January 2, 3038
As the first light of dawn touched the horizon, Xenos looked down toward Earth, his gaze thoughtful. "It seems morning has come already," he murmured. Turning back to his disciples, he continued, "I've explained everything about the path of cultivation. Now, it's time to share the techniques I've chosen for each of you."
He paused, then beckoned to Misaki. "Let's begin with you, Misaki."
Misaki stepped forward, and Xenos nodded approvingly as he began. "Misaki, the Heaven War Race is one of many races in the universe. What makes them unique is their passion for battle. The more they fight, the stronger they become. This love for war has pushed them into the ranks of the top ten races in the universe."
He glanced at Misaki, his eyes filled with the weight of hard-won knowledge. "On my journeys, I had the rare chance to meet a member of this race and obtain their technique. Although it was designed for them, I've spent many years adapting it to suit humans."
Xenos raised his hand and pointed a finger toward Misaki's forehead, transferring the knowledge of the technique directly into her consciousness. "Right now, you'll only be able to learn the first part, called the Heavenly War Foundation chapter. When you break through to the next realm, you'll gain access to the next part."
He looked at her intently. "I hope you can reach the peak."
Moved by his words, Misaki looked up at her master and replied earnestly, "Yes, Master. I'll work hard and stand by your side."
As Xenos called Valdir forward, Misaki quietly returned to her seat, satisfied with how the first round of lessons had unfolded. Valdir approached Xenos with anticipation, his eyes alight with curiosity.
Xenos studied Valdir thoughtfully. "You have a natural talent for blacksmithing, Valdir," he began. "During my travels, I had the good fortune to befriend a clan of dwarves—true masters of the craft. They've become the finest blacksmiths across all races, surpassing even the elves and giants. In exchange for my prized 'Heavenly Milk Wine,' they allowed me to study their techniques."
He paused, a glint of memory in his eyes. "Their methods are remarkable, perfect for forging powerful weapons. But they lack the ability to enhance the warrior's own strength and dominance in battle. So, after many journeys and learning from other races—the giants, elves, phoenixes, and more—I developed my own technique: the 'Heaven Forge.' Not only does it create weapons of unmatched strength, but it also channels power into the wielder, aiding them in combat."
Xenos reached out, transferring the knowledge of Heaven Forge directly to Valdir's consciousness. Valdir felt the technique imprint itself within him, like a fire sparking to life. He bowed deeply. "Thank you, Master. I'll train until I'm not only the greatest warrior but the finest blacksmith, a symbol of pride for the human race."
Xenos smiled, a rare warmth in his expression.
After Valdir returned to his seat, Kori stepped forward, her anticipation clear as she awaited her master's guidance. Xenos observed her with a softened gaze and said, "Kori, since childhood, you have endured much, burdened by the nine-yin nether sword body."
Hearing these words, Kori couldn't help but remember the trauma she had faced—the constant dread of her own powers, the harm they brought to her family, and the looming threat of death. Her eyes filled with tears as memories resurfaced.
Xenos continued, his tone compassionate yet resolute. "Though your constitution has felt like a curse until now, it holds the potential to become a blessing. Leviathans—beings known for their mastery over water and ice—are among the most dangerous creatures in the universe, scattered and few in number. During my journey to the forbidden region, I encountered one of these leviathans. Though they lack high intelligence, they wield a technique granting them unmatched control over water."
He paused, letting the gravity of his words settle. "After centuries, I managed to acquire that technique. It's among the best for water element mastery. However, unless you reach the Dao realm, you must have water around to make full use of it. Over the years, after encounters with other beings and combing sword techniques, I created an new technique, one I call 'Ice Sword Queen.' You will become a queen of ice and sword, Kori, and your ice will have even the power to burn."
As he finished, Xenos transferred the technique into her consciousness. "I hope this will help you transcend your fear of ice and become its true master."
With relief and happiness lighting up her face, Kori looked up at him. "Thank you, Master. This means everything."
