Chapter 08: New Demon Techniques

After three full days of rest, the morning at Zhao Ling's residence was once again filled with the spirit of training. The fresh morning air and the warm sunlight created a peaceful atmosphere.

Li Wei stood in the middle of the courtyard, taking a deep breath of the morning air. He felt refreshed and clear-headed after the rest his master had given him. The large tree in the courtyard radiated a strong spiritual aura, creating an ideal environment for training.

"It seems like since I arrived in this world, I've been training more often than making any plans," he murmured softly.

Li Wei needed to become stronger quickly to save ordinary humans in the demon sect. But to become strong required time, and it was not a short journey.

Zhao Ling sat in a wooden chair on the porch, watching Li Wei's every move intently. In front of Zhao Ling was a small table with a teapot and tea cups, ready to accompany him throughout the morning.

"I still need to improve my realm to return to the immortal realm." Zhao Ling smiled, knowing he had important matters too. But training his young disciple was more important than returning to the immortal realm.

Li Wei began his training with the first of the twelve basic demon techniques he had learned. His hands moved with precision, gathering and directing the now thicker black Qi. Each movement felt stronger and sharper, the black aura surrounding him becoming denser.

One by one, Li Wei practiced all the basic demon techniques. "Dark Fang," "Shadow Dance," and "Soul Chain" were executed perfectly, followed by "Shadow Strike," "Dark Wall," "Demon Eye," "Dark Scales," "Dark Spear," "Dark Healer," "Soul Shield," "Demon Tongue," and "Dark Encirclement." Each technique was performed with increased accuracy and power.

Zhao Ling nodded approvingly, pleased with his disciple's progress. "Very good, Li Wei. Your aura is getting stronger and denser. Resting was indeed necessary to achieve this improvement," he said gently but proudly.

Li Wei paused for a moment, catching his breath. "Thank you, Master. I can feel the difference. The rest really helped," he replied with a smile.

Li Wei himself was unsure if the rest had really helped. During the three days of rest, he had been itching to try out all his techniques.

But he had to heed his master's words; training in secret would surely be discovered.

As the sun rose higher, casting warmer rays, Li Wei continued his training with renewed vigor. Zhao Ling sat calmly, observing his increasingly powerful disciple. He knew that with dedication and proper guidance, Li Wei would reach his full potential.

"Hmm...?"

Amidst his training, Li Wei felt his aura flowing more smoothly and strongly.

Each technique felt more natural, as if his body had merged with the demon energy he used.

Sweat began to trickle down his forehead, but his determination did not waver. He wanted to ensure each technique was performed perfectly.

Zhao Ling poured tea into his cup, the fragrant steam wafting through the air. "Remember, Li Wei, each technique has its essence. Learn and absorb each movement. Do not rush," he said, sipping his tea calmly.

"Yes."

Li Wei nodded as he continued his training. He understood his master's advice and tried to absorb each movement more deeply.

As the sun began to set, Li Wei finally completed all the techniques. His body was drenched in sweat, but his heart was satisfied. Zhao Ling approached and patted his shoulder. "You have done a good job today as well," he said with a gentle smile.

Li Wei just nodded and planned to repeat all his movements and show them to his master, hoping to receive intermediate techniques.

"I can quickly master basic techniques, but what about intermediate techniques?" Li Wei asked himself.

For a whole week, Li Wei repeated the twelve basic demon techniques in the courtyard. Every morning, the fresh air and the scent of leaves from the tree that had accompanied his training for three months felt more alive; he was getting used to Zhao Ling's courtyard. The warm morning sunlight illuminated the courtyard, casting long shadows from every movement Li Wei made.

Day by day, Li Wei honed each movement, ensuring accuracy and strength in each technique. He unleashed "Dark Fang" sharply, performed "Shadow Dance" with incredible agility. He controlled "Soul Chain" with precision, and launched "Shadow Strike" with astounding speed. Every day, his skills matured.

"My stamina seems limitless," Li Wei thought with a small grin.

Zhao Ling always watched from the porch, sitting in his wooden chair with a cup of tea in hand. He observed his hardworking disciple each day, becoming increasingly powerful at such a young age.

Zhao Ling, seeing his disciple's progress, began to think, "Is there anyone in the lower realms who can match his training speed?"

Every movement Li Wei performed showed significant improvement, proving his dedication and great potential.

After a week of intensive training, Li Wei felt ready to show his master the results of his training. On a bright morning, he approached his master, who was sitting in the wooden chair on the porch.

"Master, I have mastered the twelve basic demon techniques," Li Wei said confidently.

Zhao Ling put down his tea cup and stood up. "Show me, Li Wei," he said with a hopeful smile.

