Tao entered the Treasure Hall, the faint hum of spiritual energy filling the air. Shelves stretched into the distance, glowing softly with Qi infused items and scrolls. The attendant glanced up from his desk, raising an eyebrow as Tao handed over his sect token.
“Looking for anything specific?” the attendant asked, his tone bored.
“Movement and defence,” Tao replied, his voice steady.
The attendant nodded, gesturing toward a section of the hall where restricted techniques were displayed. Tao walked over, his eyes scanning the rows of glowing scrolls.
One caught his attention immediately: Flowing Leaf Steps. The description painted a vivid picture of an evasive movement technique that allowed the user to glide through the battlefield like a falling leaf, unpredictable and swift. Tao imagined himself weaving through the dense mist of the Black Hollow Forest, his enemies’ attacks striking nothing but air.
He reached for the scroll but hesitated. Mobility alone wouldn’t be enough. His thoughts drifted to the ferocity of the spirit beasts rumoured to roam the forest. He needed something to bolster his defences.
Further down the row, a faint golden glow drew his gaze. The Stone Skin Technique promised temporary but powerful resistance to physical and Qi based attacks. Tao picked it up, feeling a faint resonance as his Qi brushed against the scroll. It was as if the technique acknowledged his determination.
“These two,” Tao said, returning to the counter.
The attendant inspected the scrolls, nodding as he deducted the points from Tao’s token. “Good choices,” he said. “Flowing Leaf Steps is one of the more versatile movement arts we offer. Stone Skin, though—it’s not forgiving. Push it too far, and it’ll drain your Qi dry.”
Tao nodded, accepting the warning. “I’ll manage.”
As he left the hall, the scrolls tucked safely in his satchel, Tao felt a flicker of confidence. With these techniques, he was no longer walking into the unknown unprepared. The mission would still be dangerous, but now he had tools to tip the scales in his favour
Tao returned to his quarters, the scrolls of Flowing Leaf Steps and Stone Skin Technique tucked safely in his satchel. The faint hum of spiritual energy emanating from them was a constant reminder of the challenges ahead. His room greeted him with the same disarray as before—scattered belongings, broken furniture, and the faint marks of Wei’s earlier violation. He sighed but made no move to tidy. There were more pressing matters to attend to.
He placed the scrolls on the only intact corner of his desk, their faint glow casting soft patterns on the wall. He unrolled the Flowing Leaf Steps scroll first, scanning the elegant script and intricate diagrams. The technique’s elegance belied its complexity. The descriptions spoke of synchronizing one’s Qi with movement, creating an almost instinctual flow that allowed the user to glide unpredictably.
Tao stepped into the center of the room, realizing almost immediately how cramped the space was. He barely had enough room to stretch, let alone practice a movement art. The technique required large, sweeping steps and precise changes in direction—things impossible to achieve in his quarters.
“Of course,” Tao muttered, rolling the scroll up again.
He turned to the Stone Skin Technique instead. This was a more straightforward art, focusing on hardening the skin by condensing Qi along its surface. Tao sat cross-legged, closing his eyes as he began to circulate his Qi. The process was anything but simple.
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At first, the Qi resisted, slipping from his control and dissipating before it could settle on his skin. He tried again, gritting his teeth as he visualized the technique’s principles. Slowly, the energy began to respond, forming a faint sheen over his arms. The effort was immense—his Qi reserves drained rapidly, and his body felt heavy, as though weighed down by the energy.
When he finally released the technique, his breathing was ragged, sweat dripping from his forehead. He glanced at the desk, where the scroll’s faint glow seemed to mock him. “Not forgiving” was an understatement. If he pushed this technique too far, it would leave him completely vulnerable.
Frustration bubbled beneath the surface, but Tao forced it down. These weren’t arts he could master in a single session. They were tools, each requiring discipline and persistence. With that thought in mind, he gathered the scrolls and stepped outside.
The cool evening air was a relief after the stifling confines of his room. Tao walked toward an open training ground near the edge of the disciple quarters, where the stone-paved floor provided enough space to practice.
He began with Flowing Leaf Steps, focusing on the initial stances and transitions. The technique was far more difficult than he’d anticipated. Each movement demanded perfect Qi synchronization, and any misstep caused the flow to break, leaving him stumbling awkwardly.
Hours passed as Tao repeated the motions, his frustration mounting with every failed attempt. The words from the scroll echoed in his mind: A leaf does not fight the wind; it dances with it.
Taking a deep breath, he adjusted his stance and cleared his mind. This time, he focused less on forcing the movements and more on letting them flow naturally. His Qi began to respond, each step feeling lighter, more fluid. When he stopped, his legs ached, and his Qi was nearly depleted, but a faint sense of accomplishment lingered.
The Stone Skin Technique proved no easier. Activating it drained his energy rapidly, and the hardened layer of Qi on his skin faded almost as soon as it formed. By the time Tao finished his training, his body felt like it had been wrung dry.
As he returned to his quarters, he realized the techniques weren’t just difficult—they were dangerous. Improper execution could leave him vulnerable in critical moments, but mastery would give him a fighting chance in the Black Hollow Forest.
When he reached his quarters, he barely had time to catch his breath before a knock sounded at the door. Tao opened it to find Jian leaning casually against the frame, his ever-present smirk in place.
“Practicing already?” Jian asked, stepping inside uninvited. He glanced at the mess and raised an eyebrow. “Still haven’t cleaned this up?”
Tao closed the door behind him. “Not a priority.”
Jian’s expression softened slightly. “Good. Focus on the mission. We can talk about cleaning after you survive the forest.”
Tao chuckled dryly, settling into the chair by his desk. “So, what brings you here?”
Jian leaned against the wall, crossing his arms. “Just wanted to check in. I saw you heading toward the training grounds earlier. You looked... determined.”
“I have to be,” Tao said, his tone serious. “The techniques I picked aren’t easy to master. Flowing Leaf Steps is elegant, but it demands complete Qi control. And Stone Skin? It drains you faster than you’d expect.”
Jian nodded. “They’re advanced techniques. Not something most first-stage cultivators would even attempt. But if you can pull it off, they’ll give you an edge.”
Tao hesitated before speaking. “Thank you, by the way. For offering to come with me.”
Jian waved a hand dismissively. “Don’t make it weird. The Black Hollow Forest isn’t the kind of place you tackle alone. Besides, I’m curious to see how far you’ve come.”
Tao smirked faintly. “Curious or bored?”
“Both,” Jian admitted, grinning. “Now, have you thought about supplies? Qi replenishment pills, maybe some traps for spirit beasts?”
Tao shook his head, a faint grimace crossing his face. “I used up all my spirit stones in the city. I’ll have to make do with whatever I have left in my quarters.”
Jian raised an eyebrow. “That’s not ideal. You’re heading into one of the most dangerous places around. We’ll figure something out tomorrow—maybe the Treasure Hall has some options that don’t cost stones.”
“Maybe,” Tao said, though his tone lacked confidence.
Jian clapped him on the shoulder. “Don’t overthink it. Rest first, plan tomorrow. You’ve got enough to worry about without running yourself into the ground.”
As Jian left, Tao leaned back in his chair, exhaustion pulling at him. The techniques were daunting, the mission dangerous, but for the first time, he felt like he wasn’t facing it alone. With Jian’s support and his growing arsenal of skills, the Black Hollow Forest no longer seemed like an impossible task.