The Dimensional Codex of Destruction Chapter 45

It was clear that the matter of maintaining youth was more exciting to the Valkyries than anything else. He had noticed that many were unwilling to wear the mask because it was too ugly, but after hearing that it could maintain their youth, they discussed returning to the dorms to secretly wear and train with it.

However, Qin Mo's task was completed anyway, and when class ended, he prepared to slip away.

"Teacher Qin Mo, please wait a moment."

Looking at the person who had arrived, the one who spoke was an acquaintance of Qin Mo, someone he had seen both in the game and in reality… Fu Hua.

Chapter 21: A Private Lesson

"Student Fu Hua, is there something you need?"

Qin Mo was very respectful towards the Vermilion Bird Immortal who had guarded the Divine Land for ten thousand years, both in the game and in reality.

Even Otto respected Fu Hua for this reason. She had guarded the Divine Land solely based on a promise. After being betrayed and unable to protect it herself, she was willing to make a deal with someone she disliked just to uphold her promise.

"I would like to ask for your guidance on Ripples."

"No problem, it's a teacher's duty to answer students' questions. However, I see that Student Fu Hua, you seem to be quite proficient already."

Qin Mo pointed to the mask on Fu Hua's face. After all, she was an immortal who had lived for tens of thousands of years; she wouldn't care about a little bit of aesthetics.

"I've grasped the rhythm of breathing, but there are still some things about Ripples that I don't understand. Could we go to the training ground for a demonstration?"

"Is that so? Then please wait a moment, I'll say goodbye to the others."

Qin Mo looked at Mei and the others who had already packed their things and were walking over. "I'm going to the training ground with Student Fu Hua. You guys can head back first."

"If you're going to the training ground, I want to go too! It's been a while since I've been."

Kiana immediately said.

"Kiana only went on the first day of class, and hasn't gone a single day since then."

Bronya didn't hesitate to retort from the side.

"Th-that's because… Bronya, you haven't been either!"

Kiana suddenly remembered that the three of them had been together last week, so if she hadn't gone, Mei and Bronya naturally hadn't gone either!

"Idiot Kiana, Bronya relies on the Heavy Tank Bunny for combat and doesn't need the training ground."

Watching Kiana and Bronya bicker back and forth, Kiana walked past them and stood in front of Fu Hua. "Like Kiana said, class monitor, can we go together?"

"There's no need for that, Raiden Mei. All students can go to the training ground, and I support anyone who is willing to come and train."

Fu Hua naturally wouldn't refuse Mei's request.

"Then let's go."

"Aren't you waiting for them?"

Fu Hua asked, looking at Kiana and Bronya who were still bickering.

"It's fine, they'll catch up."

The three of them stopped waiting for the two who were still bickering and walked towards the training ground.

Just as Mei had said, after the three of them left, the two immediately followed, no longer bickering.

Upon arriving at the training ground, Fu Hua first demonstrated her cultivation results from just a few hours to Qin Mo. As expected of the Vermilion Bird Immortal who had guarded the Divine Land for tens of thousands of years, even in a state of severe injury and amnesia, she had easily mastered Ripples.

"During class, you referred to Ripple breathing as Immortal Ripple, originating from the Divine Land. However, I've never heard of it during my time there."

Fu Hua said casually, but with a hint of testing in her words.

"The world is so big, it's normal for the class monitor not to have seen it, especially since this is the Far East."

Hearing Kiana's words, Qin Mo almost broke out in a cold sweat. Kiana, Kiana, do you know who is in front of you! This is the Vermilion Bird Immortal who guarded the Divine Land for ten thousand years!

Although Qin Mo often skipped the story in the game, he would still read the background stories of his favorite characters when he was bored. Qin Mo didn't know much about Fu Hua's background, just a general outline, but it was enough. After all, compared to her five thousand years, what he knew was indeed too little.

"Cough, cough, Student Fu Hua, since you are also from the Divine Land, you naturally understand immortals, right? Many people in the Divine Land consider those who have achieved longevity to be immortals. Terms like 'immortal demeanor' and 'youthful appearance despite old age' were created for this reason. One of the effects of Ripple breathing is to extend life. Ordinary people who cultivate it can live for hundreds of years, and their appearance ages slowly. Naturally, it came to be called the Immortal Path."

Qin Mo then shook his head. "However, Ripples are merely life energy. They cannot fight against Destruction. In the face of Destruction, years of arduous training are no match for innate adaptability. Furthermore, Ripples do not possess powerful combat capabilities, which is why they are not well-known and have only remained in a corner. Additionally, most Ripple practitioners are ascetics who focus on their own cultivation rather than showing off. It's normal that Student Fu Hua hasn't heard of it."

Seemingly accepting Qin Mo's explanation, Fu Hua nodded. "While cultivating, I felt that Ripples seemed to have a strong healing effect, not just the pain relief you mentioned."

"And."

Fu Hua assumed a stance. "I found that when combined with the martial arts I've learned, Ripples seem to undergo peculiar changes. Do you know why, teacher?"

