With news of my breakthrough to Qi Condensation spreading within the family and reaching the ears of the grand elders of the "Trinity Force" and Patriarch Mun, I am summoned at the Elder Hall. It seems my progress may have been recognized, and now, they have something special in store for me.
As I stand before them, anticipation builds within me.
Exuding wisdom and power, they speak in unison, their voices resonating with a sense of authority. "Xu," they say, "as a future leader of the Hao Ren family, through tremendous hardship cause by your extremely rare thunderous cultivation, you have proven yourself worthy." My heart races with excitement and trepidation as the words "future leader" and "proven worthy" resound heavily within my thoughts. "You shall be given a special task, a high-level mission as compensation of your efforts." Grandfather Mun proclaims, while the elders agree that it is indeed time for me to prove myself once more.
Higher level missions mean greater challenges and opportunities. The mission they've assigned me is to neutralize a cave of monstrous arachnids that has been recently discovered in the mountains, 50 kilometers outside the borders of Yong Ning, near Long Zhou sect—a sect primarily focused on Spear cultivation.
The weight of their words finally sinks in. Higher level missions come with higher stakes, and the task before me is no exception. To neutralize a cave of monstrous arachnids is a daunting challenge, especially considering the two known types of arachnids that infest the cave.
Reading the mission papers given to me by my grandfather, I've learnt the following information:
- The cave lies at the border between Zhòuyǔ and Long Zhou, and it is the Zhòuyǔ sect that orders this extermination mission.
- The cave is infested with two types of known arachnids: the first type is small and green with jade eyes, armed with sharp claws used for digging and the second type is much larger and possesses red eyes, capable of inducing dizziness in its prey before ensnaring it with sticky spider threads.
As I listen to further details of the mission, I find out that the mission grades, also known as levels, range from F to S. D being the lowest level of difficulty that the Hao Ren family has ever conducted, while S represents the highest level of danger and complexity currently known to the Yong Ning area. They inform me that this mission is classified as an A+ grade mission—more challenging than a normal A grade and it is not to be underestimated. While the arachnids are weak when isolated, they become one of the biggest threats known to mankind in large groups and we're dealing with a massive nest.
"Xu," Patriarch Mun says, his gaze piercing, "you will not face this mission alone. It requires at least two people, both for proof of completion and as backup in case of unforeseen circumstances." My mind races as I wonder who my partner in this perilous undertaking will be. To my surprise, they reveal that the disciple accompanying me will be none other than "Little Lei", my childhood friend whom I met at the inn, before coming home. Lei Zhao and I share a bond that goes beyond mere friendship. We have supported each other through thick and thin since the fragile age of 5, and although she can be impatient at times, she is smart, observant and very trustworthy. I think we complement each other's traits very well.
I am grateful to have her by my side for this challenging mission.
With the details of the mission settled, my heart swells with determination. This will be a test of our abilities, our skills, and our resolve. Together, Lei and I will venture into the depths of the spider cave, facing the monstrous arachnids that threaten the peace between Zhòuyǔ and Long Zhou. That said, I've just broken through to Qi Condensation and haven't had the time to properly stabilize, and now, I am faced with such a dangerous task. It's not something I expected to happen so soon, but I must rise to the challenge.
As I leave the grand elders' chamber with Lei by my side, the excitement in the air is palpable. We can barely contain our emotions as we discuss our reunion and the mission that lies ahead.
"Xu, can you believe it?" Lei exclaims, her eyes shining with enthusiasm. "After all this time, we're finally working together again! And on such a thrilling mission too!"
I grin back at her, my heart swelling with joy. "I know, Lei! It's like fate brought us back together for this very moment. I couldn't have asked for a better partner."
She playfully punches my arm. "You better not regret saying that when we're knee-deep in giant spiders!" she teases.
"No way," I chuckle, "I have complete faith in you, Lei. We should make a formidable team."
Our laughter echoes through the yard as we continue our conversation, reminiscing about our chance encounter at the inn. Little did we know back then that our paths would intertwine once more, leading us on this perilous adventure.
As we talk, Lei opens up about her training as a cultivator of the Palm, in the Zhòuyǔ sect. She tells me about the ancient and sacred art of the "Palm of Buddha", a style passed down through generations. Her eyes light up as she describes the fluidity and grace of her techniques, the power she harnesses in every strike, and the deep connection she feels with Buddha's sacred teachings.
"I've been blessed by Buddha," she confides, her voice filled with reverence. "It is said within the sect that I am destined to be a brilliant Bhikkhuni. The path of the palm is not just about physical strength; it's about finding inner peace and enlightenment. You should take notes, it might help on your path of Lightning."
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I listen intently, fascinated by her devotion and the wisdom she imparts. Lei Zhao, one of the ten inner disciples, chosen by fate and blessed by Buddha—truly, she is an extraordinary individual.
"I've always admired your dedication, Lei," I say sincerely. "Your spirit and determination are an inspiration to me. "
Lei smiles warmly, her eyes reflecting a deep sense of camaraderie. "Let's bust some spiders, Xu, I believe in us!"
