Chapter 15 : Lifeflare

Chapter 15 : Lifeflare

Jiang Lei felt like the whole world had turned upside down. The truth in front of his eyes was very cruel, and he didn't want to accept it. He kept hoping it was some kind of mistake.

"Mortal Layer Seven dropped to Mortal Layer Five... How could this happen?" he said to himself, his voice barely a whisper, filled with confusion and a sense of loss.

But no matter how bad he felt or how much he didn't want to accept the truth, he had to accept it.

But then he saw that his intermediate fire talent, which he had obtained with so much difficulty, had also disappeared, he couldn't keep himself calm.

Talents like the one Li Xun had didn't grow on trees. In the outer sect, they were not something that come along every day at the outer door. They are specially trained talents from the sect, and they have their separate residences.

He didn't know how many months it would take to encounter a disciple like Li Xun again. And even if he becomes fortunate enough to meet a talent like Li Xun in the future, it didn't mean he would be able to touch him and copy his talent.

The Inner Sect Competition was just around the corner, and Jiang Lei felt without any means to participate. His cultivation level had fallen, and without his talent, he was slow to improve. He'd missed out on earning Azure Points because he hadn't defeated the monster.

Without the help of his intermediate talent, he can't even cultivate fast enough, he is now just like his olf self who used to take forever to breakthrough from one realm to another.

"System, what went wrong?" Jiang Lei asked, trying to keep his composure.

In his frustration, he called out to the system for an explanation.

[System: Master, what happened to you is because of the ability called 'Lifeflare.']

"Lifeflare? What in the heavens is that?" Jang Lei asked in a confused tone with a hint of rising frustration.

[System: Master, this is an ability that every talent holder possesses, but it is not something every talent holder can use; it is a special ability that only those who have a significant amount of control, understanding, and mastery over their talent can perform.]

"So, it's because of Lifeflare that I've lost my talent and my cultivation has dropped?"

[System: Yes, when a talent holder uses this ability, they suffer a significant decline in their realm, and their talent is lost for life.]

"This cursed monster!!"Jiang Lei gritted his teeth.

Jiang Lei was angry. He had worked so hard, and now it was all for nothing. He found out the reason for his loss of talent and realm, but it did not ease his sorrow. What would he do now? How was he supposed to compete in the Inner Sect Competition and make a name for himself now?

He felt like all the paths in his way had been blocked, and he had nowhere to go.

[System: Master, you don't need to feel sad because you have the ability to copy talents. You will be able to copy talents like Li Xun's and others again.]

Jiang Lei's lips curved into a smile, though it was touched with a hint of sadness.

"Copying a talent like Li Xun's won't be something I can achieve in the near future easily," he murmured.

.....

After two days of rest and recovery, Jiang Lei finally felt some strength in his body. The injuries that had once confined him to the room had healed considerably, he can once more move freely now, and channel his energy.

Jiang Lei was just about to stretch and see how much of his strength had returned when a soft knock interrupted his solitude.

Putting aside his self-test, he swung open the door and there they were: three kids from the village, each no older than eight. They stood there grinning up at him, looking like they were up to something, as usual.

Xiao Mei, the ringleader with eyes full of mischief, was practically bouncing on her toes. Her short, jet-black hair was a little tousled, probably from racing her buddies to be the first to knock.

Zhang Wei had that thoughtful look he always had, like he was trying to figure out the secret that is always there present in his mind. His brown hair stuck out in all directions, without any any comb or brush.

And Li Hua, she was practically vibrating with excitement, her braided hair swinging like a pendulum with every move. She had that 'let's go explore a haunted temple' look in her eyes.

"What wind brings my three little devils here today?"Jiang Lei said, dropping to one knee to be at eye level with them.

"We wanted to see if you were better," Xiao Mei blurted out. "And if you've got any new stories of monsters!"

Theae three childrens regularly comes to him. The trio of children, Xiao Mei, Zhang Wei, and Li Hua, had developed a unique bond with Jiang Lei. Whenever he was free, they would cone to him, their eyes brimming with curiosity and excitement, to listen his 'tales'.

The three of them gazed at Jiang Lei with eyes full of excitement and anticipation.

Seeing their eager expressions, Jiang Lei chuckled, the rumble of his laughter seemed to fill the small space. "Well, well, I don't like sharing my invincible journey and boasting around but since you three little devils are here, I guess I can't resist sharing the story of my invincible strength. Come on in."

The kids needed no second invitation; they bounded past him into the room and settled down in a semi circle around Jiang Lei.

"Alright, you little devils, get comfy. I've got a fresh one for you," Jiang Lei said, closing the door behind them.

He leaned back against the wall and rubbed his chin, pretending to think hard. "So, there I was, face to face with a demon made of fire. It was a beast that could melt stone and burn through steel with just a touch."

The children leaned in, their eyes wide, their breaths held.

"I saw it coming at me, with its flaming body, and I stood there calm and composed and then took a deep breath, summoned all my qi into my fist, and just as it swung its burning claws at me, I dodged and struck it right in its fiery heart. My move so swift, it left the demon dazed and confused and it struck the beast right at its chest.

He punched the air for emphasis, and the kids flinched back, as if they could feel the heat of the battle.

"Now, you may be wondering, what happened next?"Jiang Lei's eyes sparkled mischievously. "The demon kneeled and begged for my mercy! Yes, I am not exaggerating a little. My prowess was so great that even the demon itself couldn't comprehend the sheer power I possessed."

He puffed out his chest, adopting a heroic stance that had the kids giggling. Their laughter was infectious, and Jiang Lei couldn't help but chuckle along.

"But here's the best part," Jiang Lei continued without any shame. "The demon even wiggled its tail like a dog! I never expected a lion to act so, but I showed it mercy and let it go. And this is the legendary tale of how I defeated a fire demon with a single punch!"

Jiang Lei finished with a dramatic flair, throwing his arms wide.

Zhang Wei's eyes sparkled. "You're the best, Big Brother Jiang! I'm gonna be just like you, fighting demons with one punch!"

The kids burst into giggles, their earlier awe quickly turning into playful jabs and laughter about one-punch hero and fire-breathing monster.

Jiang Lei watched them, a soft smile on his face. He felt that the simple joy of telling tall tales to these three kids, might just be the best medicine he could ask for.