"Firebending is free and volatile, but that doesn't mean we have to be confined within that framework."
The next day, Kahn began teaching Korra Firebending-or, as Korra put it, advanced Firebending.
But although it was called advanced Firebending, what Kahn taught during the lessons wasn't just Firebending, but Bending itself.
"Ultimately, moves are just one way of using energy. For us Bending Masters, using and controlling our own energy is the foundation."
At his current level, he had long since stopped being bound by the outward forms of individual moves. Instead, he went straight to the essence of Bending itself. He could perform Firebending even with Waterbending forms.
Korra found this quite novel.
When she had trained at the South Pole, her Bending teachers had never explained these deeper principles to her. Or rather, none of her teachers had reached Kahn's level, and their understanding of these things was only fragmentary.
Kahn's perspective, which branched outward from the essence, immediately opened the door to a new world for her.
So this was what Bending was!
That was the thought that arose most often in her mind.
However, theory wouldn't produce a particularly obvious improvement in strength. After explaining the principles, Kahn would do some simple combat practice with her.
Of course, it was only simple for Kahn. For Korra, there was probably nothing in the world more tormenting than fighting him.
But she had to admit that actual combat really was the best way to grow, especially when an expert was deliberately feeding her moves. Korra could indeed feel that her skills seemed to have improved.
Even if she still couldn't touch the hem of Kahn's clothes.
Besides theory and combat practice, homework naturally wasn't neglected either.
Kahn picked up the prop prepared nearby-a cup of cold tea-and held the