Chapter 40: Teaching Soft Feather

As the morning progresses, Zenith Heaven Emperor and Soft Feather begin to make preparations for the day ahead. They both know that they have much to do, and that they can't afford to waste any time.

As they sit down to breakfast together, Zenith Heaven Emperor turns to Soft Feather with a determined look in his eye. "Today is the day," he says firmly.

Soft Feather looks up at him, her eyes widening in surprise. "What do you mean?"

"We can't put it off any longer," Zenith Heaven Emperor explains. "We need to start training you to ride a flying sword."

Soft Feather nods, a determined expression on her face. She knows that this is an important step in their journey, and that she needs to be ready for whatever challenges lie ahead.

Zenith Heaven Emperor leads her out to the courtyard, where he begins to teach her the basics of flying sword techniques. He shows her how to control the sword with her mind, and how to use it to move through the air with ease.

Zenith Heaven Emperor watches as Soft Feather eagerly absorbs his teachings. He can see the excitement in her eyes as she grasps the basics of controlling the flying sword.

"Soft Feather, I'm sure you can learn this today" he says, smiling at her.

Soft Feather grins back at him. "I've always wanted to learn how to fly. This is amazing!"

"I'm glad you're enjoying it," Zenith Heaven Emperor says. "But we're just getting started. I want to teach you a top-level flying technique."

Soft Feather's eyes widen in surprise. "Really? What technique is it?"

"It's called the Nine Heavens Flying Technique," Zenith Heaven Emperor explains. "It's a technique that I developed myself. It's a bit difficult, but I think you're up to the challenge."

Soft Feather nods, determination written all over her face. "I'm ready, let's do it!"

Zenith Heaven Emperor takes a deep breath and begins to demonstrate the technique. He shows Soft Feather how to use her mind to control the sword in nine distinct movements, each one representing a different heaven.

Soft Feather watches carefully, her eyes focused on Zenith Heaven Emperor's every movement. She can see the power and grace in his movements, and she knows that she has a lot to learn.

After Zenith Heaven Emperor finishes the demonstration, he turns to Soft Feather. "Now it's your turn. Try to replicate the movements I just showed you."

Soft Feather takes a deep breath and concentrates, focusing all of her energy on controlling the sword with her mind.

Her first attempts at using the Nine Heavens Flying Technique prove to be quite challenging. She struggles to find the right balance and control the speed of the sword, often wobbling and nearly losing her balance.

Zenith Heaven Emperor watches her carefully, noticing her difficulties, and steps in to offer guidance. "Soft Feather, try to focus your mind on the sword, and feel the flow of the spiritual energy around you. You need to synchronize your movements with the sword and let it become an extension of your body."

Soft Feather nods, trying to follow his advice. She closes her eyes and concentrates on the sword, feeling the energy around her. Gradually, she begins to gain more control over the sword, and her movements become smoother.

Zenith Heaven Emperor nods in approval, "Good job, Soft Feather. Now try to increase the speed and altitude, but be careful not to lose control."

Soft Feather follows his instructions and begins to soar higher and faster through the air, feeling the wind rush past her face. She feels a sense of exhilaration and freedom as she flies, and can't help but let out a whoop of joy.

Zenith Heaven Emperor smiles at her enthusiasm, "You're doing great, Soft Feather. With some more practice, you'll master this technique in no time."

Soft Feather continues to practice the Nine Heavens Flying Technique, gradually improving her skills. She tries different movements and maneuvers, experimenting with the technique and learning how to control the sword in various situations.

As she moves through the technique, Zenith Heaven Emperor watches her closely, giving her feedback and guidance along the way. "Soft Feather, try to keep your movements smooth and fluid. Don't let your body tense up, or you'll lose control of the sword."

Soft Feather nods, adjusting her movements to follow his advice. She tries to stay relaxed and focused, letting the spiritual energy flow through her and guide her movements.

With each attempt, Soft Feather grows more confident and skilled. She starts to perform more complex moves, spinning and flipping through the air with ease. Zenith Heaven Emperor watches her in awe, amazed at how quickly she's improving.

"Soft Feather, you're a natural at this," he says, impressed. "I've never seen anyone pick up this technique so quickly."

As she comprehends the technique, Zenith Heaven Emperor watches her closely, giving her feedback and guidance along the way.

"Very good, Soft Feather! Keep going!" he encourages her.

Soft Feather continues to move as described by the technique, her movements becoming more fluid and confident with each passing moment.

Afterward, Soft Feather's training progresses quickly, and soon she masters the basics of the flying sword technique. But as she grows more skilled, she begins to crave more excitement and challenge. She starts to perform risky maneuvers, daring herself to push her limits and test her abilities.

She starts to fly at higher speeds, soaring through the air like a bird of prey. She performs twists and turns, loops and corkscrews, defying gravity and laughing with joy.

Zenith Heaven Emperor watches her from the ground, amazed at her skills but also worried about her safety. He calls out to her, "Soft Feather, be careful! You're flying too fast!"

But Soft Feather is too caught up in the thrill of the moment to listen. She continues to push herself harder and faster, ignoring her beloved's warnings.

Suddenly, she loses control of the sword, and it veers off course. She screams as she hurtles toward the ground, barely managing to regain control at the last second.

Zenith Heaven Emperor rushes over to her, his heart pounding with fear. "Soft Feather, are you alright?" he asks, his voice shaking.

Soft Feather grins at him, still feeling the rush of adrenaline. "I'm fine, Zenith! That was amazing! Did you see how close I came to the ground?"

Zenith Heaven Emperor shakes his head in exasperation, "Soft Feather, you can't keep doing this. Flying on a sword is dangerous, and you could get seriously hurt."

But Soft Feather just pouts, "But Zenith, it's so much fun! I promise I'll be more careful from now on."

Zenith Heaven Emperor sighs, knowing that he can't stop her from taking risks. He just hopes that she'll be more careful in the future, and that her love for excitement won't lead to any serious accidents.

After Soft Feather's exciting flying sword session, Zenith Heaven Emperor takes her to a secluded part of the courtyard, where he begins to teach her a new cultivation technique. Soft Feather looks at him with wide eyes, eager to learn what he has to teach her.

"What's this technique called?" she asks, her curiosity piqued.

"It's called the Thirty Three Beast's Inborn Qi Art - Version 2," Zenith Heaven Emperor says, a proud smile on his face.

Soft Feather looks impressed, "Wow, that sounds really powerful! Did you create it yourself?"

Zenith Heaven Emperor nods, "Yes and no, I received the original technique from my father, but I've modified it to better suit your cultivation path. It's perfect for the fourth stage!"

Soft Feather nods, eager to learn more. "Can you show me how it works?"

Zenith Heaven Emperor nods, and begins to explain the intricacies of the technique. He shows her how to control her Qi in the right way to use this technique, and how to cultivate it in a way that harnesses the power of thirty-three different beasts.

Soft Feather listens intently, absorbing every word. She can feel the power of the technique surging through her, and she knows that with enough practice, she'll be able to use it to defeat even the strongest opponents.

As Zenith Heaven Emperor continues to explain the technique, Soft Feather can't help but feel grateful to have him as her beloved.

"I can't thank you enough, beloved," she says, bowing respectfully. "This technique is incredible, and I can't wait to practice it more."

Zenith Heaven Emperor smiles at her, "I'm just happy to be able to share my knowledge with you, Soft Feather. With this technique, you'll be able to reach new heights in your cultivation journey."

And so they spend the rest of the day practicing together.