Am I too Lucky?

After the Instructors apprehended the demonic cultivators and robbed- no I mean confiscated their belongings, we had returned back to the academy. According to Instructor Jianfeng, most people had left the mountain around three days after entering, and quite a few had come back with treasures.

I doubt anyone was as lucky as me. I inherited a new technique, but the problem is that I can't fully control my body. This is problematic for two reasons. First, it's my body, and second, I cannot progress fully into the second level of the Sword Dao. At the second level, the sword and body become, achieving perfect harmony and communication between the two.

If someone can't even fully control their body, how can they possibly advance to the next level? If I don't solve this issue soon, it will seriously hinder me.

After explaining my situation to Instructor Jianfeng, he paused, deep in thought, before speaking. "So, you said multiple golden letters entered your mind?"

I nodded. "Yes, that's correct. Do you have any idea what they could be?"

He replied in a playful tone, "Not really, no. But based on what you've described- blackouts, instinctual movements-it seems the letters represent the fighting instincts and techniques of the corpse. In essence, its memories have integrated into your body, resulting in a type of ingrained muscle memory."

I frowned. "Won't that hinder my sword training?"

He shook his head slightly. "Not significantly, at least not in its current state. It seems to only occur when you're not paying attention or when you're in danger. Over time, you'll adapt and integrate it into your own fighting style fully, and the muscle memory can be overwritten as you train. On the bright side, you've covered a sword cultivator's only real weakness: close combat. You'll be much stronger if you can wield both your fists and your sword effectively."

What he said made sense. Sword cultivators eventually gain sword qi, so long-range attacks aren't a problem. However, we often struggle against those who specialize in fist techniques. Sword practitioners are trained to fight at medium distances, while fist cultivators excel within a breath's length, where their sheer strength can overwhelm us.

Instructor Jianfeng then turned his attention to Lei Ying. "Speaking of which, Xingyun, just how lucky are you?"

I blinked, puzzled. "What do you mean?"

He sighed, his tone turning inquisitive. "You just decided to tame a beast without really knowing what it was?"

"Of course I know what it is. This is Lei Ying, a lightning tiger beast. What's the matter?"

He facepalmed before replying, "I'd be fine if it were just a regular lightning tiger. But this... this is a heavenly lightning tiger. It's a far more evolved variant."

"Heavenly?" I repeated, my tone skeptical. "What makes it so special that someone decided to slap 'Heavenly' in front of its name?"

Instructor Jianfeng's expression grew serious. "Everything about it is special. This one isn't even an adolescent; it's just a cub. Its strength, speed, and affinity with the lightning Dao far surpass its counterparts. When it matures, it has endless potential and is the only creature across all realms that can summon Heavenly Tribulation Thunder against its opponents."

My face went blank. Lucky, huh... This is something that could rival being born into the three great families.

He chuckled, amused at my luck. "They're extremely rare. I only know of them because our director owns one as well. However, there's a drawback: they age much slower. For example, while a regular lightning tiger reaches adulthood in twenty years, a heavenly lightning tiger might take a hundred or even two hundred years."

I grinned sinisterly. "That's fine... I'll just work Lei Ying to the bone once he can start using that ability."

The academy's dismissal bell rang, interrupting the conversation. Instructor Jianfeng stood, preparing to leave. "I have an instructor's conference to attend. Let me know if anything unusual happens again. Also, never show that creature in the world until you're stronger, far stronger than you are now."

I bowed respectfully. "Of course, Instructor Jianfeng. Thank you for your guidance."

Leaving his office, I headed for the training rooms to practice the new technique I'd learned.

…

"Stretch nine... stretch ten... stretch eleven..."

According to the manual, mastering the first level of the technique involves three steps. The first is stretching the body with specific movements to increase flexibility. This allows the body to endure more stress and operate at peak capacity for longer durations.

"Feel and engage the flexor carpi radialis. Good. Now the extensor carpi ulnaris. Good."

The second step requires one to engage and control every muscle in the body, starting from the bottom up. Qi is used to enhance awareness of the body and muscles, allowing for precise control over each muscle. Eventually, I will be able to move even different muscle fibers without relying on Qi. This minimizes wasted energy and maximizes power output.

"98... 99... 100..."

The third and final step involves rigorous exercises performed to the point of complete muscle failure. These include push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups, planks, squats, rock climbing, and sprints. Initially, the exercises are done with body weight alone, but as progress is made, steel weights are added for resistance.

At the end of each session, a low-grade health pill and a Qi pill are consumed to heal and replenish energy. This cycle is repeated twice a day until the second stage of the technique is achieved.

Over the next two months, I adhered to a strict schedule: wake up, train, attend academy, practice the Sword Dao, train again, and sleep.

The results were astounding. My strength and physique improved dramatically, far surpassing what I'd achieved with regular body-tempering pills. By now, my raw strength had likely quadrupled, yet my frame remained lean and athletic thanks to the technique's design.

I also experienced a growth spurt, shooting up from 150 cm (4'11) to 163 cm (5'4) in a few months. At this rate, I might reach 190.5 cm (6'3) by adulthood.

One morning, after completing my training, I entered the classroom as usual, now towering over most of my peers. The past two months had been nothing but training. No large event or commotion had taken place, and as a result, everyone began to become bored.

Instructor Jianfeng walked in, his voice brimming with energy. "Good morning, students. I know the past two months of lectures and basic training have been tedious, but they were necessary. I have a surprise for you all... In two weeks, we'll travel to Tianlong City for the Heavenly Dragon Gathering. You'll compete against geniuses from various sects and families, all around your age."

He paused before continuing. "The goal is to have someone obtain a top ten slot in the gathering. In order to increase our strength quickly, there will be nothing but your own personal training for the next two weeks, in effect today. I've said what I needed, and I will take my leave."

As he began to exit the door, he looked back one more time. "And to let you all know, if you fail to obtain a top ten spot, let's just say it won't be fun when we come back..."

You could hear his laugh echoing as he walked down the hallway. 

My blood surged with excitement. A grin spread across my face; a fighting maniac's grin. I muttered under my breath, "The Heavenly Dragon Gathering, huh? How perfect. I hope you're there..."