MARD Chapter 27 Learning New Skills (Patreon)

The World Marble was calm as always, its endless blue sky shining softly over the green meadows and the budding forest. The air was filled with the hum of energy, faint ripples of qi flowing from the group as they trained beneath the gaze of the Red Dragon Emperor. The group had just returned from their trip to Master Shen’s workshop and had started their training on the three new Martial Skills mostly by the demand of Wu Ying.

Ddraig’s massive form loomed, his red scales gleaming. The dragon’s emerald eyes glowed with patience and a touch of amusement as he observed each of the group's failures.

In front of him Issei, Wu Lan, Wu Ying, Wu Xiao, and Mei were hard at work. At least, they were trying to be.

(Again,) Ddraig commanded.

Wu Ying’s fist shot forward, striking Issei squarely in the chest.

“Gah—!” He gasped, stumbling back, the impact sending a dull ache through his ribs.

“Come on!” Wu Ying barked, shaking her hand out. “You’re supposed to resist it, not take it like a sack of potatoes!”

“I am trying to resist it!” Issei grunted, his aura flickering faintly around him as he steadied his breath. “You try not screaming when you’re being used as a training dummy!”

Ddraig’s voice rumbled like distant thunder. (Enough whining. The purpose of Steadfast Will is not to avoid pain, but to numb it. From what I understood you must let your qi flow through your body, dulling the nerves while you steady your spirit.)

Issei exhaled sharply, tightening his stance. “Alright, alright. Again.”

Wu Ying cracked her knuckles and grinned. “Gladly.”

Her palm glowed faintly with her qi before she struck again, this time with more control. The hit connected with a resounding thud, but Issei didn’t flinch as badly. He winced, sure, but his legs held firm.

Ddraig nodded approvingly. (Better. You’re beginning to synchronize your energy with the rhythm of pain. Remember you must learn to keep fighting while enduring the pain. Use your will to stand while the body screams just like that time during your fight with the mayor. You were able to completely ignore the pain the human gave you in favor of continuing your fight.”

Issei straightened, catching his breath. “That was because I was too angry to care about my pain after that guy hurt Mei and Wu Ying.”

Ddraig nodded as he remembered the fight quite well. (I noticed and with this skill you will be able to do exactly that on command without losing yourself to anger. Not to mention even if you're attacked, you won’t lose your concentration and the Boosts you gained.)

As Wu Ying attacked Issei, she continued working on her own technique. As she collected her Qi around her palm and thrust forward, sending a faint shimmer of energy through Issei that sent him flying. The ground cracked slightly beneath her feet, but the intended effect, a pulse of crushing qi, failed to manifest.

“Tch!” Wu Ying hissed in frustration as this was another failure. “It’s just not forming!”

Wu Lan looked up from her practice to observe. “I think your energy’s too scattered. From what the text says, the Crushing Pulse requires sharp focus at the exact moment of contact. You’re pushing it outward too soon.”

Wu Ying scowled. “Easy for you to say, you’re not the one slapping Issei for half an hour!”

From across the field, Issei chuckled weakly as he caught his breath, only that this caused the pain to continue. “Hey, can we switch.”

Her eyes gleamed dangerously. “Oh? Are you actually going to attack me?”

“...Never mind.”

Ddraig’s deep laugh rolled through the skies. (Just keep practicing on him,  and eventually he will master Steadfast Will.)

“This isn’t fun!” Issei yelled up, glaring at the dragon.

Meanwhile, on the far side of the field, Wu Lan, Wu Xiao, and Mei were practicing Quick Step, the third of the new martial skills.

A sharp whoosh filled the air as Wu Lan blinked forward a few feet, her form blurring for a moment before she stumbled and hit a tree. “Owww!. My balance still breaks at the end.”

Wu Xiao, already grinning mischievously, clapped her hands. “Watch and learn, big sis!”

She concentrated, qi flaring under her feet, then suddenly she shot forward several meters, the burst of speed leaving a faint trail of dust.

“See? Nailed—AAAH!”

Her triumphant yell ended with a loud thud as she crashed face-first into the ground.

Issei winced. “I felt that one.”

Wu Lan sighed deeply. “You were supposed to control the qi, not detonate it like a firework.”

“...Worth it,” Wu Xiao mumbled into the grass.

Mei stepped up next. “Alright. My turn.”

She steadied her breathing, focusing the qi around her feet just as Wu Lan instructed and centered herself. The air shimmered faintly and then she vanished in a blur.

CRACK!

