[Trial Mission 1: Survive for three months (31/91)]
[Trial Mission 2: Kill at least one demon (Completion rate: 310%)]
Tong Gu stood bare-chested, his muscles chiseled like stone, as he held the colossal Nichirin blade of Himejima Gyomei outstretched in both hands. His breaths alternated between sharp bursts and elongated exhalations. His chest heaved unevenly, and the chaotic rhythm left his lungs and heart in mild discomfort. His muscles spasmed intermittently, a sign of the strain he endured.
It couldn't be helped. To Gyomei and the others, Tong Gu was a prodigy—a genius who had "mastered" the Stone Breathing in a single glance. It seemed only natural that he would go on to create a breathing technique tailored to himself.
But heaven knew the truth. The so-called mastery of the Stone Breathing was a skill implanted into him by the Game of Fate system. Tang Gu had no genuine understanding of breathing techniques, let alone the ability to modify one.
Still, the truth remained: the Stone Breathing was unsuited to him and greatly hindered his combat potential. Even against a minor demon like the Hand Demon, he had to exert significant effort. How could he hope to stand against the Twelve Kizuki, let alone the greater challenges awaiting him in other worlds?
Thus, after much contemplation, Tong Gu resolved to take the hardest and most mundane path. Like unraveling a black box, he would rely on countless trials and observations to analyze the effects of breathing techniques on his body. Then, piece by piece, he would assemble a technique perfectly suited to him.
For nearly a month, apart from daily sword training, he dedicated himself to this exploration. Thanks to this rigorous regimen, his already robust cardiovascular system grew even stronger. He noticed that he could sustain his breathing techniques for longer durations with each passing day.
---
"Everyone calls you a genius, but I think you're just a fool."
The snide remark came from Sanemi Shinazugawa, who had casually stopped by to observe Tong Gu scribbling and experimenting on the ground.
Tong Gu was unfazed by Sanemi's frequent jabs and provocations, continuing his work without reacting.
Sanemi couldn't decide whether he felt more disappointed or annoyed. He had been thrilled when he first heard that a prodigy rivaling Gyomei and Muichiro had joined the Corps. But after seeing Tong Gu dither over his sword and breathing technique, his enthusiasm soured.
As an unpleasant thought crossed his mind, Sanemi, who had been about to leave, paused. His face darkened.
"Kid, don't tell me you're dragging this out just to avoid fighting demons. Is that why you're pretending to tinker with breathing techniques here?"
Tong Gu lowered the blade, made a note about the latest breathing frequency's effects, then glanced at the scowling Wind Hashira. His calm demeanor reflected genuine confusion.
"Why would I go to such lengths to avoid fighting demons?" he asked. "Isn't the whole point of this to better prepare myself to kill the Twelve Kizuki?"
Sanemi stopped short. The straightforwardness of Tong Gu's response, devoid of any malice or pretense, momentarily left him speechless.
"Why do you want to kill demons?" Sanemi finally asked, his tone flat but his curiosity piqued.
Tong Gu tilted his head. Why was everyone so interested in his motives? Was revenge the only acceptable reason? Did it have to stem from tragedy? Killing didn't always require hatred—sometimes, it was simply about gain.
He chuckled softly at the thought. If killing demons didn't yield rewards, would he still do it?
After a pause, Tong Gu answered, "Demons are the enemy of humanity. I'm human. So, I kill demons. Isn't that reason enough?"
Sanemi froze, caught off guard by the simplicity of Tong Gu's rationale. It was so basic yet irrefutably logical.
"Tch."
Clicking his tongue in frustration, Sanemi crossed his arms. Oddly enough, the brawny young man before him now seemed slightly less annoying.
Watching Tong Gu resume his work, Sanemi muttered, "Breathing techniques exist to enhance the body, giving humans the ability to fight demons head-on. If you're so caught up in overthinking it, you're missing the point. Breathing is instinct, after all."
Tong Gu's body tensed. Sanemi's words sparked a flash of inspiration in his mind. Without hesitation, he drew his blade and slashed downward, adjusting his breathing rhythm instinctively.
Buzz!
Boom!
The strike landed with immense force, carving a three- to four-meter-long fissure in the ground. The sheer power destabilized the earth beneath them, momentarily throwing Sanemi off balance.
[Under the guidance of Sanemi Shinazugawa, a storyline powerhouse, you've gained deeper insight into breathing techniques.]
[You have modified the Stone Breathing based on your understanding. Would you like to rename it?]
Sanemi steadied himself, stunned by what he had just witnessed. This brute had changed his breathing rhythm in an instant and found his path. Unlike the unyielding weight of the Stone Breathing, Tong Gu's technique exuded a heavy, grounded force—calm yet devastating.
"Is this your path?" Sanemi asked.
Tong Gu nodded and replied, "I'll call it the Earth Breathing."
Sanemi scoffed, though he grudgingly acknowledged the appropriateness of the name. "Hah, Earth Breathing, huh? What's next? If you learned Wind Breathing, would you create a Sky Breathing?"
Tong Gu laughed and said, "That sounds like a good idea."
Sanemi's face darkened. Was this guy dense? Didn't he realize he was being mocked?
Frustrated, Sanemi turned to leave, but Tong Gu grabbed his arm, genuinely curious about learning Wind Breathing.
---
From inside a distant room, Gyomei Himejima chanted a soft "Amida Buddha" as he observed the scene. The weight on his heart finally lifted.
He had always worried about Tong Gu's urgency—his apparent need to hunt down the Twelve Kizuki, driven by some unseen force. Gyomei had known of Tong Gu's efforts to gather information and resources. His fear was that his young disciple might charge into battle unprepared, falling victim to the very monsters he sought.
Now, with the breathing technique issue resolved, Gyomei knew it wouldn't be long before Tong Gu made his move.
As he thought of the many Hashira who had fallen to the Twelve Kizuki over the years, tears streamed down his face.
"May he never face those monsters of the Upper Ranks," Gyomei murmured, his voice heavy with prayer.
****************************************
Read advanced chapters ahead of everyone else on my Patreon.
patreon(.)com/GodDragcell