Chapter 35: The Heist for the Sword Manual

Chapter 35: The Heist for the Sword Manual

A few days later in the afternoon, Eli Mason sneaked out of the secluded Godhand Valley to meet with Zane Sterling.

Eli's departure from the valley wasn't really secretive. Doctor Mo was well aware of Eli's frequent outings but chose not to intervene, allowing Eli to come and go freely. Initially, this made Eli uneasy, unsure of Doctor Mo's true intentions. However, after several uneventful excursions, Eli confirmed that he was not being followed and began to carry out his activities with more confidence.

Upon further contemplation, Eli began to understand the reasons behind Doctor Mo's leniency. Despite using the "Corpse Worm Pill" and the threat to Eli's family as powerful controls, Doctor Mo knew that such harsh methods would only breed resentment and unwillingness in Eli. Restricting Eli's movements would be counterproductive since Doctor Mo's primary goal was to encourage Eli to actively practice the Springtime Manual.

Once Eli grasped the reasoning behind Doctor Mo's approach, he became even bolder. Initially cautious and secretive in his movements, he now brazenly walked past Doctor Mo without a second thought. Outwardly, Eli appeared careless and indifferent, but internally, he maintained his usual caution.

As he exited the valley, Eli activated the Springtime Manual, enhancing his senses to an extraordinary level, covering a radius of dozens of yards. Eli was confident that even Doctor Mo couldn't tail him without detection. While he might not match Doctor Mo in direct combat, Eli had supreme confidence in his sensory abilities.

Avoiding the patrolling disciples, Eli navigated through the hidden passage in the old locust tree and crawled into the small pond where he had previously met Zane. He found Zane sitting by the pond, bare-footed, his feet splashing in the cool water, creating a cascade of colorful droplets.

Hearing Eli approach, Zane complained without lifting his head, "Eli, you're getting later each time. I've been waiting for half a day. Can't you come earlier for once?"

"Sorry, I..." Eli started to explain, brushing the dirt from his clothes.

"Catch!" Zane cut him off, tossing a large, heavy bundle toward Eli.

"What's this? Something good to eat?" Eli joked, though the bundle felt too hard and heavy to be food.

"You always think about food! It's the Blinking Sword Technique manual you asked for," Zane said, rolling his eyes.

"This is the manual? Are you sure you didn't just grab a grindstone from your yard?" Eli doubted, eyeing the massive package.

"It's really heavy!" He hefted it, nearly stumbling under its weight.

Zane couldn't hold back his laughter, rolling on the ground until he was covered in grass and dirt. Eli, puzzled, kicked the bundle lightly. It felt like books.

Ignoring Zane's antics, Eli focused on the bundle. With nimble fingers, he deftly untied the knot, revealing the contents inside.

"You'll see," Zane said, finally standing up and wiping tears of laughter from his eyes.

Eli carefully peeled back the wrapping, revealing a stack of books. His face went pale with shock, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.

"What have you done?" Eli turned to Zane, his voice a mix of disbelief and fear.

Zane, still chuckling, said, "Surprised? I brought a little more than just the sword manual."

"Are you insane? You've brought half the library of the Seven Mysteries Sect here! If the patrols find out, we're dead!" Eli shouted, pointing at the pile of books, each marked with the sect's insignia.

"Relax, Eli. I was careful. No one saw me," Zane reassured, though Eli wasn't convinced.

"You've put us both at risk," Eli said, frustration clear in his voice. But as he looked at the pile of knowledge before him, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of excitement. The possibilities were endless.

Eli knew that possessing these manuals was dangerous, but the potential they held for his training was too great to ignore. Taking a deep breath, he decided to embrace the risk. They would have to be extremely cautious from now on, but the rewards could be immense.

The two friends sat by the pond, discussing their next steps and planning how to use the stolen knowledge to their advantage. The thrill of the clandestine operation and the promise of newfound power made Eli's heart race with anticipation.

As the sun set, casting long shadows over the valley, Eli and Zane knew that their journey had only just begun. They were treading a dangerous path, but one that could lead them to unimaginable heights.

Together, they vowed to master the secrets contained in those books and use them to carve out a place for themselves in the world of martial arts. Their bond grew stronger, forged in the shared risk and the pursuit of power.

And so, with renewed determination, Eli returned to the valley, clutching the stolen manuals tightly. He knew that the path ahead would be fraught with danger, but he was ready to face it head-on. For the first time in a long while, Eli felt a spark of hope. He would not let Doctor Mo control his fate. He would forge his own path, no matter the cost.

Eli's mind was buzzing with the possibilities the stolen manuals represented. There were techniques and secrets within those books that could help him surpass his current limitations. The thought of mastering such powerful skills made his blood pump with excitement. He was determined to make the most of this opportunity, no matter the risks.

Over the next few days, Eli and Zane met secretly to practice and study the manuals. They found a secluded spot deep in the forest where they could train without being disturbed. Every day, they pushed themselves to the limit, honing their skills and refining their techniques.

One night, after an intense training session, Eli lay on his back, staring up at the stars. He felt a sense of contentment that he hadn't felt in a long time. Despite the danger and uncertainty, he was finally taking control of his destiny.

"Do you ever wonder what it will be like when we've mastered these techniques?" Eli asked, breaking the silence.

Zane, lying next to him, turned his head and grinned. "We'll be unstoppable. No one will be able to stand in our way."

Eli smiled, feeling a surge of confidence. They were on the brink of something great, and he knew that together, they could achieve anything.