In the early morning, Ye Mingzhi is hit awake by his little ancestor—Qi Jue, the spirit of his sword. She looks at him angrily, her tiny hands on her hips, and roars:
"Hey, stupid master! How dare you sleep in until sunrise?! You... I really want to smack your head! Now get ready for your training!"
A few minutes later, Qi Jue brings a heavy bag full of sand and places it on Ye Mingzhi's back. She smirks mischievously as she announces:
"Your first training today is running with this sandbag on your back. And, no using any aura or energy! You'll run for 10 kilometers. I'll sit on your back, hehe! Let's go, training time!"
Ye Mingzhi sighs, already anticipating the difficult journey ahead. He starts running, but the weight of the sandbag begins to take its toll. His legs are trembling with every step, and his back feels like it's being crushed under the weight.
After a while, Qi Jue's teasing voice rings out:
"Just the starting point, baka master! Former ruler of the nine heavens, and now you're out of energy like a drained rag. Tch!"
Ye Mingzhi struggles but keeps his pace, determined to push through. After nearly an hour and a half, he finally completes the 10-kilometer run, collapsing to the ground. Qi Jue grins mischievously.
"This is just the first training. Take a break. We continue with the second training soon."
---
On the other side, Chu Xiyue is training with Fei Yue, the spirit of her blade. This time, she focuses on the attack points and energy control. Fei Yue watches over her, offering advice:
"Don't worry about making mistakes. Calm down. Don't rush. Just focus."
After several attempts, Chu Xiyue misses her target again and again, frustration building in her chest. But Fei Yue doesn't let her quit.
"You're pushing too hard. Step back and breathe. Let the sword find its rhythm naturally."
Chu Xiyue, sweating and tired, takes a moment to clear her mind. She refocuses, takes a deep breath, and visualizes the precise attack point. The next strike lands perfectly.
"That's it!" Fei Yue smiles, impressed. "You're getting it."
After a short break, the two sword spirits—Qi Jue and Fei Yue—began arguing over whose teaching method was better.
"My way is obviously more effective!" Qi Jue snapped.
"You? You're just torturing him," Fei Yue countered calmly.
Unable to reach an agreement, the two decided to switch students for the afternoon session.
"Fine, we'll swap. Let's see whose method works better," Qi Jue declared.
Chu Xiyue blinked. "Wait, I'm following her now?"
"Yes," Qi Jue said with a gleam in her eye. "And I think I'll enjoy training you more than that thick-headed master of mine."
Qi Jue had sensed something in Chu Xiyue—a deep insecurity masked by determination. She gently guided her onto a set of stones placed unevenly on the ground.
"Today's task—jump in rhythm, balance your weight, and learn your tempo. No rushing."
On the other side, Ye Mingzhi was sparring with Fei Yue. Unlike Qi Jue's chaotic style, Fei Yue's movements were elegant and precise, a fluid combination of speed and swordplay. Ye Mingzhi struggled to keep up.
"You're fast," he admitted between breaths.
Fei Yue studied him for a moment before speaking.
"Speed and power aren't what you're lacking," she said softly. "It's the purpose behind your sword. Why do you draw your blade? What are you fighting for?"
Ye Mingzhi froze.
"When you understand the reason behind your blade," she continued, "your techniques will no longer feel rigid. They'll flow naturally."
She turned away, leaving those words to linger.