Chapter 3 – Path of Strength
POV – Daniel:
The 3 martial artists had taken to setting up camp by the road. They were clearly waiting for me to get down from the tree.
It was while climbing down from the tree that I thought about how two times in succession I had been too lost in my own thoughts. Something like that would really get me in trouble.
If these people had been bandits or other low lives then they could have killed me. If the cultivator took offense to me not bowing then she could have possibly sniped me with some Qi technique.
Then again it’s not like thinking less is an option, I can’t change my habits so easily.
“Instead of thinking less, why don’t I make it so I can think more in the same amount of time?”
Sitting down on one of the bigger branches with my back against the trunk of the tree, I activated [Meditation] and closed my eyes, trying to think through the multiplication table as fast as I could, I focused with [Gamer’s Soul]
…,2x4,2x5,…,4x7,4x8,…,7x3,7x4,…,9x6,9x7,…,12x8,12x9,…
…
[Meditation] has gained a Level!
[Mathematics] has gained a Level!
~Ping~
[Thought Acceleration] Skill Learned!
[Thought Acceleration] has gained a Level!
~{Skills}~
…
[Thought Acceleration] {Active} (Lv. 2): Process information, analyze situations, and make decisions at an accelerated rate. Slows down your perception of time.
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Activating the new Skill, I realized that while I was indeed thinking faster, I couldn’t quite tell how much faster. Well, it’ll level up as I keep using it.
“Still, I can’t overuse it since it seems to cause the same spiritual exhaustion when creating Skills, although a lot less. Hopefully training it and raising its level will make it cheaper and more effective.”
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The Sun had already been close to setting when I saw the flying cultivator. By the time I was down the tree, the Sky had turned a comfortable orange, dyeing the world in the same colours.
“*Yawn* Experiencing two different sunsets in a matter of hours feels weird.”
Clapping my hand on my cheeks, I prepared myself to talk to the martial artists. Initially, the plan had been to lie to the locals, acting as if I had amnesia. But that didn’t seem right. The 3 people I saw on the road radiated honesty, as if they lived their lives completely openly, with nothing to hide, it made it feel like their hearts were pure in whatever they pursued. It made me want to do the same. Besides, even if that old man isn’t a Cultivator, an old Martial Artist who lives with honesty could probably easily spot my inexperienced lying.
But just because I wouldn’t lie didn’t mean I would reveal all my secrets. If this was indeed a Xianxia world then the people here should already know that curiosity is dangerous. Cultivators are people who live for countless years. People who are that old are bound to have many secrets. And it was these people who have always been on top of this world, its guiding hands and those that every Mortal looks up to.
I may not be a cultivator, but as long as I didn’t lie, I would like to think that they would respect my privacy.
As for whether people would think that I was an old monster possessing the body of a child? No one would think that. I may be mentally 16 years old, but I am self-aware enough to know that I haven’t experienced nearly enough in life to give off a feeling of maturity, much less having an ethereal aura like that of the Red-clothed Cultivator. At most, people would think that I was a little mature for a 10-year-old. My best bet was that they thought that I was a runaway noble of some kind who knew nothing of the world.
Around the campfire that they had set up, the elder martial artist was stirring a pot of stew while the 30-year-old one was tending to the flames. The 15-year-old on the other hand was practicing swings with a wooden sword a little way away from the fire.
As I got close, nervously wringing my hands through my clothes, the white-haired elder martial artist looked towards me and smiled a patient smile.
“Come child, you are welcome to share a meal with us. I am known as Xing Chun, but you may call me Elder Xing.” Elder Xing then gestured to the naturally stern-faced man tending to the fire and to the boy who had now stopped practising with his sword and ran up to us with a wide smile on his face.
“This here is my son Xing Wen, and that young man is Li Xuanlong. We hail from the Chen Village.”
Using all the self-control I had, and mostly through [Body Control] I resisted the urge to have a whole-body twitch when I heard Li Xuanlong’s name. I was able to react since I had been running [Thought Acceleration] as soon as the conversation started, despite its low level and effectiveness I wasn’t going to hold back.
