Isshin's journey towards becoming strong continued, a challenging path with tribulations and transformation. Under the tutelage of Raijin, he embarked on a harsh training regimen to correct not only his skills but also himself.
Raijin was a mighty master, his proficiency gigantic and his technique unchallenged. Yet his lesson drove Isshin to the limits of his forbearance. The first lesson was a simple but awe-inspiring one - the "Thunder Qi Fist," a technique utilizing the power of lightning itself.
With perseverance, Raijin guided Isshin in the nuances of the technique, demonstrating to him the precise movement and footwork. Raijin did it flawlessly, and his mastery was apparent. However, for a novice like Isshin, it was a challenge full of tribulations. His body, which was not designed for such adversities, protested every movement. Unable to match Raijin's fluid movements, he soon realized the need for greater flexibility.
Consequently, Raijin devised a rigorous training regimen to enhance Isshin's physical prowess. Each morning began with exercises in stretching that pushed Isshin to his limits of flexibility. His body complained in pain, but he persisted, the pain of strain a constant companion.
But even these tests were only a precursor to the final transformation Raijin had envisioned. Seeing the constraints of Isshin, Raijin embarked on a profound undertaking - to reassemble the whole body of Isshin. The process was grueling, a trial by fire of the limits one must test oneself to in the quest for power.
As Raijin infused Isshin's body with qi, it was an intricate dance of energy, a symphony of pain and transformation. Qi coursed through the 206 bones, restructuring them, and reshaping Isshin's physical form into a vessel capable of containing power. The paralyzing pain attempted to engulf him, and Isshin treaded the thin line of consciousness, his eyes clouded by pain.
When he awoke, he was as if he were born anew. Strength coursed through his body, and he felt more connected to the world around him. It was a testament to what he had lost and what he had gained.
Isshin, determined and strong, inquired about how he was doing and what the future held. Raijin, unyielding in his commitment to Isshin's progress, informed him that the path to mastery was long and perilous. To leave this place and fight the obstacles that existed beyond, Isshin would need to make it to the Golden Core Realm.
Understanding the greatness of his test, Isshin steeled himself for the long years of relentless training before him. He knew this was a journey that could not be rushed, and that real strength came from concentration and unshakable will.
Isshin's training was still a challenging way, a perseverance and discovery process. Under the guidance of Raijin, he moved further into the realm of the martial arts and the elusive power of qi.
Copying Raijin's techniques was no longer a formidable task for Isshin anymore. His body, shaped by practice, adjusted more fluidly to the intricate movements of martial arts. But mastering the art of Thunder Qi Fist was an entirely different ordeal.
Raijin, ever the keen teacher, saw the effort from Isshin trying to balance the power of the art. Isshin lacked the same level of output of mana as Raijin, and it was this that made it harder for him to repel the attack.
With wisdom and patience, Raijin instructed Isshin to unlock the qi in his body. He equated it to cultivation, leading mana through the body and allowing it to become the means for martial arts moves. Raijin's counsel was a guiding beacon of wisdom for Isshin, who practiced day and night to harmonize body and soul.
Isshin did not just rely on martial arts in his pursuit of strength. He performed rigorous exercises, such as carrying boulders, to make his body strong. The rigorous exercises were complemented by his martial training, which provided him with a foundation of strength and endurance.
With the passing of weeks and without ever wavering in his devotion, Raijin explained a critical distinction within the context of qi – inner qi and outer qi. Inner qi was the power cultivated within the body, whose potency varied based on one's level of cultivation. Outer qi, on the other hand, was sourced from the environment and required no inner reserve. Raijin emphasized utilizing outer qi as much as possible, as it conserved one's inner capital.
After two months of relentless practice, Isshin finally felt the power of Thunder Qi Fist running through him with concentration and fierceness. Isshin made up his mind to test his increased strength on a standing tree next to him by concentrating the technique with all in him. The result was spectacular, the tree shattering with the force of his punch. Exhausted but thrilled, Isshin fainted from excessive ingestion of qi.
As he fell asleep, Raijin's words echoed with one final piece of advice – mastering the art of qi control. Isshin, desperate for rest, begged for a respite of an hour or two.
But his sleep was by no means peaceful. Raijin, in a movement that looked both strange and deliberate, extended his hand towards Isshin's chest as if to pierce it. The motion was fleeting and inexplicable, shocking and bewildering Isshin.