Soon after, we step into a clearing, ready to put our skills to the test. There's an air of excitement and determination as we face each other in a friendly sparring session. There's excitement in the air as we're about to begin, knowing that this fight will help us better understand each other's strengths and weaknesses, before venturing into the unknown depths of the spider cave.
She takes a deep breath, her palms glowing with a faint golden light as she assumes a fighting stance. "Show me what you've got, mama's boy!" she says with an impatient and playful grin.
I smile, focusing my mind on the lightning energy coursing through me. I feel the power surge within, boosting my speed and strength, but I know that I must be cautious not to overexert myself, as per grandfather Mun's teachings.
With a burst of speed, I charge forward, lightning crackling around me. Lei meets my advance with a powerful strike, her Vajra Palm Shockwave creating ripples in the air. Our energies clash, and for a moment, it feels like the world stands still. We trade blows, testing each other's defenses and probing for weaknesses. Lei's palm techniques are swift and precise, and her control over the Vajra Palm Shockwave is impressive. However, my lightning cultivation grants me agility and unpredictability, allowing me to dodge some of her attacks and deliver lightning-quick counterattacks, forcing her to block, but not without taking slight damage to her forearms.
Despite my best efforts of overwhelming her, I start to feel the strain on my body. The lightning's power enhances my movements, but it also makes me more vulnerable to physical harm. After reaching a certain lightning power threshold, my skin starts burning itself from the lightning on its surface.
Lei notices my struggle and eases off slightly, not wanting to push me too far, but being the impatient brat that she is, she puts an end to the fight with one heavily charged shockwave which leaves me on the ground.
As the spar comes to an end, I catch my breath, feeling a mix of satisfaction and frustration. I may have lost the spar, but I've gained valuable insights into Lei's techniques and the limitations of my own body.
With an obviously concerned expression, Lei approaches me kindly. "Xu, are you alright?" she asks, her voice filled with genuine worry.
I give her a reassuring smile. "I'm fine, little Lei... Just a bit fatigued from using my lightning cultivation. It takes a toll on my body, as you can see from the burns on my skin. I'll figure out a way to improve and overcome this weakness before we start our mission."
"You're incredibly talented with lightning alone, Xu, but you need to find proper balance between your strength and fragility. You would've beaten me easily if you didn't rely solely on lightning cultivation. Maybe there's a way to cultivate both your body and your lightning energy simultaneously." she says, understanding the situation I have intentionally put myself in.
Her words resonate with me, realizing that there is a way. I call Lei to my room and tell her to not utter a word to anybody about what is to come.
We both enter the room and immediately, I begin letting my lightning energy surge within me, focusing on harmonizing it so as not to hurt my physical body. "There's no room for weakness or hesitation—I must become stronger." I tell Lei while looking her in the eyes and without further hesitation, I touch the side of the ring, bringing out the flower I have stored for future use and shocking Lei in the process.
As I hold the Hundred Years Malorniya flower in my hand, its petals gleaming with a soft, ethereal light, I can't help but feel a surge of hope. The words from the Divine Thunderstrike manual echo in my mind: "Drinking the juice of the Hundred Years Malorniya, in the presence of continuous lightning, helps stabilize the condensation of Qi and boost bodily functions. It must be used not long before breaking through to the Qi Condensation realm, so as not to waste it's Yin-Yang energies that strengthen the body."
Taking a deep breath, I bring the flower close to my lips and drink the juice from within with determination. It has a bitter taste, but I don't mind. This is a chance to enhance my abilities and rise to the challenges that lie ahead.
As I consume the juice, I focus on the lightning energy within me, seeking to harmonize it with the nourishing essence of the flower. The room seems to glow with a faint lightning aura, and I can feel the energy swirling around me, resonating with the legendary flower.
Time passes slowly as I am forced into a deep meditative state, feeling the effects of the flower taking hold. Gradually, a sense of calm and strength washes over me, and I can sense my lightning cultivation stabilizing.
The energy flows more smoothly within me, and I can feel my physical body strengthening in response. After what feels like an eternity, I open my eyes, feeling rejuvenated and more focused than ever. I turn to Lei, who has been meditating beside me, and share a confident smile.
"Lei, I think it worked," I say, my voice tinged with excitement. "The juice of the Hundred Years Malorniya—it's truly remarkable."
She looks at me with curiosity. "What do you mean, Xu? I've been meaning to ask, what is this plant?"
"I read about it in the Divine Thunderstrike manual," I begin explaining how I have a manual that, for some reason, can only be held and read by me, and how I "found" the Hundred Years Malorniya during one of my journeys.
Her eyes widen in surprise as I reveal the existence of the Divine Thunderstrike manual and its peculiar connection to me. "A manual that only you can hold and read? That's incredible, Xu," she exclaims.
"Yes, it's strange," I reply, "but it's been a valuable resource in my pursuit of cultivation. It contains ancient knowledge and techniques related to lightning cultivation that have guided me thus far. The passage about the Hundred Years Malorniya caught my attention, and I felt compelled to try it."
Lei nods, her curiosity piqued. "It seems like destiny has led you to this manual, Xu. I have no doubt that it will continue to guide you towards greatness."
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