(Hello everyone! I'm so sorry that I couldn't release yesterday's chapter. We're having some power issues. Please forgive me. Your humble author, LittleOlderBrother.)
[Ding! Congratulations to the host. You have successfully completed the Harmonization trial of the Celestial Teacher's Trials. Rewards: +1000 Spiritual Points, System's Appreciation, and Labyrinth's Secret.]
John's eyes widened in amazement as he heard the rewards, particularly the mysterious Labyrinth's Secret. He took a deep breath, excitement coursing through his veins, and focused on the details of the last two rewards.
[System's Appreciation: The system acknowledges the host's progress and has decided to reward the host with a unique ability: 'Sage Eyes'. Sage Eyes: Allows the host to see people's strengths, weaknesses, attributes, ranks, deficiencies, and more, providing invaluable insight into the intricacies of the spiritual realm.]
John's mind reeled as he contemplated the potential of Sage Eyes. He could already imagine the benefits it would bring to his role as a Celestial Teacher.
[Labyrinth's Secret: The Labyrinth acknowledges the host as a Celestial Teacher, thus revealing a hidden secret that will aid the host in his spiritual journey.]
The Labyrinth's Secret was shrouded in mystery, but John's curiosity was piqued. He waited with bated breath as the system revealed more information.
[Ding! The Labyrinth revealed a hidden mantra to the host: "Aum Nirvana Sama". The system then explains the mantra's significance: "Aum Nirvana Sama" represents the harmony between the inner and outer self. Use it to center yourself and find balance in your spiritual journey.]
John's eyes closed as he repeated the mantra, feeling its power resonate within him. "Aum Nirvana Sama" seemed to hold the key to unlocking a deeper level of spiritual understanding. He felt a sense of gratitude towards the Labyrinth and the system, knowing that this mantra would be a valuable tool on his journey forward.
[Ding! The final challenge of the Celestial Teacher's Trials is about to commence: "The Wisdom trial". Prepare yourself, host.] As John was whisked away by the teleportation, the spectral voice whispered in his ear, "May fortune favor you in the Wisdom trial, Celestial Teacher."
*The Wisdom Trial: Ancient Library Challenge*
John finds himself standing in front of an ancient, mysterious library that seems to appear out of nowhere. The air is thick with the scent of old parchment and dust. As he steps inside, he's greeted by a wise, old librarian who explains the rules of the Wisdom trial.
"Welcome, Celestial Teacher," the librarian says. "This library contains the collective knowledge of ancient martial warriors, master forgers, and rune scholars. You have two years to master every technique and piece of knowledge within these walls. If you succeed, you'll be rewarded with a unique gift that will aid you in your spiritual journey."
The librarian hands John a small, intricately carved stone. "This stone will track your progress and unlock the gift when you've mastered the knowledge. But be warned, the task will be challenging, and the path to wisdom is not always straightforward."
John looks around, taking in the sheer volume of knowledge that surrounds him. Shelves upon shelves of ancient tomes, scrolls, and manuscripts stretch towards the ceiling, filled with secrets of combat, craftsmanship, and mystical runes. He knows that mastering everything in two years will be a daunting task, but he's determined to succeed.
After John finished looking around the Ancient Library, he walked towards the martial techniques section and picked up a book. He looked at the title, it reads, 'Iron Fist'. It was a basic technique. John briefly scanned the shelf, he noticed that the techniques on this part of the martial techniques section were all basic techniques - 'Vital Strike', 'Deflect', 'Shield Stance', and more. Each book seemed to hold a fundamental key to martial arts mastery. He then put his focus back on the technique and read the introduction.
'Iron Fist': A technique that allows the practitioner to harden their fists, increasing their punching power and durability. The benefits of mastering Iron Fist were numerous, from enhancing physical prowess to cultivating internal energy. John turned the page, eager to learn more. On the next page were the instructions to practice the technique, detailing the importance of proper fist formation, breathing techniques, and mental focus. The instructions were clear and concise, providing a step-by-step guide to mastering the Iron Fist technique.
John's eyes scanned the pages, absorbing every detail. He noted the emphasis on cultivating internal energy to harden the fists and the various training methods to build strength and resilience. As he read on, John felt a sense of excitement and anticipation, knowing that mastering this technique would be a crucial step in his martial arts journey. With a sense of determination, John closed the book, ready to put the Iron Fist technique into practice.
