Lin Yun pressed the jade slip to his forehead, allowing the knowledge of the Fire Fist to flood his mind—the meridian pathways, the energy gathering method, the release mechanism. It was simple, almost crude, compared to the elegant logic of the system's alchemy recipes.
Then, he began to practice. He threw punch after punch into the empty air, his movements clumsy at first. He focused on channeling his meager spiritual energy, trying to feel the heat gather in his knuckles. It was frustrating work. His control was poor, and the energy kept dissipating before he could form a proper strike.
After what felt like an hour of futile effort, a soft chime finally sounded in his mind.
[Ding! Host has comprehended a new technique: Fire Fist (Incomplete).]
[Proficiency: 5/100 to Level 1.]
A wave of relief washed over him. The system had recognized it. Now, it was just a matter of grinding the proficiency. He could see the progress bar, a tangible measure of his improvement.
But offense was only one side of the coin. If he was going to be forced into a fight, survival was paramount. He switched his focus, abandoning the Fire Fist for now.
He began to practice the Fleeting Cloud Step. This was different. He had already learned it; the system had imprinted the knowledge directly. Now, it was about muscle memory and spiritual energy efficiency.
He glided across the courtyard, his steps light and silent, weaving between the training dummies and rock formations.
Even if I can't beat them, he thought, his movements becoming more fluid with each pass, I should at least be able to avoid their attacks.
He lost himself in the rhythm of the movement, the world narrowing to the feel of the ground under his feet and the flow of energy in his legs. He was so focused that he didn't notice the tall, silent figure that had appeared at the courtyard's entrance, hidden in the deep shadows of the archway.
Lin Feng had arrived home and, after his discussion with the Patriarch, had come to check on his younger brother. What he saw made him pause, a genuine look of surprise flickering across his normally impassive face.
His little brother was training. Not the lazy, half-hearted drills he was used to seeing, but with a determined, focused intensity. And that movement technique... it was strange.
It wasn't the clan's "Fallen Leaf Step." The footwork was more fluid, the transitions smoother, the overall aura one of elusive grace rather than explosive power. It was... exquisite.
After watching for a few more minutes, Lin Feng stepped out of the shadows, the sound of his slow, deliberate clapping breaking the night's silence.
"Very good, Yun'er."
Lin Yun jolted to a halt, his heart leaping into his throat. He hadn't sensed anyone at all. He turned to see his eldest brother standing there, a rare, approving smile on his handsome face.
"Big Brother! When did you arrive?" Lin Yun said, quickly composing himself and offering a respectful bow.
"I just returned," Lin Feng said, his sharp eyes studying Lin Yun. "That movement technique... it's quite something. It seems even more profound than our clan's Fallen Leaf Step."
He didn't ask where Lin Yun had learned it. Every cultivator had their secrets and opportunities. He respected that. His interest was purely practical.
"Show me again," Lin Feng commanded, his tone not unkind, but that of a teacher assessing a student.
Lin Yun nodded, a little nervous. He activated the Fleeting Cloud Step once more, gliding in a wide circle around the courtyard.
As he passed in front of Lin Feng, his brother moved with blinding speed. He didn't step forward; he simply flicked his wrist, sending three sharp, controlled pulses of spiritual energy shooting towards Lin Yun's legs.
It wasn't an attack meant to harm, but to test.
Lin Yun's eyes widened. Instinct and the Fleeting Cloud Step's ingrained reflexes took over. He twisted his body mid-stride, his feet seemingly slipping on air as he contorted himself in an awkward but effective dodge.
The energy pulses zipped past him, ruffling his robes but missing their mark. It was clumsy, unpolished, but it worked.
Lin Feng's eyes gleamed with interest. "Good. The foundation is there. Your reaction is slow, and your form is messy, but the technique itself is superior. Again."
For the next hour, under the moonlight, the legendary genius of the Lin Clan put his little brother through a grueling, impromptu training session.
Lin Feng would send out controlled energy attacks from various angles, and Lin Yun would desperately dodge and weave, his Fleeting Cloud Step becoming more instinctive and his body learning the limits of evasion through sheer, exhausting repetition.
The grueling training session under Lin Feng's critical eye was a baptism of fire. Lin Yun's robes were soaked through with sweat, his muscles screamed in protest, and his dantian felt hollowed out from the constant activation of the Fleeting Cloud Step. But amidst the exhaustion, a familiar, soft chime echoed in his mind, a sound of pure triumph.
[Ding! Fleeting Cloud Step proficiency has increased significantly through practical application and pressure training.]
[Fleeting Cloud Step has reached Level 2!]
[Progression: 0/50000 to Level 3.]
Lin Yun's eyes widened, his fatigue momentarily forgotten. Level 2! And the experience required for the next level was a staggering fifty thousand, a testament to the technique's profound nature.
More importantly, he had made a crucial discovery: training with a partner, especially under real pressure, drastically accelerated the skill's growth. It was far more efficient than practicing alone. This was a game-changer.
Seeing his younger brother's heaving chest and trembling legs, Lin Feng finally raised a hand. "That's enough for tonight. You've reached your limit. Pushing further would damage your foundations."
Just as he spoke, a cheerful voice rang out from the courtyard entrance. "I heard all the commotion! Is my little brother showing off his new skills?"
Lin Wanrou walked in, her white robes pristine, a bright smile on her face. She carried a large food basket, its delicious aroma instantly filling the training area. Her eyes sparkled as she looked between her two brothers—one the picture of composed strength, the other a drenched, panting mess.
"Perfect timing, little sister," Lin Feng said, a genuine smile touching his own lips. "Our little brother has been working hard. Let's eat."