From a loser to an immortal sage

Chapter 32 Breakthrough of Self

"Windrunner...is she really back?" I grabbed Sun Yue's hand and asked anxiously. I've been feeling lost and confused these past few days, and Windrunner was like a ray of hope, showing me the possibility of a breakthrough.

Sun Yue smiled mysteriously: "It's absolutely true. I have reliable sources. I heard he came back this time for something very important, but what exactly it is, I don't know."

"Then... how can I see him?" My heart was filled with both anticipation and trepidation. What kind of person was Windrunner? How could a nobody like me just want to see him?

"Well..." Sun Yue stroked his chin knowingly, "I've heard that Windranger likes challenges, maybe you could..."

My eyes lit up, and I immediately understood what she meant. That's it! I can challenge Windranger! Even if I lose, at least I'll get his attention. Maybe this is an opportunity?

Having made up my mind, I began preparing for this "challenge." I knew the gap between myself and Windrunner was like heaven and earth, but that was no reason for me to back down. I carefully selected a set of combat-ready clothes, tied my hair up high, and looked dashing and heroic.

The next morning, I arrived early at the training ground where the Windrunners often appeared. The first rays of dawn broke, a gentle breeze caressed my face, and I took a deep breath to calm my nerves.

Time ticked by, and just as I was about to lose my patience, a tall and imposing figure silently appeared before me. He wore a long blue robe, his black hair cascaded down his back, and his deep eyes seemed to hold the stars and the sea. He exuded an irresistible aura of power.

He is Windrunner.

"You want to challenge me?" Windranger's tone was flat, revealing no emotion.

I took a deep breath and tried to remain calm: "Junior Xiao Yao humbly requests your guidance, senior."

Windranger gave me a deep look, a slight smile playing on his lips: "Alright, I agree."

And so, my special training began. The Windwalker devised a series of almost rigorous training plans for me, from basic physical training to advanced martial arts cultivation, every step of which was full of challenges.

"Speed, power, skill—you can't lack any of them." Windranger's voice echoed in my ears. "Remember, battle is not child's play; every move must be made with your full strength!"

I gritted my teeth and repeated the monotonous and arduous training movements again and again. Sweat soaked my clothes, and my muscles ached as if they were about to burst, but I dared not slacken in the slightest. Because I knew that only in this way could I achieve good results in the Immortal Sect Competition and truly deserve the title of "Master Li's Closed-Door Disciple".

"Again!" Windrunner's sharp shout pulled me back from my exhaustion. I looked up and saw that he had somehow acquired a longsword, its blade gleaming with a cold, icy light, like a slumbering beast ready to awaken at any moment...

My heart tightened, and I instinctively wanted to back away, but Windrunner's sharp gaze forced me back. "Make your move," he said calmly, his tone carrying an undeniable authority.

I took a deep breath, forcing myself to calm down. Facing a master like Windrunner, any hesitation or cowardice would be fatal. I gripped my sword tightly, channeled my spiritual energy to its limit, and unleashed a powerful thrust with the move "Flying Clouds and Startling Swallows."

However, my swordplay was like child's play to the Windrunner, easily neutralized. He didn't even move a step; with a flick of his wrist, he completely deflected my attacks.

"Too slow!" Windrunner said coldly. "Your swordsmanship is flashy but impractical, lacking power and speed, and would be no match for you in a real battle!"

His words struck me like a hammer blow, leaving me feeling powerless and frustrated. Yes, the gap between me and Windrunner was simply too vast. I was like a frog in a well, thinking I had tried my best, but unaware of my own limitations.

"Xiao Yao, don't be discouraged!" Sun Yue's voice came from afar. She had appeared at the training ground at some point. "You've improved a lot already, don't give up!"

I looked up and saw Sun Yue standing not far away, her eyes full of encouragement and support. I took a deep breath, suppressing the frustration and helplessness in my heart. Sun Yue was right, I couldn't give up like this, I still had a chance, I had to break through my limits!

In the days that followed, I threw myself into training even harder. The Windrunners' training methods were extremely rigorous, pushing me to my absolute limit. My body and mind were under immense pressure, and several times I almost couldn't go on.

But whenever I wanted to give up, Sun Yue would encourage me and cheer me on. She would tell me stories about Windrunner, telling me that he had also gone through countless hardships and challenges before finally becoming a master.

With Sun Yue's encouragement and support, I gradually found a way to break through. I no longer blindly pursued flashy and fast moves, but instead focused on the application of power and skill. I began to try to integrate the spiritual energy in my body with the sword moves, unleashing the maximum power of each and every move.

"Very good, that's it!" Windrunner looked at my progress, and a hint of appreciation finally appeared in his eyes. "You must remember, the way of the sword is boundless, and one must strive for perfection. Only by constantly breaking through one's own limits can one ultimately reach the pinnacle of the way of the sword!"

