Chapter 10: Transition Forms and Threading
Uzman met with the Headmaster, Master Jones, and Instructor Shelmith the next day after the fights. “Congratulations, I heard that you managed to awaken your core and put up a respectable showing at the ranking fights. I had every confidence in you given the potential indicated by your initial testing. You are therefore allowed to rejoin the normal classes.” The Headmaster said.
“What is your affinity if you don’t mind me asking?” Instructor Shelmith inquired. "I can channel air and fire,” Uzman answered. “That is a very useful mix. Users of air and fire are known as destruction mages due to the power they can evoke when using these elements together. However, following two paths will make you weaker. I would advise you to choose one path and dedicate your training.” Instructor Shelmith advised as the other masters nodded in agreement.
“I would like clarification on an issue that has been bothering me. Since the classes are not mandatory, can I choose the ones to attend? Uzman asked. “I would advise against it. Since you are sponsored by the empire, you will only enjoy the first 6 months of free lessons. After that, you need to hire instructors as you specialize in the Martial Path. Therefore it would be more beneficial to enjoy the foundational lessons until you get a mentor or backer.” The Headmaster clarified.
“I will consider your words. Is there a way I can pay for my tuition instead of remaining beholden to the empire if I can raise the funds?” Uzman inquired. “Yes, if you can raise 25 gold per year, it would meet your fees in this institution. If you have no other questions, you are dismissed.” The Headmaster ended the interview.
Uzman found Jurdur, Kenzo, and Fatima waiting for him outside his house. “Hi! We wanted to go and buy some pills in exchange for our points at the potions store. We wanted to invite you along.” Kenzo informed him.
“Actually, it is good that you waited for me. As I had promised, I have some pills for you guys. Come in please.” Uzman invited them. He then presented each with a Rank 1 pill for meridian opening and cleansing. He had already selected these pills for his friends before leaving to meet the Headmaster. Fatima picked her pills reverently. “These are first-grade pills and are very expensive. How did you afford them.” She asked.
Uzman smiled enigmatically. “ Remember, the story about learning about the Dragon Fire Clan. This is related and I am still not ready to share that story. However, I may have access to more resources for your paths from time to time.” “Cousin, we trust your word on this, but this will put us deeply in your debt. Clansmen do not like debts.” Jurdur said.
“It is not a debt, you stood by me when I needed you. Now that I know I am Clan, I will help you as much as I can knowing you would do the same for me.” They all remained silent for a few seconds thinking about the turn of events. Finally, Kenzo spoke. “We will not forget this. If you need anything from us we will be there.” She intoned authoritatively holding he fists at her waist and bowing. “So shall it be.” Jurdur and Fatima chorused together bowing as Kenzo had done. Uzman felt that the gesture must have significance but he could not figure it out.
“Anyway, I will not be here a lot as I will be heading out into the forest to train and meditate. I found that I am advancing faster that way.” Uzman informed them. “Take care and stay safe,” Kenzo said as the Northerners left.
‘Master Khalid, are there other forms that are not based on water, fire, earth, or air? ‘Why do you ask?’ ‘I thought I glimpsed other ways to combine forms and make them stronger.’ Uzman answered.
'They are known as transition forms and are the aegis of a wizard. What you had is known as an epiphany or insight. Stringing two or more forms together is known as threading and is the basis for why a wizard is so much stronger than a regular mage This knowledge will form the next part of your lessons once you find the Rank 2 training area. This time purpose and prepare to stay longer in the forest where you will cultivate and advance faster.’ Additionally, you will also start training with weapons and face beasts for your advancement.’
You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.
'I am planning to go back to the forest tomorrow to continue training. I was wondering if it is possible to know the level of a beast or a person by looking at them.’ 'Ha! Getting ahead of ourselves, are we? It is possible to see the level of those weaker than you and those equal or higher within a rank by reading the density of Chi threads emanating from a person. This becomes easier as you become stronger and open your sense meridian. We will discuss more during your training.’ Master Khalid replied.