What the hell is that protagonist-like name?! I haven’t even been in this world for a few hours, did I already meet the person destined to slap an endless army of young masters?!
If Elder Xing and the others noticed my gaze linger on Li Xuanlong’s palms they didn’t mention it, instead, they were patiently waiting for somethi—Crap I have to introduce myself! I even picked out a proper Xianxia-like nickname!
“A—ah! My na—I mean, I am Daniel Walker, b-but you can call me Dan. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance!” Stumbling over my words, I overplayed it and ended up performing the typical martial salute I’d read about in countless novels. With my arms held in front of me and my right fist to my left hand’s open palm, I bowed slightly.
Xing Wen’s eyebrows lifted in surprise and Li Xuanlong’s mouth opened in wonderment, while Elder Xing simply stroked his white beard in amusement. Then as one all 3 of them performed the same Salute to me. Why did they seem surprised, is this not common knowledge?
A little overwhelmed at the sudden reciprocity I simply shifted about awkwardly until they left the Salute, which thankfully for my dignity wasn’t long.
“Hmm? Then Dan, what is it that you are doing so deep in the woods all on your own? I don’t think there are any other villages nearby.”
“Well…I don’t really know where I am. I’m lost…and well it’s a long story.” I said while rubbing the back of my head.
“Ha-ha, well we have time if you wish to speak. Come, come take a bowl of stew!” Elder Xing handed me a bowl of stew and gestured for everyone to sit on the logs they’d set up earlier.
With a bowl of delicious-smelling food in my grasp, I finally realized just how hungry I truly was. It was only with [Body Control] that I barely managed not to scarf down the offered meal.
Despite eating in silence, the atmosphere around the fire was warm and comfortable. While I didn’t know what they thought of me, my own first impressions of the people in this world turned out to be quite pleasant. It was a refreshing change of pace since the encounter with the cultists. Well, I guess it helps that they aren’t cultivators. Perhaps the Mortals in this world are simply better people?
Li Xuanlong, while not eating at a rude pace still managed to eat his food a little faster than me. I could see him almost vibrating in place, glancing over at me every so often.
Once I was done eating my own share, I was immediately beset by his questions. “Hey hey, junior brother are you really a Martial Artist at such a young age? You don’t look that strong but are you one of those hidden monsters the old man was talking about?! Wha—*Thwack*” It was only a slap to the back of the head from Xing Wen that Li Xuanlong stopped talking, instead making an aggrieved expression and lightly touching the back of his head with a cry of, “Uncle Weeennn!”
“If you must give in to your curiosity…at least wait for him to answer your first question.” Xing Wen simply looked exasperated, as if he didn’t expect Li Xuanlong to do something like this anymore, despite seemingly being used to his antics.
What’s with those questions?! Regardless I’ll stick to the plan, tell them the truth selectively and hope that they can come up with a nice story for themselves! Until then divert, divert!
“Uhhh, I’m from the village – or town I guess? – of Stowe. We were attacked by some demon worshippers. They…they kidnapped some children and wanted to sacrifice them. I defeated them while a friend of mine took the children to safety.”
By now Li Xuanlong was staring at me, completely enraptured by my tale, while the Xing Wen was looking at me with respect. Elder Xing simply listened to me speak patiently and quietly, all the while stroking his beard. Seeing him do that is strangely relaxing, should I try growing one in the future and try it? Hmm, I remember Ann not being able to decide whether she wanted me to have one or not.
“I’d thought that once I’d defeated them everything was over, but before the last demon worshipper was defeated he activated some strange glowing red symbols on the ground that blinded me and made me lose consciousness. When I finally woke up I found myself in this unfamiliar forest. That’s why I climbed the tree. Nothing I see is familiar at all. Even that flying lady…I’ve never seen or heard of someone flying like that before. It was almost like those fairy tales I’ve read about Cultivators, but those are simply bedtime stories or fictional entertainment.”
While Xing Wen and Li Xuanlong wanted to speak, Elder Xing stopped them with a wave of his hand and spoke out himself. “Hmmm, as I thought. Tell me Little Dan do you know what the Salute you performed earlier means?” Huh? Isn’t that like a common greeting in Xianxia?
