Chapter 09: Learning New Techniques

That morning, sunlight filtered through the leaves of the large tree in the yard, casting a soft glow that added warmth to the atmosphere. Under the same tree, Li Wei sat cross-legged, opening the intermediate demon technique book that Zhao Ling had just given him. A gentle breeze blew, carrying the fresh scent of leaves and wildflowers.

Li Wei focused on the first page, trying to understand the techniques written there. However, as time passed, his face grew more furrowed. The techniques in the book seemed far more complex than anything he had learned before. The movements described required not only physical strength but also precise mastery of Qi.

"Why is it so difficult?" he muttered to himself. He tried to mimic some of the movements in the pictures, but his body felt stiff and out of sync.

"What is this strange feeling? Why does my body become stiff when I try it?"

Every time he attempted to channel his Qi according to the book's instructions, the result was never as expected.

"I can't channel Qi as described in the book," Li Wei thought, scratching his head in frustration with all the intermediate-level techniques.

Out of the two books he read, none of the techniques were easy; there were a few, but they were just words on paper. When he tried them, it turned out to be much harder than described.

"Haa..." Li Wei sighed deeply.

Zhao Ling, who was sitting on a wooden chair on the porch of the house while enjoying a cup of tea, watched his student with a calm gaze. He saw Li Wei struggling with the new movements but said nothing. Only a slight smile graced his face.

"No matter how talented you are, it's impossible for an eight-year-old to understand those moves," Zhao Ling thought, smiling as he sipped his tea.

Li Wei eventually gave up on his own attempts. He approached Zhao Ling, his face reflecting confusion and frustration. "Master, I don't understand. These movements... they are too difficult for me to imitate. The Qi required feels very different, as if I need to advance to the next realm to use it."

Zhao Ling put down his teacup and looked at his student wisely. "Li Wei, these techniques are designed to test your limits. They rely not only on physical strength but also on a deep understanding of the energy flow within your body."

"But how can I master them, Master? I don't even know where to start," Li Wei said, his tone tinged with despair.

"I thought intermediate-level techniques wouldn't be difficult, but in reality..."

Li Wei couldn't start learning the techniques because they were all harder than they seemed.

Zhao Ling nodded slowly, understanding his student's feelings. "Every technique has its own spirit and rhythm, Li Wei. You can't just mimic the movements. You have to understand the essence, flow with the Qi, not fight it."

"How do you fight Qi?" Li Wei thought to himself with a sour expression.

Li Wei pondered his master's words, trying to find the meaning behind the advice. "But how can I feel it, Master?"

"Let yourself immerse in the practice, Li Wei. Don't rush for results. Feel every movement, every flow of Qi. In patience, you will find the answers you seek."

Li Wei took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. He went back under the big tree, opened his book again, and started reading more calmly.

Zhao Ling's words echoed in his ears. He closed his eyes, trying to feel the spiritual aura around and within him. Slowly, he tried to move his body according to the book's instructions, this time focusing more on the flow of Qi rather than just mimicking the movements.

Although still difficult, he began to feel a slight change. The Qi in his body started to respond, flowing more in harmony with the movements he made.

Zhao Ling watched from a distance, smiling in satisfaction at the small progress his student had made. He knew Li Wei's journey was still long, but with patience and dedication, no technique was unmasterable. He picked up his teacup again, sipping slowly, enjoying the calm morning and his student's eagerness to learn.

For five days, Li Wei did not practice any techniques. He continuously read the book, even trying to understand his own aura.

On the sixth day, the sun was hidden by cloudy skies, creating a cool atmosphere and causing the leaves to flutter in the wind. Under the shade of the tree, Li Wei sat cross-legged calmly, holding the intermediate demon technique book he had read hundreds of times.

He opened the first page and read it carefully, but this time, he didn't immediately try to mimic the movements described in it.

Instead, Li Wei closed his eyes and began to meditate. He focused on the flow of Qi within his body, feeling every breath he took and exhaled, bringing him deeper into himself.

The spiritual aura around him felt so abundant, flowing gently like water in a calm river.

In his mind, Li Wei tried to understand what Qi was. He recalled Zhao Ling's teachings about the importance of mastering Qi before mastering movements. "Qi is the core of our strength," he murmured to himself. "Without proper control, all these movements are useless."