Xenos smiled warmly in response, silently encouraging her newfound hope.
Maximo stepped forward next, a hesitant look on his face as though he wanted to ask something but couldn't bring himself to. Xenos stood silently, knowing Maximo's unspoken question yet choosing not to answer it outright. As Maximo reached him, Xenos finally spoke.
"Maximo, among all my disciples, you alone know what it means to live at the top—and also what it means to fall."
Xenos' words struck a chord. "As the genius of your family, you lived without fear. You had the pride of a dragon, the mind of an originator, the heart of a saint, and an unyielding will."
Xenos' gaze softened as he continued, "But since that incident, you've become a guardian for your sister. You buried your anger, frustration, and the sense of injustice, sacrificing your own feelings to protect her."
Hearing his master speak, Maximo felt an indescribable weight lift slightly, though he couldn't bring himself to respond. Sensing this, Xenos went on. "From the beginning of time, there's never been a clear right or wrong. It's only ever been a matter of whether you can or you can't. In the past, you stood alone. But now, you've been reborn. You have me as your master, and you have brothers and sisters here who will support you. You no longer need to hold back. Take everything you can, and let yourself be free."
Maximo's eyes filled with tears. Xenos rose, walked over, and gently patted his shoulder. "Now is the time for you to break free from the cage."
Through his tears, Maximo managed to reply, "But, Master—what about my sister?"
Understanding his concern, Xenos nodded. "Don't worry. I have an idea, and I'll share it with you soon. In fact, it will require the strength of all my disciples."
Maximo was confused, wondering, "Why would curing my sister involve everyone?" Not only he, but the other disciples shared this same puzzled thought.
Sensing their puzzlement, Maximo chose not to clarify further right away. Instead, he began, "Before I explain everything, let me first share a cultivation technique with you." He took a steady breath. "The technique I'm about to give you is an ancient inheritance, one I stumbled upon at the very start of my journey."
Maximo paused, looking thoughtful. "I was once like all of you, born on Earth. In a way, I suppose I am an ancient being now. Call it fate or mere accident, but I found myself in a different universe. That universe was filled with countless races—none of them human. To make matters more difficult, cultivation there required spiritual roots, something I was lacking."
He gave a slight smile, remembering the shock he had felt. "Luckily, I encountered a rare opportunity: a cultivation technique, and not just any—it was crafted by a human. I was astonished because after wandering that new world, I had never once heard of another human, let alone come across their teachings."
Maximo's gaze hardened as he continued. "After facing countless dangers, I managed to secure the inheritance of an ancient master alchemist. This figure wasn't merely a healer; he was also a fearsome warrior, renowned for his mastery of poisons, his indestructible, immune body, and his knowledge of medical laws that could outlast even immortality itself."
"But," Maximo added, leaning closer, "what truly made him legendary wasn't his alchemical skill alone. His understanding of human anatomy and physiology led to groundbreaking advancements for the human race. His most astonishing discovery was spirit root creation."
He allowed the gravity of this to settle. "In his era, many humans were born without spiritual roots. Only a rare few possessed them naturally. But this discovery changed everything. According to rumor, it was this breakthrough that led to the extinction of the human race."
Maximo straightened, looking resolute. "Back to the point. I inherited his teachings, the 'Evergreen World Sutra,' and now, I want to pass it to you so that you may honor his legacy."
As he said this, Xenos raised his finger to Maximo's forehead, transferring the ancient technique directly into his mind.
After handing out the cultivation techniques to his disciples, Xenos looked at them intently and said, "Now, Maximo, Kori, Misaki, and Valdir, come here."
As they gathered around him, he turned to Maximo. "Maximo, I know you want to help your sister," he began gently, "but the situation with her is more complex than it seems."
"I will guide you on how to rescue her, but for that, all of you must reach the peak of the Tier 1 Brain Refinement Realm within the next five months."
Author:
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The next chapter will be published on 10-11-2024.
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