On the summit of Mount Cang, Ling Feng was half-crouched on the ground, panting, sweat beading on his forehead and soaking his clothes, a testament to his exhaustion.
True Monarch Clouds Grazer stood before Ling Feng, nodding in satisfaction. "Hmm, barely passable. Drink some water, rest for ten minutes, and prepare for the next training session."
Her requirement was to reach the summit within an hour and a half. She hadn't expected Ling Feng to arrive ten minutes early. This ten-minute difference was significant.
She had set the training regimen according to Ling Feng's physique, expecting him to reach the summit in about an hour and a half if he put his mind to it.
Who would have thought that Ling Feng not only achieved it but did so ahead of schedule?
Arriving early was not a small feat. It was like running a hundred-meter dash; after giving your all once, your speed and time are largely fixed. Shaving off even a second is a breakthrough.
"Gulp, gulp, gulp..."
"Refreshing!"
Once Ling Feng recovered, he pulled a bottle of water from his spatial inventory and chugged it down. He felt much more energetic.
It felt like walking through a desert for half a day and finally drinking water – a feeling of pure bliss.
Looking at the water bottle in his hand, Ling Feng thought to himself.
"The book on the practical uses of true qi I studied on the way was really..."
"Hmm, twenty years of dedicated cultivation, coupled with the aid of various elixirs, Shenhe's physique is now close to an immortal body."
What the f**k!
Ling Feng's immediate urge was to shout "What the f**k!"
He hadn't expected Shenhe to be so formidable; he had underestimated her.
But who was he?
The system owner, a transmigrator! How could he be weaker than his senior sister!
"Master, I'm ready. Let's go!" Ling Feng's eyes were now filled with fighting spirit.
"Oh? Since that's the case, let's begin the next training session."
Seeing Ling Feng's crestfallen expression upon hearing Shenhe's achievements, True Monarch Clouds Grazer had worried he might lose his drive. However, Ling Feng surprised her, becoming even more spirited.
Having a strong will was a good thing, it made training more effective.
As time passed, under True Monarch Clouds Grazer's tutelage, Ling Feng's strength grew day by day.
Twenty-four days later...
At the peak of Mount Cang, Ling Feng and Shenhe faced each other, each holding a wooden spear. True Monarch Clouds Grazer and Xiao stood by, observing.
"Senior Sister, this time I will definitely touch you!" Ling Feng, whose cultivation had reached the eighth level of Qi Condensation, said slowly as he looked at Shenhe.
"You've said that for a week now, Junior Brother," Shenhe replied with a calm expression.
Seeing Shenhe's indifferent demeanor, Ling Feng didn't get angry, as she was stating a fact.
Seven days ago, the Pacifying Demon Great Sage Xiao had been summoned by True Monarch Clouds Grazer.
Due to the unique nature of Ling Feng's cultivation method, his physique could improve rapidly without excessive physical training. Thus, the morning sessions focused on physical conditioning were significantly reduced, essentially allowing Ling Feng to consolidate and familiarize himself with his strength.
Afternoons were usually for practicing immortal arts. Ling Feng possessed true qi, a versatile energy, so he didn't need to spend time cultivating immortal power, allowing him to learn talismans and formations much earlier than others.
This, in turn, freed up the time usually allocated for cultivating immortal power, which was then repurposed for learning immortal arts.
However, Ling Feng had told True Monarch Clouds Grazer that he wanted to learn combat. True Monarch Clouds Grazer herself was more adept at ranged attacks, with weaker close-combat skills.
Therefore, she sought out Xiao, who was currently the strongest fighter among the immortals. Xiao had agreed to teach him.
Xiao's teaching methods differed from True Monarch Clouds Grazer's. After teaching Ling Feng a basic spear technique and allowing him three days to familiarize himself with it, Xiao sent him into combat.
Xiao's philosophy was: the fastest way to master a spear technique is through actual combat.
Fighting demons was too dangerous, so Shenhe became his sparring partner.
Ling Feng knew that further words were useless. His gaze sharpened, and he moved, charging towards Shenhe at high speed.
Seeing this, Shenhe suppressed her power to match Ling Feng's and met his charge.
"Clang, clang, clang..." The sound of clashing spears echoed.
Ling Feng and Shenhe engaged in a fierce exchange.
Although Ling Feng wielded his spear with great force and his attacks were fierce, every single one was either blocked or evaded by Shenhe. He couldn't even touch her body.
Ten minutes later~
Ling Feng had completely exhausted his strength and fell to the ground. Just like before, his attacks had not landed a single blow on Shenhe, and he had been forced back several times.
"How was it?" Shenhe asked, standing calmly before Ling Feng. Apart from slightly labored breathing, she was unharmed.
"I yield," Ling Feng said, choosing to surrender in defeat.
"Get up," Shenhe said, extending a hand towards Ling Feng after he surrendered.
"Mm."
Ling Feng took Shenhe's offered hand and rose from the ground. Shaking his head slightly, he sighed, "As expected, my cultivation is still not enough."
She had been practicing with a spear for over twenty years, while he had only been learning for seven days. It was still difficult to touch her.
With the sparring session over, Xiao and True Monarch Clouds Grazer, one a person and the other a crane, walked over. Xiao looked at Ling Feng, arms crossed, and commented coolly.
"The range of your movements is still too wide, which makes it difficult to retract your spear quickly. Practice more and make it a habit."
"Also, don't focus solely on attacking with the spearhead. This makes your movements disjointed and easily exposes your weaknesses to opponents."
"The spear is not just its tip; the shaft can also be used to attack. It's wrong to assume only the tip can inflict damage. They are one entity."
"Like Shenhe, she can attack and defend effectively because her movements are fluid, making it hard to find openings. In summary, you need more practice."
"I understand," Ling Feng nodded.
"I won't be coming for a while. Remember to practice the basic spear techniques I gave you."
"Yes, Master Xiao."
"Hmm, your talent is excellent, but you just need a little time," Xiao nodded, and then, with a whoosh, he vanished.
...
In the evening, Ling Feng knocked on the door of True Monarch Clouds Grazer's residence.
"Enter," came the reply.
With True Monarch Clouds Grazer's permission, Ling Feng pushed the door open and stepped inside.
True Monarch Clouds Grazer, seeing Ling Feng, asked in confusion, "What is it? Are there any problems with your training?"
"No, Master. I would like to request a few days of leave. There are some matters that require my attention."
"I understand. Be careful."
"Mm." After requesting leave, Ling Feng left True Monarch Clouds Grazer's room and returned to his own.
Although Ling Feng did not elaborate on the specific reasons, True Monarch Clouds Grazer could infer some of it. It was likely related to traveling to other worlds.
...
Back in his room, Ling Feng sat at his desk, his gaze serious as he looked at the semi-transparent virtual panel before him.
[Monthly Trial World: Train to Busan]