Chapter 31 Training Together part 1

Looking at the five of them who came on short notice, Jasper couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt for his previous irresponsibility. This was an elite team of students with extraordinary status, but he had largely ignored them. "Alright all of you, I called you here because from now on our team of seven, including me, will train together." Looking at the five people before him, Jasper saw expressions of surprise and confusion. Taking their silence as agreement, Jasper continued, "We will be doing this from now on and it will start from tomorrow morning. Also, I want you to inform Alaric when he gets back so he can join us. We will meet here tomorrow morning at the same time. Okay, you can go back now." With that, Jasper headed back to his room. While the best thing to do in such a situation was to admit his mistakes and explain the future plan, Jasper is still just a child and doesn't know any better.

Back in the privacy of his room, Jasper eagerly pulled up his system interface. After his discussion with Grant the previous day, Jasper had delved into the system and put together a strategy. His plan was to teach his teammates the art of Spirit Qi cultivation. He believed that this could significantly enhance their team's collective strength.

However, he couldn't immediately embark on instructing them. He needed to acquire a low-level Spirit Qi cultivation technique for himself first. Only then could he effectively pass on the knowledge. And another thing that gave him pause was trust. He had not yet established complete faith in the three kids from the Spring Village, not to mention the children from the neighboring villages.

On the system interface, he pulled up the shop and filtered for cultivation techniques. He swiftly scrolled through the list, narrowing it down to basic cultivation techniques. After querying the system, he learned about spirit roots, which apparently were naturally bestowed at birth and significantly influenced a person's talent for cultivation. Spirit roots determined the type and quantity of Qi an individual could attract, thus impacting how quickly one could progress through the Qi Sensing realm.

The system informed him that he did not possess a spirit root, meaning he had no innate talent for Spirit Qi cultivation. His ability to cultivate relied entirely on the system's assistance in reforging his meridians and body. This realization was both discouraging and exhilarating. It was disappointing to lack innate talent, but his lack of a specific spirit root also meant that his Spirit Qi would be exceedingly pure.

As Jasper scanned the basic techniques, he pondered over his choice. All of the basic level techniques were specialized in absorbing a certain type of Qi, such as fire or water. The system had advised him to choose a technique corresponding to his root. However, since he didn't have a root, his choice shouldn't be restricted by that parameter.

"I'm currently only in the third stage of Qi refinement realm, so I only have 300 wisps of Qi," Jasper whispered to himself. He gazed at the cultivation techniques priced at 10, which translated to 100 wisps of Qi. The prospect made Jasper want to weep. A single stage of Qi refinement was valued at a mere 10 coins by the system.

The Ancient Cultivator, observing from inside Jasper, felt an urge to cry as well. "This kid has no idea how much a cultivation technique is worth!" His eyes, bloodshot, brimmed with the memory of two years of intense physical labor he had endured as an initiate disciple, all for the opportunity to learn a single one of those techniques.

"It's okay, after learning one of these techniques, my cultivation speed should increase significantly!" Jasper tried to comfort himself, psyching himself up for the purchase of a cultivation technique.

After spending a moment in contemplation, Jasper decided to buy the wood-based technique. For some reason, he felt inexplicably drawn towards it. After a brief glow, a new booklet appeared in his inventory. Settling down on his bed for a meditation session, Jasper began to peruse the manual.

Within mere minutes of reading, his brows furrowed in consternation. With a sigh of disappointment, he muttered to himself, "I made a mistake."

It turned out that since he lacked a spirit root, he essentially couldn't utilize cultivation techniques revolving around the use of one. After thoroughly studying the manual, Jasper realized that all the basic cultivation technique did was instruct the user on how to refine and absorb Spiritual Qi through their spirit root. Consequently, without a corresponding spirit root, his cultivation was at a standstill.

"Looks like I just wasted 100 wisps of Spirit Qi for nothing," Jasper whispered to himself, frustration evident in his tone. With a surge of anger, he sprang up from his seat. Determined not to let this setback deter him, he made his way to his courtyard and began practicing his martial arts, immersing himself in rigorous training until sunset painted the sky with hues of gold and crimson.

After cooling down Jasper went back inside. Determined not to let this set back deter him started meditating using to recover his Qi back to the 3rd stage of Qi refinement realm.

***

As the first light of dawn crept over the horizon, the Martial Hall was slowly roused from its slumber. Among them, Jasper was already wide awake, preparing for the day ahead. His determination reinvigorated after yesterday's intensive meditation and martial arts practice. He was looking forward to the training session he had planned for his team.

He also received a letter from his father mentioning that he agreed for Alexa to go to the spring village, he also mentioned that he would release news of your promotion as the vice head of the Martial Hall tomorrow after meeting with the elders of the Martial Hall and Spring Village.

True to his word, Jasper met with his team at the appointed time and place, under the same large tree they had gathered beneath before. This time, there were six faces around him, including Alaric. The tall youth had returned from his mission and seemed eager to join the group.

Jasper greeted each of them with a nod. "Alright, let's get started," Jasper said, clapping his hands together. "We're heading to my courtyard for the training. Follow me."

Leading the way, Jasper guided his team back to his manor and into the courtyard, while smaller than his courtyard back in the Spring Village, it was barely enough for 7 people. It was a tranquil space, with a cobblestone path winding through lush greenery. A few wooden dummies and targets were scattered around, hinting at its frequent use for training.

"Today, we're going to start with something simple. I just want you all to train as you normally would, and I will just observe you," Jasper said, his gaze sweeping over each of his team members in turn.

A few exchanged glances, a little confused but willing to follow his instruction. They nodded in agreement and began to disperse throughout the courtyard, each finding a suitable spot to start their personal training.

Torin, the talent from the Lian clan, being the largest of the group, headed straight for a hefty wooden dummy, his heavy fists making a solid thud against the worn wood with each strike. His movements were methodical and steady, demonstrating his strength and endurance.

The others had chosen their own focuses. Some were working on their speed and agility, darting around makeshift obstacle courses and testing their balance on uneven surfaces. Others focused on precision, striking at specific targets or practicing their martial forms.

Jasper watched them all, his sharp gaze missing nothing. He studied their techniques and auras, their strengths and weaknesses, and their habits. He mentally noted any areas of improvement and made plans on how to help them refine their skills.

He could see the potential in each of them. As the elites of their respective families each of them had their unique talents and abilities that made them stand out.

By the time the sun was high in the sky, Jasper finally called for a break. The team gathered around, a little breathless but filled with anticipation wondering what Jasper would say.