Chapter 23: The Queen's Critical Condition

“Ow, ow, ow…”
Alice rubbed her head, frowning as she gazed up at the endlessly spinning sandbags above.

The training hall had been completely transformed from its original state. Plum blossom stakes of varying heights and thicknesses crowded the space, while sandbags suspended from the ceiling swung back and forth, striking out at random intervals.

Since Heaven’s Path had departed, and Liu Tian no longer needed this place for his own training, the hall had become Alice’s exclusive domain, used to hone her evasion skills.

After all, the prime window for foundational training had passed, and though Alice’s natural aptitude for martial arts was considerably higher than Liu Tian’s, she was only just scraping the threshold of adequacy. Barring some unexpected awakening—say, a sudden surge of bioelectric power—in all likelihood she would forever hover at the gateway, and at best, with enough money and a stroke of good fortune, become a middling practitioner unable to match even novice trainees.

Because of this, Liu Tian had never insisted that Alice devote herself to martial arts. Still, if she intended to join him in exploring ancient ruins, she at least needed to master the art of escape.

With that in mind, Liu Tian consulted with the martial arts grandmaster Heaven’s Path and learned a secret technique designed specifically for evasive footwork—the Shadow-Seeking Dragon Step.

According to Heaven’s Path, while the Shadow-Seeking Dragon Step was at best a third-rate secret art overall, it was easy to learn, quick to practice, and excelled in close-quarter evasion. With proficiency, one could dodge fire from up to three handguns or a single rifle with ease.

Liu Tian had practiced it briefly himself. Thanks to his mastery as a martial artist, he picked it up within ten days, and its effects were displayed on his training panel as follows:

Shadow-Seeking Dragon Step: Level 1, Special Effect: Light Body (Level 1). Every three additional levels increase Light Body effect by two levels. Upgradable and combinable.

However, since its special effects were completely subsumed by his Heaven’s Martial Killing Path, learning the Shadow-Seeking Dragon Step brought him no real change, merely a few new tricks for close-range dodging.

Perhaps this was why, despite mastering a hundred martial arts, Heaven’s Path had taught Liu Tian nothing beyond the Heaven’s Martial Killing Path. With features such as enhanced physique, agility, and explosive finishing moves, that one path encompassed the benefits of most internal and external styles. Some rare secret techniques might surpass it in specialized ways at their limits, but few could match its comprehensive improvement.

Thus, until he reached his limits and needed to broaden his skills for real combat, Liu Tian saw no reason to waste time on arts that brought him little benefit.

From Heaven’s Path’s perspective, Liu Tian’s innate talent for martial arts was modest at best, perhaps only average. Were it not for the fateful moment when Liu Tian, disheartened and reckless, happened to cross his path, Heaven’s Path would never have taken him as a disciple.

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Liu Tian himself had grown steadily through relentless practice and expert instruction. Had he divided his focus before reaching the rank of Fighter, he might never have broken through at all.

For the greatest master in the world, it would be unthinkable if even one of his two personal disciples failed to become a Fighter.

“Fell again?” Liu Tian glanced around, confirming the training hall was undamaged before showing any concern. “I’ve told you before: you’ve only just gotten used to the plum blossom stakes. Build your foundation well before piling on extra restrictions. You’re not ready for that step yet.”

“Heh, I just wanted to push myself and see what I’m really capable of.” Dressed in her training gear, Alice clambered to her feet, lightly tapping her head with her fist and pouting playfully. “Isn’t that what you always say? Test your limitless potential!”

Liu Tian paused, surprised she’d remembered a casual remark, then laughed. “That’s because I have potential. Do you?”

“Huh? Don’t I?”

“Even if you do, it’s not something you can unleash when you haven’t even built your basics.” He smiled. “Focus on your foundation for a year. Step by step—there’s time. Your aptitude is better than mine was, so don’t rush.”

“You liar.” Perhaps familiarity had made her more relaxed; Alice spoke her mind freely. “I asked Master Heaven’s Path. To reach a step away from Fighter at seventeen—even with his teaching—one would need talent far above the vast majority. Mine’s just slightly above average. Yours is much better.”

“My talent really isn’t that great,” Liu Tian shrugged. “I just worked hard.”

“Effort and talent—that’s the secret to success, right?” Alice rolled her eyes, her expression charming.

At that moment, as they chatted, Liu Tian’s brow furrowed. His keen senses picked up unfamiliar footsteps outside.

Leather boots. The stride was steady but urgent—a grown man’s gait.

Knock, knock, knock! Despite the evident anxiety in those footsteps, the knocking was polite. Clearly not an enemy.

Even so, Liu Tian went to open the door himself, just in case. Standing before him was a classic gentleman of the Kingdom of Blossoms: a perpetual gentle smile, black tailcoat over a crisp white shirt, a perfectly knotted handmade tie, and a carnation pinned to his chest—the emblem of the Gaen family.

It was obvious the visitor was connected to the Gaens.

And indeed—

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“Butler Gimon!” Before the man could introduce himself, Alice exclaimed delightedly, hurrying over. “It’s been so long! Have Father, Mother, and my brothers returned?”

“Good afternoon, Fourth Miss,” the man addressed as Butler Gimon greeted her with a warm smile, then looked to Liu Tian. “You must be Young Master Liu Tian? Thank you for looking after the young lady these days, and for saving her life a second time.”

“That’s not necessary,” Liu Tian replied, sensing the man was no threat—not even worth the effort of one hand—so he relaxed, stepping aside. “Miss Tia has already compensated me for saving her life. There are no debts between us.”

“A mere right to appraise a few antiques is nothing compared to the Gaen family’s treasured daughter.” Gimon bowed deeply. “Count Eddie had intended to thank you in person, but news just arrived that the Queen is gravely ill, so he cannot leave. If you are willing, when things settle, the Gaen family would be honored to host you at a family banquet to express our gratitude.”

“That’s not necessary. Perhaps another time.” Liu Tian glanced at the sky, as if listening for the distant sound of a ship docking. “By my reckoning, my father should be returning soon. We may have to go back home.”

“Alice, since your family is here, let’s stop for today.” He turned to her. “I’ll likely be going back to the Scarlet Cloud Empire to visit my possible new brother or sister. If the door isn’t open tomorrow, it means I’ve left.”

“While I’m away, keep up your practice. If you run into trouble, call on our master—such a small favor, anyone would grant.”

Liu Tian was no fool. He had some idea why Tia had been so diligent lately, and why Ailian kept finding excuses to draw near. That was why he was willing to make this promise on behalf of Heaven’s Path—a promise that might one day be needed.

He wasn’t the type to trade on the prestige of his elders, nor to make promises for others. But when one’s own strength was lacking, sometimes there was no other choice.

Even so, he offered only this much. If he felt differently about Alice or Tia, or if he were better acquainted with the undercurrents of the Kingdom of Blossoms, he might have promised more. But without knowing Heaven’s Path’s stance, he would not overstep. This was his limit.

“Well then—farewell.” Butler Gimon’s eyes brightened at his words. Alice looked a little puzzled, but as was her way, she simply waved it off.

“Goodbye!” Liu Tian said softly. “Until next time.”