It had been one full year since Lingxuan and Wei Tianyu had begun their rigorous training under their master's watchful eyes. Over the months, they had pushed themselves to their limits, training day and night, refining both body and mind. Now, at sixteen, both young geniuses had already mastered nearly half of the martial arts and cultivation techniques their master had painstakingly passed down.
Among the techniques Lingxuan and Tianyu had learned:
Shadow Step – A movement technique allowing the user to appear instantaneously behind an opponent, used for surprise attacks or evasion.
Iron Palm – Concentrates qi into the hands to deliver crushing strikes capable of breaking stone or bones.
Dragon Palm Qi – Channels internal energy through the palm, creating a focused blast of energy to strike enemies at medium range.
Heavenly Step Meditation – A cultivation technique that balances body, mind, and qi flow, increasing overall endurance and reaction speed.
Soul Echo Strike – A refined martial art where a single strike can leave a lingering imprint of energy, affecting the enemy's balance or qi flow.
Qi Harmony Formation – Allows the cultivator to circulate qi more efficiently, accelerating healing and boosting internal energy storage.
With these techniques, Lingxuan and Tianyu had become formidable even among Nascent Soul cultivators.
On a bright morning, the two young geniuses decided to take a break and explore the bustling city beyond the sect. Streets were filled with merchants, cultivators, and townsfolk going about their daily lives.
As Lingxuan walked through the marketplace, heads turned. His striking features, now even more refined after a year of cultivation, coupled with his confident demeanor, drew the attention of nearly everyone around. Whispers followed him as he passed:
"Isn't that Mo Lingxuan from the Azure Cloud Sect?""His aura… so strong, yet calm. And so handsome…""Even his presence feels different from last year…"
Lingxuan, noticing the attention, felt slightly embarrassed. His cheeks flushed faintly, but he kept his gaze forward, walking calmly beside Tianyu.
Tianyu, noticing his friend's reaction, smirked. "Lingxuan… with looks like yours and the strength you've gained, aren't you thinking about having a girlfriend yet?"
Lingxuan's eyes widened slightly, and a faint blush crept across his face. "I… I want to," he admitted softly, almost to himself, "but there's still no suitable match…"
Tianyu nearly choked on his own laugh, eyes wide with surprise. "No way! Someone as handsome and powerful as you… and you're still single?!"
Lingxuan shook his head sheepishly, looking away. "It's not that simple… cultivation comes first. And I haven't met anyone I feel is the right one yet."
Tianyu laughed heartily, clapping him on the back. "Hah! I see… even Nascent Soul cultivators have the same troubles as ordinary people. Don't worry, we'll see if fate brings someone along eventually."
As they continued walking through the city, Lingxuan's aura subtly drew the attention of both cultivators and townsfolk alike. Even in his casual demeanor, the power he now possessed radiated quietly, signaling that he was no ordinary sixteen-year-old.
The market's hustle and bustle didn't faze him. For Lingxuan, these moments of peace were rare and precious—a chance to enjoy life outside relentless training, even if only briefly. Yet beneath his calm exterior, a spark of excitement lingered. One day, he would not only find strength but perhaps also companionship, a partner who could walk alongside him in both life and cultivation.
A year had passed since their stroll through the city, and now Lingxuan and Wei Tianyu had reached seventeen. Their bodies and minds had matured considerably; muscles stronger, reflexes sharper, and their control over qi more precise than ever. Yet a shadow hung over them—one that could not be ignored.
The master, once a towering figure of vitality and discipline, now moved with a slower, more deliberate pace. His hair had begun to silver, and his breaths carried a faint wheeze. The truth weighed heavily on the young geniuses: their master's remaining time was no longer measured in years but months. Perhaps, in one year or less, he might depart from this world.
During a morning meeting on the terrace, the master spoke with gentle but serious tones. "Lingxuan… Tianyu… my time grows short. You have learned much, but there is still more to grasp. You must train harder than ever before, for the path ahead will demand everything you have."
Lingxuan and Tianyu exchanged glances, their expressions a mixture of sorrow and determination. "Master… we will not waste a single day," Lingxuan said firmly. "We will learn all that you can teach us, and more. Even if it means pushing our limits every moment of every day, we will not falter."
Tianyu nodded in agreement. "Yes, Master. We will train with everything we have. Your teachings will not be in vain."
The master's eyes shone with pride, tinged with melancholy. "Good. Then begin immediately. I will guide you through advanced techniques, the secrets of refined combat, and cultivation beyond Nascent Soul. Every day lost is a step we cannot reclaim."
