Chapter 4: Nature Power And Basic Sword Technique
Late at night, Xilutiya could finally lie peacefully in bed. Talil slept on the wooden boards on the floor in the same room. As it was the warm Xu Feng Season, it wasn’t cold even in autumn, and some of the heat from summer still lingered.
Today was indeed eventful. Xilutiya found it hard to fall asleep, and as she closed her eyes, various memories and images flashed through her mind.
What exactly is the power of Nature? How vast is this world? How will she find her place in it in the future? Where will she go? All sorts of thoughts and questions tangled in her mind.
She was tired in the end. She fell asleep in less than half an hour, her breathing gradually becoming steady.
…
The night passed peacefully.
In the early morning, the crisp bird song under the eaves woke Xilutiya. She rubbed her eyes, her snow-white hair slightly sticking up and falling onto her shoulders and neck. Shaking her head, the maiden prepared to stand up and go to the restroom. However, her foot landed on the uneven, hard dirt ground, and only then did she realize something was wrong. Her eyes snapped open in surprise.
“Where am I…” Right, this was no longer Earth. Her sapphire eyes slightly closed, her voice tinged with emotion.
Forget it, forget it. No need to dwell on the past. What was I supposed to do today? She groped her way up and put on her small leather shoes, tying the laces.
The light-colored small leather shoes paired with snow-white socks perfectly showcased the soft curves of her ankles and calves. Even without further adornment, they possessed a natural beauty. After tidying her dress and hair, Xilutiya circled the room a few times but couldn’t find a mirror or anything similar.
Perhaps there are no mirrors here. I wonder how the villagers usually wash up. Speaking of which, I’m also curious what I look like now.
Talil wasn’t here. She had slept in the same room with me last night. Did she wake up early and go out? Xilutiya mused, walking towards the closed wooden door.
Pushing the door open and stepping outside, the bright sunlight felt a bit warm. Some villagers were already up and moving around the village. Compared to the fierce battle last night, today was exceptionally peaceful and tranquil.
In the distance, the village plaza had already been swept clean. Only a few traces remained from last night. Smoke curled from the chimneys of some houses; they were probably cooking. Xilutiya lightly skipped down the pebble path on the mountainside.
After last night’s events, many people in the village already knew that a noble maiden was present, but it was today that they truly saw her appearance.
Out of curiosity and reverence for her noble status, most villagers watched her from afar as she descended the mountain slope. By the time Xilutiya reached the plaza again, the aunt who had brought her pie last night came over.
“Is Miss Tiya awake? Would you like something to eat?” she called out to the maiden. It seemed she was also preparing breakfast today.
“Okay,” Xilutiya nodded, and then received a piece of baked bread from the aunt.
The bread was slightly larger than her hand and still warm. It had a hint of sweetness and some rough bran, making it black bread, but of a better quality than ordinary black bread.
“How is it? Are you getting used to eating it?”
“Mmm, it’s very delicious.” In her current situation, this was good food, and Xilutiya was easily satisfied.
“I’m glad Miss Tiya likes it, hehehe.” Seeing this, the aunt broke into a happy smile. She was probably quite proud and pleased that her cooking was recognized by this noble maiden.
While eating bread, the two talked about the current situation.
“Talil should have gone to help the wounded. I’ll call her for you in a moment.”
…
“We were busy all night yesterday, and many people are still sleeping. We don’t have much to entertain you with here.”
…
“Captain Friene is resting in the stone tower at the village entrance. He’ll likely wake up around noon.”
…
“Old Master Pond should still be arranging the aftermath. How about I take you to the merchant caravan? They should have many interesting things.”
Fearing the noble maiden would be bored, the aunt led her to a clearing behind the village, where the merchant caravan had camped for the night. It was currently surrounded by a simple fence.
“Henry—”
The aunt waved and called a young man from a distance.
