Training (I)

"They gathered around the dining table and began to enjoy their meal. Despite Xiao Zhu's eagerness to speak, he hesitated, fearing that his mother might caution him.

The only escape from the situation was to consume the food at a rapid pace.

Once he was done, he began to question Xiao Feng, 'Little uncle Xiao, why did you pretend to be a weak cultivator?'

Despite not wanting to ask directly, the father remained curious and kept his ears open to listen in on their conversation.

'Little Xiao Zhu, I've been through a lot. I may be as strong as a supreme stage cultivator, but I'll still be rendered powerless when facing one. My junior sister's life was endangered due to my inability.'

'Do you mean you've fought with a supreme stage cultivator?'

'Hmm, yes, and it almost took our lives. It really is another level of attainment.'

'What about your junior sister?'

'She was taken away by our martial uncle, and he warned never to come look for her until I can kill a supreme stage cultivator with the swipe of my finger.'

'What! Isn't that too much on you?'

'Well, it isn't because that's where I found my motivation.'

'Your junior sister, can she not fight and take care of herself?'

'She's an alchemist... A spirit grade alchemist with little combat experience.'

Xiao Zhu's eyes widened with amusement, 'You and your junior sister are monsters, right?'

Xiao Feng stared at him for a while, 'I would rather not be called a monster, though,' he said.

'I'm sorry I said that... How old are you?'

'And I think that'd be enough for today,' he smiled as he continued with his food.

'Just tell me about your junior sister...'

'She is the most beautiful in the sect, and she loves to lurk around us most times, jump on us... Hahaha,' he laughed as tears began to well down his eyes.

The mother immediately cautioned, 'Xiao Zhu, enough of your questions.'

Xiao Feng immediately stood up from his seat and went out to relieve himself.

'Argh!'

'It really is almost becoming a sad memory. I don't know when I'll be able to meet you guys again... It really is becoming sad.'

Xiao Zhu's father went out and stood beside him as they both stared at the night's beautiful starry sky.

'It's spectacular, right... I meant the beauty of the sky,' he corrected.

'Yes, it is,' he said, looking at him before taking his gaze back to the sky.

The sky can be captivatingly beautiful, as it appears now, but it can also be chaotic and disordered at other times. Overthinking can have a negative impact on oneself.

Concentrate solely on the task at hand. I am committed to providing you with the utmost assistance during your stay here.'

'What!'

Filled with joy, Xiao Feng gazed at Xiao Zhu's father before promptly kneeling and performing a kowtow.

'Master.'

Xiao Zhu came out from his hiding, 'No more favor owed, and now it's you owing me one,' he said, smiled, and began to walk away with both hands behind his back.

The next day

Xiao Feng chose to commence his training at Mr. Xiao's house instead of heading over to the library.

Xiao Feng began to explain his flaws to Mr. Xiao, knowing well he would be able to solve things for him. Ever since that incident, he had made himself forget all he had learned since the beginning, willing to have a fresh start.

Cultivation in martial arts refers to the process of developing one's physical, mental, and spiritual strength through training and practice.

It involves the discipline and dedication needed to improve one's skills, as well as the development of one's character, values, and ethics. Cultivation is an important aspect of martial arts and emphasizes the role of training and practice in achieving personal growth and self-mastery.

The cultivation method is the spiritual and martial arts practice that enables individuals to gain power, strength, and supernatural abilities beyond the limits of normal humans.

It involves the use of meditation, breathing exercises, physical training, and the absorption of spiritual energy from the environment or other living beings. A cultivator typically seeks to cultivate their life force or spiritual energy known as QI, or other similar energies, to achieve immortality, defeat powerful enemies, and ultimately reach higher planes of existence. The cultivation method often requires great discipline, sacrifice, and a profound understanding of the spiritual world and the nature of reality.

The practice and methods used to maintain their inner strength and skills are called techniques.

