Chapter 109: A Year of Grueling Training

Chapter 109: A Year of Grueling Training

"Secret arts grant temporary power boosts but always come with a price," Xiyue remarked, her tone solemn. "Take the Shura Blood Ban for instance. It burns your blood essence to greatly amplify your strength, but you've already experienced firsthand how close it can bring you to death."

Mu Feng nodded, recalling how the Shura Blood Ban had nearly cost him his life.

He thought back to the battle between Liu Qianye and Liu Qing. Indeed, it was the Thunderous Eight-Step Art that had ultimately caused Liu Qianye's internal injuries, shattering his organs and leading to his demise.

"That said," Xiyue continued, "before the art is fully mastered, its backlash isn't fatal. You can use it safely for now, but be mindful of the damage it will inflict. Let me study this technique and see if I can find a way to redirect or mitigate the recoil."

With Xiyue's assurance, Mu Feng felt confident enough to train in the Thunderous Eight-Step Art wholeheartedly.

A Year of Relentless Discipline

The training? Enduring lightning strikes, over and over again.

Mu Feng structured his days meticulously. Mornings were dedicated to practicing combat techniques and refining his mastery over inscriptions: runes, alchemy scripts, formation patterns, and crafting seals. Afternoons were for sparring with ferocious beasts to sharpen his combat instincts. At night, he focused on meditation and inner cultivation.

This rigorous routine left no room for idleness.

The Changing Seasons

Summer gave way to autumn, and soon winter blanketed An Nan Ridge in pristine snow. Months slipped by, and the relentless schedule shaped Mu Feng into a stronger, more disciplined fighter.

In the middle of a dense snow-covered forest, two young men stood watching an intense battle unfold.

A Fierce Battle with a Frost Ape

In the clearing ahead, a towering Frost Ape loomed, its three-meter frame brimming with muscle. Its fur gleamed white, and its fists, as thick as tree trunks, glowed with icy energy. This was a Condensed Qi-tier beast.

Facing it was a lean, snow-haired youth dressed in sleek black combat robes—Mu Feng.

The Frost Ape roared, its fist smashing down with explosive force. Mu Feng deftly evaded, leaping back as the ground shattered under the beast's might.

"Nice try!"

Mu Feng's eyes glinted crimson as he retaliated. With a quick flick of his fingers, two golden energy beams shot forward, piercing the Frost Ape's protective aura and leaving twin wounds in its thick hide.

The injuries weren't fatal, but they enraged the beast further. It let out a thunderous roar, its massive fists swelling with condensed icy energy. In an instant, the Frost Ape launched itself at Mu Feng, unleashing a bone-chilling punch.

Even a human cultivator of the same tier would struggle to withstand such an attack.

Thunderous Eight-Step Art: Triple Burst

Mu Feng smirked. "Come on then!"

Crackling purple lightning enveloped his arm as energy surged through his eight energy vortices. With a shout, Mu Feng stepped forward, lightning-infused energy radiating from his body.

"Thunderous Eight-Step Art!"

Taking three steps, his aura tripled in strength. Purple lightning coiled around his arm, forming the shadow of three roaring thunder dragons. With a mighty punch, he met the Frost Ape's icy strike head-on.

BOOM!

The collision sent snow flying in all directions. The shockwave flattened the surrounding area, leaving a crater in the snow-covered ground. Though the recoil forced Mu Feng to stagger back and spit blood, he managed to hold his ground.

"Not bad," he muttered, wiping his lip.

Battle Buddies

"Time for me to step in!" shouted Bai Ziyue, a sharp-featured youth dressed in white. With a laugh, he charged in, wielding a gleaming sword. His figure blurred into a streak of white light as he unleashed a flurry of sword strikes, clashing with the Frost Ape.

When Bai Ziyue was knocked back, Mu Kuang followed up, diving into the fray with his signature wild grin. The two alternated in their assault, while Mu Feng retreated to heal. Activating a second-tier defensive formation he'd carved into the snow, he sat cross-legged, safely recovering within its protective barrier.

Meanwhile, the Frost Ape was inadvertently becoming their most valuable sparring partner.

Winter's End

By the time spring began to thaw the snow, the three friends had developed an unlikely bond with the Frost Ape. Their consistent battles had evolved from life-or-death struggles into a strange camaraderie.

One afternoon, the four of them lay sprawled across a snowy field. Mu Feng rested his head on the Frost Ape's soft belly while snowflakes danced above.

"Brother Feng," Bai Ziyue began, "spring's almost here. Doesn't the Royal Academy start its spring recruitment soon?"

"Yes," Mu Feng replied, his gaze softening. "In a month, I'll see them again."

He clenched a snowflake between his fingers. "Sister, Wan'er… forgive me for not writing back. Soon, I'll make everything right."

A Parting Gift

When it came time to leave, the Frost Ape pounded its chest, roaring in protest.

Mu Feng patted its head gently. "Old friend, we'll visit again someday. Here, take this as a token of thanks."

He handed the Frost Ape a bottle of healing pills along with two spirit stones. The beast accepted them with a low rumble of appreciation, watching as the trio mounted their steeds.

As Mu Feng, Bai Ziyue, and Mu Kuang disappeared into the distance, the Frost Ape let out a mournful roar, clutching the gifts tightly before vanishing into the depths of the snowy forest.

The Journey Ahead

Riding their beastly mounts, Mu Feng's trio made their way back to the Mu family estate, spirits high.

"Brother Feng, those who mocked you will regret it this year!" Mu Kuang declared, fire in his eyes.

"They'll learn," Mu Feng said with a quiet smile. "We'll make them learn."

Their resolve was clear: This spring would mark the beginning of a new chapter.