The Sword Hall training grounds were alive with the hum of spiritual energy. Mist curled along the edges of the stone platform, and the morning sun shone pale and golden across the outer courtyard. Lin Yuan had chosen a secluded part of the forest today—an old grove where ancient roots twisted like serpents and spiritual qi hung thick in the air.
This wasn't about growing stronger in a straightforward way. It was about mastery, about refining each strike, learning to move like the wind, and letting his lightning-infused techniques flow naturally.
From the shadows, three Mist-Horned Alphas emerged, their jagged horns glinting faintly, their movements careful, intelligent. Lin Yuan narrowed his eyes and stepped forward, letting Lightning Body sharpen his reflexes.
Each movement was deliberate, each strike precise. He tested a new technique—a combination he had been practicing: Thunder Slash, followed seamlessly by Lightning Body-enhanced footwork, chaining strikes in a rhythm that left the beasts struggling to keep pace. Blue arcs of lightning danced across the forest floor, but his movements were controlled, flowing naturally rather than wasting energy on flashy attacks.
Minutes passed, and the beasts fell one by one. Lin Yuan exhaled slowly, feeling the subtle hum of energy coursing through his limbs. Every movement had taught him something—timing, angle, flow, and efficiency.
Back at the Sword Hall, the disciples had gathered at the edge of the training grounds. Their expressions were calm but impressed. None of them felt threatened—they were stronger than Lin Yuan in cultivation, yet they could recognize the precision of his skills.
Gu Shan stepped forward, his sharp gaze thoughtful. "Your movements… they're refined. Every strike seems deliberate, almost as if you're dancing with the wind. I didn't expect this level of control from someone so new."
Lu Yan's dark eyes softened with interest. "You focus on technique instead of power. That's why your strikes feel so different. Most people fight, but you learn from each strike."
Shen Rui chuckled softly. "I'll admit it… this is impressive. You're learning the true rhythm of battle, not just swinging blindly. I'd like to spar with you sometime—see if I can match your precision."
Mo Yu's smirk faded into a rare, genuine smile. "Count me in. You move like lightning, but now I want to see how sharp your technique really is."
Lin Yuan inclined his head. "Then I'll gladly test myself against you. Only by facing others can one truly understand one's limits."
That afternoon, Lin Yuan returned to the forest alone. He moved through the mist, testing multi-strike combinations, chaining Thunder Slash with Lightning Body footwork, trying angles and movements until the strikes became second nature.
The medium-tier Mist-Horned Beasts appeared in quick succession. Lin Yuan didn't rush; he measured each strike, each dodge. The forest became his practice ground, every kill teaching him something new. His focus was not on power, but on efficiency, precision, and mastery.
After the hunt, he collected rare herbs and consumables he had discovered hidden among the roots and undergrowth. They weren't magical, but they would help him maintain his energy and refine his techniques over long battles. Each tool, each consumable, each discovery was an extension of his practice, a tangible way to improve without needing raw power.
By the time he returned to Sword Hall, the mist clung to him faintly, and the hum of residual electricity traced along his limbs. The disciples approached him quietly, admiration clear in their expressions.
Gu Shan broke the silence. "You've improved even further… I can see the difference in your movements. There's control now, rhythm."
Lu Yan nodded. "You've learned how to flow with each strike, not just fight. That's rare."
Shen Rui grinned. "I'm looking forward to sparring with you. There's much to learn from how precise you are."
Mo Yu chuckled. "And I'll make sure you don't get too comfortable."
Lin Yuan smiled faintly. The Sword Hall disciples weren't jealous—they were impressed. They were mentors, peers, and companions on the path of cultivation. He didn't need recognition; still, their approval mattered.
This was only the beginning.
Mastery through practice, precision through trial—this was the way forward. Not raw power, not arbitrary leveling. Only perfect control, skillful strikes, and wisdom in battle would carve the path to true strength.