CG 28: Spirit Stones (Patreon)

"Before we start," Kai said, his expression turning serious, "I'm going to suppress my qi to Stage 3 Qi Refining. It'll make things fairer and give you a fighting chance."

Kai closed his eyes, focusing inward at the qi flowing through his meridians. Slowly, he began to restrict the that flow, dampening his energy until it matched that of a Stage 3 Qi Refining cultivator.

This should level the playing field a bit, Kai thought. It'll make things more challenging for me too, which is perfect for training.

Opening his eyes, Kai noticed Liu Wei watching him with anticipation.

"Now, let's begin," Kai said, a slight smirk playing on his lips.

Without warning, he activated his Swift Wind Step. Even with his qi suppressed, the world around him blurred as he moved with impressive speed, leaving a swirl of dust in his wake. He reappeared behind Liu Wei, tapping him lightly on the shoulder.

"Too slow."

Before Liu Wei could react, Kai was gone again, moving to a new position. He watched as his student frantically scanned the area, trying to locate him. He needs to feel the qi, not rely on his eyes, Kai thought.

From his vantage point, Kai observed Liu Wei closing his eyes, presumably sensing the flow of energy around him. Good, he's starting to get it.

Suddenly, Liu Wei's eyes snapped open, and he gathered qi in his feet, propelling himself forward. Kai watched, impressed, as his student moved faster than ever before, the world blurring around him.

"Not bad," Kai said. "But you're still thinking too linearly. The Swift Wind Step isn't just about moving fast in a straight line."

Liu Wei nodded, catching his breath. "I understand. I need to be more... unpredictable?"

"Exactly," Kai confirmed. "Now, let's try again. This time, focus on changing directions mid-step."

As they continued to practice, Zhi-Zhi watched from his rock, his expression a mixture of boredom and poorly concealed jealousy. "Hmph," he muttered. "I could move that fast too if I wanted to. I just choose not to."

Kai, overhearing the tortoise's grumbling, called out, "Feel free to join us, Zhi-Zhi. I'm sure Liu Wei would benefit from trying to dodge your... um... lightning-fast attacks."

The tortoise's eyes widened in alarm. "Ah, no, that's quite alright. I wouldn't want to... er... overwhelm you with my superior combat techniques."

"Of course," Kai said, trying not to laugh. "I'm sure you'd be great at this if you weren't so focused on 'standing your ground.' It must be tough being so strategically immobile."

"It's not immobility!” Zhi-Zhi puffed up. “It's... it's tactical positioning! Something you flighty humans wouldn't understand!"

"Right, tactical positioning," Kai nodded solemnly, winking at Liu Wei. "Well, if you change your mind about showing us your 'lightning-fast' moves, just let us know."

Zhi-Zhi retreated partway into his shell, muttering something about "disrespectful youngsters who don't appreciate the finer points of combat strategy.

Kai shook his head at the tortoise’s antics as he turned his attention back to Liu Wei, the young man was improving rapidly. His movements were becoming smoother, more fluid. He's got real potential, Kai thought approvingly.

After about an hour of practice, Liu Wei was panting heavily, sweat beading on his forehead. Despite his fatigue, there was a gleam of excitement in his eyes.

"This is amazing, Master Kai," he said between breaths. "I've never moved like this before. It's like... like I'm becoming one with the wind itself."

Kai nodded, pleased with his student's progress. "That's exactly the feeling you should have. The Swift Wind Step isn't just a technique - it's a way of harmonizing with the natural world around you."

As Liu Wei took a moment to rest, Kai considered his next move. In a game, this would be the point where I'd increase the difficulty, he mused. But I need to be careful not to push him too hard too fast.

"Alright, Liu Wei," Kai announced. "You're doing well, but let's make things a bit more challenging."

Liu Wei straightened up, his fatigue seemingly forgotten in the face of a new challenge. "I'm ready, Master. What did you have in mind?"

Kai grinned. "This time, I'm going to fight back. Nothing too serious - just some light sparring. Your goal is still to tag me, but now you'll have to dodge my attacks as well."

"Now this sounds interesting!” Zhi-Zhi perked up. “Finally, some real action!"

Kai raised an eyebrow at the tortoise. "Oh? And here I thought you didn't approve of all this 'running around'."

Zhi-Zhi huffed, trying to maintain his dignified air. "Well, I suppose there might be some small value in learning to dodge. Not that I need to, of course, with my impenetrable shell."

For someone who claims to be above it all, he sure is invested in our training, Kai thought, amused. Aloud, he said, "Well then, Zhi-Zhi, why don't you be our referee? Make sure we're following the rules."

