This Trainer Doesn't Play by the Rules
Chapter 19

This Trainer Has No Sportsmanship

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In the mountains, there were no calendars; when winter ended, one never knew how many years had passed.

Training alongside Chakra Dragon meant there was no need to care about anything else. It was easy to lose track of time.

It was like when you were in school or working—you could sense the passage of time down to the minute. But once summer or winter break came around, or you were unemployed and staying at home, you would not even know what day of the week it was.

You Zhi was a little reluctant to leave, because he had discovered that cultivating Strength-Weakness Mimicry in the Heavenly Might Realm was more than five times as efficient as before. He could feel himself growing stronger every day, and he even hesitated over whether he should change his plans. Perhaps it would not be bad to follow the protagonists and experience the entire storyline from beginning to end.

However, whenever he saw Yuan Ying add another stroke to the character "righteous" each day, he guessed that she was desperate to save her father and wanted to leave as soon as possible. He could only abandon that thought.

Even so, You Zhi still broke through to the second level the day before their planned operation.

"The first level tempers the body and lays a solid foundation. The second level is about mastering Mimicry Power."

You Zhi looked at his palm and activated his spiritual power. His skin quickly hardened and turned blue, while sharp claws grew from his fingers and a bone spike protruded from his elbow—his arm had become identical to Demon Lizard Yihao's.

He brought his claws together, his muscles swelling as he swung forward with all his strength. The wooden post before him was instantly split in half. This was Demon Lizard Yihao's specialty skill, Slash.

He returned his arm to normal, then activated his spiritual power again. His arm gradually became transparent, like crystal. He was clearly trying to mimic Neon Stone Sprite's physical structure.

However, it ultimately stopped at transparent skin and did not truly become a crystalline structure.

"Looks like I can currently only mimic the flesh-and-blood bodies of humanoid spirits."

You Zhi sighed, but did not feel much regret. After all, this was only the second level. As his cultivation deepened, Mimicry Power would continuously grow stronger, gradually lifting all kinds of restrictions. In the end, becoming a silicon-based lifeform, an undead creature, a Transformer, or even a Cthulhu Evil God would not be a problem.

Besides, mimicking bodily structure was merely an early-stage goal, something on the superficial level. In the middle stage, he could mimic all kinds of extraordinary constitutions, such as the various Dao Bodies and Sacred Bodies of fantasy cultivation systems. The later-stage goal pointed directly at the source of phenomena—for example, appearing no different from an ordinary person on the surface while actually having a body mimicking a star, undergoing nuclear fusion every moment.

His future was bright, with the stars and the sea lying ahead.

The only concern was that Strength-Weakness Mimicry had thirty-three levels in total, and the primordial energy required for each new level was double that of the previous one.

At the thought of it, You Zhi wanted nothing more than to drag out the creator and beat him up. Setting nine levels would have been fine, but what the hell was thirty-three levels supposed to be?!

He would probably train until death without even reaching double digits. What middle stage or later stage? No matter how beautifully those promises were painted, they had nothing to do with him. He should just honestly be a trainer with sportsmanship.

Early the next morning, You Zhi got up at dawn. When he went to the lakeside to wash up, he saw Yuan Ying, who had also risen early, practicing her punches.

It had to be said that the mountains and waters of the Heavenly Might Realm truly nourished people. Compared to the day she had first arrived, Yuan Ying was not only glowing with health and had greatly improved skin, but was also radiant and full of vigor. Like a mountain cultivator who had washed away all worldly dust, she looked especially fresh and lively.

She was currently practicing Phantom Torrent Fist, which True Knowledge Panlong had taught her. With a human body, she could not grasp the essence of this martial art and could only use it to strengthen herself. But that did not mean the technique lacked destructive power. At least, in You Zhi's eyes, it resembled the Lost Track Boxing style. Its footwork was nimble, its feints and solid strikes intertwined, and its hardness and softness complemented each other. With Yuan Ying's current strength, she was enough to spar with ordinary Fighting-type spirits.

After completing the entire set, Yuan Ying washed her face and ate a simple breakfast with You Zhi. During the meal, she sighed. "Life here is really nice. The mountains and waters are beautiful, and there are none of the troubles of the outside world. All I need to do is focus on living my life well. If possible, I truly wish I could live here forever... but people cannot live only for themselves."

There was a trace of reluctance in her tone, but no hesitation. She made her choice firmly.

