Chapter 40: The Origins of the Secret Technique

Chapter 40: The Origins of the Secret Technique

These disgruntled individuals were unaware that the elder who created this sword technique had his profound internal energy crippled during a fierce battle in his prime. Unable to cultivate internal energy again, the elder kept this secret from others to avoid losing his status within the sect. He pretended to have advanced his martial arts, successfully deceiving everyone.

One evening, Eli sat down with the thick stack of manuals spread before him. The flickering light from the oil lamp cast eerie shadows on the walls. He picked up the first manual and began reading, his fingers tracing the intricate characters.

"This is truly fascinating," Eli murmured to himself, engrossed in the detailed descriptions of the techniques. "Who would have thought such a complex technique existed?"

Unbeknownst to Eli, Doctor Mo, who had sensed something different about his disciple, watched from a distance. He pondered Eli's sudden interest in these old manuals, his eyes narrowing with suspicion.

As Eli read on, he discovered the origin story of the elder who created the "Blink Sword Manual." It was a tale of tragedy and triumph, of a man who had lost everything but refused to give up.

"This elder must have been a genius," Eli thought, admiring the elder's perseverance and ingenuity. "To create a technique that doesn't rely on internal energy... It's revolutionary."

The elder's journey began when his profound internal energy was crippled during a fierce battle in his prime. Unable to cultivate internal energy again, he kept this secret from others to avoid losing his status within the sect. He pretended to have advanced his martial arts, successfully deceiving everyone.

"How did he manage to keep such a secret?" Eli wondered aloud, shaking his head in amazement. "The strength of his will must have been incredible."

Lacking any means of self-defense, the elder rarely ventured outside and relied on his sharp wit to maintain his deception. This was during the peak of the Seven Mysteries Sect's dominance in Jingzhou.

When the elder realized his powers were irreparable, he secretly ordered his subordinates to raid many hidden sects, hoping to find a supreme technique that did not require internal energy. After years of plundering, he collected numerous incredible secret techniques, but none suited his needs.

"So, he turned to other sects' secrets," Eli mused. "Desperation can lead to remarkable innovation."

Disappointed, the elder, a man of extraordinary talent and intellect, decided to create his own unique martial art by combining the various secret techniques he had amassed. The prospect of creating a groundbreaking martial art excited him immensely. From that moment, he devoted himself entirely to this endeavor, even going into seclusion to avoid distractions.

"To create something entirely new... It must have been an enormous challenge," Eli said, his respect for the elder growing.

Creating a new martial art is an arduous task, especially one that does not rely on internal energy yet incorporates numerous secret techniques. The elder's process was grueling, far more challenging than he anticipated. But his determination and perseverance paid off after decades of relentless effort—the "Blink Sword Manual" was born.

Elated, the elder announced his success to the sect, only to discover that the Seven Mysteries Sect was on the brink of destruction, besieged by numerous factions. Angered and dismayed, the elder used his newly perfected technique to slaughter many enemies, securing a bloody path for the sect's survival.

"The timing must have seemed like a cruel joke," Eli thought. "To succeed only to face immediate destruction."

Unfortunately, soon after the escape, the elder's life reached its end. His dying wish was to have the sword manual preserved in the Seven Mysteries Hall, where it remained, collecting dust until Eli stumbled upon it.

"Such a legacy, left to gather dust," Eli muttered, shaking his head. "But now, it's in my hands."

Unaware of these historical events, Eli only cared about the manual's potential to save his life from Doctor Mo. The manual's origin and creator were of no interest to him. Practical and realistic, Eli focused solely on the manual's suitability for his situation.

In his room, Eli lit an oil lamp and hunched over his wooden desk, poring over the manuals under the dim light. He had no intention of transcribing the manuals but planned to memorize them entirely. This approach was safer and ensured secrecy, minimizing the risk of Doctor Mo discovering his plans.

The lamp flickered, casting dancing shadows on the walls, reminding Eli that time was slipping by. Yet he remained engrossed, captivated by the bizarre techniques detailed in the manuals. The room's ambiance grew eerie as the lamp's flame wavered, throwing Eli's silhouette into sharp relief.

Hours passed unnoticed. Eli's shadow, once sharp, grew blurry and indistinct as dawn approached. He had spent the entire night immersed in his studies.

With a final, loud pop, the lamp's flame extinguished, jolting Eli back to reality. He glanced at the darkened lamp and then at the brightening sky, a wry smile on his lips. He hadn't anticipated becoming so obsessed with studying the art of killing.

Reflecting on how much he had changed, Eli sighed and stretched, cracking his joints. He stepped outside, fetched a basin of cold water from a nearby well, and washed his face, invigorating himself. Using his internal energy, he circulated it throughout his body, banishing the night's fatigue.

Through his intense study, Eli realized that mastering this martial art would require at least a decade of dedicated practice. Even with his exceptional talent, it would take years to achieve proficiency. Time was a luxury he couldn't afford.

"This technique might be my only chance," Eli thought, determination hardening his resolve. "I must master it, no matter the cost."