Intense Training

Back inside the hall, the two disciples who had confronted Miao Ying finally broke free of their paralysis. They trembled with a mix of residual fear and simmering anger, their faces twisting into rictuses of wounded pride. 

To be brought so low, to be cowed and brushed aside like insignificant insects...it was a humiliation beyond bearing.

But even in their rage, they dared not act. To raise a hand against a fellow disciple within the sect grounds was to court punishment, possibly even expulsion. And though it galled them to admit it, there was something about Miao Ying that made them hesitate, a primal warning that whispered of danger and death.

Unbeknownst to Miao Ying, he had not departed the hall alone. Two auras, one blazing with vibrant Qi, the other cool and tranquil, detached themselves from the crowd and followed in his wake. 

Ling Fen and Luan Fan, driven by their own agendas, set out in pursuit of this enigmatic new player on the stage of Sect politics.

They caught up to him just outside the hall, falling into step beside him with practiced ease. 

Miao Ying, his thoughts still focused inward, did not immediately register their presence. It was only when Ling Fen cleared his throat that he glanced up, his expression one of mild inquiry.

"Fellow brother, a moment of your time, if you would be so kind." Ling Fen smiled, his words polite and his tone genial.

Miao Ying regarded him for a moment, his gaze flickering briefly to Luan Fan before returning to Ling Fen. He saw no reason to refuse. While he had no particular desire for companionship, he was not so churlish as to rebuff a polite request without cause.

"Of course. How may I assist you..." He trailed off meaningfully.

"Ling Fen, and my companion is Luan Fan. We are disciples of the Earth Adobe, much like yourself."

"A pleasure to make your acquaintance," Miao Ying replied, his tone neutral. "You were saying?"

"Ah, yes. I couldn't help but notice your little altercation back there. Those two are part of Chetian Yuhan's faction. He's a big rising star in the Earth Adobe, and he likes to keep a tight grip on the comings and goings of the Earth Adobe disciples."

Miao Ying quirked an eyebrow. "And this concerns me how, exactly?"

Ling Fen spread his hands in a conciliatory gesture. "You're new here, so you might not be aware, but Chetian Yuhan is not one to let a slight go unanswered. He'll likely see your actions as a challenge to his authority."

Luan Fan chose that moment to interject, her melodic voice tinged with concern. "It's not just Chetian Yuhan you need to worry about. He has a vicious attack dog, a Qi Establishment expert by the name of Wei Fang. If Chetian Yuhan wants to make an example of you, Wei Fang will be the instrument of his revenge."

Miao Ying remained silent for a moment, digesting this new information. He could tell that Ling Fen and Luan Fan were not lying, and their words held the ring of hard-earned experience. 

Still, he failed to see how this was his problem. If this Chetian Yuhan wanted to start trouble, then he would be taught the same lesson as his cronies.

"I appreciate your concern, truly. But I have no intention of living my life in fear of the likes of Chetian Yuhan or his lackeys. If they come for me, I will deal with them. It's as simple as that."

Ling Fen looked like he wanted to argue, but Luan Fan laid a hand on his arm, shaking her head slightly. She recognized the look in Miao Ying's eyes, the unwavering resolve of a man who would not be swayed by words alone.

"We understand," she said softly. "But please, be careful. Disciples in the Earth Adobe is not to be trifled with."

Miao Ying inclined his head in acknowledgment. "I will keep your words in mind. If there is nothing else...?"

"No, that was all we wanted to say. Good fortune to you, brother Miao." Ling Fen clasped his hands in a salute, Luan Fan mirroring the gesture.

Miao Ying returned the salute, then turned and continued on his way, his stride unbroken. 

Ling Fen and Luan Fan watched him go, a mix of emotions playing across their faces.

"He's going to get himself killed," Ling Fen muttered.

"Or he might just surprise us all," Luan Fan countered. "There's more to him than meets the eye, I think."

Their conversation faded into the background as Miao Ying walked, his mind already turning to the future. He had preparations to make and techniques to practice. 

If trouble was indeed brewing on the horizon, he would meet it head-on, as he always had.

...

The next few days passed in a blur of intensive training. 

Miao Ying sequestered himself in his assigned quarters, only emerging to visit the sect's extensive library or to find secluded spots to practice his new sword techniques.

The Blazing Sun Sect's martial arts were profound, and Miao Ying threw himself into their mastery with the same single-minded focus he brought to all his endeavors. 

The basic sword art he had acquired was called the "Thousand Shadows Sword".

It was a technique that emphasized speed and precision, using clever footwork and misdirection to create the illusion of multiple attackers. When executed properly, it could confuse and overwhelm opponents, leaving them vulnerable to a decisive strike.

Miao Ying drilled the stances and sequences tirelessly, his sword flashing in the sunlight as he wove intricate patterns in the air. He could feel his understanding of the art growing with each repetition, the knowledge settling into his muscles and bones.

Miao Ying's sword danced through the air, each graceful arc traced by bolts of silver lightning that split the darkness. Booming peals of thunder shook the earth with every stroke, a staccato beat that matched the rhythm of his racing heart. 

As he wove the Thousand Shadows Sword Art into seamless harmony with his foundation technique, the Speed As Supremacy Art, Miao Ying felt a profound sense of connection with his blade, as though the spirit weapon had become an extension of his own body and will.

To an outside observer, his attacks would register as little more than blurred afterimages, a dizzying array of slashes executed at speeds far beyond the perceptions of ordinary cultivators. 

But Miao Ying could sense the vast reserves of power thrumming through every motion, a destructive potential sufficient to rend apart the flesh and shatter the bones of 1st Stage Qi Establishment experts with contemptuous ease.

Even so, he refrained from absorbing sword art's essence for the time being, despite the alluring filaments of pure energy that seemed to reach for his dantian with each flawless flourish. 

Miao Ying had not yet given up hope of extracting an even greater art from the enigmatic Cracked Amulet. The Thousand Shadows Sword Art would more than suffice in the interim, should that lead fail to bear fruit.

With a final skyward slash, Miao Ying came to a stop, his forehead utterly devoid of sweat. This marked a notable change from just days prior – his stamina and endurance had advanced by leaps and bounds of late, a passive enhancement that seemed to bolster his body further with each training session. 

Whether this was an outgrowth of his mysterious Heavenly Art, an unexpected boon from the Cracked Amulet, or perhaps some aspect of the Devourer Art, he could not say for certain. 

But Miao Ying saw no cause to question this windfall. Surging tides of power flowed through his body with every breath, stoking the flames of his confidence to a roaring blaze.

He was more than prepared to undertake a mission. Sheathing his sword with a decisive motion, Miao Ying set out for the mission center pavilion, his stride purposeful and assured.

A sudden prickling sensation raced down his spine, the ghostly caress of an approaching aura of immense power. Miao Ying's eyes narrowed as he caught sight of the newcomer, a strikingly handsome youth whose loping strides effortlessly devoured the intervening distance.

Wisps of Qi essence swirled around the young man's body in visible distortions, accompanied by waves of searing heat that raised plumes of steam from the grass beneath his feet with every step.