"I was originally wondering how I should comfort you," You Zhi said. "Looks like I was being sentimental for nothing."

Yuan Ying smiled brightly. "Although I've already made my decision, I think I'd be even happier if someone said something encouraging."

You Zhi nodded. "That's what I thought too. Unfortunately, I've been waiting for encouraging words and haven't received any. It's deeply regrettable."

Yuan Ying rolled her eyes at him, then burst out laughing.

Even if two strangers who had never met before were made to live together, as long as they were not naturally incompatible, they would develop some affection over time. The two of them were naturally no exception. However, compared to romantic feelings between a man and woman, it was more like the friendship of fellow disciples.

Not long after breakfast, True Knowledge Panlong appeared and said to them, "The time has come. It is time to depart. I must remind you once again that this battle is extremely dangerous. As people from another world, you have no obligation to risk yourselves."

Yuan Ying answered decisively, "Then I will answer once again. Upholding justice and defending world peace are the responsibilities of Spirit Purifiers, no matter which world we are in."

You Zhi rubbed his hands together eagerly. "I can't wait to see what a real powerhouse is like."

True Knowledge Panlong had originally intended to leave the two behind if either showed even the slightest hesitation. But after observing their hearts, They confirmed that both possessed convictions as firm as iron, without the slightest fear. Only then did They finally relax. "If I continue trying to persuade you, I would only tarnish your resolve. Great kindness needs no words of thanks. Let us depart."

Two pure water spirits burst from the lake, enveloping You Zhi and Yuan Ying. They then merged with True Knowledge Panlong into the Dragon Vein and sped away.

Along the way, You Zhi recalled Neon Stone Sprite, who had returned from cultivation. Setting aside its newly mastered skills, its level alone had risen by a full eight levels, instantly making it the highest-level spirit under his command.

He owed them quite a favor. He would have to put in more effort during the coming decisive battle.

When he arrived at their destination, he found that the other three Panlong were already there, along with Dragon Fairy and a broad, sturdy young boxer who looked as though he had been cast from bronze and forged from iron.

Upon meeting again, You Zhi's cheat finally managed to appraise their abilities and attributes.

[Heavenly Might Dragon Fairy (Link 2) Fire] [Lineage: Fire] [Level: 30] [Attack: 1600 (2000)] [Wyrm-Type, Effect: The ① and ② effects of this card name can each be used once per turn. ①: Omitted. ②: When your face-up monster other than an Effect Monster declares an attack: You can target 1 card on your opponent's field; destroy that card.] [Heavenly Might Fist Monk (Link 1) Earth] [Lineage: Earth] [Level: 28] [Attack: 1000 (1900)] [Wyrm-Type, Description: None]

It was You Zhi's first time seeing a spirit with neither Defense nor a level.

This was different from Goblin Attack Force's situation. Having no Defense and having zero Defense were two entirely different concepts. He had no idea how it would manifest in actual combat. Could he be another glass cannon?

When Fist Monk saw You Zhi, his eyes lit up as he exclaimed, "What a powerful physique!"

Dragon Fairy asked in confusion, "Is it? Junior Brother, you clearly look sturdier than him."

Fist Monk shook his head. "I cultivate external martial arts, so the traits are obvious from my appearance. But he cultivates internal martial arts. All his strength is hidden within his body, usually unseen until it erupts when needed. I can't tell how strong he truly is, but there is no doubt that he is a genuine master. Now I'm confident that I can defeat Master!"

Dragon Fairy unhappily tapped Fist Monk on the head with her fan. "Joining forces with outsiders against Master is not something honorable."

Fist Monk said aggrievedly, "This battle concerns the peace of the Heavenly Might Realm. How can we care about whether it is honorable or not?"

Dragon Fairy was about to criticize him further when Righteous Path Panlong said, "Well said. This battle concerns the world, not merely the affairs of one faction. Even if we must borrow power from another world, we must still win." She could only close her mouth resentfully.

At the same time, Yuan Ying recalled her two spirits. You Zhi glanced over and saw that Wingedman had risen seven levels to level twenty-six. Blazegirl had likely been distracted by caring for her, so she had only risen five levels, but she had still reached level twenty-five.

"Looks like I can use the Evolution Stone now... Hmm, I'll wait and see."

After thinking for a while, Yuan Ying decided that evolution was not urgent. After all, a spirit's level would also rise after evolving. If it surpassed her own spiritual power level, it might no longer obey her commands. With a decisive battle against a powerful enemy about to begin, caution was best.

