A Dunce never expected his energy arrow to possess such devastating power. As he marveled at the aftermath, the colossal serpent thrashed violently. Azure blood sprayed from its wounds like a macabre fountain. In the sky, Holy Evil unleashed waves of dragonfire—corrosive gray energy that ate into the serpent's exposed flesh. Though its scales resisted decay, the gaps torn by A Dunce's arrow were defenseless. With an ear-splitting shriek, the serpent's flesh dissolved under the onslaught. In agony, it opened its maw, and a fist-sized orb of venomous emerald light shot toward Holy Evil. The projectile moved slowly but radiated immense power.
A Dunce nocked a second arrow, aiming for the serpent's skull. But a clear voice halted him: "Spare it!"
*Grandmaster Tianan Gang!* A Dunce recognized his master's voice and withdrew the arrow, absorbing its energy.
The emerald orb closed in on Holy Evil. Fear flickered in the dragon's eyes as it scrambled backward. Suddenly, Grandmaster Tianan Gang materialized mid-air, robes billowing. "Abomination!" he roared. His right hand clenched—a phantom force froze the orb in flight. The serpent convulsed, straining to reclaim its core.
"Know your end," the Grandmaster sneered. A silver arc severed the connection between orb and serpent. The beast heaved, vaulted three meters into the air, and crashed lifelessly to the ground. The emerald orb dimmed, revealing itself as a crystalline fruit. Holy Evil swooped closer, drooling, claws extended.
"You recognize treasure, don't you?" Master chuckled, tapping the dragon's snout.
Holy Evil nodded frantically.
"Very well. Swallow it. But guard A Dunce with your life." He tossed the orb into the dragon's jaws. Holy Evil gulped it down and soared toward Mount Sky Summit, vanishing into the clouds.
---
Master led A Dunce to the serpent's corpse. "This abomination once escaped me decades ago. It has devoured countless souls on these sacred slopes—justice is served." He studied the youth. "Your aim falters, but your power is true. Hone it."
Using phantom silver blades, he skinned the serpent in fluid motions. He harvested a 30-meter sinew tough enough to anchor mountains, serpentine marrow, armored scales for lightweight battle-suits, and two crystalline eyes sharpening sight and strength.
---
In the cavern, Holy Evil lay comatose, digesting the orb's energy. A Dunce meditated until Grandmaster Tianan Gang offered a bowl of steaming paste. "Replenishment. Consume it."
It tasted of mountain herbs and honey. Heat bloomed in A Dunce's veins, but his energy flow soon churned erratically—liquid silver Qi in his dantian thickened, threatening to congeal.
*The marrow accelerates his breakthrough!* Master clamped hands on A Dunce's spine and crown. He forced the youth's consciousness under, seizing control of the volatile energy. Hours later, A Dunce's dantian crystallized into a silver figurine—a miniature self.
"Congratulations." Master sagged, pale. "You've awakened the Eighth Circle: Body Forging. But raw power means nothing. Refine it over decades—as your uncles did."
He looked exhausted. "Summon your masters. Your journey begins."
A Dunce's heart clenched. He'd longed to find the missing elves, yet leaving this sanctuary now felt like abandoning home.
---
At the Sky Fist Academy, disciples gaped as A Dunce entered. Liaoyi bowed. "Honored Uncle!"
Before A Dunce could argue, a blur crashed into him—a girl with eyes like wildfire, fleeing a pack of disciples. "Grandfather's hunting me for training! Let me—"
*Thud.* She hit his chest. When he steadied her, she flushed. "Who are—"
"Apologies," A Dunce stammered. "I need passage."
She sniffed. "*I'm* Una. And you owe me for bruising my shoulder!" Behind her, disciples glowered.
Suddenly, she kicked his backside. Protective Qi surged—her leg snapped. A Dunce lunged, catching her with a golden energy tether. As she screamed, disciples drew blades.
Cultur stormed in, cradling Una. "Fool girl! Provoking your martial uncle?"
"He shattered my leg!" she wept.
A Dunce carved splints from a tree branch with phantom blades—his speed silencing the crowd. While Cultur tended Una, A Dunce funneled healing Qi into her, easing her whimpers.
"Forgive me, WatanaLu," A Dunce whispered. "My energy reacted instinctively."
"Her recklessness invited this." Cultur shot a glare at the disciples. "But hear this: power untamed is a blade without a hilt. Master it before it masters you."
A Dunce's hands trembled. The words mirrored Grandmaster Tianan Gang's warning. His journey would be paved with such tests.