A heartbeat later, there was a dull crash and a startled yelp as Mei slammed straight into a nearby tree.

“Mei!” Issei called out, trying not to laugh. “You okay?!”

She groaned faintly from the ground, a few leaves falling onto her head. “I… went too fast.”

Ddraig’s deep chuckle echoed. (A commendable effort. Painful, but commendable.)

Wu Ying snorted, barely hiding her laughter. “At least she moved further than Xiao.”

“Hey!”

A few feet away, Wu Lan attempted another try — only to trip mid-step and land squarely on her face.

Wu Ying blinked. “...Okay, maybe we’re all bad at this one.”

Wu Ying cracked her knuckles as she prepared. “Alright. Another round.”

Issei groaned. “Can’t we rest—?”

“No. Now get up.”

He sighed, bracing himself. “This is my life now.”

—-------------------------

Hours passed within the World Marble, the soft wind carrying the echoes of shouts, crashes, and the occasional painted groan. Training under Ddraig’s supervision was both grueling and chaotic but it was progress.

The group had each found their rhythm.

Wu Ying’s palm thrusts were becoming sharper as the air vibrated in a crushing motion but it failed most of the time.

 Wu Lan’s balance was steadier as she no longer tripped.

 Mei learned control as she no longer launched herself into trees.

 And Issei, though still serving as Wu Ying’s favorite punching target, could now take a blow without being winded.

But the loudest sound came from the middle of the clearing.

“This time for sure!” Wu Xiao shouted, energy sparking beneath her feet. “I think I’ve got it this time!”

Wu Lan turned her head slightly, skeptical. “Careful, Xiao—”

Whoosh!

Before she could finish, Wu Xiao vanished. A blur of movement crossed the field, leaving faint trails of dust and displaced grass.

She reappeared five meters away, laughing triumphantly. “Ha! Did you see that?! I did it!”

“Nice one!” Issei cheered, genuinely impressed.

Wu Ying grinned. “Finally! Guess face-planting all morning paid off.”

But Wu Xiao wasn’t done. “Oh, I can do better! Watch this!”

“Xiao, wait—” Wu Lan started, but her sister had already vanished again.

Then again. And again.

She zipped across the field in rapid bursts, each step faster than the last, the air shimmering around her as she blinked from spot to spot like a streak of silver light.

“Look! I’m unstoppable!” She shouted between steps, her laughter echoing.

“Wu Xiao, stop before—” Mei began with worry in her voice.

But before anyone could finish, the younger sister suddenly stumbled mid-step, her final movement cutting short as her qi flickered out. She collapsed to the ground with a soft thud, landing flat on her back.

“WU XIAO!” The entire group rushed over in alarm.

Issei dropped to one knee beside her. “Hey! You alright?!”

Wu Lan knelt next to him, checking her youngest sister’s pulse, worry written all over her usually calm face. “She’s breathing. Just… out cold.”

Wu Ying frowned. “She overdid it.”

Ddraig’s massive shadow fell over them, his voice rumbling through the sky. (Indeed. These techniques are not toys. Each of you is channeling your internal energy and that power is finite as it will deplete with repeated use.)

He lowered his head slightly, the gleam of his emerald eyes reflecting the group’s concern. (The stronger your cultivation, the deeper your reserves. But the younger one.) his gaze drifted to the now sleeping Wu Xiao, (—is only a Second Stage Fighter. Her pool of qi is smaller than all of yours. She has exhausted her reserves completely.)

Mei’s expression softened with guilt. “So she used up all her energy just from that?”

(Correct,) Ddraig said. (Pushing your body past its limits without control will drain not only your strength. But for a human, this can cause fainting, disorientation, or even internal injury.”

Wu Lan sighed, brushing a strand of hair from Wu Xiao’s forehead. “You’ve always had to overdo it, haven’t you?”

Luna padded over quietly and lay beside her, the silver wolf curling protectively around the unconscious girl. Wu Xiao’s breathing evened out as Luna rested her head against her chest.

Issei smiled softly. “Guess she’s in good hands or paws.”

Ddraig’s deep chuckle echoed faintly. (Let her rest. She will recover with time. As for the rest of you — take this as a lesson.) He turned his gaze toward them all, his tone shifting from warm to stern. (Your Qi is not infinite. Recklessness in battle leads to death. Train hard, but pace yourselves. Learn the balance between power and control.”

Wu Lan bowed her head respectfully. “Understood.”

