Chapter 42: Shifting Seasons one calamity

"I think you have the basics down," I said, my voice steady and sure. "You already understand quite a bit about formations and especially, node placement. I have specifically designed this technique while keeping that in mind." I paused, my eyes probing hers, seeking confirmation.

The afternoon sun cast long shadows across our makeshift training ground, the air crisp with the scent of autumn leaves. The rustle of the wind was our only companion, save for the occasional chirp of a solitary monster bird.

"You remember the stuff I told you about qi pathways?" I tried to confirm whether she remembers everything I taught as that would act as a foundation for what we were planning to do. Her eyes sparkled with determination, her lips curled in a confident smile.

"I do," she replied, her voice ringing with excitement. "I remembered every single pathway and their function in our body. And I also paid attention while using my other techniques. I noted how qi moved through those pathways and what happened when I tried to block one or the other, like you told me to."

Her enthusiasm was infectious, and I couldn't help but grin."That's great," I thought, a grin spreading across my face like wildfire. "I thought you would forget about it as I wasn't keeping an eye on you." I was pleasantly surprised that she had taken the initiative to continue the practice despite my absence.

"This will help you in how I placed the nodes to manipulate the technique," I remarked, nodding in approval. "But now, let's get to the main point. Did you practice the qi weaving exercises I taught you?" I asked, my tone shifting to one of seriousness.

My gaze bore into hers, trying to gauge her level of understanding and proficiency. "And also, what about the theory behind runes? You need to be proficient in that as well," I added, knowing full well that runes were an essential part of our practice.

Although, I know she is isn't very good at runes in general but she doesn't need to create them, all she need to do is understand how does a rune function and a how qi is cleverly manipulated to give desired effects.

She said with an embarrassed face, "I got the theory down but compared to what you showed me in qi weaving, my level is no where near that."

I nodded, appreciating her honesty. "That's okay," I said, encouragingly. "Qi weaving takes time and practice. It's not something you can master overnight. The important thing is that you understand the theory and are working on it. Now, let's refine your technique."

I stepped closer, our proximity allowing me to better guide her. "First, let's go over the basics again," I instructed. "Close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Feel the flow of qi within you, like a river coursing through its banks."

She closed her eyes, her face a mask of concentration. I watched as her chest rose and fell with each measured breath, her energy becoming more centered and controlled. "Good," I murmured. "Now, envision the qi pathways as branches of a tree, extending throughout your body. Each branch is a conduit for your energy."

She nodded, her expression serene. "I can see it," she whispered.

"Excellent," I continued. "Now, focus on the nodes—the intersections where these branches meet. These nodes are crucial for controlling the flow of qi. Imagine them as gates that you can open and close at will."

Her brow furrowed slightly, but she nodded again. "I see them," she said, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

"Remember, it's all about control," I reminded her. "Open the gates slowly, let the qi flow through one pathway, then close it and redirect the flow to another. Feel how the energy shifts within you."

As she practiced, I observed her closely, noting the subtle changes in her posture and expression. Her control over the qi was crazy good. "Now, let's add the weaving technique," I said. "This is where it gets tricky. You need to intertwine the qi strands without losing control."

She opened her eyes, her gaze meeting mine. "Show me again," she requested, determination gleaming in her eyes.

I smiled, appreciating her perseverance. "Watch closely," I instructed, extending my hands. I gathered my qi, letting it flow through my pathways and into the nodes I planned.

Slowly, I began to weave the strands together, creating a complex pattern of energy. The air around us shimmered with the power of the technique.

Her eyes widened in awe, but she didn't let it distract her. She mimicked my movements, but she was able to comprehend that qi will behave differently in her body and she will have to develop her way to weave her own strands of qi.

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"It's difficult," she admitted, frustration creeping into her voice.

"It is," I agreed. "But you're doing well. Keep practicing, and it will become second nature, and you couldn't have achieved this much if you haven't practiced for the last one and half year specifically for this.

Remember, it's not just about the movements, but about understanding the flow of energy. My goal is to help you fine tune the process for your body."

We spent the next hour refining her technique, correcting her form and guiding her through the intricate process of qi weaving. Each attempt brought her closer to mastery, her confidence growing with each success. "You're improving," I praised her. "You are ready for the next level."

"Now, remember that not all nodes need to be activated at the same time," I reminded her.

"It will be almost impossible to do that unless you master the complete technique. Opening various nodes in different combinations will give you different effects for every combination, but it largely depends on your concept.

You will have to attune your technique to the concept you are using, so in a way, this technique only restrains you based on the number of concepts you have. But even within that effect you managed to create, you can use it in myriad ways."

She looked thoughtful, absorbing my words. "So, each node combination changes the outcome?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.

"Yes," I confirmed. "Think of it like playing an instrument. Each note is a node, and the melody changes based on which notes you play and how you play them. You can create countless variations, each with its own unique resonance."

She nodded slowly, her eyes shining with newfound understanding. "I think I get it," she said. "It's like having a palette of colors and mixing them to create different shades."

"Exactly," I said, pleased with her analogy. "And the more you practice, the more adept you'll become at creating those shades. It's all about experimentation and finding what works best for you."

