Chapter 81: Intense Training (Part 3)
Creak.
The sound of an opening door echoed through the silent courtyard as Su Tianhao emerged from his residence, moving with calm, measured steps. His body still glistened with moisture from his recent bath—already feeling thoroughly rejuvenated and prepared for another intensive training session.
After successfully mastering Thrust through a night of relentless practice, Su Tianhao had naturally returned home to wash away accumulated grime and sweat. Now refreshed and mentally centered, he stood ready to receive Su Lei for their continued sparring—as if nothing else in the entire world mattered except the pursuit of martial excellence.
Just then—
Growl.
A distinct, unmistakable sound erupted from Su Tianhao's midsection—similar to the rumbling roar of a hungry lion.
Su Tianhao's golden eyes widened slightly as realization struck.
"I've been so obsessed with training lately that I've completely abandoned proper meals," Su Tianhao admitted with a rueful smile, his own body forcefully reminding him of its unintentional starvation. "My dedication is admirable, but perhaps slightly excessive..."
"Good thing I prepared those fasting pills in advance," he murmured.
Without further delay, Su Tianhao made his way to the ancient oak tree's comforting shadow before settling into a cross-legged position beneath its sprawling canopy.
With practiced ease, he retrieved the storage pouch Lu Ruyi had gifted him—kept carefully tucked within his robes. From within, he produced a small pill bottle. Inside rested a single pill that shone with vibrant yellow coloring, catching and reflecting the morning sunlight like captured amber.
This was none other than the high-level grade two fasting pill Su Tianhao had purchased from that old merchant a few days ago, alongside ten grade one variants. A single high-level grade two fasting pill possessed sufficient potency to sustain anyone for ten full days without requiring food.
"This is exactly what I need right now," Su Tianhao muttered. "I won't need to worry about meals interrupting my training schedule."
Without hesitation, Su Tianhao simply tilted his head back and swallowed the pill in one smooth motion.
The pill dissolved almost instantly upon contact with his throat—melting like a sugar cube dropped into warm tea—leaving behind only subtle sweetness and an oddly comforting sensation of fullness.
As the pill's essence began flowing downward through his body like a gentle stream, something unexpected occurred. The dormant vortex within his dantian suddenly activated without conscious direction.
The innate ability of his Heavenly Devouring Dragon physique had triggered automatically once again.
The swirling vortex spun with increasing speed, greedily drawing in the pill's medicinal essence before subjecting it to intense refinement. Within mere seconds, the vortex systematically stripped away every trace of impurity.
As a high-level grade two pill, the medicinal essence already possessed approximately seventy percent purity—a respectable quality by any standard. However, under the overwhelming refinement force of the Heavenly Devouring Dragon physique, that medicinal essence transformed into something utterly flawless—one hundred percent pure with absolutely no impurities whatsoever.
Su Tianhao's eyes widened with genuine amazement as he felt the now-flawless medicinal essence being distributed evenly throughout his body and meridians.
"The refinement process is even faster and more efficient than before!" he said quietly, his analytical mind cataloging this development with interest.
His awareness sank inward, carefully examining the pill's transformed properties. "A high-level grade two pill should normally sustain someone for ten days at most... Now that it's been refined to flawless quality, I wonder how much longer its effects will actually last?"
As this thought crossed his mind, another observation struck him with sudden clarity. "The refinement speed has increased considerably compared to previous experiences... Does this mean the Heavenly Devouring Dragon physique actually evolves and grows stronger as my strength advances?"
However, before he could fully register this profound implication, a sharp, distinctive sound suddenly cut through the morning air—like a blade slicing through silk.
Shing!
Su Tianhao's eyebrow arched with surprise as he quickly turned toward the sound's source.
There, standing dramatically silhouetted against the golden morning sun, was Su Lei. His silver sword had been drawn from its scabbard and now gleamed fiercely under the brilliant sunlight. His distinctive silver hair fluttered gently in the breeze, and his eyes burned sharp and confident—radiating strong, unmistakable battle intent.
As he stood positioned in that heroic pose with silver robes flowing slowly around him, he resembled nothing less than a legendary swordsman prepared to carve his name into history.
"Su Lei..." Su Tianhao called out with a knowing smile. His figure rose smoothly from the ground, hand instinctively reaching for the sheathed Shadowfang resting beside him.
"You look remarkably confident today," Su Tianhao observed with mild amusement dancing in his golden eyes. "I wonder what's changed overnight?"
"Hahahaha!" Su Lei's voice rang out filled with fierce, heroic spirit. His eyes gleamed like captured starlight. "Of course I'm confident! I learned a method to counter your perfect Slashes from my Master last night!"
Su Tianhao felt inward surprise at this revelation but maintained his composed smile. "So you also stayed up all night training? We're quite the pair of obsessed swordsmen."
"Hehe!" Su Lei didn't verbally confirm, but the triumphant expression painting his face spoke louder than any words possibly could.
Without further ceremony, Su Lei retrieved his precious gourd from within his robes. With fluid, practiced motion, he brought the container to his mouth before uncorking it efficiently with his teeth.
In one smooth sequence, he took a measured sip before casually tossing the gourd across the courtyard toward Su Tianhao. His movements carried urgency—as if he could barely contain his eagerness to begin.
"Interesting..." Su Tianhao said appreciatively as he caught the flying gourd with easy reflexes.
Even though he didn't actually require the Willfire Wine's effects anymore—his devouring physique now naturally producing similar stamina restoration—he still chose to take a proper sip. After all, abstaining completely would potentially expose the heaven-defying capabilities of his unique bloodline to unnecessary scrutiny.
