Child of Destiny

……

Even though Shin was quite unwilling, he still nodded his head and agreed with what Professor Plum had said. If the opponent was indeed the ‘Great Demon’ Jan Mateo, then he would be in grave danger if he showed up there and aroused that man’s greed.

Seeing that Shin was now convinced, Professor Plum nodded his head in satisfaction. “That is right. You should also acknowledge your limitations and know when to retreat. Blinding charging toward an opponent that you don’t stand a chance is nothing but foolishness.”

“Train more and make yourself stronger, if you don’t want to be treated as a hindrance ever again,” he added and was about to end the call.

But before he could even end it, Shin suddenly asked. “Wait, Old Geezer! Since we are already in this, at least help me with some of my problems!”

Old Plum paused for a moment before giving Shin an interested look. “Oh! You are seeking guidance now, huh? Alright, I will hear it out since my stubborn disciple is asking for it. It has also been a while since I last guided you.”

Shin clicked his tongue when he heard that before narrating everything that happened to him recently. The events that he had experienced, the progress that he was making, and the problems and doubts that he was facing – all of these were mentioned by Shin to the old man.

Professor Plum did not say anything and listened to everything that Shin had said and only nodded his head occasionally.

He only opened his mouth when Shin was done talking. “Tsk! Tsk! Your talent in Mentalism surpassed your talent in Martial Arts. This kind of progress greatly surpassed our imagination.”

After giving such a casual remark, he gave Shin a mocking look before sneering. “But to think that you will be stuck with such a simple problem. I think I should consider addressing you as my disciple.”

“You are usually quite fast to pick up such things, but I guess when you learn more complex things, you tend to deviate from the original path and get a little distracted.”

He then gave a strict look before continuing. “Brat! You seem to have forgotten that my Martial Arts is unique. This is also true when it comes to my swordsmanship. And as the center of everything, my Energy Circulation Method should be the same!”

“The Sacred Qi and Demonic Qi are meant for my Yin-Yang Arts and Swordsmanship and nothing else! You, stupid disciple!”

After that, he quickly ended the call, not giving Shin any time to react.

Shin, on the other hand, stared blankly at the dark screen in front of him as he was completely dumbstruck.

Professor Plum seemed to have not answered his question directly, but Shin had already gotten the answer that he was looking for.

Yet again-… it was already right in front of him, but he failed to notice.

“Tsk! So, it is like that! I felt like I was turning stupider these past few days!”

As it turned out, he had already achieved his goal without him knowing. The main problem that prevented him from seeing it was his blindness about the ‘higher form’ of mana!

He was too focused on looking for a way how he would promote the grade of his Earth and Metal Elemental Mana and match his Fire Elemental Mana, the power of the Brilliant Sun.

But the truth was the three elements were already in an equilibrium. They were already in a balanced state when he gained a certain level of mastery of the ‘Golden Immortality and Great Dominator Techniques’.

His Metal and Earth Elemental Mana were already comparable to his Fire Elemental during that time, and he had broken that balance when he insisted on making the previous two reach the same level as the latter.

The Earth, Metal, and Fire Elemental Mana had already formed a certain balance, but he destroyed it when he used the power of the Brilliant Sun.

The powers of the Brilliant Sun and Abyssal Moon were supposedly used as a substitute for his Sacred Qi and Demonic Qi. They were meant to compliment his Yin-Yang Arts and Swordsmanship.

As for the current level of his Elemental Mana, they were already in a desirable stage. They might be a notch lower compared to the Powers of the Brilliant Sun and Abyssal Moon individually, but they would not lose that much if he combined them.

lightsΝοvεl ?οm He was just feeling that they were not good enough to match those two higher forms of mana because they were still incomplete. He was still missing the two Elemental Mana that would perfect their form.

He could not do anything about it since he still did not understand the elements of water and wood.

This lack of understanding was the thing that prevented him from completing the full cycle of the five elements. But it did not mean that his current situation was not that good.

His might when using Yin-Yang Swordsmanship might have been stronger compared to when he was using the other fighting style, but it did not mean that it was completely superior.

