C13 Crazy Dragon Spear Technique

"Master, what's our training plan for today?!" Aotian, having completed his body tempering at dawn, asked with palpable excitement.

"Well, first things first, let me outline the basics of this martial technique," his master began. "It's the Fiery Dragon Spear Technique, a complementary skill within the Blood Refinement Arts. Its true potential is unlocked exclusively through the use of the Blood Refinement Arts. There are nine formidable moves: Earth-Splitting Spear, Gale Spear, Eighteen Tornado Strikes, Tornado Spear, Bolt Spear, Swimming Dragon Na Shi, Dragon Wrestling in the Wild, Dragon Ascending to Heaven, and Dragon Flying in the Sky. This should clue you in that we're focusing on spear techniques, which utilize the spear as the primary weapon. There's a whole arsenal out there—swords, knives, spears, hammers, daggers, and more. Yet, swords and knives are the go-to for most, with spears being less common and other weapons even rarer.

Dark Night paused for a moment before adding, "But our spear technique has evolved to address this one-on-one shortfall. The first five moves are specifically crafted for such encounters, leveraging your own physical prowess to mitigate the slower transitions, complemented by the principle of using the opponent's force against them. This makes our spear technique the most refined and effective one available, so you needn't worry about being at a disadvantage in single combat."

Aotian listened intently to his master's words, gaining a newfound appreciation for the martial skill and the spear itself. He had always thought of the spear as somewhat impractical, only really useful on the battlefield and rarely seen elsewhere. His master's insights, however, proved to be incredibly enlightening.

"Spear technique involves a long reach with the spear in hand, mixing the real with the feigned, the ordinary with the extraordinary. There's a blend of true and false, a balance of the unique and the standard. It advances sharply, retreats swiftly, its momentum perilous, its rhythm abrupt. Unmoving, it stands like a mountain; in motion, it strikes like thunder. The most exquisite move is to thrust immediately upon gaining the upper hand, like rolling a boulder down a mountain without pause. Even if the opponent is skilled and surpasses me greatly, there is no need for fear. Once they lose momentum, they have no opportunity to recover."

Dark Night glanced at Aotian and continued to expound on the marvels of spear technique. "Training with the spear demands quick eyes, agile hands, and coordinated waist and footwork. If you thrust with your sword, I'll counter with my spear. If your sword is still, my spear launches. The spear must entwine and lock, targeting hands and feet first, sealing all escape routes. Don't aim too high or stray to the sides; focus on the center without fear. A feinting thrust is difficult to parry. Whether circling inward or outward, one must be aware of all angles and distances. Follow the opponent's technique, and strike with unyielding force. If you circle, I circle, wary of being too slow. The spear flies like an arrow, returns like a thread, aiming for the head, coiling around the face, striking unseen. Mastery of the spear cannot be conveyed in mere words; it requires an intuitive understanding and a perceptive mind."

Dark Night War then delved into further intricacies of spear usage. After a brief pause and observing Aotian's contemplative state, he resumed, "There are the level spear and the adjusting spear. With the level spear, one conceals the body within the spear's reach. With the adjusting spear, the spear is hidden within the body's movements. Patience is key for ambushes, setting the stage for an attack. When facing the level spear, one must be ever vigilant, ready for a swift pivot and grab. If you charge into my domain, I counter with a flash and a pear blossom maneuver. If you entangle and press forward, I'll stretch back and return home. If you entangle, I'll match it; if you block, I'll counter. The lone spear point is the hardest to defend against. Whether it's a roaming spear, a force-reading spear, or a firm-standing spear, each involves twists and turns for seizing control. With one hand, the spear is cast urgently to rescue; with advancing steps, the spear should not be entangled for long. In direct combat, one must be quick-eyed and swift-handed, with body and steps moving as one in a unified assault. Furthermore, discerning the subtleties of feints and strikes, the nuances of offense and defense, requires separate explanation. One must maintain an even stance, hold the spear correctly, and embody depth without revealing intent. An even stance ensures stability. A correct grip prevents missteps. Concealing depth keeps the enemy from discerning your true capabilities. Thus, a skilled spear wielder is like a tightly wound lock. With no preparation, the opponent faces a barrage of thrusts, leaving them no chance to defend. A flourish of the spear conceals the face, leaving the adversary no room to maneuver."

After discussing the intricacies of gun use, he paused to keenly observe Aotian's reaction.

Aotian was captivated by the mystical aspects of the gun as his master delved deeper into the explanation. He pondered the words carefully, sinking into deep contemplation.

