The Righteous Sword Sect’s headquarters, a majestic complex nestled among tranquil mountains and lush forests, was a place of profound wisdom and discipline. Marcus, now a Core Disciple, was under the guidance of Master Chen, the revered founder of the sect. The founder had tasked Marcus with an extensive training regimen aimed at advancing him to the Qi Condensation stage.
Master Chen summoned Marcus to his private study, a room filled with ancient scrolls and mystical artifacts. The founder's commanding presence and the gravity of his position were evident as he addressed Marcus.
“Yusup,” Master Chen began, “as you work towards the Qi Condensation stage, you have the option to deepen your knowledge in either formations or alchemy. Both are vital for a cultivator, but they serve different purposes. Do you wish to study formations, alchemy, or both?”
Marcus considered the options. He had seen the importance of both disciplines in cultivation and was eager to expand his knowledge. “Master, I would like to learn both formations and alchemy if possible.”
Master Chen’s eyes reflected approval. “Very well. I will provide you with the techniques and knowledge necessary to excel in both areas. This comprehensive approach will support your advancement to Qi Condensation.”
With a wave of his hand, Master Chen summoned a series of scrolls and books from his shelves. He presented Marcus with:
1. Mediation of the Righteous Sword Sect: This technique focuses on generating and controlling qi through breath control, mental focus, and specific physical postures. It emphasizes daily practice, moral integrity, and understanding the body's energy channels to enhance the flow of qi.
2. Scroll of the Celestial Formation Technique: This scroll detailed the fundamentals of spiritual formations. It explained how to harness Qi to create powerful formations that could enhance defenses, trap opponents, or provide other strategic advantages.
3. Manual of the Celestial Elixirs: This manual outlined basic alchemical methods and recipes for creating foundational elixirs. It included instructions for preparing essential cultivation aids to support Marcus’s advancement.
3. Scroll of the Sword Heart Technique: This scroll was an advanced technique integral to the Righteous Sword Sect. It detailed the cultivation of the Sword Heart, which aligned one’s spirit with the sword, enhancing both martial prowess and Qi control.
4. Scroll of the Sword Heart Technique: This scroll was an advanced technique integral to the Righteous Sword Sect. It detailed the cultivation of the Sword Heart, which aligned one’s spirit with the sword, enhancing both martial prowess and Qi control.
Master Chen continued, “The Celestial Formation Technique will help you master the art of creating and using formations. The Manual of the Celestial Elixirs will introduce you to essential alchemical techniques. The Sword Heart Technique will refine your swordsmanship and integrate with your Qi cultivation, deepening your connection with the sword.”
Marcus accepted the materials with respect. “Thank you, Master. I will memorise and practice these techniques with patience .”
Master Chen’s gaze softened. “Here, we do not concern ourselves with a person’s ethnicity or identity. What matters is your commitment and ability. Have you studied martial arts before?”
Marcus nodded. “Yes, I have.”
Master Chen’s expression brightened. “Then it will be easier for you to study cultivation. The principles of martial arts and cultivation share many similarities. Your background in martial arts will provide a solid foundation for your cultivation practice.”
Master Chen added, “It depends on your talent and how long it will take you to finish memorizing all these and practice to the Qi Condensation realm. It typically takes approximately 16 days to memorize this initial phase of training and about one month to reach Qi Condensation for our average higher disciple. Dedicate yourself fully, and you will find success.”
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Over the next 10 days, Marcus immersed himself in the rigorous training regimen. He dedicated his days to studying the Celestial Formation Technique, learning to create and manipulate formations. He also delved into the Manual of the Celestial Elixirs, mastering the preparation of essential elixirs to support his cultivation.
The Sword Heart Technique proved particularly transformative. As Marcus practiced this advanced technique, he learned to cultivate a deep spiritual connection with his sword. This alignment with the sword enhanced his martial prowess and Qi control, integrating seamlessly with his cultivation practice.
His martial arts background proved invaluable, allowing him to grasp the principles of cultivation with greater ease. Marcus’s progress was steady and significant, with his Qi cultivation advancing towards the Qi Condensation stage.
As the 10 days drew to a close, Master Chen summoned Marcus for a progress review. The founder’s gaze was both encouraging and stern. “Yusup, your progress in formations, alchemy, and the Sword Heart Technique has been commendable. With your martial arts background, you have adapted quickly and effectively, reaching Qi Condensation as expected. However, I, the great founder of this sect, reached it in just little five days.”
Marcus bowed respectfully, then hesitated before speaking. “Master, should I say this is as expected of the top sect in this world? Your techniques and mediation are truly unparalleled.”