“Uhh, it’s a greeting I read about in some stories. You seem like the people in those stories, so I did it without thinking.”
Elder Xing simply nodded while the other two simply looked surprised. “Truth be told, what you performed is a Martial Salute. It is a sign that you are someone who pursues the Martial path, someone who holds power but chooses to stay their hand and greet another Martial Warrior in peace.”
“Oh! Then I sincerely apologize. While I did defeat the demon worshippers I cannot say that it was my Martial prowess that allowed me to do so. It was through hiding, deceit, and an absurd amount of luck that I got the opportunity to save the people of my town.” As I was in the process of bowing to show my sincerity I was stopped by a hand on my shoulder, somehow the aged Elder had come that close to me in the blink of an eye.
“While you may not have started on the Martial Path, you were willing to risk your life to save those precious to you, regardless of how you saved them. Other Martial practitioners may not show the respect you are due. However, it was for the protection of others that the Martial Arts were first created. I do not regret returning your salute.” Elder Xing smiled at me.
After returning to his seat, he continued. “The glowing symbols you spoke of that transported you so far away from home are most likely the Array Arts. As for the flying Master you saw in the sky, she truly was a Cultivator. I do not know what your stories told you, but here Cultivation and its practitioners are very real. While there are cases where Mortals can go their whole lives without ever seeing a Cultivator…to believe that Cultivators are simply part of a fictitious story…Hmm, either you are from a land where the levels Qi of Heaven and Earth are extremely low or one that completely lacks it.” While I had mostly accepted that I was in a Cultivation world, to hear it from another’s mouth truly settled the fact into my mind. Which is why the surprise and wonder on my face weren’t completely false.
“Perhaps this too is fate.” Looking up into the sky, Elder Xing spoke once again, but with a much more thoughtful expression. Nobody present thought to interrupt him, the way he spoke was simply that captivating. “We left our village to travel to Dixia City. For the first time in 100 years, the Great Brother and Sister sects are performing a recruitment test for new disciples together. Little Xuanlong will be participating in the test. Of course, while the sects always recruit yearly, it is always Martial Artists working as Servants at the sects that come to collect new disciples. This time, the Mudan Infernal Sect and its sister sect Lanhua Abyssal Sect shall be sending powerful Cultivators to collect disciples themselves. With the chance to chance to catch the attention of these great Cultivators and perhaps becoming an Inner Disciple directly, many will flock to this occasion. ” What the hell kind of Chuuni names are those?! No, no I have to focus! [Memorisation]!
Elder Xing’s deep gaze caught my eyes, unable to look away, I focused on him. “There is no direct path to your home that I know of. In all my years I haven’t heard of a land where no Cultivator has tread for so long that they have become legends. However, despite this, your path is clear. Walk the path of strength, of power, and the rest will follow.”
His gaze then turned somewhat melancholic, remembering something far in the past. “…Not everyone is destined to become a cultivator. The Heavens can be cruel. The Spiritual Roots of a person are said to determine the Innate Talent of a person, even their progress and quality of their future achievements.”
Letting go of his melancholy, Elder Xing focused back on me, his face a mask of seriousness. “Come with us to Dixia city, Little Dan. Try your luck at the test. If the Heavens see fit to aid you in your quest, then you will be accepted into the Mudan Infernal Sect. However, you must make a promise to me. Never let go of your resolve. Anyone who isn’t blind can see that your eyes are special, and I don’t just speak of their colour. While I may not know what they are, as long as you do not give up I believe you will do great things.” Saying his piece, he went back to jovially stroking his beard while smiling at me and the look I had gained in my eyes and the fire that burned in them.
Elder Xing’s words had struck a deep chord in me. While I was indeed resolved to do anything to go home, it was true that I was a little aimless at the moment. Seek strength and the rest will follow, huh? That’s something I can get behind! Whether it’s Magic or Qi, Science or the Supernatural, it’s through power that I can take the reigns of my own destiny!
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.
If I was powerful then I would never have had to be lucky when it came to the encounter with the cultists! I wouldn’t have had to hide and run away! I could have saved Sam and made sure that Ann would never have to risk her life to save mine!