Wu Ying sighed, standing up and stretching her arms. “Alright, fine. I’ll slow down. But only because I don’t want to end up face-first like her.”

Issei smirked faintly. “I’ll hold you to that.”

Mei smiled gently, her golden eyes watching Wu Xiao sleep against Luna. “We’ll let her rest. She earned it.”

The group resumed their practice, this time slower and more deliberate, each of them focusing on control rather than speed or power. The sound of their movements blended with the wind, rhythmic and steady.

Above them, Ddraig’s eyes gleamed approvingly as he continued to watch the group continue their training.

—-------------------------------------

Hours had passed inside the World Marble, the sky still locked in its gentle daylight glow. The meadow was quiet now, only the soft crackle of a campfire and the comforting smell of cooked food filled the air.

Wu Xiao stirred, blinking her eyes open slowly. Her limbs felt heavy at first, and her head throbbed faintly. Then she realized she was lying on Luna’s fur, the silver wolf curled protectively around her.

She sat up quickly, cheeks pink. “Ugh… I actually passed out, didn’t I?”

From the fire, Issei’s voice called out, half-teasing as he noticed that the youngest sister had finally woke up. “Yup. You went full-speed until you dropped. It was impressive, but you should learn to pace yourself.”

Wu Ying smirked over her shoulder. “But you should’ve seen yourself. You went “zoom, zoom, crash.”

Wu Xiao puffed her cheeks, embarrassment flashing across her face. “Don’t remind me…” Her sulk lasted all of three seconds before her stomach growled loud enough to make Luna’s ears twitch.

“Uh…” Wu Xiao rubbed her belly, glancing around sheepishly. “Anyone else smell food, or is that just my imagination?”

Mei giggled softly from where she was setting down plates. “You’re awake. How do you feel?”

Wu Xiao stretched, yawning. “A little sore. A little dizzy. But mostly hungry. Like, really hungry. I need sugar, rice, something!”

Issei, Mei and Wu Ying laughed with relief written plainly on their faces, glad that she was back to normal.

“Well,” Wu Lan said calmly as she emerged from the old wooden house, holding a brand-new metal pot, “you’re in luck. Dinner’s ready.”

The moment the lid came off, a wave of rich, savory aroma filled the meadow.

Issei’s eyes widened. “Is that—?”

“Curry,” Wu Lan finished with a small smile. “We had bought various spices from the market and the recipe book I took from the estate told me how to prepare it. Figured we should use them before they lose flavor.”

Issei grinned with excitement at eating something new. “Lan, I could kiss you right now.”

“Please don’t,” Wu Lan replied flatly with a blush, though her lips twitched in amusement.

The group quickly gathered around the wooden table they had set up earlier. Wu Lan ladled generous portions of steaming curry over rice, setting bowls in front of each of them.

Wu Xiao was practically bouncing in her seat. “Finally! I thought I was gonna starve!”

Issei chuckled as he handed her a pair of chopsticks. “Eat slowly. You already fainted and are probably still recovering.”

She ignored him in favor of diving into her food with enthusiasm. “Mmm! Worth it!”

The others couldn’t help but laugh. The warmth of the meal and the shared laughter melted away the fatigue from their long training session. For a moment, the world outside the World Marble felt very far away.

Between bites, Wu Ying leaned back and sighed contentedly. “You know… now that we’ve got our Earthfang Armor, there’s no reason to stick around Meihua Crossing anymore.”

Wu Lan nodded slightly, wiping her hands with a cloth. “I agree. According to the map we took from the mayor’s estate, the next step toward the capital will take us through the Willow Marsh.”

Mei looked up from her bowl. “Willow Marsh?”

“It’s a swamp region,” Wu Lan explained, her tone even. “Dense mist, tall willows trees, unpredictable terrain. It’s not far, but the path can be treacherous. Once we cross it, we’ll reach a city called Hengshan. From there, we can restock supplies and continue toward the capital.”

Issei leaned back, stirring his curry absently. “Sounds fun. Hopefully without another ‘corrupt mayor trying to kill us’ situation.”

Wu Ying snorted. “No promises with our luck. Especially if you go looking for trouble, Issei.”

This causes Issei to chuckle nervously, not able to refute her claim as all this was started because he couldn’t leave Mei’s suffering alone.

Mei just gave Issei a grateful look as her life completely changed by him butting in her troubles.

Wu Xiao, though perked up immediately, excitement gleaming in her eyes. “A city? Finally! I was starting to get bored of this place. I wonder how big they are?”

