章節 69: [Bonus chapter]Preparation
Juanxiu stood there silently, observing the six students as they went through their martial techniques. He watched as they executed each move with varying degrees of success, noting the subtle flaws in their movements. His eyes flickered over their forms, his mind analyzing each detail with precision.
He felt a sense of frustration bubbling up inside him. These students had potential, but their techniques were lacking. Juanxiu knew he could help them, but he didn't want to overstep his bounds. He didn't want to come off as arrogant or disrespectful towards their family's martial art.
Instead, he decided to give them a subtle hint.
Juanxiu watched as Wang Shaojun gracefully brandished her sword, her movements fluid and elegant. He couldn't help but be impressed by her finesse and the way she seemed to flow through the air. However, as she shifted her position, Juanxiu noticed a slight imbalance in her stance. He decided to help her by performing the second move of the Hollylock Blade technique, moving slowly and with deliberate precision. As he executed the move, he made sure to emphasize the shifting of weight and the fluidity of the footwork.
Wang Shaojun watched Juanxiu with keen interest as he demonstrated the technique. It was as if she had achieved enlightenment, as she saw the subtle nuances in his movements and realized how they could be applied to her own technique. She decided to incorporate the footwork into her own swordplay but found it difficult at first. She stumbled a bit in her first few attempts, but she persisted and eventually managed to get the hang of it.
As Juanxiu watched Wang Shaojun improve, he felt a sense of satisfaction. It was rewarding to see his hints and suggestions being put into practice and resulting in actual improvement. He couldn't wait to see how the other students would fare with his guidance.
Juanxiu observed her movements becoming more refined and balanced. He was impressed by her progress, but he knew there was more work to be done with the other students. With a nod of approval, he moved on to Yan Zhenqin, who was wielding two massive morning stars with all his aggression, neglecting his defense.
Juanxiu speculated that it could be because he lacked a proper martial arts teacher and training. He decided that it might be beneficial to offer Yan Zhenqin one of the pills he concocted earlier, made from Bronzeberry, which could permanently increase the hardness of one's body-The Bronze Defense Body. While it may not be as effective as body reformation, it could still significantly improve his defense.
Juanxiu approached Yan Zhenqin and handed him the pill. He explained the benefits of taking it and how it could improve his overall martial arts skills. Yan Zhenqin was initially hesitant.
"But, Juanxiu, I don't have anything to offer in exchange," Yan Zhenqin said, his voice tinged with hesitation.
Juanxiu smiled warmly. "No need to worry about that. Consider it a gift from me. Just promise me that you will use it wisely and train diligently."
Yan Zhenqin nodded gratefully, taking the pill from Juanxiu's hand. "Thank you, Juanxiu. From now on, we are brothers. I won't let this go to waste."
"I know you won't," Juanxiu replied, patting Yan Zhenqin's shoulder before turning to leave. "Remember to keep up with your training."
Yan Zhenqin watched as Juanxiu walked away, feeling a newfound determination to improve his martial arts skills with the help of the pill.
…...
Juanxiu approached Liu Xie as he watched him perform his sharp but unrefined sword movements. "What's your sword technique called?" he asked.
Liu Xie responded, "It is the most basic sword technique taught in our province. A beggar taught me how to use this."
Juanxiu took out something from his spatial pouch and thought for a while. He knew that if he was going to help Principal Peng Gui, he might as well go all out. He handed over the first movement of the Ethereal Blade to Liu Xie, explaining how it could improve his technique. However, whether he would give the second and third moves of the blade technique would depend on Liu Xie's loyalty.
Liu Xie was initially surprised by Juanxiu's offer, but he quickly understood the significance of what was being offered to him. With determination in his eyes, he thanked Juanxiu.
Of the six students, Ban Zhao had the poorest foundation in martial arts. It was evident that she had devoted most of her time to alchemy, which made Juanxiu question why she was even in Hongpuhui University. Nonetheless, he approached her and performed the first stage of Frostfire Aura in front of her.
At first, Ban Zhao just looked at Juanxiu, probably thinking he was showing off. She didn't understand what he was doing. Juanxiu sighed realizing he had to explain it to her in simpler terms.
He sighed and said, "This is a technique known as Frostfire Aura. It's effective in refining pills and potions. It can also be used to attack enemies."
Ban Zhao's eyes lit up at the mention of refining pills.
"Really? Teach me," she said eagerly.
Juanxiu nodded and said, "You should first try to wield your aura. Think of it in the form of an energy ball first, then try to compress it. Do it over and over again."
Ban Zhao listened carefully and asked, "After that?"
Juanxiu replied, "Do that first, and then we'll talk."
...
Zhang Heng's martial moves were fluid and agile, reminiscent of a rainbow serpent weaving its way through the air. His techniques were so refined that it seemed that he had been trained by Principal Peng Gui himself. Juanxiu watched with awe as Zhang Heng demonstrated his skills, unable to offer any pointers to improve his technique. Perhaps Principal Peng Gui will give him the pointers he needed.
On the other hand, Li Bai's use of the meteor hammer was equally impressive. His movements were precise and powerful, each swing of the hammer creating a whistling sound as it cut through the air. His control over the weapon was impeccable, the meteor hammer moving exactly as he intended it to. It was clear to Juanxiu that Li Bai had received training from experts in wielding the meteor hammer, most likely due to his noble background.
As they finished their sparring, Juanxiu called them to gather in the room. The noise level was high, but Juanxiu calmly gestured for them to quiet down.
"Listen up, everyone. I have something important to tell you," he said as he took out a jade bottle containing a golden pill.
