Breaking The Limits

Li Wei's body screamed in protest, but he refused to stop. He lunged forward, golden energy crackling around his fist as he swung at Jinhai.

Effortless. That was the only way to describe how Jinhai moved. He dodged Li Wei's strike with ease, shifting his weight just enough to avoid the attack before slamming an elbow into Li Wei's ribs.

Pain exploded through Li Wei's body. He staggered back, coughing, but before he could recover, Jinhai was already behind him.

A sharp kick swept his legs from under him.

Li Wei crashed onto his back, gasping for air.

"Pathetic." Jinhai's voice was flat, almost bored. "You let your power flare up, but you don't know how to use it. You're wasting energy, moving without purpose."

Li Wei grit his teeth. He wanted to argue, to say he was trying his best—but what would that change? Jinhai was right. He was fighting like a desperate animal, not a warrior.

"Get up," Jinhai ordered. "Again."

Li Wei clenched his fists and forced himself to stand. His muscles burned, his breath was ragged, but something inside him refused to break.

He adjusted his stance, recalling Jinhai's movements. No wasted energy. He steadied his breathing, letting the golden energy flicker just beneath the surface instead of flaring wildly.

Jinhai raised an eyebrow. "You're learning."

This time, when Jinhai attacked, Li Wei didn't panic. He sidestepped—not too fast, not too slow. Just enough.

Jinhai's punch missed by a hair's breadth.

A thrill shot through Li Wei's veins. I did it!

Jinhai's smirk widened. "Good. But now—"

His palm shot out, striking Li Wei square in the chest.

"—Learn to counter."

Li Wei flew backward, slamming into the ground once more.

The lesson was far from over.

The cold earth pressed against Li Wei's back as he lay there, gasping for breath. Every inch of his body throbbed with pain, his vision swimming with stars.

Jinhai stood over him, arms crossed. "Are you done?"

Li Wei clenched his fists. No.

He rolled onto his side, pushing himself up on shaking arms. His legs wobbled as he forced himself to stand. He had no strength left—but deep inside, something else burned.

Not fear. Not desperation.

Determination.

Jinhai's expression shifted ever so slightly. Amusement? Approval? Li Wei couldn't tell.

"Again," Li Wei said, his voice hoarse but steady.

Jinhai tilted his head. "You can barely stand."

"I don't care." Li Wei wiped blood from his lip. "Again."

For a moment, there was silence. Then Jinhai chuckled. "You really are stubborn."

He stepped forward. "Fine. But this time, fight like you mean it."

Li Wei steadied his breathing, feeling the Celestial Seal's energy pulsing beneath his skin. His hands glowed faintly—not wild and uncontrollable like before, but focused.

Jinhai moved first.

This time, Li Wei didn't just dodge—he anticipated. As Jinhai's fist came toward him, Li Wei shifted his weight, letting the attack pass just inches from his face.

Then, for the first time, he countered.

Golden energy surged as he struck out with his palm. His attack connected with Jinhai's chest, a small explosion of force rippling outward.

Jinhai skidded back a step. Just one. But that was enough.

He looked down at his chest, then at Li Wei.

Then, he grinned.

"Now we're getting somewhere."

Li Wei's chest heaved as he steadied himself. His body screamed in protest, but his mind was sharper than ever. For the first time, he had landed a real hit on Jinhai.

Jinhai rubbed his chest where the strike had landed, smirking. "Not bad. But don't get cocky."

Before Li Wei could react, Jinhai vanished.

A gust of wind rushed past him—then pain exploded in his side as Jinhai reappeared behind him, driving a fist into his ribs.

Li Wei barely managed to twist his body, softening the blow, but he was still sent stumbling forward. He caught himself, digging his heels into the ground, golden energy flickering around his form.

Jinhai nodded approvingly. "Good instincts. You're adjusting."

Li Wei wiped sweat from his brow, forcing himself to focus. He could feel it now—the Celestial Seal wasn't just some external force. It was a part of him, like an extra limb he had never learned to use properly.

He closed his eyes for half a second. Feel it. Let it flow.

Jinhai attacked again, moving like a shadow.

But this time, Li Wei saw it.

The energy pulsed in his veins, heightening his senses. He ducked at the last second, Jinhai's fist grazing past his head. Instead of retreating, Li Wei stepped in, twisting his body and striking with his glowing palm.

The air crackled.

Jinhai blocked the attack, but this time, he was forced back two steps.

A flicker of surprise crossed his face. "Interesting."

Li Wei exhaled sharply. His arms trembled, his body exhausted, but his spirit burned with newfound confidence.

Jinhai rolled his shoulders. "You've taken your first step toward real combat. But you're still leagues away from mastering it."

Li Wei nodded, determination firm in his eyes. "Then let's keep going."

Jinhai said, "As you wish."

The training was far from over.

Sweat dripped from Li Wei's forehead as he steadied his breathing. His limbs ached, but his mind was sharper than ever. He had felt it—that moment of clarity when the Celestial Seal responded, not out of fear, but out of intent.

Jinhai stood across from him, rolling his shoulders. "You've improved, but there's a problem."

Li Wei wiped his brow. "What is it now?"

Jinhai smirked. "You rely on bursts of power. You have no endurance. In a real fight, you'll be dead before you can use your strength properly."

Li Wei clenched his fists. He hated how right Jinhai was. His power flared up in short bursts, but every time, it left him winded. He wasn't in control yet—just reacting.

Jinhai turned, pointing toward the towering trees behind them. "Time to fix that. We're running."

Li Wei's stomach dropped. "What?"

Jinhai was already moving. "Three laps around the mountain. No stopping."

Li Wei groaned but forced his legs to move.

The first lap was manageable. His body was already exhausted from the fight, but he pushed through, matching Jinhai's pace. The second lap was brutal—his legs burned, and his breath came in ragged gasps.

By the third lap, every step felt like torture. The forest blurred around him, the sound of his own heartbeat pounding in his ears.

Keep going.

His body wanted to give up, but something deeper refused to quit. The Celestial Seal pulsed faintly, feeding him just enough energy to push forward.

When he finally stumbled back into the clearing, he collapsed onto the ground, chest heaving.

Jinhai, barely winded, crouched beside him. "You lasted longer than I expected."

Li Wei barely had the strength to glare at him.

Jinhai smirked. "Good. Now get up."

Li Wei groaned. "You're insane."

Jinhai chuckled. "You haven't seen anything yet."

The real training was only beginning.