He delved deeper into his thoughts, imagining the flow of Qi running through his body's meridians. His mind was filled with images of how best to control his Qi. He saw it like a river flow that had to be gently directed, not forced.

The wind blew softly, making the atmosphere even more tranquil. Zhao Ling, who was sweeping the yard from the fallen leaves, observed his student with a watchful gaze.

Even though Zhao Ling was an Immortal, cleaning the yard in a Mortal way wasn't bad. Not all activities had to be done with Immortal power. Sweeping the yard was part of his training.

He saw Li Wei immersed in his meditation, and a slight smile adorned his face. Zhao Ling knew that understanding Qi was the key to mastering any technique.

Li Wei slowly opened his eyes, feeling calmer and more connected to himself. He looked at the book page open in front of him, this time with a new understanding. "Qi control," he whispered, "is not just about power, but also about balance."

He closed his eyes again, focusing on the flow of Qi within his body. He felt how Qi flowed through every meridian, trying to direct it gently according to what he had learned. His mind was once again filled with new ways to control this energy, seeking the perfect balance.

Zhao Ling, who was watching, sensed the calmness from his student's aura, feeling proud of him. He knew that Li Wei was on the right path, even though he was using demonic cultivation techniques.

"This understanding," Zhao Ling thought, "will bring him much closer to mastering the actual techniques."

Li Wei continued to meditate, immersing himself in his Qi flow. In the silence, he felt something different. His Qi began to respond better, flowing more in harmony with his thoughts.

As the clouds cleared and the sun was high in the sky, Li Wei felt more confident in his abilities. He opened his eyes once again, this time with a stronger resolve. "I will master this," he whispered to himself. "With a better understanding of Qi, I will be able to master every technique in this book."

Zhao Ling nodded slowly, feeling satisfied with Li Wei's progress.

The wide yard was filled with abundant spiritual aura. The big tree in the middle of the yard provided shade, while sunlight peeked through its leaves, creating a calming play of light on the ground.

Li Wei, who had been meditating and practicing for the last six months, sat cross-legged under the tree. During that time, he had focused on understanding the Qi within his body, searching for ways to control it better. Every day, he felt his Qi flow becoming more stable and smooth. This morning, he felt more confident than ever.

Li Wei slowly opened his eyes, feeling the calm yet strong flow of Qi within him. He stood up, sensing every muscle and meridian in his body ready to channel Qi perfectly. His eyes were fixed on the intermediate demon technique book lying nearby.

"It's time," he whispered to himself, taking a deep breath. He opened the book's pages, choosing one of the techniques he hadn't tried before. "Shadow Dance," the name of the technique, seemed challenging yet appealing to him.

With confidence growing from diligent practice and meditation, Li Wei began to move his body following the instructions in the book. His hands moved quickly and precisely, following the depicted patterns. Every movement felt more natural now, as if his body had merged with the Qi he controlled.

As he reached the peak of the technique, Li Wei felt an extraordinary surge of energy. A thick black aura enveloped his body, forming a shadow that moved with every gesture. He felt the power of the technique, not just from his physical strength but from the perfect control of Qi he had mastered.

"It's just like the Shadow Dance, but the Qi control is harder," Li Wei thought. He himself didn't know the difference from the "Shadow Dance" technique.

"Incredible," he muttered, feeling a deep sense of satisfaction. The final movement of the technique concluded with an explosion of black aura radiating from his body, spreading throughout the yard. "I can do it."

Li Wei paused for a moment, taking a deep breath while feeling the effects of the technique he had just executed. He felt his body slightly tired, but his heart and mind were filled with satisfaction and pride. Six months of hard and dedicated training had yielded satisfying results.

He looked around, the quiet and peaceful yard still filled with abundant spiritual aura. The big tree in the middle of the yard shimmered under the sunlight, as if approving his achievement. Li Wei nodded slowly, feeling grateful for all he had learned and achieved.

"This is just the beginning," he thought, looking down at the intermediate-level demon technique book in his hand. He knew there was still much to learn and master. With his energy control getting more and more perfect, Li Wei felt confident that in the future he could learn all the techniques.

With renewed vigour, he sat back down under the tree, opened the book and started reading again. Each page brought new knowledge and challenges, but this time, Li Wei felt more prepared than ever.