NOVEL NEXT Chapter 6: Chapter 6: The Winds of Progress
The first rays of morning light seeped through the wooden shutters of Shen's room as he sat cross-legged, the vibrant interface of the Overlord System shimmering in his mind. His gaze settled on the lone black lottery ticket in his inventory.
"It's time," Shen murmured.
He activated the draw, and the familiar wheel appeared, its segments glowing with an ethereal light. The wheel spun rapidly, each section passing in a blur until it slowed and landed on a segment marked with a faint blue glow.
[Congratulations! You have received: Azure Wind Steps]
The name floated in Shen's vision before the system's voice elaborated:
[Azure Wind Steps: A profound movement technique embodying the grace and unpredictability of the wind. Mastery allows the user to move with unmatched speed, agility, and evasiveness, as if becoming one with the breeze.]
Shen's eyes brightened as the knowledge of the technique imprinted itself into his mind. He visualized the steps, feeling the fluidity and freedom inherent in the movements. "This will be invaluable in both battle and travel."
Satisfied with the reward, Shen shifted his focus inward. His Nine Infernal Suns technique had brought him to a pivotal stage, but he wasn't done yet. Sitting cross-legged, he stabilized the pseudo-solar core in his dantian, circulating the fiery energy throughout his body.
Even without a spirit ring, Shen noticed subtle yet noticeable improvements to the quality of his internal spirit power. His soul force felt denser, more vibrant, each cycle leaving his meridians stronger and more refined. The Primordial Sun Dragon and Divine Solar Sword spirits seemed to pulse in approval.
"It seems that even my martial spirits are benefiting from this," he mused.
Once satisfied with his progress, Shen stood and stretched, the crisp morning air filling his lungs. Leaving his room, he found Uncle Yin teaching Fu Lian the fundamentals of a basic cultivation technique. She struggled at first but showed the same determination she had during their writing lessons.
"Focus your breathing, Lian," Uncle Yin instructed patiently. "Let the energy flow naturally; don't force it."
Shen offered her a small nod of encouragement before stepping into the courtyard, where Ren Tai waited.
"Uncle Tai, let's head to the blacksmith today. I need his help with something," Shen said.
Ren Tai raised a brow but didn't question him. "Very well. Let's go."
The streets of Dolphin Wave Town bustled with activity as Shen and Ren Tai made their way to the blacksmith's forge. The familiar clang of hammer on metal echoed as they entered the workshop. The blacksmith, a burly man with a fire spirit aura faintly emanating from him, looked up from his work.
"Shen! Back so soon?" the blacksmith grinned, his face streaked with soot.
"I need your help," Shen replied, retrieving the 100-year-old whale glue from his inventory. The translucent, viscous substance shimmered faintly with latent energy.
The blacksmith's eyes widened. "This… is ..Whale glue is it not, why is a child like you have something so unnecessary, and aren't you to young to know about much less have something like this in your possession?"
Shen nodded firmly. "Indeed it is. Uncle I want your help to melt this piece of whale glue as it is very important to me and don't worry I am willing to pay you 10 gold coins for this task."
The blacksmith exchanged a glance with Ren Tai, who gave a subtle nod of approval. "Very well. Let's begin."
The process was grueling. The blacksmith used his fire spirit energy to heat the whale glue until it became a molten liquid. Shen sat shirtless as the blacksmith poured the molten glue over his body in precise patterns. Each application seeped into his skin, strengthening his muscles, bones, and meridians.
The searing pain was unlike anything Shen had experienced, but he gritted his teeth and endured, channeling the Nine Infernal Suns technique to harmonize the energy. By the end, his body felt sturdier, as if reinforced with tempered steel.
As Shen stood, his body steaming from the residual heat, he clenched his fists. "With this, I should be able to handle an 800-900-year-old spirit ring without issue."
Returning home that evening, Shen gathered with Ren Tai and Uncle Yin over a simple meal. Fu Lian was resting after her cultivation session, leaving the three men to discuss their plans.
"Uncle Tai, Uncle Yin," Shen began, "I want to hunt for spirit rings once Fu Lian reaches Rank 10. I believe she'll get there within the month."
Ren Tai stroked his beard thoughtfully. "The Star Dou Hunting Forest is dangerous, especially for young spirit masters like you and Lian. But with proper preparation, it's possible."
Uncle Yin nodded. "We'll accompany you both. It's too risky otherwise. For now, focus on your training."
Shen agreed, his mind already forming a plan.
The days that followed fell into a steady rhythm. Shen continued his rigorous training: perfecting his sword techniques, mastering the Azure Wind Steps, and meditating to stabilize his pseudo-solar core. He completed his daily tasks without fail, though the white lottery rewards had become a mere afterthought.
Fu Lian's progress was swift. Under Uncle Yin's guidance, she broke through to Rank 10 in less than a month, her determination driving her forward.
The morning of their departure arrived with a crisp chill in the air. Shen stood in the courtyard, his golden eyes scanning the horizon as Ren Tai and Uncle Yin made final preparations. Fu Lian appeared, her eyes alight with excitement and nervous energy.
"Are you ready?" Shen asked her, a faint smile on his face.
Fu Lian nodded. "I am."
"Good. Then let's go then."
With their gear packed and their destination set, the group departed for the Star Dou Hunting Forest, where danger and opportunity awaited in equal measure. Shen's heart raced with anticipation.
This is where the real journey begins.
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And there you have the last chapter of the day
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