"Yes, yes, I suppose I could do that. Someone needs to keep you humans in line, after all."

As Zhi-Zhi settled into his new role, Kai turned back to Liu Wei. "Remember, the goal is still to tag me. But now you'll need to be aware of my movements as well. Ready?"

Liu Wei nodded, settling into a ready stance. "Ready, Master."

"Then begin!"

Kai activated his Swift Wind Step, disappearing in a blur of motion. Liu Wei, anticipating this, immediately moved as well. The field became a whirlwind of activity as master and student dashed back and forth.

To an outside observer, it would have looked like a strange dance. Kai would appear in one spot, arm outstretched to tag Liu Wei, only for the younger man to vanish just in time. Liu Wei, in turn, would materialize behind Kai, fingers grasping at empty air as Kai slipped away.

"Keep your movements unpredictable," Kai called out as he dodged another of Liu Wei's attempts. "Don't fall into a pattern!"

Liu Wei gritted his teeth, focusing intently. He gathered qi in his feet, preparing to dash forward, but at the last moment changed direction, spinning to his left instead.

The sudden change caught Kai off guard. For a brief moment, his eyes widened in surprise. Clever, he thought approvingly. He's learning fast.

But Kai's reflexes were honed by years of gaming and months of intense cultivation. Even as Liu Wei's fingers brushed the fabric of his robe, Kai was already moving, twisting away in a graceful arc.

"Close," Kai said with a grin. "But not quite close enough."

Liu Wei didn't respond, already gathering qi for his next attempt. His face was a mask of concentration, eyes darting back and forth as he tried to predict Kai's next move.

From his position on the rock, Zhi-Zhi was practically bouncing with excitement. "Oh! He almost had you there, Kai! Come on, Liu Wei, show him what you've got!"

Zhi-Zhi sure is getting into it, Kai thought, amused by the tortoise's enthusiasm.

As the sparring continued, Kai noticed Liu Wei's movements becoming smoother, more instinctive. He's starting to get it, Kai realized. The Swift Wind Step isn't just a technique to be used consciously. At its highest level, it becomes an extension of the cultivator's will.

Deciding to test Liu Wei's progress, Kai suddenly changed tactics. Instead of dodging, he went on the offensive, his hand darting out in a mock strike towards Liu Wei's chest.

Liu Wei's eyes widened in surprise, but his body reacted instinctively. Qi surged through his legs, and he blurred backwards, narrowly avoiding Kai's touch.

"Good!" Kai called out encouragingly. "That's exactly what I was looking for. You're starting to internalize the technique."

Liu Wei's face lit up at the praise, but he didn't let it distract him. Immediately, he launched into another series of rapid movements, trying to catch Kai off guard.

As they continued to spar, Kai felt a familiar sensation. It was subtle at first, a slight tingling in his extremities. But as he executed another Swift Wind Step, narrowly avoiding Liu Wei's outstretched hand, the feeling intensified.

Is this...? Kai thought, excitement building. Yes, I think it is!

Sure enough, a moment later, a notification appeared in his vision:

Skill Leveled Up!

Swift Wind Step has reached Level 4!

Your Agility increases by 40% when activated

Kai couldn't help but smirk. This is why it's better to have a training partner, he thought. The pressure of real combat, even simulated, pushes you to improve faster than solo practice ever could.

"Alright, Liu Wei, let's take a break. You've earned it."

Liu Wei, panting heavily, nodded gratefully. He stumbled over to where Zhi-Zhi was sat, collapsing onto the grass beside the rock.

"That was... intense," Liu Wei gasped out between breaths.

Zhi-Zhi nodded sagely. "Indeed, indeed. You humans and your running around. I must admit, it was... somewhat impressive. For beings without shells, of course."

Kai joined them, settling down on the grass. He felt a sense of satisfaction as he looked at Liu Wei. The young man was exhausted, but there was a new light in his eyes, a confidence that hadn't been there before.

He's growing, Kai thought approvingly. Not just in skill, but in spirit. This is what it means to be a teacher.

As if in response to his thoughts, another notification appeared:

Teaching XP Gained: 50 XP

Kai nodded to himself, pleased. Not bad for a day's work. Liu Wei is improving rapidly, and I'm gaining XP from teaching. It's a win-win situation.

"You did well today, Liu Wei," Kai said aloud. "You're grasping the essence of the Swift Wind Step faster than I expected."

Liu Wei's face lit up at the praise. "Thank you, Master. It's... it's incredible."

Zhi-Zhi huffed. "Yes, yes, very impressive. But let's not forget the importance of a strong defense. Perhaps tomorrow we could focus on something more... stationary?"

