25 Impossible Path

Caol lost himself and integrated with nature. It was so surreal. He felt like the burdens of his mind about violence were washed away. Unbeknownst to him, a pure type of qi, different from the one he used to absorb, was integrating within every nook and cranny of his body.

Enlightenment! A mysterious and unexplainable phenomenon. It was just a small trace of inspiration that lead him to understand and comprehend more about himself, by attaining peace.

Caol opened his eyes, just to see an old man sitting beside him, meditating. As if he felt like someone was looking at him, Master Jian faced Caol's direction and grinned, "I heard you were pummeled hard, kid. Don't ever let anyone know you are my disciple. I'll lose face."

Caol laughed at Master Jian's words. "That's why I'm here, master. So I can start the second phase of the training." Master Jian sighed, "It is not the right time yet, Caol."

Caol was a bit taken aback, but somehow, he expected this answer. Caol has not even perfected his control over his qi. It was like biting off more than he can chew. Caol then asked for pointers about his bottlenecks in qi control.

Master Jian patiently answered each question as he has experienced all those.

Caol felt like he was one step closer to perfecting his control. However, he had doubts. 'Just how strong is Master Jian?'

"Master, can I ask you something?" Caol looked directly at Master Jian. "Go ahead." Master Jian nodded and allowed his question. "Master, how strong are you exactly? I feel like you are way stronger than the old man in the battlefield."

Master Jian asked, "Are you talking about that Elder Yi that was captured? He is not even worthy of carrying my shoes." He had a bit of pride and dignity in his tone.

"Then what's your realm, Master?"

"I can't tell you that as it is too early, but have you ever thought of combining the Martial and Immortal Way?" Master Jian asked a serious question for Caol.

"Combining it? Is it even possible?" Caol had a look of confusion in his eyes.

Master Jian told Caol, "As you are my disciple, you have a right to know a bit of my power. You see, I was born with a spiritual root, but I went on the Martial Way first. When I reached the peak of the Martial Way, I cultivated the Immortal Path."

Caol had awe plastered all over his face. "That is so awesome, Master! By the way, how old are you now?"

"Hmph, did you know that you aren't supposed to ask an old man's age, brat?" Master Jian snorted at Caol's question. He did not want to answer it, as he was a bit embarrassed.

"Master, you are mistaken, that line is only for the ladies. It does not look cute when you do it. Please stop." Caol nearly begged Master Jian to act normal. He was hit by a stick on his head because of his remark.

"Joking aside, I will guide you with polishing your control. It would not take long, and after that, we can officially start phase two."

Time flies by fast. Caol noticed that he has been training with Master Jian for his qi control for over three months. He did not get any impressive power surges, but he can do a lot more power using less qi. Efficiency was one of the keys of controlling qi.

"Caol, you have more or less mastered the basic control. Now, let's start the next training." Master Jian was standing in the middle of the grounds. Caol was also standing in front of him.

"The next part of the training is going to be the techniques. I have noticed your lack of techniques, and it doesn't match your power. I am going to teach you a few of my customized martial techniques for you to use. The first one will be about this." Master Jian waved his fist around. He knew Caol liked to battle barehanded.

"The name of this technique is the 'Gargantuan Fist' as it mainly relies on a fist's might. This is suitable for you as you have a very strong physique, however, you are still lacking. Its main principle is 'heavy' and to do that, you need to upgrade your strength to a terrifying force. A fist contains the weight of the world." Master Jian taught Caol the underlying principles and the route for the qi to travel.

Caol thought this technique suited him, thus he learned this wholeheatedly. He focused on mastering this technique in the shortest amount of time. It still took him about two months to properly integrate the Gargantuan Fist to his attacks.

During this time, Master Jian asked about the origin of his tail. Caol told him that it's a part of him, and it may have something to do with his bloodline. Master Jian did not continue to ask as it was not very important to him anyways.

In the next months, Master Jian taught Caol several different martial techniques. Since he had more experience in learning martial techniques, the time to master them was shortened. Caol finished the second phase of the training within 9 months and 3 weeks. He has also turned 15.

Master Jian shooed him away after becoming done and suddenly disappeared. Caol had no choice but to leave.

Caol decided to head back to Gate City, and go back to the frontlines.

This time, he would not be as helpless as the last.