It was at this point that Li Xuanlong finally cut in, completely unable to stop himself. “Ha-ha-ha Junior Brother, you must join me! We’ll both destroy the stupid test and become Inner Disciples immediately! NO! We’ll become Elders! Then all the beauties from the Lanhua Abyssal Sect will chase after us! HAHAHA—*Thwack* Ack-! Uncle Weeennn! Stop hitting me in front of Junior Brothe—*Thwack*” This guy…he’s completely suicidal! If you want to die to those crazy strong jade beauties and their boyfriends then don’t drag me with you!
Elder Xing laughed. “Ho-ho-ho! You too have big Dreams Little Li Xuanlong! Never forget them! Hahaha!”
“Father! Please don’t encourage him! …How can the big brother of Li Mingxia be like this? If not for yourself then at least act with dignity for your virtuous little sister!” Ah, crap. This guy has a sister too! And she’s ‘virtuous! Please don’t actually be the protagonist of this world! I’ll die of stress! If she turns out to have some sort of Pheonix physique I’ll really start crying!
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After chatting some more about inane things last night, I went to sleep in a simple sleeping bag that Uncle Wen gave me. Turns out he’s not actually as serious as he looks. In fact, he’s quite a chill person.
The morning Sun signalled the beginning of a new day, but to me, it show much more.
“Little Dan, like anything new one must start small. Why don’t you join Little Li in his morning routine? If you do well and still have the energy, then this old man can teach you some of his moves.” At that, both Uncle Wen and Li Xuanlong looked at Elder Xing in surprise. Huh?! Was it a secret technique or something?!
“All right! I’ll do it!”
“That’s the spirit Junior Brother! Let’s goooooo!”
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…
[Body Control] has gained a Level!
[Body Control] has gained a Level!
Lying half dead on the floor, I expected myself to complain and whine, maybe give up halfway, but it seemed I had been underestimating myself. Perhaps it was due to the countless novels, manga and movies I had seen, I just couldn’t complain about the hard work that went into training for strength.
“Ho-ho your tenacity is something that is rarely seen for someone so young! Looking at you work hard even brings life back to my old bones! And your learning speed is truly bizarre! You barely make any mistakes when shown the correct way to move. Stand up and follow me. This old man will help you through the starting stages of his Martial Art.”
Getting up and following after Elder Xing, I almost collapsed but I made sure to tap into [Body Control] as much as possible and forced myself after him.
“This old man’s Art is called Liu Shui Bo Shu, the Water Flow Tree Toppling Art! Now follow my movements correctly! You seem to have great talent in controlling your body so you shouldn’t have a problem with this! Flexibility doesn’t seem to be a problem for you either, so this Art is perfect for you!”
With that, he began making movements that I made sure to activate [Memorisation] and [Thought Acceleration] for, then followed his instruction as best as I could using [Body Control]. Still, I found myself at the receiving end of a stick Elder Xing had picked up, striking me – mostly making noise rather than pain – he corrected my movements.
As I absorbed his teaching, I was getting increasingly tired both physically and spiritually with the use of my Skills. However, I powered through it and made sure to focus with every fibre of my being. I don’t know how long my training went but eventually—
…
[Body Control] has gained a Level!
[Body Control] has gained a Level!
~Ping~
[Liu Shui Bo Shu Art] Skill Learned!
~{Skill}~
…
[Liu Shui Bo Shu Art] *(Beginner) {Passive} (Lv. 1): The Water Flow Tree Toppling Art is a Martial Art that allows the user to have unnatural control over the body, but more importantly gives control over the Kinetic Forces themselves. Whether it is Redirecting, Amplifying or Dampening all of them fall under its purview. Like all True Martial Arts, it uses not the Qi of Heaven and Earth but the Ki or Prana of the body. *(The Beginner stages prepare the user to find and access their Ki/Prana, only at higher stages can the true essence of the Art be used.)
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Reading the skill description, I resisted the urge to fall unconscious and hit the ground.
I knew that Elder Xing wasn’t a normal person, even by a Martial Artist’s standard, but this Martial that he was teaching me was looking to be insanely overpowered.