Besides, he simply couldn't resist the remarkable taste and the pleasant sensation it provided.
After taking a quick, appreciative sip, Su Tianhao carefully corked the gourd before placing it in the usual spot between the oak's thick roots.
Then he turned his complete attention toward Su Lei, golden eyes gleaming with anticipation.
"Let's see what new techniques you've learned overnight..." Su Tianhao said, his voice trailing off deliberately before adding with a mysterious smile: "However, you should know—you're not the only one who learned something new."
Su Lei was visibly startled, genuine surprise flickering across his features.
"What do you mean by that?" he asked, silver brows furrowing with confused curiosity.
"You'll understand soon enough..."
As Su Tianhao's cryptic words echoed through the courtyard, the distinctive sound of Shadowfang leaving its scabbard rang out simultaneously—a perfect harmony of voice and steel. The dark blade emerged like a shadowy serpent awakening, its obsidian surface subtly reflecting morning sunlight in an understated gleam.
Hmph.
"Come at me then! I won't be defeated so easily this time!" Su Lei snorted with determination.
"With pleasure..." Su Tianhao replied, his voice dropping to barely above a whisper as his entire presence radiated focused fighting spirit.
Whoosh!
The wind exploded violently as Su Tianhao launched forward with tremendous speed.
The battle had begun.
---
CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!
Steel rang against steel in rapid succession as the two young swordsmen engaged in fierce combat. Su Tianhao's Shadowfang carved through the air, leaving faint shadow trails in its wake. Su Lei's silver sword met each attack with surprising effectiveness, their swords locking and separating in a deadly dance.
The sound of continuous clashing echoed through the courtyard, the atmosphere growing thick with mounting tension as both fighters exchanged calculated blows. Su Tianhao's golden eyes gleamed with intensity, his movements fluid and economical as he pressed his offensive.
Su Lei's silver hair whipped wildly as he dodged and countered with newfound confidence. His sword flashed with purpose—no longer the desperate defense of yesterday, but calculated responses born from overnight revelation.
As they fought, the very air seemed drawn into their conflict. Wind howled through the courtyard, and the ancient oak's branches creaked in sympathy with the warriors' explosive movements.
What surprised Su Tianhao most was Su Lei's dramatically improved performance. Through some combination of swift footwork, accurate predictive reactions, precise dodges, and instinctual parries, Su Lei had apparently discovered a genuine method to counter Su Tianhao's perfected Slash techniques.
"I admit you've thoroughly surprised me," Su Tianhao's voice rang out—calm yet carrying an edge of seriousness. "But you'll need to do more than that if you truly wish to defeat me..."
As his words faded, Su Tianhao's entire aura underwent a subtle yet unmistakable shift—becoming more refined, grounded, and lethally focused.
"This—" Su Lei's silver eyebrows shot up, eyes widening as alarm bells rang through his consciousness. His battle-honed instincts screamed immediate danger.
Before he could properly react, Su Tianhao suddenly propelled forward like a loosed arrow. Shadowfang thrust straight ahead with terrifying purpose.
There was no disturbance in the surrounding air. No wasted preparatory movements. Just pure, surgical precision.
"Thrust is not just about stabbing or penetrating... but about careful precision. Precision begins with stillness. Feel the breath before the strike. The shortest path between two points is not force... but intent."
Yuexin's teaching echoed through Su Tianhao's consciousness as his sword pierced forward with such perfect control it seemed to ignore physical barriers—even space itself appearing to bend slightly around the strike's path.
Su Lei immediately sensed the attack's lethal nature. Even though it carried no genuine killing intent, the technique's sheer perfection greatly startled him.
His stance shifted desperately into full defensive posture, silver blade rising to intercept the incoming strike. But Shadowfang moved like an unstoppable force—flowing past his raised guard as if those defenses simply didn't exist.
Shriik!
The distinct sound of fabric tearing resonated clearly through the courtyard.
Su Lei stood frozen in shock. Su Tianhao's blade had moved faster than his eyes could properly track. He suddenly felt sharp coldness against his bare chest, followed immediately by the warm sensation of liquid trickling downward.
Su Lei's gaze dropped to his torso. His eyes widened—his silver robes had been cleanly sliced open at chest level, and a shallow cut now wept crimson across his skin.
"I'm sorry! I didn't intend—" Su Tianhao's eyes widened with genuine concern, his voice fluttering with worry.
But Su Lei didn't respond to the apology at all. He simply stared at the wound in stunned disbelief, his mind struggling to process what had just occurred.
"How?"
When he finally looked up at Su Tianhao, it was as if he were seeing something inhuman—a monster wearing human skin.
"Y-You... how did you do that?" Su Lei asked, completely ignoring his minor injury. As a dedicated sword cultivator, such small cuts were beneath mention—occupational hazards of the path he'd chosen.
Currently, only one consuming thought dominated his mind: 'How was such perfect technique achievable?'
Su Tianhao smiled with visible relief upon seeing Su Lei wasn't bothered by the unintentional wound. Under his training partner's intense, questioning gaze, he felt compelled to offer explanation.
"How, you ask?" Su Tianhao said slowly, his smile widening. "Well, just like you, I also stayed up all night training..."
He paused for deliberate effect before continuing: "Like I told you before—you're not the only one who learned something new."
Su Lei's eyes bulged with shock as understanding crashed over him. 'You perfected Thrust technique in a single night?! What kind of absolute freak are you?!' he screamed internally, too stunned for words.