Wu Lan gave her sister a knowing look. “You say that now, but wait until you’re knee-deep in swamp mud.”

Wu Xiao puffed her cheeks. “Still worth it.”

Mei, however, was quieter. Her spoon paused midair as she looked down into her bowl. “It’ll be my first time leaving Meihua Crossing since… well, since I lost my memories.”

Wu Ying’s teasing tone softened. “Are you nervous?”

Mei hesitated, then nodded. “A little. It’s all so new to me and I don’t know what’s waiting out there.”

Issei offered her a reassuring smile. “That’s fine. You’re not alone this time. Whatever’s waiting, we’ll face it together and hopefully we find something about your missing memories.”

The simple words made Mei’s lips curve into a small, grateful smile. “Thank you, Issei.”

Wu Lan, watching the exchange, said quietly, “We leave tomorrow morning. Tonight, rest well and finish eating. We’ll need all our strength.”

Wu Xiao raised her spoon dramatically. “Then let’s eat everything!”

Wu Ying groaned. “Not everything. Leave me some, at least.”

—------------------------

The fire crackled softly as the group finished the last of their curry, the warmth of the meal still lingering in the air. Luna lay curled near the campfire, her silver fur glinting faintly. As the others leaned back, enjoying a rare moment of calm, Wu Ying stood up suddenly, stretching her arms. Her expression turned too serious.

“Alright,” She stood and began, hands on her hips. “Before everyone gets too comfortable, we need to talk about our schedule for the trip.”

Issei blinked. “Schedule?”

Wu Ying nodded firmly. “Yes. Now that we’ve all got our armor and new skills, it’s time to get serious about training and cultivation.”

Wu Xiao immediately groaned. “Oh no… here we go again.”

Ignoring her, Wu Ying began pacing back and forth, speaking with military precision. “While we travel to Hengshan, we’ll maintain a strict daily routine. It’ll keep us sharp and ready for whatever we run into.” She turned, raising one finger. “We will travel for five hours each day with our armor..”

Wu Lan tilted her head slightly. “That’s reasonable.”

“Followed by four hours of focused martial arts training and sparring to prepare for the next serious fight.”

Issei’s eyebrows shot up. “Four hours of fighting after walking for five hours?”

Wu Ying ignored him, raising another finger. “Then five hours of cultivation. That will reinforce our control of qi and improve our overall strength. Hopefully we all reach a new Stage by the time we enter the city.”

Mei blinked. “That’s… already fourteen hours…”

“And the last four hours,” Wu Ying continued, “will be for food, relaxation, and any other personal activities we need. After that, everyone gets six hours of sleep.”

Silence.

The group stared at her like she had just declared war and were filled with worry.

Issei blinked slowly. “You… actually planned all that out?”

Wu Ying crossed her arms. “Of course. You think strength comes from relaxing and napping? We have to be prepared.”

Wu Xiao groaned loudly, dropping backward into the grass. “That sounds horrible! That’s not a schedule, that’s torture!”

Wu Ying’s eye twitched. “Torture? Maybe if you’d cultivate instead of napping and playing with Luna or your other pets all the time, you wouldn’t be stuck as a Second Stage Fighter!”

Wu Xiao sat up defensively. “Hey! I train too!”

Wu Ying jabbed a finger at her. “You play with Luna and fall asleep halfway through your cultivation!”

Luna, who had been dozing quietly, raised her head with a confused bark, as if she wanted no part in this argument.

The rest of the group tried  and failed, not to laugh.

Wu Lan covered her mouth politely. “Ying, perhaps the schedule could be… adjusted slightly?”

“Absolutely not!” Wu Ying declared. “Consistency builds strength. Slacking leads to weakness. We’ll follow this until we reach the next town.”

Issei sighed, exchanging a helpless glance with Mei. “You heard her… We’ll try.”

Mei giggled softly, her gentle smile returning. “I think it’ll be good for us… if we survive it.”

Wu Xiao flopped back onto the grass again, groaning. “We’re all gonna die from training before monsters even find us…”

Wu Ying smirked triumphantly. “Then I’ll just train your corpses at least then you wont talk back to me”

That earned her an exasperated sigh from everyone and a faint chuckle from Ddraig, whose voice rolled through the air. (You remind me of an old host, girl. I approve.)

Wu Ying grinned proudly at that, while the rest groaned.

“Of course he would approve,” Issei muttered, resting his head in his hands.

The dragon’s laughter echoed softly across the meadow.