It may not be much against a High-level cultivator, since they can do things like shooting energy beams, spitting fireballs, and maybe even kill Mortals with Spiritual Pressure alone, however, against fellow Martial Artists who only use Physical Force, this Art will probably dominate all of them at a higher level. Even lower-level Cultivators who only have vastly stronger bodies with the use of Qi can be defeated instantly by using their own strength against them!
“E-Elder. I can’t go on any longer!” Please let me rest, you scary old man!
“Hmmm, I expected you to fall unconscious long ago…Your willpower is truly monstrous. How is this kid learning so quickly…could he be a once-in-10,000-year genius…Ah! You can rest, you can rest! Go sleep! I will have Little Li carry you until you wake up as part of his training!” Although Elder Xing was looking at me at first, he began mumbling to himself as his gaze unfocused, though eventually he let me stop.
Falling onto my sleeping bag, I absentmindedly activated [Meditation], [Memorisation] and [Replay Recall], before going to sleep. I focused slightly on my memories with Ann, hoping to Dream of the times we’d hang out, having fun playing games and roaming around town aimlessly.
In the end, I dreamed of playing Modded Minecraft with Ann on a lazy summer afternoon, with [Memorisation] I was sure to remember it even when I eventually woke up.
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Eventually, days passed as we travelled on the path, with Elder Xing instructing me on his Martial Art. While he may have wanted to hide it at first, Elder Xing couldn’t stop the happiness he felt at my learning speed. Every day, I progressed further in [Liu Shui Bo Shu Art], absorbing his teaching at an impossible rate.
The truth was that while the Skills learned with [Gamer’s Soul] did indeed make it so I progressed quicker, the true power of Skills, was the ability to learn the correct moves and not forget them. With more complex Skill manoeuvres needing a higher Skill Level. With Elder Xing teaching me directly, he could point out any flaws in my technique, and show me the correct way to perform them. Elder Xing had quickly come to realise that my true prowess was in learning from others and had spared no effort when teaching me.
Of course, while most of my time spent on the road had been spent training my body and the technique of [Liu Shui Bo Shu Art], I had also taken the time to train my other skills. Needless to say, these days have been extremely productive, especially with a new Skill that will help me immensely.
~{Skills}~
[Meditation] {Active} (Lv. 18 -> 27): The ancient art of meditation, used to cultivate focus, and observe the flow of thoughts and emotions without judgement.
[Memorisation] *{Active} *{Passive} (Lv. 7 -> 35): Ability to store and recall information accurately and efficiently. *(Only information stored {Actively} while using the skill can be recalled {Passively} with it)
[Mathematics] {Passive} (Lv. 4 -> 6): Analyze and solve problems using logical reasoning and precise calculations. Aids in understanding structures, patterns, and relationships.
[Replay Recall] {Active} (Lv. 4 -> 7): Recall instances from your life in vivid detail.
[Firearms Mastery] {Passive} (Lv. 34): Skill in wielding firearms ranging from pistols and shotguns to rifles and heavy weaponry.
[Body Control] {Passive} (Lv. 3 -> 23): Ability to master and manipulate physical movements with precision, grace, and finesse. The Skill encompasses physical feats such as agility, balance, and coordination. Apart from performing athletic and acrobatic manoeuvres, social abilities like controlling reactions and body language are also included. The skill also shows proficiency in piloting new bodies or adapting to changes made to existing ones.
[Thought Acceleration] {Active} (Lv. 2 -> 14): Process information, analyze situations, and make decisions at an accelerated rate. Slows down your perception of time.
[Liu Shui Bo Shu Art] *(Beginner) {Passive} (Lv. 1 -> 43): The Water Flow Tree Toppling Art is a Martial Art that allows the user to have unnatural control over the body, but more importantly gives control over the Kinetic Forces themselves. Whether it is Redirecting, Amplifying or Dampening, all of them fall under its purview. Like all True Martial Arts, it uses not the Qi of Heaven and Earth but the Ki or Prana of the body. *(The Beginner stages prepare the user to find and access their Ki/Prana, only at higher stages can the true essence of the Art be used.)
