Chapter: 271
What announces the arrival of winter after autumn is…
the cold air.
As the wind gradually grows chilly, and the beautifully colored leaves start to hold their breath…
Only then could one truly realize that winter has come.
Of course, it’s still too early to call it winter.
It won’t be long before the lush forest turns cold.
At the training ground of the Gu Clan…
Whoosh!
Flames were swirling within the training ground.
Unlike the cold air outside, the spacious room was filled with heat.
A massive flame was spinning through the air, filling the surroundings.
The bet was glowing as if it could explode at any moment.
“Stay focused.”
Yet, I was careful not to let it burst.
I endured the dreaded vibrations that seemed ready to unleash chaos, compressing and maneuvering with precision.
My danjeon felt tightly constricted as if gripped by a vice.
The body maintaining that pressure was exquisitely delicate.
“Come together.”
As if issuing a command, I whispered it into the heart of the flames.
Instantly, the fire that had been sprawling outwards rushed back and gathered into the palm of my hand.
Whooosh!
The gale generated by the flames whipped my hair back, but I paid it no mind.
For now, the sole focus had to be on achieving a higher level of completion.
“Phew…”
As the flames gradually ceased their vibrations, I was finally able to open my previously shut eyes.
Where had the soft, pure white hands I first saw upon my return vanished to?
Now, what caught my eye were rough, enlarged hands.
And atop that hand…
a small red orb had appeared.
It was the size of a fingernail, yet it emanated a soft, splendid glow.
Looking at it, I let out a sigh.
“… I did it.”
It’s hard to fathom how much gambling energy is packed into this tiny bead.
At the very least, I had to expend more than half of my total energy.
And since I poured in a compression upon compression…
If I were to release my focus even for a second, it contained the potential to explode and obliterate the surroundings.
“But there’s no cost-effectiveness whatsoever.”
Creating this small bead alone consumed more than half my betting energy.
This means that, at this level, I could only use it once.
“In my past life, I utilized it quite well, though.”
At that time, in terms of betting amounts, excluding the Heavenly Demon, I was the top contender in the Central Plains.
I could utilize as much as I needed without employing any compression or adjustments.
“But right now… I can’t rely on that.”
Thump!
I clenched the small orb tightly in my fist as I suppressed it gently.
Even though I detonated it with the intent of retrieval, a sudden gust of wind reverberated through the training ground.
Fire Jade.
It is one of the seasons of the Gu Flame Wheel Technique that can only be used upon reaching a certain level.
What this signifies…
“I’ve ascended.”
It meant that my Gu Flame Wheel Technique had finally reached the sixth star.
Additionally…
“Just one step away from the Fire Realm.”
I was merely a step away from crossing the peak and stepping into a new world.
“…It came much quicker than I expected.”
I thought the realm might be something I wouldn’t reach until I was at least in my twenties.
It approached far sooner than anticipated.
Not only had I consumed plenty of magic stones and energy during this time,
but perhaps because I reached my peak at such a young age…
The integration of my energy into my flesh could also be particularly swift.
“…But then again, that one step is always the hardest.”
The wall blocking my upper chamber was vast, large, and thick.
Unlike during the peak, I couldn’t find any gaps to burrow through.
And I lacked the strength to demolish it completely.
Only reaching it was an accomplishment; surpassing it would take some time.
Even so…
“Reaching the sixth star is a significant achievement.”
The efforts I poured into relentless training yielded results after so long.
I went through so much hassle just to create this one crazy bead.
“…Can I finally take it easy now?”
It wasn’t so much that I wanted to use this martial art specifically.
The fastest and most effective training for reaching the sixth star revolved around crafting this Fire Jade.
I had to carefully adjust my energy.
To do that, outrageous pressure was exerted on my body.
Endure this and move the energy?
“That’s basically training, isn’t it?”
Despite the arrival of autumn following summer…
It felt more like I was rolling around under the scorching sun all day rather than enjoying crisp weather.
Anyway, I got what I desired…
“From now on, I can afford to take it a bit easier…”
– Young Master!
“…Huh?”
While I was shaking myself off, I heard the servant’s voice from outside.
“What’s wrong?”
– I bring word from the General. They say the head of the clan is looking for you.
“…”
I immediately sensed what that meant from the servant’s words.
It seemed I wouldn’t get to rest as I had hoped.
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