Three weeks ticked by, and the anticipation for the martial battle grew. Duō Yī dedicated every waking moment to cultivation.
Secluded in his residence, Duō Yī and his clone, Yī-1, sat in a meditative position, eyes closed, focusing on the Qi flow.
"Today's the day," Duō Yī thought, sensing the accumulated Qi.
With a burst of energy, Duō Yī broke through to the third stage of the Qi Gathering Realm.
His status board updated:
_Name:_ Duō Yī
_Race:_ Human
_Status:_ Damaged Soul(X)
_Realm:_ Qi Gathering Realm (3rd Stage)
_Life Span:_ 13/60
_Abilities:_ HIVE
_HIVE Ability: Parallel Thought (Unlocked)
[Parallel Thought: Control multiple clones simultaneously]
_Skills:_
- Fundamental Elemental Fist
- Qi Flow: Optimization Techniques
_Elemental Affinity:_ Neutral
_Active Cells:_ 0.02%
_Energy Reserve:_ 300/300
_Current Replicas:_ 1/1
_Current Qi:_ 0/1000
Duō Yī's eyes widened as he grasped the ability's potential. "I can control my clones simultaneously."
Excitement coursed through him. "Now, I can spar with Yī-1 and refine my combat skills."
Duō Yī's past life experience as an assassin resurfaced. He controlled Yī-1, instructing the clone to fight with unrestrained ferocity.
"Let's begin," Duō Yī said, his voice low and focused.
They moved to the secluded training area outside.
Yī-1 charged forward, unleashing a rapid combination of punches and kicks. Duō Yī countered with the Fundamental Elemental Fist, channeling his Qi into each strike.
Yī-1's fist hurtled toward Duō Yī's face. He sidestepped, using the momentum to fuel his own punch. Yī-1 blocked, but Duō Yī's follow-up kick sent the clone stumbling back.
Duō Yī pursued, landing a swift kick to Yī-1's chest. The clone recovered swiftly, countering with a flurry of strikes.
Their exchange intensified, each blow landing with precision.
Duō Yī executed a perfect Elemental Fist sequence, unleashing a burst of Qi that sent Yī-1 flying across the training area.
Yī-1 rebounded, its movements a blur as it unleashed a whirlwind of attacks. Duō Yī parried each strike, analyzing the clone's technique.
"A weakness in the footwork," Duō Yī thought, exploiting the opening.
With a swift kick, Duō Yī sent Yī-1 crashing to the ground.
The clone sprang up, its eyes burning with determination.
"Again!" Duō Yī commanded.
Their spar raged on, each exchange refining Duō Yī's skills.
Hours passed, sweat dripping from their brows.
Duō Yī mastered the Basic Forms of the Elemental Fist and began exploring advanced techniques.
As night descended, Duō Yī halted the spar, satisfied.
Yī-1 stood panting, its Qi depleted.
"That should be enough for today, Yī-1 and I have both exhausted our qi," Duō Yī said, smiling.
Duō Yī's determination solidified. "The White Crane Sect's referral is within reach."
The martial battle's announcement echoed in his mind. "Three weeks remain. I should master the other techniques as much as I can. The Duō Clan is in for a massive surprise."
Such training became Duō Yī's routine for the next few weeks. He'd relegate a few hours to cultivating with his clone and then spar till the sun went down or both their Qi reserves ran dry.
And like that, weeks passed by.
It was only a few days to the Duō Clan's descendant battle. Duō Yī had come across a new-found problem. He didn't have a weapon.
Weapons were a significant part of battle, especially in a fight where one's life was on the line. Although back in his former world, close combat was not his forte; he still had some basic skills in wielding a staff.
The issue now was where would he get one.
The pagoda where he got the skill books earlier had an armory on the upper floors, but special access was required before one was allowed to collect any items from there.
Lost on what to do, he had only one option: to go visit his mother.
Duō Yī stood outside his mother's chambers, gathering his thoughts.
"Mother," Duō Yī said, entering her chambers.
Duō Líng Méi looked up from her embroidery, concern etching her delicate features. "Little Yīng, how have you been? Your absence has worried me."
"I've been well, Mother," Duō Yī replied. "I've been training intensively for the descendant battle."
His mother's expression turned alarmingly pale. "Yīng, no! You can't participate in the battle. Your body is fragile, it's too risky."
Duō Yī smiled reassuringly. "Mother, I've made significant progress. My cultivation has improved, and my body is stronger now."
Duō Líng Méi's eyes widened in skepticism. "What do you mean? You were born with a weak constitution. It's not something that can be easily overcome."
Duō Yī hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "I've...found a suitable training regimen, Mother. It's helped me build endurance."
His mother's gaze lingered, searching for assurance. After a moment, she nodded. "Very well, Yīng. If you're confident, I'll support you. But be cautious, please."
Duō Yī nodded, relieved. "I will, Mother. And I need your help with something else. I require a weapon for the battle."
Duō Líng Méi's expression turned thoughtful. "A weapon? The pagoda's armory is restricted...but I can provide you with a letter of introduction to Elder Lǐ. Perhaps he can assist you."
Duō Yī's eyes lit up with gratitude as his mother handed him the intricately sealed letter. "Thank you, Mother. I won't disappoint you."
With the letter securely tucked away, Duō Yī felt a surge of determination. Securing a worthy weapon would be the next step in his journey.