The Deluded Are Irrational

Peach Mountain, which had always only had two people, now had three starting today. Two figures, one large and one small, broke through the light mountain mist. Yu Luo carried two buckets full of water, walking with ease on the snowy mountain path. His steps were steady, his movements agile, and not a single drop of water spilled from the buckets.

Behind him, Kaigaku, just like he used to be, staggered along with two buckets of water. He shuffled forward step by step, trying to keep up with the relaxed Yu Luo in front. However, he wasn't paying attention to his feet and slipped, falling face-first into the mud. His previously clean clothes were instantly covered in mud and water, and the two buckets tumbled far down the mountain path.

Yu Luo heard the commotion and turned back. He saw Kaigaku already getting up from the ground, seemingly unharmed. Yu Luo didn't say much, just gently reminded him, "Be careful."

"Yes, Senior Brother," Kaigaku said, patting the mud off his clothes. He then looked up at Yu Luo's relaxed back, a flash of ferocity in his eyes that quickly disappeared. He clenched his fists tightly, and only after Yu Luo's figure vanished on the mountain path did he turn to pick up the buckets.

Although Peach Mountain had gained a new person, Yu Luo's daily routine remained unchanged. He still chopped wood, carried water, swung his sword, and practiced the Thunder Breathing, First Form, which he could never successfully execute. The only difference was the addition of a junior brother.

Strangely enough, Kaigaku was always very polite to Yu Luo. He would ask questions when he didn't understand. He wasn't a brat; in fact, he was quite easy to get along with. Logically, such a child should be endearing, but Yu Luo just couldn't feel close to him.

"Thunder Breathing, First Form: Thunderclap and Flash!"

Lightning flashed in the air, and the cold blade was deeply embedded in the thick tree trunk. Yu Luo pulled out his katana with effort, his brow furrowed. He muttered to himself:

"My breathing technique is correct, so why can't I succeed with this move?"

After thinking for a long time, Yu Luo was baffled. He had been practicing this move for almost five months. If it was his breathing technique that was the problem at the beginning, his breathing was now consistent with Jigoro Kuwajima's breathing when he used this form. Yet, he still couldn't slice through this peach tree in one go.

Shaking his head, Yu Luo assumed his stance again, adjusting his breathing. He stared intently at the thick tree trunk. After a while, a brilliant flash of lightning erupted on the mountaintop once more...

During dinner, the three of them sat around the pot, enjoying their meal. Jigoro Kuwajima ate quietly and meticulously. Yu Luo, on the other hand, was lost in thought, pondering the key points of the First Form and trying to figure out what was going wrong. The room was silent, save for the sound of chewing.

"Senior Brother," Kaigaku suddenly spoke, startling Yu Luo out of his reverie. Yu Luo looked at him with confusion.

"What is it?"

A hint of disdain flashed in Kaigaku's eyes, but he quickly concealed it. "Master said I can try practicing the First Form tomorrow."

"Congratulations," Yu Luo replied distractedly, his mind preoccupied. Kaigaku seemed displeased but said nothing further, lowering his head to eat obediently.

The sky was a bit grim today. The night was dark, and the dim yellow moon was obscured by thick clouds, plunging the world into darkness. A wolf's howl echoed from somewhere, and a damp wind swept through the hearts of the three.

"It seems tonight is the day of Awakening Insects," Jigoro Kuwajima said, sitting cross-legged on the veranda and looking at the less-than-ideal night sky. He said meaningfully to Yu Luo, "There should be spring thunder tonight. Don't go to sleep too early, be careful not to be woken by the thunder."

"Got it," Yu Luo replied absently, supporting himself with his hands on the wooden floor. He had already used his authority as Senior Brother to assign the dishwashing to Kaigaku.

Kaigaku, in the kitchen, had naturally heard their conversation. He clenched his right fist, looking at Yu Luo with defiance.

Late at night, the wooden house's lights were extinguished. Yu Luo, stifled by the heavy air, couldn't sleep. He tossed and turned for a long time, and finally remembered Jigoro Kuwajima's words. He put on his clothes and crept out of his room in the dark.

"You brat, what are you doing out of bed this late at night!" As soon as he stepped out, a familiar voice, too familiar to be more so, sounded in Yu Luo's ears.

