After celebrating Zego's extraordinary achievement, the atmosphere in the gorge was once again filled with seriousness. Zego could not forget the Elder's sharp gaze when he announced the remaining time they had. Seven months. Only seven months left to absorb all the knowledge the Elder possessed. It felt like such a short time in the midst of a vast ocean of knowledge.
"You don't have much time, kid," the Elder said, his gaze now extremely focused. "We don't have time to slack off."
Zego nodded, ready. He sat cross-legged in front of the Elder, waiting for an explanation of the next technique. The Elder picked up another scroll; this one looked older and more worn. Inside, there were abstract drawings that were difficult to understand.
"This is the third technique, Wuji Step," the Elder said, pointing to the scroll.
("Third Technique: Wuji Step". This movement is the most advanced movement technique in the Yin-Yang series. The Wuji Step allows the user to move with incredible speed, leaving behind a shadow-like illusion so real that it can deceive opponents.
This technique utilizes the perfected fusion of Aura and Qi energy. When Zego moves, he will manipulate the Yin energy to create cold, formless shadow illusions, while the Yang energy will propel his body with explosive speed, making his true movement nearly invisible.
The effects of this technique are astonishing. The shadow traces left by the Wuji Step are not static; they can move, interact with the environment, and even appear to have consciousness. This creates total chaos on the battlefield, making it impossible for an opponent to distinguish between the real Zego and his illusory shadows. The impact is a state of extreme mental confusion, giving Zego limitless advantages to attack or escape.)
"Wuji means 'nothingness'," the Elder explained. "This technique is the art of being and not being at the same time. Your movement must be so fast, and your shadows must be so real, that your opponent will not know which one is the original."
Zego listened intently. This was the technique he needed. With the power and resilience he possessed, he needed agility to defeat faster and stronger opponents.
"I will try, Elder," Zego said, then he stood up. He began to practice the basic movements the Elder taught him. He tried to unify his Yin and Yang energy into every step, but it was incredibly difficult. Every time he tried to move quickly, his Yin and Yang energy would separate, and he would lose control of his movements.
"Don't use force! Use balance!" the Elder shouted, his voice thundering. "The Wuji Step is not about being strong, kid! It's about being light, about flowing! Feel the air around you, and make yourself a part of that air!"
Zego tried again. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and felt his Taichi Breathing flowing throughout his body. He imagined himself as air, formless, limitless. He opened his eyes, then he took a step. This time, he succeeded. A faint shadow trace appeared behind him, then vanished.
"Good!" the Elder exclaimed, his eyes gleaming. "Now, speed it up! Make those shadows more real!"
Zego continued to train. The days passed, and he became more proficient. The shadow traces he left behind became more real, even appearing as if they had a life of their own. He could create two, three, even four shadows at once, making the gorge seem as if it were filled with countless Zegos.
However, Zego was not satisfied. He knew he didn't have much time. He had to become stronger, faster, and more perfect.
"Elder," Zego said one afternoon, his breath ragged. "I want to spar with you. Continuously."
The Elder smiled. "Are you sure, kid? You know, I won't hold back."
"I'm sure," Zego replied firmly. "I want to face a real challenge. I want to test my Wuji Step in real combat."
"In that case, let's begin," the Elder said, and he took a fighting stance.
Zego also took a stance. The fight began. The Elder moved with incredible speed, almost invisible to the naked eye. Zego tried to use his Wuji Step to evade the attacks, but he was still not fast enough.
"He's too fast," Zego thought, his body taking a powerful punch from the Elder. He felt an intense pain, but he didn't give up.
"You're forcing yourself too much, kid!" the Elder shouted. "Let go! Let your body move, not your mind! Make the Wuji Step a part of you!"
Zego nodded; he understood. He closed his eyes, and he felt his Taichi Breathing flow. He let his instincts take over. He moved without thinking, following the flow of energy around him.
When he opened his eyes, he realized that he no longer saw the Elder, but he could feel every movement of the Elder. He took a step, and he successfully evaded the Elder's attack. He then used his Wuji Step to move behind the Elder and countered with his Yin-Yang Fist.
"Good!" the Elder exclaimed, surprised. "You did it! You succeeded in making the Wuji Step a part of you!"
The fight continued. Zego and the Elder fought for hours, from morning until night. Zego used his Wuji Step to move, then he attacked with his Yin-Yang Fist. The Elder countered with various techniques, but Zego managed to withstand all the attacks.
During the fight, Zego realized that he wasn't just becoming stronger, but he was also becoming wiser. He learned from every punch, from every movement of the Elder. The Elder was not just training his body, but also his mind.
After hours, the fight ended. Zego lay on the ground, his breath ragged. His body was covered in bruises, but he was smiling.
"I... I learned a lot, Elder," Zego said.
The Elder smiled. "You've made me proud, kid. You have surpassed all my expectations. You are the best disciple I have ever had."
Zego was speechless. He felt touched. He knew that the Elder saw him not just as a disciple, but as his own son.
"Now, you only have six months left," the Elder said, his voice turning serious. "We have to speed up the training. I will teach you the fourth technique."
Zego nodded, his eyes once again radiating determination. He knew that he would never give up. He would continue to fight, for the Elder, and for all the people he loved.
Meanwhile, behind the bushes, the mysterious figure growled. "That boy... he has mastered the Wuji Step. He is getting stronger. I can't wait any longer. I must act now. I must seize those eyes immediately."
The figure then disappeared, leaving a cold trail of dark energy. The hunt had begun.