Chapter 25: The Chaos of Cultivation
Xu Tian woke up to the sound of Mei Lian humming—a rare occurrence. He opened his eyes to find her crouched near a makeshift stove, cooking something that smelled suspiciously edible.
"What's going on?" Xu Tian asked, rubbing his eyes. "Are you… domestic now?"
She turned, smirking. "Don't get used to it. You're too weak to hunt anything substantial, and I need to eat."
Xu Tian groaned. "You could've let me sleep longer."
[(Reminder: Host's cultivation efficiency increases by 20% when practicing early morning techniques.)]
"System, you traitor," Xu Tian muttered, dragging himself up. "Fine, I'll train."
As the sun rose, Xu Tian resumed his attempts at mastering the Heavenly Serpent Technique. The first layer had focused on controlling Qi flow in coiling patterns. The second layer introduced attacks: precise, whip-like strikes that required both speed and control.
[(Suggestion: Visualize your Qi as a serpent striking its prey. Focus on speed and elasticity.)]
Xu Tian closed his eyes, concentrating. He imagined a serpent coiled around his arm, ready to lash out at his command. Slowly, he directed his Qi, feeling it ripple through his body.
He extended his arm, sending the Qi forward. A faint serpent shape materialized but dissipated before reaching its target.
"Damn it," Xu Tian muttered.
"Try again," Mei Lian said, her tone surprisingly encouraging. "But this time, stop overthinking it."
"Easier said than done," Xu Tian grumbled.
Just as Xu Tian prepared to try again, a loud laugh echoed through the forest.
"Well, if it isn't the self-proclaimed genius," a familiar voice called.
Xu Tian turned to see Lin Yue lounging against a tree, flanked by two Silver Serpent Clan disciples.
"What do you want?" Xu Tian snapped.
"To watch you embarrass yourself, obviously," Lin Yue replied, smirking.
Xu Tian rolled his eyes. "Shouldn't you be off somewhere polishing your ego?"
One of Lin Yue's lackeys snickered, earning a glare from his leader.
"Careful, Xu Tian," Lin Yue warned. "Mockery won't save you when I challenge you again."
"Challenge me all you want," Xu Tian said, turning back to his training. "I don't have time for your nonsense."
[(Suggestion: Use external stimuli to enhance focus. Host may find adversarial energy beneficial for faster mastery.)]
Xu Tian blinked. "You're saying I should let this idiot annoy me into getting better?"
Mei Lian chuckled. "The system might be onto something."
With a sigh, Xu Tian resumed his training. This time, he visualized Lin Yue's smug face as the target.
The effect was immediate. His Qi serpent lashed out, striking a nearby tree with a loud crack.
"Whoa," Xu Tian said, staring at the dent in the bark.
Lin Yue frowned. "Beginner's luck."
"Care to prove it?" Lin Yue asked, stepping forward.
"Prove what?" Xu Tian replied.
"That your little trick wasn't a fluke," Lin Yue said. "A sparring match. No lethal techniques."
Mei Lian sighed. "Xu Tian, don't—"
"I accept," Xu Tian interrupted, ignoring her exasperated look.
[(Warning: Host's mastery of the second layer is incomplete. Success probability: 47%.)]
"Thanks for the vote of confidence," Xu Tian muttered.
Lin Yue wasted no time, summoning his serpent and sending it hurtling toward Xu Tian.
Xu Tian sidestepped, directing his Qi to form a defensive barrier. The serpent collided with it, dissipating in a burst of energy.
"Not bad," Lin Yue admitted, already preparing his next attack.
Xu Tian countered with his own Qi serpent, sending it forward in a whip-like motion. Lin Yue deflected it easily, smirking.
"You'll have to do better than that!" Lin Yue taunted.
As the duel continued, Xu Tian found himself struggling to keep up. Lin Yue's strikes were faster and more precise, forcing Xu Tian to stay on the defensive.
But then an idea struck him.
[(Tip: Utilize irregular movements to disrupt opponent's rhythm.)]
Smirking, Xu Tian began directing his Qi in erratic patterns. His serpent weaved unpredictably, forcing Lin Yue to adjust his attacks.
"What are you doing?" Lin Yue demanded, frustration creeping into his voice.
"Winning," Xu Tian replied, launching a feint before redirecting his serpent to strike Lin Yue's side.
The blow landed, sending Lin Yue stumbling backward.
Lin Yue scowled, clutching his ribs. "This isn't over," he spat before storming off with his lackeys.
Mei Lian approached, clapping slowly. "Congratulations, you annoyed him into leaving."
"Not just annoyed," Xu Tian said, grinning. "I won."
[(Achievement Unlocked: First Victory Using Heavenly Serpent Technique. Reward: 200 System Points.)]
"Finally!" Xu Tian said. "System, what can I get with those points?"
[(Available Purchases: Minor Qi Restoration Pill: 50 Points Beginner-Level Technique Scroll: 150 Points Customized Serpent Familiar: 200 Points)]
"Customized serpent? That sounds awesome!" Xu Tian exclaimed.
Moments later, a small, glowing orb appeared before Xu Tian. As it dimmed, a miniature serpent emerged, its scales shimmering with a rainbow hue.
"Whoa," Xu Tian said, marveling at the creature.
The serpent slithered up his arm, nuzzling his cheek affectionately.
"Great," Mei Lian said dryly. "Now he has a pet to match his personality."
"Jealousy doesn't suit you," Xu Tian replied, grinning.
The serpent hissed softly, and Xu Tian felt a strange connection form. He could sense its thoughts, simple but loyal.
"Alright, little guy," Xu Tian said. "Time to make you useful."
With his new companion and a growing mastery of the Heavenly Serpent Technique, Xu Tian felt more confident than ever. But he knew the road ahead would only get tougher.
"Tomorrow," he said, turning to Mei Lian, "we start serious training."
"Tomorrow," she replied, smirking, "you'll probably find a way to embarrass yourself again."
"Confidence in me is inspiring," Xu Tian said sarcastically.
As the sun set, Xu Tian couldn't help but smile. For the first time in a while, things were looking up.
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To Be Continued...
What challenges will Xu Tian face next? Will his new serpent companion be a blessing or a curse? Find out in the next chapter of Ascension of the Cosmic Fool!