A System Taking Shape

Xinhai came to a training area and faced a specially made target, beginning to drill the fundamentals of spear arts.

Thrust, stab, sweep, parry, coil, circle, block, seize, pounce, point, deflect... Xinhai practiced every move with utmost seriousness.

His movements were not fast, yet they carried a unique rhythm. His waist and stance moved as one, power flowing through to the spear tip. The black shaft traced sharp arcs through the air, while the red tassel blossomed around him like dancing flames.

Sweat gradually soaked his bangs, and his breathing became deep and rhythmic, but his gaze only grew sharper and clearer. His mind was wholly immersed in practicing the spear techniques.

As he practiced, Xinhai could clearly sense the gentle, steady Qi born from Tai Chi circulating faster within him, becoming more condensed and lively.

After completing the routine, Xinhai slowly entered the Closing Form. The spear lightly touched the ground as he expelled all the stale air from his chest with a long breath.

He took out a clean soft cloth and carefully wiped down the shaft and spearhead, brushing away dust that did not exist, his eyes full of affection.

This spear was not merely a weapon; it would also be an important companion on his future path of martial cultivation.

After carefully putting the spear away, Xinhai walked over to Blaziken, who was still training diligently.

"How does it feel, Blaziken?" Xinhai asked with concern.

"Blaze!" Blaziken nodded excitedly, indicating that it had initially mastered the technique of adding a Wind Membrane to Flame Rock Smash Kick. Though it was not yet proficient, the direction was clear.

It had even tried maintaining an extremely thin layer of Wind Membrane around its legs while using Agility, continuously sensing and adapting to the subtle changes in air resistance.