In the Drunken Elder's office, Xiaotian stood next to the elder, and they looked out at the city through the large window in the room.
The two discussed sword techniques and a topic Xiaotian wanted to learn more about.
"I once heard that the Drunken Elder's technique was so amazing that there was no legacy technique that it couldn't break."
The old man scoffed. "I used to think so, too. But once a man proved to me that this was not the case," he replied.
'My father.' Xiaotian was sure of it. He had heard that story.
It was a secret duel between the two; rumors claim that the Drunken Elder won the battle, but that Hutian led him to a real dead end with his legacy technique.
His father's technique couldn't have been divine; he wouldn't have died if it were. So, that technique passed down from the Elder isn't really as perfect as they say, because his father wouldn't have beaten him.
He ruled out the possibility that his father had done so because he was strong; it didn't make sense, because the Elder was always stronger than his father, even until his death.
In that case, it meant that his father had done it largely thanks to his sword technique. In other words, what he himself lacked was technique.
His skill should not have been broken so easily when the Elder was holding back; if that were possible, then it would not even serve to buy him time.
This meant that he was not as good as he thought he was.
"Kid, don't worry so much," said the elder suddenly, noticing all his doubts and the boy's growing unease. "You are a young man, amazingly talented, but a young man nonetheless. In terms of sword skills, I am sure you are among the best of your generation. You just need to keep going."
Xiaotian shook his head. "I understand that, elder. But my enemies are not like me. I'm not like all those young masters walking the streets," he said, looking down.
Many people moved cheerfully around the city, pompously or not, showing that they didn't need to hide.
"I have enemies who want me dead. And from what I know, they might be stronger than I thought."
"We all have enemies who want us dead, kid," said the elder.
Xiaotian looked at him. "Does your family want you dead, elder? More than just wanting it... Have they tried to kill you?" he asked directly.
The elder stared back at him. He said nothing for over a minute, until he turned away.
"Come see me tomorrow morning. If you want to be good with the sword, you will have to suffer," said the elder before dismissing him at the door.
Xiaotian smiled to himself. Perhaps he was exaggerating a little, as he was largely unaware of the strength of this world.
But he was sure that his father was not weak. He was at least in the Fourth Realm, and his legacy technique, as well as his skill with the sword, were admirable, but he still died.
His enemies were not weak, and according to his suspicions, even a legendary man from the region could be involved, Count Lu.
Today, he used all the skills he had learned on earth when he realized that the elder was testing him. More than to surprise him and get his attention, he did it to test himself, and he realized that he was far from being a fully-fledged swordsman.
He needed strength if he wanted to win.
When he left the room, the Drunken Elder smiled.
"What an interesting boy. I didn't expect him to know the legacy techniques so well," he whispered.
-
That night, Xiaotian trained his cultivation with determination during the early hours.
Throughout this week, he had understood how difficult it was for a person of his talent to improve in cultivation.
He asked Ruxue and Uncle Mu for advice, which helped him perfect his cultivation technique, but it was still very slow.
Throughout this week, he managed to reach 50% of condensed spiritual energy.
Ruxue was with him today, watching him from the side. She noticed several changes in his energy, so she was slightly surprised and approached him when he opened his eyes.
"Why do they say you're not talented? You clearly have a speed comparable to, and even slightly above, a Rank 2." She said suddenly.
She had heard that Xiaotian had obtained a Rank 1 life root. Could it be that they were wrong?
"It's still too slow." He said.
He had reached 51% tonight; he still had to condense and refine another 9% to reach the upper stage of the Intermediate Stage. If he wanted to reach the Advanced Stage, he needed 70%, something he still couldn't dream of.
"I don't think so. I've never seen a Rank 2 as fast as you. I think you have a lot of potential," Ruxue replied.
Xiaotian shook his head in frustration. He wished his life root was rank 3, then he could be sure he would catch up to his cousins, since they are the ones participating in that tournament in three weeks.
He would have to work harder.
"You're back early today," Ruxue said suddenly, changing the subject as she understood that he was dissatisfied with his talent. "Did you get to talk to that elder?" she asked.
She knew he had failed every day for the past week, but she also knew that Xiaotian didn't do anything he wasn't sure he could achieve. That's why she remained confident that he could do it until the very last day.
And Xiaotian did not disappoint her. He nodded. "He came to me today. He asked me to come see him tomorrow."
"Really?" Ruxue quickly approached him. "How about it? Why did he ask you to come?"
"I don't know. Maybe he wants to teach me? We had a little duel, and I lost miserably," he admitted.
"Haha, he's one of the most renowned swordsmen in the region, Tiantian. Even my father has to be careful around him."
Xiaotian nodded. "That's why I have to go early tomorrow. If we get his help, I'm sure our plans will go well," he replied.
"Our?" She grumbled and leaned back. "You still haven't even told me what you want to do. I'm here, running around, fulfilling your missions, but I still don't know what you're up to."
She was clearly upset and didn't bother to hide it in her voice.
Xiaotian apologized and then leaned close to her ear to whisper.
Understanding slowly dawned in Ruxue's eyes, and she turned to look at him. "Will it work?" she asked.
"I'm sure it will."
"But..." She bit her lip. "A Count, Tiantian, is not like the nobles in the city. Even the Drunken Elder has to be careful around one." She reminded him.
"Don't worry." Xiaotian patted her head gently. "Things will be fine."
He knew her concern was realistic; this time, he was playing with fire. But if he didn't do it, then he would remain passive, waiting for his rivals to act and only be able to react to it.
That wasn't his style.
That night, he slept little because of the many thoughts running through his head.