Chapter 109: Pressure
Having earned a new technique to practice, Li Lang was eager to get started right away. Before that, he would have to record its contents in Ruby first. While the cultivation manual for the Gliding Coil Spear Art only lasted for a day, that didn’t matter to Li Lang, as he recorded everything on his lab computer within Ruby.
Day after day, he would practice a new chapter of the comprehensive manual. There was a lot to digest, but many parts of it were simple. However, just because it was simple didn’t mean it was easy. It required many hours of training to get to the starting line.
These techniques were so extensive because they contained not only the fancy moves, but how to respond to various situations. It also contained numerous basic moves, such as how to thrust out a spear, or basic footwork, and how they chained together.
The main crux of it was how to flexibly maneuver a spear around, changing direction mid-trajectory. The coiling snake-like movements were its main characteristic. However, the unpredictable movements weakened its penetrating power.
Unlike the previous techniques Li Lang had received, the new spear art wasn’t just a minor technique. That meant it required drastically more time for Li Lang to get the hang of it. He had allotted a permanent time slot every day to practice it while he rotated out his other techniques.
Training in crafting techniques may have the side benefits of improving one’s Qi control, but it couldn’t compare to a proper martial art. While the spear art didn’t include any Qi arts that produced ranged attacks, the manipulation of Qi within the body amply trained its practitioners to wield Qi in an explosive manner.
All of Li Lang’s companions had been doing the same over this time, practicing the various martial arts or Qi arts they received.
It caused their daily get-togethers to become shorter and shorter as they had less to discuss. Instead, they allocated it more to training. Everyone knew the longer the pocket realm went, the harder it became.
All the low-hanging fruits would already be plucked. To earn more trial points, one had to pass increasingly difficult trials. As time passed, the pressure grew. The entire atmosphere gradually changed as people talked with their peers less and less.
Li Lang himself was oblivious to all this for months, busying himself with his spear art. He had only noticed because of an inadvertent event he witnessed on his way to the mess hall.
“Senior, please! Spare me some of your time today. I really need your guidance!” a young man yelled out, drawing everyone’s attention.
The volume of his shouting even drew Li Lang away from his thoughts. He turned to find the young boy grasping his supposed senior’s sleeve.