Volume One: A Youth Steps into the World Chapter Sixty-Three: The Art of Movement

After testing his own strength, Fang Tian continued to practice his martial arts techniques. After some time, he called for Old Tian to appear. By now, two days and one night had passed in the outside world, and it was deep into the night.

Since it was still late at night and there was nowhere to go, Fang Tian decided to have a conversation with Old Tian about cultivation techniques.

Old Tian, realizing Fang Tian had stopped cultivating, appeared before him and said, “Xiao Tian, why have you called for me?”

“Old Tian, is there a more advanced cultivation technique? I feel like I’ve fully comprehended the Frost Sword Manual, including the two moves I created myself. Now, I can use them effortlessly.”

“Xiao Tian, it’s not that I don’t want to give you more to practice, but of all the techniques left behind by your previous master, only these two are most suitable for you. Your constitution is of the Yin attribute, so you can only cultivate the most frigid arts. The Frost Sword Manual, a high-grade Earth-level technique, fits you perfectly, as evidenced by your ability to create your own moves based on it.”

“Sigh, how could it be like this?”

“You rascal, being able to master a single martial art is already enough. Once you break through to the Spirit Seed stage, you’ll naturally be given new techniques. Not giving you more to practice is for your own good. Right now, your main focus should be on breaking through your realm and preparing what you need for the awakening of your spirit body. There’s no need to practice techniques of the same tier, and if you want to practice higher-level techniques, like Heaven-level ones, that will have to wait until you reach the Spirit Seed stage.”

“Is there really no one at my level who can practice Heaven-level techniques?”

“There are, but your potential is only just beginning to reveal itself. Forcing yourself to practice now would only hinder your breakthrough.”

“Alright then, but what if I’m defeated one day because of my lack of techniques? By the way, there should be movement techniques, right? If I can’t win, at least I could escape. Don’t you agree, Old Tian?”

“Don’t worry, I’ve already prepared one for you. Take it.” With a wave of his hand, Old Tian made a manual appear in Fang Tian’s hand. Written on the cover were the words “Dragon’s Wind Step.”

Fang Tian’s eyes lit up as he held the movement technique, grinning foolishly as he hurriedly opened it to read. This was exactly what he’d been missing—a movement technique. With it, he could increase his speed, and combined with his swordsmanship, the power would be unimaginable.

After reading it, Fang Tian closed his eyes and began to cultivate according to the instructions. Channeling his spiritual energy to his feet, he gradually formed a vortex of energy, like a long wind howling, enveloping him and producing a whistling sound. In a flash, Fang Tian vanished from where he stood, reappearing a hundred yards away in the next instant, with the howling wind still echoing behind him as waves of air surged in all directions.

Fang Tian was very satisfied with this initial attempt—and this was only the first move, “Wind Walker.”

The technique consisted of two moves: “Wind Walker” and “Dragon Soar.” At the moment, Fang Tian could only practice the first, as the second required him to reach the Spirit Seed stage. Forcing it now would only result in crippling his meridians, a loss outweighing the gain.

Even so, Fang Tian was quite content. The first move was more than enough for him. With it, even if he faced cultivators much stronger than himself, he’d still have a chance to escape.

Ignoring Old Tian, Fang Tian focused on his cultivation. Old Tian shook his head with a gentle smile, marveling at Fang Tian’s extraordinary talent. It seemed the master he’d chosen would bring him many surprises.

Seeing Fang Tian so engrossed in cultivation, Old Tian didn’t disturb him further and, with a sweep of his robe, faded away into the void.

At dawn, as the sky outside grew light, Fang Tian ended his cultivation. After a night of practice, he had nearly mastered the Wind Step. Only one day remained before he would leave Wufeng City for the imperial capital.

To be cautious, Fang Tian had asked Lin Shuang who currently held the highest cultivation level on Ice Spirit Island. When he learned that the strongest was the emperor with only the first level of the Spirit Seed stage, he felt a weight lifted from his heart. After all, he was now disguised, and if anyone recognized his true face, it would be troublesome.

