Chapter 39: The Harsh Conditions

Chapter 39: The Harsh Conditions

The voice of the other spy was unfamiliar to Eli Mason, suggesting he had never encountered this person before. Judging by the sound, he guessed the man was in his twenties. Unfortunately, Eli didn't dare to sneak a glance, fearing the men might sense his gaze and discover his presence. The thought of being discovered sent a chill down his spine. He held his breath, listening intently to their hushed conversation, trying to catch any useful information.

After the encounter, the rest of the journey was uneventful. Eli finally returned to his quarters long after dinner had passed. As usual, Doctor Mo showed no interest in Eli's mysterious comings and goings. Except for occasionally delivering some prepared medicines, Doctor Mo allowed Eli to do as he pleased, without any interference. Eli often wondered if Doctor Mo's apparent disinterest was genuine or if it masked a deeper, more sinister plot.

Eli suspected that the rare and valuable herbs Doctor Mo had collected during his trips down the mountain were being used to make these so-called precious medicines. Although Eli no longer had much regard for these concoctions, he continued to take them to avoid raising suspicions. The bitter taste lingered on his tongue, a constant reminder of the precarious position he was in.

He wasn't worried about poison in the medicine; harming Eli now would be counterproductive for Doctor Mo, who still needed him alive. As for the spies from the Wild Wolf Gang, Eli had already devised a plan to deal with them. Despite not having deep ties to the Seven Mysteries Sect, he couldn't ignore a threat that posed such danger to the sect. His mind raced with possibilities, each more dangerous than the last. 

He had identified the perfect person to handle this matter—Lucas, his ambitious and capable senior brother. Lucas's desire for fame and power, likely intensified by the effects of the "Marrow Extract Pill," made him the ideal candidate to take credit for thwarting the spies' plans. This would also repay the favor Lucas had done by obtaining the "Blink Sword Manual" for Eli. The thought of Lucas's reaction brought a small smile to Eli's face. He could already picture the excitement and gratitude in his friend's eyes.

Eli couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement thinking about the "Blink Sword Manual." He had not lied to Lucas about the manual; it was indeed unsuitable for him. However, Eli had withheld certain details. Keeping some secrets from everyone, even close friends, was a survival tactic Eli had perfected. He knew that in this world, knowledge was power, and power was best kept close to the chest.

The techniques described in the manual were unlike any conventional martial arts. Rather than a straightforward sword technique, it was a complex assassination skill, emphasizing a combination of timing, environment, and human factors to deliver lethal strikes. The descriptions were detailed and intricate, each move meticulously explained with accompanying diagrams. 

The manual detailed how to use the terrain, shadows, and even slight changes in light to deceive an opponent's senses and exploit their weaknesses. It required the practitioner to have exceptional sensory abilities, far beyond those of an ordinary person. Eli spent hours each night practicing these techniques in secret, honing his skills to perfection.

However, the most significant barrier was the condition that the practitioner must not possess pure internal energy. This unique technique conflicted with traditional internal energy practices, making it extremely difficult to master if one had developed significant internal power. Even if someone managed to learn it, their abundant internal energy would inadvertently alter their sword strikes, leaving openings that could lead to their demise. This paradox fascinated and frustrated Eli in equal measure.

This condition deterred most people from attempting to learn the technique. In martial arts, the saying "Training without internal energy is futile" was deeply ingrained. Sacrificing internal energy cultivation for an obscure sword technique was unthinkable. Yet, Eli found himself increasingly drawn to the challenge, the promise of mastering something no one else had.

Those who persisted despite this were few, and even they faced a final daunting challenge. The sheer volume of techniques and the detailed application conditions made the manual incredibly complex. Each book in the bundle represented a single sword move, broken down into hundreds of variations, each requiring different conditions and timing. Eli had spent countless hours memorizing these variations, practicing them until they became second nature.

The sheer number of techniques was overwhelming. Just reading through them was enough to induce headaches, let alone memorizing and mastering them. These harsh conditions had discouraged many would-be learners, who likely cursed the long-deceased elder who created such a demanding art. Eli often found himself cursing that elder as well, especially during long, sleepless nights spent in relentless practice.

Over time, interest in the "Blink Sword Manual" waned within the Seven Mysteries Sect. Many came to believe the technique was a fabrication, created by a dying elder to torment future disciples. As a result, the manuals were left to gather dust, forgotten and ignored. Eli saw this as an opportunity, a hidden gem waiting to be uncovered.

Eli finished pondering these thoughts as he prepared for bed. He knew he had to tread carefully with his newfound knowledge. The stakes were high, and any mistake could cost him dearly. But for now, he allowed himself to rest, readying himself for the challenges ahead. The path before him was fraught with danger, but also with the promise of unparalleled power and mastery.