Without hesitation, Lingxuan and Tianyu began their rigorous training regimen once again. The terraces echoed with the rhythmic pounding of feet, the sharp strikes of palms and fists, and the hum of circulating qi as they pushed themselves to their physical and spiritual limits.
Lingxuan focused on mastering advanced martial arts techniques he had only touched upon before:
Heavenly Dragon Fist – A combination of strength and qi, allowing a single punch to release a concentrated shockwave.
Iron Body Refinement – Reinforces the body to withstand extreme physical and energy-based attacks.
Soul Resonance Kick – Channels spiritual energy through the legs, delivering devastating long-range strikes.
Tianyu concentrated on refining his own techniques, balancing speed, precision, and qi control, pushing his body further than ever. The air around the terrace vibrated with their power, and even the city below could feel faint echoes of their strength.
Days bled into nights without pause. Lingxuan and Tianyu trained tirelessly, the thought of their master's dwindling time fueling their resolve. Each drop of sweat, each aching muscle, each strained breath was a testament to their dedication—not for personal glory, but to honor the master who had given them everything.
Occasionally, they would glance at the master, who observed silently from the pavilion, a faint smile gracing his lips despite his frailty. His presence alone inspired them, a reminder that every effort, every hardship, and every sacrifice was part of their journey.
"We have to be ready," Lingxuan murmured to Tianyu during a brief pause between exercises, wiping the sweat from his brow. "Master's time is limited. We can't waste even a single day."
Tianyu's jaw set firmly. "Agreed. We'll endure anything, push past every limit, and ensure that when the time comes, we are prepared for the next step in cultivation."
As the sun set over the Azure Cloud Sect, Lingxuan and Tianyu continued their drills, shadows stretching across the terraces. Their bodies ached, their qi burned, and exhaustion threatened to overwhelm them—but neither wavered.
One year had passed since their last breakthrough, and now, facing the fleeting time of their master's life, both young geniuses pushed forward with renewed vigor. Their journey was no longer simply about power or skill—it was about legacy, honor, and the unyielding bond between master and disciples.
The path ahead would be grueling, but Lingxuan and Tianyu had no intention of faltering. Every strike, every step, and every breath was a promise: to absorb all their master's teachings before it was too late.
The terraces of the Azure Cloud Sect were alive with movement. Lingxuan and Wei Tianyu, now seventeen, pushed their bodies to the very edge of endurance. Months of nonstop training had honed their muscles and refined their qi circulation, but with their master's remaining time dwindling to less than a year, every second counted.
"Focus!" the master's voice rang out from the pavilion. "Your physical limits are only the beginning. Control your qi, synchronize it with your body, and let your cultivation flow through every strike!"
Lingxuan gritted his teeth, sweat streaming down his face as he executed a series of complex martial techniques. Each movement flowed seamlessly into the next, combining strength, speed, and precision. His qi blazed within him, and even as his muscles screamed, he refused to relent.
Tianyu mirrored his friend, performing the same drills with exacting precision. Though smaller in build, his speed and control over his qi made every strike impactful. Together, they sparred continuously, testing their skills and pushing each other to heights neither could achieve alone.
The intensity of their training had begun to attract attention. Other disciples, even those who had once been prodigies themselves, paused to watch in awe and disbelief. Whispers spread:
"Have you seen Lingxuan and Tianyu? Even Nascent Soul cultivators rarely train like this…""Their aura… it's stronger than before. Unbelievable…""They don't seem to tire at all. How is this possible?"
Despite the attention, neither Lingxuan nor Tianyu acknowledged the whispers. Their focus was singular: mastering every technique their master had taught, absorbing every ounce of knowledge and skill before time ran out.
Hours turned into days. Days bled into nights. The terraces echoed with the rhythmic pounding of feet, the sharp cracks of strikes, and the hum of qi circulating through their bodies.
Lingxuan paused briefly, wiping the sweat from his brow, and muttered under his breath, "We've come this far… we can't stop now. Master has entrusted us with his legacy. I won't let him down."
Tianyu's eyes met his. "We'll endure everything—pain, fatigue, even injury. Together, we'll push past limits we didn't think possible."
The master observed silently, his frail form a stark contrast to the power radiating from his disciples. Pride and sorrow warred within him as he watched Lingxuan and Tianyu break through barriers they themselves had struggled to overcome.
During one particularly grueling session, Lingxuan attempted a new technique, combining his Dragon Palm Qi with Soul Resonance Strike. His muscles tensed, veins protruding as his body pushed against its absolute maximum. The surrounding air seemed to shimmer with the sheer intensity of his qi.
