Chapter 15: Dazzling Inadequacy

Chapter 15: Dazzling Inadequacy

15

Dazzling Inadequacy

I

Hao Zhen awoke to the sound of knocking. Opening his eyes, he looked around the room, which was still rather dark, and found it unfamiliarmuch bigger than he remembered his room beingmuch to his confusion. Then he remembered yesterdays events. Right. He was in Tian Jins house, in one of his guest rooms.

And the one knocking on the door

Tian Jin? he asked, still a little disoriented.

Tian Jins voice came from the other side. Ah, so you were awake after all.

I am now, Hao Zhen grumbled, getting up from the bed. Looking out of the window, he saw that it was dark outside. What time is it? he called out.

Almost sunrise, came Tian Jins voice.

Almost sunrise. Hao Zhen groaned, rubbing his eyes. It wasnt as if he wasnt used to waking up earlyhe had woken up about the same time the day of the missionbut he had been planning on sleeping in a little today. Clearly, Tian Jin had other ideas.

Give me a moment, Hao Zhen said, picking up his robes, which he had hastily thrown on the chair yesterday before jumping into the bed. Getting dressed.

A short while later, he opened the door and walked out of the room, dressed in the same robes he had worn the past few days. He didnt know why or how, but it didnt smell at all. Now that he knew that inscriptions were a thing, he figured the robe was enchanted in some way.

He found Tian Jin waiting for him, leaning against the opposite wall.

Slept well? Tian Jin asked, looking him over, a bright, honest smile on his face.

I guess, Hao Zhen said, his eyes watering as he tried to stifle a yawn. Id have liked to sleep a bit longer, though.

Nonsense. Its always best to rise together with the sun. Tian Jin pushed himself off the wall. What do you want to do first? Should we go over to your place right now, or would you like to start with the spar?

Hao Zhen blinked at him, confused for a moment, before remembering that yesterday they had already decided on todays plans.

Since he wasnt in any condition to spar, Hao Zhen didnt even need to think twice to decide. Lets go pick up my clothes first, he said. Hopefully, the walk to his place would be enough for him to finish waking up.

With that, the two of them made their way out of the house, headed toward the start of the residential area, where Hao Zhens house was located. This time around, they walked in silence, though it wasnt an uncomfortable, awkward one. As they walked, a couple of outer disciples looked their way, though Hao Zhen knew that they were actually only looking at Tian Jin.

As they walked, Hao Zhen tried to think of a way to broach the subject of Tian Jins relationship with Bao Yun, but he couldnt think of a good way to phrase his question. Instead, they talked about what their lives had been like since joining the sectwhat they had done these last two months. Hao Zhen didnt have much to share, but Tian Jin? Hao Zhen reckoned that even if Tian Jin were to talk for a day straight, it wouldnt be enough to go over everything.

Another blink, and Tian Jins fist was right in from his face, merely an inch away. A sudden gust of air blew against Hao Zhens face, slightly ruffling his hair.

Hao Zhen blinked again.

What the

And it was over.

Why didnt you dodge? Tian Jin asked as he took a step back, drawing back his fist. There was a puzzled look on his face. He was back to acting like his usual self, the dangerous aura from before gone.

It was only then that Hao Zhen finished processing what had just happened. Dodge? he asked, incredulous. Clearly, Tian Jins expectations of him werent nearly low enough. I could barely see you move!

I Tian Jin narrowed his eyes. He looked genuinely confused, clearly not comprehending what was going on, as if he couldnt believe anyone could be this pathetic.

Oh, Merciful Heaven. Hao Zhen pinched the bridge of his nose, turning his head down as he considered the situation.

It wasnt as if Tian Jin was alone in feeling surprised. Hao Zhen had known that Tian Jin was on another level, but he hadnt expected the difference between them to be this big. He vaguely remembered Tian Jin fighting in the entrance examinations, and he definitely hadnt been nearly as fast. Then again, back then Tian Jin had been a graysoul, not a second-level redsoul.

In hindsight, Hao Zhen probably should have known that things would turn out like this.

Look, Im at the first level of the Red Spiritual Realm, Hao Zhen finally said after putting his thoughts in order. Youre at the second. That alone already means theres a significant difference between us in terms of physical attributes. He waited for Tian Jin to nod, then continued, On top of that, you know martial arts. I dont. He rubbed his neck. I mean, the first time I was ever punched was earlier this week when you saved me from Ke Li. Surely Surely this isnt that surprising.

Tian Jin crossed his arms over his chest. For a while, he didnt say anything, seemingly immersed in his thoughts. All right, Tian Jin finally said, his expression relaxing. We dont really have the time for you to learn martial arts, so well instead focus on getting you to the second level of the Red Spiritual Realm and increasing your proficiency with Ethereal String Puppetry. He paused, looking at Hao Zhen inquisitively. What do you think?

That, in Hao Zhens opinion, was a much more feasible plan. For a moment there, he had been worried Tian Jin would suggest some kind of insane training regime, claiming that by the end of the week Hao Zhen would be able to hold his own in a physical fight. And while Hao Zhen believed he could do with that kind of training, Tian Jin had been right when he said that they just didnt have the time for that right now.

Focusing on his cultivation and spiritual skill right now would definitely be far more advantageous, as that was bound to bring results in the short term. Hao Zhen did plan on learning some martial arts further down the line. He just couldnt make that his priority at the moment. What was important right now was to become strong enough to survive whatever Du Qing threw at them, and the easiest way to achieve that would be through increasing his level and getting some practice in with Ethereal String Puppetry.

Sure, Hao Zhen said, answering Tian Jins question. Should we start with cultivation?

That works. Tian Jin then sat down on the stage and motioned for him to do the same.

Hao Zhen hesitated. He had been about to suggest heading inside for this. Then again, it was a cloudy and all-around pleasant morning, so he reckoned it wouldnt hurt to do this outside. In any case, theyd have to head back to the stage later anyway when he started practicing Ethereal String Puppetry, so they might as well stay here.

With that, he sat down in front of Tian Jin, wondering how this would go. Theyd definitely be talking about cultivation methods, and he wasnt sure how exactly Tian Jin would be able to help with that.

Tian Jin was already a second-level redsoul, considering he was already a second-level a month ago when he participated in that competition for outer disciples, he probably wasnt that far away from becoming a third-level, but from what Hao Zhen knew, that was only because Tian Jin was absurdly talented and had plenty of cultivation resources at his disposal. Maybe he knew some kind of trick or technique to comprehend cultivation methods faster? After all, Tian Jin was born in a magical clan, so maybe he knew something that Hao Zhen didnt.

As it turned out, Tian Jin didnt have any special techniques to teach him, but he was able to help all the same. Hao Zhen had already known that Tian Jin was a genius, but over the course of the ensuing conversation, he realized just how much he had been underestimating the other boy.