Wu Lan clapped her hands once, signaling the end of the debate. “Alright, enough arguing. Everyone clean up, then start your evening cultivation. We have a long day ahead tomorrow.”

Reluctantly, the group picked up their bowls, wiped down the area, and put out the fire. The gentle hum of qi began to fill the air as they all found different spots to sit down to meditate, each focusing their energy.

—------------------------------------

At the northern gate of Meihua Crossing, a handful of tired guards stood watch beneath the morning sun. The usual chatter of merchants and travelers was gone, replaced by a heavy silence.

The guards leaned against their spears, trading uneasy glances as they talked quietly among themselves.

“I still can’t believe it,” One muttered, scratching the back of his neck. “The mayor’s dead. Just like that. A Sixth Stage Fighter… gone.”

Another exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck. “I’m just glad I was guarding the southern walls and not the mansion. Half the estate guards are still in the infirmary. Lucky to be alive.”

Another guard snorted. “Serves him right. Everyone knew he pushed too far as his greed got the better of him. Those outsiders, whatever they were, he should’ve left them alone.”

A third guard gave a shaky sigh. “Easy for you to say. We’re still short-staffed because half the men from the estate are in bed with broken bones. And now the nobles are arguing about who should take his place.”

“Yeah,” Said the first guard, lowering his voice. “Word is, some of them are too scared to even step outside. They think that group’ll come after them next.”

The fourth guard chuckled dryly. “Can’t blame them. Who’d want to be the next mayor after that? They’ll just make the wrong person mad and—” he mimed an explosion with his hands, “—boom.”

The others shared a grim look.

“I just hope,” The youngest among them said nervously, “that we never have to see that group again. I don’t wanna end up like those poor bastards who fought them.”

His words hung in the air for a moment. Then silence fell again.

It was broken by the sound of approaching footsteps.

Then, one of them suddenly stiffened. “Hey… look.”

All eyes turned toward the main road leading to the town and froze.

Coming from the road toward the gate was a familiar sight, a boy with short brown hair, walking casually with four women. The group gleamed under the sun, their newly-forged Earthfang Armor polished with a silver wolf walking beside them.

Every guard’s heartbeat spiked.

“That’s them…” One whispered. “That’s the group.”

In an instant, the guards shifted into formation. Spears lowered slightly, boots clicked together, ready for any sign of attack and to defend the gate if necessary.

But the group didn’t even look their way.

“I’m just saying,” Issei was saying, “if we run into another corrupt mayor, I’m letting Wu Ying handle the negotiations.”

Wu Ying smirked. “Good plan. I’ll save time and hit first.”

“Please don’t,” Wu Lan sighed, adjusting her pack.

Wu Xiao bounced happily beside Luna. “I still can’t believe we’re actually leaving! New town, new food, new adventures!”

Mei smiled softly but clutched her new staff tighter. “New… everything.”

Their laughter carried lightly on the wind as they walked past the guards without a glance.

The men at the gate tensed instinctively, half-expecting an explosion, a lightning strike, something—but the armored group simply passed through.

Issei then laughed lightly as he walked, chatting with Wu Ying about something trivial as he hoped the city has many beautiful Bishoujos and described the type of women he likes and then got a punch from Wu Ying for revealing too much. Wu Lan was calmly reviewing the map and their travel route. Wu Xiao was humming a tune while skipping alongside Luna, and Mei followed close, quietly adjusting her new armor.

They looked… normal and relaxed. Not like the rumors that the survivors spread. The sight made the guards hesitate with fear.

The group then passed through the gate without a word, their laughter carrying on the wind.

One of the guards slowly exhaled once they were gone. “Did… did we just survive that?”

Another nodded quickly. “Yup. And I’d like to keep it that way.”

Then, one guard let out the breath he’d been holding. “...They didn’t even look at us.”

Another slumped slightly in relief. “Thank the heavens.”

They all relaxed, shoulders slumping as the tension bled out of the air.

“Good riddance,” One muttered, rubbing the back of his neck. “If we’re lucky, they’ll never come back.”

The youngest guard let out a nervous laugh. “After what I just heard and saw, I’m praying for exactly that.”

And so, as the armored group disappeared beyond the horizon, the guards of Meihua Crossing silently thanked the heavens, relieved that, for once, their shift had ended without disaster.

Far ahead, Issei and the others walked steadily down the road, the open plains stretching before them. The breeze was clean, the sunlight warm, and though the path ahead would no doubt be filled with danger, they were ready for it.

Done. Tell me what you think and if I made any mistakes.