Chapter 07: Training Demonic Techniques

It had been more than three months since Li Wei begin training under Zhao Ling's guidance. Now, Li Wei had reached the peak stage of the Qi Gathering realm.

The spiritual aura in Zhao Ling's courtyard, filled with a large tree emanating strong energy, had greatly accelerated Li Wei's progress. That morning, Li Wei stood in the middle of the courtyard, following the movements and instructions from the book Zhao Ling had given him.

The bright morning sun illuminated the vast courtyard in front of the house. Li Wei stood tall, his eyes fixed on the book in his hand, titled "Demonic Arts," written by his master himself.

He carefully read the instructions and then begin performing the movements described in the book. Slowly, he felt the spiritual energy around him start to flow and gather in his body. With full concentration, Li Wei regulated his breathing, recalling the basic techniques he had learned and mastered.

His hands moved gracefully, forming various formations as depicted in the book.

"Is it like this?" Li Wei wondered as he started the second movement, a technique he had yet to master.

Zhao Ling, sitting in a wooden chair on the porch of the house, watched his disciple attentively. In front of him was a new book he was writing, but his eyes occasionally glanced at Li Wei. He felt proud of the rapid progress his student was making.

He was no longer surprised at how quickly his disciple could improve. Li Wei had shown faster progress in cultivation and mastery of techniques compared to many students from renowned sects who still struggled after three months.

Li Wei still had three demonic techniques to master: "Dark Fang," "Shadow Dance," and "Soul Chains." These techniques required more complex energy control and high precision.

From their names, Li Wei wasn't sure if these techniques were considered basic in demonic arts or not.

Li Wei focused his attention on the "Dark Fang" technique. He moved his hands, forming strange symbols in the air, then concentrated his energy in his palms.

Slowly, a dark shadow in the shape of a long fang appeared, moving as if alive. Li Wei directed the fang towards a large rock in the courtyard, striking it hard enough to crack the stone.

Li Wei often brought stones from somewhere to test his techniques. He could have destroyed the stones where he found them, but he saw it as strength training to carry them back.

Zhao Ling was also surprised for the first time; Li Wei's physical strength was exceptional, especially for an eight-year-old boy.

"Good, but you still need to refine your Qi control." Zhao Ling said with a satisfied yet serious tone. He continued writing new intermediate-level techniques in his book.

The intermediate-level techniques were numerous, almost more than 20, each being quite difficult.

Li Wei nodded, understanding there was still room for improvement. He continued with the "Shadow Dance" technique. This movement required more dynamic coordination of body and Qi.

Li Wei moved his body nimbly, his shadow following his movements quickly. He felt his shadow becoming more tangible and powerful, though there were still slight imperfections in his movements.

Sometimes, he blamed himself for not being able to perform simple movements perfectly.

Zhao Ling smiled at Li Wei's enthusiasm. "Don't rush. Each technique takes time and consistent practice." he said, pouring herbal tea into his cup.

Li Wei panted, sweat dripping from his forehead, but his eyes remained focused. He knew mastering these techniques required relentless practice.

Despite his fatigue, he decided to rest to recover his spiritual aura. He sat cross-legged, meditating to speed up the recovery.

Once recovered, he moved on to the final technique, "Soul Chains." He felt his spiritual aura flowing intensely, forming strong and sturdy chains. However, when he tried to direct the chains, there was still a bit of stiffness.

"Relax more, don't be too tense." Zhao Ling advised while sipping his tea. "Energy must flow naturally, don't force it."

"This is hard, you know?" Li Wei thought, giving his master a resentful look.

Li Wei took a deep breath, trying to relax. He moved the black Qi chains once more, and this time with more fluidity. Though not perfect, he felt there was progress.

Li Wei's mind was filled with determination and enthusiasm. "I will master all these techniques, no matter how long or difficult it is."

Zhao Ling placed his book and brush down, then stood up. "That's enough for today. Rest and reflect on your training. We'll continue tomorrow." he said gently.

Li Wei nodded, feeling relieved yet still eager to keep training. He knew that each day was a new step towards greater strength and skill.

"Still not enough, I need to be faster." Li Wei thought, looking at his hands emitting a faint black aura.

The next morning in the courtyard, a young boy carried on with his usual routine, which he had been doing for three months.

Li Wei sat cross-legged under the big tree, his eyes closed in meditation and tranquility. He felt each breath bring abundant spiritual aura, flowing through his meridians gently. As the sun rose higher, its warmth begin to touch Li Wei's skin, giving a deep sense of comfort.

"It's time." he thought.

After hours of meditation, Li Wei slowly opened his eyes. The view of the wide courtyard and the leaves rustling in the wind made him feel peaceful.

He stood up, ready to continue his training. Today, he was determined to master the remaining three demonic techniques: Dark Fang, Shadow Dance, and Soul Chains.

Zhao Ling sat on the porch of the house as usual, attentively watching his disciple while holding the book he was writing. He saw Li Wei start with "Dark Fang," a movement his disciple was becoming increasingly adept at. Li Wei concentrated his Qi, the dark fang shadow appearing clearer and stronger than before.

Then, Li Wei moved on to "Shadow Dance." His body moved agilely, his shadow following perfectly. Li Wei felt his body becoming lighter, each movement feeling more natural and smooth. Zhao Ling nodded slightly, pleased with Li Wei's progress.

"Not a single wrong or wasted move, I've succeeded. But it still needs sharpening." Li Wei muttered.

Finally, Li Wei attempted "Soul Chains." Spiritual aura gathered in his hands, forming chains that were sturdy and flowing smoothly. Li Wei directed the chains with precision, moving them in various directions with ease. Sweat begin to drip from his forehead, but his spirit did not wane.

Li Wei was pleased with his progress. He wasn't sure if his progress was slow or fast, only his master knew and he never told him.

Zhao Ling perhaps didn't want to reveal that Li Wei was a young cultivator progressing faster than anyone in the world. His speed could be considered extraordinary. Zhao Ling feared his disciple might become arrogant if he knew this truth.

Zhao Ling merely smiled, seeing his quick-learning and hard-working disciple.

The sun begin to set, the sky turning orange. Li Wei sighed with relief, feeling a great sense of achievement after mastering all the techniques. His body was tired, but his heart was full of satisfaction.

Zhao Ling stood from his chair and approached Li Wei. "Li Wei, you've worked hard today. Rest for the next three days." he said gently but firmly.

Li Wei frowned, feeling confused. "Why, Master? I can still train more." he replied with curiosity.

Zhao Ling smiled, patting his disciple's shoulder. "Rest is also an important part of training. Your body and mind need time to absorb everything you've learned. With enough rest, you'll come back stronger." he explained.

Li Wei nodded, though still with some doubt in his mind. However, he trusted his master and knew that Zhao Ling's advice always had a good reason. "Alright, Master. I will follow your orders." he said.

Zhao Ling felt relieved seeing Li Wei's obedience. "Good. Enjoy your rest. Reflect on your training and prepare yourself for the next stage." Zhao Ling said, returning to the porch.

Zhao Ling feared for Li Wei's rapid progress. If it continued like this, Li Wei could master the basic techniques before the intermediate techniques were finished.

"He's not normal, maybe in the future his progress will be even faster." Zhao Ling thought, looking at the emerging moon.

Li Wei took a deep breath, feeling calm and ready to follow his master's advice.

That night, Li Wei slept soundly.