After being encouraged by the teacher's guidance, Shui Yue'er burst forth with a rare surge of determination, diligently practicing Flowing Water Fist while reflecting in the back mountain.
There were three standards for cultivating Flowing Water Fist.
The first stage, Flowing Water Layered Silk, had already been comprehended by her at a crucial moment during the Soul Master Competition.
The second stage, Flowing Water into Flowers, required the formation of thousands of threads and points of control through continuous refinement. Shui Yue'er had already achieved this level.
The third stage, and also the most difficult realm of Flowing Water Fist, was the stage where thousands of threads converged into a single point—allowing ultra-high-speed flowing water to circulate between the fist's force channels. When combined with punching power, it produced terrifying explosive attacks. This was also the true threshold required to step into Flowing Water Rock Crushing.
Shui Yue'er was currently advancing toward this third stage, but it was extremely difficult. It required coordination with Subduing Wave Technique, and her control over water elements had to reach a level of fist-water unity.
Fine threads of flowing water wrapped around Shui Yue'er's arms and converged toward her fists. The high-speed water threads were like razor blades—sharp and unforgiving—easily leaving faint blood marks across her smooth, pale wrists.
In just one night, her arms and fingers were already covered in small injuries.
This was also the reason Shui Yue'er's Flowing Water Fist had never reached major accomplishment. As a young girl, she naturally cared about her appearance; having her arms covered in scars was something she had always resisted deep down.
But then she thought of Teacher Xin's words—of Senior Brother Bell, Xiao Chenyu, and Senior Sister Rongrong. When they trained their fists, they must have endured far greater torment. What were her injuries compared to theirs?
When cultivating martial arts, how could one avoid pain and injury?
Vast ocean waves, turning hands into rain, saving droughts and floods—Flowing Water Rock Crushing… she yearned for the future Teacher had described.
That future felt real now.
"Yue'er, rest for a bit. Cultivation cannot be rushed. Steady accumulation and reflection are equally important."
Shui Bing'er stood at the foot of the mountain, placing two small bottles in front of the wooden house.
"This is the Black Jade Golden Sore Ointment Teacher gave you. It can heal wounds, warm the blood, and nourish the bones. If you get injured during training, apply it first."
Shui Yue'er leapt lightly across the stream. Drops of blood fell from her fingertips into the water as she moved.
When she reached the wooden house, she gently wiped her arms clean with a damp white cloth, picked up a bottle of Black Jade Golden Sore Ointment, and applied a small amount to her wounds.
A cool, gentle sensation spread instantly. The pain faded quickly, the bleeding stopped, and the wounds began to close.
Shui Yue'er's eyes lit up with joy.
"It really works… it doesn't hurt anymore!"