Chapter 10 - Concealed Weapon and the Solitary Agile Fist
"Concealed weapon techniques…" Eren's thoughts lingered on this newfound area of mastery.
The day was momentous—Eren had broken through the second layer of the Primeval Vitality Technique, marking significant progress in both strength and understanding. Not only did this bring an overwhelming surge of physical power, but it also opened the door to a deeper comprehension of concealed weapons. Eren realized the concealed weapon was not just a tool of subterfuge but an art—precise, deadly, and untraceable. Unlike common weapons such as bows or crossbows, concealed weapons thrived in unpredictability and swiftness, enabling a master to strike from the shadows.
He was reminded of a figure from the past—a legendary wielder of throwing knives who could bring down formidable foes with unerring precision. The thought inspired him, cementing his resolve to master this craft.
Breaking through the second layer of the technique had also gifted him another treasure: a complementary martial art known as the Solitary Agile Fist.
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The Solitary Agile Fist was peculiar. It consisted of just one move—simple on the surface, yet infinitely complex in practice. Each motion transformed into two, two into four, four into eight, and so on, forming a kaleidoscope of infinite variations. Mastering this technique would grant extraordinary flexibility and precision, traits essential for excelling in concealed weaponry.
"What a strange yet fascinating name," Eren mused, a faint smile on his lips as he envisioned the possibilities.
Excited, he began practicing. The movements were fluid and swift, designed to refine hand-eye coordination and strengthen the joints. Yet, for all his initial enthusiasm, Eren struggled to produce the intricate variations the technique promised. He spent hours replaying the foundational sequence in his mind, his fists cutting through the still air of the basement.
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By noon, his stomach growled audibly. Only then did Eren realize he'd been immersed in training for nearly two days.
After a quick wash and a meal, he stepped outside. The sun hung high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the courtyard.
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"I'm really bored. Other than cultivating, there's nothing else to do. I can't exactly act like a ten-year-old and join the other kids playing games." Eren sighed, kicking a small pebble.
His loneliness was palpable. He couldn't interact much with the other children; his adult mind made such engagements feel trivial. Among the family's adults, he had no desire to draw unnecessary attention either. Eren's cultivation progress remained hidden, as he didn't want to stand out before he was truly prepared.
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"Eren!" A voice called out from behind. Turning around, he saw his uncle Marcus.
"Ah, Uncle Marcus!"
"Why weren't you at training this morning? Are you feeling unwell?"
"No, Uncle Marcus. I was up late training last night and overslept. I'll be more mindful next time," Eren replied, scratching his head in embarrassment.
"Take care of yourself, boy. Cultivation is about persistence, not haste. You've been working hard these past years—don't overdo it." Marcus smiled warmly before leaving.
Eren nodded, feeling a rare warmth from the interaction. However, he couldn't suppress his dissatisfaction with his current level. Compared to the other third-generation family members, his cultivation progress was still at the bottom.
"It's fine," Eren muttered under his breath. "They can't understand my path. Let them think I'm a nobody for now. One day, I'll stand at the top of this world."
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As the days passed, Eren focused more on mastering the Solitary Agile Fist. Gradually, his punches became faster, more fluid, and precise. The technique not only enhanced his agility but also allowed him to adapt his movements seamlessly. He began to understand the deeper applications of the technique—how to attack weak points such as joints and acupuncture points.
"It's more than just a fist technique," Eren mused. "With enough mastery, it could rival a blade in sharpness."
As he trained, Eren noticed how the Primeval Vitality Technique synergized with the fist technique, making his movements more refined and explosive. He even began experimenting with combining the two techniques to create a fluid combat style.
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One evening, while practicing, Eren entered a peculiar state of focus. His mind cleared, and every movement felt instinctive, guided by an unseen force. It was enlightenment—a rare and precious moment in a cultivator's journey.
In this state, Eren comprehended the subtleties of the Solitary Agile Fist with astounding clarity. He understood how to transition seamlessly between attack and defense, how to manipulate his movements to confuse opponents, and even how to integrate concealed weapons into his attacks.
When he finally emerged from this state, the sky outside had darkened. Eren clenched his fist, feeling the raw power coursing through his body.
"This… is just the beginning," he murmured, his eyes gleaming with determination.