As long as he utilized the three breathing techniques properly and combined them with his Mentalism Methods flawlessly, then it would be hard to decide which of the styles was better, especially when he added ‘Mondi’s Style’ and ‘Regan’s Method’ to the equation.

Being awakened from his delusions, Shin finally found a way to break through his current situation. He finally found the answer to his current problems.

Having a clearer mind, Shin quickly stood up and started practicing this complex style that he currently had.

Now that he had a clearer look at the situation, countless ideas immediately started entering his head. They were flowing naturally as he absorbed each of them while practicing this new form of swordsmanship.

************

Not long after, Shin had created a style that would showcase everything that he had heard up until now. This also showcased the unification of all the ideas that he had collected these past couple of days.

The Perfected Four Symbol Scripture and Jade Kirin Scripture that he could summon through ‘Reality Manifestation,’ his Natural State, the current fighting style created along with the ‘Mondi’s Style’ and the ‘Regan’s Method,’ and the suitable Elemental Mana that could complement all of this – all of these were coming together.

Aside from this, he could also use his Martial Arts, particularly the Yin-Yang Arts, and Swordsmanship when they were needed.

His weapon and equipment were also currently at the peak of the game, so he would not be having much problem right now.

He believed that he now had all the requirements to clear his Tier 3 Class Promotion Quest. All that was left was how well he would perform on this test.

The theory was good and all, but the execution was still a whole different matter.

If he wanted to find the answer, then he had to test everything out.

Swoosh!

Shin found himself standing in the middle of the familiar trail grounds once again.

He would go all out this time. If he did not deliver a good result and could not produce a desirable outcome this time, then he could only blame his incompetence.

With all the tools that he currently had, he believed that he would be able to at least defeat one or two of the clones even if he could not clear this first part of his promotion quest.

If he could not do at least that, then he had to accept that he was not good enough.

…

Looking around, Shin adjusted his mood.

He then turned his eyes in front of him, looking at the four clones standing there.

After staring at them for a couple of moments, he started walking forward while stretching his waist and arms. He was pretty much relaxed as he walked toward them.

This was not his first time here, after all. He was already used to being here after testing himself and trying to clear this promotion quest. Although each experience was different every time, he had already experienced most of them. He was already familiar with the next events that were about to come.

Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh!

The four clones moved almost simultaneously the moment when he advanced. All of them disappeared as they executed their respective movement techniques.

Shin immediately realized that this try would be different from the rest. He had already suspected that this Trial Ground was responding to his current strength and the performances of the clones reflected his current strength, so he was not surprised.

Now that he had grown once again, he had already expected that these clones would adjust accordingly when the battle started.

He was very calm as he watched them disappear in their respective spots, but that did not mean that he would be letting his guard down.

His senses were already working to the fullest as he activated his sensing techniques one after another. The ‘Sensing Circle’ spread in every direction while his ‘True Sight’ read the movements of the mana in the air.

Swoosh!

In an instant, Shin sensed a sword rapidly cutting through the air and approaching him from behind.

He did not hesitate as he adjusted his breathing. He quickly used the two new breathing techniques that he had mastered and moved his mana accordingly.

His muscles bulged right after the mana within his body circulated according to the two breathing techniques, reinforcing his strength and the power hidden behind them.

The ‘Golden Immortality’ and ‘Great Dominator’ Techniques were both special breathing techniques that would help an individual to increase their battle capabilities by enhancing their physique.

Compared to the ‘Solar Breathing Technique’ which was centered around enhancing his energy, these two other techniques were body-strengthening techniques that were converted into breathing techniques.

Their main purpose was similar to one another.

Despite the similarities between the two body-strengthening techniques, there were still some differences between them. They focused on different parts of the human body when strengthening.

The ‘Great Dominator Technique’ focused more on strengthening the flesh, muscles, and skin of an individual while the ‘Golden Immortality Technique’ focused more on increasing the density and toughness of the bones and enhancing the entirety of the skeletal system.

Both using these two secret techniques together and combining their prowess, the produced result would be surprising.

Clang!

Shin casually turned his body and slightly raised the sheathed sword to the side, blocking the incoming strike.

