Emerging from the secluded cave after several days dedicated solely to stabilizing his cultivation and memorizing the intricacies of the Profound Rank techniques, Gù Tiānháo felt like a different person. The breakthrough to the 3rd Level Body Refinement Realm had infused his body with a palpable strength, and the knowledge of the Divergent Fist, Gale Palm, and Nine Mist Steps provided a framework for channeling that power effectively. But knowledge was useless without practice.
He found a relatively clear, defensible area not far from the cave – a small plateau surrounded by dense trees – and began his training in earnest. He started with the Nine Mist Steps.
Shadow Steps came relatively easily, an enhancement of the stealth skills he already possessed, allowing him to move almost soundlessly and blend more effectively with the dim forest light. Wind Steps required more effort, coordinating Qi flow to his legs for bursts of speed; initially, his movements were jerky and inefficient, but gradually he smoothed them out, achieving short, rapid dashes that were significantly faster than his previous sprints. Mist Steps proved the most challenging, demanding fine Qi control to create those subtle visual distortions; his first attempts resulted in nothing, but after hours of trial and error, focusing on the specific Qi pathways described by the Bead, he managed to produce faint, shimmering after-images as he moved, a ghostly effect that would surely be disorienting to an opponent in combat, especially within the forest's perpetual gloom.
Next, he turned to the Gale Palm. He practiced the basic Wind Palm strike against sturdy trees, focusing on channeling sharp Qi to the edge of his hand. The impacts became progressively stronger, leaving deeper scores in the bark as his control improved. He then moved to Gust Palm, practicing the rapid sequence of strikes, aiming for fluidity and speed, creating audible whooshing sounds as his palms cut through the air. Finally, he attempted the signature Gale Palm, concentrating a significant amount of his 3rd Level Qi into a single, forceful palm strike. The resulting compressed air and Qi lashed out, snapping thick branches and leaving a deep gouge in a tree trunk several paces away – the power was impressive, far exceeding any basic martial art.
Lastly, he tackled the Divergent Fist, starting with the first two movements. Bone Shattering Fist was straightforward power, focusing Qi into his knuckles for maximum impact; he practiced on boulders, feeling the satisfying crunch as his Qi-enhanced fists chipped away at the stone. Flash Fist required coordinating speed and Qi, delivering a flurry of light, fast punches; he practiced against falling leaves, trying to hit them multiple times before they reached the ground. He found these Profound Rank techniques immensely more complex than anything he'd known before, demanding precise Qi circulation and taxing his reserves quickly, but the potential power was undeniable.
After several days of intensive solo practice, Tiānháo knew he needed live combat to truly hone his skills. Theory and hitting inanimate objects could only take him so far. He began cautiously venturing out from his training ground, specifically seeking out spirit beasts suitable for testing his new repertoire – ideally late Level 2 or early Level 3 creatures that would pose a challenge but not an overwhelming threat like the Ironhide Boar had been.
His first real test came against a pair of Howling Wolves, beasts known for their speed and pack tactics, likely early Level 3 in strength. Instead of relying solely on his knife, he engaged them using his new skills. He used Wind Steps and Mist Steps to evade their flanking maneuvers, the ghostly after-images causing the wolves momentary confusion. He employed Gale Palm strikes – Wind Palm to parry their lunges and Gust Palm to create space when they tried to surround him. When one wolf lunged, exposing its side, he didn't hesitate, unleashing a swift Flash Fist combination followed by a decisive Bone Shattering Fist to its ribs, sending it crashing into a tree with a sickening crunch. Facing the remaining wolf, he used the opening to land a powerful Gale Palm strike, injuring its leg before finishing it with his knife.
He continued this pattern over the next few days, seeking out challenging opponents like aggressive Thorn Boars or agile Shadow Leopards (Level 2 peak). Each fight was a learning experience. He grew more adept at integrating the techniques, switching between the evasiveness of Nine Mist Steps, the sharp attacks of Gale Palm, and the decisive power of Divergent Fist. His initial clumsiness faded, replaced by a growing confidence and fluidity. The Low-Level Profound Rank techniques, combined with his 3rd Level Body Refinement cultivation, made him vastly more dangerous than he had been just weeks before. He was no longer just surviving; he was actively hunting, honing his skills, and truly beginning to walk the path of a cultivator.