Chapter 87: Lessons Begin: Religious Practice of the Tortoise Sovereign's Kata to Reach Enlightenment. The Unexpected Discipline of the Emperor.

Yang Wei took a lingering look at Li Meixiu, his gaze tracing her face and then slowly moving down her body.

There was some enjoyment crossed his eyes—as though he liked what he was seeing.

Li Meixiu let out a sigh and interrupted his visual exploration, "Can we focus on the most important thing here?"

Rubbing his chin, Yang Wei continued to stare at her, nonchalantly remarking, "The Tortoise Sovereign's Kata, right? I got that covered."

Li Meixiu clenched her fists and exclaimed, "NO! If you did, then you'd know the whole idea is for you to focus on cultivating and not get distracted by my body!"

Innocently, Yang Wei extended his arms and joked, "Whoa, easy there. Learn to be humble. I was only looking because I haven't seen a woman with such a muscular, yet sexy body. Impressive, I must say." Stroking his chin as if he had a beard, he added, "Consider it an honor."

Li Meixiu lowered her head, quivering as she struggled to contain her anger.

Is this honestly the one they call Emperor of Magic on the other Page of Existence?! I feel the sudden urge to strangle him to death.

Just as she was about to unleash her frustration, she noticed Yang Wei with a clenched fist in the palm of his other hand and a lowered head. He admitted, "Honestly, I'm not a fan of learning under someone, and I've been that way since childhood. But I accept that I don't know everything. Can you guide me?

I need to cultivate and connect with Elder Tortoise to understand the bond between Magic and Cultivation."

Stunned, Li Meixiu saw Yang Wei bowing his head respectfully.

What's with his constant change in personalities, I can't even tell which is the real one...

Breaking out of her shock, she discreetly cleared her throat and assured him, "It's fine. I'll help you without a doubt. After all, you're my student." She shifted her round waist to the side, placing a hand on it, and smiled, "For however long that'll be."

Yang Wei lifted his head, and the two exchanged warm smiles.

And from then, their lessons began.

...

Li Meixiu spent the first two days burning the concept of the Tortoise Sovereign's Kata into Yang Wei's memory. He had to recite what every stance represented and what the concept of this special fighting style depicted—its true essence.

Soon after, 4 days had gone by.

In the greener parts of the forests, Li Meixiu stood with her strong arms folded while she watched Yang Wei religiously perform the Tortoise Sovereign's Kata.

As he practiced, she spoke in a somewhat military fashion.

"By mastering these eight moves with precision and purpose, you unlock the Six Foundational Steps of the Black Tortoise. This harmonizes you with the defensive skills and spiritual toughness tied to this legendary martial art. You'll embody its true essence – the speed of the Serpent and the strength of the Tortoise."

Every aspect of these stances, now I understand how it works...

No, now I understand how cultivation in general works. While magic focuses solely on external action and practical mastery, cultivation is different. In order to master a technique, one must not practice it until they get it... one must practice it, until they can't make it wrong, it has to become a way of life.

Magic requires practice for one to perfect it. But as for cultivation... comprehension is everything!

"First Step: Serpent's Coil Stance!"

Yang Wei flowed into a fluid and graceful stance, embodying the serpentine aspect of Xuanwu.

Soon, a golden ethereal serpent gallantly coiled around him, enhancing his protective aura.

Bowing his head, he murmured, "First stance awakened."

With her arms folded, Li Meixiu watched Yang Wei, still taken aback.

There is not a single cultivator in the Star Sovereign Sect who has mastered the Tortoise Sovereign's Kata in just two weeks... and yet...

As Yang Wei approached her, the golden serpentine aura slithered forward, as if ensuring his safety. With a small wave of his hand, the ethereal serpent dissipated into wisps of golden energy. Yang Wei stood before Li Meixiu and bowed again, "Thank you, Meixiu..." his voice was solemn. "If I keep it up at this pace, I should be able to master the Six Foundational Steps in a few months..."

Li Meixiu, still surprised, remained silent.

Did he just say in a few months? NO! No one should be able to even perfect any of the stances until at least a few months. How has he reached enlightenment so quickly?!

Yang Wei called out to her, "Meixiu? Meixiu? Are you there?"

Finally snapping out of her daze, she nodded vigorously and cautioned him, "Just because you've mastered the first stance in a few weeks doesn't mean you can get conceited."

Gently shaking his head, Yang Wei smiled and assured her, "I wouldn't dare. And if I do, you'll take care of me, right?" He placed a hand on her shoulder and kept smiling at her.

For a split moment, Li Meixiu let him casually touch her.

But then, she slapped his hand away and walked off.

"You should leave this world for now, staying here isn't any good for you or the growth of your spirit root."

"And what about you?" he asked her.

"Don't bother. I can only manifest to you in places where there's abundant and naturally condensed spiritual energy... so, if you ever need to resume your training, just come here."

"I see."