?
The air turned sharp.
"Some rare geniuses can cultivate their intent when they're still at the fifth stage. You're only at the fourth stage, but you're also much more talented than rare geniuses. Accept this sword."
Ken saw a single sword being formed in the air, but it was different than before. He could feel that this Qi sword was elastic, although he did not know why he felt that.
'It's the same feeling as when Henry uses his intent. He conveys his intentions so strongly that it takes shape in the material world, and I can sense it.'
The sword was shot at Ken and he deflected it, but somehow, the sword lengthened itself and circled around him. He tried his best to free himself from the encirclement, but the sword wrapped around him like a sharp snake that threatened to cut him in half.
'I can't protect against it!'
Ken thought to himself with clenched teeth as the sharp tip of the sword seemed to chase him. Every time he deflected it, the tip simply continued in a circular movement as it slowly created a dangerous cocoon around him with every round.
"Enough."
The sword dissipated in the air, and Ken's figure was revealed, his robes are torn in multiple places and his flesh had fresh cuts all over it.
"You've felt the intent of a grand elder, it's a great opportunity for you. Try to recall this sensation throughout the next week and somewhat imitate it. I deployed it in its weakest form on purpose so you can have a shot at comprehending it."
Fernando's cultivation was an accumulation of hundreds of years, it'd be an exaggeration to show a nine-year-old his top attacks and expect him to be able to comprehend something.
"Thank you for your guidance, Uncle," Ken thanked him for the tutoring and swallowed a healing pill from his storage ring.
"You may go now, come back every week on the same day and hour."
"Before I leave, there's a question I would like to ask. I planned to ask my grandfather, but I think it'd be more appropriate to ask you, now that you're my teacher."
"Go ahead."
"The Aspis clan wants me to become the direct disciple of their grand elder, the seventh-rank alchemist. While it's a good chance for me, I believe it'd tie my future with theirs, and they are likely to expect me to marry one of their clan's daughters. Should I refuse?"
"Hmm, they bypassed us and asked you directly as a member of the Alchemy Division, it's good that you asked us first. Agree to become his student but not a direct disciple. If he is your teacher like me, he won't have a stronger grip over you than I do, limiting his future control over you. If he does not agree, decline his offer. We will find another way for you to improve."
Master and disciple shared a strong bond; a disciple inherited the way of life and the cultivation path of his master. However, a teacher and a student shared a weaker bond. The student learned from his teacher, but only in the specific time frame and field. While a master was akin to a father, a teacher was only a temporary guide.
"I shall follow your advice."
Ken bowed and left the courtyard, returning to his place. He was quite excited toward today; a crack appeared yesterday on the Sunscale Dragon's egg. He believed the dragon would come out today or the following day according to the manual he received along with the egg.
"Soleil, don't let anyone interrupt me. Tell Henry I said not to challenge anyone from the Han clan until one week later, and that he should be careful when leaving the clan's territory. He will also come with me to lunch with Elodie in two days. If Elodie comes here before I leave the room, tell her to wait."
He used the renowned technique of using a third wheel to prevent any advances from Elodie during the meal.
"Emrys, come after me," He brought out a Bloodline Purification pill from his storage ring, letting it emanate an alluring aroma that would pull any beast nearby.
"Howl!" The young wolf called in enthusiasm and ran after his master with his tail wiggling from side to side.
The two entered the training room where Ken kept the egg, and Emrys glanced toward it in worry, his gaze turning fixed on it. He could sense something dangerous inside, and his instincts urged him to get away from there.
"Oww" he whimpered and rubbed his nose against Ken's leg.
"Don't worry, you're safe with me. Nobody can hurt you here," Ken comforted the wolf and stroke his fur, helping him relax considerably.
"Take this pill."
Ken brought the pill near the wolf's mouth, and the cub swallowed it in one quick greedy bite. Ken observed the wolf with curiosity, this pill was different from the usual Bloodline Refining pill the wolf consumed every day.
Emrys' formerly grey fur turned completely white by now, showing the effect of the continuous refinement of his bloodline. He became a powerful beast now. While his parents were stuck at the fifth rank, he could make it to the peak of the seventh rank when he matures even without any additional pills from Ken.
'The seventh rank is not enough if you want to remain by my side, buddy,' Ken mused as he watched the wolf. As if on a sign, the wolf screamed in pain when the pill's medicinal effects entered his bloodstream.
Emrys grabbed Ken's ankle with his paws as he howled without a break, suffering from agonizing pain wherever the pill reached.
"Hold on, Emrys, you will come out stronger after this. The second rank is not enough for my plans for you," Ken continued to comfort the wolf in the process, helping it get through the experience.
Emrys was at the peak of the second rank, only a heartbeat away from advancing. The pill Ken gave the cub now was much more potent than the normal one, and it was of the fourth grade, causing great pressure on the wolf's body.
*Cough*
The wolf began coughing out blood between its whimpers. The blood was dark red at first, but soon turned completely black as Emrys kept coughing out more of it.
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