In the courtyard surrounded by the spiritual aura from the large tree, Li Wei began demonstrating the techniques one by one. Each movement was executed perfectly, the black aura around him becoming denser and more intense. "Soul Shield" radiated strongly, "Dark Spear" was thrown with high precision, and "Dark Healer" was performed with remarkable speed and accuracy.

Zhao Ling nodded in satisfaction, his face showing genuine admiration. "Li Wei, your progress is extraordinary. In the past three months, you have shown remarkable dedication and ability," he said proudly.

Li Wei smiled, feeling proud of his achievement. "Thank you, Master. It's all thanks to your guidance," he replied sincerely.

"Is that really so?"

Zhao Ling himself was unsure.

Zhao Ling took out two books from his robe. "These are the intermediate demon techniques. There are two books here, each containing more advanced and complex techniques. I believe you are ready to learn them," he said, handing the books to Li Wei.

Li Wei accepted the books politely, feeling very moved after training with the basic techniques for three months. "Thank you, Master. I will diligently study each technique," he said with strong determination.

Zhao Ling patted his disciple's shoulder. "I believe in you, Li Wei. Keep training and improving your skills," he said with a proud smile.

With the new books in hand, Li Wei felt a new spirit emerging and burning even stronger. He knew the journey was still long, but with Zhao Ling's guidance and his own dedication, he was confident he could reach the pinnacle of the power he dreamed of.

***

Li Wei finally took the initiative to rest from his training. That morning, while the air was still fresh and the morning dew still covered the leaves in the courtyard, Li Wei sat under the large tree that radiated spiritual aura. He took a deep breath, feeling the aura within his body increase.

Zhao Ling emerged from the house. "Li Wei, today we will go to the city," he said calmly but with a hint of excitement.

Li Wei raised his eyebrows, slightly surprised. "To the city, Master?"

"Yes, you need to know the outside world, to see life beyond," replied Zhao Ling with a smile.

"What about my demon breath?" asked Li Wei.

"I will help conceal it," said Zhao Ling, waving his hand to hide Li Wei's demon breath.

Li Wei nodded, though he himself felt a bit strange. As someone who was once a slave in the demon sect, he knew almost nothing about the outside world. His entire life had been filled with hard work and suffering.

"Even if only for two days." Li Wei thought to himself.

"Alright, Master," he said, though he wondered how a 30-year-old soul should act like a child.

The two of them walked down the path to the city. Along the way, Zhao Ling told various stories about the outside world.

Li Wei only heard stories about the life of ordinary humans, nothing related to cultivators fighting and killing each other.

"The good side of this world?" he thought.

They passed through dense forests with tall trees towering above, the sounds of birds chirping and small animals running among the bushes. Li Wei absorbed every piece of information Zhao Ling gave him attentively.

Though seemingly useless, to understand his new world more deeply, he needed to have information, even if it was very little.

After several hours of walking, they finally arrived in the bustling city. The streets were filled with people bustling about, merchants hawking their wares, and children playing merrily. The smell of food from various stalls filled the air, the sound of bargaining and laughter echoed around.

"Noisy," murmured Li Wei, who had been in tranquility for three months.

Zhao Ling led Li Wei to a busy market. "Look, this is life outside. There are many things you can learn here," said Zhao Ling.

Li Wei observed his surroundings with curiosity. He saw various items being sold, from beautiful silk fabrics to delicious-looking food.

But, even though he enjoyed the sights, something still felt strange to him. "Master, how can a cultivator have fun?" he asked, breaking the silence.

Zhao Ling chuckled. "Li Wei, life is not always about battles and training. Sometimes, we need to enjoy the simple things in life. Look around you, learn from them."

Li Wei nodded, though in his heart he did not know what to learn.

Zhao Ling took Li Wei to a shop selling trinkets and toys. "Try choosing something you like," said Zhao Ling.

"Useless," Li Wei thought.

Li Wei looked around, feeling a little awkward. He chose a small object, a dragon-shaped wooden toy. "Here, Master," he said, indicating his choice.

Zhao Ling smiled. "Good, Li Wei. Let's continue our journey."

Throughout the day, Zhao Ling took Li Wei around the city, introducing him to different aspects of life that he had never seen before.

They enjoyed delicious food at street stalls, saw art performances in the square, and even visited the city library full of precious books.

Inside the library.

"It's better to read engineering than history," Li Wei thought as he read a history book.

As the sun began to set, they returned home. Li Wei felt a little lighter, a little more understanding of the world around him. "Thank you, Master, for this experience," he said sincerely.

Zhao Ling patted Li Wei's shoulder. "Life is a journey, Li Wei. Enjoy every step of it," she said wisely.

"I will."