He suspected his likeness was already posted on the wanted list, so he needed to be more careful. Since only one person here could see through his disguise, as long as he stayed out of the imperial palace, he should be safe. Besides, he had no intention of setting foot in the palace—the odds were slim.

Finishing his cultivation, Fang Tian didn’t linger in the sword space. He revealed himself in the real world, put away the Heaven-Slaying Sword, and, with a day left, decided to wander around.

Unexpectedly, as soon as he stepped outside, he saw Lang Qing downstairs, which gave him a headache. He’d thought Lang Qing would come looking for him only after his injuries had healed, but here he was already. Could it be his wounds had fully recovered?

At that moment, Lang Qing was speaking with the innkeeper. The innkeeper pointed upstairs, and the two men exchanged glances. Fang Tian smiled at Lang Qing, who then headed directly upstairs.

“So, you really are here, my friend.”

“Come in and let’s talk.”

They entered the guest room. Fang Tian closed the door and invited Lang Qing to sit, then took a seat himself.

Lang Qing, evidently thirsty, poured himself a cup of tea and drank it in one gulp. He then bowed to Fang Tian and said, “Last time you saved my life. I’m here now to repay that debt. I don’t like to owe favors. Whatever you need, just say the word.”

Fang Tian wasn’t sure how to respond. He hadn’t expected any repayment—he’d saved Lang Qing on a whim, not expecting such straightforward gratitude.

“There’s no need for that. I don’t require anything,” Fang Tian said after a moment’s thought, deciding to be direct.

“My friend, if you ask nothing of me, it puts me in a difficult spot. Since you saved me, I owe you a debt. If I don’t repay it, to be honest, I won’t be able to sleep at night. Why don’t you think it over?” Lang Qing was indeed a blunt man, making it hard for Fang Tian to refuse.

“How about you owe me for now?”

“No, that won’t do.”

After thinking for a bit, Fang Tian smiled and said, “Well then, I don’t have many friends. How about you let this favor stand for a friendship instead?”

Lang Qing saw that Fang Tian had no intention of asking for anything and didn’t want to press him further. He nodded and said, “Alright, but not just friends—let’s call each other brothers. I, Lang Qing, am a rough man with no family, always alone. If you don’t mind, from now on, you’re my brother.”

Hearing this, Fang Tian felt a warm surge in his heart.

“Very well, we’ll call each other brothers.”

After a brief pause, the two looked at each other, then burst out laughing. Neither knew exactly why, but both felt happy inside.

“By the way, I don’t know your name yet, brother.”

“Tian Yu.” After weighing his options, Fang Tian decided not to reveal his real name.

“A fine name—‘Feather soaring to the heavens.’ It’s quite impressive,” Lang Qing praised.

Fang Tian, a little embarrassed by the compliment, replied, “Not at all. Brother Lang Qing, you’re older than me, so I’ll call you Big Brother.”

Lang Qing laughed heartily and, without any pretense, said, “Good, little brother.”

The two chatted eagerly, sharing many stories about themselves and enjoying their conversation.

Three or four hours passed, and it was nearly noon when someone knocked at the door. Lang Qing went to open it. Standing outside was someone Fang Tian didn’t recognize, but seemed familiar to Lang Qing.

After a brief exchange, the visitor left. Lang Qing turned to Fang Tian and said, “Brother Tian Yu, I must leave now. The man from the wanted notice has appeared, and I have to deal with him.”

“But I see your injuries haven’t healed yet. Why not wait until you’re better?” Fang Tian asked with some concern.

“No matter. I have a grudge with this man. If I miss this opportunity, there’s no telling when the next will come,” Lang Qing said, signaling Fang Tian not to worry.

“In that case, I’ll go with you, Big Brother,” Fang Tian said earnestly.

Seeing the look in Fang Tian’s eyes, Lang Qing could not insist further. “Alright, but promise me you won’t interfere. I must kill him with my own hands.”

Fang Tian nodded, and the two of them left Maple Forest Inn together, heading out of the city.