Chapter 9: The Fluttering Wind

The next morning Chu once again brought Lei to the training rooms. He walked inside to find the king already there. Lei bowed and greeted the man. The king returned the greeting and said, "Today you will be learning a movement technique known as the fluttering wind. It is a technique of my own devising. It will allow you to become one with the wind. At first it will allow you to have the speed of the wind but eventually it will allow you to blend into the wind and you will be able to pop out at will. It also grants you an increase in strength. I will now demonstrate." The king suddenly vanished and appeared behind Lei. "It is not without limitations however the further you travel the more qi you will have to expend. Once you reach my level you can control what level you use the technique at. For example, I can use it to have the speed of the wind or I can use it to blend completely into the wind. Obviously the qi expenditure varies. For example it costs more qi to completely blend with the wind than just using it to enhance your speed." 

Lei stood on the mat eager to try out the fluttering wind. He had studied the instructions closely and was confident he would be able to perform. Lei cycled his qi according to the fluttering winds technique and tried to take a step and flew straight into a wall. The sound of the king's laughter made his ears turn red with embarrassment. "You cycled too much power for a single step. Try cycling slower and try again." Lei listened to the king and tried again, this time he took a step; he felt that the power was more controlled and he wasn't putting too much strength into it. He was shocked however when he covered more distance than a single step ought to. He realised that a side effect of the added strength meant that he would travel further with each step. Lei realised that this could be a massive strength in a fight. Lei kindled the fluttering wind again and took a step, and then another, but then his concentration lapsed and he dropped the technique. The king looked at Lei with approval and said, "You have picked up on it quicker than I thought. It seems that you are quite a genius. Practise this technique now and tomorrow you will learn the arcane empire technique. The king strode out of the rooms leaving Lei to train. Lei resolved to do his best to perfect the technique by the next morning. 

Chu walked through the passages of the citadel. Usually it was around this time that he found young Master Kun wandering through the hallways trying to find his way back to his quarters. But he had yet to find the young man. Chu had decided to check the training rooms on the off chance he was still training and then check if he had made his way back to his quarters by himself. Chu made his way through the citadel and finally arrived at the training rooms. He pushed open the door to see a blur of people moving effortlessly through the room. He started in shock as he realised that it was Lei. The boy couldn't have possibly perfected the movement in such a short time. He had been at the court for less than a week and had probably learnt the technique within the last day. Master Kun finally slowed down. He looked exhausted and Chu realised that the boy needed to harvest qi. Chu saw that the boy was about to start his technique again which could exhaust his spirit which would mean he would have to rest for a few days which would slow his progress. Chu, realising he had to inform the young man, said, "Master Kun I realise that you wish to continue with your training but I fear that you may exhaust your spirit if you don't harvest qi. If you exhaust your spirit you will need to take a few days of rest to replenish your spirit. This could slow your training time. If I may be so bold I suggest that you take the time to harvest some qi and then go to bed so that you may be well-rested for tomorrow."

Lei listened to what Chu had to say and felt that what Chu was suggesting was probably the best course of action. He bowed to Chu and said, "Thank you for your advice Chu. If you don't mind waiting while I harvest, I would be grateful if you waited outside to guide me to my quarters." Chu bowed and said, "I would be happy to wait, Master Kun. Just let me know when you wish to leave." Lei nodded and walked into the harvesting room. He sat crossed-legged and began to harvest the qi in the air. As he was harvesting he thought about the fluttering wind technique and how he could better his use of it. After pondering this for a while he realised that he could probably use his qi more efficiently but he hoped that that would come with time. Finally Lei's dantian was back to feeling replenished and he stood up. He walked into the passageway and asked Chu to guide him to his quarters. 

When Lei and Chu reached Lei's quarters he was surprised to see that Xiang was waiting outside for him to arrive. He and Chu bowed to her as they approached. Lei asked, "Princess Xiang, what a pleasant surprise. To what do I owe this pleasure?" "I was hoping that you would join me for dinner tonight." Lei smiled at her and he felt that he would probably enjoy dinner in her company rather than by himself in his quarters like he usually did. "I would be delighted to join you." "Great if you could please follow me. I'll escort you to my private dining room." Lei and Xiang smiled at each other as they set off down the hall. 

Chu stared after them, worried for Lei. He liked the young man and princess Xiang, however, he noticed the relationship that was blossoming between them and was worried about what consequences might befall Lei for falling for someone above his station. All Chu could hope is that Lei's status as an arcane cultivator could keep him safe. 

Lei and Xiang had reached Xiang's wing and now a servant was escorting them to one of her private dining rooms. Once they reached the room and were seated, next to each other, a chef came forward and asked for orders. Once they had given their orders and the chef and servants had left them alone they began to speak. And speak they did. Even when the food was brought out they continued to talk. They spoke and laughed long into the night. When the dinner was over and he had been escorted back to his quarters he reflected back on the dinner and realised it was the most enjoyable dinner of his life. With that thought in his mind Lei fell asleep with a smile on his face.