Choosing a Technique

The second technique that caught Guihu Luixing's attention was Yin Flame Hands, a Green Grade High tier technique.

The technique did exactly what the name implies. By using the Yin and Fire elements, one could create a Yin Flame on one's hand used to attack both at close range or shoot it some distance.

Yin Flames were one of the weakest and most common type of exquisite fire. Instead of burning with heat, it used the Yin elements to burn one's soul. Although it looked like a pale blue fire, and behaved like fire, spreading around, it's sensation was closer to a cold burn.

Guihu Luixing took a liking to the technique. Attacks to the soul were powerful and hard to heal, so naturally, quite dangerous and scary, so this technique also had psychological impact, making the opponents more defensive.

Also, it was utilised in one own hands, making it easier to control and reliable, as it didn't need external factors.

However the technique didn't match Guihu Luixing's current goals very well.

He had less than a month to train to the Mountains, Lake and Valley Competition.

Usually, there would be enough time to train a Green technique in this timeframe. However, Guihu Luixing also needed to from the Entry Phase Qi Gathering Realm to the Qi Fusion Realm. Just this breakthrough would be quite taxing, training a new technique on top of that would be quite the challenge.

Technique mastery was divided in five levels: Novice, Apprentice, Adept, Master and Perfection. At the Novice level, the user can make use of the technique in it's most basic effect.

At the Apprentice level, one can use the techniques in it's full aspects. At the Adept level, one can introduce some unexpected flexibility yo the techniques such as a beam that's supposed to fly straight can curve a bit.

At Master level, one can thoroughly control and induce change in the technique. At the perfection level, the technique becomes part of the user, it becomes like breathing to them.

Hector told Guihu Luixing that he had only achieved the Novice level. His Rock Piercer could greatly increase his power, enough to easily make craters on the ground. However, against a solid stone, it wouldn't be able to easily pierce it.

If Hector trained his Rock Piercer until he reached the Apprentice level, he would be able to easily pierce through solid stones. At the Adept level, he would be able to use it with other limbs or infuse a bit of Gold Qi to reinforce it.

At the Master level, he would be able to make a Gold element Rock Piercer, or make it fly like a ranged technique. At Perfection level, his every punch or kick would be a Rock Piercer.

Of course, reaching the perfection level was something rarely done by anyone.

If Hector, being as talented as he was, only managed to barely achieving Novice level on a Black Grade technique after training for a full day, a Green technique, that is much harder, would take even more time. To Guihu Luixing however, every second counts.

Yin Flame Hands was a Yin and Fire technique, it's learning speed would depend of one's elemental affinity.Although his compatibility with Yin is perfect, his compatibility with fire was "only" Great. This meant it would take much more time to learn it than it would take him to learn a technique that required two elements that matched his perfect affinity ones.

Thankfully, the last technique that caught his eye was just like that. It's name was Blade Shadow, a Green Grade, Top tier technique. It's a Darkness and Gold elements technique.

At the Novice level, inside Guihu Luixing' attacks' shadows, needles made with Gold Qi, hidden by his Darkness Qi, would be shot out.

Even if his opponents managed to defend or evade his main attack, it would not be guaranteed they would be able to do the same to the hidden needles.

Also, even if the enemies knew it was coming, it wasn't easy to avoid. The Darkness element made it harder to detect by the five senses. The Qi needles also flew quite fast. In it's later levels, the technique became increasingly terrifying.

It was also a good match to his fighting style. He was balanced between defense and offense. If the enemies knew that he had such technique, they would be more cautious of him, especially of his counterattacks, allowing him to attack more and use the technique more. If they didn't... They would be in an even worse situation.

Deciding to learn this technique, Guihu Luixing decided to leave the Scroll Pavilion without going to the next floor. Remembering the gazes, he didn't know if he was even able to read the scroll even if he went, he would probably faint under their pressure.

"...Behk?..." asked the his guiding ghost.

"Yes, I've already chosen." informed Guihu Luixing.

The ghost nodded and started guiding him back. Once again the ghost made many mysterious actions and seemingly meaninless gestures. Shortly after, Guihu Luixing found himself back to the ground floor.

The last part of their travel was quite straightforward. Soon they arrived the same place they departed from.

"Sweetie! You're back! Have you already chosen?" asked Antonietta.

"Yes, mother. I'll learn this one." daod Guihu Luixing while handing his mother the scroll he picked over.

"Oooh, let's see." she said with a smile.

She was very curious about the technique her son chose, she knew how picky he was. When she saw the technique, however, her excited smile faded and was replaced by a frown.

"Luixing, did someone tell you to pick this technique?" asked Antonietta.

"No. Is something wrong?" he asked in clear confusion.

Antonietta looked deeply into his eyes to detect any trace of lies. After some time, she released a sigh.

"You can take it. Just... be careful alright? This technique is very powerful. So powerful people let it get to their heads. Mommy doesn't want you to get hurt." she said with clear concern and bitterness.

Guihu Luixing nodded, not entirely understanding what was the matter "Okay."

Antonietta took the medal she had given Guihu Luixing back and then ordered a ghost. " Bring me the scroll TG4BGD89733!"

"...Iesh..." the ghost nodded and left.

Guihu Luixing and his mother waited in silence. It was clear Antonietta's humor was bot good right now.

Very soon, the ghost arrived with a big scroll.

"..Heeaa..." he handed it over to Antonietta.

When she got it in her hands, she had the impulse to tear it apart, but she took a deep breath and restrained herself.

"Here, take it. But remember my warning. Don't let it's power get to your head, no technique is perfect!" she was almost pleading him.

"Don't worry, mother." he said " I won't."

"I really hope so." she said almost inaudibly.

Guihu Luixing took the scroll and left, wondering just what was up with this technique that warranted such a reaction from his mother.

He remembered her outburst the other night and thought 'Maybe it's related?' before discarding that thought.

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Inside the Scroll Pavillion, Antonietta was still upset.

"Big brother, my son ended up choosing the same technique you did, and if I know him as well as I think I do, it's probably for the same reason you did as well."

Her words were soft, filled with love, longing and bitterness.

"Please protect him, big brother. Don't let him go down the same path you did..."