“What is it, Auntie?” The honest-looking young man walked over. He was a head taller than Xilutiya, quite well-built, and wore a linen shirt.
“Accompany Miss Tiya to the merchant caravan. Help her carry things, and don’t let those cunning merchants cheat Miss Tiya when they sell her something.”
“Oh, I understand, Auntie.” He scratched the back of his head, secretly glanced at the silver-haired maiden in front of him a few times, then lowered his head. He was probably a bit shy and embarrassed.
“Alright, you two go. Remember to bring Miss Tiya back for lunch at noon.”
“Got it.”
Afterwards, Henry walked ahead, leading Xilutiya towards the merchant caravan. Along the way, some people occasionally greeted Henry, but their attention was more focused on the rare noble maiden behind him, surprised by her appearance and temperament. Some were even captivated.
Faced with this situation, Xilutiya could only lower her head slightly, avoiding overly intrusive gazes. Her fingers occasionally brushed over the strands of hair at her temples, offering a slight concealment.
If only I could buy some kind of head covering, like a raincoat from my previous life.
At this moment, she also began to look forward to the merchant caravan she was going to.
Passing through more than half the village, the two arrived at the merchant caravan’s encampment, where a few villagers were already negotiating and shopping.
“I have two bags of White Wind Root at home. Do you buy them?”
“We buy White Wind Root as long as it’s not rotten. Are you trading for this spearhead?” A member of the merchant caravan presented a spearhead crafted from cast iron.
“This one, and I’ll give you a bag of Black Gravel Wheat. That should be enough, right?”
“Enough, enough. Go get the White Wind Root.”
After the negotiation, the middle-aged villager left the merchant encampment, likely to go home and get the goods.
The maiden, who had overheard their conversation, then entered the merchant encampment and carefully examined the goods displayed. Many were piled haphazardly in bags and wooden crates. A smaller portion of more valuable items were placed inside tents, including ironware, honey, spices, cloth, and some daily necessities like candlestick holders, needle and thread, bath towels, and soap.
Walking among these piled goods, Xilutiya’s gaze was curious, her eyes blinking from time to time, and some information surfaced in her mind.
Purple Turnip Quality: Common, a common vegetable, good storage.
Iron Spearhead Quality: Common, crafted from cast iron, can be inserted into a wooden shaft for use.
…
Coarse Salt Quality: Inferior, has many impurities, unpleasant taste.
…
After looking around, Xilutiya couldn’t find the type of hooded coat she wanted, so she asked a merchant.
“Do you sell coats? Ones that can cover my hair.” She gestured simply with her hands.
“You mean those hooded cloaks? Let me look.” After a while, he found a few, but their style and quality were truly difficult to compliment.
Linen Cloak Quality: Inferior, uneven sleeve lengths, crude stitching, likely a practice piece by some apprentice.
“This won’t do.” Henry, who had been beside Xilutiya for a long time, finally spoke, stepping in front of the maiden to stop the shopkeeper’s sales pitch.
Xilutiya tilted her head slightly, looking at the clothes through the gap beside Henry’s shoulder. Most of them were of inferior quality and ugly in style, no wonder they couldn’t be sold and were left at the bottom of the inventory.
Moreover, she compared the size of the hood again. It would probably have to be tightly bound to her head, forming a ball, to cover her, making it extremely uncomfortable to wear.
“Don’t you have anything better?”
“No, I’m sorry, Miss. This is all we have.” The other party was also helpless; they were quite short of stock recently.
Xilutiya’s gaze turned to the other goods around, looking for potential substitutes.
“Do you have hats?”
“Hats? Only straw hats.”
After searching for a while, the straw hat she found was dented and had many burrs. Just as the maiden was about to pick it up to see if it could be used as a makeshift, a familiar voice called out.
“Is that Miss Tiya? I am Fanderxi, the leader of this merchant caravan.” A bearded merchant wearing a felt hat walked over, accompanied by two bodyguards.
