Flowing Cloud Third Level

After breaking through in the Spirit Devouring Art, Shen Hao's cultivation speed climbed another level. He then turned his focus to training in Flowing Cloud Steps. Body movement is key in combat—especially against a powerful foe, where exquisite footwork can dodge lethal strikes and expose the opponent's weaknesses, often turning the tide unexpectedly.

His Flowing Cloud Steps had now reached the second layer, "Flowing Cloud Surge," boosting his movement speed by twenty percent. His form was graceful and agile, shifting unpredictably like flowing water. The third layer, called "Flowing Cloud Shadow Transformation," would increase speed by another twenty percent, for a total of forty percent. At high speed, it would leave faint afterimages to confuse opponents, making his true position hard to pin down. This layer was harder to master than the first two combined, requiring not only more precise control over Spiritual Energy but also perfect harmony between his movements and the rhythm of heaven and earth.

That morning, just as dawn broke, the forest mist still lingered with a faint dampness. Shen Hao carried his Flying Sword on his back and arrived at the dense woods behind Qingyun Peak. This place was rarely visited, with towering trees and thick foliage—an ideal spot for training in body movement.

Standing in a clearing among the trees, Shen Hao took a deep breath and steadied his breathing. Then he circulated the Spiritual Energy within him, slowly channeling it into the Meridians of his legs. Instantly, a feeling of lightness spread from his legs, as if he were stepping on a cushion of cotton.

He stepped into Flowing Cloud Steps, his form darting like a ghost through the trees. With a light tap of his feet, he could glide several zhang away, his movements graceful and elusive, shifting like drifting clouds. Following the methods of the third layer of Flowing Cloud Steps, he continuously fed Spiritual Energy into his leg Meridians while adjusting his center of gravity, making each step just right and in tune with the rhythm of heaven and earth.

At first, his movements were a bit stiff, and the flow of Spiritual Energy wasn't smooth. During high-speed dashes, the energy would occasionally cut off, leaving afterimages as faint as wisps of smoke that vanished in an instant, barely noticeable. But Shen Hao didn't lose heart. He practiced over and over, constantly adjusting the energy flow and his center of gravity, searching for the perfect point of harmony.

Sweat trickled down his cheeks, dripping onto the fallen leaves below and leaving small dark patches. His clothes were soaked through, clinging tightly to his frame, outlining a build that was lean yet upright. But his eyes grew only more determined, showing no trace of fatigue—only a relentless dedication to cultivation.

Time passed bit by bit. The mist in the forest gradually dissipated, and sunlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves, casting dappled shadows. Shen Hao's movements became more and more fluid, and the flow of Spiritual Energy grew smoother. His form weaved through the woods like drifting clouds, faster and faster, and the afterimages he left behind became clearer and clearer.

"Whoosh—"

Shen Hao suddenly pushed off with force, pouring Spiritual Energy into his legs without pause. His form accelerated abruptly, like a blue bolt of lightning, sidestepping past an ancient tree. This time, a clear afterimage identical to himself lingered behind him, vivid and lifelike, holding for a full three breaths before slowly fading into the air.

"Got it!" Shen Hao stopped, letting out a long breath of stale air, a joyful smile spreading across his face.

He felt the Spiritual Energy flowing within him, his legs light as air, as if he could ride the wind at any moment. He took a casual step, his form flickering through the woods at lightning speed, leaving a trail of afterimages that made it impossible to pinpoint his true location.

"The third layer of Flowing Cloud Steps, Flowing Cloud Shadow Transformation—finally mastered." Shen Hao clenched his fist, a surge of confidence filling his heart.

This improvement in body movement meant that in combat, his margin for error was higher. Whether dodging attacks or finding openings in an opponent's defense, he would hold a greater advantage. The afterimages, especially, could confuse an enemy at a critical moment, giving him the chance for a fatal strike.

He looked up into the depths of the dense forest, his gaze sharp as an eagle's. The Inner Sect Grand Competition was approaching. He not only needed to polish his techniques and footwork but also to sharpen his combat experience. Deep within these woods lurked many mid-grade spirit beasts—perfect for training and testing the fruits of his cultivation.