[Wilderness Survival] {Passive} (Lv. 1 -> 12): Adapt, Endure and Thrive in natural or remote environments.
[Supernatural Energy Sense] {Active} {Passive} (Lv. 1 -> 3): Sense and become aware of the supernatural or extraordinary energies around you, whether they are magical, psychic, cosmic or other mystical elements, none shall escape your notice. (Sensed Energies: Aether, Mana, Qi, Ki/Prana)
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[Gamer’s Soul]
Allows the creation of Skills. Skills will be ingrained in the soul.
Mind is located within the Soul, unbound by physical limitations.
Soul is compatible with all Energy, continuously produces Aether. ???
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~{Energy}~
{Aether}: [100/100]
{Mana}: [?/?]
{Qi}: [?/?]
{Ki/Prana}: [?/?]
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I was left with more questions than I had started with. What exactly was Aether? How could I sense Mana in this world? How the hell do I get my Prana to move already?!
[Meditation] has gained a Level!
“—unior Brother! Junior Brother wake up! Junior Brotheeerrr ~! We’re going to reach Dixia City by the end of the day! You can’t keep sleeping all the time!” Shut the fu—
Deep breaths. Take Deep breaths and don’t smack the idiot. “It’s called [Meditation]. You know if you’re going to be a cultivator this is something you’re going to have to do for years on end right? So, stop bothering me. Shoo! Shoo!” I had tried to ignore his idiocy and him since the beginning, thinking of limiting my interactions with the possible protagonist, but his personality made it impossible to not interact with him.
“Patience Little Li, we’ll reach in due time. Besides, the actual test for joining the sect will be going on for the entire month, so we have no real reason to rush. Also, Little Dan you too must be patient, your progress in learning the forms and movements for [Liu Shui Bo Shu Art] might be impossibly fast, but when it comes to unlocking your Prana there is no shortcut. You must simply trust in the Art and when the time is right, you will break through the barrier and unlock your Prana. Besides, unlocking your Ki through the use of [Liu Shui Bo Shu Art] is no easy feat! This old man’s Martial Art is one the greatest there is in the Mortal Arts.”
Stop being so damn reasonable! To unlock the Ki/Prana of the body, knowledge of a Martial Art was needed. It was only when a Martial Art could be used by someone to unlock their Ki/Prana that the Martial Art in question was acknowledged as a True Martial Art.
Letting go of my [Meditation] I jumped off Li Xuanlong’s back and joined the others in jogging – really, we were running at this point – along the road.
Taking a moment to assess my body’s condition I couldn’t help but be surprised by how far I’d progressed with just in just a couple of days. On earth, a normal 10-year-old would never even be capable of following the exercises Elder Xing had made us do, much less actually benefit from them in such a short time. Perhaps it’s the passive effects of the Qi of heaven and earth?
I was snapped out of my thoughts when Li Xuanlong began outright sprinting forward, shouting at the top of his voice. “Junior Brother! Uncle! Old man! We’re here! HAHAHA! We finally reached!”
In the distance, beyond the last cover of trees we could see, stood the tall walls of a city that looked like it came straight out of Attack of Titan. And yet, further above the walls, buildings that were even taller than the walls could be seen.
My own face rivalled the wonder and excitement that was evident on Li Xuanlong's face. Looking at us Elder Xing and Uncle Wen smiled amusedly, yet I could see traces of awe on their own faces.
Now that we were close enough, we could see Cultivators flying on weapons and tools. Chariots and other vehicles were riding on the wind as if they were on the ground, while an almost endless sea of people were gathered outside the walls of the city.
“Teacher, how come we didn’t see anyone until the city came into view?”
“Hmm? Oh, that. Naturally, it is because we took a forgotten forest path that people rarely use.” What?
It was then I saw actual roads made of some smooth stone, where carriages and other animal-driven transports were. There were also countless stalls along the length of the road, with food, other essentials and all sorts of things being sold. More importantly, however, I saw toll booths where guards were taking money from travellers as they passed by them.
