Tales Of Demons, Gods, And Libraries

Moving through the streets in Void-Form, I furiously debate over my actions with Ning'er. I don't regret giving her a warning about her traitorous uncle. But should I have used Void-Form in front of her?

We shouldn't be seen together. I could sense that Ning'er was already at 1-Star Bronze, but that isn't enough strength for her to openly reject her engagement to that piece of shit from the Sacred Family. She needs to gain more strength quickly if she wants free herself of a future of misery.

Being seen with Ning'er in public will draw unwanted attention, and I don't want to draw any attention to myself. I have plans that will have a much higher chance of success if I'm anonymous.

Speaking of plans, it's time to start executing them. Putting all thoughts Ning'er and the Sacred Family to the side, I make my way towards the Fighter Association.

Where else in Glory City can I find unattached men and women that have experienced the hardsh.i.p.s of surviving in Tiny World? A place to find people that have to constantly brave dangers and battle demon beasts. All that risk for slightly better living conditions than a normal civilian. This is the perfect place to grab a few Golden Pages.

Moving through the Fighter Association compound, I secretly make my way to the training grounds. Making myself comfortable against the wall, I use the Library of Heaven's Path on everyone I see using some sort of technique.

The Library of Heaven's Path not only creates a book on the flaws of the technique an individual uses, but he also gives a brief assessment of their health and background. This is an absolute cheat. As long as I can observe a person using a technique, I won't have to worry about spies or traitors. At first. It's possible someone could be bought or forced to turn on me. I'll have to continuously check until that person has earned my trust.

After nearly two hours of secretly collecting information on those present, I think I've found my Golden Ticket.

Making some preparations in the Library of Heaven's Path, I move towards the receptionist desk, exiting Void-Form once I'm alone. I quickly pay the fee for a private training yard and move back towards the main training ground.

I patiently wait as my target finishes his training routine.

******************************

Zhang Xuan wipes the sweat from his brow after finishing a round of his training routine. As a 5-Star Silver ranked Fighter, Zhang Xuan is an impressive figure for a man in his mid-thirties.

Most Silver ranked Fighters his age have started being more selective with the missions they accept from the Fighter Association, but Zhang Xuan doesn't have that luxury. His eldest child entered the Holy Orchid Institute this year and his daughter will be eligible to enter next year.

Facing 6,000 demon spirit coins in school fees next school year has Zhang Xuan facing desperation. Even willing to take on additional missions, his profits are still limited due to having to cover his own supplies.

Regardless of the cost, Zhang Xuan will do whatever he has to ensure his children have a better opportunity than he had.

Resolving himself to another round of training, his thoughts are interrupted by a dignified voice calling his name. Turning around, Zhang Xuan is taken aback at the close proximity someone was able to achieve without him noticing.

Taking a look at the owner of the voice, Zhang Xuan finds a well dressed, dark-haired young man. Appearing to be a few years older than his own son, with a powerful body hidden under his jacket. What surprises Zhang Xuan the most, is the look in the young man's pale eyes. His eyes seem to be analyzing everything they look at.

"Zhang Xuan? I was hoping for a private lesson," The young man seems earnest in his request. I registered my name as eligible to give private lessons weeks ago to make a bit of extra money. This is the first time anyone has taken me up on it.

"I charge 100 demon spirit coins per lesson. Can you accept that?" Zhang Xuan asks the youth.

"I accept. If you would follow me, I already have a private yard reserved." The young man stated as he turned and began walking away. Rolling his eyes at the folly of youth, Zhang Xuan follows behind the quickly moving young man.

Curious, Zhang Xuan asks the young man his name.

"All in due time," the dark-haired youth replies.

Once they enter the private training yard, the young man hands Zhang Xuan 100 demon spirit coins. Placing the money in his pocket, he faces the dark-haired youth and asks in a professional tone, "What would you like to learn?"

Staring at the older man, the young man calmly states, "You are mistaken. This private lesson isn't for me, but for you."

Zhang Xuan can't help but release a sigh. There's always a few youngsters around that try to prove themselves by taking on the veterans. But normally they try to do so in the open training yard so they can have an audience.

"A fight it is," Zhang Xuan reluctantly states. At least he's already received payment for this.

Placing a hand behind his back, the youth takes on a relaxed but observant posture. Deciding to test the young man's reflexes, Zhang Xuan launches a side kick aimed at his opponent's torso. With a casual slap to Zhang Xuan's leg, he finds himself turned around, staring at the entrance door.

