C13 Mirror of Void and Truth

"True Void Realm? What is this, another setup to screw me over?" Woo Yang couldn't shake the feeling of dread that crept up every time the Golden Book mentioned something unfamiliar. It always seemed like a catch was lurking somewhere.

"How could I possibly set a trap for you? But as the old adage goes, to gain something, you must give something up. Once you enter the True Void Realm, any harm you suffer there will be inflicted upon your physical self as well. Conversely, whatever you gain there will also be bestowed upon your true form. So, are you ready to take the plunge into the True Void Realm, Master?" The Golden Book, brimming with enthusiasm, laid out the details of the True Void Realm to Woo Yang, hoping to spare him any further mental scars.

Despite the explanation, Woo Yang's unease persisted. Yet, he recognized he was out of options. The fact that it wouldn't shorten his lifespan was consolation enough.

"Fine, but you better not be leading me into a trap." Woo Yang muttered a prayer for himself before consenting to venture into the True Void Realm.

To master the Tiger Roar in a single day, this was his only avenue, and it was a far cry better than the perils of real combat training.

As Woo Yang's words dissipated, he found himself in a void. A stone's throw away stood a man, his spitting image.

"What in the world? Why is there another me here?"

"Master, I've manifested this form from myself. My power is nearly identical to yours, perfect for aiding your training."

Inside, Woo Yang felt a stampede of frustration; the Golden Book had crossed a line by morphing into his likeness. It was as if it was goading Woo Yang into fighting himself, igniting a fiery irritation within him.

Woo Yang was deeply troubled by this charade, but the Golden Book seemed utterly unfazed, its expression serene.

Amidst his annoyance, the essence of the Tiger Roar Technique crystallized in Woo Yang's mind. With this technique honed, each punch would unleash the ferocity of a tiger's roar, maximizing damage against a single foe and formidable against groups alike.

"Begin your training now, and remember, any injury you sustain here will be mirrored by your physical body."

The Golden Book, having assumed the form of Woo Yang, reminded him to stand his ground and brace for Woo Yang's impending strike.

Despite knowing that the figure before him was not truly himself, Woo Yang couldn't shake off a sense of unease. Reluctantly, he steeled himself for the confrontation.

"Remember, the Tiger Roar Technique surpasses the Royal Tyrant Fist in both power and dominance. You must master the control of your Spirit Power to unleash its full potential."

"I'll counter you with the Royal Tyrant Fist that you've previously trained in. If you can overcome me, it'll prove your mastery."

The Golden Book took its time explaining, concerned that Woo Yang might not fully comprehend the nuances.

But Woo Yang was beyond such worries. His sole focus was to vanquish the doppelganger before him, to quell the rage within.

Woo Yang's departure was swift, and his return was just as quick. Yet before he could launch his attack, he was repelled by the Golden Book's Royal Tyrant Fist.

Sprawled on the ground, Woo Yang felt a sharp pain in his chest, but thankfully, no serious injury. Struck by the very technique he had honed, he was filled with frustration, and a fierce determination not to be defeated welled up inside him.

He fell repeatedly, and just as many times he rose. Woo Yang lost count of the times he'd been floored, his body throbbing with pain.

Nonetheless, he wasn't without progress. Through the cycle of falls and recoveries, he had nearly perfected the Tiger Roar, and the Golden Book had not emerged unscathed.

After all, it was the Golden Book that had initially taken control of his body to perfect the Royal Tyrant Fist, enabling him to swiftly defeat Woo Tong. Without that experience, he might have endured the same physical torment he faced today before gradually becoming adept with the martial technique.

Brushing the blood from his lip, Woo Yang fixed his gaze on the distant Golden Book, his eyes blazing with combative zeal.

With a battle cry, the Spirit Power within him surged, his fists driving forward as a resonant tiger's roar echoed through the valley.

The Golden Book, recognizing the threat, wasted no time and countered with the Royal Tyrant Fist.

This time, he couldn't withstand the force; his body was sent flying backward like a cannonball. Woo Yang, with eyes blazing, landed and let out another tiger roar, his fists raining down on the Golden Book with ferocious intensity.

"Master, have you lost your mind? How can you hit with such fervor?"

The Golden Book reverted to its original form, addressing Woo Yang with a mix of disbelief and exasperation.

"It's not fair. Why do I get injured, yet you're completely unscathed?"

"Because I'm a spirit body; I'm naturally immune to harm."

Woo Yang felt a profound sense of frustration at this response. He had thought he could give the Golden Book a good thrashing, only to find his efforts were in vain.

"Congratulations, Master, on mastering the Tiger Roar. But to become a true warrior, you have a long journey ahead. Keep pushing yourself."

With those words, Woo Yang opened his eyes and found himself back in his original surroundings.

"Ow, that really hurts."

A deep, aching pain confirmed the truth of the Golden Book's words.

But this pain was trivial compared to his achievements. Now in possession of two sets of Rank Three martial skills, he was among the elite within the entire Woo family.

"Mr. Yang, are you there?"

Woo Yang's moment of pride was interrupted by Woo Tieh's voice from outside.

Stepping out, Woo Yang saw Woo Tieh and asked reflexively, "What's up? You need something?"

Before Woo Tieh could speak, he noticed the change in Woo Yang's aura and stared in shock. "Mr. Yang, have you advanced to the Qi Stage Layer Four?"

Woo Tieh was astounded. He recalled Woo Yang being at the Qi Stage Layer Three just a short while ago, and now, his cultivation had soared. It was nothing short of miraculous, considering it had taken Woo Tieh two whole months to reach the same level. He felt a wave of relief that he hadn't fallen out with Woo Yang.

"What's so surprising about that? Come on, what do you want?"

Woo Yang had no interest in Woo Tieh's astonishment. He mused that if Woo Tieh had a Life Reaping Talisman within him, he wouldn't be so shocked either.

The fact that the Golden Book resided within him was a closely guarded secret. Even those he trusted deeply were not privy to this information, let alone Woo Tieh, with whom he had only recently forged a friendship.

Regaining his composure, Woo Tieh extended the invitation with courtesy, "I'm planning to venture into Demon Beast Valley for some rigorous training, and I was wondering if Mr. Yang might be interested in joining me."

Demon Beast Valley was indeed an enticing destination. Woo Yang had long admired the Woo family members who had the opportunity to train there. Without a moment's hesitation, he accepted Woo Tieh's offer.