Dark Night Zhan watched Aotian, lost in understanding, and nodded in approval, choosing not to interrupt his solitary reflection on the principles.

"Master, your instruction has been incredibly enlightening. Thank you!" Aotian expressed his gratitude to Dark Night Zhan with sincerity, emerging from his moment of revelation a quarter of an hour later.

"Ah, you've grasped it, then?" Dark Night Zhan inquired, his admiration growing upon seeing Aotian's quick comprehension.

"Well, I haven't fully grasped it yet, but I've got a general understanding of the concepts," Aotian replied.

"Good, good! It's excellent that you're receptive. Now, I will impart the first technique of the Earth-Splitting Spear and its mental cultivation method into your mind. Pay close attention," Dark Night Zhan instructed before transferring the nine techniques and the mental framework into Aotian's consciousness.

Receiving his master's knowledge, Aotian became even more engrossed in the depth and intricacies of the Mad Dragon Spear Technique.

"Kid, since you don't have a weapon of your own yet, find a solid, reliable tree branch on the mountain to practice with for now. Later, when we have the chance, we'll get you a proper spear," his master advised.

Puzzled, Aotian inquired, "Master, haven't you always prepared my equipment in advance? Why not this time?"

Thinking his master could do anything, Aotian was curious.

"Indeed, I have a spear here, and it's of the finest quality, but I can't give it to you just yet," Dark Night Zhan explained upon hearing Aotian's question.

"But why, Master? Wouldn't it be the same if you gave it to me now?"

"This spear, though not a divine weapon, is more miraculous than one. My grandmaster crafted it from a unique material found across the world, endowing it with immense spiritual power. It's beyond the Divine Level! I remember struggling to tame it when I reached the Fourth Stage, and it wasn't until the Sixth Stage that I could somewhat utilize its full potential. Still, it seems I'm not destined to unlock some of its functions. I eventually found a superior material and forged a new spear for myself, so I've kept this one aside. With your current abilities, you wouldn't be able to wield it."

"Oh, Master, didn't you say you'd have complete control once you reached the sixth step? Then why can't you access some of its functions?"

Aotian inquired, following his master's explanation.

"Well, the thing is," his master began, "this spear possesses a great deal of sentience. So, if it deems you unworthy or lacking a connection, even if you can control it, it will merely be a fine weapon. It won't reveal all its capabilities to you. Without that, it won't even qualify as a divine weapon."

"I see, that makes sense!"

Aotian was brimming with longing for the spear his master spoke of.

"That's why you should find a 2.2-meter-long branch to use as a temporary replacement."

After a morning's search, Aotian finally found a satisfactory branch deep in the mountains. He yanked it out, took out his knife, and started shaping the branch. Aiming for better handling, he even carved it to resemble a spear.

With the makeshift spear in hand, Aotian began practicing his first martial skill, following his master's teachings.

"Ha!" he shouted, driving the spear into the earth. The ground cracked instantly, radiating from the point of impact. But the force was too much for the branch, which, after Aotian released it, snapped and fell to the ground in pieces.

Aotian let out a heavy sigh. For a month, he'd been diligently practicing the spear technique, going through countless branches without a proper weapon.

"Looks like I really need a spear. Yeah, I've got to find time to buy a proper one. Constantly using branches is just too inconvenient, and I can't fully unleash my power this way," Aotian mused to himself.

That evening, Aotian wrapped up his training early and headed back to his small courtyard. Tomorrow, he would register at the Black Tortoise Academy. While not overly thrilled, he knew he had to get ready. Once enrolled, he'd only be allowed to return home once a week; the rest of his time would be dedicated to cultivation at the academy, as per its rules. So, Aotian needed to pack some essentials for his new journey.

With Maria's assistance, Aotian swiftly gathered his meager belongings. Heeding Maria's persistent instructions, he meticulously checked and double-checked his items. Once certain nothing was overlooked, Aotian endured nearly a half-hour of Maria's well-meaning lectures and cautions before he could finally take a breather.

As he lay in bed, Aotian reflected on Aunt Maria's words with a sense of gratitude. He had always regarded her as his dearest kin, and the thought of leaving her now stirred a pang of reluctance. Yet, despite his reluctance, he knew that venturing out into the world was inevitable; it was merely happening sooner than expected. Moreover, with the prospect of returning once a week, he realized that this wasn't a permanent farewell. The possibility of visiting her provided some comfort. Lost in nostalgia for his room and Aunt Maria, while simultaneously envisioning tomorrow's arrival at the academy, Aotian drifted off to sleep without even noticing.