Chapter 7: Berserk God Technique
Chapter 7: Berserk God Technique
I pulled a book titled Detailed Explanation of Beginner Wind Magic from the beginner magic bookshelf. It was incredibly thick. When I opened the table of contents, I saw that it was quite comprehensive. It included several sections: an overview of wind magic, how to use wind magic, a complete collection of beginner wind spells, and the uses and examples of beginner wind magic.
I found a place with good lighting, sat down, and began reading with great interest.
Wind magic turned out to be quite simple. It worked by using certain incantations to stimulate the wind elements in nature in order to achieve the effect the caster wanted. The prerequisite was that the caster had to possess a certain amount of magical power and mental strength.
I tried reciting, “Free wind, heed my command. Gather into a shield to resist intrusion—Air Shield.”
As soon as I finished the incantation, I felt the airflow in front of me accelerate. It formed an invisible wall of air. My interest immediately surged.
So I could use magic from other elements as well. That was great.
I spent an entire day practicing every beginner wind spell. By the end, I could use them fairly skillfully.
At some point, someone had left food and water for me near the stairway. After finishing my meal, I looked through the gap of the ventilation blower and saw that it was already dark outside. The lighting here relied almost entirely on illumination magic stones.
I cast the beginner wind spell Flight on myself and quickly sped around the eighth floor of the library. It felt incredibly exhilarating. Of course, calling it Flight was a bit exaggerated. It didn’t actually allow me to fly. It was simply an acceleration spell that increased movement speed.
Since I wasn’t allowed to damage anything here, I didn’t dare experiment with attack spells. After playing around for a while, I stopped and repeatedly memorized the incantations for beginner wind magic until I was sure I wouldn’t forget them.
What I didn’t realize was that Heavenly Demon Art itself was a form of magical power cultivation. I had already been practicing it for four years. Although I had only reached the second level, my magical power had already reached the level of an advanced mage. That was why I could easily cast beginner wind spells.
Since I had already mastered beginner wind magic, I decided to see if I could use magic from other elements.
I took a beginner fire magic book from the shelf.
And so it went. During the day I practiced magic, and at night I practiced my Heavenly Demon Art. After five days, I had learned all the beginner spells of the four elements: wind, fire, earth, and water.
Only light magic was beyond me. I simply couldn’t control light elements. After thinking about it, I suspected it might conflict with my Heavenly Demon Art. In any case, I didn’t worry about it. I was already very satisfied with learning so much magic.
Once I mastered the beginner spells of the four elements, I began advancing toward intermediate magic.
By the way, on the Jin Yuan Continent, magic is divided into ten levels. Beginner magic occupies the first three levels, intermediate magic the next three, and advanced magic the following three. The tenth level is the level of forbidden spells.
When I reached intermediate magic, I encountered resistance.
I could barely cast fourth-level spells, but after using just a few, I felt completely drained and unable to concentrate. As for fifth- and sixth-level spells, I couldn’t cast them at all. My magical power had probably reached its limit.
Since I couldn’t practice them yet, I decided to memorize them first. Later, when my magical power increased, I could practice them then.
I spent half a month memorizing all the spells of the four elements from levels one through nine in the library, preparing to practice them slowly in the future once my magical power improved.
Without realizing it, I had already been here for more than twenty days.
These twenty days were extremely important to me. They allowed me to achieve a huge breakthrough in magic. Because I studied magic with full concentration every day, my Heavenly Demon Art finally broke through the second level and entered the third.
Once I completed the third level, I would be able to transform into a Two-Winged Fallen Angel. At that point, it would be a qualitative leap.
I had already memorized all the magic spells. To make sure I wouldn’t forget them, I spent two more days reviewing them several times.
By human standards, I would now at least count as an advanced mage.
After nearly a month of magic training, I felt that my senses had become far sharper than before. I could concentrate much more easily, and several dark magic spells that I previously couldn’t use had now become usable.
Further improvement in magic couldn’t happen overnight. Since I still had two months left, I decided to see if there were any Martial Skills suitable for me.
Learning martial skills wasn’t nearly as simple as practicing magic. I spent two days searching for martial techniques that suited me. However, the ones I could understand were only relatively basic techniques, while the advanced ones were completely incomprehensible to me. Most of them relied heavily on technique.