She smiled, a spark of excitement lighting up her face. "I can't wait to try out different combinations and see what I can create," she said eagerly.

"That's the spirit," I encouraged her. "Now, let's go over some of the basic combinations and their effects. We'll start simple and gradually move to more complex patterns."

I guided her through several basic node combinations, explaining the theory behind each one and demonstrating the effects. She followed along, her movements becoming more fluid and confident with each attempt. As the afternoon sun dipped lower, casting a warm golden glow over the training ground, I felt a little shocked at her progress.

"You're doing great," I praised her. "Don't rush the process. Take your time to understand each combination and how it affects your qi flow."

She nodded, with a tired face. "I will," she promised. "Thank you for your guidance and patience, O great master"

I just rolled my eyes.

"You're welcome," I said, smiling warmly.

As we trained, night fell and no one came to bother us as all of them were training too.

All five of us will be going to the camp of Heaven Dao sect, since we were all it's members in a way. Well...probably except for me, but I was invited anyway.

"Hey, Feng what's name of this technique have you decided yet?" Ning Rong asked with a face that said, don't say yes.

"Not really, do you have a name in mind ? I asked, already knowing the answer.

"Hehe, I do," She said excitedly.

"Shifting seasons One calamity" She said with exaggerated movements.

The name sounded weird to someone like me, but it suited perfectly to the nature of this technique.

"Since you are screaming its name like this, you must have gained initial understanding of this technique, haven't you ?" I asked with a knowing smile.

"Alright, I will show you. By the way, I don't think this type of technique will fit in the classification of techniques we have, this is technique which can evolve with concepts and we can even create new variations based on our understanding but the basic framework doesn't change." She said thoughfully.

"Yeah you are right, this technique, for now can be classified as earth grade as only this level and above can accomodate concepts within them." I agreed with her thoughts.

This technique is probably the only one of its kind in the entire world, its my 14 years of sweat and blood.

I got the idea while working on my runic formations and, after I studied a lot different techniques, I came to a conclusion that in essence all of them were extremely similar to each other.

The only thing that differentiated them was how the qi was being manipulated and how much it can vary within those parameters.

I think those sects might even start wars for this kind of technique which doesn't have an upper bound like the rest of the techniques.

"So, show me what you got, I am curious what you created from this?" I asked with an intrigued tone.

"Alright, Master," Rong said, her voice dripping with amusement. "First Season, Thunderstorm."

Without further ado, she took her stance, her eyes flickering with determination. Four nodes opened close to her heart, the qi flowing through them like a raging river. The air around her crackled with energy, the leaves on the trees rustling in response.

Ning Feng watched in awe as she began to weave qi into a unique pattern. Her qi pathways glowed with a soft, ethereal light, the strands of qi intertwining like a masterfully crafted tapestry. He could see the concentration on her face, the way her brows furrowed as she focused on her task.

In her mind, she recounted Ning Feng's teachings. He had spoken of connections, of linking her concepts to her techniques. He had used a weird term 'circuit', a concept she had struggled to grasp at first. But now, as she looked within her soul, she understood. Everything clicked into place.

She compressed her soul sense into a thin string, a 'wire' as Ning Feng had called it.

She connected the nodes as 'batteries' and weave the entire 'qi circuit' and finally attach the concept which was like a ball of lightining in her soul sea to be powered by it, creating a closed 'circuit'.

The qi flowed through this circuit, a multicolor hue of colors sparkling on the outside of her body as they coalesced into pink motes.

With a sound like a deafening thunder, Ning Rong raised her fist and punched. At the same time, ten thick lightning bolts emitted from her body and encompassed the whole area around her within a 30-meter range. They danced around her, as if dancing a dance of destruction as they cleared out everything in their path.

Afterwards, the lightning lingered on the ground, sparks flying as they made contact with the earth. Ning Feng's jaw dropped, his eyes wide with amazement.

"This has to be at least peak Earth-Grade," he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.

Rong smiled, her face flushed with satisfaction and pride as she looked at her master, who was still trying to process what he had just witnessed.

"Not bad, huh?" she said, cocking an eyebrow. "I told you I was a quick learner."

"Indeed," Ning Feng said, nodding slowly. "Indeed, you are."

They both chuckled, basking in the success of their latest breakthrough. They had accomplished so much in such a short amount of time, and they knew that they would only grow stronger from here.

"You know what we have to do now," Ning Feng said, grinning.

"Practice some more," Rong replied, her voice steady and resolute.

"No," Ning Feng said, shaking his head. "What we have to do now is celebrate."

They both laughed, the sound of their laughter echoing through the forest like a melody. They had earned this moment of joy, this moment of celebration, and they were determined to enjoy it to the fullest.

"To the next breakthrough," Ning Feng said, raising his hand in a toast.

"To the future," Rong replied, clinking her hand against his.

As they walked back to camp, laughter and chatter filled the air, the sound of their victory lifting their spirits. The forest seemed brighter, the air fresher, and they felt as if they could take on anything.

"Thank you, Master," Rong said, her voice filled with genuine gratitude and sarcasm at the same time.

"What was that, you can't keep all the good stuff" said a familiar voice of a ever intruding gold eyed beauty .