Behind him, the Sword Phantom had just thrown an ambush by using a sword-drawing strike. The power behind this attack was much heavier than what a normal sword draw could achieve, and it could force anyone to retreat even though they were successful at blocking.

…-yet Shin was currently standing firm on his position despite receiving such an attack.

This was the result of the enhancements that the two secret techniques had provided him. Adding the elemental mana of earth and metal covering his body, the strengthening that he had received was not small.

Swoosh!

Shin did not dwell in his thoughts after blocking that ambush. He was already making his next move before the Sword Phantom could even respond.

With a slight push of his sword, the Sword Phantom was forced to retreat.

Earlier, when Shin had blocked its attack, it felt that it hit a huge rock boulder. But this time, when Shin made that simple push, the Sword Phantom felt that a giant metal ball was pressing forward, forcing it to rapidly retreat.

At the same time when he made that push, Shin turned toward the other direction as he twisted his body.

He was already assuming a sword-drawing stance as his right hand was unknowingly placed on the hilt of the sheathed sword.

His stance was firm as his feet were planted on the ground.

Along with his actions, his breathing rhythm slightly changed. The ‘Great Dominator Technique’ disappeared along with the earthen aura surrounding him. Then the ‘Solar Breathing Technique’ took its place as the flow of mana within him responded accordingly.

The metallic glow shrouded his body and was joined by fiery embers while the elemental mana of fire and metal gathered on his sheathed sword.

Click!

The subtle sound rang, and Shin pulled the [Yamato] from its sheathe.

Shing!

When the blade was revealed, it released a deep and blinding light similar to a metal when it was being forged.

The flames followed through its path as the sword drew a blazing arc in the air.

‘Jade Kirin Scripture: Quick Draw (Fire and Metal Form) – Blazing Horizon’

Swoosh!

It was a set of familiar movements, and the technique was the same, yet the feeling that Shin had gotten when executing it was completely different.

At this moment, Shin knew that he was on the right path!

Bang!

Strike was thrown and the Eclipse Clone was pushed back as it tried to block the blazing sword.

Shin did not have the time to appreciate that attack and dwell in that amazing feeling since two more attacks were rapidly approaching from each of his sides – one was from the Elemental Clone that was carrying a greatsword while the other was from the Doppel Phantom that rarely approached him from his previous battles.

Shin tossed the sheath on his left hand in the air while controlling it through ‘Telekinesis’ Elemental Skill. It also transformed into a great sword, clearly indicating that he had used the ‘Judgement Form’ of the ‘Mondi’s Style’ Legacy Skill.

He then adjusted his breathing once again. But this time, the three breathing techniques came together as he controlled three different elements.

He skillfully controlled the mana flow within his body as he separated them into two groups. One was the combination of the Earth and Metal while the other was the union of Metal and Fire.

Shin was following his instincts when he did this as he continued.

The ‘Regan’s Method’ Legacy Skill immediately followed as the greatsword was infused with Earth and Metal Elements.

Assisted by ‘Telekinesis’, he caught the greatsword in the air before suddenly swinging it down toward the incoming Elemental Clone.

‘Four Symbol Scripture: Divine Yellow Dragon Method (Metal Reinforced) – Collapsing Mountain’

Bang!

The heavy strike descended, and the Elemental Clone was forced to kneel on the ground.

Shin did not press further after that strike as he was already proceeding with the next move. He let go of the greatsword and spun toward the other direction while tightly gripping the [Yamato] with his other hand.

Swoosh!

The sword drew an arc in the air and left a melted-metal-like mana on its trajectory while slicing toward the Doppel Phantom.

‘Four Symbol Scripture: Scared White Tiger Method (Fire Reinforced) – Savage Strike’

The Doppel Phantom did not dare to face such a ferocious attack head-on and was forced to retreat.

Shin did not give chase and just stood on his spot after executing this move. He also did not care when he saw the Elemental Clone retreated toward the other direction.

Picking up the greatsword and resting it on his shoulder, he swept his gaze at the four clones surrounding him while giving them an inviting gesture by pointing the [Yamato] at them.

“That is just for the initial greeting. We have yet to start the real party, so you better be prepared.”

…