As John closed the book, he looked around the library for a suitable place to practice the Iron Fist technique. He spotted a large, open area with padded floors and walls, seemingly designed for martial arts training. The room was quiet, with soft, golden lighting that seemed to promote focus and concentration.
John walked over to the training area, his eyes fixed on the padded walls. He took a deep breath, feeling a sense of calm and focus wash over him. With a subtle smile, John began to form his fists, paying close attention to the proper technique described in the book.
As he punched the air, John felt a surge of energy flow through his body. He repeated the motion, gradually increasing his speed and intensity. The sound of his fists striking the air echoed softly through the library, a testament to his dedication to mastering the technique.
With each punch, John felt his fists growing stronger, his technique becoming more precise. He lost himself in the motion, the world around him fading into the background as he focused on the sensation of his fists striking the air.
Time passed, and John's practice became more intense, his movements fluid and controlled. The Iron Fist technique was beginning to take shape, and John could feel the power and durability it promised. As he finished his practice, John felt a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment, knowing that he had taken the first step towards mastering the technique.
John walked back to the martial techniques section, his eyes scanning the shelves for the next technique to learn. He spotted a book titled 'Vital Strike' and pulled it out, intrigued by the title. As he opened the book, he read the introduction:
'Vital Strike': A technique that teaches the practitioner to strike vital points on the opponent's body, increasing the effectiveness of their attacks. By targeting specific areas, the practitioner can exploit weaknesses and gain a strategic advantage.
John's eyes widened as he read on, learning about the various vital points on the human body and how to target them effectively. The book detailed the importance of precision, timing, and control, as well as the potential risks and consequences of using the technique.
As John studied the book, he realized that Vital Strike was not just a physical technique, but also a mental one. It required a deep understanding of human anatomy and the ability to read and anticipate an opponent's movements.
With a sense of determination, John closed the book and began to practice the Vital Strike technique. He visualized various scenarios, imagining himself targeting specific vital points with precision and control. As he practiced, John felt his mind and body working in harmony, his focus and concentration improving with each passing moment.
The practice was intense, but John was determined to master the technique. He knew that Vital Strike could be a powerful tool in his arsenal as a Celestial Teacher, and he was eager to learn and apply it effectively.
As John continued to study and practice the Vital Strike technique, he began to notice subtle yet significant improvements in his understanding of human anatomy and his ability to anticipate and react to potential threats.
The librarian, who had been observing John's progress, approached him with a nod of approval. "You're making excellent progress, Celestial Teacher," they said. "The Vital Strike technique is a powerful tool, but it requires not only physical precision but also mental clarity and focus. Your dedication to mastering this technique is commendable."
John bowed his head in respect, grateful for the librarian's guidance and feedback. "Thank you, honorable librarian," he said. "I'm committed to mastering the techniques in this library and using them for the greater good."
The librarian smiled, their eyes shining with wisdom. "I have no doubt that you will succeed, Celestial Teacher. You have a natural talent for martial arts and a strong sense of purpose. Continue to study and practice, and you will unlock the full potential of the techniques in this library."
With renewed determination, John continued his studies, moving on to the next technique in the martial arts section. He was eager to learn and master the various skills and knowledge contained within the library, knowing that they would be invaluable in his role as a Celestial Teacher.
John's eyes landed on two more books on the martial techniques shelf: 'Deflect' and 'Shield Stance'. He picked up the 'Deflect' book, intrigued by the concept of deflecting an opponent's attack.
'Deflect': A technique that allows the practitioner to redirect an opponent's energy, using their momentum against them. By subtly adjusting the angle and timing of the deflection, the practitioner can turn an opponent's attack into an opportunity for counterattack.
John's mind absorbed the principles and techniques outlined in the book. He practiced the deflecting motions, feeling the subtle shifts in energy and momentum. As he trained, John realized that Deflect was not just a physical technique, but also a mental one, requiring anticipation, timing, and control.
Next, John picked up the 'Shield Stance' book, eager to learn more about this defensive technique.
'Shield Stance': A technique that allows the practitioner to generate a protective barrier, absorbing and redirecting incoming attacks. By assuming a specific stance and focusing their energy, the practitioner can create a shield of protection around themselves.
