The morning sun poured over Azure Sky Sect's outer training grounds. New disciples groaned and stretched, preparing for another brutal day under Instructor Zhao's sharp eyes.
Li Ming strolled in with a spring in his step, whistling cheerfully. His aura felt… different. Stronger. Clearer. His meridians thrummed with energy from last night's Spirit Gathering Pill. He had already advanced a whole stage in cultivation.
And yet, he acted like nothing had happened.
Wu Jian noticed immediately. His eyes narrowed. That bastard… why does he feel stronger? What did he do overnight?
Instructor Zhao clapped his hands, voice booming. "Today, we continue with basic combat forms. But remember, basic does not mean weak. Those who master the basics become the strongest cultivators. Now, demonstrate the First Fist Form—Flowing River Strike!"
He moved fluidly, his fist slicing through the air with controlled force. "Do as I do."
The disciples spread out, mimicking him. Arms flailed, legs stumbled. Some looked like drowning ducks, others like angry chickens.
Li Ming raised his fist, breathing calmly. The Heavenly Breathing Method aligned perfectly with the form, boosting his strength. He struck—
BOOOOOOM!
A gust of wind exploded outward. The practice dummy in front of him flew ten meters, smashing against the wall and splintering into firewood.
The entire training ground froze.
"…What… was that?" one disciple whispered.
Another gulped. "He just destroyed the dummy with the First form…"
Wu Jian's jaw clenched. Damn it! How is he progressing so fast?!
Instructor Zhao rubbed his forehead, muttering, "This boy is going to give me a headache…"
Li Ming looked around, scratching his head. "Uh… was it supposed to explode? Because mine did."
The disciples burst into chaos.
"He's too strong!"
"No way he's still a beginner!"
"Is he secretly an inner disciple disguised as one of us?"
Li Ming puffed his chest, trying to look mysterious. "Heh. Maybe I'm just… naturally talented." Inside, though, his heart was racing. Thank the heavens I didn't shatter the entire wall. Need to look cool but not suspicious…
---
After class, several curious disciples approached him.
"Brother Li Ming, will you teach me your breathing method?"
"Do you have special training techniques?"
"Can I follow you as your junior?"
Li Ming blinked. Wait… are these guys trying to become my followers?
He coughed dramatically. "Ahem. You must understand, the path of cultivation is filled with hardship, danger, and the occasional chicken. Following me will not be easy."
The disciples exchanged confused glances. "Uh… chicken?"
But Li Ming waved his hand like a wise sage. "Fine, fine. I'll allow it. But only if you bring me steamed buns daily."
The group groaned, realizing they had been tricked into becoming his snack providers. Still, they admired him. After all, he looked way too cool when he destroyed that dummy.
---
That night, Li Ming sat cross-legged again, jade slip in hand. It pulsed warmly, whispering more secrets.
> "Supplementary cultivation method detected: Pill Absorption Enhancement. Risk: Body instability if too many pills are consumed too quickly."
Li Ming's eyes widened. "Wait… so I can make pills even stronger? Hehehe… jackpot!"
He glanced at the jade bottle. Two pills remained. His hands itched to swallow another one immediately. But then he remembered the warning.
If I eat them too fast, I might explode… and that would not look cool at all.
So instead, he decided to test his new power on the training ground under the moonlight.
He gathered his qi, activating the Heavenly Breathing Method. Mist swirled around him, coiling like a dragon. His aura surged, brighter and heavier than before.
"Ha!" He unleashed a punch.
CRAAAACK!
The stone practice pillar cracked in half.
Li Ming's grin stretched wide. "Oh yeah… this is the good stuff."
But suddenly—BOOOOM!
The pillar shattered completely, debris flying everywhere. Dust clouds shot into the air, and the ground trembled.
From the dorms, disciples poked their heads out, coughing.
"What was that explosion?!"
"Is it an enemy attack?!"
"No, no… it's probably that crazy Li Ming again."
Wu Jian stomped out of his room, furious. "That damned chicken boy! He's showing off again!"
Meanwhile, Li Ming stood proudly in the rubble, striking a heroic pose. "Yes… behold my power, heavens! Tonight, the world witnesses the rise of Li Ming!"
He held the pose for a good minute, waiting for an audience. But when no one cheered, he sighed. "Hmph. Fine. I'll save the cool speeches for later."
Still, inside, his heart thundered with excitement. He wasn't just acting anymore. His strength was truly growing, and fast.
And in the shadows, an older disciple who had seen the destruction slipped away, heading straight for the sect's elder halls.
"Elders must hear about this boy…" he muttered.
---
The next morning, Li Ming strutted into class, humming happily. He had no idea that whispers about him were spreading through the sect like wildfire. Some called him a genius, others a freak, and a few… considered him a threat.
But Li Ming? He only cared about one thing.
"Two more pills," he whispered to himself. "Two more steps toward destiny."
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