"First lesson. Never underestimate your opponent. You will not know their true strength or what they're willing to sacrifice for victory. Treat every fight as if your life depends on it because it does." The youth lectures in a calm and smooth voice as Zhang Xuan quickly turns around to face him.

Now taking on a serious posture, Zhang Xuan studies the young man before him. Noting his left hand still behind his back, Zhang Xuan feints a punch and fires a quick jab to the youth's unguarded side. The ceiling and floor seem to switch places, and the air is knocked out of his lungs as he lands heavily on the ground.

"Second lesson. You must commit every strike to end your opponent. You must be able to turn every strike into a feint and every feint into a strike. A strike without conviction is an opportunity for your opponent to end you." Slightly leaning over the downed Zhang Xuan, the youth delivers his lesson.

Looking up at the young man looking down at him, Zhang Xuan growls as he commits his full strength to a kick aimed at the lecturing young man's head. The world seems to blur and the air is crushed out of his lungs a second time.

The young man releases his grip on Zhang Xuan's leg, "The third lesson. Every position has optimal techniques...

The lessons continued for nearly an hour. Nothing Zhang Xuan attempted ended well for him. In his long years, he faced opponents that were stronger than him, and opponents that were more skilled than him. But never has he been so utterly dominated before.

It wasn't long into this private lesson that Zhang Xuan curbed his anger and began to wholeheartedly listen to the lessons being given. The knowledge being freely given was profound and exciting. The young man even seemed to be sincere in his attempts to teach. Never coming off as arrogant or conceited. He always spoke in a calm and soothing voice, trying to state his lessons in a relatable way.

"Enough." The young man tells Zhang Xuan. The youth still appears calm and full of energy, while Zhang Xuan looks as if he may collapse at any moment.

"You are a man of strong moral fiber and conviction Zhang Xuan. Dedicated and trustworthy. Striving to create a better life for your family without taking advantage of others or sacrificing your morals. You are who I've been looking for." The young man suddenly takes on an aura of immense power. Utilizing every bit of his remaining strength to stand upright before such an existence, Zhang Xuan finds himself standing at the mercy of the one before him.

"I will take you as my direct disciple, Zhang Xuan, and pass on to you all that I know. I will teach and guide you on your path to strength, a strength that you have only dreamed of. Do you accept?" The being before him now may appear to be young, but his strength and knowledge seem unmatched.

Falling to his knees, Zhang Xuan lays his forehead to the ground and loudly proclaims, "Zhang Xuan accepts Master has his teacher!"

***********************

I can't help but cringe as I hear that line, but I'm more than pleased with the results. "I accept you as my disciple. From this day forth, you may refer to me as Professor. Now raise up." This next part is a bit of a gamble, but the Library of Heaven's Path confirmed that it is possible.

The older a person gets, the more solid their soul realm becomes. This makes it nearly impossible for older individuals to break into Bronze rank demon spiritualist. Until now.

The Library of Heaven's Path confirmed that it is possible to ignite growth in a solidified soul realm. I'm hoping that my pure soul force will be able to spark Zhang Xuan's soul realm into forging a path to demon spiritualist.

Looking down at Zhang Xuan as he sits back on his heels, I lean forward to place my hand on his c.h.e.s.t. Meeting his eyes, I can see the hope of filling them. I feel obligated to warn him before I begin. "Endure," is all I say before I push my soul force into his body.

Zhang Xuan clenches his fists and grunts out in pain as I flood his meridian pathways with my soul force. As I guide my soul force through his body, I clear any and all obstructions I find. After a few moments, I reach his soul realm. I encircle his soul realm with my soul force and forcefully press down on it.

Zhang Xuan cries out as his soul realm is severely fractured. Quickly retracting my soul force I call out to the shaking Zhang Xuan, "Listen carefully and obey my instructions."

I begin to recite the cultivation manual I created for Zhang Xuan prior to meeting him. I slowly go over how to direct his soul force before I begin to recite the chant he should use. I repeat the process several times, and once again after I see him following my instructions.

After only a few minutes, Zhang Xuan's soul force rages wildly and his eyes open wide in disbelief. I watch on as he enters into Bronze rank demon spiritualist. I can't help the smile pulling at my lips as I witness the birth of a new demon spiritualist.

Once Zhang Xuan gets his soul force back under control, he seems to be bubbling with excitement. Speaking up, I state, "As my disciple, I gift you this cultivation technique. With this, you will reach heights you never thought possible, and this is only the beginning."

Zhang Xuan's eyes become large and bright with the realization of what the future now holds for him. Bowing his head low, he states his utmost gratitude towards me.

As a ringing sounds throughout my body, I can't help but smile. It's time to start making an impact in Glory City.