Chapter 33: Secret Trade

Chapter 33: Secret Trade

Eli Mason grabbed the rope tied to the wooden bucket and threw the bucket into the spring-fed pool. With a swift tug, he pulled up a bucket brimming with fresh, cold water.

Effortlessly, Eli hoisted the bucket over his head and, with a flick of his wrist, doused himself from head to toe in the refreshing liquid.

"So cold!"

"So refreshing!"

Eli and another boy exclaimed simultaneously, reveling in the cool relief.

It was midsummer, and the heat was unbearable. Both boys were shirtless, their torsos bare to the sun. The icy water was a welcome respite, soothing their heated skin and bringing much-needed relief.

"Heh! Eli, you sure know how to find the best spots. I can't believe you discovered such a secluded little pool," said the other boy, who had a cool, detached demeanor.

"This is nothing. I've found even more hidden places, but none with water as cool and refreshing as this," Eli replied, not modestly accepting the compliment.

The other boy was Zane Sterling, who had come to get more of Eli's pain-relieving medicine. Ever since Zane first received the medicine from Eli, he found it incredibly effective. The torment of the Bone-Breaking Pill was significantly reduced.

From then on, Zane became addicted. Without Eli's medicinal powder, he couldn't endure the pain of the Bone-Breaking Pill. What was supposed to last him a year was consumed within just a few months.

Driven to desperation by the relentless agony, Zane had no choice but to seek Eli out again.

Eli, on the other hand, was eager to strengthen himself. Learning that Zane was now training in the Seven Absolute Hall, Eli demanded a trade: the medicine for the hall's secret techniques.

With only a few years left to live, Zane readily agreed.

To avoid detection, Eli found several hidden spots within the colorful, sprawling Caisang Mountains for their clandestine meetings.

The two met regularly, with Eli providing the medicine and Zane teaching him martial arts techniques from the Seven Absolute Hall.

Both were satisfied with the arrangement, which continued for over six months.

During this time, Eli and Zane grew to like each other, and their relationship evolved into a genuine friendship.

Zane admired Eli's knack for finding secluded spots. Especially this small pool, surrounded by steep cliffs, forming a small, hidden basin. The only way in was through a narrow cave, which one had to crawl through. The cave opened into the base of an ancient locust tree clinging to the cliffside.

Most importantly, in the oppressive summer heat, this place had a cool pool.

After stretching their muscles, they poured more buckets of cold water over themselves, savoring the comfort.

Eli looked at the sun and said, "The Wild Python Fist you taught me last time is too aggressive. I don't think it suits me. Do you have something more subtle and flexible?"

"Eli, do you think I have free access to any martial art in the Seven Absolute Hall? I can only choose from a limited selection. My techniques are all strong and aggressive, just like me," Zane replied, rolling his eyes in irritation.

"You're the top disciple among us. How can you compare yourself to an ordinary disciple of the Seven Absolute Hall?"

Eli laughed awkwardly, trying to soothe Zane's annoyance with a few flattering words.

"Wow! It's rare to hear our genius Eli complimenting others," Zane teased with a half-smile.

"What genius? You can always take me down in a few moves," Eli countered.

"Hmph! That's because I use true energy to overpower you. Without it, I wouldn't be able to beat you in a hundred moves."

"Who fights without true energy? You're being too modest, Zane."

"Modest? Not at all. You've never learned martial arts before, never fought anyone. Your only training was that useless mind technique, yet you've grasped these moves so quickly in such a short time. If you're not a genius, then what are you? And why do you keep practicing that worthless technique every day?"

Eli smiled wryly to himself, thinking, "Do you think I want to? I have no choice but to keep practicing."

"Eli, with your talent, you should forget that technique and learn real martial arts from me. In two years, you'd make a name for yourself, and we could dominate the Seven Absolute Hall together. Wouldn't that be great?" Zane's heartfelt persuasion moved Eli.

Though he had heard this many times, Eli was still touched by Zane's sincerity.

Eli gently shook his head, declining the offer, and changed the subject.

"Are there any techniques in the Seven Absolute Hall that don't require true energy to defeat an opponent?"

Zane saw Eli avoiding the topic again and chose not to press further, knowing Eli likely had his reasons, just as he did.

After pondering for a moment, Zane said, "There is one strange sword technique that doesn't rely on true energy, but..."

"But what?" Eli, excited by the prospect of a suitable technique, urged Zane to continue.

"But it's an odd technique that's been in the Seven Absolute Hall for over a century. No one has ever successfully mastered it. Even the elder who created it didn't manage to complete it before he died. It's called the Blink Sword Technique. Isn't that a weird name?" Zane said, shaking his head in wonder.

"Why is it called that?" Eli asked, intrigued.

"The elder named it so because the technique involves drawing and sheathing the sword so quickly that it seems to blink in and out of sight. It's all about speed and precision, not brute strength or true energy," Zane explained.

"That sounds exactly like what I need," Eli said, his eyes lighting up with excitement.

"Don't get your hopes up too high. Many have tried and failed. The movements are so fast and complex that mastering them without the aid of true energy is nearly impossible," Zane warned.

"I still want to try," Eli insisted. "Can you teach me?"

"I'll do my best, but remember, it's not going to be easy," Zane agreed, beginning to demonstrate the initial stances and movements of the Blink Sword Technique.

Eli watched intently, absorbing every detail. He mimicked Zane's movements, practicing the swift, fluid motions required by the technique.

As the sun climbed higher, the two boys continued their training, the cool water of the pool offering brief respite between sessions.

Despite the difficulty, Eli was determined. This technique could be his edge, his secret weapon against those who relied solely on brute strength and true energy.

By the end of the day, Eli's body ached, but his mind was sharper than ever. He had a new goal, a new challenge to conquer.

"Thank you, Zane. I know this isn't easy, but I'll master it. Just wait and see," Eli promised, shaking Zane's hand firmly.

Zane nodded, impressed by Eli's resolve. "I believe you, Eli. You've already shown you can do the impossible."

With that, the two friends parted ways, each heading back to their respective quarters.

Eli's mind was buzzing with new possibilities. The Blink Sword Technique was the key. He could feel it.

That night, as he lay in bed, Eli mentally reviewed the day's training. His muscles were sore, but his spirit was unyielding.

"I'll master this technique," he vowed to himself. "And I'll use it to protect myself and those I care about."

In the days that followed, Eli practiced relentlessly, honing his speed and precision. He spent hours each day perfecting the Blink Sword Technique, driven by a fierce determination.

Zane continued to provide guidance, offering tips and corrections. Their friendship grew stronger as they trained together, united by a common goal.

Eli's progress was slow but steady. Each day, he became a little faster, a little more precise. He could see the potential of the technique and the power it held.

As the weeks turned into months, Eli's dedication began to pay off. His movements became more fluid, his strikes more accurate. He was far from mastering the technique, but he was getting closer.

Through it all, Eli never lost sight of his ultimate goal: to free himself from Doctor Mo's control and secure his own future.

With each passing day, his confidence grew. He was no longer the naive boy who had arrived at the sect. He was stronger, smarter, and more determined than ever.

And with the Blink Sword Technique, Eli knew he had the means to achieve his goals.

His path was clear, and his resolve unwavering. Eli Mason was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.