In the spacious and peaceful garden, a nine-year-old boy practised diligently.
Li Wei, who had been practising intermediate demon techniques for a full year, stood in the middle of the garden. The towering large tree provided shade from the warm sunlight, creating a calming shadow around him.
Li Wei took a deep breath, feeling every flow of energy within his body. At just nine years old, he had achieved remarkable success by mastering one intermediate demon technique book. Although his movements were not yet perfect, his progress was truly impressive.
"Huft... time to begin."
With resolute determination, Li Wei started his training. He moved carefully, following each instruction written in the intermediate demon technique book. Each movement was executed with precision and high concentration. His hands moved swiftly, forming intricate seals and patterns, while his feet stepped lightly but firmly on the ground.
"Dark Aura," Li Wei whispered to himself, recalling the name of one of the techniques he had learned. He felt the thick black Qi flowing from within him, forming a smoke that obscured his view, a technique that concealed his body behind black smoke.
"I like this technique."
Although not yet perfect, he felt the power and effectiveness of the technique.
The large tree in the garden rustled softly as a gentle breeze blew. The rustling leaves and the chirping of birds created a peaceful atmosphere, providing tranquillity for Li Wei during his practice. The sunlight filtering through the tree branches added warmth and serenity to the setting.
Li Wei continued his movements, trying other techniques he had learned from the book. "Shadow Clone," he pronounced firmly. Thick black Qi formed a duplicate of himself that could move swiftly and agilely.
Although his control was still lacking and his movements were not completely perfect, he was satisfied with the progress he had made.
"The clone still emits black smoke, making it easy to distinguish between the clone and the original," Li Wei muttered as he looked at his own clone.
Li Wei experimented with other techniques and moves. The intermediate-level book contained more than twenty techniques, and he tried them one by one.
Sweat began to flow down his face, indicating the hard work he was putting in. Each movement required high concentration and precise energy control.
Yet, Li Wei did not feel tired. On the contrary, he felt increasingly enthusiastic. Each practice session brought him closer to mastering the technique perfectly.
After completing a series of complex movements, Li Wei took a brief pause. He took a deep breath, feeling the Qi flowing steadily within his body.
A sense of satisfaction and pride enveloped him. He knew that the journey to mastering all these techniques was still long, but the achievements he had made were truly commendable.
"Although not perfect yet, I have mastered everything in the first book," Li Wei thought with a slight smile on his face. He looked at the intermediate demon technique book lying nearby, feeling more confident than ever.
Li Wei stood up with pride. The large tree providing shade, the rustling of leaves, and the fresh scent of the surrounding plants added to the peace and calm in his heart.
"There's still much to learn," he murmured, and the newfound tranquillity was instantly gone.
***
Li Wei sit under the large tree in the garden. The leaves of the tree rustled gently in the morning breeze, providing a comfortable shade. In his hand, he held the second intermediate demon technique book. Over the past three months, Li Wei had spent his time reading and practising, mastering half of the techniques listed within it.
Every day, Li Wei practised move after move with diligence, carefully executing each technique. The sunlight filtering through the gaps in the leaves created patterns of light and shadow on the ground, enhancing the beauty of the setting. With intense concentration, he moved according to the instructions in the book, feeling the Qi growing stronger within his body.
However, this training session was different. Zhao Ling had given him a special pill to elevate his realm to Body Refinement. Li Wei sat cross-legged under the tree, holding the pill in his hand. He closed his eyes briefly, took a deep breath, and swallowed the pill. As soon as the pill entered his body, Li Wei felt an extraordinary energy flowing within him.
Day after day, Li Wei remained in meditation. Heavy rain and scorching sunlight did not disrupt his focus. He was immersed in deep meditation, sensing the changes occurring in his body.
The aura from the pill helped cleanse and strengthen his body, preparing him to advance to the Body Refinement Realm.
For a full week, Li Wei continued meditating relentlessly. The ground around him became wet from the rain, and the blazing sun dried his body.
Nevertheless, he remained still and focused. Each day, he felt his body growing lighter and stronger. Finally, on the seventh day, he felt a surge of powerful aura within him.
Slowly, Li Wei opened his eyes. Impurities had emerged from his pores, indicating that he had successfully refined his body. He stood up, feeling a new strength flowing through every fibre of his being.
Li Wei took a deep breath, enjoying the fresh air, though he soon noticed the unpleasant smell of his own body.
His expression turned sour upon smelling his body odour. He pulled at his dirty, stained clothes. Li Wei decided to bathe and asked his master to clean his clothes.
Still, Li Wei felt pleased with his advancement. His strength and Qi had significantly increased.
***
Now ten years old, Li Wei stood by the river at night. It had been two years since he received the intermediate demon technique book from Zhao Ling, and now he had mastered all the techniques more perfectly.
The midnight was so calm, only the sound of the river's flow filled the silence, while the moonlight reflected off the water's surface, creating a captivating scene.
Li Wei couldn't demonstrate his demon arts on the streets. Thus, he had to practise them at night. He could have done it in the garden, but intermediate techniques had a powerful destructive force.
Li Wei sighed quietly, feeling the cool night envelop him. He knew this was the right time to test the techniques he had mastered, far from Zhao Ling's garden. No one would see him here, under the gentle moonlight.
Slowly, Li Wei began his first movement. His body moved fluidly, following the pattern of the technique he had practised. Dark demon Qi enveloped him, blending with the shadows of the night. His movements were so smooth and quick that they were almost invisible in the darkness.
Li Wei proceeded with the next technique, controlling the dark Qi with full concentration. He felt the power flowing through his body, in harmony with the surrounding nature.
The moonlight illuminated his face, revealing his focused and determined expression. In an instant, he leapt into the air, launching an attack that shattered the silence of the night.
Boom!
A large rock and the earth shattered with his technique, demonstrating the strength of his intermediate demon arts.
"That's powerful, but it consumes a lot of Qi."
Each movement he made seemed to merge with the shadows around him. The tranquil river flow, the gentle rustling of leaves all contributed to the serene atmosphere, though the explosions and widespread destruction disrupted nature's calm.
Li Wei felt satisfied with the progress he had made. The trees that had once stood firm had fallen, although only a few. Yet, his training had caused damage to the environment.
After a while, Li Wei stopped and stood still by the riverbank. He gazed at his reflection in the water, seeing the image of a child who had grown and learned much.
"Look at the child who couldn't do anything before," Li Wei murmured as he looked at his reflection in the water.
"Not true, he could chop wood."
That night, he felt a new sense of peace and strength. The techniques he had learned were not just a part of him but also tools that would help him in his quest for revenge and to assist other slaves.
Li Wei took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. That night, by the tranquil riverbank, he felt a desire to accomplish something great.
However, upon seeing the destruction he had caused with his demon arts, he thought,
"Forget it, just go home." Li Wei walked away from the destruction he had wrought, without a trace of guilt.