Chapter 129 Challange the Genius
Under the scorching sun, the Wudang sect area remained cool and chilly, surrounded by mountains.
Long Tian stood in an oriental building on the fourth floor, not far from a training area in the inner disciples' zone, observing around 50 students practicing diligently.
There was nothing wrong with that; they were practicing well, but his gaze focused on an old man who was instructing them.
If his memory served him right, that old man was Han Yuan, an Elder who always aided Qin Chen. The last time he saw him was during the Martial Spirit Awakening ceremony.
"Interested in joining their training?" a voice came from the side; it was Gu Huanzong, the Grand Elder of the Wudang sect.
"May I?" Long Tian asked, seeking confirmation.
"Of course. With your honorary medal, you can participate in any training session. Unfortunately, the medal won't be of use if you choose another sect or academy," Gu Huanzong teased, a smirk playing on his lips.
Long Tian simply nodded; he understood why many people here wanted him to join the Wudang sect. However, his plans remained unchanged; he would still join the Xuantian Academy.
Although he didn't know much, it was the best institution in the Han Empire, as it had stood since the time of the Xia dynasty, tens of thousands of years ago.
"I'll join the training with them, Grand Elder," he said.
Gu Huanzong nodded, and with that, they both started heading toward Han Yuan, who was instructing.
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"You all have performed admirably. Now, it's time for the real challenge," Han Yuan declared, revealing a set of archery targets adorned with seven concentric circles.
Instantly, five of these targets levitated haphazardly in the air.
"Since I've imparted the Wind Eye technique to you, this presents a fitting opportunity for a trial. Anyone who can precisely hit the central point of any of these targets with a needle will earn the privilege to enter the Soul Hall for one hour. However, only five individuals can succeed," Han Yuan said, a smile gracing his lips.
Upon hearing this, surprise and astonishment rippled through the disciples.
Upon hearing this, the students were surprised.
"Access to the Soul Hall? Seriously?"
"This is a rare opportunity. I won't miss it!"
"Hehe, I'm curious about the condition of my martial spirit. It should be displayed in the Soul Hall."
Their excitement grew when Han Yuan mentioned the Soul Hall. Although it was just an hour, it was incredibly precious time.
With only five slots available, the competition among them became intense.
Han Yuan smiled, observing their enthusiasm; indeed, a significant challenge could inspire dedicated practice.
However, his attention was diverted when he noticed two individuals approaching. He turned to see two familiar faces.
He recognized the old man, Gu Huanzong, of course. But beside him was Long Tian, a young man he didn't like, primarily because Long Tian was Qin Chen's enemy.
Remaining composed, Han Yuan inquired, "Can I assist you, Grand Elder?"
"You probably know him, he is Long Tian," Gu Huanzong said, gestured toward Long Tian.
Han Yuan nodded, "Of course I know him," he responded.
"Well, he wishes to join the practice. Considering his honorary medal, he is welcome to participate," Gu Huanzong said.
"Well, you see, we've been practicing for quite some time, and now it's time for a challenge," Han Yuan explained.
Long Tian chimed in, "I have no issues with that. But every challenge must come with its reward, right?" he said, a smirk playing on his lips.
"Yes, the reward is access to the Soul Hall. Unfortunately, you are an outsider, so you cannot participate in this challenge," Han Yuan replied.
Hearing this, Long Tian arched one of his eyebrows. Surely, he was aware of the significance of the Wudang sect's Soul Hall.
Gu Huanzong also seemed slightly intrigued. He asked, "So, what's the challenge, Elder Han?"
Han Yuan pointed to the five archery targets floating irregularly in the air, explaining, "If anyone can insert a needle into the center point of any of these five archery targets, they pass. The technique that must be used is the Wind Eye technique, nothing else."
Gu Huanzong nodded, then looked at Long Tian. "Too bad, you can't participate in this challenge because the technique required is exclusive to the Wudang sect. You see, the techniques in the regular room are indeed numerous, but they are common techniques shared by other sects. We possess thousands of techniques exclusive to the Wudang sect, one of which is the Wind Eye technique. Of course, if you agree to join the Wudang sect, you can learn it," he teased, a smile playing on his lips.
Hearing this, Long Tian actually grinned. "What if I learn it without a book?"
Gu Huanzong raised one of his eyebrows. "What do you mean?" he inquired.
"I mean, I just need to watch how the Wudang sect disciples perform the technique, and I can mimic it without absorbing the essence of the technique itself," Long Tian replied, his tone brimming with confidence.
Upon hearing this, both Han Yuan and Gu Huanzong were surprised. They didn't expect Long Tian to make such a statement.
Han Yuan chimed in, "Don't jest, Long Tian. Regardless of your talent, mimicking a technique without understanding its essence is almost impossible ."
"I'm not jesting, Elder. You might find it impossible, but not for me," Long Tian grinned, crossing his arms.
Han Yuan fell silent, caught off guard by Long Tian's assertion. He couldn't determine if it was sheer confidence or arrogance.
