Veil of the Shattered Heavens

By nightfall, Xuan Li and Mei Xue reached the ominous edge of the Forest of Veiled Shadows. The towering trees loomed over them like ancient sentinels, their thick canopies blotting out the moonlight. The atmosphere was damp and heavy, carrying faint whispers of distant creatures. Mei Xue clutched her arms, her face pale with unease, while Xuan Li stood firm, his gaze steady, filled with determination.

"According to what I know," Xuan Li muttered, his voice steady, "to cross this forest, it will take at least a month."

Mei Xue nodded silently, glancing at the forest with a mixture of apprehension and dread. Xuan Li, sensing her discomfort, began setting up camp just outside the forest's boundary. The air was too still, too quiet, save for the occasional rustle of leaves.

"You should rest," Xuan Li said firmly. "I'll stand guard."

Mei Xue hesitated but ultimately nodded. She understood that she wasn't strong enough to contribute to their defense if anything attacked them during the night. Reluctantly, she settled into her makeshift bedding and closed her eyes.

As the camp fell silent, Xuan Li sat cross-legged, his eyes scanning the perimeter. He whispered to himself, "This might be the best time. But if I leave her unprotected like this…"

Before he could finish his thought, his master's voice resonated in his mind. "Don't worry, disciple. Let me help you."

A soft, crimson glow emerged around the campsite, forming a barrier etched with ancient blood runes. The runes pulsed faintly, exuding a protective aura. Xuan Li stared, wide-eyed, in awe.

"Master… When will I learn to do something like this?" he asked in amazement.

His master's voice was cold but steady. "Disciple, take one step at a time. Don't let distractions cloud your goal. Your progress over the past two days has been lacking. Have you lost sight of why you're here?"

Xuan Li bowed his head, guilt weighing on him. "Master, forgive me. I… I've been too caught up in Mei Xue's matters. I didn't realize I was falling behind. This disciple is ashamed."

"It's natural," his master replied, his tone softening slightly. "You're still young. But remember: focus is everything. Now go. There's much to learn in this forest."

Encouraged by his master's words, Xuan Li dashed into the forest. The air grew colder and thicker the deeper he went. He maintained his focus, his senses sharpened, but his vigilance was soon tested. Out of the darkness, a pack of shadowy beasts lunged at him, their glowing red eyes fixated on their prey.

"So the rumors were true," Xuan Li muttered, dodging the first wave of attacks. "This forest is full of monsters."

He activated his sensing technique. A faint blue light enveloped him as he channeled his energy, detecting every movement around him. In an instant, he unleashed a flurry of strikes, tearing through the monsters. Their blood splattered across the forest floor as their lifeless bodies crumpled around him.

As he wiped the sweat from his brow, he smirked. "These low-level monsters are no threat to me. I've grown strong."

His master's voice cut through his thoughts. "Disciple, your form and control of cosmic energy are still sorely lacking."

Xuan Li frowned. "But Master, I defeated them instantly. Isn't that enough?"

"No," his master replied sternly. "You're using your cosmic energy recklessly. Every strike you made wasted energy, and your movements lacked efficiency. Tell me, when you attacked, did you feel a pushback?"

Xuan Li paused, his eyes widening. "How… How did you know, Master? I thought it was normal."

"It's not," his master said firmly. "That pushback is the result of your poor control over cosmic energy. You must learn to condense and refine it. Only then will your attacks be efficient, and your body will be spared unnecessary strain."

"Master, how do I condense it?" Xuan Li asked, determination flickering in his eyes.

"Start small," his master instructed. "Channel your cosmic energy into your palm and try to form it into a concentrated sphere."

Xuan Li nodded and extended his right hand. Blue cosmic energy surged from his palm, shimmering with star-like specks. At first, gathering the energy seemed easy, but as he tried to condense it into a ball, it resisted his efforts. The energy fluctuated wildly, and sweat began to bead on his forehead. Veins bulged in his arm as he struggled to maintain control.

Finally, the energy began to take shape. But before he could stabilize it, the sphere emitted a deafening hum. The ground beneath him cracked as the ball of energy exploded violently. The resulting shockwave tore apart nearby foliage and dismembered a lurking group of low-level monsters.

The force sent Xuan Li flying backward. He crashed through three trees before landing hard on the ground with a sickening thud. He spat out a mouthful of blood, his torn clothes hanging in tatters. His trembling hand was slightly torn, oozing blood. Despite the pain, he forced himself to stand.

"Master…" Xuan Li muttered weakly.

His master materialized before him, his expression unreadable. "Disciple, now do you understand?"

Xuan Li nodded, his face pale. "I underestimated the danger of cosmic energy."

"Exactly," his master said. "Point one: reckless use of cosmic energy places a great burden on your body. Right now, your usage is negligible, but as you grow stronger, unchecked energy will destroy you from within. Condensed energy will ease that burden. Point two: you've witnessed the destructive potential of condensed energy. Do you now realize why precision is so important?"

Xuan Li swallowed hard and nodded again. His master continued. "Your next task is clear. Learn to fight while condensing your energy. This forest is filled with monsters that are suitable for your training. Once you master this, I will teach you a technique."

At the mention of a technique, Xuan Li's eyes lit up. His thoughts raced. Even Master's lowest-level technique would be considered high-tier elsewhere.

Before Xuan Li could respond, his master's energy enveloped his injured hand. A soothing warmth flowed through him, and within moments, his wounds healed completely. Xuan Li flexed his fingers in disbelief, finding not even a scar left behind.

"Master…" Xuan Li whispered, awe filling his voice. "Your comprehension of cosmic energy is unmatched. And you know healing as well… I wonder how many other abilities you possess."

"Focus on your training," his master said, his tone cutting off further speculation. "There will be time for answers later. Now, go."

With renewed resolve, Xuan Li ventured deeper into the forest, encountering wave after wave of monsters. This time, he concentrated on condensing his energy before striking. It wasn't easy. His control faltered repeatedly, and every misstep sent him reeling with exhaustion. But he persisted.

Hour after hour, Xuan Li honed his skill. Each successful strike left a crater of destruction, and each failure taught him a valuable lesson. By dawn, his movements had grown more fluid, his attacks more precise. Though his body ached and his energy reserves were nearly depleted, a glimmer of satisfaction shone in his eyes.

He glanced at the sky, the faint light of morning filtering through the dense canopy. "Master," he whispered, "I'll prove myself worthy of your teachings. No matter how long it takes."