CHAPTER 235: TECHNIQUES [1]

Nearly an hour later, Fang Wu’s calm yet commanding voice echoed across the plains once again.

"Alright, stop. Since all of you have now comprehended the techniques bestowed upon you, the next step is to demonstrate your understanding."

The gathered disciples straightened immediately. Despite exhaustion from their earlier trials, their eyes gleamed with anticipation and pride.

None had disappointed Fang Wu — every disciple here had managed to grasp at least the basics of their assigned technique.

Each of them was a genius in their own right within their sects and clans. Yet here, among the chosen of countless peaks, they were but ordinary fish cast into a vast ocean.

Still, none complained. For those with true hearts of cultivation, it was better to swim among dragons than rule over frogs in a pond. That was the spirit that separated the ordinary from the extraordinary.

Some hailed from illustrious bloodlines, carrying ancestral techniques honed over millennia. Others came from humble background, their pride forged in struggle rather than inheritance.

But here, all were equal — measured only by the strength they could wield.

Fang Wu raised his hand.

"We’ll proceed in order. Begin from the rightmost disciple. Step forward and display your technique."

A young man in crimson robes stepped out first, his expression composed. He clasped his hands.

"Disciple Xue Jian of the Chaos Heaven Peak."

He inhaled sharply, his Qi blazing outward.

In the next instant, crimson flames swirled around him, condensing into the form of a firebird. With a sharp motion of his fingers, the fiery creature let out a cry and shot into the sky, exploding into a rain of crimson embers that fell down, around the area, blackening the ground.

"Not bad," Fang Wu remarked, eyes glimmering.

"Your comprehension of the Crimson Sky Manifestation is stable, though lacking a touch of control and firepower. Next disciple."

Next, a girl dressed in flowing azure stepped forward, bowing slightly.

"Disciple Lan Yue of the Azure Sky Peak."

Her Qi rippled like water, gentle yet unyielding.

Raising her arms, she weaved the currents into a spinning vortex that reflected light like polished sapphire.

Within moments, the air filled with a low hum as droplets of spiritual water began orbiting her at an extremely fast speed.

When she dispersed the technique, the surrounding ground shimmered with moisture.

Fang Wu nodded approvingly.

"Graceful and fluid — your understanding of the Oceanic Mirror Art shows potential."

Then the third disciple stepped forward, a tall man with silver hair, stomped forward with arrogance.

"Disciple Xu Zhentang of the Order Heaven Peak."

The moment he raised his hand, the air cracked.

Thunder boomed and lightning snaked around him, gathering into a spear of pure electricity. With a roar, he hurled it into the distance, like a divine punishment.

The ground exploded, sending shockwaves that rippled outward.

Fang Wu’s brows twitched slightly.

"Powerful. Control your Qi and the output of the attack would increase."

A few murmurs followed as the next disciple came forth, a quiet girl in black and white robes, her eyes calm as still water.

Shadows flickered around her feet as she formed a series of seals. A moment later, her shadow detached itself, forming a humanoid silhouette beside her, mirroring her every motion.

Fang Wu raised a brow.

"A rare comprehension of dual Qi harmony... interesting. Proceed."

On and on, disciples came forward, displaying fiery arts, blade techniques, elemental manipulations, and strange illusions — each revealing their personal path within the dao.

Luo XIanyin and her group, the one spared by Yu Xuan also showed promising techniques.

Meanwhile, Yu Xuan stood silently, watching with mild amusement. Long Anming stood beside him, arms crossed, expression unreadable but if looks could kill Yu Xuan would be dead.

During the ongoing demonstrations, Yu Xuan turned his focus inward. Within his consciousness, he began feeding all the newly observed techniques — those he had memorized through his spirit sense, into [The Formless Martial Path].

The process was not quick, as it took some time for weaving foreign principles into a seamless whole.

The more he integrated, the more his martial path began to expand.

When it was done, Yu Xuan exhaled quietly. His eyes gleamed faintly with satisfaction.

The results were excellent, several new movement and spirit techniques, elemental techniques and even soul techniques had been absorbed into his core martial path, enhancing his adaptability in combat

’Now that’s convenient,’ he mused.

Time flowed, and before long, it was Long Anming’s turn.

She stepped forward with measured grace, her every movement exuding quiet nobility.

Her now, golden-white hair shimmered faintly.

"Disciple Long Anming of the Heavenly Beast Peak."

Then, she closed her eyes.

For a heartbeat, she stood perfectly still, the air serene and motionless. Then, her eyes opened again — pure molten gold, slitted with divine sharpness.

A tidal wave of pressure erupted from her body.

The sheer dominance of it swept across the field, forcing nearby disciples to stumble back.

The ground quivered; the air thickened into a tangible force. Behind her, the faint outline of a golden dragon coiled and rose, its eyes mirroring her own.

Her aura condensed into a shimmering field — a miniature domain. Within that space, even the ambient spiritual energy of heaven and earth seemed to obey her will, flowing as she directed.

Yu Xuan observed carefully, eyes narrowing with interest, because her pressure did not affect him.

He also noted that she’s likely receiving a resonance boost because of her dragon bloodline.

When he had tested [Dragon’s Domination], nothing of the sort had occurred. It seemed the technique truly thrived on draconic lineage, magnifying both control and authority.

Then, faintly, Yu Xuan felt a ripple from within himself — responding to her aura. It was his essence which changed her.

Long Anming’s gaze flicked toward him for the briefest moment. Her dragon pupils contracted.

Yu Xuan tilted his head slightly.

’Interesting... so it did fully affect her dragon bloodline after all.’

A quiet grin played across his face.

And though no one else noticed, the Martial Ancestor’s eyes shimmered faintly, watching the silent exchange with the keen interest of someone who had just seen the faint glimmer of a storm yet to come.