Chapter Seven: Refining the "Eight Extremes Collapse"
She closed her eyes gently and took a deep breath, allowing her mind to gradually calm down.
In her mind, she began to repeatedly review every detail of her previous practice of the “Eight Extremes Collapse” technique, analyzing its shortcomings.
First, she constructed a mental map of the flow of battle qi through her meridians, as if painting a complex and intricate masterpiece.
She tried adjusting the convergence points of the battle qi, aiming to gather the previously scattered energy more efficiently into a single focal point.
This process was far from easy. Each adjustment required her to carefully sense the subtle changes in the flow of battle qi; a slight misstep could cause disorder in the energy.
After numerous trials and failures, Ning Jiuyou finally identified a relatively suitable convergence point.
Guiding the battle qi along this new route, she felt a surge of stronger, more condensed power flowing within her as the energy successfully gathered at the new node.
But this was only the first step.
Several days later…
She began pondering how to make the burst of battle qi smoother and reduce its consumption.
She recalled how the “Eight Extremes Collapse” had previously erupted like a flood, powerful but uncontrolled, making it difficult to link subsequent attacks.
Therefore, she attempted to incorporate subtle control techniques at the moment of the burst, allowing the battle qi to be released rhythmically.
To test her theory, Ning Jiuyou once again circulated her battle qi, practicing according to the new method.
Her body trembled slightly as the battle qi flowed inside her. Under the refined control, the energy burst forth orderly and efficiently.
She threw a punch, and with a muffled “bang,” the air ahead distorted from the shockwave, while her own battle qi consumption was significantly less than before.
Yet, Ning Jiuyou was far from satisfied and continued to refine the “Eight Extremes Collapse.”
After a few more days…
She noticed lingering issues with the follow-up after the battle qi’s eruption.
So, she started researching how to quickly recover and prepare for the next attack immediately after the burst.
She experimented with reserving a portion of battle qi within her body during the explosion to aid seamless succession.
After countless attempts and adjustments, Ning Jiuyou finally succeeded in optimizing the “Eight Extremes Collapse.”
Though the process was slow, it was undoubtedly worthwhile.
Looking down at her sweat-soaked clothes and slightly disheveled hair, she prepared to take a bath before seeking out Xiao Yan.
After a while…
Ning Jiuyou approached Xiao Yan, holding the optimized “Eight Extremes Collapse” manual, and handed it to him.
Xiao Yan received the manual, and the figure of Yao Lao quietly appeared beside him. Eagerly, he examined the newly refined technique with meticulous attention.
Yao Lao’s gaze was focused on every line of text; with each detail he read, his brow furrowed slightly.
Upon finishing the entire optimized “Eight Extremes Collapse,” a flicker of surprise and admiration crossed his eyes.
He circled around Ning Jiuyou, scrutinizing her from head to toe, his curiosity about this enigmatic young woman growing ever deeper.
Silently, he marveled that in his lifetime, having encountered countless prodigies and extraordinary talents, few could optimize a cultivation technique so rapidly as Ning Jiuyou.
Regrettably, he had already accepted Xiao Yan as his disciple and could not take her as well.
Turning his gaze to Xiao Yan, Yao Lao said, “Yan’er, this girl’s optimization of ‘Eight Extremes Collapse’ not only addresses the previous flaws of excessive battle qi consumption and awkward transitions but also enhances its burst power beyond before.”
“Her control over battle qi is more exquisite now, enabling this technique to unleash greater might in battle. I never imagined someone so young possessed such talent and ability.”
While Yao Lao spoke to Xiao Yan, Ning Jiuyou sensed something spinning around her just moments ago.
Startled, she carefully tried to sense the surrounding aura.
After searching, she found nothing amiss and frowned slightly, thinking perhaps her recent exhaustion from optimizing the “Eight Extremes Collapse” had caused an illusion.
Xiao Yan, hearing Yao Lao’s words, felt a surge of excitement.
He looked at Ning Jiuyou with eyes full of admiration. “Jiuyou, you’re incredible! You’re so outstanding!”
Ning Jiuyou blushed faintly, shaking her hand dismissively. “It’s nothing. I just did what I could. You should try it and see how it feels.”
Xiao Yan nodded, his eyes shining with anticipation.
He took a deep breath and circulated his battle qi following the optimized “Eight Extremes Collapse” instructions, then suddenly unleashed a punch.
With a loud explosion, the road ahead was blasted with a clear mark. Xiao Yan distinctly felt the power of this punch was much stronger than before, and the battle qi consumption remained within his endurance.
Excitedly, Xiao Yan looked at Ning Jiuyou and then embraced her. “Jiuyou, this is amazing! The optimized ‘Eight Extremes Collapse’ is truly powerful. Thank you!”
Ning Jiuyou trembled slightly, surprised by Xiao Yan’s enthusiasm and sudden embrace.
Though he usually treated her with care, this level of intimacy left her somewhat flustered.
She parted her lips slightly, her voice tinged with shyness. “I’m glad I could help. I only did a little I could.”
After a pause, she gently pushed Xiao Yan, embarrassedly saying, “Um… Xiao Yan, could you please let go of me?”
Only then did Xiao Yan realize his impropriety. His face flushed as he quickly released her, scratching his head awkwardly. “Sorry, Jiuyou. I got too excited and lost control.”
Ning Jiuyou shook her head lightly, smiling. “It’s okay. I know you’re just happy.”
“I’m really glad the ‘Eight Extremes Collapse’ optimization succeeded. Maybe we can study more techniques together in the future.”
Xiao Yan’s eyes sparkled with delight at her words. “Really, Jiuyou? That’s great! Having you around is truly…”
“Uh, I mean, having your help is my good fortune!”
“And I also want to learn more about those wonderful ideas in your mind. We can exchange thoughts and perhaps improve together!”
Ning Jiuyou blinked, watching Xiao Yan’s stammering words.
Then she nodded. “Yes, I also hope we can progress together.”
“I feel there’s still so much I need to learn here, and you know more about the Battle Qi Continent than I do. I can learn a lot from you.”
As they spoke, Yao Lao’s voice suddenly echoed in Xiao Yan’s mind: “Little Yan, this girl has extraordinary talent and a pure heart. Don’t disappoint her.”
“She’s done this out of gratitude for you saving her life.”
“I sense she’s been exhausted from optimizing the ‘Eight Extremes Collapse’ these past few days. I will brew some pills shortly; you should give them to her.”
“Understood, Master.”
“Jiuyou is a good person; cherish your friendship with her. I’ll have the pills ready soon, and you can deliver them to her.”
At that moment, Ning Jiuyou seemed to notice Xiao Yan’s distraction and softly called his name, “Xiao Yan, what are you thinking about?”
Snapping back to reality, Xiao Yan smiled. “Nothing much, just thinking about cultivation ahead.”
“By the way, Jiuyou, what are your plans next? Continue refining techniques or focus on strengthening your power?”
“I want to stabilize my current realm first. I’ve advanced too quickly, and I worry my foundation isn’t solid.”
“After that, I’ll try to find clues about my origins. I feel there might be some connection between my lost memories and my cultivation talent.”
Xiao Yan nodded seriously. “That’s wise. Stabilizing your realm is important. As for your origins, don’t worry—I’ll help you look for clues.”
Looking into Xiao Yan’s sincere eyes, Ning Jiuyou gratefully said, “Thank you, Xiao Yan. You’ve already helped me so much, and…”
Xiao Yan waved his hand with a smile. “No need to be so formal—we’re friends.”
“By the way, I’m planning to check out the auction house. Want to come along?”
The conversation continued from there.