As Isshin awoke, his world had changed dramatically. Before him stood a complex interface, more akin to a game HUD. Information flowed in with ease – date, time, and even details about Raijin were shown.
Isshin was perplexed, and he marveled at the enigmatic transformation. Raijin's response was curt – "Stats." And with that, a window opened, showing Isshin's new skills and a universe of possibilities.
"Isshin Ryugen
Level: 2
Health: 12
Strength: 11
Stamina: 14
Mana/qi: 11
Intelligence: 9
Points Available: 0
Level of cultivation: Body Refining Realm 2nd Stage
Contracted Beasts: None
Titles: None
Specialties: Dragon God Raijin's Disciple."
Raijin explained that while Isshin was asleep, his body had been enhanced further, a division of Raijin's abilities that was interconnected with Isshin's growth. This system, Raijin revealed, had been borrowed from another planet, one known as Planet - A5.
As Isshin grew more proficient in cultivation, Raijin added variety to their training program by incorporating flexibility and versatility. From him, they understood that martial art skills could be modified to suit evolving situations, giving the example of the Thunder qi Palm as a variation of the Thunder qi Fist. This realization expanded Isshin's understanding of the possibilities contained in his growing expertise.
However, Raijin was aware that theory alone would not suffice. There had to be practical experience on the battlefield. To impart him the valuable lesson, Raijin challenged Isshin to a real sparring session. Even though Isshin had gained confidence in his ability, he knew that he should not underestimate his master.
The fight began with Isshin unleashing a rain of punches and kicks, each one aimed at Raijin in rapid precision. However, Raijin's experience and fast reflexes were superior to Isshin's since he easily repelled those initial attacks with seeming ease.
Isshin decided to use the Thunder qi Palm in a bid to gain the upper hand, but his efforts were in vain. Raijin easily nullified the strategy, leaving Isshin confused.
Isshin saw Another Raijin at a small distance, "Wait What?!" Isshin inquired. To Isshin's surprise, Raijin displayed an odd aspect of his ability. He informed him that his incredible speed created the illusion of multiple copies of himself while he was in motion. Isshin's wonder was replaced with eagerness to learn from his master's incredible ability.
Desiring to emulate Raijin's strength, Isshin actively sought additional orders. Raijin agreed, ordering Isshin to enter the nearby forest for a practice hunt. Though nervous due to his inexperience with killing, Isshin complied, realizing how much it meant to learn survival skills.
In the forest, Isshin encountered a huge adversary: a giant, five-meter-short-faced bear. The creature's thunderous bellow rocked the air as the animal attacked Isshin with ferocity. His survival instincts and Raijin's guidance compelled him to resort to his mana and the system power, which allowed him to detect flaws on the bear's body.
In one bone-chilling encounter, Isshin had the bear's pounces neatly dodged while analyzing its vulnerabilities. With each close call, he was more confident. Summoning the Thunder-qi Fist skill, Isshin punched the bear's spine, only to have the ferocious animal retaliate with a resounding swipe, which missed him by a hair.
Realizing that his qi reserves were running low, Isshin used a last-ditch tactic. Charging mana into his legs, he kicked the bear in the face with all his might. The force was tremendous, inflicting heavy damage and knocking the creature to the ground.
"Isshin Ryugen
Level: 4
Health: 12
Strength: 11
Stamina: 14
Mana/qi: 11
Intelligence: 9
Points Available: 2
Cultivation level: Body Refinement Realm 2nd Stage
Contracted Beasts: None
Titles: None
The battle completed Isshin was surprised by the system's reaction – he had increased his level twice and earned points for his work. Exhausted but triumphant, he concentrated on his stats, following Raijin's advice to spend the new points on his mana.
Their day was not about to end. Raijin commanded Isshin to retrieve the sword which he had stolen from a fallen soldier and use it to skin and cut up the bear. Isshin performed the task in spite of his reluctance. On Raijin's orders, he also set fire to a campfire and cooked the meat of the bear to eat.
Near the sputtering flames, Raijin inquired as to the cryptic egg that Isshin had been carrying. Raijin wondered whether it was valuable, yet Isshin persisted in carrying it as a symbol of good fortune and hope.
Night came as relief in the form of sleep, but morning came early, and Raijin woke Isshin at once to inform him of a new training regimen – one on the path of the sword. A new chapter in their journey had begun, and Isshin was eager to embrace the challenges it would present.