My path.

After chatting with Clara some more, I returned to my room and began studying my techniques.

The 'Diamond Dragon's Bone Art' is designed to make your bones as hard as dragon bones, while 'Dragon's Palm' focuses on strength to overpower the enemy. As for 'Leaping Dragon,' it's all about explosive, long-distance jumps. When these techniques are mastered to perfection, the practitioner becomes as strong, fast, and explosive as a dragon.

The challenge lies in practicing these techniques to perfection, as it requires the use of Qi, which isn't available until the General rank.

"So, Reve, I don't need any more techniques, right?" I asked.

"Well, if you want to fight like an animal, then you don't," she joked.

"I see, I was thinking about the same problem; I don't like that style of fighting either," I admitted.

"Ranks 1 to 4 don't really rely on techniques because, after all, when you open your aura, all those techniques become useless," she explained.

"To become a master, you need to create a technique and master it to the peak," she continued. "To do that, you have to learn a bunch of techniques in the first seven ranks and combine them to create your own style," she paused for a moment to let me absorb all the information. "Then you must master that style to the Saint rank."

"It's not easy, I assume," I added.

"Of course not, but with all those techniques in the shop, if you can't create at least four, you are considered useless," she said, this time with seriousness.

"Why would I need to create more than one?" I asked.

"Because your goal is to become the strongest. Don't think that the Saint realm is the peak of this world; there is more, but you are too weak to know about them."

I was shocked but didn't inquire further.

"So, what you are saying is, I need to buy techniques, master them, try to combine them, and create my own techniques?" I sought clarification.

"Exactly. If you do this right, not only will you become the strongest Master, Grandmaster, and Saint, but you'll also be unpredictable. If someone survives a fight against you and comes prepared next time, they will not survive again."

"I like this. I'm really naive, Reve; thank you," I said.

To begin training the 'Diamond Dragon's Bone Art,' the practitioner adopts a firm and grounded stance reminiscent of a coiled dragon ready to strike. Proper concentration and mindfulness are crucial during this phase. Unfortunately, all the other phases require Qi, so I could only train the first stage.

According to Reve, my techniques are usually trained starting from the General rank. However, since I needed a strong foundation, I decided to practice the first stage of every technique. I did just that for the next two hours, feeling my bones ache. Afterward, I took a shower and went to sleep.

The next morning, I went to the mall, buying clothes—both formal and sportswear—watches, and a couple of perfumes. I contemplated purchasing weapons but decided against it when Reve suggested that the shop offered higher-quality options.

"Reve, is there a smithing technique in the shop that could help me make better quality weapons?" I inquired.

"There are many techniques, not only for smithing but also for alchemy. However, many herbs required for crafting pills are either hard to find or too expensive. It's often better to buy the pills or use the recipes and let others handle the alchemy," she advised.

I agreed with her opinion; alchemy wasn't something I was particularly interested in. Weapons, on the other hand, seemed like a great business idea.

"How much does the best smithing technique for me now cost?" I asked.

"It's 10 million, or 30 million if you want me to help you learn it," she replied.

"I can learn it directly with money? Why didn't we do that with the other techniques?" I questioned.

"You didn't ask, and I don't want you to be lazy. Smiting is not combat-related, so I can help you, but you need to learn your techniques yourself," she explained.

"You have a point. Alright, remind me to buy the technique when I have money to spare, please," I requested.

I returned to my hotel, had breakfast, and changed into a black bodysuit, gray shorts, and a gray T-shirt with a hood at the back. I put on my shoes and started running towards the Wilson family's house. I opted not to take a taxi because, after gaining more power, I couldn't fully control my body yet, so I planned to run steadily to improve my control.

When I approached the South Lake residential area, I ran into Clara again.

"Hey, Clara," I waved at her.

Her face lit up when she saw me, and she reached for a hug, which I gladly accepted.

"Do you enjoy training in this park?" she asked.

"No, I work here. I'm Marta Wilson's sparring partner," I replied casually.

Her eyes widened in surprise. "Why do you do that?" she asked.

I chuckled. "Not all of us are the president's daughter. I need money for training, making pills, and eating."

She looked embarrassed. "I can give you money," she suggested.

My expression turned serious. "Do I look like a beggar to you, Miss Clara?" I asked with a frown.

She panicked, "No, no, I didn't mean it that way…"

I laughed, "I know; I was just joking," I patted her shoulder. "But no, Clara, I can't accept money for nothing," I asserted.

"Don't scare me like that, Noah. I really thought I offended you," she sighed.

"You will if you keep saying those words. I'm a prideful man, and I hate it when people pity me," I made sure she understood my point.

"Well, let me go with you. I know the family, and Sara is a friend of mine."

"Who's Sara?" I inquired.

"The cold-faced girl who is always with Marta," she answered.

Ah, her name was Sara; I see.

"Is she a general like you?"

"No, she's only a senior warrior. I'm the only general under 25 years old. You could say I'm quite talented," she bragged with a proud smile.

"Don't celebrate too much. I started training just two months ago and I'm already at Rank 2 Mid," I teased her.

She froze, and I didn't wait for her as I continued running

Throughout our journey, she continued asking about my life, and I replied, providing the excuse that I hadn't practiced martial arts because I had been studying alchemy all those years. I did mention my past self, which I now found rather shameful.

Eventually, we arrived at the Wilson's house.