A week had passed since they entered this mystical realm, and they now found themselves on the fifth layer, drawing closer and closer to their destination, progress was visible, but with each milestone, the beasts they encountered had become increasingly difficult to deal with, some even requiring their combined work just to deal with a single elemental beast. The challenges were tough, but their spirits were tougher and morale rose day by day as they pressed onward in their pursuit of the "Three Pristine Ones."Li Wei, wielding the Divine Axe of Pangu, sensed a change in the weapon, like a pulse of power growing. He turned to his comrades and shared, "Comrades, I can feel this divine axe growing stronger as we approach the gods, perhaps they share a connection somehow"Aurelia's hologram appeared on their wrists, "Greetings, it's been a while, I hope your progress toward the Great Web is proceeding well. According to legend, on the fifth layer of 'Tian'—the realm you are on—dwells a formidable deity named 'Taiyi Zhenren.' He is one of the twelve disciples of the 'Three Primordial Ones' and the mentor of 'Nezha,' the future Marshal of the Centre Altar. Seek out 'Taiyi Zhenren' and learn the ways of qi."As she finished her instructions, they were approached by a portly, drunken monk who staggered toward them. He greeted them with a mocking tone, "Oh, so you are the mortals who have ventured here. I'm impressed that you made it to the fifth layer, but, regrettably, I must inform you that, without proper training in qi, reaching the Great Web will be impossible."Ming Cong, somewhat taken aback by the talking deity, remarked, "Wow, the first deity in this we've encountered since we've got here! It can also speak!"The drunken monk responded with an outburst, "Of course I can speak! Unlike those feeble ants scurrying about, they OBEY ME!"Curious, Li Wei inquired, "Excuse me, but what is your name?"The monk scoffed, "Me? Hah! I can't believe someone doesn't know my illustrious name. I am Taiyi Zhenren, one of the twelve disciples of the revered 'Three Pristine Ones.' I have no disciples, for they all died under my training! HAHAHAH!" The monk took another sip of his wine, his face now flushed, "Hahahahaha..." and he collapsed.Fa Ya was baffled. "Wait, you're telling me this drunken, rotund fellow is the great monk we're seeking?" "Respect. Fa Ya, respect." Ji Mei said, he quickly shut up.Wu Tao, after inspecting around, instructed, "Everyone, set up walls. We shall set up camp here while waiting for Taiyi Zhenren to awaken." With a single swing of the Divine Axe of Pangu, Li Wei conjured four impenetrable stone walls, enough as a shelter. Li Wei and the rest sat down and enjoyed a moment of respite whilst Taiyi Zhenen remained unconscious.
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Soon, the portly and drunk Taiyi Zhenren woke up, finding himself surrounded by the Divine Vanguard and their doubtful glares sparked with suspicion of his authority. Taiyi Zhenren felt compelled to explain, "Though I may appear weak and slightly fat... my powers are unmatched, save for my masters. Today, I shall commence your training.""Let's hope that's true," Fa Ya replied with a skeptical tone."Sit down." He commanded. Taiyi Zhenren stylishly took his folding fan out, with a skillful flick, the quickly opened, a powerful wind brushed their faces as they sat down, he cleared his throat and began," My training will be very hard, I have no disciples yet, because none has ever survived my trials," A shiver ran through Li Wei from hearing that. "Now, your first training will go like this; I will start attacking every one of you, what you have to do, is to locate your Qi, foresee my moves, and dodge them. Most novices don't even make it through my first training, I hope you won't be those people.""Ha!" he struck his fist onto Ming Cong. It was so fast and sudden, his fist mercilessly landed on him and left him groaning on the ground, a clear, red mark imprinted on his abs. "Weak!" he yelled. "Ahh! Why does he hit so hard?" Ming Cong cried out in pain. "Perhaps that's why all his disciples died during his training," Fa Ya retorted with a mocking laugh.He strolled towards the next person. Ji Mei plainly stood there, her body shivering in fear, her gaze stared at that fist. "What are you doing?" he yelled, a simple, slow punch, and she was on her knees groaning in pain. After knocking down several people, Wu