I nodded, taking his words to heart. I know I still have a long way to go, but I believe that as long as I persevere, one day I will be able to become a true powerhouse, just like Windranger!

"What is this?!" Windrunner suddenly exclaimed, his eyes fixed on my sword...

A strange energy fluctuation emanated from my sword, rapidly spreading along my arm and throughout my body. To my astonishment, the previously rusty blade began to emit dazzling golden light. The light grew stronger and stronger, as if a small sun were burning in my hand, so bright that I couldn't open my eyes.

"This is..." Windrunner's voice held a hint of disbelief, "...your sword..."

Before I could even examine it closely, I felt a powerful force surge from the sword, instantly coursing through my entire body. My meridians seemed to be cleansed by this force, the previously stagnant areas became incredibly smooth, and the spiritual energy within my body became purer and stronger.

I instinctively swung the sword in my hand, and a golden sword aura shot out, splitting a boulder in two not far away.

“This…” I looked at my hands in disbelief. Was this really the power I could muster?

"This is your magic weapon; it has awakened new abilities." Windrunner's eyes gleamed, but his tone carried a hint of solemnity. "It seems you have quite the luck, to have obtained such a powerful magic weapon."

"A magic weapon?" I looked at the sword in my hand with a puzzled expression. This sword had always been with me, and I thought it was just an ordinary weapon. I never expected it to be a magic weapon.

“Magic artifacts possess a spirit and can evolve as their master’s strength increases,” Windrunner explained. “Your magic artifact is clearly extraordinary; the power it contains far exceeds your imagination.”

I was overjoyed. With this magic weapon, wouldn't my strength improve by leaps and bounds?

“However,” Windrunner’s tone suddenly turned serious, “the power of a magical artifact needs to match one’s own strength, otherwise it is easy to lose control. You currently have great power, but you cannot fully control it. If you overuse it, you will suffer a backlash.”

A chill ran down my spine as I realized I had become somewhat carried away. Windrunner was right; no matter how powerful one's abilities, if one cannot control them, they are nothing but a mirage.

"What should I do?" I took a deep breath, forced myself to calm down, and humbly asked Windrunner for advice.

Windrunner pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "You need to focus more on your own cultivation and improve your strength in order to gradually master the new abilities of your magical artifacts..." His gaze fell on my sword, carrying a meaningful glint in his eyes, "This sword is no ordinary weapon..."

Windrunner's words were like a wake-up call. Suppressing my excitement, I began to focus even more on my cultivation. Besides practicing basic swordsmanship daily, I spent more time meditating, sensing the spiritual energy of heaven and earth to improve my cultivation. Windrunner, without reservation, taught me a more refined sword technique called "Flowing Light Sword Art." This technique emphasized speed, accuracy, and ruthlessness, perfectly complementing the magical weapon in my hands.

“Remember, the key to swordsmanship is not the quantity of moves, but their quality.” Windwalker corrected my movements repeatedly. “You must integrate your spiritual power with your sword intent to unleash its full power.”

I heeded the teachings and practiced diligently day after day. Sweat soaked my clothes, but I never tired of it. I could feel that as I mastered the Flowing Light Sword Technique, my control over the magical weapon was also gradually increasing. That raging power, like a tamed beast, began to obey my commands.

“Not bad, you’ve improved very quickly.” Windrunner rarely showed an approving look. “Now, try to integrate your sword energy into your sword moves.”

I took a deep breath and channeled my spiritual energy into the sword. A golden sword aura burst forth, transforming into a streak of light that pierced straight towards a towering tree in front of me. With a deafening roar, the tree collapsed, the cut as smooth as a mirror.

"Very good!" Windrunner nodded. "Your sword energy is already taking shape. Given time, you will surely become a great master."

The training was tough, but fulfilling and joyful. Not only did my skills improve significantly, but more importantly, I found my goals and direction. I yearn to become stronger, no longer that weakling who could be bullied by everyone; I want to stand at the pinnacle of this world and protect everything I want to protect.

Finally, the special training ended. I bowed deeply to Windrunner, "Thank you for your guidance during this time, senior. I will never forget it."

Windrunner smiled faintly, "There's no need for such formalities between us. The Immortal Sect Competition is about to begin, so you should prepare well."

I said goodbye to Windrunner and returned to my residence. Sun Yue greeted me, looked me up and down, and exclaimed in surprise, "Xiao Yao, you seem to have changed a lot!"

"Is that so?" I smiled, picked up the teacup on the table, and took a small sip. "Perhaps I've gained some insights during my cultivation recently."

"It seems that Qingyun Peak is going to have a great time in this Immortal Sect Competition!" Sun Yue said excitedly.

I smiled and shook my head, but I remained vigilant. I knew the real test had only just begun.

I walked to the table, picked up the wooden box for drawing lots, took a deep breath, and slowly extended my hand...