Just as he was about to respond, Gu Huanzong intervened, "Hey, that's not a bad idea, Elder Han. Let's see how much of a genius the young master of the Long family truly is. If you can truly master the wind eye technique without absorbing the essence, I might allow you to enter the soul hall."
Han Yuan remained silent for a moment, contemplating. But the next second, he nodded in agreement, "Alright, I'm curious too. I will designate one of my exceptional disciples to demonstrate it for you. Lu Feng, come forward," he said.
With that, a young man in his twenties stepped up to join the three of them.
"Lu Feng, I want you to showcase the Wind Eye technique," Han Yuan instructed.
Upon hearing this, Lu Feng's gaze shifted to Long Tian. "Before that, Elder Han, who is this person? He's not wearing our sect uniform; how did he gain entry?" he asked.
Long Tian smiled, "I am Long Tian, from the Long family in Beijing," he replied.
Hearing this, Lu Feng's expression changed drastically. He immediately bowed before Long Tian.
"I apologize, I was not aware!" he said earnestly.
"Don't worry. Lift your head," Long Tian said.
Lu Feng raised his head, although his heart was beating faster. Even though he didn't know who Long Tian was, he came from the Long family... It wouldn't be wise to cause trouble with someone with a dragon martial spirit.
"Now, can you demonstrate the Wind Eye technique for me?" Long Tian asked.
"Certainly!" Lu Feng replied promptly.
With that, he raised his hand slightly, and the wind stirred in his palm.
Han Yuan nodded as he observed this, "This is the Wind Eye technique, Long Tian. It appears simple because its purpose is to enhance a weapon," he explained.
He retrieved a knife from his spatial ring and placed it in Lu Feng's palm. The blade was immediately enveloped by a visible wind, enhancing its sharpness and thinness.
"Now, strike with it," Han Yuan instructed.
Lu Feng nodded and swung the knife towards a wooden dummy.
Crack!
The wooden dummy instantly shattered upon the impact of the attack.
Han Yuan nodded, quite satisfied with the knife's offensive power. The students who witnessed it were also impressed, but it wasn't surprising since it was Lu Feng, the genius among them, demonstrating.
"Now that you understand what the Wind Eye technique is, do you still wish to learn it without absorbing its essence?" Han Yuan asked.
Long Tian stroked his chin, "If I'm not mistaken, I have mastered a technique similar to the Wind Eye technique. And I learned it from the Wudang sect as well," he said.
"Oh, what is it?" Gu Huanzong asked, intrigued.
"I'll show you," Long Tian said.
With that, he clenched his hand, and the wind enveloped his fist.
Gu Huanzong stroked his beard, "If I'm not mistaken, that's the Wind Strike technique, but it's clearly different from the Wind Eye technique. It's an attacking technique, whereas the Wind Eye technique is for enhancement, quite distinct," he said.
Han Yuan and Lu Feng also thought the same, but they waited for Long Tian's response.
"Well, you're right, Grand Elder. But the essence remains the same; Wind," Long Tian explained. "Do you have another knife, Elder Han?" he asked.
Han Yuan nodded and handed him another knife.
Taking it with his left hand, Long Tian grinned. "I've also mastered the same enhancing technique, also from the Wudang sect."
He then channeled Reiki from his body to the knife, causing the blade's surface to be shrouded in an invisible aura, making it sharp and gleaming.
Afterward, he held the knife with his right hand, transferring the wind in his hand to the blade's surface.
He felt the challenge of merging them, but his focus didn't waver.
Han Yuan, Gu Huanzong, and Lu Feng watched with intense curiosity about what would happen. Even the students were curious.
A few seconds later, they were surprised when the wind in Long Tian's hand blended with Reiki, creating the same display as the one Lu Feng had shown earlier.
Long Tian grinned, "How about it?"
Han Yuan and Gu Huanzong fell silent, even though their expressions filled with surprise.
"Show me the strength," Gu Huanzong said.
"Of course," Long Tian responded.
With that, he swung the knife towards a nearby wooden puppet.
Bang!
The wooden puppet immediately shattered into pieces upon the impact of the blade.
Everyone became even more surprised and amazed when they saw this. The knife's power was even stronger than Lu Feng's.
Gu Huanzong stared at Long Tian intently. He had never seen a genius do something like this before.
Combining two techniques and creating a fusion similar to the Wind Eye technique... It was truly remarkable.
"It's actually the same as the Wind Eye technique," Lu Feng said earnestly.
"So, what about it, Elder Han? Do I qualify for your challenge?" Long Tian asked, a triumphant smirk playing on his face.
Han Yuan let out a heavy sigh. "You can participate in the challenge," he said.
"Then, I must thank you," Long Tian said, his smirk remaining.
Just then, laughter echoed in the surroundings.
"Hahahaha, excellent! It's been quite a while since someone managed to impress me. Long Tian, have you ever thought about joining the Wudang sect? If you keep up this performance, I can appoint you as the sect leader's successor!" Gu Huanzong exclaimed, his excitement and eagerness apparent in his voice.
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