Chapter 004: Lu Yuling, Master of the Clear Waves

The dress billows, the skin rivals snow, the figure is graceful. By the small lake, a young girl in a white gauze dress is practicing. As her fair and delicate hands wave, one can see waves of pale blue light emerging.

Lu Yuling is a prominent figure in the Shura Sect, known far and wide, with a hundred thousand disciples who endure a year of arduous training for what? To comprehend Qi energy and become an official disciple of the Shura Sect. However, Lu Yuling successfully grasped Qi energy six months ago, making her one of the most outstanding talents among the hundred thousand disciples of her generation, a true gem shining like the stars.

In a bright and clean large room, a boy of about thirteen or fourteen years old, with an expression of frustration on his face, spoke bluntly to Li Bin in front of him. This boy, who had just spoken, was none other than Zhao Feiyun, Li Bin's cousin whom he had been boasting about, and who had comprehended the energy technique three months ago.

Thus, by the tranquil lakeside where one person once enjoyed solitude, another has appeared. However, the two maintain a considerable distance, each reluctant to disturb the other. While practicing the Qi Cultivation Fist, Zhuge Xiang occasionally glances at Lu Yuling's Clear Wave Palm, her graceful figure, and the profound palm technique, which contains certain esoteric principles. Upon careful observation, Zhuge Xiang seems to gain some insights. During moments of leisure, he also begins to mimic Lu Yuling's movements.

Lu Yuling was immersed in the training of the Qingbo Palm. She did not comment on Zhuge Xiang's imitation, but when it was late at night and both were preparing to leave, Lu Yuling kindly reminded Zhuge Xiang: "Your primary goal now is to comprehend the Qi energy, rather than learning combat martial arts from books. While imitating the Qingbo Palm may temporarily enhance your combat ability, without Qi energy, even the highest martial skills are merely castles in the air"

Ah! Lu Yuling proposed to stay behind for cultivation, which left Zhuge Xiang somewhat astonished. "You mean you also want to stay for cultivation? But isn't it taboo for others to observe during cultivation? Moreover, you are the pride of this generation."

You are truly too impulsive, and you even revealed the news about the Blood Spirit Fruit. If the information leaks out, are you not afraid of being robbed of it

The clear eyes revealed that Zhuge Xiang's words were evidently not perfunctory. Lu Yuling's gaze showed some surprise; was it possible that imitating his own Qingbo Palm was even more important than his understanding of the Qi energy?

Regardless of the circumstances, encountering Lu Yuling by the small lake was not a bad thing for Zhuge Xiang. With anticipation for the duel in three days, Zhuge Xiang also left the small lake.

"I don't mind, after all, this place is quite spacious." In response to Lu Yuling's words, Zhuge Xiang smiled and replied, as he had no secrets to hide. Moreover, although this small lake was not large, it could still accommodate a few people practicing here without any issue.

Zhuge Xiang has some affection for Lu Yuling, not only for her appearance and strength, but more importantly for her kindness. After all, the Shura Sect is a demonic sect, and in the Shura Sect, it is not unusual for even fellow disciples to directly fight over coveted cultivation resources. Those who are ruthless may even resort to violence or murder.

Rest assured, when we first came to the Shura Sect, my aunt told us to help each other, so I will naturally assist you. " Nodding, Zhao Feiyun appeared mature for his age, expressing some helplessness as he said, "Are you scheduled to duel him in three days? The time is a bit tight; in fact, you could have waited until after consuming the Blood Spirit Fruit before taking action.

After hesitating for a moment, reluctant to leave, Lu Yuling pondered for a while and asked, "I see that the small lake is rarely visited by people; it should only be you practicing here, right? I wonder if you would mind if I stayed here to practice as well?"

In the end, a fierce light appeared on Zhao Feilong's face. Li Bin, overjoyed, nodded his head, as if he could already envision the scene of Zhuge Xiang being killed by him: "Haha, with my cousin teaching me the Ghost Step, what is Zhuge Xiang? Three days from now, I will definitely beat him to the point where he can't find his teeth."

I am aware of this, but I have my own plans. Lu Yuling's good intentions are well understood by Zhuge Xiang, yet the duel in three days will determine whether he can comprehend the vital energy. For Zhuge Xiang at this moment, enhancing his combat strength is far more important than practicing the Qi training fist.

As the conversation reached this point, there was a slight pause. Noticing Li Bin's awkward expression, it was clear that discussing this further was futile. The topic shifted: "However, if utilized properly, defeating someone who has not comprehended the energy flow within three days should not be a problem."

Logically speaking, one should leave; however, one is reluctant to part with such a good place. This is a matter of great importance concerning one's own strength and cultivation. For a practitioner, what could be more important than one's own cultivation?

However, when Zhuge Xiang arrived at the edge of the small lake, his footsteps paused slightly. This small lake is somewhat distant from the base of the Shura Sect and is relatively secluded, rarely visited by people. Yet today, it welcomed an unexpected guest.

