Chapter Seven: The Difficult Path of Training

Chapter Seven: The Difficult Path of Training

Eli slowly gathered the energy flowing through his meridians back to his core. This was the seventh full circulation he had completed today, and he knew his body had reached its limit. Attempting another cycle would likely cause his meridians to rupture again, subjecting him to the excruciating pain he had experienced before. The mere thought of that pain sent a shiver down his spine.

It had been over six months since Eli had joined the Mystic Gate, and the assessment for registered disciples had taken place two months ago. Only a small number of the registered disciples were allowed to officially join the inner sect; most had to descend the mountain to become external disciples.

Those who didn't pass were typically assigned to the Commerce Hall and the Messenger Hall. Exceptional individuals might receive further training with the potential to join the Blade Hall, which offered better conditions. The best external disciples aimed for the prestigious Four Seas Hall, which only accepted renowned martial artists.

Thinking back to the assessment made Eli uneasy. The test involved running around the vast Xianxia Mountain range, engaging in team combat in a sparsely populated forest, and defending against fierce attacks from highly skilled senior brothers. All of this made Eli feel a mix of relief and sympathy for the others.

Eli and his friend Zack didn't have to endure these terrifying tests. Instead, their assessment focused solely on their progress with the mysterious mantra they had been given by Doctor Mo. However, this was not as easy as Eli had initially thought. He still remembered vividly the rigorous training he had gone through.

Doctor Mo had explained that the mantra consisted of several levels, and Eli and Zack had only received the instructions for the first level. They had to demonstrate significant progress within six months to pass the assessment and become Doctor Mo's formal disciples, enjoying the same benefits as other inner sect disciples.

From the moment Eli learned about the stark differences between the treatment of inner and outer disciples, he abandoned any thoughts of coasting through the six months to become an external disciple. He focused intensely on his training, driven by the desire to earn more silver and improve his family's life.

Eli dedicated himself to practicing the mantra day and night. Doctor Mo offered no guidance, leaving Eli to figure out the process on his own. He used the basic methods taught for cultivating the Mystic Gate's foundational internal energy, "Positive Yang Force," as a reference.

After three grueling months, Eli finally produced a faint, cool energy flow within his body. This energy was barely detectable, and unlike the warm internal energy other children described, Eli's energy felt like a cold stream.

Despite this small success, Eli was disheartened. His progress was much slower than others who practiced the Positive Yang Force and showed significant strength improvements. This discrepancy almost made him give up, believing he lacked the aptitude to succeed. However, a conversation with Zack reignited his determination.

Zack confided that despite his hard work, he had felt no changes or energy flow from practicing the mantra. This revelation reassured Eli, and he resumed his intense training with renewed vigor, hoping to surpass the minimal results he had achieved.

Eli spent every moment in meditation, even attempting to maintain his meditative posture while sleeping. This method proved unsustainable, as the lack of rest affected his daytime training efficiency.

Doctor Mo remained indifferent, showing no interest in their progress, and was always engrossed in reading a book titled "The Longevity Sutra." This book seemed to be Doctor Mo's obsession, hinting at his desire for an extraordinarily long life.

Despite the lack of direct guidance, Eli's persistence began to pay off. Gradually, he noticed his control over the cold energy improving. It flowed more smoothly through his meridians, enhancing his strength and resilience. The small victories kept him motivated, even when the progress felt painfully slow.

One evening, after an especially rigorous training session, Eli and Zack sat together by a small fire outside their quarters. The sky was clear, the stars twinkling brightly above them.

"Eli, do you ever feel like this is all just too much?" Zack asked, his voice weary.

Eli looked into the flickering flames. "Sometimes," he admitted. "But I think about why I'm doing this. For my family. For a better future. It keeps me going."

Zack nodded, a determined look in his eyes. "You're right. We have to keep pushing forward, no matter how tough it gets."

Their conversation was interrupted by the sudden arrival of Doctor Mo. His usually calm demeanor was replaced with a rare sense of urgency.

"Eli, Zack, come with me," he ordered.

The two boys exchanged puzzled glances but quickly followed Doctor Mo to a secluded part of the Mystic Gate compound. There, they found a group of senior disciples gathered around a small, glowing object.

"This," Doctor Mo said, pointing to the object, "is a rare energy stone. It amplifies the flow of internal energy, but it must be used with extreme caution."

Doctor Mo handed the stone to Eli. "Use this to enhance your training, but be careful. Too much power can be as dangerous as too little."

Eli felt the weight of responsibility as he held the stone. He understood the potential risks, but also the incredible opportunity it presented. With this, he could accelerate his progress and truly master the first level of the mantra.

Over the next few weeks, Eli incorporated the energy stone into his training regimen. The results were immediate and profound. His energy flow became more potent, his control more precise. The cold stream within him transformed into a powerful current, enhancing his physical abilities and mental clarity.

Doctor Mo's eyes gleamed with approval as he observed Eli's progress. "You are ready," he announced one day. "You have mastered the first level of the mantra. Now, we move on to the next phase."

Eli felt a surge of pride and excitement. He had overcome countless obstacles to reach this point, and he was eager to continue his journey.

As he and Zack continued their rigorous training, they knew that the path ahead would be fraught with challenges. But they were ready, armed with their newfound strength and unwavering determination.

Together, they faced their future with courage, knowing that whatever lay ahead, they would confront it side by side, as true brothers in the Mystic Gate.