"What's that?" Zhang Heng asked, his eyes fixed on the bottle.
"This is the Dragon Emperor Advancement Pill. It can help you advance your cultivation level, at least to the middle class of a Soldier Stage," Juanxiu explained.
The group was shocked, their eyes wide open in disbelief. Li Bai's hands were shaking as he reached for the bottle.
"Is this for us?" Shaojun asked
"How do we take it?" Li Bai asked, his voice trembling.
"Just ingest it," Juanxiu replied.
"What? Don't we need to meditate or something?" Ban Zhao asked, her skepticism evident in her voice.
Juanxiu was slightly annoyed by their skepticism. "Just eat it. Trust me, it works," he said firmly.
The group exchanged hesitant glances, but they knew they could trust Juanxiu. With shaking hands, they took the pills and swallowed them whole.
As the students ingested the Dragon Emperor Advancement Pill, Juanxiu watched with a keen eye. He could see the energy coursing through their bodies, their cultivation rapidly crossing each stage. The air was charged with energy, and the sound of booming could be heard as they broke through each level.
Within a few minutes, most of them had reached the 5th stage of the Soldier rank, with Li Bai and Zhang Heng reaching the 6th stage, and Ban Zhao reaching the 4th stage. Juanxiu nodded in satisfaction. It was clear that the pill had done its job.
However, he couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. He knew that forcefully increasing one's cultivation with herbs came with drawbacks, and that they only had two weeks to solidify their cultivation. Otherwise, it would be just a boost in energy.
He watched as the students calmed down from their rapid cultivation and looked at each other in shock and awe. Some were shaking from the intensity of the experience. They looked to Juanxiu with uncertainty, asking how they were supposed to proceed. Juanxiu simply told them to rest for the day and start solidifying their cultivation the next day.
He knew they had a lot of work to do, but at least they now had a fighting chance on the upcoming Recondite Battle.
Juanxiu looked at the group of students, who were all staring back at him in amazement at what they had just experienced. He took a deep breath and addressed them:
"My fellow students, you have just experienced a rapid increase in your cultivation levels, thanks to the Dragon Emperor Advancement Pill. But let me be clear, this is not a permanent solution. Forcefully increasing one's cultivation with herbs comes with drawbacks, and without proper solidification, the boost will be a waste. That's why we must use this opportunity to solidify our cultivation and hone our martial arts skills."
He looked around at each of them, making eye contact and nodding reassuringly.
"For the next few days, we will be sparring with each other and practicing our martial techniques. This is the perfect chance to get used to your new boost in cultivation and refine your skills. Don't waste this opportunity. Remember, even the most powerful technique is useless if you cannot execute it flawlessly."
He paused for a moment to let his words sink in before continuing.
"I believe in each and every one of you, and I know that with hard work and dedication, you will all achieve great things. So let's get to work and make the most of our time together!"
With that, Juanxiu ended his speech and watched as the group of students dispersed to begin their training. He smiled to himself, feeling confident that they were on the right path to success.
…...
As the Hongpuhui University carriage rattled down the bumpy dirt road, the group of seven students inside couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. The carriage was old and dilapidated, with peeling paint and creaky wheels that threatened to fall off at any moment. But this was all their university could afford.
As they approached the venue for the Recondite Battle, they saw the students from the other university arriving in style on a magnificent Cloud Chaser. The sleek and elegant vehicle gleamed in the sunlight, and its riders looked down on them with smug expressions, laughing at the ragtag group from Hongpuhui.
The Hongpuhui students themselves were wearing old and worn uniforms, some with patched-up holes and frayed edges. It was clear that they didn't have the resources or prestige of their rivals.
As the group stepped off the rickety old carriage, they were met with the unwelcome sight of other university principals sneering and making sarcastic remarks towards Peng Gui. Juanxiu could feel the tension in the air as the two groups sized each other up.
One of the other principals, a tall and imposing figure with a sneer on his face, approached Peng Gui with a mocking smile.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't Peng Gui and his ragtag group of students. I see you're still using that old thing for transportation," he taunted, gesturing towards the decrepit carriage they had just stepped off of.
Peng Gui remained calm and collected, refusing to stoop to the other principal's level.
"Quality education does not come from material possessions, but from the dedication and hard work of our students and faculty," he replied evenly.
The other principal simply laughed, shaking his head in disbelief.
"Well, good luck with that. We'll see who comes out on top in this year's competition," he said before turning and walking away, his group following closely behind.
Another principal approached him with a sneer on his face. "Look who finally show up," he said in a sarcastic tone. "If it isn't Peng Gui from Hongpuhui University. What a surprise to see you here. I suppose you have moved on from causing the Qi deviation of your students?"
Peng Gui remained calm and composed, despite the other principal's obvious attempt to belittle him. "It is a pleasure to see you too, Principal Yuefeng," he replied politely.
Principal Yuefeng chuckled. "I must say, Peng Gui, you have some nerve entering this Recondite Battle. Your university is known for its mediocre students and subpar facilities. What makes you think you can compete with the likes of us?"
Peng Gui's expression remained unchanged. "We may not have the same resources as your university, but we have something that cannot be taught or bought: determination and perseverance. Our students have worked hard to get here, and we will not back down from any challenge."
Principal Yuefeng snorted. "We shall see about that. But I warn you, Peng Gui, don't get your hopes up. The Recondite Battle is not as simple as you think; people actually die here."
With that, Principal Yuefeng turned and walked away, followed by his team of students who were smirking and snickering at the Hongpuhui University team. Peng Gui and his team stood tall, refusing to be intimidated by their opponents. They knew that they had to work even harder to prove themselves in this competition.
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