"So, how do I enter the Awakening Stage, Elder Bambang?" asked Kazuto.
"There are several ways," Elder Bambang replied. "The easiest method is to absorb qi from the surroundings and channel it into your dantian. However, this method is less effective because it takes quite a long time—around 2 to 3 years. Unfortunately, we don't have that much time."
"So, we have to use the second method? Is it dangerous, Elder Bambang?" Kazuto asked, a bit of concern showing in his eyes.
"Rather than calling it dangerous, it's more accurate to describe it as hell. The process is extremely painful, but don't worry, it's not harmful—in fact, it's good for your body," Elder Bambang said, staring at Kazuto with intensity.
"Are you ready to try the second method?" he asked seriously.
"Of course," Kazuto said, clenching his fists, mentally preparing himself for the challenge ahead.
"Good! Let's go to the location," Elder Bambang said.
Without further delay, Bambang hoisted Kazuto onto his shoulder and used the "Sky-Flying Eagle Technique."
In an instant, they disappeared from the training ground and arrived at a vast plain, with a pool in the center.
"Kazuto, this pool is called the Sacred Eagle Pool. Anyone who bathes here can restore their damaged dantian and strengthen their physical body," Elder Bambang explained while standing in front of the pool.
"However, the more it's used, the weaker its effects on the body."
"If that's the case, I'm sure many people in this sect come here, right?" Kazuto asked, looking at the pool with curiosity.
When Kazuto posed the question, Elder Bambang fell silent for a moment, gazing at the pool before them. He recalled the past when the sect was still in its prime. "Indeed," he replied, his voice tinged with nostalgia.
Kazuto didn't notice the change in Elder Bambang's expression and began playing with the surface of the pool, moving his fingers over the calm water, creating small ripples that spread outward.
Elder Bambang shook his head at the boy's antics. "Alright, Kazuto, let's begin," he said, pulling out a pill from his pocket.
Kazuto quickly stopped playing and stood upright in front of Elder Bambang, ready to follow the next instructions.
"Consume this pill while soaking in the pool, and don't forget to meditate to speed up the process of entering the Awakening Stage. Understood?" Elder Bambang said, looking at Kazuto seriously.
"Understood!" Kazuto replied firmly.
After hearing Kazuto's response, Elder Bambang handed him the pill. Kazuto immediately immersed himself in the pool and consumed the pill.
As soon as the pill was swallowed, an unbearable pain began spreading throughout his body, causing him to gasp as the effects started to take hold.
It felt like he was being pierced by countless sharp weapons continuously.
Kazuto's screams echoed loudly, forcing Elder Bambang to cover his ears with qi to avoid being disturbed by the deafening sound.
A few minutes passed...
Elder Bambang was astonished to see Kazuto surrounded by a golden light, a sign that he had successfully entered the Awakening Stage!
"So fast! He might be the fastest ever—only a few minutes. Incredible," Elder Bambang remarked, smiling in amazement at Kazuto's achievement.
Kazuto slowly opened his eyes. His once-average body now appeared more muscular, though not overly bulky, but perfectly proportioned for his small frame.
He also felt a significant increase in his physical strength—now, he could exert more power than ever before.
Every muscle in his body felt stronger and more energized, and he could sense energy flowing smoothly within him.
"How do you feel, Kazuto? Do you feel stronger?" Elder Bambang asked Kazuto.
"Yes, Elder Bambang. My physical strength has increased drastically. I feel like I could lift three of my former selves," Kazuto replied proudly, patting his chest, a confident smile on his face as he basked in the pride of his accomplishment.
"Good, then," Elder Bambang said, satisfied with Kazuto's progress.
Elder Bambang then retrieved a wooden sword from his storage ring and tossed it to Kazuto.
With quick reflexes, Kazuto caught the wooden sword effortlessly.
"It's useless to have a strong body without a solid foundation. I'll teach you the basics of sword techniques," Elder Bambang said seriously.
"Yes, Elder," Kazuto replied.
A few moments later...
"Kazuto, swordsmanship has two basic principles: slashing and thrusting. Both are useful depending on the situation you face. Understand?" Elder Bambang said, ensuring Kazuto grasped the core of the lesson.
Kazuto nodded in understanding.
"Many people mistakenly believe that sword techniques are only for swords, but that's wrong! Swordsmanship can be applied to any object, even paper," Elder Bambang said as he pulled out a sheet of paper and demonstrated it to Kazuto, emphasizing the versatility of the technique.
Elder Bambang infused the paper with qi and, with a swift movement, slashed through a wooden statue in front of him using the paper.
The result was a clean cut through the wooden statue, showing just how effective the technique was, even with an ordinary item.
Kazuto was stunned by the result.
In his mind, he began analyzing the event scientifically.
According to physics, there was only one explanation for how paper could cut that sharply—speed.
But he wondered if speed was the sole reason behind the effectiveness of the technique, or if other factors were at play.
"Elder Bambang, is it possible for paper to cut through the statue because of its high speed?" Kazuto asked, eager to learn more about the technique he had just witnessed.
"You're half right. It also requires something called Sword Form and Sword Intent," Elder Bambang explained, delving deeper into the principles behind the technique.
"Sword Intent and Sword Form?" Kazuto said, furrowing his brow, intrigued by these new concepts.
"Yes, that's right. Sword Intent is the wielder's will to cut through something. It's a crucial factor because, without strong Sword Intent, it's difficult to cut through hard objects like metal," Elder Bambang said, stressing the importance of mentality in swordsmanship.
Kazuto committed this to memory, planning to review it if needed.
"Sword Form, on the other hand, refers to how you execute your sword movements, including style, direction, and technique. Do you understand so far?" Elder Bambang asked, making sure Kazuto grasped the explanation.
Kazuto nodded.
"In short, Sword Intent is the will to cut something, while Sword Form is how you cut it," Kazuto thought to himself, processing the concepts more deeply.
"Good, now that you understand the basics of swordsmanship, let's move to practice so I can observe and correct your mistakes, Kazuto," Elder Bambang said, ready to begin training.
"With pleasure, Elder," Kazuto replied.
To be continued...
Sword Techniques: Slashing, Thrusting
Swordsmanship: Sword Intent, Sword Form