After the four exchanged a few words and got acquainted, they entered the cave one after another.

After all, in Dragon Fairy and Fist Monk's eyes, Yuan Ying and You Zhi were both summoners. They relied on spirits rather than themselves in battle, so becoming more familiar with one another would not improve their combat coordination.

After walking through the cave for a while, Yuan Ying felt a chill. She reached out and touched the cave wall, only to discover a thin layer of frost on it, cold to the touch.

Fortunately, she had brought a coat this time. Combined with the improved physique she had gained from practicing Phantom Torrent Fist, she could still endure it for now.

"The evil aura is growing stronger."

The farther the four ventured inward, the colder it became. Dragon Fairy and Fist Monk also felt a sinister, gloomy evil aura continuously burrowing into their bodies, so they hurriedly circulated their spiritual power to resist it.

Yuan Ying felt it less strongly, but she instinctively found it uncomfortable. Only You Zhi was completely unaffected as he took the lead at the front.

What righteous aura or evil aura? That was not scientific at all. Was there an instrument that could detect it? Was there a quantifiable standard of data? Could repetitive experiments be conducted?

There was none of that. What proof was there that righteous aura and evil aura existed? Maybe they were merely psychological factors, sensory hallucinations imagined by the brain.

Of course, he would not conclude that evil aura did not exist because of that. It could not be proven to exist, but neither could it be disproven. So he could only maintain the view that I cannot observe evil aura, I have currently found no effect evil aura has on me, and for now, I will assume that I can ignore evil aura.

After walking for an unknown amount of time, the temperature fell below freezing, and more and more icicles appeared inside the cave. Then, suddenly, their field of vision opened up.

In a massive space filled with ice pillars, a broad, imposing man with wild black hair sat cross-legged in the very center, breathing in and out dense spiritual power.

"Master." X2

Dragon Fairy and Fist Monk were about to step forward when the imposing man opened his eyes. His gaze was like lightning, frightening the two into stopping on the spot.

"You two came." The imposing man spoke in a deep, powerful voice that echoed through the cave.

"Master, let's go back," Fist Monk stepped forward and said.

"Go back? Why should I go back? I am doing well here, very well. Every day, I constantly grow stronger and break through my limits. I am about to comprehend the mysteries of Heavenly Might Dragon Fist." The imposing man glanced at the two of them. "You have both grown much stronger as well. It seems you received Chakra Dragon's power just as I did."

Dragon Fairy said, "Master, you were deceived. Great Unity Panlong has already fallen onto the demonic path. They only want to use you as a pawn."

"Hahahaha..."

The imposing man threw back his head and laughed. The echoes within the cave shook everyone's eardrums painfully. He said, "Foolish disciples, power is simply power. How can there be any distinction between righteous and demonic power? My relationship with Great Unity Panlong is merely an ordinary transaction. They give me power, and I help Them conquer the world. Where is the deception in that?"

Dragon Fairy and Fist Monk were about to persuade him again when You Zhi said, "He's right. Power used for righteousness is righteous; power used for evil is evil. The key lies in the person who uses it, not the power itself. In the end, aren't we also making a deal with the Four Great Panlong? They grant us power, and we do things for Them in return."

They had never expected an ally to stab them in the back at a time like this. Dragon Fairy and Fist Monk immediately became uncertain and wary. Yuan Ying, however, knew there had to be more to it and merely waited calmly.

Sure enough, You Zhi asked again, "How do you plan to help Great Unity Panlong conquer the world?"

The imposing man looked at him with interest. "Naturally, I will conquer it with strength. Those who submit shall live; those who resist shall die."

You Zhi delivered his conclusion. "Then there is no doubt that you have already fallen onto the demonic path. It has nothing to do with the power you gained, but with what you intend to do next. You have violated the justice of the common people."

The imposing man said disdainfully, "The justice of the masses is justice? Is the standard for righteousness and evil determined by the number of people? As someone equally strong, you actually acknowledge this morality of the weak?"

"It can't be helped. I'm someone who doesn't forget where I came from. I wasn't born strong—I became strong step by step, and along the way, many people looked after me and helped me. I can't accept others' kindness when I'm weak, then become ungrateful after I grow stronger, can I?"

"My current strength comes entirely from my own cultivation. I have received no one's kindness."

"Then there's nothing left to discuss. We can only settle this through force. After all, the convictions of the four of us are completely opposed to yours. There is no room for compromise between us."

