contestants shall fight with all their strength but without using their soul ring abilities. The match will only stop when one of the contestants gives up. Is it clear?"

Both Feng Long and Li Wei nodded their heads in agreement.

Feng Long, a six-year-old prodigy with bright eyes and a determined spirit, stood confidently at one end of the arena. Though small in stature, his movements were precise, his form impeccable, a testament to the rigorous training he had undergone under his seniors' and teacher's tutelage.

(Feng's guardian was an expert, and his teachings had instilled in Feng not just skill but also wisdom beyond his years)

The referee, Instructor Mei, stepped forward, raising her hand to signal the start of the match. The crowd hushed in anticipation. The duel between Feng Long and Li Wei was about to begin.

As the match started, Li Wei charged forward, his fists aimed at Feng Long with impressive speed. Feng, however, remained calm, his eyes focused. He sidestepped the first strike with fluid grace, his small frame making him a difficult target.

Li Wei continued his assault, but Feng's agility and precision kept him one step ahead. Every punch and kick from Li Wei was met with a swift dodge or a well-placed block. The crowd watched in awe as the young prodigy moved with a finesse that belied his age.

Sensing an opening, Feng Long launched his counterattack. With a series of rapid, controlled strikes, he targeted Li Wei's midsection, forcing the older boy to retreat. Feng's strikes were not powerful enough to affect a soul ancestor-level master, but they were perfectly placed, demonstrating his deep understanding of Body arts.

Li Wei, realizing he needed a different strategy, tried to use his superior reach and strength. He aimed a high kick at Feng's head, but the young boy ducked and swept Li Wei's leg from under him. Li Wei stumbled but quickly regained his footing, his eyes now showing a mix of respect and determination.

The match continued, a blend of skill, strategy, and endurance. Feng Long's relentless precision began to wear down Li Wei's defenses. Despite the age difference, it was clear that Feng's training and natural talent were formidable.

In a final exchange, Feng executed a series of swift, intricate movements, culminating in a low sweep that knocked Li Wei off balance. The older boy landed on the ground, and before he could rise, Feng had his fist poised, ready to deliver a final, decisive strike.

Instructor Mei stepped in, signaling the end of the match. The crowd erupted in applause, amazed by the display of skill from both fighters. Li Wei, panting but uninjured, extended his hand to Feng, a gesture of respect. Feng Long smiled and shook his hand, the two young warriors acknowledging each other's prowess.

In that moment, the crowd witnessed not just a duel but a passing of the torch, from one generation to the next. Feng Long's victory was not just a testament to his talent but also a promise of the greatness yet to come.

(Standing amidst the scattered sand of the arena, breathing heavily but exhilarated, I couldn't help but feel the weight of this moment. Li Wei, once my opponent, now rises from the ground with respect in his eyes. We've both given our all, testing our limits and learning from each other in every exchange.

As I shake his hand, I know this victory isn't just mine—it belongs to every mentor who pushed me, every fellow disciple who believed in me, and every moment of training that shaped me. This arena, where sweat and determination mingle with echoes of countless battles, has become a testament to our growth and dedication in the Body Sect.

But beyond the cheers of victory, there lies a deeper understanding. This isn't just about defeating opponents; it's about mastering oneself. With each battle, I learn more about strategy, about the intricate dance of strength and agility, and about the unyielding spirit that fuels our journey in the Body sect.

Today, I stand not just as a victor, but as a student humbled by the lessons of combat and the camaraderie forged in the heat of battle. As I look ahead, I carry with me the wisdom gained from this duel, knowing that every challenge is an opportunity to sharpen my skills and honor the legacy of those who came before me in the Body Sect.)