C19 Round Spear Technique

The following day, Aotian attended classes on martial arts and continental geography. Since he was a spear practitioner, attending a swordsman's class wasn't particularly beneficial to him. However, at the behest of his mentor, Dark Night, Aotian diligently completed the lesson. Dark Night had advised, "You need to familiarize yourself with the traits and techniques of swordsmen to gain an advantage in future duels. Remember the adage: 'Know thyself, know thy enemy, and you shall never be defeated.'"

Eager to resume his training after class, Aotian was instead directed by his master to the academy's library. Gazing upon the grand six-story edifice, he marveled at the prestige of the top academy and wondered about the vast collection of martial arts and battle qi tomes it housed.

Despite his awe, Aotian briskly entered the library. Once his identity was confirmed by the librarian, he observed other students selecting and registering books on martial skills, prompting another wave of admiration. The second and third floors housed the battle qi literature, sparsely populated since most students already possessed intermediate swordsmanship and their own cultivation methods. Only those from less fortunate backgrounds, who had not had access to quality training but had worked hard to gain admission, scoured these shelves for valuable battle qi techniques to refine their skills—a process that would require significant time to transform their existing battle qi.

The martial techniques collection spanned the third and fourth floors, leaving Aotian overwhelmed by the sheer volume of books. Unsure of his next step, he called out, "Master, what am I doing here?"

Dark Night responded, "Remember when you said the 'Frenzied Dragon Spear Technique' wasn't enough for your training? I brought you here to pick out a martial technique that will be truly beneficial. What else would I have called you here for, if not to further your skills?"

Aotian chuckled, "Ah, that was just me being naive before. Now I understand that the 'Frenzied Dragon Spear Technique' is all I need for my cultivation!"

Upon hearing his master's words, Aotian let out a sheepish smile and replied, "Alright, enough with the embarrassment. Let's get going! I'll take a good look and see if we can find any martial arts techniques that are right for you to train in."

As Aotian made his way inside, he quietly surveyed the martial arts techniques around him. The majority were treatises on swordplay and knife skills, yet he struggled to find any texts on the spear techniques he practiced. With a sigh, Aotian lamented, "Spear wielders are truly rare, and the manuals even rarer!"

"Kid, try the next floor up!" Dark Night? Zhan, after scanning the area with his consciousness and finding nothing of value, prompted Aotian to move on.

Reaching the fifth floor, Aotian found both the selection of books and the number of students browsing for martial arts techniques had increased significantly. With renewed focus, he continued his meticulous search, but to his disappointment, he still came up empty-handed. Clinging to a sliver of hope, he ascended to the sixth floor.

"Aotian, head to your left. Check the third row, sixth bookshelf," came the sudden instruction from Dark Night? Zhan.

Following his master's guidance, Aotian approached the indicated location step by step. "Hmm, the very last book on the bottom shelf—take a look at that one," his master directed.

Crouching down at the sixth bookshelf, Aotian retrieved the book his master had mentioned. He studied the time-worn, yellowed volume, its title barely legible from age. With effort, he deciphered the name: "Circular Spear Technique."

"That's the one. Take a look, Aotian," Dark Night? Zhan encouraged as Aotian held the book.

Opening the book, Aotian was greeted by the following words: "The Circular Spear Technique is the culmination of my life's work. This technique allows for both offense and defense, utilizing the opponent's force against them, adept in close combat. Sadly, spear users are few and far between these days. My own martial spirit is waning, and I regret not being able to showcase its formidable power to the world. I hope that the successor who finds this book will carry on its legacy. The technique consists of six moves: jab, thrust, swing, block, wrap, and the horseback return. Though they may seem simple, each move is intricate, with an emphasis on dueling. May you diligently study and master them!"

Upon reading the introduction, Aotian realized that he had found a book detailing spear techniques for close-quarters combat. Delighted, he tucked it away and inquired, "Master, are we all set? Can we go now?"

"Yes, you've looked through the book. Though it's not overly complex, it's perfectly suited for you and will be immensely helpful. It contains just six moves, each a fundamental spear technique, but they represent the best methods and force application, refined through endless trials. Starting today, you'll need to integrate these with the Frenzied Dragon Spear Technique in your practice, understood?"

"Understood, I'll start practicing right away!"

Clutching the book, Aotian dashed downstairs.

"Hold on, why the rush? There's more I need to tell you. When you have time this week, head into town and pick up some medicinal herbs. You're nearly finished with your body conditioning, and the final step is to fortify your skin. Use the recipe I've given you to prepare a herbal soak in the evenings—it will benefit the resilience and strength of your skin."

"Master, does this mean I'm close to a breakthrough?" Aotian asked, his voice tinged with excitement.

"We might be looking at about a year's wait."

"A whole year?"

"Young man, don't be discontent. At the rate you're progressing, if word got out, you'd be hailed as the continent's top prodigy. What's there to be unhappy about?"

"Heh, my apologies, I got a bit impatient. Alright, Master, I'll go and start my cultivation. I'll get those herbs in a few days."

With that, Aotian turned to Matt and quickly made his way down to the manager to check in before sprinting off toward the mountain's rear.

"Ha!" He struck the ground forcefully with his spear, sending dust billowing and leaving a deep mark etched into the earth.

"Phew, I've finally managed to execute the Earth-Splitting Spear smoothly!" Aotian reflected on his performance, exhaling deeply. "Still, I've got a lot to improve on with my thrusting, swinging, and maneuvering. It looks like I need to step up my training with the Complete Spear Technique!"

Indeed, the figure standing upon this battle-scarred earth is none other than our young protagonist, Aotian! Over the past month, heeding his master's advice, he dedicated only a minimal amount of time to body tempering, focusing instead on honing his spear skills. At night, he would concoct the medicinal potions taught to him by Master Paopao. Thanks to his relentless efforts, Aotian has significantly improved his mastery of the Earth-Splitting Spear technique. Moreover, his study of the Circular Spear Technique has led to substantial advancements in every aspect of his craft, particularly in the execution of the picking technique, where he's made remarkable strides!

Upon returning to school, Aotian quickly grabbed a bite to eat before retreating to his room. Preparing the medicinal bath, he stripped down and plunged into the searing liquid. Enduring the intense, cutting sensation, he simultaneously subjected himself to his master's rigorous training regimen.

The next morning, as per his routine, Aotian rose early, refreshed himself with a shower, and made his way to the classroom.

"Hey, Aotian, there you are! What have you been up to lately? You've been disappearing right after class," Rohlin called out as Aotian entered the classroom.

Aotian shot him a resigned look and replied, "I've been spending my time in the library."

"Oh, really? You're that dedicated? Hey, did you hear that our academy is organizing a martial arts tournament next month? There are rewards for the top three students in each grade! And if you really stand out, you might even get the chance to become a disciple of one of the renowned teachers! It's an exciting opportunity! Are you planning to compete?" Rohlin asked, bubbling with enthusiasm.

"Not interested," Aotian flatly responded, unswayed by Rohlin's animated display.

"Why not? How can you pass up such an incredible chance?" Rohlin pressed, his disappointment evident.

"I'm just not strong enough, okay?" Aotian retorted.

"That doesn't matter! You could still make an appearance. Who knows, you might even catch the eye of a lovely lady!" Rohlin mused, his eyes twinkling with the thought.

"Go if you want. I'm not in the mood," Aotian stated emphatically.

"Oh, well, never mind then. Let's just drop it. But for the record, I'm definitely going!" Rohlin conceded.