Tao seamlessly activated his Qi and dodged it with a mere jump. "Impressive." Taiyi Zhenren applauded with a tiny clap. "Go there." he declared. Whoever successfully dodges may rest in the corner, whilst he punch the remaining people who have yet to dodge. Punch after punch, Ming Cong was begging on his knees for him to stop, apart from Wu Tao, Chao Zhong and Shu Heng, the rest of the team had yet to pass, purple bruises crept over their exhausted, wounded bodies, Li Wei wanted to give up, it hurts, it hurts, it hurts, his mind was agonizing in pain. He knew he could always give up, but he also knew that there was an alternative path- a path of endless torture and pain, where success quietly waited him. The pain was getting numb, his vision blurring, he could vaguely see himself punched by Taiyi Zhenren again, and his consciousness faded into oblivion..."Seriously, are you gonna let him kill you like this? You know he's serious, right." someone spoke in his mind, an ancient, yet familiar voice, identical to his own, but slightly different. Instead of the cowardness, it was sheer pride and confidence over it. A vision passed into his mind, it was himself, dressed in a platinum combat armour, pins and banners all over, wielding an axe of unimaginable power, the aura around it was starkly different. "Want to become that 𝘺𝘰𝘶?" it spoke. He hesitated slightly, "Whatever, as long as I don't wind up an embarrassing, useless coward." "I take that as a yes."Li Wei regained consciousness. "Left", someone murmured, he quickly opened his eyes, his found his body tilting, completely dodging the incoming fist. Whoosh! Li Wei had somehow successfully foresaw the future. Time seemed to slow down as he witnessed a darting fist fly past, a cool yet lethal breeze skimmed through his body. "Well done, Li Wei." Taiyi Zhenren applauded. "Join them in the corner." "YES!", he yelled, miserably watching the rest of his companions beaten up again and again as he walked to the resting corner.By Dawn, everyone had uneasilly passed, Taiyi Zhenren turned to the godly soldiers and applauded, "Impressive! You are the first batch of students to survive my first and easiest trial."Excited, Ming Cong exclaimed, "Let's go! SUII," imitating the celebratory chant of the football star Cristopher Ronald. Laughter filled the air as people joined in, despite the torturing bruises, and the agonizing pain. "Our first training is finally over. I'm exhausted," Li Wei remarked.The next training on the next morning was surprisingly easier. They were tasked with locating and spreading Qi throughout their bodies to enhance physical strength. Then transferring Qi to a rusty iron sword and spar with each other."Concentrate your minds, and listen to your Qi as you have done before." Taiyi Zhenren said as he scanned across the place. Li Wei diligently sat on the ground, listening to his heartbeat and the flow of Qi within. He carefully covered his upper body with Qi, but as he tried to extend it to his legs, he encountered an abrupt halt. "HUH!?" His qi had abruptly diminished, preventing him from covering more of his body. With a single look, Taiyi Zhenren understood the problem, he approached him, "Li Wei, your mental strength is weak, which causes your Qi to deplete faster than the others. Come with me; I will teach you the art of meditation, it will boost your Qi."Li Wei followed Taiyi Zhenren to a tranquil spot surrounded by bamboo trees. Taiyi Zhenren instructed Li Wei to sit on a chair, "Li Wei, clear your mind, envision yourself as nothing, dissolve into the void, blend with the environment around you. Feel the flowing lake, the swaying bamboo leaves, the gentle breeze against your face." Li Wei intensely focused on his surroundings, immersing himself in the sensations of the trees, the lake, the breeze, and even the qi that flowed through them. "Now, Li Wei, I want you to absorb the qi around you," Taiyi Zhenren instructed."HAAAAUH!" Li Wei exclaimed, and the surrounding qi was drawn into his body, as though he was a magnet. "Ooh," Taiyi Zhenren opened his eyes wide. What in the world? Has this child mastered the ultimate skill of Qi absorption? It took me three centuries to learn that! What sort of talent does he have?" A chuckle escaped Li Wei as he calmly walked back to his comrades. His body was now completely infused with Qi, and his sword radiated a brilliant, pristine white glow—a glow that embodied justice and ambition.