Chapter 4: The Road to Growth
A New Mentor
The arrival of Mu En brought a subtle shift to the Tang Sect. Despite his mysterious appearance, the man quickly proved his value. His knowledge of martial arts, combat strategies, and soul power cultivation techniques was both vast and precise. Even Tang Ya and Beibei couldn’t deny his expertise.
Huo Yuhao found himself drawn to Mu En’s teachings. During one of their training sessions, Mu En watched Huo Yuhao spar against a training dummy. After a few minutes, he called out, “Stop.”
Huo Yuhao froze, turning to face Mu En. “What’s wrong, Senior?”
Mu En walked forward, his piercing gaze locking onto Huo Yuhao. “You’re relying too much on your Spirit Eyes’ detection ability. While it’s an incredible tool, it won’t always save you. Your movements lack fluidity, and your decision-making is too reactive. You need to think ahead.”
Huo Yuhao nodded, absorbing the critique. “How can I improve?”
Mu En smiled faintly. “First, stop thinking of your Spirit Eyes as a crutch. It’s a part of you, but it’s not all of you. Let’s start by refining your fundamentals.”
From that day, Mu En took a more active role in Huo Yuhao’s training, emphasizing agility, precision, and strategic thinking. Under his guidance, Huo Yuhao’s confidence and skill began to grow.
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The Skydream Connection
As Huo Yuhao’s physical abilities improved, he also spent more time exploring the spiritual connection he shared with the Skydream Iceworm. The Iceworm’s vast knowledge of spiritual techniques became a treasure trove of guidance.
“Kid, you’re starting to show promise,” Skydream’s voice echoed one evening as Huo Yuhao meditated. “But you’ve barely scratched the surface of what we can do together. Let’s take your spiritual detection to the next level.”
“What do you mean?” Huo Yuhao asked, intrigued.
“Right now, you’re just sensing the immediate area. With enough focus, you could extend your perception to cover an entire battlefield. Imagine knowing exactly where every enemy is, how they’re moving, and what they’re planning. That’s the power of true detection.”
Huo Yuhao’s heart raced at the thought. “How do I do it?”
“Patience, kid. Start by extending your awareness in small increments. Focus on the details—every sound, every movement. Over time, you’ll expand your range naturally.”
Stolen story; please report.
Taking Skydream’s advice to heart, Huo Yuhao devoted himself to honing this ability, often practicing late into the night. Slowly but surely, he felt his spiritual detection growing sharper and more refined.
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Tang Sect’s Hidden Weapons
Meanwhile, Tang Ya continued teaching Huo Yuhao the art of hidden weapons. She introduced him to the Tang Sect’s legendary tools, from the Silent Sleeve Dart to the Godly Zhuge Crossbow. Though Huo Yuhao struggled at first, his determination never wavered.
One day, after hours of practice, Tang Ya placed a small, intricate device in his hands. “This is the Ghost Shadow Needle Launcher,” she said. “It’s one of the Tang Sect’s simpler designs, but don’t underestimate it. With proper aim, it can take down enemies before they even realize what’s happening.”
Huo Yuhao studied the weapon, marveling at its craftsmanship. “It’s incredible.”
Tang Ya grinned. “Master this, and we’ll move on to more advanced tools. But remember, hidden weapons are only as effective as the person using them. Precision and timing are everything.”
Under Tang Ya’s tutelage, Huo Yuhao grew more adept with hidden weapons, learning to combine them with his Spirit Eyes for devastating accuracy.
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A Test of Strength
One morning, Beibei announced that the group would be embarking on a mission. “There’s a village nearby that’s been troubled by rogue soul beasts,” he explained. “It’s a good opportunity for us to help, and for you, Yuhao, to test your skills.”
Huo Yuhao’s eyes lit up with excitement and determination. “I won’t let you down.”
The journey to the village was uneventful, but as they approached, the atmosphere grew tense. The villagers greeted them with relief, explaining that a pack of Shadow Wolves had been attacking their livestock.
“We’ll handle it,” Beibei assured them. “Yuhao, you’ll take the lead with me. Tang Ya will provide support.”
As night fell, the group set up an ambush near the wolves’ usual hunting grounds. Huo Yuhao’s Spirit Eyes glowed faintly as he scanned the area, his spiritual detection picking up faint movements in the distance.
“They’re coming,” he whispered.
Moments later, the Shadow Wolves emerged from the treeline, their glowing red eyes fixed on the group. Beibei stepped forward, his Blue Lightning Dragon martial soul crackling with power. “Let’s go!”
Huo Yuhao focused, using his Spirit Eyes to track the wolves’ movements. With a flick of his wrist, he launched a hidden needle from the Ghost Shadow Needle Launcher, striking one of the wolves and sending it howling to the ground.
Tang Ya provided covering fire with her crossbow, while Beibei unleashed powerful lightning attacks to keep the pack at bay. Though Huo Yuhao’s hands trembled, he fought with determination, his training and Skydream’s guidance helping him hold his ground.
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Victory and Growth
By the end of the battle, the Shadow Wolves had been driven off, and the group emerged victorious. Huo Yuhao stood amidst the aftermath, his chest heaving with exhaustion but his heart swelling with pride.
“You did well,” Beibei said, clapping him on the shoulder. “You’ve come a long way, Yuhao.”
Tang Ya grinned. “Not bad for a rookie. Keep this up, and you’ll be a true Tang Sect disciple in no time.”
Huo Yuhao smiled, the weight of his first real battle settling over him. He still had a long way to go, but for the first time, he felt like he was truly on the path to becoming a soul master.
As the group returned to the Tang Sect, Huo Yuhao silently vowed to continue pushing himself, no matter the challenges ahead.