This left me in a difficult position.
Martial skills were my foundation. With the powerful body of the Beastmen Race, it would be a real waste if I didn’t learn advanced martial techniques.
I lay on the ground, staring blankly at the ceiling.
What should I learn?
Suddenly, when I turned my head, I noticed something under the bottom of a bookshelf in the corner. Because the bookshelf’s shadow blocked the light, I couldn’t see it clearly.
Curious, I walked over and pulled out a dusty iron box from beneath the shelf.
Three striking characters were engraved on it:
Berserk God Technique.
When I opened the iron box, inside was a yellowed book. Its title was clearly written as Berserk God Technique.
My heart began to pound.
Just from the name alone, I knew this was a secret manual.
Opening the first page, I saw large characters forming the title:
General Outline of the Berserk God Technique
The Berserk God Technique, also known as the Overlord Emperor Technique, is the supreme internal method among martial skills. Regardless of what techniques one has previously learned, they can still cultivate it. This method is based on developing one’s own latent potential to produce a special type of battle energy.
Those lacking strong willpower must not practice it.
Those with weak meridians must not practice it.
Those incapable of Berserk Transformation must not practice it.
Women must not practice it.
Turning to the next page, it said:
If one does not possess a berserk physique, the body will be unable to withstand the overwhelming power of the Berserk God Technique. Once cultivated, the battle energy will surge through the body, causing it to explode and die. Be cautious. Be extremely cautious.
Those with weak willpower who cultivate this technique will lose control under the influence of the immense power and fall into madness. Those who practice it must strictly restrain themselves from becoming bloodthirsty, otherwise it will spiral out of control and ultimately lead to death through insanity.
The Berserk God Technique is divided into twelve levels.
The first level is the most difficult. It involves converting one’s original cultivation method into the Berserk God Technique. According to the book, if the conversion cannot be completed and the first level achieved within one year, one should not continue forcing the cultivation.
The following pages described the cultivation methods.
This technique actually seemed quite suitable for me.
After all, I could undergo Berserk Transformation.
That was great. I had finally found a martial technique suited to me.
Excited, I began cultivating according to the instructions written in the book.
I guided the power of the Heavenly Thunder Armor Technique along the circulation route of the Berserk God Technique. After one shichen had passed, I woke from meditation drenched in sweat. I grabbed the book and threw it aside, cursing angrily,
“What kind of lousy technique is this? It’s impossible to practice!”
Just now, while I was cultivating, the meridians that the power passed through felt as if they were tearing apart in pain. I had only managed to circulate through one-tenth of the meridians. If I forced myself to continue, there was a real risk that the meridians would rupture.
Give up?
The book described it so impressively that I felt unwilling to abandon it. I picked the book back up and read it carefully again. It said that as long as one could successfully complete a full circulation cycle, the first level would be considered complete.
That meant what I had just done counted as one-tenth of the first level.
Thinking this, some of my lost confidence returned.
I took a deep breath, calmed the turbulent energy and blood within my body, and began again according to the technique. The meridians I had already opened passed quickly. When I reached the one-tenth mark again, the intense pain returned.
I gritted my teeth and forced myself forward a little farther before stopping when the pain became unbearable.
This time, I didn’t throw the book away.
I thought that if things continued like this, advancing a little each time should eventually make cultivation possible. I decided to rest for a while.
Lying on the floor, I continued flipping through the book. It described that once the first level was achieved, battle energy could be released externally, usable both for offense and defense.
Attached was the first move of the Berserk God Fist — Violent Storm.
Violent Storm used the battle energy of the Berserk God Technique to strike the ground, turning the surrounding earth into countless particles that attacked in all directions. It was especially suited for situations where one was surrounded by enemies.
Below that was the method of exerting force.
Once fully mastered, the practitioner could control all the ground within a radius of fifteen meters centered on the body, freely causing the ground within that range to explode and scatter to attack.
Judging from the description, it sounded incredibly powerful.
If I mastered it, I wouldn’t have to fear being surrounded or facing opponents with superior techniques.
Haha.
At this point, the Berserk God Technique had completely captured my interest. I took a deep breath, sat cross-legged again, and began practicing it for the third time.
Again and again, I assaulted the meridians within my body.
A month passed.
