Since taking Duanlang as his disciple, Alex had used his copy ability to transfer a wealth of skills and knowledge to the young boy, presenting them as part of an initiation technique. Among these were the intricacies of Armament Haki and the lightning-fast movement of Shave, both drawn from the One Piece plane.
In the martial world of Storm Riders, where internal energy often reigned supreme, these skills manifested as external techniques, relying on physical prowess rather than qi cultivation.
Though only ten years old, Duanlang never slacked in his training, even during Alex's prolonged absence. His relentless determination fueled rapid growth, his young frame already showing well-defined, hardened muscles that spoke of his rigorous regimen.
Di Shitian, intrigued by the boy's tenacity, approached him with a warm smile. "Hey, your name is Duanlang, right? Aren't you tired from all this training?" he asked, his tone warm and curious, perhaps seeking to glean insights about Alex through his disciple.
Duanlang pressed forward, dragging the heavy stone lock tied to his waist, sweat dripping from his forehead and trailing down his youthful cheeks to the ground. He kept his head lowered, completely ignoring Di Shitian's words, his focus unbroken. To Duanlang, anything beyond the essentials was a distraction from his practice, unworthy of his attention.
But Duanlang's stoic dismissal only deepened Di Shitian's interest. A child displaying such maturity and discipline was a rarity, sparking the ancient master's curiosity. Undeterred, he pressed further. "What martial arts did Alex teach you? Can you share a bit about them?" he asked, his voice coaxing, eager to learn more about the techniques he'd witnessed which had already left him astonished.
Duanlang's head snapped up, his eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Who are you? How dare you ask about our martial arts!?" he demanded, his tone sharp and guarded. In the martial world, inquiring about another's techniques was a serious breach of etiquette, and Duanlang's instincts bristled at the intrusion.
Di Shitian chuckled, delighted by the boy's response. "Hehehe, you're finally willing to talk? Your master will marry my daughter in a few days. Who do you think I am?" he said, gesturing toward Luo Xian, who stood nearby, her presence graceful yet reserved.
The word "marry" caught Duanlang off guard, his eyes widening as he glanced at Luo Xian in surprise. After a moment of contemplative silence, he bowed respectfully, his demeanor mature beyond his years. "Disciple Duanlang, meet the master's wife," he said, his voice steady and formal.
The title "master's wife" brought a flush to Luo Xian's cheeks, her composure faltering. Though the Sacred Heart Art granted her prolonged youth, she was no longer young, and as an unmarried woman, being addressed so formally in this context felt both strange and embarrassing, stirring a shy unease within her.
Di Shitian's grin widened, sensing he'd gained the upper hand. "Boy, now you know who I am, right? Can you answer my question?" he asked, his tone playful, as if he'd outmaneuvered the young disciple.
Duanlang's expression soured, a flicker of reluctance crossing his face. As his master's supposed father-in-law, Di Shitian held a position of authority, making refusal difficult. After a brief pause, he relented, his voice grudging. "Master taught me to practice Armament Haki," he said, keeping his answer curt.
"Armament Haki? What a peculiar name. What kind of martial art is this? Tell me more," Di Shitian urged, his curiosity piqued. Having lived for nearly two millennia, the prospect of encountering a novel and powerful technique was a rare thrill, and he leaned forward, eager for details.
Duanlang's response was guarded, either from limited knowledge or unwillingness to divulge too much. "I don't know the specifics. I only know that Armament Haki can be wrapped around weapons to make them incredibly strong and can also be applied to the body to make it tougher than steel," he said, offering a concise overview without elaborating further.
Di Shitian nodded thoughtfully, his mind drawing parallels. "So that's how it works. It's somewhat akin to the Buddhist Vajra Palm. When mastered, it can envelop the entire body, creating an indestructible form. But this Armament Haki can also enhance weapons…" he mused, his voice low, intrigued by the similarities to external martial arts like the Buddhist Vajra Indestructible Body.
Luo Xian, still smarting from her sparring defeat, joined the conversation, her interest focused on Alex's swordsmanship. "Did your master teach you any sword techniques?" she asked, the memory of the Dugu Nine Swords' precision still vivid in her mind.
Duanlang answered with earnest respect, his tone serious. "Master said that the Eclipse Swordsmanship passed down in my family is already among the finest in the martial world. There's no need to learn other techniques. He also said that a swordsman's strength lies in their mastery, not the complexity of the technique. Even the simplest swordplay can unleash tremendous power in the hands of a true master," he explained, echoing Alex's teachings.
Di Shitian's eyes lit up, impressed by the wisdom in Duanlang's words. "Well said. This young man's insight is truly remarkable," he said, nodding in agreement, his respect for Alex's mentorship growing.
While Di Shitian engaged Duanlang in conversation, captivated by the boy's potential, Alex made his way to the World's Peak Tower, the heart of the World Alliance. He stepped into the grand hall, where Xiongba sat upon his throne, his presence like that of a brooding predator, exuding an aura of dominance that filled the space.
"I meet the gang leader," Alex said, clasping his hands in a respectful salute, his posture formal but composed.
Xiongba's gaze settled on him, his expression calm yet piercing. "Well, Alex, you've been away for some time. Have you completed the task I assigned to you?" he asked, his voice steady, carrying the weight of expectation.
Alex nodded, his tone confident. "Reporting to the gang leader, I have fulfilled my mission and located the Sword Saint. He has agreed to come to the World Alliance on the night of the full moon during the Mid-Autumn Festival," he replied, delivering the news with precision.
Xiongba's face broke into a wide grin, his laughter echoing through the hall. "Hahaha, good! The Sword Saint will honor the challenge. If I can defeat him, the World Alliance will soar to new heights, perhaps even becoming the greatest gang in the martial world," he said, his voice brimming with triumph. The Clay Buddha's prophecy seemed to be unfolding perfectly, his destiny aligning with the stars.
Alex's lips twitched slightly, a subtle reaction to Xiongba's unbridled optimism. The gang leader's confidence bordered on arrogance, as if defeat were an impossibility. Did Xiongba truly believe his strength was unassailable, or had he placed blind faith in the Clay Buddha's words? Such hubris, Alex thought, was akin to believing one could leap from a cliff and emerge unscathed.
Xiongba waved a hand, his tone magnanimous. "Okay, Alex, you've worked hard this time. Go rest. Your contribution is significant, and I'll reward you accordingly," he said, offering a verbal promise of future recognition, a blank check meant to dismiss Alex for now.
As Alex turned to leave, Xiongba's eyes gleamed with a strange intensity, his thoughts churning. The Sword Saint was a legend, his Holy Spirit Sword Technique unrivaled in the martial world. That Alex had not only found him but also delivered a challenge and returned unharmed was extraordinary, forcing Xiongba to reassess the young man's capabilities.
Alex's earlier exploits in Peerless City, where he'd caused a city-wide lockdown and still escaped, should have drawn the Sword Saint's wrath. Yet, Alex stood before him, unscathed. The implications were troubling, hinting at a strength or cunning Xiongba hadn't fully accounted for.
"It seems I must test the limits of his martial skills," Xiongba decided, his resolve hardening. As night fell, he donned a dark cloak and slipped quietly toward the Divine Martial Hall, intent on uncovering the truth about Alex's abilities.
----------------------
To all my Indian readers — wishing you a joyful and love-filled Raksha Bandhan! May this special day strengthen the bonds of love and protection between you and your siblings, and bring warmth and happiness to your hearts.