Lu Yuling? Looking at the unexpected guest by the lake, Zhuge Xiang was slightly taken aback

It is unlikely that Zhuge Xiang would joke about his own future. Given the matter concerns the other party's secret, Lu Yuling chose not to say more, bidding farewell and leaving gracefully. As for Zhuge Xiang? Having such a beautiful woman by his side to admire is certainly not a bad thing. He secretly learned a few moves of the Qingbo Palm, enhancing his combat ability. Coupled with the steel secret medicine he had discovered, Zhuge Xiang felt even more confident about the duel in three days.

With a smile that sparkled brightly, Lu Yuling shook her head: "This Clear Wave Palm is merely a martial art found within the Cangwu Pavilion. Anyone who comprehends the energy can seek it out; it is not a unique secret technique. What I value is how this environment benefits the practice of the Clear Wave Palm, as long as you do not mind my interruption."

Li Bin received guidance from Zhao Feiyun and practiced the Phantom Step in preparation for the battle three days later. Zhuge Xiang, on the other hand, arrived at the lakeside. Without needing to think, Zhuge Xiang knew that Li Bin would definitely seek Zhao Feiyun's assistance. However, Zhuge Xiang did not concern himself with these matters; no matter how Li Bin sought help, he only needed to focus on diligently cultivating his own skills.

It is evident that she is practicing a set of palm techniques, her gentle movements resembling the rippling waters of a jade lake, pervading every corner. Although they appear to lack formidable power, one can sense the intricate flow of energy with every gesture, as even the sand and stones on the ground dance in response to the energy. It seems that once one becomes deeply immersed in this, it would be difficult to extricate oneself.

Eavesdropping on others' cultivation is a taboo. Upon hearing this, Zhuge Xiang realized with some embarrassment that he had been hiding in the shadows for quite a while. He stepped out, albeit a bit awkwardly, but his tone was straightforward and candid: "I apologize. Your palm technique just now captivated me. Usually, I train alone by the lake, but I didn't expect to encounter someone else today."

Looking at Zhuge Xiang, Lu Yuling felt somewhat troubled. The Qingbo Palm was a martial art she had only recently begun to practice. It was best to be in a relaxed state of mind while training, and to be in an environment rich in moisture. This small lake, which she had discovered by chance today, offered a serene setting along with ample humidity, making it, in her view, an ideal place for her to practice the Qingbo Palm. However, it had already been occupied by someone else.

The graceful figure and the aura brought about by the mastery of the palm technique deeply captivated Zhuge Xiang's gaze. Unknowingly, a complete set of palm techniques was executed. Lu Yuling let out a long breath of turbid air, and then her eyes turned towards Zhuge Xiang, her delicate brows slightly furrowed: "Having watched for so long, shouldn't you come out now?"

The doctrine of the Shura Sect is one of supremacy through force; as long as one possesses sufficient strength, even the absence of reason can be deemed reasonable. Lu Yuling has taken a liking to the cultivation environment of this small lake, and despite her abilities and status, she has no intention of seizing it, merely expressing a desire to remain and cultivate.

So it is, I see that this secluded little lake has a tranquil environment, with abundant mist, which is just perfect for practicing the Clear Wave Palm. However, I did not expect that someone had already been training here, " Lu Yuling said, her previously furrowed brows relaxing as she spoke with a sense of relief.

Why did Zhuge Xiang return to the Shura Sect? The reason is simple: he did not want to live like a beggar for books, because the Shura Sect could provide him with abundant food and resources. By becoming an official disciple of the Shura Sect, he could elevate himself above others as a cultivator, gain control over his own destiny, and no longer fear being randomly killed like an old beggar one day.

In these past few months, I have begun to grasp the fundamentals of the Ghost Step. Although you have not comprehended the Qi energy and cannot attain its true essence, after three days of practice, it is likely that someone who has not understood Qi energy will find it difficult to even touch the hem of your garment. After three days, do not hold back; the fewer people who know about the Blood Spirit Fruit, the better.

Although he was facing his own cousin, Li Bin did not dare to retort upon hearing his words. He could only smile awkwardly and said, "You didn't see the expression on Zhuge Xiang's face. Someone who hasn't grasped the energy yet acts as if he owns the world. Moreover, in the Shura Sect, you are my only relative, so you must help me.

The ten thousand disciples of the Shura Sect undergo rigorous training. Those who have not comprehended the Qi energy must share a small room with two others. However, once a disciple comprehends the Qi energy and formally enters the first layer of the Qi Nourishing Realm, their status as an official disciple of the Shura Sect is assured. Both their meals and living conditions will improve significantly. For instance, Zhao Feiyun is already able to live alone in a large room.

Although lacking in internal energy and possessing no secret techniques, Zhuge Xiang merely imitated Lu Yuling's movements, akin to learning to walk in Handan. However, the Qingbo Palm is indeed a martial art of true combat. After practicing it several times, Zhuge Xiang could feel that while his physical fitness had not significantly improved, his movements became more systematic during combat. The Qingbo Palm flows seamlessly from one move to the next, far superior to the straightforward punches he used before.