Chapter 14: Clouds in the Palm, Three Feet of Heavenly Thunder

Zhao Xing was in a good mood, but Madam Cai was not pleased. She wanted to save the meat for another meal, but since it was already in the pot, it was hard to take it out again. She reluctantly added a bit more, thinking that otherwise, wouldn't Zheng'er be left unsatisfied? The child had already started practicing martial arts, and nutrition was essential.

"Eat, eat, eat, you'll eat yourself to death, you little mud leg," Madam Cai glared viciously at the pot, banging the chopping board as if the piece of meat was Zhao Xing himself.

The commotion in the kitchen was noticeable, but no one paid attention because Zhao Rui De was training Zhao Zheng in the courtyard. He was practicing a stance, standing still for who knows how long, like a pine tree.

Though nearly sixty, his breathing was still steady, his energy like a river, and the concentration of his Yuan Qi far surpassed Zhao Xing's.

"The Sitting Mountain Stance, standing like sitting on a mountain, is a martial stance of the Middle Third Rank. If practiced well, it feels like a superior technique. It seems that with enough practice, even minor arts can have great power," Zhao Xing mused.

Whether martial arts or magic arts, they can break through established ranks and create new insights, essentially limitless. Of course, such situations are rare in the current version, mainly because the paths to acquiring magic arts and martial skills are abundant. After reaching 'Nine Turns' (full proficiency), one would typically choose to cultivate higher-level skills. Additionally, the rules of heaven and earth impose restrictions, and such situations are more common in the restored version.

Zhao Rui De was earnest, his posture correct, breathing in and out Yuan Qi, while Zhao Zheng beside him was fidgety. He moved his feet, twisted his waist, and scratched his ears, his mind clearly not on the task.

Seeing Zhao Xing return, his eyes lit up, as if finally finding a reason to avoid practice: "Big Brother is back! Big Brother! Father, you chat! I'll go prepare towels for you!"

This little rascal wasn't genuinely fond of him; he just wanted to escape practice! Even if a dog was brought over, he'd call it brother, this little guy was clever!

Ignoring the call, he got up and started to leave.

"Come back! Who told you to move?!" Zhao Rui De shouted.

Zhao Zheng ran off with a grin, not taking Zhao Rui De's words seriously.

Zhao Xing found it amusing. It's rare for fathers to teach their sons martial arts because they can't bear to be harsh. Especially Zhao Rui De, who had his son late in life, doted on Zhao Zheng immensely, at most saying a few stern words. How could this be effective training?

"Zhao Zheng, come here."

"Huh? Big Brother..." Zhao Zheng stood still, a bit conflicted.

"One, two~~"

"Coming, coming!" Zhao Zheng immediately ran over.

"Father hasn't said to stop, why are you running? Continue standing!"

Zhao Zheng's little face fell, pulling a long face, reluctantly standing beside Zhao Rui De.

"Bend your knees, straighten your chest, hands in position!" Zhao Xing unceremoniously kicked Zhao Zheng's bent leg.

"I'm standing properly, Big Brother, I'm standing properly," Zhao Zheng dared not get angry, even showing a flattering smile.

Zhao Rui De pretended not to see his son's unworthy demeanor.

But this couldn't be blamed on Zhao Zheng. He was pampered by his mother and father, even if he made mistakes, he was never truly punished. Only this Big Brother was different, he was strict, and no matter how much he cared, he was firm.

Complaining to his father, his father would only say a few words. Complaining to his mother, she couldn't even argue against him!

Though not related by blood, there was a sense of bloodline suppression.

As a result, Zhao Zheng behaved like a well-behaved chick in front of Zhao Xing.

Dinner was eaten in the courtyard. Zhao Rui De wasn't particular, and Madam Cai, being from a singing background, didn't care about such details. With the cool breeze in the courtyard, they ate there.

With Zhao Xing present, Zhao Zheng ate much more properly, though after a while, he still couldn't sit still: "Mother, I'm hot."

Though he spoke to Madam Cai, Zhao Zheng's eyes expectantly looked at Big Brother.

"Mother will fan you," Madam Cai immediately put down her chopsticks to get a fan.

"No need for such trouble," Zhao Xing extended a finger, and a cloud appeared in the sky, just enough to block the setting sun's rays. At the same time, a gentle breeze blew, making Zhao Zheng's eyes sparkle.

Even Zhao Rui De was a bit surprised: "You've already mastered Rising Wind? This Cloud has improved a lot."

Zhao Xing nodded: "I've made some progress recently."

Indeed, he had made progress. Zhao Xing's current [Cloud Walking] proficiency had surpassed 5000, which in internal terms meant Cloud Walking at five turns, capable of covering five thousand meters.

Zhao Rui De, being knowledgeable, clearly sensed the progress in magic arts. Observing his son's demeanor, this light and subtle feeling was quite different from before.

"Is there hope for an official position this year?" Zhao Xing put down his bowl and chopsticks: "There's an eighty percent chance."

Zhao Rui De asked: "What's missing for the other twenty percent?"

Zhao Xing thought: "A mentor and a recommender."

Although Xue Wen Zhong agreed to take him as a disciple, it wasn't publicly acknowledged. Whether the old man would go to great lengths to recommend him was uncertain, and having just one old man might not be enough.

The main focus for an official position is the examination, but recommendations also hold some weight, especially when several candidates have similar scores.

Zhao Rui De nodded, not asking further.

However, in the following days, Zhao Xing noticed that the family's meals suddenly improved, with more nourishing items for Yuan Qi.

At the Department of Agriculture, as the sky brightened slightly, Zhao Xing had already arrived at Xue Wen Zhong's Huailiu Courtyard.

"Boom~" "Boom!"

A cloud, only three meters in diameter, spun five meters above Zhao Xing's head. The continuous sound of thunder echoed in his ears, and the flashes of lightning made Zhao Xing's face flicker between light and dark.

Moments later, the cloud dispersed.

Zhao Xing looked at the panel.

[Thunder Strike: Beginner Magic Arts]

[Progress: (3005/9999)]

[Effect: When Cloud Walking is deployed, it can trigger the sound of thunder within the Cloud Layer.]

"Thunder Strike has already reached three turns, and its power is growing stronger. Old man Xue is truly a treasure," Zhao Xing couldn't help but sigh.

Just a few days ago, he had just learned [Thunder Strike], and within a few days, it had already reached three turns.

The rapid progress was not only due to the Dao Embryo Pill and Qi exercises but also Xue Wen Zhong's specialized guidance, which was a great help.

For example, just now, Xue Wen Zhong had him control [Cloud Walking] within three meters, then deploy [Thunder Strike]. This method tested control greatly, but the training effect was excellent.

In other words, the proficiency gained was substantial!

"Clouds in the palm, three feet of heavenly thunder, this is something I've honed myself," Xue Wen Zhong's palm had clouds floating, with thunder snakes rolling within.

"The Imperial Court's Transmission of All Techniques, anyone can learn, but finding the best, optimal, and most suitable method for oneself, that's 'art'."

"Think carefully this morning, practice while thinking in the back courtyard, and after class, I might come to check. I heard you got an A+ in the recent minor examination, but don't get arrogant. You still have a long way to go compared to your peers in other courtyards. Those thirty people on the First List are all stronger than you."

"Yes, student will remember," Zhao Xing cupped his hands.

(End of Chapter)