"Didn't you tell me not to sleep too early?" Yu Luo responded helplessly to Jigoro Kuwajima. In the darkness, Jigoro Kuwajima revealed a smile that Yu Luo had never seen before, a fleeting expression.

"You're still obedient," Jigoro Kuwajima said with a hint of satisfaction. "Watch tonight's spring thunder well. It will be beneficial for your practice of Thunder Breathing."

Hearing Jigoro Kuwajima's words, Yu Luo hesitated and asked, "Um, old man..."

"Hmm? Want to ask about the First Form?"

"Yes."

"Think carefully about what the breathing technique is, and what the form is. If you understand, you'll be able to learn the First Form. If you don't, you... can go practice the Second Form."

Jigoro Kuwajima's words were very light, yet they caused Yu Luo to fall into deep thought.

"Breathing and form..."

However, neither of them noticed that the door to Kaigaku's room, which had been tightly shut, was slowly opened a crack. A figure was sitting behind the door, eavesdropping.

"That damned old man, giving special lessons!" Kaigaku was no longer the obedient person he usually was. His delicate face was contorted with anger and jealousy, and his eyes gleamed with malice.

Just then, a muffled thunderclap sounded in the distance without warning. A lightning bolt, like a dragon or a snake, tore through the night sky, vanishing in an instant. However, the brilliant electric light was deeply imprinted in Yu Luo's eyes. Though fleeting, it was eternal.

Thunder rolls and wind moves, awakening insects at the door; heaven and earth open, the Great Beginning turns.

The spring thunder struck, and all insects stirred. Not only did spring thunder boom in the distance, but a spring thunder also struck in Yu Luo's heart. Silver lightning tore through the fog in his mind, bringing him sudden enlightenment.

"I get it!" Yu Luo cheered with joy. The problem that had troubled him for nearly five months completely disintegrated under the sound of the spring thunder. He finally knew why his First Form had always been unsuccessful. In his excitement, he directly hugged Jigoro Kuwajima's body, which barely reached his waist, and shouted excitedly like a child.

"Let go of me, you old man!" Jigoro Kuwajima fiercely raised his cane and brought it down hard on Yu Luo's backside. Yu Luo cried out in pain and let go, finally realizing his audacious behavior. He then fled in a panic, hastily throwing back a sentence:

"I'm going to sleep, goodbye!"

"Hmph!" Jigoro Kuwajima angrily tapped his cane, then sighed softly, "I hope you can become the next Thunder Pillar. The Thunder Pillar has been vacant for far too long..."

With that, Jigoro Kuwajima also returned to his room to rest, leaving only Kaigaku behind the door, his face contorted with jealousy.

"Ah ha ha ha..." Yu Luo burrowed into his covers, laughing with excitement in his mind.

"I'm such an idiot! The breathing technique is used to stimulate one's potential, and the form is just the specific application of the breathing technique. I was focusing on the branches instead of the root!"

"My First Form wasn't a failure at all. It's just that my breathing intensity isn't strong enough. To put it simply, the First Form is like the ultimate combo in Xianjian 6. My current breathing is like a four-hit Titan. It can carry it, but it can't reach the top configuration!"

"Yes, yes, yes, you're a genius. But if you can't sleep, can you stop bothering me?!" the System roared angrily.

"Sleep my ass, let's get hyped!" Yu Luo was clearly too excited to know who he was.

"By the way, I have a bold idea."

"Then I beg you, put away your idea," the System began to plead, but Yu Luo completely ignored its opinion, already lost in his own excitement.

"Look, the forms are actually developed based on the breathing techniques. So, can I develop my own form?"

"Mmm..." The System responded listlessly, hoping that Yu Luo's excitement would quickly dissipate.

"From my own feeling, Thunder Breathing mainly enhances instantaneous explosive power. Don't you think it pairs well with the Flying Dragon Sword Style?" Yu Luo's face was flushed with excitement, while the System was stunned by his sudden words.

"Huh?"

"The essence of the Flying Dragon Sword Style is godspeed sword-drawing techniques. The first form of Thunder Breathing is also a sword-drawing technique. This means I can combine the first form with the Flying Dragon Sword Style to create my own unique form!!!"

"Wait, calm down first." If the System had a body, it would probably be covering its forehead right now, asking helplessly, "Great idea, amazing imagination, but..."

"Do you know the Flying Dragon Sword Style?"

"Uh..."