“Hello.” Xilutiya put down the hat and turned to nod in return.
Looking around, the shopkeeper who had just tried to sell something to Xilutiya explained the situation to Fanderxi. He quickly reacted, nodded, and smiled at the maiden.
“Miss Tiya, are you looking for clothes and hats? These items indeed do not befit your status. Please follow me.” With that, he gestured for her to follow him towards the inner part of the caravan, where a relatively exquisite wooden horse carriage was parked, complete with glass windows, giving it an air of grandeur.
Opening the carriage door, he invited Xilutiya to sit opposite him and had someone prepare tea before beginning to converse with the maiden.
“I have a few nice clothing items here that were originally reserved for a wealthy family in the city. However, it’s no problem to transfer them to you. I can find other channels in the city to replenish them later; it will just take a bit more effort.” He displayed his generosity.
“Thank you.” Xilutiya nodded slightly, knowing that the merchant definitely had something else to say, otherwise he wouldn’t have specially invited her over.
“…Where are you heading after this, Miss Tiya? If it’s on the way, I might be able to help you out.” Seeing that the maiden did not respond, he stroked his beard and continued.
“I’m not sure where my family is right now. Perhaps I need to go to a larger city first to find channels and methods.” The maiden replied, twisting a strand of hair between her fingers.
“Since that’s the case, I suggest we go to the nearby Jiaoshi City. It’s quite prosperous there, with all sorts of trades. I’m heading there myself this time.” Fanderxi intended to use this opportunity to get closer to the noble maiden. As for why he believed she was a noble, her temperament, clothing, appearance, and skin condition were things that commoners could not possibly fake.
“Thank you for your kindness, but I don’t have any money on me right now, so I’m afraid I can’t repay you at the moment.” Xilutiya replied politely.
“That’s alright. Let’s just consider it as making a friend, don’t you think?” Fanderxi wanted this outcome. If the maiden had actually offered money, he would have tried his best to refuse, otherwise it would be difficult to use this to build a relationship.
“Thank you.” At this, Xilutiya’s worries also eased a little.
If she could go to a larger city, she should be able to find a suitable job and repay the money. As for establishing herself in the future, that would depend on other opportunities.
At this moment, a merchant brought over a wooden plate with brewed tea and placed it on the small table inside the carriage, then bowed and left.
“Please, enjoy. This is the Musk Mountain Small Seed I purchased from Afila Manor in the north. It’s a rare delicacy in the surrounding regions.” After speaking, he first picked up his teacup and took a small sip.
Xilutiya also picked up hers, her eyes flickering, and a wave of information appeared.
Black Tea – Musk Mountain Small Seed. Quality: Good. Summer-picked tea, 82% fermented, with honey, rich and sweet aroma, slightly astringent, with a weak invigorating effect. Affected by the ‘Blazing Sun’ Nature of Xu Feng Season.
Seeing that the tea was fine, she also took a small sip. The hot liquid flowed between her teeth, bringing a hint of sweetness.
Exhaling gently, Xilutiya put down the tea. It was a bit hot.
Fanderxi opposite her didn’t seem to mind the heat and savored the black tea with great satisfaction. The honey mixed in also pleased him, and his eyes narrowed slightly.
Taking advantage of this opportunity, Xilutiya and Fanderxi chatted about the surrounding villages and towns.
“Besides Fir Village, there’s a Bee Village about twenty kilometers away that produces good honey. Then there are Iron Rock Village and Long Rope Village further on.”
“The nearest town is River Stone Town. About thirty miles west along the road to River Stone Town is Jiaoshi City. It’s a city built on a mountain. It was burned down by fire in the past, and many stones turned black, hence the name Jiaoshi City. It’s the territory of Viscount Xue Feng.”
“Approximately how many people live in Jiaoshi City?” the maiden inquired again.
“Around 40,000, I estimate. No one has counted precisely.” Fanderxi, as a merchant, had some understanding of this. The population of a city directly related to its market size and demand for goods.
