Chapter 14: Probing and Intention

The clash between Murong Lingyun and Su Chen had left a lasting impression on the audience gathered in the arena. Though he had been beaten, Murong Lingyun now respected his adversary while Su Chen remained calm even after defeating him.

When the dust settled, all eyes turned to Wang Chu as the Grand Tutor, whose keen eye could tell of both fighting and political matters, posed a probing question to him under guise of politeness: "Young Lord," he started rather inquisitively and cautiously, "are you possibly a disciple from the nearest holy land?"

Wang Chu replied calmly; always knowing how power worked in subtleties. "Grand Tutor, things are better off not seen right now."

With an appearance betraying years of experience and caution Old Ji subtly reinforced Wang Chu's perspective. "Exactly," he interrupted with an air of authority "some matters may bring about unintended results if pursued deeply"

Su Chen caught every bit of tension underlying what was being said which made him scoff lightly at any talk about holy lands. "Do not club us with mere ants," he contemptuously remarked; words having enough confidence to suggest that no one else was walking such path but him only.

Wang Chu sensed that things could heat up further and therefore intervened. "Su Chen, don't cause any trouble". He noticed that this disciple of his is a little arrogant, although he doesn't show it normally, there are instances that he just blurt things without thinking about the consequences. 

Meanwhile Xiao Chi listened attentively while snacking interjected innocently:"we live in a whale!" he exclaimed between mouthfuls as his eyes grew wider from the fantastic idea.

Xiao Chi's words barely registered on Murong Lingyun's face but there was some kind of acknowledgment there for an instance. Only days ago, he had heard of an unidentified group near the Sky Swallowing Beast, a mysterious creature that continued to puzzle the Empire. Despite Lingyun's relentless spies, there was no information regarding its nature, its origin or what it wanted. It stood as a silent mystery that reminds us all how little we know about power.

Wang Chu then changed the topic and addressed the Grand Tutor again: "Grand Tutor," he began with foresight aspect in his tone, "would you help us in establishing a discreet presence along the coastlines? Just treat is as the Yan empire having an additional island".

The Grand Tutor looked around at each of them before nodding thoughtfully. "Noted." he said accepting this by use of his words alone; though not directly admitting approval at what he said. "I will discuss this with the emperor."

As they dispersed from the meeting place, there were lingering hints of unspoken truths and strategic moves hanging heavily over the heads of each individual who carried their secrets and destinies into the changing weather patterns in power and cultivation. And within those shadows where identities hid and intentions lay cloaked, alliances formed and challenges awaited destiny's touch upon an empire bound intricately by plot anomalies.

The Grand Tutor gave his approval to the courtiers, presenting them with a reserved courtyard to hide in that was secluded and adapted to their cultivation needs. Su Chen saw this gesture as one of trust and support.

Wang Chu walked up to Su Chen "You will practice this arts from now on, although you have the manuals of the Asura Clan. I think this cultivation technique will be more suitable to you now and in the future".

Su Chen accepted them with gratitude mixed with interest meeting Wang Chu's eyes afterwards respectfully. The names – Foundation Art- Obsidian Ashes, Movement Art- Twilight Dash, Fighting Technique- Seed of Catastrophe resonated with a deep sound that caught Su Chen's attention and awe.

Meditating on these types art, which were much more delicate than a butterfly in flight or harder than a sharpened blade; they unfolded like the chapters in an old book written by forgotten masters. Of all revered Asura Clan manuals ever created ,Foundation Art- Obsidian Ashes readied its ranking making it not only one of the most exquisite styles known to mankind but also revealed the very depths of mastery. Forcing upon him Movement Art- Twilight Dash which allowed him movement as graceful as a wisp of smoke, proving beyond doubt that Wang Chu had sharp eyesight. And when it came to Fighting Technique- Seed of Catastrophe , it seemed like hidden power perhaps waiting for being released into action by Su Chen.

Perplexed about where these arts originated from or how profound they were, he went looking for Old Ji who possessed knowledge that spanned worlds and eras. "Old Ji," asked Su Chen courteously, "have you ever seen such deep-ranging techniques let alone three skills passed so easily?"

Old Ji had always been calm even when confronted by the rising tide conflict; he nevertheless appeared surprised he eventually confessed with a tinge of awe, "not in all my life have I experienced this type of thing where three great art are passed on to some body else intentionally, not to mention I suspect this arts are probably above nirvana level."

As someone with his level of cultivation and his old age. Old Ji can be considered an old antique even in the standard of the upper realms, although his current strength is that of only Eternal realm due to the restriction of his world. He was a peak deva realm cultivator, once step away from attaining Godhood/God realm, he didn't expect that he would still get surprise again and again the same individual. 

