(POV William)
[Aura Level 2 → 5
Aura Armor unlocked. Reduces physical damage taken by 10% when Aura is active.]
I can't believe my Aura skill leveled up on its own by two levels while I was meditating, and I reached the last level through combat. Does that mean that every 5 levels, skills unlock new abilities, or is it only some skills?
Well, I'll figure that out along the way. For now, I'll just move and stretch my legs. Sitting in the lotus position for six hours straight has made them numb. How is it possible that those cultivators can sit in this position for years to cultivate?
Honestly, I couldn't do it, but if I want to survive in this world for six months, I'll have to get used to it.
After some stretching, I stand up. Even though I've completed the first mission, I still have to do the second one. As I left my pavilion, I found a small package in front of my door. Unwrapping it, I discovered simple but well-made clothes—a dark blue training outfit similar to what the junior disciples wear. Inside was a note.
"Though you're not a disciple yet, wear these clothes. I'm sure they'll suit you well."
So, these are clothes that Master Yin sent me. After changing, I headed to the main courtyard where about twenty disciples were performing their morning exercises. Their movements were fluid and coordinated, like a choreographed martial dance.
After a few minutes, I decided to approach some wooden training dummies that were slightly away from where the other disciples were practicing. I took a deep breath and activated my Aura. This time, I immediately noticed the difference—a barely perceptible layer of crimson energy enveloped me like a second skin.
I started with basic strikes, feeling how the Aura Armor absorbed part of the impact against the dummies. Each movement felt smoother than before, as if my body instinctively understood how to optimize the energy.
While training, I noticed a small group of disciples watching me with a mix of curiosity and disdain. One of them, a young man with sharp features and an arrogant posture, broke away from the group and approached me.
"Outsider, those aren't the Silver Moon Sect's methods. Do you think punching like a wild animal will earn you a place among us?"
"I don't know, and neither do you. That will be decided by those who judge me. Since you're just a disciple like any other, I doubt you'll be one of them."
The man seemed furious but didn't do anything.
"Right now, we're in one of the places where disciples who made a good impression were accepted. Everyone here has potential, yet we're being placed on the same level as you."
"Zhang Wei, Master Yin has allowed Wil Lang to train in his own way. Are you questioning her judgment?"
Ling Xue approached, fully recovered, her presence commanding immediate respect. The other disciples lowered their gaze, including the arrogant Zhang Wei.
"No, I'm not, Senior Sister Ling Xue."
"Then go back to your training."
The man named Zhang Wei left with the others, but not before shooting me a look of utter disdain.
Great, now I have an enemy to watch out for.
"I hope you can forgive him. Normally, people aren't accepted if they use fist-based attacks. Training here usually follows coordinated patterns to improve qi circulation."
"So, my methods might seem rough and unusual."
"I'm sorry. I'll ask them to apologize to you later."
"It's not necessary. I can handle being disliked to some extent. But tell me, how have you been?"
"I'm fine. After resting that night and taking some medicinal herbs, I've fully recovered."
"That's good to hear. You didn't look too well yesterday."
"I'm fine now, don't worry. More importantly, I heard you didn't come out to eat last night, and you haven't had breakfast today."
She's right. I spent most of my time practicing my Aura and wanted to test my Aura Armor. I completely forgot to eat.
"Sorry, I was busy with some things. I need to keep training since I only have two days left to prepare."
"I understand your dedication, but even the most talented cultivators need to nourish their bodies. Prolonged fasting can affect your performance in the trials."
She was right, of course. My stomach growled at that moment, as if to confirm her words.
"I guess a short break to eat won't hurt."
As we walked to the dining hall, I noticed the curious glances from other disciples. Some whispered among themselves, but there was less open hostility now. Ling Xue's intervention had clearly made a difference.
The dining hall was a spacious area with long wooden tables where disciples ate in ritual silence. The food was simple but nutritious: steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, and a clear soup that gave off a comforting herbal aroma.
While eating, I noticed Zhang Wei and his group watching us from another table. His expression was still challenging, but now there was a hint of curiosity. Ling Xue followed my gaze.
"Don't worry about them. Zhang Wei comes from a noble family and is used to being the center of attention. Your presence… confuses him."
"Why does my presence confuse him?"
She averted her gaze. Ah, I see. So that's where this is going.
"Is he in love with you?"
Ling Xue looked at me in surprise.
"How did you know?"
I gestured with my eyes.
"It's pretty obvious when he's glaring daggers at me since we walked in together. Besides, you looked away when I asked, so it must be because of you that my presence confuses him."
Ling Xue blushed.
"Let's drop that topic. Master Yin sent me to give you three books to choose from, but with a bit of arrogance, I chose one for you, and I'm sure you'll like it."
She handed me a book titled [Swift Eyes].
"What does this training technique do?"
"According to the book, it allows you to follow the movements of any attack with your eyes."
That sounds almost too good.
"The problem is that everyone who's tried to use it has gone blind."
That sounds very bad.
"I'm not giving it to you because I want you to go blind or anything. It's just that since your training methods are different, I thought you might be able to practice it. But if you feel any discomfort while training, stop immediately."
I nodded and took the book. As I skimmed through it, I noticed it mentioned many things I didn't understand, including phrases like "praise the gods who helped create this marvelous technique."
This seems more like a book written by a religious fanatic than by a master who invented such a powerful technique—even if the few people who practiced it went blind.
As I reviewed it, it basically said that you need to channel a bit of qi to your eyes and circulate it to your brain. This would create a connection between the two, enhancing your vision and speeding up how your eyes process information.
Well, I have to admit, that sounds really useful.
"Oh wow, it seems my senior sister doesn't consider you worthy of receiving an important training manual. She just gave you the book to make you go blind."
Zhang Wei and his lackeys laughed loudly, completely missing the death glare Ling Xue was giving them. These idiots have no idea how to read the room.
Before Ling Xue could stand up, I stopped her and stood in front of Zhang Wei.
"Or maybe she trusts me enough and believes I can handle this technique."
"HAHAHAHA! Are you stupid? I wouldn't doubt it, given how brutish and inelegant your fighting style is. In case you didn't know, let me tell you again: that technique has blinded everyone who tried it, and a useless guy like you won't be the exception."
"Well, I'm actually going to practice it. Maybe the others went blind trying, but I'm not like those fools. Though those people were fools, they were also brave and had more guts than you."
His smile vanished instantly.
"What did you say?"
I sensed some energy emanating from him, but I wasn't scared. I activated my Aura, and energy surged from me as well.
"I said you don't have the balls."
The man threw a punch straight at my face. I quickly used my hand to block it, but it was clearly meant to injure. My hand was badly hurt—it hurt like hell—but thanks to my Calm Mind skill, I managed to look him in the eyes mockingly.
"So, you're all bark and no bite."