Afterwards, Xilutiya learned more about the local situation from him, finally gaining a general understanding of this world.
The Regas Duchy where she was currently located had a population of over 3 million and was situated in the southern part of the continent. Several small duchies were scattered among the fragmented mountainous plains, with varying levels of strength.
Furthermore, from Fanderxi’s words, she was able to deduce some information about Natures.
This world had various supernatural ‘Natures,’ which could be understood as a special kind of conceptual magic. They could transform into each other in special ways, and also weaken and strengthen. When strengthened, secret arts and abilities using that Nature would receive a synchronous boost.
Ordinary people could at most choose one Nature to focus on cultivating and gain the power of that Nature. Due to race and origin, the ‘Blood Law’ Nature was an latent Nature imprinted in the bloodline of all living beings. As long as red blood flowed in their veins, even when cultivating other Nature classes, it would not hinder the acquisition of ‘Blood Law’ Nature power, such as techniques like ‘Breathing Technique.’
However, this compatibility only existed at lower levels. If the acquired ‘Blood Law’ Nature abilities became increasingly powerful, they would interfere with and affect the cultivation of the primary Nature power.
Similarly, the ‘Beast Fangs’ Nature was the latent Nature inherited by many beast bloodlines. ‘Dragon Eye’ was the Nature inherited by dragon-type creatures. ‘Snail Fish’ was the inherited Nature of aquatic and amphibious creatures. ‘Insect Moth’ was the inherited Nature of insect creatures. ‘Emerald Honey’ was the latent Nature contained within all plants.
Mastering the power of Nature was not restricted. As long as the conditions were suitable, humans could also gain the power of Natures like ‘Snail Fish’ or ‘Dragon Eye.’ However, compared to naturally inherited creatures, it required more skill and resources for cultivation.
Those who focused on cultivating a certain path of Nature gathered together, exchanged ideas, and studied, thus forming the initial schools of thought.
Currently, the royal powers on the continent were all established on the ‘Castle’ Nature. Wherever there were villages and towns, ‘Castle’ Nature magic arrays were deployed. Their main components were pillars, tall towers, castles, and city walls, constructed as foundation stones. These creations implicitly formed a mystical ritual, causing a barrier of the ‘Castle’ Nature to envelop villages and towns, protecting the residents within from being affected by other Nature powers.
Wild beasts, if they acquired Nature power, would feel a sense of oppression and discomfort when approaching towns. Therefore, they would actively avoid these places, unless—
“Unless they are led by a high-ranking boss, they would have the courage to break into villages and towns.” A deep voice interrupted, causing the two conversing to look up.
“Captain Friene, you’re here.” Fanderxi was the first to stand and greet him. The other person, backlit by the sun, bent down and entered the exquisite carriage, sitting beside him.
Ignoring Fanderxi’s greeting, Friene nodded slightly at Xilutiya. “Thank you, Miss Tiya, for last night’s events.”
Thanks to Xilutiya’s rescue, many cavalry members survived, which made him breathe a sigh of relief and feel grateful. He had specifically come to find Xilutiya.
“I only did my small part.” The maiden replied humbly, but she did have something she wanted to request of the cavalry captain.
“I saw you using the Breathing Technique during the fight last night. Is that correct?”
“That’s right. It’s one of my abilities now.” Besides Fate Cards, every living being had three empty slots for Ability Cards.
“I want to learn the Breathing Technique for self-preservation. Could you teach me?” Xilutiya asked earnestly.
“This… it’s not difficult. In fact, I often teach it to those soldiers and the village militia. It’s not a rare thing; many people know it.”
“However, Miss Tiya, are you sure you want to learn this? Because Transcendents of Order 1-2 only have three Ability Card slots. If you occupy one, it will squeeze out space for cultivating other skills.”
“After acquiring the Ability of Breathing Technique, can I give it up?” Hearing this, Xilutiya hesitated.
