Chapter Thirty-Five: Practical Application

Before drifting off to sleep, Luo Chen called out in his mind, “Nicole?”

Nicole quickly responded, her voice as sweet as ever, “Good evening, Master.”

Luo Chen said, “Good evening, Nicole. Today I learned the Art of Qi Manipulation. Do you need to modify it as well?”

“Master, I’m sorry, but not for now. You’ve only learned a small part of the Art of Qi Manipulation. If I make changes rashly, it might not be logical and could actually hinder your progress. Besides, I’m still observing the chemical reaction between the new technique and your physique. I’ll need some time before I can adjust it.”

“I see. We’ll talk about it later then. By the way, Nicole, today the instructor said I pick things up very quickly. Is this because you modified the Art of Vital Energy for me?”

“Yes, Master. I tailored the method to suit your physique perfectly. The spiritual energy generated is much easier for you to control, so you find learning anything comes naturally.”

This was what Hogg had called “enlightenment,” but Luo Chen’s enlightenment was achieved with Nicole’s help. Thanks to her precise calculations, the fusion of Luo Chen’s physique and spiritual energy was even more perfect than most who gained enlightenment on their own.

“That’s wonderful,” Luo Chen replied, not fully aware of the immense significance of what Nicole had done for him, only feeling that it saved him a lot of trouble.

After asking his questions, Luo Chen suddenly thought of something else. “Nicole, you’re always alone. Don’t you ever feel bored?”

Nicole answered truthfully, “I do, but it’s not too bad.”

As a bio-intelligent lightbrain with human-like cognition, she too sometimes felt the pangs of loneliness.

Luo Chen felt a surge of sympathy for this “girl,” understanding all too well what loneliness was like. “If you ever get bored, you can always chat with me,” he offered.

Nicole hesitated. She wanted to, but was uncertain. “Master, I’m afraid I might disturb you.”

Luo Chen laughed. “Not at all. I mean, when I’m free, of course. In the academy, apart from Shi Feng, I don’t really have any friends. Having someone to talk to in my spare time would be nice.”

Nicole responded gratefully, “Thank you, Master. You’re a very considerate person. However, your cellular vitality is much lower than normal right now, and your bodily functions are all somewhat diminished. This is a sign of overexertion. Master, you should get some rest soon.”

“All right, Nicole. Goodnight.”

“Goodnight, Master.”

The following days passed much as they had before. Every morning, Luo Chen spent two hours learning the Art of Qi Manipulation from Instructor Hogg, then devoted time to agility, hidden weapons, martial techniques, and defense. Since Nicole had said he found learning easy, he didn’t want to waste this advantage—broad development was the way forward.

Afternoons, of course, were dedicated to martial skills. Luo Chen progressed rapidly; by the third day, he could almost release a perfect energy blade with the Moonlight Dagger. Even with the cheap broken sword, he could manage it, though it was still unstable and flickering. He’d need more practice to master it.

Andrew, the “Mr. Harmony,” was delighted with Luo Chen’s results, seeing it as proof of both Ellie’s patient teaching and Luo Chen’s diligence. He praised Ellie in class and secretly hoped the two would become closer through their shared lessons, resolving any earlier misunderstandings.

The only one dissatisfied was Joanna. Having joined Ellie and Luo Chen for several tutoring sessions, she’d done little but stand by, as Luo Chen’s rate of progress amazed even Andrew. She wanted to find fault, but it was impossible, leaving her feeling useless.

Days passed swiftly, and soon it was another Tuesday evening.

In the training grounds, Luo Chen raised his right hand. As spiritual energy flowed in, his fist began to glow in the darkness, a thin veil of light enveloping it like a translucent glove.

This was the primary-level martial skill, Vajra Fist. The tangible force created by spiritual energy dramatically increased the power of his punch. Luo Chen had tested it on the strength meter—it registered significantly higher than a regular strike. Such was the benefit of martial skills.

After learning the Vajra Fist, Luo Chen finally understood why the energy blade was chosen as the foundational technique. Channeling spiritual energy through the whole fist was far harder than through the tip of a weapon. If one’s ability wasn’t yet sufficient to maintain the energy flow for the blade, learning the Vajra Fist or any more complex technique would be nothing but a fantasy.

Joanna, watching from the side, was deeply frustrated. This little freak was just like his irreverent roommate, Shi Feng. After only ten days of martial skill training, he’d already grasped the basics of Vajra Fist. Excluding the three days spent on the energy blade, it had taken him just a week.

Though Vajra Fist was only a first-level technique and not much more difficult than the introductory energy blade, mastering it in a week was still incredible. Joanna herself had needed ten days.

“Well done, Luo Chen,” Ellie said. “It seems you’ve already mastered the essentials of the Vajra Fist. Tomorrow, I’ll report to the instructor and suggest that as you learn other first-level techniques, you also begin practicing the second-level skill, Great Hand Seal.”

Luo Chen withdrew the energy from his fist. “All right, Ellie, I’ll leave it to you.”

Joanna thought to herself that this wouldn’t do. Both the instructor and Lily had praised Luo Chen’s progress. If things continued this way, she’d finish the tutoring sessions having contributed nothing. What a waste of time.

With that thought, she spoke up. “Luo Chen, I’m no good at explaining things, so I can’t be of much help in that regard. But if I just stand around watching every day and still receive extra graduation points from Andrew, I’ll feel guilty. Why don’t I serve as your sparring partner and help you with practical combat? Learning martial skills is important, but being able to apply them flexibly in real combat is essential.”

“Um…” Luo Chen glanced at Ellie, seeking her opinion.

Ellie frowned. “Joanna, practical application is indeed important, but Luo Chen has only been learning martial skills for ten days. Isn’t it too soon…”

“Regardless, the sooner he learns to apply them in combat, the better!” Joanna interrupted impatiently, annoyed at how Lily always sided with this guy.

Luo Chen, however, was straightforward. “All right, Joanna, I’ll be in your care.”

“No trouble at all…” Joanna thought coldly to herself, I’ve been waiting for this moment. Just don’t regret it.

The two of them took their places in the training ground. Having endured ten days of restraint, Joanna was practically giddy at the chance to put Luo Chen through his paces. “Come on, Luo Chen, don’t hold back—attack me with everything you’ve got. Come on!”