Miraculously, I managed to break through ninety-nine percent of the meridians. As long as I made the final breakthrough, I would complete the first level.
But reality proved that the first level of the Berserk God Technique was far from easy.
Another ten days passed, and I still couldn’t break through the final resistance to complete the circulation cycle. Frustrated, I leaned against a bookshelf and punched the floor hard (without using battle energy).
“Ow!”
A book fell from the shelf and struck my head.
I cursed angrily, “Damn it! Even a stupid book is bullying me!”
I picked up the book from the ground.
The cover read Military Revelations of the Continent.
So it was a military book.
I placed it back on the shelf, but seeing it suddenly reminded me of something.
One of my main purposes for coming here was to secretly learn human military strategy. Yet with such a good opportunity in the library, I hadn’t studied it at all.
More than two months had already passed. Time was short, and the task was urgent.
I quickly opened the book again. After flipping through only a few pages, I became completely fascinated by its contents.
Perhaps I was naturally a warlike person.
The successful battle cases and strategic tactics recorded in the book deeply attracted me.
And so I read one military strategy book after another.
I didn’t demand that I fully comprehend the grand strategies of those legendary generals. As long as I memorized them, that would be enough. For the Beastmen Race, these things should be the most valuable knowledge. As long as they were used flexibly, they would certainly be effective.
Ten days later, I felt that my memory had already reached its limit. I simply couldn’t remember anything more. I couldn’t force myself further.
With what I had already memorized, my task could basically be considered complete.
These days I had been memorizing one thing after another until my head felt swollen from all the information.
Today, I decided not to read anything.
During the day I would practice the Berserk God Technique, and at night I would practice Heavenly Demon Art. I would treat it as a day of rest.
Clearing the distracting thoughts from my mind, I focused entirely on cultivating the Berserk God Technique.
The energy flowed smoothly through the previously opened meridians, but the moment it reached that final point, the pain became unbearable.
If I couldn’t break through it, all my previous efforts would be wasted.
Forget it.
No matter what, today I will overcome the pain.
I guided the energy back and forth through the opened meridians, smoothing them further. The critical moment finally arrived.
I concentrated all my power at the midpoint of the meridian route, then pushed that energy forward with all my strength—like taking a running start within the meridians—continually accelerating it to its peak speed before charging straight toward the final barrier without hesitation.
Inside my body, there was a loud boom.
An unbearable pain assaulted every part of my body. All the energy within me suddenly stopped moving. It felt as though my meridians had split apart.
My whole body convulsed, and I fainted.
It hurt.
It hurt so much.
“Ah!”
I woke up with a start.
Had the impact on the meridians just now been a dream?
My body felt swollen, as if my muscles had expanded. The world before my eyes seemed more vivid than before. I glanced around and discovered that I could easily distinguish the grain of the bookshelves twenty meters away.
A surge of joy rose in my heart.
Had I succeeded?
Had I completed the first level of the Berserk God Technique?
I noticed that my clothes were completely soaked with sweat and gave off an unpleasant smell. I quickly ran to the restroom and washed both myself and my clothes.
While washing, I discovered that the skin of my entire body was glowing with a reddish color. I had no idea why.
(What I didn’t know was that after finally opening the last meridian, the circulating energy repeatedly flowed through my body, cleansing my tendons and marrow and expelling impurities. All the capillaries throughout my body had filled with blood, which caused my skin to appear red. After some time, it would naturally return to normal.)
Wearing my damp clothes, I returned to the bookshelf and sat down cross-legged.
I cautiously activated the battle energy of the Berserk God Technique.
To my surprise, its circulation speed was three times faster than before. When it reached the final barrier, it passed through instantly. A wave of comfort spread throughout my body, and the battle energy seemed to increase slightly.
I really succeeded.
No, I needed to practice a few more times to stabilize it.
And so I entered meditation again. Following the circulation method of the Berserk God Technique, I completed forty-nine full cycles.
The energy inside my body felt completely full. The sensation was indescribably comfortable. Within the Berserk battle energy, there seemed to be a kind of warlike impulse urging me onward.
I took a deep breath and guided the circulating battle energy back into my dantian.
When I opened my eyes, it felt as though my entire body was filled with endless strength. With only a slight activation of battle energy, it immediately gathered wherever I directed it with my thoughts.
