The morning mist rolled across the training grounds, curling around the stone tiles like pale smoke. Most clan disciples were already swinging their swords in rhythm — every movement crisp, disciplined, predictable.
Jin Mu sat cross-legged under his usual willow tree, watching them with sleepy eyes and a rice bun in hand.
> [Reminder: Training recommended.]
[Sitting and chewing do not qualify.]
He took another bite. "Patience, System. I'm cultivating strategy."
> [Your 'strategy' involves starch and denial.]
He sighed. "You really need hobbies."
> [My hobby is monitoring your incompetence.]
"Touché."
---
He finished eating and finally stood, stretching until his joints cracked. Despite the lazy posture, something had changed in him since last night — a faint energy humming beneath his skin, like coals under ash.
> [Available Skills: Flowing Dragon Slash (24%), Blazing Dragon Step (27%), Tiger's Shadow Steps (35%), Rising Phoenix Breathing (41%).]
"Let's see what happens when I stop pretending and start experimenting."
> [Caution: You lack control and common sense.]
"That's what makes it exciting."
---
He stepped into an open patch of ground and began slowly mimicking the Tiger's Shadow Steps. The scroll had described it as light, evasive, and unpredictable — moving like a beast through tall grass.
At first, his movements were clumsy. His foot caught a rock; his balance wobbled.
> [Observation: You resemble a limping duck.]
"I'm adjusting, thank you."
He exhaled, shifted his stance, and tried again. His breathing followed the rhythm of the Rising Phoenix Breathing method this time — deep, flowing, with heat gathering in his chest.
The difference was instant. His limbs felt lighter. His steps smoother.
> [Detected: Technique Synergy – Shadow-Phoenix Flow.]
[Temporary Boost: Movement speed +8%. Qi circulation stabilized.]
"Oh?" Jin Mu grinned. "Now that's what I'm talking about."
He took a few faster steps, pivoted, and slashed with his wooden sword. The motion cut through air with a faint hiss — sharper than he'd ever managed before.
> [Skill Improvement: Flowing Dragon Slash → 32%.]
"See? Lazy doesn't mean useless."
> [A shocking revelation.]
---
"Third Young Master?"
Jin Mu turned. One of the outer disciples — a boy about his age — stood nearby with wide eyes. "You… you moved just now. Fast."
"Congratulations on your observational skills," Jin Mu said dryly.
The boy hesitated, then frowned. "You shouldn't mix techniques. It's dangerous."
Jin Mu shrugged. "So is living."
Before the boy could reply, another voice cut in — colder, older.
"Mixing techniques, are we?"
An elder stood a short distance away, hands clasped behind his back. His beard was long, his expression heavier than the air around him. Elder Goh, one of the stricter members of the clan.
Jin Mu straightened immediately. "Morning, Elder."
"Careless as ever," Goh said, stepping closer. "The Dragon Fang Blade Art demands precision. You play with half-learned movements as though this is a game."
"It's training," Jin Mu replied evenly.
"Training requires discipline. You barely have posture."
Jin Mu smiled faintly. "Maybe the dragon likes a little chaos."
Gasps rippled through the watching disciples. Elder Goh's brows twitched.
> [Warning: Host's survival chances reduced by 12%.]
"Third Young Master," Goh said slowly, "since you're so confident, you can prove it in the clan's sparring session tomorrow."
Jin Mu blinked. "Tomorrow?"
"Yes. If you can stand for more than ten breaths against any participant, I'll admit your 'lazy training' has merit."
> [New Quest Generated: Survive the Clan Spar.]
Condition: Remain standing for 10 breaths.
Reward: +5 Martial Points, Skill Copy Chance.
Failure: Public humiliation (again).
Jin Mu's expression froze. "You know, I was actually planning to take a rest day tomorrow."
> [Decline option unavailable.]
"Traitor," Jin Mu muttered.
---
That night, under the same willow, he practiced until moonrise. His movements grew steadier, his breathing smoother. The Shadow-Phoenix Flow gradually took form — a rhythm between evasive steps and burning qi that felt strangely natural.
> [Technique Progress Updated: Shadow-Phoenix Flow – 19%. Efficiency increasing.]
[Evaluation: Against weak opponents, survival odds now above average.]
Jin Mu smirked. "Above average is my middle name."
> [No, it's 'trouble.']
"Also accurate."
He glanced up at the moon, silver light glinting off his sword. Tomorrow would be his first public fight in years — and the entire clan would be watching.
He exhaled slowly, a grin tugging at his lips. "Alright, System. Let's give them a show."
> [Understood. Shall I prepare a medical recovery plan in advance?]
"Optimism, my friend. Try it sometime."
> [File not found.]
Jin Mu laughed quietly, feeling the pulse of qi in his veins. Lazy or not, he was starting to enjoy this.