“You can give it up, but it will take some time, and you might need some potions to assist in mitigating the side effects of the dissolution process.”
“I see. Then I have nothing to worry about.” Xilutiya breathed a sigh of relief.
Seeing this, Friene no longer objected. However, there was something he didn’t say: the potions required to dissolve the Breathing Technique were often expensive. But for a noble, this should be a trivial matter.
“Since I’ll be recuperating in the village for a while to prevent that Crimson Wolf from returning, I’ll do my best to teach Miss Tiya during this week.”
For the next few days, Xilutiya stayed in Fir Village, helping to care for the injured cavalry, changing bandages and treating wounds, and then learning the ‘Breathing Technique’ from Friene.
…
The next day.
In the clearing behind the village, several people stood under a tree listening to Friene explain how to train the ‘Breathing Technique.’ Besides Xilutiya, there were several other young villagers, including Henry and Talil.
Due to the recent battles, many people felt a sense of crisis and were listening intently to Friene’s explanation of the ‘Breathing Technique’s’ application.
“Although the ‘Breathing Technique’ for strengthening the physique is much simpler than ‘Meditation Method’ for cultivating the spirit, it’s rare if even one out of ten people can learn it. If you can’t master it, don’t be too discouraged.” He cautioned them before teaching, based on his past experience, it was average that only one out of twenty young people could learn it.
“Alright, now, according to the rhythm I just mentioned, close your eyes and gradually adjust your breathing.”
…
Xilutiya stood in the back row, where she felt more comfortable and it was cooler. She also began to adjust her breathing, closing her eyes to find that rhythm and the peculiar rhythm hidden deep within her heartbeat.
The clearing then fell silent. The eight young people carefully felt their heartbeats and breathing, slowly following the steps to adjust their breathing and gradually synchronize it with the rhythm of their heartbeats. Some frowned throughout the process, sensing no change. Some seemed to perceive subtle differences but couldn’t grasp them and could only repeat in vain. Others couldn’t even maintain steady breathing, their emotions gradually becoming anxious.
Looking at the individuals before him, Friene shook his head secretly, feeling that none of them had hope of learning. If they had talent, it would have been discovered already. He remembered that the village chief was an adventurer in his youth and knew the Breathing Technique. He must have tried to teach these children regularly.
Baron Holin’s territory had 11 villages, each with about 300 people. In each village, about ten people could master the ‘Breathing Technique.’ Excluding the elderly and those who had gone out to adventure, there were only 4-5 people left in the village.
He recalled that in Fir Village, currently, only two hunters, two security patrols, one butcher, and the old village chief knew the Breathing Technique. This was the accumulation of over a decade in the village. Looking at it this way, if two people of Talil’s generation could learn it, it would mean there was a successor.
As Friene was lost in thought and reminiscing, Xilutiya’s consciousness gradually sank into a peculiar state. The sound of the wind and birdsong outside disappeared, and only the sound of her own heartbeat became clearer.
A vague sensation emerged. Although she couldn’t see her heart, an invisible feeling of expansion and contraction gradually appeared, following that jumping, blurry form. Slowly, her breathing became longer and her heartbeat slower.
Each heartbeat became regular, gradually harmonizing with the rhythm of her breathing. Invisible and hidden crimson threads appeared in her mind. These threads seemed to carry an extremely faint crimson Nature, circulating continuously with the flow of blood.
Little by little, these threads continuously spread, reaching into the unknown distance, then twisting and winding, flowing silently within the body until finally completing a cycle and returning to the starting point.
Breathing Technique Completion +12.
…
When Xilutiya opened her eyes again, there were no other students in the clearing. Only Friene was sitting under the tree. Seeing her open her eyes now, he stood up and walked over.
“I told them all to disperse first so as not to disturb you.” His gaze at Xilutiya held a kind of joy and surprise.
