Zhuge Minghui and Zhao Tianfeng walked through the quiet streets of a small town nestled in a valley, the moon casting a pale glow on the cobblestones.
This town was under the control of the Evil Society. Yet, as Zhuge and Tianfeng entered, no one recognized them as the killers of their comrades.
Before reaching the town, Zhuge had imparted to Tianfeng a complicated but powerful auxiliary technique known as the Veil of Illusions, a skill Zhuge himself had created.
This technique allowed them to alter their facial structure, body shape, and overall physique, rendering them completely unrecognizable.
Under normal circumstances, Tianfeng's talent and aptitude would require at least three days of intense focus to learn the Veil of Illusions.
However, they had managed to reach the small town and disguise themselves within just a day.
This was possible because Zhuge had aided Tianfeng's practice by setting up a temporal field around him.
Within this field, six days passed for everything inside it, while only an hour elapsed outside.
Tianfeng also took the opportunity to have a good rest inside the temporal field, which made him return to his peak condition.
This extraordinary feat was made possible by Zhuge's mastery of the Dao of Time, one of the ten Supreme Daos.
This is the Dao of Time!
One of the ten Supreme Daos!
Previously, Zhuge had only mastered two Supreme Daos—the Dao of Nothingness and the Dao of Space. But through relentless cultivation and an insatiable thirst for power, he had now gained expertise over the Dao of Time.
Zhuge Minghui's journey to mastering the Dao of Time was deeply intertwined with his profound understanding of the Dao of Space.
The Dao of Space, in its essence, governs the fabric of reality, allowing Zhuge to manipulate distances, compress or expand areas, and even create pocket dimensions.
This profound control over space meant that Zhuge could bend reality to his will, warping the very coordinates that bound existence.
Through this control, Zhuge discovered the intrinsic link between space and time—two aspects of the same continuum.
One of Zhuge's breakthrough realizations came when he began to experiment with spatial compression and expansion.
By compressing space, he noticed that the flow of time seemed to accelerate within that compressed zone, while expanding space caused time to decelerate.
This observation led him to theorize that if space could be manipulated to affect time, then with precise control, he could harness the flow of time itself.
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To further his understanding, Zhuge delved into the concept of spatial folds and temporal echoes. By folding space, he could create overlaps and distortions that allowed glimpses into different moments in time.
Through countless experiments, Zhuge discovered that creating stable temporal fields required a delicate balance of spatial energies.
By manipulating spatial coordinates with unparalleled precision, he could create zones where time flowed differently.
This mastery allowed him to create temporal fields like the one he used to train Tianfeng, where days could pass in mere hours.
The final step in Zhuge's mastery of the Dao of Time was achieved through the synchronization of his spatial and temporal senses.
By meditating within a self-created temporal field, he immersed himself in the ebb and flow of time, gradually attuning his mind and body to its rhythms.
This deep meditation, coupled with his spatial manipulation, allowed him to break through the final barriers and gain full mastery over the Dao of Time.
In essence, Zhuge's mastery of the Dao of Time was not a separate achievement but a natural progression of his profound control over the Dao of Space.
By understanding and manipulating the spatial dimensions to their fullest extent, he unlocked the secrets of time, intertwining the two Supreme Daos in a harmonious balance that elevated his cultivation to unparalleled heights.
While Tianfeng endured his intense training that tested his spirit and mentality, Zhuge did not idle.
He continued to cultivate in the void, his determination unwavering.
Zhuge despised wasting time and his unquenchable desire for more power drove him to harness the Dao of Time.
Now, with mastery over three Supreme Daos, Zhuge felt a sense of satisfaction, and at the moment, he has no intention of cultivating any additional Daos.
His focus was on the present, on their mission, and on the chaos and destruction that he can cause in the future.
Back at the current moment...
As they approached the local inn, Zhuge’s new guise was that of a middle-aged merchant with a kind demeanor, while Tianfeng appeared as his young and dutiful assistant.
The innkeeper, a rotund man with a welcoming smile, greeted them at the door.
“Welcome, travelers! A room for the night?” he asked, wiping his hands on a stained apron.
“Yes, please. We’ve had a long journey and could use some rest,” Zhuge replied, his voice softer and kinder than usual.
The innkeeper led them to a modest room on the second floor, furnished with two simple beds and a small table.
Once inside, Zhuge quickly inspected the room using his senses, ensuring there were no hidden threats or spies.
After securing the room, Zhuge dropped his façade for a moment, his eyes meeting Tianfeng’s.
“Remember, the Veil of Illusions isn’t just a disguise. It’s a way to move among our enemies without detection. Use it wisely.”
Tianfeng nodded, the gravity of their mission weighing heavily on him. “I understand, master. I will not disappoint you.”
Zhuge’s nodded. “Okay. Rest now. We still have to continue our adventure to Chang-An tomorrow.”
Tianfeng made a fist salute, “Disciple understands!"
Tianfeng then laid on his bed while Zhuge just sat in a lotus position on his.
As the two settled into their beds, the silence of the night enveloped them.
The small town slept peacefully, unaware of the storm that had entered their midst.
Zhuge closed his eyes, in his mind their next move was already planned, while Tianfeng slept soundly, leaving everything to his master with ease.
As the first light of dawn crept over the horizon, Zhuge Minghui and Tianfeng prepared to continue their journey to Chang-An and set out from the small town.
Their disguises, courtesy of the Veil of Illusions, remained flawless, ensuring their anonymity in this region controlled by the Evil Society.
As they left the town, the road stretched out before them, winding through lush forests and rolling hills.
Zhuge and Tianfeng walked at a steady pace, taking in the scenery with quiet appreciation.
The journey was long, but the tranquil surroundings offered a stark contrast to the violence and bloodshed they had left behind.
Every so often, Zhuge would halt their progress to incorporate training sessions for Tianfeng.
These stops served dual purposes: to rest and to make Tianfeng stronger. Zhuge's rigorous training methods, combined with the serene environment, created an ideal setting for refining Tianfeng's martial arts and halberd skills.
"Tianfeng," Zhuge began during one such stop, "focus on your stance and the flow of your movements. Master its weight and balance."
Tianfeng nodded, his expression one of intense concentration. He gripped his halberd, feeling its heft and the familiar texture of the handle.
Under Zhuge's watchful eye, he practiced his strikes and defensive maneuvers, each movement becoming more fluid and precise.
As they resumed their journey, the bond between master and disciple grew stronger. Zhuge's teachings were harsh, but fair, pushing Tianfeng to his limits and beyond.
Their walks were filled with lessons, both spoken and unspoken, as Zhuge imparted his vast knowledge of martial arts strategy and combat.
During another break, Zhuge demonstrated a complex halberd technique. "Watch closely," he instructed.
With a series of swift and powerful movements, he showcased a sequence of strikes and parries that seemed to blend seamlessly into one another. "This is the Draconic Halberd technique. It combines offense and defense into a fluid motion."
Tianfeng watched in awe, absorbing every detail.
He attempted the technique, his movements tentative at first, but growing more confident with each try under Zhuge's guidance.
The road to Chang-An was as much a journey of physical distance as it was one of personal growth and empowerment.
As the days passed, Tianfeng's progress became evident. His control over the halberd improved, his understanding of martial arts deepened, and his combat techniques became more refined.
Each stop along their route served as a milestone in his training, a testament to his dedication and Zhuge's relentless mentorship.