"Your flaw... You have zero understanding of the techniques," he said. "Your master didn't teach you because the best way is to gain it from natural experience, but you actually failed at doing that."

Xiao Zhu's father walked towards the sword racks and took a wooden one. He smacked Xiao Feng on the leg joint, making him groan in pain.

"First, you lack serious exercises, and I don't think there's a need to check every formula on you anymore," he said as he looked away.

"Why?" Xiao asked.

"It's unlikely you'll pass any," he replied.

Xiao Feng looked down, feeling discouraged.

And now the real training begins, the true way of the sword.

First, you need to focus on your thoughts—'Mindfulness.' You've always been absorbed in your thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations, but now I want you to be aware of them.

Second, 'Deep breathing.' No matter the situation, always take slow, deep breaths to calm your mind and relax your body.

Third, 'Visualization.' Learn to create a mental escape from stress.

Fourth, 'Progressive muscle relaxation'—I think it explains itself.

Fifth, 'Exercise,' as I mentioned before, and yes, you failed at it.

Xiao Feng let out a sigh. He was already getting tired of the explanations, but he had no other choice but to endure.

Lastly, 'Meditation.' This reduces stress and promotes relaxation.

"And that will be your daily routine for creating a perfect body for sword cultivation."

"The main reason for this formula is to create a fluid body movement during practice and fights. Gradually, your body becomes adapted to it, and you'll no longer need any fancy swordplay, just one strike."

"About that divine manual, is it real?" Xiao Feng asked.

"Yes, and it has actually gone missing," he said. "From today onwards, you'll be practicing alongside Xiao Zhu."

"Yes, master."

Xiao Feng went ahead to grab a sword, wanting to perform the slashes just like little Xiao, but he heard:

"The sword?... You aren't qualified to wield one yet."

"What?!"

Xiao Zhu burst into laughter. Without many thoughts, Xiao Feng began his exercises. First, he started with a thousand push-ups, then a thousand sit-ups, and a few stretches.

His new master watched his movements and corrected his mistakes.

Six months later...

Xiao Feng had bulked up since beginning his master's routine. His joints were supple, his muscles strong, his posture improved, his breathing controlled, and his overall fitness well-rounded. His mind and body had become clearer and more fluid. The master was pleased with his progress. "It's time to pick up the sword," he said.

Xiao Feng looked at him and smirked, while Xiao Zhu threw a wooden sword at him with a smile.

"There are eight slashes: the vertical slash, horizontal slash, diagonal slash, cross slash, rolling slash, side slash, flying slash, whirlwind slash, and phoenix slash. But I want you to perfect the first four; the rest are just for knowledge. Lastly, your trump card will be the fine thrust."

Xiao Zhu's father took his position and began demonstrating each of the slashes to Xiao Feng and Xiao Zhu. It took him roughly fifteen minutes to perform all the slashes.

The slashes had no beautiful flair to them, just simple and direct. However, unleashing them required certain criteria that made them deceptively simple yet difficult.

They were focused on increasing one's damaging QI output.

Xiao Feng took his position, but he struggled to find the right stance.

"Don't worry, just perform each slash a thousand times every day. Don't forget to include speed and maximal strength. Practice consistently, and soon you'll get it right with your talent," he said, smiling.

After receiving words of encouragement, Xiao Feng felt a renewed sense of happiness. He infused QI into the wooden sword, preparing to launch the vertical slash.

Xiao Zhu's father immediately shouted, "No, no... don't do that now! With the enormous QI you have, you'll end up destroying my training ground, and it might even damage my home."

Xiao Feng let out a sigh, feeling disappointed. He had wanted to witness the power of QI infusion firsthand.

Without much thought, Xiao Feng immediately began his training routine with heightened energy, focus, and clear emotions. He was determined to become stronger, faster, and more skilled than ever before. With each physical exertion, he felt a sense of progress and accomplishment. His movements were deliberate and precise, and he made sure to maintain proper form and technique throughout his exercises.