Martial arts? I didn't feel anything?

Qin Mo thought about the martial arts Fu Hua knew, but after thinking for a long time, he could only recall Essence of the One-Inch Punch, or rather, Heaven Breaker. The Divine Land's flat terrain, Essence of Heaven Breaker!

Speaking of which, there was also a unique skill called Tai Xu Sword Qi. Qin Mo remembered that this was considered the only way in the world of Destruction to surpass a Herrscher through cultivation.

The others relied on technology or mutations.

"If we're talking about martial arts, I know a little, but I haven't noticed the situation you mentioned, Student Fu Hua."

What martial arts does Qin Mo know! Everything he knew came from character cards. The only skills that could be considered techniques were Rokushiki and Viper Style, which originated from Sojieta Kuzuki.

The former was more of a body-strengthening technique than martial arts, while the latter was a pure killing technique. Both deviated from the original intention of strengthening the body and cultivating the mind.

"Regarding your situation, Student Fu Hua, perhaps I need to witness it personally to understand. Would you like to spar?"

Fu Hua also nodded. "Actually, I was thinking the same thing. Words cannot convey it well."

"That's good. Be careful, Fu Hua. The martial arts I've learned are singular, but I prefer to call them killing techniques."

Qin Mo assumed the starting stance for Viper Style. Kuzuki Sojieta's physical condition and abilities were rather ordinary, but the Viper Style boxing had many commendable aspects. Thus, Qin Mo often practiced it by switching characters when he had free time. Now, even without switching Kuzuki Sojieta's character card, he could skillfully use Viper Style.

Looking at Qin Mo in his stance, Fu Hua felt as if she was facing not a person, but a venomous snake poised to strike. The feeling flashed by, but she also recognized the threat of the boxing style before her.

"Essence of the One-Inch Punch: Mountain Collapse!"

Fu Hua struck first, using her family's boxing style, Cun Xin Fist Style. This was considered a probing attack. If Qin Mo couldn't even handle this blow, she would naturally stop.

However, Qin Mo, who had been standing still, suddenly accelerated in her eyes. He approached with a strange footwork. This did not worry her, as the distance was still within her attack range. If this continued, Qin Mo would be the one hit. But what chilled her was that his fist and body plunged into the gaps of her attack like a viper, dodging her punch with a peculiar movement before smashing towards her neck.

Bang!

"Qin Mo!"

Amidst Mei's startled cry, Qin Mo was sent flying, crashing into the wall.

"Classmate Monitor! How could you do that! Qin Mo clearly held back!"

Kiana, watching Raiden Mei quickly rush towards Qin Mo, angrily questioned Fu Hua.

Fu Hua, who had always been expressionless like a still well, showed a rare hint of embarrassment: "I'm sorry, I couldn't hold back."

In reality, she hadn't expected Qin Mo to be so weak.

Viper Style wasn't exactly a top-tier martial art, but compared to ordinary boxing, its assassination and surprise elements gave it a first-strike capability comparable to top-tier arts.

If the opponent knew the style's peculiarity, its value would decrease significantly. However, during a first strike, it posed a great threat. That's why when Qin Mo's defense was breached and he nearly hit her neck, Fu Hua even felt a threat of death.

Although Qin Mo eventually held back, she subconsciously unleashed her power under that stimulus, sending him flying.

Chapter 22: Tai Xu Sword Qi

"I'm fine, I'm fine. Viper Style is just that kind of boxing. Classmate Fu Hua was probably provoked. After all, normally, it was no different from standing on the scaffold."

Qin Mo waved his hand and stood up with Mei's support. "But I've also figured out Classmate Fu Hua's problem. You mentioned that Ripple and your martial arts have undergone changes. It shouldn't just be simple things like boxing, right?"

Boxing, in the end, was just some peculiar way of generating force. When Qin Mo was hit just now, he discovered that a strange power seemed to be mixed within it, reminding him of Tai Xu Sword Qi, the martial arts mental cultivation method that Fu Hua had created herself.

"I felt it just now. Classmate Fu Hua, there seemed to be another power in your punch that I couldn't understand. It must be this power that reacted with Ripple."

Fu Hua nodded: "That's right. This is the martial arts mental cultivation method I practice, called Tai Xu Sword Qi."

"I can't do anything about this. After all, I haven't practiced any martial arts mental cultivation methods, so I don't know why the two would react."

Fu Hua thought for a moment: "If you're willing, I can teach you Tai Xu Sword Qi as a return for your guidance."

"Eh? Is that okay? Usually, these mental cultivation methods are secret techniques of various sects. I don't think I can formally become your disciple."

Fu Hua shook her head: "It's fine. If everyone is willing to learn, I can teach them. Although Tai Xu Sword Qi is a martial art, it's actually a mind-refining mental cultivation method. It takes a considerable amount of time to learn and requires high talent. But if you are all willing to explore and learn together to fight against Destruction, I welcome it."

