SpaceMage

Chapter 23 23 - A Monster Is Born

?The air around Ximen Wei shimmered and pulsed as he recited an ancient incantation, his voice filled with a rhythmic power that reached out and caressed the Qi particles that surrounded him. With each word he spoke, the particles danced and twirled in a precise order, gradually forming a mesmerizing formation that glimmered and shimmered with raw energy.

"Qi Technique - Iron Fist!" Ximen Wei declared, as he unleashed the full force of his power. The Qi particles coalesced into his fist, crackling with energy as he sent it hurtling toward the incoming sword.

The two forces collided in a mighty blast, the sound ringing out across the battlefield as metal met metal. Ximen Wei's fist, imbued with the full power of the Qi Technique, held firm against the sword, pushing it back and revealing the full extent of his mastery over the elemental energies of the world.

In that moment, Ximen Wei was filled with a sense of wonder and awe. The Qi Techniques described in the Scroll, which he had studied with such diligence, seemed to hold the key to commanding the very essence of the world itself. He thought back to his previous life, to the complex programming languages that had enabled him to create and control the digital world. But here, in this new existence, he felt as though he were wielding a far greater power, a language that spoke directly to the heart of the universe.

With a smile on his face, Ximen Wei felt the thrill of his newfound mastery, the thrill of the Qi Techniques and the power they held. He knew that he was just scratching the surface of what was possible.

The two forces clashed with a shower of sparks, the guard reeling in surprise as Ximen Wei's attack was effortlessly parried. But his shock quickly turned to anger as he realized the truth about Ximen Wei's abilities.

"A Level 1 Qi Trainee!" he snarled, disbelief coloring his voice. "I can't believe this kid is only a Level 1 Qi Trainee!"

Ximen Wei's eyes narrowed as he continued to chant, his movements quick and precise as he sought to end this fight as quickly and quietly as possible. With each incantation, he called forth new Qi Techniques, each one more powerful than the last.

"Qi Technique - Strengthen!" he declared, as the elemental energies flowed into his body, empowering him and granting him newfound strength.

And then, with a flick of his wrist, he unleashed a new technique, one that would leave his opponent powerless.

"Qi Technique - Enfeeble!"

The guard felt his body sag as the technique took hold, sweat pouring down his face as he struggled to keep hold of his sword. But it was no use, the weapon slipped from his grasp, clattering to the ground as he turned to look at his friend, only to see that he too was in the same predicament.

Ximen Wei smiled, a sense of satisfaction filling him as he realized that his techniques were far more potent and effective than those of Old Mao. The old man may have been a skilled practitioner, but age and weakness had sapped his strength and limited his abilities. But Ximen Wei was young and strong, with a life force that burned bright.

With a final burst of power, Ximen Wei unleashed his most devastating technique.

"Qi Technique - Iron Fist!"

The air around him shuddered with the force of his attack, the two guards looking on in fear as Ximen Wei summoned all the power he could muster. And then, with a mighty roar, he sent his fist flying toward his enemies.

RUMBLLE!!!

The impact was devastating, sending shockwaves through the air as the first guard's body was reduced to a pile of broken flesh and bone. And then, with a second blow, the second guard met the same fate, his head obliterated by the force of Ximen Wei's punch.

In less than a minute, a ten-year-old child had decimated a group of four powerful guards, his actions a testament to the sheer terror that Qi Cultivators could inflict upon the world.

But with each technique came a cost, and Ximen Wei was soon on the brink of collapse, his body and mind taxed by the effort of summoning so much power. He took a moment to catch his breath, leaning against the wall as he struggled to regain his strength.

Once he was ready, he retrieved the keys from the dead guard's body, finishing off the final member of the group who had managed to escape his grasp. And then, with a cold determination in his heart, he approached the last guard, the one who was still paralyzed, ready to extract the information he sought.

The guard's body trembled with fear as he felt the cold steel of the dagger pressing against his neck. Ximen Wei's gaze was intense, his eyes like black holes that threatened to suck the guard's soul away.

"Y-Yes, anything you want to know," the guard stammered, his voice barely above a whisper. Ximen Wei's lips curved up into a sneer.

"Everything," he repeated, his voice low and menacing. The guard couldn't help but swallow nervously as he began to speak, pouring out everything he knew about the area, the whereabouts of the nearby towns and villages, and the number of guards stationed there. Ximen Wei listened intently, nodding every once in a while as the guard spoke. When the guard was finished speaking, Ximen Wei stood up, the dagger still clutched in his hand. He looked down at the guard, a cruel smile playing on his lips.

"Good," he said, his voice cold and emotionless.

The guard's fear only intensified as he saw Ximen Wei hesitate. He feared for his life and couldn't shake the image of Ximen Wei's brutal and savage killing of his companions.

Ximen Wei was deep in thought, playing with his dagger and weighing his options. He knew that his escape would eventually be noticed, but he wanted to delay the matter. A diabolical idea suddenly popped into his mind, but he quickly dismissed it as far too malicious and evil.

Panting, Ximen Wei realized that although the idea was brilliant, it was far too brutal. After weighing the pros and cons, Ximen Wei made a decision. He clenched his fists and proclaimed, 'For survival!'

"You have been very helpful." With that, Ximen Wei plunged the dagger into the guard's heart, his cold expression never once changing. He wiped the blood off the blade on the guard's shirt and sheathed it before turning to leave the cell. This was the reality of being a Qi Cultivator, a monster who would stop at nothing to achieve his goals.