The imposing man grinned broadly, rose to his feet, and stretched his muscles and bones. "As it should be. This is the proper way for the strong to communicate. As expected, I did not misjudge you."

Fist Monk was a little stunned. How had they started fighting already?

Dragon Fairy glared at You Zhi. "If you don't know how to negotiate, then don't negotiate. Now you've completely ruined everything."

"Don't waste time on nonsense. Go straight to the answer—that's the most efficient method of negotiation. Don't you know what kind of personality your master has? Did you think reminiscing about the past would convince him to change his stance?"

Dragon Fairy was left speechless. Her master truly did have that kind of personality. Once he set his mind on something, he would never compromise. That was why she had already prepared herself before coming here. Still, the speech she had painstakingly prepared had gone unused, and the heart-to-heart talk between master and disciple had been forcibly skipped. She could not help feeling a little disappointed.

A Trainer Should Act Like a Trainer

"Come, let Master see how much you have grown during this time."

The imposing man moved, and fierce winds howled around him. He carried an overwhelming force, like a truck charging head-on.

Fist Monk stepped forward and threw a punch to meet him directly, but was blasted away by a single palm strike, crashing through several ice pillars along the way.

"Junior Brother!"

Dragon Fairy swung her fan, and a stream of flame formed into a Fire Spin that swept outward. However, affected by the environment, its power was far below normal, only sixty or seventy percent of its usual strength.

The imposing man sank into his stance and exerted force with one palm. With a sound like cattle and horses bellowing, he extinguished the Fire Spin using nothing but the wind from his palm.

He frowned. "After cultivating for so long, is this all you are capable of?"

"Heavenly Might Sinking Ridge!"

Fist Monk roared and rushed back in a fierce counterattack. The phantom of Purity Panlong appeared behind him as his feet ground across the floor. Even the rock-hard frozen ground shattered and exploded beneath his steps. When he threw his punch, even the air seemed to freeze solid.

"This punch has some merit."

The imposing man nodded approvingly and raised his elbow in a horizontal strike. Shadows of elbows filled the sky, surging above and below. Master and disciple clashed fist against elbow, filling the air with deafening blasts of force as shattered stone and ice flew in every direction.

Yuan Ying watched with her blood boiling, wishing she could join the fight with Phantom Torrent Fist. You Zhi grabbed her in time. "Don't let your excitement cloud your judgment. They're spirits. They can smash through two ice pillars and still be full of life, but you're flesh and blood. If a piece of rubble hits you in the head, you might die on the spot. A trainer should act like a trainer."

Yuan Ying came to her senses and hurriedly summoned Wingedman and Blazegirl.

At this moment, Dragon Fairy also activated her technique. The phantom of Righteous Path Panlong appeared behind her, and with a sweep of her fan, she summoned a flame dragon to launch an attack from the other side.

The imposing man first unleashed force to knock Fist Monk back, then sank into his stance again, preparing to repeat his earlier move and extinguish the flame dragon. But Wingedman and Blazegirl joined the battle in time. One fired a continuous barrage of fireballs, while the other used wind to fuel the flames.

Under the combined attack of all three sides, the imposing man, who had appeared so imposing, finally showed signs of exhaustion. Clearly, his direct clash with his disciple had consumed much of his strength. In the end, he failed to disperse the flame dragon and was struck by the remaining flames, retreating injured amid an explosion.

After landing a successful blow, Dragon Fairy and Fist Monk exchanged glances, joy appearing on their faces. At the same time, they both thought: We can win!

Judging from the battle so far, Master was certainly powerful, but not powerful enough to be invincible. As long as they joined forces with the two summoners from the outside world, victory was not impossible.

At that moment, their master's calm voice came from within the rolling smoke and dust. "Not bad. It seems Master must get serious."

They saw him casually pat out the remaining flames on his chest. Then, with a fierce roar, he blew away all the smoke and dust. Surging evil spiritual power emerged across his body as the demonic Great Unity Panlong silently appeared and merged with him. In an instant, his form changed drastically!

A pair of dragon horns grew from his head, while his arms and shoulders became covered in thick dragon scales. They swelled to become especially robust, clearly brimming with explosive power. At the same time, his aura rose steadily, his presence as vast as the sea and lofty as mountains, as though a ghostly god had descended.

This astonishing transformation left Dragon Fairy and Fist Monk completely intimidated, barely daring to breathe.

End of Chapter
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