On the other hand, the system rewarded Wang Chu's struggle with its usual voice. "Accept 2 disciples with a physique ranked in Immemorial Physique Rankings or equivalent within 15 days. Failure to comply will be punished by Chaos Divine Thunder, punishment postponed due to Mission Completion."

Rewards: Comprehension for 100 years including disciples arts and 10,000 heaven coins.

The notification from the system made Wang Chu sigh from relief, the dread from getting hit by a Divine Thunder is definitely not on his bucket list.

As such, while Su Chen spent time in his secretive yard being taught these techniques by Wang Chu, he didn't however comprehend them easily. They were more than just arts; they could unlock his dormant powers and lead him through the path to mastery.

However, within the courtyard's open area filled with different atmosphere. Murong Lingyun tried asking Xiao Chi a bunch of question but this guy is seriously like a walking hole, he ate everything the servants serve him and he still doesn't answer any of his question properly

"Xiao Chi, you must have come from somewhere extraordinary given how gifted you are'." Murong Lingyun probe more.

Thoughtfully chewing on a snack, Xiao Chi, always innocent and instinctively defensive, replied: "A few weeks ago Master picked me up and since then we have been traveling." Nevertheless, his words contained an underlying simplicity that could not obscure the complexity within.

Wang Chu's voice rang out across the courtyard causing both Xiao Chi and Su Chen to look over. "Su Chen, Xiao Chi!" Wang Chu called in a mix of authority and guidance. "There is much to discuss…come here!"

With ambition and wisdom hanging from the shadows above their heads in heavy clusters like leaves overhanging trees,Wang Chu began to describe the complexities of his new technique-Fighting Technique-Seed of Catastrophe. Sparkling with expectancy as he addressed Su Chen, "You can potentially make your Katana Shower more potent; it has a base for evolution into Seed of Catastrophe," urged Wang Chu.

Su Chen's eyes narrowed with possibilities already bubbling inside him. "Seed of Catastrophe" he quietly articulated as though tasting power itself. What is its first layer?"

"Its name is Trap of Verdor", explained Wang Chu in a calm tone. This will turn your Katana Shower into an explosive torrent that entraps enemies to dance in ruin.

Wang Chu respectfully called out to Old Ji, "Old Ji, can you spare some time so that we can test Su Chen's new technique?"

Old Ji however knew what the young man meant. He said, "Let us see if this Seed of Catastrophe is as powerful as it claims," he said with his voice heavy with experience.

In a secluded courtyard, Wang Chu and Old demonstrated their skills in front of Su Chen. The audience could smell the tension in the air when they watched them fight.

The movements of Wang Chu, who had become an embodiment of the Seed of Catastrophe technique, were controlled and swift reflecting only his shadows. His steps showed nothing but precision for there was no strike that wasn't intentional. On the other hand, Old Ji defended himself like a rock wall defending against all assaults from Wang Chu.

As he carried out his attacks using Katana Shower technique imbued by Trap of Verdor's power, Wang Chu appeared as though a storm full of blades were blowing through him rather than just one person fighting. This was because each blow made and blocked by Old Ji seemed more fluid due to his long experience.

Su Chen admired how well different techniques fit together since they integrated into Wang Chu's style flawlessly carrying Asura Clan teachings within them too. It proved that Wang Chu was able to adapt readily and apply the strategies taught to him by Asura Clan members through this integration which even shocked Old Ji who saw similarities in some moves performed by both men.

Indeed, as battle raged on it became clear how much more Wang Chu had understood about Seed of Catastrophe; its complex layers peeled away stroke by stroke until each move resonated with potential devastating effect yet remained masterfully controlled. However continuous relentlessness begins to overpower old ji defense

The clash between two swords produced echoes throughout the yard and hummed deeply inside Su Chen whose mind was busy analyzing the techniques used by them, tactics applied and principles underlying them. It was not a fight but rather an art of becoming a master of inventing things.

Wang Chu performed Twilight Dash as the final blow before striking Old Ji with his Seed of Catastrophe unexpectedly. The result was an explosion that left no trace on the ground

Old Ji also admitted Wang Chu's competence in both mastery and understanding of these skills by dropping his defenses. "Great," he accepted with rare admiration in his eyes, "to use those moves so fluidly… you are more than I expected."

Wang Chu's expression remained serious, his confidence evident in every word. "The Seed of Catastrophe is not just a tool," he emphasized, his tone brooking no argument, "it is a testament to our ability to wield power responsibly. Remember that."

Wang Chu remained composed but determined when he grabbed Su Chen's shoulder strongly. Telling him "Wait until you unlock your physique; then I can tell you there is a possibility to reach even higher heights for you, you might even ascend to where your Clan Ancestor failed to achieved."