“Did you learn the ‘Breathing Technique’ before? I’ve never seen anyone master it so quickly.” In his memory, completing the first breathing cycle within three days was considered rare genius; he had only known one such person over the years.
Yet, this maiden had completed the first breathing cycle in just half an hour, and the process was exceptionally stable, without any accidental interruptions.
“I don’t know. I don’t remember my childhood. But I certainly don’t know the ‘Breathing Technique’ right now.” Hearing Friene say this, she also wondered if this body had learned it before.
“Regardless, continue practicing and repeating these next few days, and you’ll gradually master the first stage of the Breathing Technique.” Friene told her with anticipation.
“There are also some precautions I need to tell you. The first stage of the Breathing Technique places a great load on the body. If you use it, the duration in the early stages must not exceed 10 seconds. It’s best to rest and recover immediately after use, and the total usage time per day should not exceed 1 minute.”
“So short?” Xilutiya was surprised.
“Heh, of course. What do you think this is? This is a decisive move. At the most critical moment, being faster by a fraction can immediately determine life and death.”
“Here, take this wooden sword.” He handed the maiden a wooden sword and then pointed to himself.
“Try to slash at me.”
Grasping the wooden sword, Xilutiya attempted to attack Friene. As she stepped forward and swung the sword, he flashed past with a speed that the maiden couldn’t react to, dodged the sword’s edge, and then struck at Xilutiya’s neck with his hand like a blade, finally stopping 2 centimeters away, stirring a few strands of hair.
“Did you see? Being just three parts faster, I could take your life. And the price? 2 seconds of using the Breathing Technique. Do you still think it’s weak and insufficient now?” Friene said with a grin.
It was only now that Xilutiya truly realized how powerful and practical the power of Nature was. Even ordinary Nature abilities were enough to make an individual’s strength far surpass that of ordinary people, reaching a level of one against ten. And mastering such abilities was still a long way from becoming a true Order 1 Transcendent.
That Crimson Giant Wolf was far more terrifying than imagined. Even Captain Friene could only barely contend with it by relying on the village’s ‘Castle’ magic array.
Breathing Technique Lv.0 (Blood Law): An unformed ability, current progress 12/100.
Seeing the information that appeared in her mind, Xilutiya once again felt a surge of anticipation and motivation, wanting to know what she would be like after fully learning the Breathing Technique.
“Hahaha, aren’t you excited? I also have several sets of sword and spear techniques. I have plenty of time these few days, so I’ll teach them all to you.”
“Just knowing the Breathing Technique isn’t enough. You also need suitable techniques, and finally, the courage and will to fight. You’ll understand later. Only when all of these are combined will you have a chance to truly embark on the path of pursuing the power of Nature.” As he spoke, a deep look of reminiscence appeared in his eyes, and his voice was full of emotion.
“I understand. Thank you, Teacher.” Xilutiya bowed respectfully.
—
Nature: Blood Law. The pulse of blood and life, the first sound and surge in the world, the beginning of all flesh and blood life, and also proof of survival.
Thanks to Northwest Old Man’s Terrible Adventures and Ying Ming for their support.
Thanks to Tianyi is Cute Yeah, Ink Dye Wolf Five, U Ye Xi U, A Fish That Wants to Work Hard, Qing Qiang Feng.
Dong Xian, ~xy~, Zi Ge 3rd, Ink Dye Wolf Five, Flower Blooms in Clouds and Mist, Forget Bitterness Seek Joy, Starry Sky Purple Cloud Sea.
l Ruthless Falling Leaves l, Not Crossing South Wind But Meeting Ah Jiu, Serving Feelings to Sleep, Salted Fish Cuisine, July’s Dream 7726, Star Song, Once a Meteor Streaked, iIi, for their rewards.
Many thanks to Little Qing Ji Big Victory, thanks to Shen Qi’s wife who wants to cuddle Alice, the Ally Lord, Thanks(ω).