The people were all wearing well-made clothes with different styles, and looked quite healthy, in fact, there were no signs of poverty at all. Compared to our own clothes, what looked like villagers selling corn and other vegetables in small stalls looked like wealthy merchants. Huh? What the hell am I seeing?
While travelling with Teacher and the others I had built up many expectations of this world. Naively, I thought that this world was extremely backwards. All the preconceptions I had were completely destroyed.
“T-Teacher…Are you saying that we lived like Bear Grylls for so many days…because you didn’t want to pay the toll!”
“Of course! One of the virtues promoted by the [Liu Shui Bo Shu Art] is to be humble and in control of yourself! I do not know who this Bear Grylls is, but he sounds like a Great and Virtuous individual! You must strive to follow his example! Besides, this old man has finally saved up his money for the Big Fortune Pavilion’s Rock Gambling event! How could I possibly allow those evil tax collectors to take my money in the guise of a toll? Ho-ho-ho!” Saying his piece, Elder Xing practically skipped forward at high speeds, instantaneously catching up to Li Xuanlong and then leaving us all in the dust.
Falling to the ground in despair, all the stress from interacting with Li Xuanlong and dealing with his nonsense had finally reached a peak.
Quietly, Uncle Wen stood me up and urged me to continue running after the two idiots.
“Uncle—Uncle Wen. C-Could it be that you were the only sane person I met until now…”
“Junior Dan, why do you think I was forc—*Cough* I mean, I decided to come with these two? It's not like I have any business in a big city like this. Regardless, let's catch up to the two of them before they cause any trouble. We shouldn’t let them wander far away.”
Well, I shouldn’t complain too much. Teacher taught me his prized Martial Art. Uncle Wen showed me how to survive in the wild. Senior Brothe—
“Why the hell am I calling him senior brother?! That useless guy didn’t do shit apart from annoying me for days on end!” Running as fast as I could after my travel companions, I made a resolution in my heart.
I’m ditching that guy as soon as I get the chance!
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~{Skills}~
[Meditation] {Active} (Lv. 27 -> 28): The ancient art of meditation, used to cultivate focus, and observe the flow of thoughts and emotions without judgement.
[Memorisation] *{Active} *{Passive} (Lv. 35): Ability to store and recall information accurately and efficiently. *(Only information stored {Actively} while using the skill can be recalled {Passively} with it)
[Mathematics] {Passive} (Lv. 6): Analyze and solve problems using logical reasoning and precise calculations. Aids in understanding structures, patterns, and relationships.
[Replay Recall] {Active} (Lv. 7): Recall instances from your life in vivid detail.
[Firearms Mastery] {Passive} (Lv. 34): Skill in wielding firearms ranging from pistols and shotguns to rifles and heavy weaponry.
[Body Control] {Passive} (Lv. 23): Ability to master and manipulate physical movements with precision, grace, and finesse. The Skill encompasses physical feats such as agility, balance, and coordination. Apart from performing athletic and acrobatic manoeuvres, social abilities like controlling reactions and body language are also included. The skill also shows proficiency in piloting new bodies or adapting to changes made to existing ones.
[Thought Acceleration] {Active} (Lv. 14): Process information, analyze situations, and make decisions at an accelerated rate. Slows down your perception of time.
[Liu Shui Bo Shu Art] *(Beginner) {Passive} (Lv. 43): The Water Flow Tree Toppling Art is a Martial Art that allows the user to have unnatural control over the body, but more importantly gives control over the Kinetic Forces themselves. Whether it is Redirecting, Amplifying or Dampening, all of them fall under its purview. Like all True Martial Arts, it uses not the Qi of Heaven and Earth but the Ki or Prana of the body. *(The Beginner stages prepare the user to find and access their Ki/Prana, only at higher stages can the true essence of the Art be used.)
[Wilderness Survival] {Passive} (Lv. 12): Adapt, Endure and Thrive in natural or remote environments.
[Supernatural Energy Sense] {Active} {Passive} (Lv. 3): Sense and become aware of the supernatural or extraordinary energies around you, whether they are magical, psychic, cosmic or other mystical elements, none shall escape your notice. (Sensed Energies: Aether, Mana, Qi, Ki/Prana)
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