The beginning of the instructional battle.
Scáthach: "Here, here, and here! Still too green!"
Scáthach: "Excellent reaction speed—but reaction speed alone isn't enough. Without your ultra-high-speed state, even if you react, your weapon won't keep up with your mind!"
Scáthach: "Remember, true skill is tempered by time! Only movements and a body refined through thousands of trials will not betray you!"
Takumi: "Yes, Master!"
Middle of the instructional battle.
Scáthach: "Your right arm is a prosthetic, so your movements lack fluidity; there are always pauses. But because of this, you need even more diligent and arduous training!"
Scáthach: "Remember, the enemy will not spare you just because one of your hands is less flexible!"
Takumi: "Yes, Master!"
Late stage of the instructional battle.
Scáthach: "You truly delight me as a disciple! I'm bringing out two spears now, watch out!"
Takumi: "Yes, Master!"
Scáthach: "—Why is it that the martial arts I teach you turn into something completely different in your hands?"
Takumi: "Yes... ah?"
End of the instructional battle.
Scáthach: "...Very well! Let's pause the martial arts for now. I shall teach you the use of Runes!"
Takumi: "Yes, Master!"
The instructional battle ended.
Scáthach walked over to Li Shuwen, saying expressionlessly:
"It's over. It's your turn to guide him."
Having no intention of eavesdropping on her secrets, Li Shuwen, who had kept his back turned the entire time, was greatly surprised:
"Over already? How long has it even been?"
At most, it had been barely an hour!
"Whether you believe it or not, it's over. My spear techniques, sword techniques, my Runes, my footwork... everything that can be taught has been taught."
Scáthach found a clean rock and sat down, resting her face on one hand. Her beautiful red eyes were filled with a strange melancholy.
Just as she said, except for things that were unnecessary, she had passed her life's expertise to Takumi.
Looking at Scáthach like this, even Li Shuwen, with his great composure, couldn't help but swallow hard. He looked toward Takumi.
Takumi was currently scratching his head, looking uncomfortable, awkward, and a bit dazed.
'Is this Master truly such a monster?' A thought suddenly rose in Li Shuwen's mind.
'But Chinese martial arts are vast and profound. How could they be mastered instantly? I don't believe it!'
Li Shuwen instantly crushed that thought and looked at Takumi with a serious and determined expression. He had absolute confidence in what he had learned!
Even if he was hailed as a master whose techniques could clash with Scáthach's, he wouldn't dare claim to have completely exhausted the depths of Chinese martial arts.
"Child!, even if your talent is called monstrous by many, do not let pride or negligence grow in your heart!"
Li Shuwen drew his Chinese Great Spear, speaking solemnly as he walked forward.
Called a monster? By whom? Takumi, who had only "awakened" after the Prison Tower, was slightly confused, but he still replied very seriously:
"Yes, Master!"
Uh, am I saying these two words too much?
Li Shuwen nodded slightly but emphasized:
"There's no need to call me Master. We haven't gone through a formal apprenticeship; I am merely taking time to guide you."
"Yes, Master!"
Li Shuwen: "..."
"Prepare yourself. Chinese martial arts are not just techniques, but principles. Watch my movements closely, but do not forget to remember my words."
"Yes, Master!"
"Also, while I have dabbled in other weapons, I am most proficient in the spear and unarmed combat. Put down that sword for now; it does not truly belong to you."
"Yes..."
"Stop! Do not repeat it! Since you are ready, I'm coming!"
Li Shuwen hurriedly interrupted Takumi's broken record. Seeing him retract the sword into his Spirit Origin, Li lunged forward with a heavy stomp.
One hour later.
Skill Upgrade: [Breath of the Planet (A)] → [Breath of the Planet (A+)] Having learned the orthodox principles of the Divine Land, you have a deeper understanding of uniting the body with the heavens, earth, and universe. Magical energy obtained through breathing has increased, and physical capabilities are continuously strengthened during "breathing."
Obtained Skill: [Martial Arts Refinement in the Heart (A+)] Having observed many martial arts schools and summarized them into your own style, they are engraved in your "heart." By practicing in the "heart" and reflecting it upon the body—surely after thousands of reenactments, one can always find the opponent's weakness?
"I can't teach you. I simply can't teach you anymore..."
Li Shuwen sighed at the sky, looking dejected.
He was now experiencing Scáthach's frustration. Not only was there no sense of accomplishment in teaching a disciple, but there was even a risk of his own martial dao being shaken.
Who could have predicted a peerless genius who "can learn any martial technique after seeing it demonstrated once"?
What's more, martial arts usually require constant practice to form muscle memory. Even if you learn it, it should take years to truly master it.
But Takumi had shattered this rule. Once he learned it, his body rapidly adapted to the various movements. It likely wouldn't be long before Takumi completely absorbed everything he had just taught.
Two years? One year? A few months? Who knew?
"Haha... Kid, you are the worst class I've ever taught."
Li Shuwen managed a stiff smile.
"Ah?" Takumi was bewildered. Didn't I learn fast enough?
"The most unsuccessful class. It didn't feel like teaching at all... I don't think I'll ever forget you."
"With a specimen like you around, I don't think I'll ever want to take another disciple."
Li Shuwen patted Takumi's shoulder, his smile slightly strained.
"Surely it's not that bad, Master..." Takumi looked carefully at Li Shuwen, who looked like he had aged several years.
Hearing Li Shuwen's words, Takumi had initially felt relieved, but seeing the old master now, he felt a bit worried.
"Don't call me Master anymore. I'm not worthy." Li Shuwen motioned for him to stop.
"How can that be? One day as..."
Li Shuwen interrupted again, sighing: "If you insist on calling me that, fine. But when you are out in the world, absolutely do not say you are my disciple."
The old master still valued his reputation. Teaching for less than a day—what kind of master was that?
"Oh..."
Wait, does this plot feel a bit familiar? Takumi fell into thought.
"However! I still have two ultimate techniques I haven't taught you! Do you want to learn?" Li Shuwen suddenly said in a deep voice.
"Seventy-two Transformations and the Somersault Cloud?" Takumi blurted out instinctively.
Li Shuwen's face went dark. What on earth are you talking about?!
"It's [Sphere Boundary] and [No Second Strike]!"
"Ultimate techniques I realized from the principles of Chinese martial arts. Do you want to learn?"
"I do! I do!" Takumi felt awkward but nodded frantically, thick-skinned.
"Very well..."
Li Shuwen nodded with satisfaction. But before he could finish, a pleasant voice suddenly rang out.
"Ultimate moves? I have a sure-victory ultimate move too. Want to learn?"