This feeling was truly wonderful.
I looked outside through the window. It was already night. My clothes had long since dried, so quite a bit of time must have passed. I stretched comfortably. I really wanted to throw a few punches and see just how powerful the Berserk God Technique was.
My stomach suddenly growled.
I was starving. I had only gone one day without eating—why was I this hungry?
I hurried to the staircase. Fortunately, tonight’s meal was still there. I devoured the food ravenously, finally comforting my protesting stomach. Tonight, I decided not to cultivate anymore. I had already made such great progress, so I should allow myself a little rest.
The next morning after waking up, I calculated that there were probably about ten days left before my confinement would end. I spent two days quickly reviewing all the magic and military theory I had memorized, flipping through them like a revolving lantern.
During the review, I realized that my memory was actually quite good. I had barely forgotten anything I had memorized.
Ever since I successfully cultivated the first level of the Berserk God Technique, I noticed that the speed at which my magic condensed had become much faster than before. What was going on? Could it be related to the fact that practicing the Berserk God Technique had opened my meridians?
If things continued like this, perhaps it would not be long before I could complete the third level of Heavenly Demon Art.
To be honest, I was really looking forward to transforming into a Two-Winged Fallen Angel.
Because it could grant me immense power.
That day, while I was practicing the Berserk God Technique, I suddenly heard footsteps coming from the staircase.
Why would someone come here?
It was not time to deliver food, and the Vice Principal had said that students were generally not allowed to come up here.
(In fact, the books on the sixth, seventh, and eighth floors of the library could mostly be found on the lower floors as well. However, the copies downstairs were duplicates, while most of the books on the sixth, seventh, and eighth floors were original editions with extremely high collection value. They were essentially the academy’s treasure vault of books.)
I quickly ran to the staircase and shouted, “Who dares trespass into this restricted area?”
The tall figure of the Vice Principal appeared on the stairs. He smiled and said, “So you’ve become the library’s guardian. You’re taking it quite seriously.”
I said awkwardly, “Why have you come? By my calculation, there should still be six days left.”
The Vice Principal looked at me in surprise.
“What are you talking about? The time’s already up. Today makes exactly three months. Don’t tell me you’ve become addicted to staying here.”
I froze when I heard that.
The time was up?
How could that be?
I was certain I had not miscalculated.
Unless… when I entered meditation to cultivate the Berserk God Technique, I had actually practiced for seven straight days.
The Vice Principal said, “A few days ago, I heard from the administrator that you hadn’t eaten for several days. Did you spend those days cultivating?”
I replied, “Probably. I don’t know how long I stayed in meditation that time.”
“Long periods of meditation are a good thing. Alright, let’s go. We’re heading back. And you’re not allowed to take any books from here with you.”
I said, “Okay. Please wait a moment while I tidy up.”
Not allowed to take any books?
How could that work?
I might leave the others behind, but I absolutely had to take the Berserk God Technique with me.
I quickly ran inside and tucked the book into my clothes. Fortunately, he did not search me. Just like that, I followed the Vice Principal out of the library.
When we stepped outside, I took a deep breath of fresh air. Under the bright sunlight, my entire body felt warm and comfortable. I felt like a bird released from a cage.
From now on, the vast sky and boundless sea were mine to roam freely.
“Did the time here feel very dull?” the Vice Principal asked. “I can see that you’re quite different from when you first went in. You must have gained a lot.”
I said sincerely, “Yes. I learned many things in the library. I really have to thank you for giving me this opportunity.”
The Vice Principal said, “You don’t need to thank me. This is the result of your own hard work. You’re a good child who knows how to strive for improvement. Study well at the academy in the future. The competition between the four major academies is very intense now. I hope you can bring more honor to the academy.
“You have an excellent foundation. Do you know why I broke the rules to let you cultivate in the library?”
I looked at him in confusion.
“I don’t know.”
He looked at me deeply.
“Because you’re too talented. You’re the first person I’ve ever seen who can use intermediate dark magic at such a young age. Dark mages usually only achieve success when they are seventy or eighty years old, and even then they normally specialize in other types of magic first.”
“Yet you managed to reach this level through self-study. That surprised me greatly. And what satisfies me the most is that I can see you’re an upright child. You’re not afraid of power and even dared to confront those noble students.
