Chapter 46: The Birth of Burst Step and Arriving at Sunset Forest
Inside the Spirit Hall's guest chambers, morning sunlight streamed in through the windows, marking the start of a new day. Han Li woke up right on schedule.
To his surprise, he had slept quite well the night before.
After a quick wash, he began a set of morning exercises, a modified version of "Phoenix Dance of Nine Heavens" taught by Qingluan. As his body gradually awakened, he felt refreshed and in high spirits.
Right his spiritual senses had been suppressed last night.
He didn't know when his master had returned or whether his "compliments from afar" had been delivered successfully.
Just as that thought crossed his mind, there was a knock on the door.
Outside, Guang Ling stood there, looking in a rather good mood, with breakfast in hand.
Han Li opened the door, greeted him, and took the food.
"Good morning, Master."
"Morning." Guang Ling stepped inside. "How's the room? Comfortable?"
"Not bad."
Han Li set the food on the table, opened the container, and casually pointed in a direction.
"I tested it last night. Today, we should head that way."
Guang Ling followed his pointing finger, paused for a moment, and then said:
"Sunset Forest?"
"Most likely. Only a soul beast forest can properly conceal rare herbs."
Han Li took a bite of his steamed bun, swallowed, and then continued.
"Sunset Forest is just over a hundred miles from Heaven Dou City not too far. We can walk there, count it as today's training. By the way, do you have enough food in your storage bracelet?"
Guang Ling glanced at Han Li's meal before asking.
Han Li checked his storage bracelet and replied, "It's fine. Enough for a week. Besides, we won't lack food when we get there."
"Alright. Finish eating, and we'll set off immediately."
A New Movement Technique
After breakfast, they informed Luo Sago to remain at Spirit Hall while the two of them changed into disguises and left the city.
Once they had traveled a fair distance, Guang Ling picked up his pace slightly, intending to put Han Li under some pressure.
However, when he glanced back
Han Li was following easily, looking completely at ease, even taking in the scenery along the way.
"Hmm?"
Upon closer inspection, Guang Ling noticed something strange about Han Li's footsteps.
Unlike normal movement techniques, he wasn't simply using soul power to reinforce his legs. Instead, each step produced a small burst of soul power, accompanied by a faint red and blue glow.
Curious, Guang Ling slowed down to walk beside him and casually pointed at his feet.
"What's this? A new movement technique? Pretty fast, I see."
Han Li grinned as if expecting this question.
"Yeah, I've been working on this for a while. I call it 'Burst Step' or if you prefer something fancier, 'Eight Step Cicada Leap'."
He then explained:
"The principle is simple I use fire elemental explosions beneath my feet to generate momentum, creating a counterforce against the ground and propelling myself forward."
"The ice element is there to protect my legs from burns."
Han Li sighed dramatically and added:
"Too bad the terrain isn't smooth. If we were on a polished platform or ice, I wouldn't even have to lift my feet I could just glide."
He shook his head, lamenting the wasted potential.
Then, in a more serious tone, he continued:
"But to be honest, my lower body endurance isn't strong enough yet. Right now, I can only use it occasionally to reduce fatigue while traveling long distances. In combat, I could probably pull it off two or three times at most any more, and I'd need time to recover."
"It's just a small trick, nothing special."
Guang Ling watched in silence as Han Li strutted confidently, hands clasped behind his back like an arrogant young master.
For a moment, he really wanted to smack him on the head.
This brat deliberately acted smug just to provoke him.
…But fine. He was his own disciple, after all.
Suppressing his urge to retaliate, Guang Ling took a deep breath, calmed himself, and decided to try out this technique himself.
He stepped aside, adjusted his footing, and
BOOM!
A small crater formed beneath him as the explosion blasted away the ground but he didn't move forward at all.
Instead, his shoes disintegrated, and he was left covered in dust.
For a moment, the dignified Titled Douluo was a complete mess.
Han Li immediately turned away, shoulders shaking as he tried to suppress his laughter.
Only after hearing Guang Ling cough did he manage to compose himself and walk over with a straight face.
By then, Guang Ling had already switched to a new pair of shoes but still looked irritated.
"You didn't see anything." He glared.
Han Li nodded furiously. "Nope. Didn't see a thing."
Then, in a totally casual tone, he added:
"Oh, by the way, Master I forgot to mention. When using Burst Step, you need to create a soul power mirror beneath your feet to disperse the force. That way, you don't break the ground and can better control the recoil."
Guang Ling paused, then patted him on the shoulder.
"Good. Very good. You are teachable."
Mastering Burst Step
With Han Li's guidance, Guang Ling continued experimenting, failing about ten more times before he finally got the hang of it.
After testing it thoroughly, he came to a conclusion:
"For travel, the conventional method is still better. This technique is more suited for explosive bursts in battle."
He looked at Han Li seriously and warned:
"Don't use it publicly it's too easy for others to copy. Once you gain a soul bone or more powerful skills, you can mask it as part of your abilities."
Han Li nodded. "I know, but since it's just us, I figured I'd test it out."
He smirked, adding:
"Besides, this technique isn't tied to any martial soul. It's something you can use too, Master."
Guang Ling raised an eyebrow at the implication.
In truth, after spending over a year together, he had completely accepted Han Li's unusual way of thinking.
Over time, he had even grown to appreciate it.
Though their master disciple relationship wasn't traditional, that didn't matter.
Han Li was smart. He was also loyal he never forgot to share benefits.
Compared to most biological sons, this kid was far more dependable.
This was also why Guang Ling didn't mind following him around despite being on the verge of breaking through Rank 98.
To put it simply he was treating this disciple like a son.
Reaching Sunset Forest
As they experimented with their new movement techniques, they progressed rapidly.
By 1 PM, they had reached the outskirts of Sunset Forest.
Standing at the edge of the forest, Han Li suddenly closed his eyes, as if sensing something.
A moment later, he opened them and said to Guang Ling:
"Master, take me into the air. I feel something calling me."
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