John studied the book, learning about the importance of proper footwork, body alignment, and energy focus. He practiced the Shield Stance, feeling the energy build up and create a protective barrier around him. As he trained, John noticed that the Shield Stance not only protected him from physical attacks but also helped him conserve energy and maintain a calm state of mind.
With these new techniques, John felt his martial arts skills expanding, and he was eager to integrate them into his practice. He spent hours training, combining the Iron Fist, Vital Strike, Deflect, and Shield Stance techniques in various scenarios, testing his skills and adapting to different situations.
John spent hours training, his focus solely on mastering the techniques. He began by practicing the Deflect technique, standing in a relaxed stance as he awaited an imaginary opponent's attack. With a subtle shift in movement, he would deflect the imagined strike, using the opponent's momentum against them. He repeated this motion countless times, fine-tuning his timing and control.
As he trained, John visualized different scenarios, imagining opponents with varying levels of strength and speed. He practiced deflecting attacks from multiple angles, adapting his technique to each situation. With each successful deflection, John felt a sense of satisfaction and confidence, knowing that he was improving.
After honing his Deflect technique, John moved on to practice the Shield Stance. He assumed the specific stance outlined in the book, focusing his energy and generating a protective barrier around himself. As he held the stance, John felt a surge of energy flow through his body, creating a shield of protection that would absorb and redirect incoming attacks.
John practiced the Shield Stance in conjunction with the Deflect technique, visualizing opponents launching powerful strikes. He would deflect the initial attack, using the opponent's momentum to create an opening for a counterattack. Then, he would assume the Shield Stance, protecting himself from any follow-up attacks and creating an opportunity to launch a decisive strike.
As the hours passed, John's training became more intense and fluid. He seamlessly transitioned between the techniques, his movements becoming more precise and controlled. The Iron Fist, Vital Strike, Deflect, and Shield Stance techniques blended together in a harmonious dance, each one complementing the others to create a formidable martial arts system.
John's breathing grew steady, his focus unwavering as he trained. Sweat dripped from his brow, but he didn't notice, lost in the world of martial arts. Time seemed to fade away, and all that mattered was the perfect execution of the techniques. With each passing moment, John felt himself becoming one with the martial arts, his skills and understanding growing exponentially.
As the training session drew to a close, John stood tall, his chest heaving slightly as he caught his breath. He felt invigorated, his senses heightened, and his mind clear. The techniques had become a part of him, and he knew that he would continue to improve with each passing day. With a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment, John bowed to himself, acknowledging the hard work and dedication he had put into his training.
Two months later, in the large open area of the Ancient Library, John exhaled deeply and exclaimed, almost screaming, "I'VE DONE IT!" His voice echoed through the silent halls, a testament to his unbridled excitement. After two months of tireless dedication, he had finally finished mastering all the basic techniques in the martial techniques section. John had spent countless hours perfecting techniques like Rising Slash, Whirlwind Kick, Steel Wall, Flash Punch, and hundreds more. The journey had been arduous, but the sense of accomplishment was overwhelming.
As he took a deep breath, John slowly calmed down his emotions, a serene smile spreading across his face. He felt a sense of pride and satisfaction, knowing that he had pushed himself to the limit and emerged victorious. With his basic techniques mastered, John was ready to move on to the advanced techniques in the martial techniques section. But before he proceeded, he turned towards the shelves where the basic techniques were stored and bowed deeply.
The bow was a gesture of respect, a nod to the ancient martial warriors who had created these techniques, and to the person who had painstakingly collected and preserved them in the library. Perhaps it was also a gesture of gratitude to the librarian, who had guided him on his journey. Whatever the reason, John's bow was sincere, a testament to his humility and appreciation for the knowledge he had gained.
As he stood up after bowing for several minutes, John's face was filled with determination. His eyes shone with a fierce inner light, a reflection of his unwavering commitment to mastering the advanced techniques. He was ready to embark on the next stage of his journey, to push himself to new heights and unlock the secrets of the Ancient Library's martial techniques section. With a sense of anticipation and excitement, John walked towards the shelves containing the advanced techniques, his heart pounding with expectation. The real challenge was about to begin.
(Author's Note: Throughout this chapter, I didn't mention anything about the martial technique ranks (1-star, 2-star, etc.); instead, I used the terms "basic techniques" and "advanced techniques." I've made some adjustments: the martial techniques will now be ranked as follows - Basic (1-star to 3-star), Advanced (4-star to 6-star), and Peak (7-star to 9-star).