“So I want to cultivate you into one of the outstanding students of the new generation. In the future, perhaps you could even become a Dragon Knight. I believe you can do it.”
If you knew I was actually a spy sent by the Beastmen Race, I wonder what you would think.
But aloud I said, “Thank you for trusting me so much. I won’t disappoint you.”
The Vice Principal smiled with satisfaction.
“Take today to rest. Return to class tomorrow. Your class teacher seems to like you very much. She’s asked me about you several times.
“And don’t tell anyone about your confinement in the library. It violates the rules. Only the Principal and I know about it. Do you understand?”
I nodded.
“Don’t worry. You’ve treated me so well—how could I cause trouble for you?”
“Good. Then go back to your dormitory. I’m returning to my office.”
After parting with the Vice Principal, I didn’t go back to the dormitory. Instead, I ran to the stables to see my Black Dragon.
As soon as I reached the outside of the stables, I heard a clear, bell-like laugh coming from inside.
Who would be laughing here?
Was it Zi Xue?
I walked into the stable and sure enough—it was her.
She was hugging Black Dragon’s large head while it licked her with its big tongue. She dodged while laughing continuously. It seemed that she and Black Dragon had gotten along very well.
She really was a kind girl.
These past days, it was thanks to her that Black Dragon had been fed.
Black Dragon noticed my arrival first and happily snorted at me.
When Zi Xue turned and saw me, her face instantly turned red.
“You’re back.”
I nodded and walked over to Black Dragon, stroking its large head.
“You little guy. You’ve been eating quite well lately. You’ve gotten much fatter.”
Zi Xue lowered her head.
“It’s my fault. I fed it too much.”
I smiled slightly.
“How could I blame you? I wasn’t here these past days, and it’s thanks to you that it was fed. Thank you.”
It was the first time Zi Xue had ever seen me smile. She looked a little flustered.
“You don’t need to thank me… Where did you go these past days?”
Looking at her shy and adorable expression, I said,
“Because of what happened last time, the Vice Principal confined me for three months. Today the time was finally up, so he released me.”
“It’s all my fault.”
She lowered her head even further.
“You suffered a lot because of me.”
I sighed slightly.
“No. I should thank you. If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have had this opportunity.”
She looked up curiously.
“What opportunity?”
Only then did I realize I had let something slip. I quickly tried to cover it up.
“Ah, I mean this confinement gave me three months to cultivate seriously. My skills improved quite a lot, so I should thank you. Are you interested in going out for a ride with Black Dragon?”
A flash of excitement appeared in her eyes, but it soon dimmed again.
“Better not. If someone sees us, they’ll cause trouble for you again.”
A cold glint flashed in my eyes.
“Who’s afraid of them? Even if they don’t come looking for me, I’ll go settle the score with them myself. If I’m not afraid, why should you be? Are you coming or not?”
She looked at me as I returned to my cold and proud expression. A confused look flashed through her eyes.
“I’ll go.”
Only after saying it did she react, and another blush appeared on her beautiful face.
I smiled slightly and lifted her onto Black Dragon’s back, which made her cry out in surprise.
“Let’s go outside the city. Black Dragon can’t really stretch its legs inside the city.”
She frowned.
“But the academy doesn’t allow students to leave without permission.”
I smiled mysteriously.
“We can sneak out. Just follow me.”
Leading Black Dragon to the academy wall, which was three meters high, I said,
“Sit firmly on Black Dragon and close your eyes.”
With my help, she successfully mounted Black Dragon’s back. Since Zi Xue had been feeding it every day, Black Dragon didn’t resist at all this time.
Zi Xue obediently closed her big, lovely eyes.
I secretly cast a Flight spell on myself to lighten my body. With both hands lifting Black Dragon’s belly, I shouted,
“Up!”
I hoisted Black Dragon upward, then pushed hard with my legs. With a swoosh, we rose into the air. I kicked against the wall for leverage and smoothly drifted out of the academy.
Zi Xue felt as though she were riding clouds and mist. When she opened her eyes, we were already outside the academy.
I jumped onto the horse behind her.
“Hold tight. We’re setting off.”
Zi Xue quickly grabbed the crossbar. I pressed my legs against Black Dragon’s sides, and Black Dragon immediately dashed forward.