Tianyu, not to be outdone, executed an Iron Palm followed by a precise Soul Echo Strike, sending vibrations through the terrace as he tested his own limits. Both were drenched in sweat, exhausted to the point of trembling, yet neither faltered.
At the end of the day, they collapsed onto the stone floor of the terrace, panting heavily, muscles quivering from overexertion. Yet even in their exhaustion, their eyes burned with determination, a reflection of the promise they had made to their master.
"Rest tonight," the master finally said, his voice soft but commanding. "Tomorrow, we continue. We have little time, but there is still much to learn. Remember… true mastery is forged through relentless effort and unwavering resolve."
Lingxuan and Tianyu nodded, silently vowing to push through every limit, to endure every hardship, and to absorb every secret their master could impart. The stakes had never been higher, but neither had they ever felt more alive.
As the moon rose over the sect, its pale light illuminating the exhausted but resolute figures of the two young geniuses, it was clear: Lingxuan and Tianyu were no longer ordinary disciples. They were cultivators racing against time, determined to carry their master's legacy forward and reach heights few could even imagine.
Eight months had passed since Lingxuan and Wei Tianyu had intensified their training. The two young geniuses, now eighteen, had mastered every single martial art and cultivation technique their master had painstakingly taught them. Every strike, every kick, every method of circulating qi and refining their bodies had been perfected to the utmost degree.
Yet the joy of accomplishment was shadowed by the reality before them. Their master, once vibrant and commanding, now lay frail on his bed, unable to move. His body was too weak to stand or even gesticulate, though his mind remained sharp. He could speak, his voice soft but resolute, guiding them even in his weakened state.
Lingxuan and Tianyu knelt respectfully at the foot of his bed, sitting cross-legged. Their posture was perfect, their minds focused entirely on their cultivation. They concentrated on gathering and harmonizing their qi, feeling it flow through their bodies like rivers of energy, preparing themselves for the next step: the Realm of Spirit Severing.
The master's eyes glimmered with pride. "Remember… this is the culmination of all you have learned. Concentrate… harmonize your mind, body, and soul. Let your effort and discipline guide your breakthrough."
The two disciples closed their eyes, letting the world fade around them. The energy they had cultivated for years surged within, qi flowing smoothly yet powerfully through their meridians. Their muscles, honed to perfection, shivered as they balanced their physical strength with the spiritual energy within.
Time seemed to stand still. Hours passed in silence, broken only by the rhythmic hum of circulating qi. Lingxuan felt his body and soul reach a state of unity, a perfect synchronization between mind, physical body, and spiritual essence. Tianyu mirrored him, eyes closed, sweat pouring down his face, his focus unbroken.
And then, with a sudden burst of energy, Lingxuan's aura exploded outward. His eyes snapped open, glowing faintly with the power of Spirit Severing. Tianyu followed closely, his own aura flaring, a testament to their joint effort.
A powerful shockwave radiated from them, shaking the room slightly, but neither faltered. They had done it—they had successfully broken through into the Realm of Spirit Severing.
The master's eyes widened with joy and pride, tears welling slightly. Though he could no longer move, his voice was strong. "You… you have grown… immensely… My disciples… you are truly formidable. Lingxuan… Tianyu… my teachings, my effort, everything… has borne fruit. You have become stronger than I ever imagined."
Lingxuan and Tianyu opened their eyes, looking down briefly to catch each other's gaze. They smiled, a bright expression on their faces, but in their hearts, a deep sorrow lingered. They were overjoyed at their breakthrough, yet the sight of their master so frail and near the end of his life weighed heavily on them.
Lingxuan's chest tightened. Master… your time is almost gone… I wish I could have given you more, learned even faster…
Tianyu's hands clenched into fists. We will honor everything you've taught us. We will not let your legacy fade… even if you are no longer with us.
The master, sensing the emotions of his disciples, smiled faintly. "Do… not grieve… Your strength… your unity… this… is my pride. Lingxuan… Tianyu… continue… surpass… even me…."
Their breakthrough into Spirit Severing was not just a personal achievement; it was a tribute to years of guidance, discipline, and care from the master who had shaped their lives. The bond between teacher and disciples had never been stronger, even in silence, even in sorrow.
Though joy and sadness intertwined, Lingxuan and Tianyu knew one thing for certain: they would carry forward the master's teachings, his legacy, and his spirit as they faced the challenges awaiting them beyond Spirit Severing.
The terraces of the Azure Cloud Sect were quiet now, save for the soft hum of lingering qi and the steady breaths of two young geniuses, who had reached the threshold of a new realm, hearts heavy with both triumph and the approaching loss of the one who had made it all possible.