"Then I'll be counting on you, Teacher Fu Hua."

"You don't need to call me teacher. We are just exploring and learning together."

Qin Mo waved his hand: "Learning has no preceding or succeeding masters; the one who attains it first is the teacher. Or perhaps, Mr. Fu Hua?"

Seeing Fu Hua's slightly troubled expression, Qin Mo said, "How about this? I'll just call you Fu Hua, and you can call me by my name directly. After all, we are learning from each other."

Seemingly accepting Qin Mo's suggestion, Fu Hua nodded.

Qin Mo was actually very excited about learning Tai Xu Sword Qi because he had known about its power for a long time, even if he didn't understand the reason.

However, Kiana was very unhappy and kept making a fuss. It was only when Mei intervened that she was appeased.

The study session, which was supposed to be about answering Fu Hua's questions, inexplicably turned into a scene where Fu Hua was teaching four students.

"To learn Tai Xu Sword Qi, you must first learn the Sword Heart Incantation. I will recite the Sword Heart Incantation next. You must silently recite it in your hearts and engrave it."

Looking at the four people sitting cross-legged before her with their eyes closed, Fu Hua began to utter a strange sound.

It was like murmuring in a dream, devoid of any meaning.

The Sword Heart Incantation is the foundation for cultivating Tai Xu Sword Qi. Its essence is actually the technology of the previous civilization: Divine Sound.

However, the original text was obscure and difficult to understand. With the help of a friend, Fu Hua compiled it into the later Tai Xu Sword Qi cultivation method.

But its essence remained unchanged. Tai Xu Sword Qi does not focus on cultivating meridians and dantian; instead, it cultivates the mind, taking heaven and earth as the dantian and the body as the meridians.

Therefore, the most basic is the initial, Tai Xu Sword Heart, which is the so-called Sword Heart Incantation.

"I learned it!"

While the others were sensing the rhythm of the sounds Fu Hua was making, the first to succeed was the most lively Kiana.

However, after Fu Hua glared at her, Kiana quickly quieted down and looked nervously at the others. Bronya had already been woken up by Kiana, but she didn't make a sound, only looking at Kiana with a displeased expression.

Mei and Qin Mo remained in a state of meditation.

While continuing to emit Divine Sound, Fu Hua looked at Kiana with a complex expression. The first realm of Sword Heart is the Realm of Still Water, which emphasizes stability and lack of ripples. This is completely inconsistent with Kiana's personality. However, Tai Xu Sword Qi is not a cultivation method that follows personality, so it's still somewhat normal.

Qin Mo was the last to open his eyes. In terms of talent, he was the worst among the three.

Bronya? Bronya's mind was too restless, which caused her to be directly awakened by Kiana and unable to continue.

"Ahem, Qin Mo, your talent is already very good."

Fu Hua coughed a couple of times and said.

"But I'm so much slower than everyone else..."

Seeing that three hours had already passed, Qin Mo rolled his eyes. "You don't need to comfort me on this."

"It's not comfort. In fact, most people can't even get past the first step."

Qin Mo waved his hand, stopping Fu Hua from saying more. "Actually, I can't get past it either, but I discovered midway that Ripple seems to have a chain reaction with Tai Xu Sword Qi."

"But you mentioned Tai Xu Sword Qi is about refining the mind, so I think I know why. Ripple, although it originates from physical strength, its development changes with one's will. A Ripple Master once said that if you encounter difficulties, just believe in Ripple!"

"There was once a Ripple Master who cultivated for nearly a hundred years, and through Ripple, he could glimpse fate. This wasn't because his Ripple was strong enough, but because his will could influence Ripple's changes."

"So, Ripple itself is also a kind of mental power."

If one were to purely compare Ripple's strength, no one so far has surpassed Kars. With just a single breath, he could generate Ripple comparable to the sun's heat, melting a person's body directly. However, Kars only used Ripple; he didn't understand its true essence to correct his own fate. This means that Ripple's evolution relies on understanding and control, not simply accumulating quantity.

"I see, that makes sense now."

Fu Hua nodded. "Are there any methods to train the understanding of Ripple?"

Simply generating Ripple through breathing techniques is merely accumulating quantity, which is meaningless to Fu Hua. She doesn't lack lifespan, nor does she lack means of attack.

"This question... I originally didn't plan to teach you all, because it's too draining and would be counterproductive for the Valkyries. But since you want to know, Fu Hua, I'll tell you."

Qin Mo recounted the Ripple training experiences of Caesar and Joseph from his memories, describing them in his own words.

"Although there's no Hell Pillar here, that was a method to force out one's potential. After all, in that state, it's either break through or die. As long as you're disciplined enough, Fu Hua, you can even practice with the academy's fountain."

Qin Mo stood up. "It's getting late. Let's go back. On the way, I'll demonstrate how to practice with the fountain."

The group followed Qin Mo to the fountain in the center of St. Freya Academy. Qin Mo silently switched his character card to Caesar and stepped into the fountain.