Startled, Zi Xue closed her eyes again.
I quickly rode with Zi Xue out of the city gate and into the countryside. Black Dragon had rarely had the chance to come out like this. It let out a joyful cry and gradually accelerated to its maximum speed.
The scenery around us rushed backward like lightning.
Zi Xue clung tightly to me, leaning against my chest. Her small face was slightly pale from fear.
The strong wind whipped against my face, bringing an indescribable sense of exhilaration.
After riding for quite some time, I slowed Black Dragon down and looked down at the lovely girl in my arms.
“Alright. You can open your eyes now. We’ve slowed down.”
Zi Xue slowly opened her big eyes. Only then did she realize she was pressed tightly against my chest, with one of my arms around her waist.
Embarrassed, she let out a soft cry and buried her face in my chest.
Her cute reaction made me burst out laughing.
I realized that I had begun to like this adorable little thing.
I let Black Dragon stroll slowly on the return journey. Zi Xue gradually relaxed and smiled.
“The air here is so nice. Look, those birds over there are chirping so happily. Lei Xiang, you know what? I like seeing you smile. When you’re cold and expressionless, you’re really scary.”
Her words stirred memories buried deep in my heart.
I sighed deeply.
“If you had experienced my childhood, you would be like me too.”
She looked at me with her bright, watery eyes.
“Can you tell me? It might make you feel better if you talk about it.”
I shook my head.
“Not now. Maybe in the future. If there’s a chance later, I’ll tell you.”
Zi Xue didn’t press the matter further. She quietly leaned against my chest. I gently wrapped an arm around her slender waist and silently enjoyed this peaceful warmth.
Suddenly, another beautiful figure appeared in my mind.
She was wearing a white nurse’s uniform.
Ah—it was Ke Lan.
I hadn’t seen her for three months. I wondered how she was doing.
Thinking of her lively personality made me smile. I should find a chance to visit her. After all, when my heart had been cold, she had once given me a trace of warmth.
But what about Zi Xue?
I suddenly felt restless.
I realized that I could no longer let go of either of them.
Thinking about it, I sighed inwardly.
What was the point of thinking about such things?
I didn’t belong here.
One day, I would return to the Beastmen Kingdom. I couldn’t harm them. There could never be anything between me and them.
A bitter feeling rose in my heart.
Zi Xue looked up at my face.
“What’s wrong? Did you think of something unhappy again? By the way, do you know? Today is actually the first time I’ve skipped class. I originally planned to feed Black Dragon and then go back to class.”
I smiled.
“So you’re a good girl?”
“Of course. I’m very well-behaved.”
“Can I ask you a question?”
Zi Xue blinked.
“Go ahead.”
I asked calmly,
“If—I'm saying if—one day I leave here and never come back, what would you do?”
Zi Xue suddenly sat up straight and stared at me.
Her eyes reddened, and crystal tears rolled down her cheeks as she silently looked at me.
Having never experienced a situation like this before, I immediately became flustered.
“N-What’s wrong?” I asked nervously.
Crying, Zi Xue said,
“We’ve already… become like this. Don’t you want me anymore? And you’re asking me something like that.”
Become like what? I didn’t do anything.
But of course I couldn’t say that aloud.
“I’m only saying if,” I hurriedly said. “It’s not real.”
Zi Xue looked at me with deep emotion.
“No matter where you go, I’ll follow you.”
I never expected the usually shy Zi Xue to say something so direct. Warmth filled my heart.
I pulled her into my arms and kissed her small lips firmly.
She trembled slightly at first, then closed her eyes and allowed me to kiss her.
I tasted the sweetness of her lips and completely lost myself in the moment.
After a long while, I finally released her and gazed deeply into her dazed eyes.
Her adorable little face was flushed red, making her look extraordinarily charming.
I said firmly,
“As long as you don’t leave me, no matter where I go, I’ll take you with me. This is my promise to you.”
She nodded softly.
“You have to remember what you said.”
Then she leaned against my broad chest and closed her eyes.
By the time we returned to the academy, she had already fallen asleep.
Looking at her cute sleeping face, I gently stroked her smooth cheek.
For the first time in my life, my heart was filled with tenderness.
It told me that I wanted to protect this lovely angel for the rest of my life.