Uzman spent the remainder of the day preparing. For the first time, he went to the town outside the academy. It was simply known as Academy Town as it had grown and thrived due to the presence of the Academy. Additionally, the independent nature of the Academy attracted merchants from all parts of Tanga.
Uzman entered a restaurant named ‘Mama’s Second Helping,’ and approached the counter at the reception. “I was referred here by Lady Tameria. I was told to ask for Chef Jethro.” Uzman told the young lady manning the reception desk. “Let me get him for you.” She said.
After a few minutes, a burly man with a chocolate complexion followed the lady into the reception area. “I hear the Lady referred you to me, I am Jethro.” “Yes, she informed me that your cooking can raise those on death’s door just to enjoy a last meal prepared by you.” “Ha-ha-Flattery will get you everywhere” he guffawed. “I have decided that I like you. What do you want from me?”
“I need traveling rations for two to three weeks. I have a storage device that will keep them fresh. I can pick up the food tomorrow. Feel free to improvise and don’t worry about the expense. “Uzman said” “Let us see…., that will be 42 meals if you eat twice for 21 days. That will be 63 silvers.” Uzman thanked Jethro and paid out the coin from his pouch and then left to go back to the Academy.
The next day, Uzman collected the wrapped food packages, stored them in his pendant, and went in search of a new cultivation spot along the Tigresi River. He passed his previous camping site, crossed the river, and then traveled warily downstream aware that he was now in the Rank two territory albeit close to the river. Two miles downstream the river widened and curved eastward deeper into the forest. The vegetation changed from woodland into a forest indicated by the large ancient trees and luxuriant vegetation. He could feel the increase in cultivation energy as he moved further into the forest. 5 miles from the initial campsite, Uzman found the second cultivation spot indicated in the directional map. He set down the repelling formation and sat down to meditate and cultivate.
Uzman enjoyed cultivating in this area as he was pulling energy quickly into his core and refining it into unaspected Chi. Within a few hours, he had filled his core to the brim and started trying to condense it further. He knew that to break into the tempering stage he would need to open most of his meridians and condense his Chi into a viscous liquid. He continued in this fashion without success until he decided to consult his master.
“Master, I have found the second position indicated on your map and it has improved my cultivation speed. However, I can’t manage to condense my Chi further. ‘Bah! The impatience of youth. You want to learn to walk and run at the same time.’ The Master chided. ‘What you need to do is to fill your Core and then empty it through exercise. As you continue to do so, your Chi will get easier to use which will improve your control. For now, we should talk about the training. For the rest of this week, you will fight against the golem with the setting of adept. I want you to exert yourself fully. You will begin getting insight into the transition hidden forms. These work differently from person to person and cannot be taught. Suffice is to say that they provide a link from one Form to another.
'Suppose you want to move from earth to water. You have to transition through the wooden forms. in this case, wood is a secondary element that is made from the confluence of earth and water; even though technically, you also need air. Between two primary form types lies a hidden form made from the confluence of the two elements. It is easier to counter water with wood, while metal can counter earth more easily than fire. The easiest way to get insights is through the heat of battle. cultivators accept that the best steel is forged in fire. In my time, a good battle with demon beasts was necessary for rapid advancement with life as the price of failure. After the week we will also move to adapt your forms to weapons.
Uzman retrieved the golem and adjusted the settings to Adept. “Young Master, would you like to spar.” A disembodied voice asked. “I would very much like to,” Uzman replied.
The golem switched effortlessly from air to fire, imbuing its fists with its destructive power. It became faster than Uzman who had chosen the flexible forms of water. He could not keep up and found himself flying in the air, the result of a spinning crescent kick. Uzman had not been faring well in these fights failing even to score a hit against the animated opponent. The main challenge was the ability of the golem to switch forms at will leaving Uzman at a disadvantage. For the rest of the day, Uzman lost many more fights paying the cost in blood and broken bones. He had all but become numb to the pain. At this rate, he was going to run out of healing pills before the month was out.