Chapter 12 - Road To The Antiques [1] (1/2)

Ju Feng dreamt of an ancient gateway that had two, closed, stone gates. The likes he had never seen before in his eight years of existence. Both the gateway and the gates, had various runic inscriptions and symbols on them that were emitting different types of radiant colours. The exceedingly forceful runes made the gates dazzled in sparkling bright lights like the primordial solar stones, too powerful for a mortal's n.a.k.e.d eyes.

How could a place be like this? Giving off such a powerful radiation of lights. What, even, was this place? And these gates, where did they even lead to? Probably other worlds. Maybe, the heavenly realm itself? Could be. It would certainly worth seeing what was on the other side, as long as it wasn't a road to his reincarnation. Pushing the thoughts to one side, he tried to take a cautious step towards the gates, but realized he couldn't lift his legs. Caught in a fright, he was desperately trying to free his legs when a voice suddenly rang out.

”You are just a childling, you'll simply die.”

”Who's there?”

”Now, be gone.”

Ju Feng woke up frightfully startled as he hurriedly checked his body to see if it was still intact. Satisfied, he looked at his surroundings. Discovering he was still in his room inside their cave, his shoulders sagged in a soothing relief. Ah, It was just a dream, yet it felt so real. What kind of a dream was that? Too much to take a peek in his own dream? That was totally strange. Even, if he had entered and died, all he had to do was to wake up and everything would be fine.

Anyway, a dream was still a dream. With his mind relaxed, he washed his face and went to look for his mother. Learning that she was in the cultivation chamber, he resolved to go and practice his martial arts. When he got there, he started repeating the steps and moves he had learned for the basics, stances, formations and weapons techniques.

He was so engrossed in his hard training that he didn't realize the arrival of his grandpa, who had watching him for some time before interrupting his training.

”A-hem.”

”Grandpa!”

Ju Feng beamed joyfully before realizing he was on the training ground and standing before his martial arts master. He quickly cupped his hands and bowed deeply.

”Good morning, grandpa. I was only trying to do some practice while I wait for your arrival. I didn't know you are already here.”

”Mhm. That's very thoughtful of you. I have been watching you for quite a time now. Your moves are more precise and your force-field much more stronger. It shows you are really getting into the mind frame of a martial artist. You see, to be the best you can be at martial arts, you must know what it involves. Practice! Practice! Practice!”

Zhang Li Qiang punched his palm with his right fist to mirror his emphasized words as he continued.

”Continuous training will engrave the arts in your heart, becoming intuitive which will help you to hone the skills you have. That is how martial masters are made, Ju Feng. No matter the level you reach, always realize that you can get better, and practices will definitely make you the better.”

Uttered Zhang Li Qiang as he stared admiringly at his grandson. Afterwards, he moved to where the practice stone dummies were placed and turned to regard his grandson.

”Today, I will start by showing you how powerful your martial art can be when you power your moves with your Chi energy. As you already know, these stone dummies are protected by talismans. That's why they could be used for training purposes successfully since they can withstand great attacks.”

Zhang Li Qiang removed the protective talisman from one of the dummies and hit the dummy with a powerful looking strike. There was a loud muffled sound from the impact, which only rocked the stone dummy with no other visible effect.