Am I too Lucky?

Without a doubt, anyone who even glanced at me for a moment would recognize me as a one-of-a-kind genius in cultivation and the Sword Dao. Perhaps I've grown overconfident or bold with my abilities. Perhaps I've been spoiled by my new family to the point of forgetting my past.

It was a mistake to assume I could make him budge even a single inch, much less shift an atom of his position. A suffocating wave of disappointment settled over me.

"Just as I thought," Instructor Jianfeng remarked, his gaze sharp. "You're undoubtedly a heaven-defying genius, destined to be unparalleled in the future. You've completely mastered all 256 basic moves, but that seems to be the extent of your knowledge of the Shi Sword Technique."

He was correct. His words struck a nerve. Why had my father only provided the first level of the technique? He knew I wouldn't return home for at least six to eight years. The question had haunted me for as long as I could remember.

Instructor Jianfeng continued, his tone understanding. "I know what you're thinking. Why couldn't he give you the full manual? Your father faced the same frustration in his youth. But the truth is- you've already been taught the entire technique."

Shocked, I raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean? If I'd learned the entire manual, I'd be able to demonstrate the beautiful variations my parents once showed me."

He chuckled, "Haha well, I may have misspoken. You've been taught the full move set, but you haven't unlocked its potential. The 256 movements aren't just a collection of techniques; they're the foundation for eight distinct sword styles."

From behind his back, he retrieved a worn manual. "Here are the first two styles. One focuses on attacking; the other, on defense. The true purpose of the Shi Sword Technique is unparalleled versatility. It's capable of offense, defense, counterattacks, and even large-range strikes. Do you see now?"

The pieces clicked into place. It made sense. Why else would there be 256 basic individual moves in one of the most complex sword styles known in history?

Instructor Jianfeng's voice lowered, "The final four styles require a profound understanding of the Sword Dao. One must produce Sword Qi to even begin. That's why this technique is classified as an Ancestral High Art- its strength grows with its wielder."

"Ancestral High?" I echoed, startled. "Isn't that the second-highest tier of techniques?"

"By conventional standards, yes," he replied, hesitating. "But for the Upper Realm, it's unrivaled."

His words intrigued me, but one detail lingered. "Wait- why did you refer to the Upper Realm as if something is above it? What are you talking about?"

Instructor Jianfeng hesitated before answering. "In time, you'll understand. For now, it's better you don't. Knowledge can be dangerous when you're unprepared."

I was a bit confused, but pursued no further, "Understood."

I accepted the manual, bowing deeply. "Thank you, Instructor. I'd like to enter seclusion. Could you excuse my absences for the next few weeks?"

He nodded approvingly. "Granted. Reflect deeply on what I've shared. Remember, the versatility of the Shi Sword Technique allows it to merge with other techniques or Daos, but don't stray too far from its foundation."

I cupped my fist and bowed, "I understand. I will be going now." 

I hurriedly went to the training room. The room was unlike any I'd seen, its walls made of century-old spiritual stones. While not rare, they were costly because regular people couldn't mine them. Their durability made them invincible to anything below the attack level of the Core Formation realm.

"It was apparent that not only did my technique lack versatility like Instructor Jianfeng stated, it was also apparent that I simply did not have the strength to even push him back." I mumbled to myself.

When you perfect a technique, its the same as saying you reached the maximum and optimal output possible out of each technique. Essentially, the amount of your full strength you can put into it is slowly increased as you improve. However, this does not actually improve your true strength in anyway.

I pulled out the manual and a few pills from my spatial ring. Along with the other basic supplies, the academy also provides monthly pills such as Qi gathering pills and Body Tempering/Strengthening pills. 

Qi gathering pills is as the name implies, it simply speeds up the rate at which you can gather Qi. Similar to how formations exist to attract or pull Qi in from the surrounding areas, the Qi gathering pill does the same. It temporarily unclogs the meridians by expanding them, allowing for the passage of Qi to flow easily. 

Body Tempering pills are crafted using refined herbs, beast blood, and concentrated energy produced during the alchemical process. The herbs balance the pill's effects, while beast blood, known for its natural resilience, enhances the body's toughness. The energy within the pill strengthens bones, muscles, and organs, forcing them to expand and adapt. High-quality pills can even purge impurities, significantly improving the body's foundation for cultivation.

I've never taken a pill before, as my Father urged the importance of developing strength and ability naturally. While I do sense the truth in his philosophy, he is also quite stupid. He doesn't seem to understand the concept of pills, that they are natural and only improve certain aspects of cultivation. Nothing except wonderous treasures could instantly improve a cultivator's level.

I took a deep breath, exhaled, and swallowed the Body-Tempering pill. An instant spark of sharp pain erupted all across my entire body. I knew my body wasn't the strongest, but was I really this weak...? I could barely handle the pain, and it finally stopped after a gruesome sixteen hours of it.

I looked at my body, and I could already see the effects. My muscles were more defined, my movements more agile, and my raw strength had quadrupled.

Although my body and mind needed a rest, I had no time for such luxuries. I quickly took the Qi Gathering pill, and mediated for two days straight. Although the effects disappeared within twelve hours, I was consolidating my realm, getting used to my new body, and visualizing the two techniques of attacking and defending. 

After meditating, I spent the next two weeks practicing and perfecting the two new sub-techniques. Each consisted of 32 moves. By the time I left the training room, I was a new person. 

My cultivation had advanced to Foundation Establishment Stage Five, and I'd begun to grasp the second level of the Sword Dao, where the Body and Sword become one.

As I prepared for class, a realization struck; I reeked. The impurities purged from my body clung stubbornly to me. A bath was in order before I showed my face to anyone.

With newfound strength, I felt confident. Next time, I would make Instructor Jianfeng take at least a step back.