NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 139:
Chapter 139: The Name of the Technique That Is Too Arrogant:
Azure Dragon Qi was considered one of the most refined techniques of the Daqian Empire.
To be more precise, it is an exceptional and unique existence.
Qi itself is the result of a warrior’s Qi and blood merging and transforming upon entering the Innate Realm. Its nature and power are heavily influenced by the warrior’s chosen techniques.
For instance, Xu Xi’s previous Gang Qi resembled a thunderous storm due to his practice of the Thunder Sword technique.
Similarly, Wu Yingxue’s Azure Dragon Qi manifests as a dragon with detailed scales, horns, and a fierce roar. This precision stems directly from the royal family’s martial arts techniques.
But therein lies the issue.
“Why…” Xu Xi wondered aloud. “Why would a human dynasty’s technique imitate a Azure Dragon Qi so closely?”
“If it’s about dragons, why not any other type? Or even techniques like Sword Qi?”
“In the world of martial arts, there are plenty of techniques that mimic demons. Even the Daqian general we fought at the border used Turtle-Serpent Qi.”
“But none of those techniques come close to the precision of Azure Dragon Qi.”
Inside the official residence at Pingshui County, Xu Xi sat deep in thought. The lifelike vertical pupils and vivid scales of the Azure Dragon Qi before him furrowed his brows.
The level of imitation was too precise.
This wasn’t just a crude attempt at mimicking a demon—it felt like someone had stood face-to-face with a real Azure Dragon Qi, studied every detail, and brought it to life through martial arts.
A storm of thoughts swirled in Xu Xi’s mind.
The Hundred Thousand Mountains.
The precarious relationship between humans and demons.
“Judging by what we know, there’s an undeniable connection between Daqian and the demons. Could it be…”
“Could it be that the Emperor of Daqian, the supposed protector of humanity, is secretly colluding with demons?”
“This idea is bold… but not impossible.”
After much contemplation, Xu Xi decided to set the speculation aside.
For now, his priority was creating a new technique for Wu Yingxue. Letting her martial talent go to waste would not only hinder her growth but also weaken the survival army by losing a powerful warrior.
“Yingxue, do you have any ideas for the new technique?” Xu Xi asked.
“Fire!” the girl responded without hesitation.
Though named Yingxue, meaning “snow,” her fiery personality was anything but cold. She had a natural affinity for flames, even preferring red hues in her attire.
“Fire… Alright, I understand.”
Xu Xi nodded and began gathering every fire-based martial technique from the nearby counties. Using these as a foundation, he prepared to deduce the innate essence of a new technique.
…
[Your deduction has officially begun.]
[Creating an innate skill from scratch is no easy task.]
[Even with the internal characteristics of the Wanxiang Oven, martial arts expertise, and Azure Dragon Qi as references, it remains an arduous process.]
[Your schedule grows chaotic. You often work through the night.]
[Your deep study of fire techniques grants you newfound insights into martial arts creation, slightly improving your understanding.]
[Your prolonged examination of Azure Dragon Qi gives you a clearer grasp of the strengths and weaknesses of royal techniques.]
[Wu Yingxue grows worried as your relentless efforts exhaust you.]
[You smile and reassure her, urging her not to fret.]
[Creating any technique is difficult, but crafting one that rivals Azure Dragon Qi is far more challenging.]
[Understanding the limits, you lower your expectations, focusing on meeting Wu Yingxue’s training needs first.]
…
After fourteen grueling days, Xu Xi created the prototype of a new technique.
It was perfectly tailored to Wu Yingxue. With fire as its core, the technique gave Qi a scorching, violent characteristic.
When the girl tried it, she was immediately captivated. Her spear seemed to blaze with fire, and with each swing, fiery phoenixes tore through the air.
[You infused elements of the Fool’s Skill into the technique.]
[This addition enables Wu Yingxue to grow stronger during battle as her fighting spirit rises. It even has a healing effect for injuries.]
“Sir, sir, what’s the name of this skill?” Wu Yingxue asked eagerly, her eyes sparkling with joy.
“I haven’t decided yet,” Xu Xi replied, shaking his head. “It’s just a prototype for now, not a fully developed technique.”
“Then…” Wu Yingxue’s expression turned mischievous. “Sir, how about calling it ‘Nine Heavens and Ten Earths, Only I Revere the Divine Power!’?”
“…That’s too arrogant,” Xu Xi responded, sighing.
[You and Wu Yingxue spent a long time debating the name.]
[Ultimately, you decided to leave it unnamed for now, planning to give it a proper title once the technique is perfected.]
…
With her training dilemma resolved, Wu Yingxue’s progress skyrocketed. She was like a flame, always burning forward, consuming every obstacle in her path.
…
[The autumn harvest arrived, and the golden fields shone brilliantly.]
[You remained in Pingshui County to witness the harvest alongside Wu Yingxue.]
[The members of the Qihuo Army laughed and cried as they joyously gathered the rice.]
[You decided to celebrate with a rare indulgence.]
After the harvest, Xu Xi organized a grand meal. Every member of the Qihuo Army—every so-called “sinner” who had escaped the border—received a bowl of steaming rice.
The portions were meager, barely enough to coat the bottom of the bowls.
But the sight of the snow-white grains and the rising steam captivated everyone.
“Gulp—”
“Gulp—”
The sound of swallowing echoed through Pingshui County.
“Everyone, eat,” Xu Xi said with a smile.
At his command, people eagerly twisted small handfuls of rice and placed them into their mouths, chewing slowly to savor every grain.
“White rice… so sweet!”
“I’m eating rice too!”
A Niu, licking his fingers, grinned foolishly.
He recalled his previous conversation with Xu Xi about how white rice was a luxury for city lords. Now, having eaten rice himself, A Niu happily concluded that he must be as noble as a lord.
Without hesitation, he poured the rest of his portion into his elderly mother’s bowl.
“Mom, you eat. I’m not hungry,” he said, coaxing her to take it.
Scenes like this played out across the survival army. Though their bellies remained hungry, their eyes burned with renewed hope.
“Sir, will our lives get better in the future?” someone asked.
“Yes,” Xu Xi answered firmly.