Master Chen nodded approvingly. “Continue to balance your studies and practice. The path to cultivation is challenging, but with your dedication and the support of the Righteous Sword Sect, you will achieve success. Remember, true strength comes from mastering both the inner and outer aspects of cultivation.”
Marcus replied “Yes, master, I will not let your exception be down on me!”
Master Chen stood before his disciple, his voice carrying over the training grounds. “Today marks the beginning of our Qi condensation competition. This is an opportunity to test your skills and demonstrate your progress would you like to join it between, also remember, true strength is not only in technique but in character.”
Marcus replied “ Yes master I would like to join and your teachings I would never forgot it if I have heard it!”
Marcus felt a surge of excitement. Over the past weeks, he had devoted himself entirely to his cultivation. His hard work had paid off, and he felt more prepared than ever. However, as a new disciple, many still doubted his abilities,
The competition arena buzzed with anticipation. Marcus took his place among the contestants, his eyes scanning the crowd. He saw the sneers and heard the whispers. “Isn’t that the new guy? With the so called Jade talent of cultivation, What chance does he have?”
One of his opponents, a tall and arrogant young man named Liu Wei, almost reaching the Foundation Establishment realm, sneered at him. “You should step aside now, rookie. This competition is for real disciples, even if you have the so-called jade talent of cultivation.”
Beside Liu Wei stood Mei Ling, a renowned beauty and prodigy of the sect. Her presence alone was enough to command respect. Marcus noticed her and thought to himself, "She’s a beauty, but I don’t have time to focus on girls. As the saying goes, a cultivator must have a strong Dao of the Sword and not distract himself with unnecessary girls who aren’t even that strong compared to me. In the end, I would just be used by them, as in those so-called jade beauty girls in novels."
The competition began with the announcement of the prizes: a high-rank Lightning Sword and a special pill to ease the transition to the Foundation Establishment stage. The ranks of swords from highest to lowest were Celestial, Divine, Spirit, Mystic, and Mortal, with Celestial being the most coveted.
The first round commenced, and the arena buzzed with excitement as disciples showcased their martial prowess. When it was Marcus's turn, he stepped forward with confidence, ready to prove himself.
As the sparring rounds commenced, Marcus found himself facing off against Liu Wei. The arrogant disciple lunged with a fierce attack, but Marcus was ready. He deftly parried and countered, his movements fluid and precise. The battle was intense, but Marcus’s mastery of the Sword Heart Technique gave him the edge. He channeled his Qi with finesse, overwhelming Liu Wei and securing a decisive victory.
Next, Marcus faced Mei Ling. Her skills were formidable, and her beauty was distracting, but Marcus remained focused. Their clash was a spectacle, with both displaying remarkable talent. However, Marcus’s deep spiritual connection with his sword proved to be the deciding factor. He managed to disarm Mei Ling with a swift, decisive strike.
The final round pitted Marcus against a group of five skilled disciples. Despite being outnumbered, he remained undeterred. His cultivation had reached a new height, and he tapped into this newfound power. One by one, he overcame his opponents, his movements a blur of precision and strength.
As the last of his opponents fell, the crowd erupted in cheers. The same people who had doubted him now looked at him with newfound respect. “Did you see that? He’s incredible!”
Master Chen stepped forward, his expression one of pride. “Yusup, you have exceeded all expectations. You have shown that true strength lies not just in skill, but in dedication and perseverance.”
Marcus bowed deeply. “Thank you, Master Chen. I will continue to strive for greatness.”
Mei Ling approached him, her earlier amusement replaced with genuine respect. “You were amazing, Marcus. I underestimated you.”
Liu Wei, humbled by his defeat, nodded in agreement. “I was wrong about you. You’ve earned our respect.”
Marcus nodded and responded, “Do not be arrogant and underestimate anyone in your life again or I won’t be polite next time.”
Marcus thought to himself, "As the saying goes, novels have some real aspects; even the so-called arrogant ones turned out to be real."
As the competition concluded, Master Chen announced the prizes. Marcus received the high-rank Lightning Sword and the special pill for reaching Foundation Establishment.
Master Chen watched his disciple with pride. “Yusup, before you do anything, I have a mission for you. It’s a lower-level task but essential for your growth. I want you to go to the nearby Dawn village and assist the local people with a minor but pressing issue, you have 3 months limit, and also this mission will help you develop your skills easier and remind you of the importance of helping others, and understanding the world outside, and this a special talisman if you encountered any problem put it and I will appear.”
Marcus nodded, understanding the significance of the task. “Thanks Master, and I will complete it diligently, Master.”
With the Lightning Sword in pocket and the special pill to aid his journey, Marcus set out, ready to face the new mission and continue his path of cultivation.