Kai chuckled. "Don't worry, Zhi-Zhi. We'll get to defensive techniques soon enough. But for now, Liu Wei needs to focus on mastering this skill."

***

As the sun began to set, they decided to call it a day. Liu Wei bowed deeply to Kai. "Thank you for the lesson, Master. I'll continue to practice on my own."

"Good," Kai nodded. "Remember, consistent practice is key. Even a little bit each day will yield results over time."

Just like grinding skills in an RPG, Kai thought. Small, consistent gains add up to big improvements.

As Liu Wei headed back to his own quarters, Zhi-Zhi waddled over to Kai. "I suppose you did an adequate job teaching the boy," the tortoise said grudgingly.

Kai grinned. "Why, Zhi-Zhi, was that almost a compliment?"

The tortoise huffed. "Don't let it go to your head. I've seen better teachers in my time. Of course, they were all tortoises..."

"Of course they were," Kai said, trying not to laugh. "Come on, let's head back. I think we've both earned some rest."

As they made their way back to Kai's hut, he found himself reflecting on the day's training. In games, training montages are usually just cutscenes or time skips. But, the process itself is valuable. There's so much to learn from the act of teaching.

Once inside, Kai settled onto his bed, crossing his legs in a meditative pose. Zhi-Zhi retreated into his shell in the corner of the room, pretending to meditate but quickly falling asleep. For such a small creature, his snores were surprisingly loud.

Alright, Kai thought, time to check out this crafting menu.

He focused his mind, and a translucent window appeared before him:

Crafting Menu

Available Materials:

- Roach Carapace Fragment (Rare) x1

Recipes:

- None available

Craft an item:

[   ] + [   ] = ???

Just as I thought, Kai sighed. The Roach Carapace Fragment is a rare material, but by itself, it's useless for crafting. And even though, I have enough spirit stones from the bandits to probably buy some basic materials, the Misty Waterfall Village doesn't exactly have a thriving market for cultivation resources.

Closing the crafting menu, Kai reached into his spatial ring and pulled out a spirit stone. It was about the size of a small pebble, glowing with a soft, blue light. As he held it in his palm, he could feel the qi pulsing within it, like a tiny heartbeat.

I've been using XP to level up so far because I'm always in the middle of action, Kai mused. But now that I have some downtime, let's see if these spirit stones are as useful as they claim to be in all those novels.

Kai closed his eyes, recalling the Basic Qi Gathering technique Zhang Wei had taught him. He focused on his dantian, the energy center in his lower abdomen, and began to circulate his qi.

Breathe in, drawing qi from the spirit stone. Breathe out, guiding it through the meridians, then circle it into the dantian.

As Kai cycled his breath and qi, he could feel the spirit stone in his hand growing cooler. The qi within it was slowly being drawn into his body, refining and strengthening his own energy.

Time seemed to stretch as Kai focused on the technique. He lost track of how long he sat there, absorbing the qi from the spirit stone. Finally, when he could no longer sense any energy within the stone, he opened his eyes.

The once-glowing spirit stone was now dull and lifeless in his palm, its energy completely depleted. As Kai set it aside, he noticed a notification:

Skill Leveled Up!

Basic Qi Gathering technique has reached Level 2!

You can now gather qi 2x faster.

Kai smiled, pleased with the progress. He quickly checked his stats:

Name: Kai Thorn

XP: 55/2000

Level: 7

Qi: 200/200

My qi is back to full, and I gained 5 XP. But that's it. Kai frowned, doing some quick mental math. At this rate, I'd need almost 400 spirit stones to break through to Level 8. That's... not great.

Kai shook his head, putting the thought aside. The Basic Qi Gathering technique is just that - basic. Once I enter the sect, I'll gain access to better techniques. The conversion rate from those should be much higher and more worthwhile.

He looked at the dull spirit stone, turning it over in his hand. There's no point in grinding to level up this basic technique when I'll be replacing it soon. Better to save my resources for when they'll have a bigger impact.

Stretching out on his bed, Kai let his mind wander to the next day's training plans. Tomorrow, I'll work on my Iron Skin skill, he thought with a wry smile. The only way to level up Iron Skin is to become a punching bag. It's not going to be comfortable, but no pain, no gain, right?

In the corner, Zhi-Zhi let out a particularly loud snore, briefly interrupting Kai's thoughts.

At least someone's getting a good night's sleep, Kai thought, amused. I wonder if spirit beasts dream? And if they do, what does a baby tortoise dream about?

Shaking his head at the thought, Kai closed his eyes, allowing himself to fall asleep.