Chapter 24: Twists and Turns of the Serpent
---
Xu Tian sat cross-legged in the bamboo forest, the Heavenly Serpent Technique scroll laid before him. Mei Lian was nearby, sharpening her blade against a rock with a look of thinly veiled amusement.
"Are you actually going to train this time, or are you just going to stare at the scroll like it owes you money?" she teased.
"I'm studying," Xu Tian replied, rolling the parchment open.
[(Suggestion: Begin with the foundational movements to establish proper Qi flow.)]
"Foundational movements? Sounds boring," Xu Tian muttered, earning a raised eyebrow from Mei Lian.
"You're talking to yourself again," she pointed out.
"Correction: I'm talking to someone smarter than you."
"Smarter or more imaginary?"
Ignoring her, Xu Tian scanned the first set of instructions on the scroll. The Heavenly Serpent Technique emphasized fluidity and adaptability, with a particular focus on weaving Qi through intricate patterns.
Xu Tian stood, closing his eyes and directing his Qi. Following the scroll's instructions, he tried to mimic the coiling movements described, imagining himself as a serpent slithering through the air.
Unfortunately, his first attempt resembled less of a majestic snake and more of a thrashing eel.
"Are you… dancing?" Mei Lian asked, suppressing a laugh.
"It's not dancing!" Xu Tian snapped, his face red.
[(Observation: Host lacks rhythm and balance. Suggested correction: Relax shoulders, synchronize breathing with movement.)]
Xu Tian sighed. "Fine. I'll try again."
This time, he slowed down, allowing his movements to flow naturally. He could feel the Qi beginning to respond, forming faint trails in the air as it followed the patterns he created.
Just as he started to feel confident, a sudden burst of energy disrupted his concentration, and the Qi trail fizzled out.
"What the hell?!" he exclaimed, glaring at Mei Lian, who was pretending to focus on her sword.
"What?" she asked innocently.
"Stop distracting me!"
Before Xu Tian could make another attempt, a sharp whistle echoed through the forest. Mei Lian was instantly on alert, her hand on her blade.
From the shadows emerged a young man with an air of arrogance. Dressed in robes embroidered with silver serpents, he carried himself with the confidence of someone used to being the center of attention.
"Well, well," the newcomer said, smirking. "Practicing the Heavenly Serpent Technique, are we? That's bold for someone of your… limited talent."
Xu Tian groaned. "Great. Another self-important loudmouth. Who are you supposed to be?"
"I am Lin Yue of the Silver Serpent Clan," the man replied, his tone dripping with superiority. "And you, my friend, are trespassing in our sacred training grounds."
"Trespassing?!" Xu Tian exclaimed. "This whole forest belongs to your clan?"
"The parts that matter," Lin Yue replied smugly. "But I'm feeling generous. Leave now, and I won't report this to the elders."
Xu Tian crossed his arms. "What if I don't feel like leaving?"
Lin Yue's smirk widened. "Then you'll have to prove you're worthy of training here. Let's see how well you've learned the technique."
"Oh, you're on!" Xu Tian said, stepping forward.
Mei Lian facepalmed. "You're hopeless."
Lin Yue extended his hand, summoning a silver Qi serpent that coiled around him, hissing ominously. Xu Tian gulped but refused to back down.
[(Recommendation: Observe opponent's Qi flow to anticipate movements.)]
"Thanks, Captain Obvious," Xu Tian muttered.
Lin Yue struck first, sending the serpent darting toward Xu Tian. Reacting instinctively, Xu Tian redirected his Qi, creating a crude barrier that barely deflected the attack.
"That's it?" Lin Yue taunted. "Pathetic."
"Oh, I'm just getting started!" Xu Tian shot back.
Drawing on the patterns he'd practiced earlier, Xu Tian wove his Qi into a rudimentary serpent shape. It wobbled unsteadily, but it was enough to counter Lin Yue's next attack.
As the duel continued, it became clear that Xu Tian's technique lacked polish compared to Lin Yue's refined control. But what he lacked in skill, he made up for with creativity.
When Lin Yue sent his serpent charging forward, Xu Tian used Qi Resonance Tuning to disrupt its path, causing it to veer off course and dissipate.
"What?!" Lin Yue exclaimed.
"Surprised? I'm full of tricks," Xu Tian said with a grin.
Seizing the opportunity, he launched a counterattack. His Qi serpent, though clumsy, managed to strike Lin Yue's shoulder, forcing him to step back.
Lin Yue growled, his pride clearly wounded. "You… got lucky!"
"Yeah, let's call it that," Xu Tian replied, brushing imaginary dust off his shoulder.
Before Lin Yue could retaliate, a commanding voice rang out.
"Enough!"
Elder Mo emerged from the trees, his expression stern. "Lin Yue, you shame your clan with this petty display. And Xu Tian…"
Xu Tian tensed. "Yes, Elder?"
"You still have much to learn," Elder Mo said, his tone softening. "But you've shown promise. Return to your training."
Lin Yue scowled but said nothing, retreating with a huff.
Back at the clearing, Xu Tian flopped onto the ground, exhausted but satisfied.
"That was reckless," Mei Lian said, sitting beside him.
"Reckless? That was genius!" Xu Tian replied. "Did you see the way I turned his serpent against him?"
"I saw a flailing mess that somehow worked out," she said, smirking.
[(Observation: Host demonstrates resourcefulness under pressure. Progress satisfactory.)]
"Thanks, system," Xu Tian said, ignoring Mei Lian's chuckle.
With the Heavenly Serpent Technique showing its potential and Lin Yue's humiliation fresh in his mind, Xu Tian felt more determined than ever to master the art.
"Tomorrow," he declared, "I'm going to crush this training. Just you watch."
"Can't wait," Mei Lian said dryly.
The path to mastery was still long, but Xu Tian's journey was nothing if not entertaining.
---
To Be Continued...
How will Xu Tian's training progress? What other challenges await him in the Bamboo Forest? Find out in the next chapter of Ascension of the Cosmic Fool!