Training, Training, and More Training
I can feel it...!
The fish moving below... the trembling of the hook...!
Now's my chance!
Fei yanked the rod and with a splash, and an empty hook flew into the air.
...
...Heh.
Off by a hair's breadth, I suppose.
Didn't you say that earlier too?
Fei had asked for help, and we found ourselves by the river.
She started fishing without any explanation, but she hadn't caught a single fish.
Did you just want to go fishing?
Fishing...?
Captain, you're mistaken. What I'm doing isn't fishing.
This is training!
Training?
Exactly! It was written in the Celestial Manuscript.
People unlock their true potential when placed in life-threatening moments.
Like a boy pushing a carriage off himself, or perceiving a blade swinging in slow motion...
This training is about drawing out my potential to survive!
I haven't eaten or drunk anything for a week to prepare for this day.
If I fail to catch any fish, my life will be in danger.
Isn't that a bit extreme?
Captain, don't treat training as if it's something trivial.
Do you think the Celestial Art is easy? That enlightenment comes without effort?
...Isn't this still too extreme, you say?
That's why I brought you here.
If I collapse from exhaustion, you'll save me. Simple as that.
...Okay.
But even after that, not a single fish took the bait, and Fei's face turned visibly pale.
...Heh.
My fingertips are going numb...
That's not okay!
It's fine. I can endure this.
My potential will awaken soon enough.
That's when I'll land the big one!
Also, I've never actually caught a fish before.
Why do you sound proud of that...?
...This takes me back.
I used to go fishing with the Wind Moon Sect Master and my fellow disciples.
I remember walking down the riverside with them.
The Wind Moon Sect?
Yes. That was the sect I used to belong to.
I stole the Celestial Manuscript from the archives and have been on the run ever since.
...This is the first time you're hearing about it?
Of course it is. I just told you now.
Still, I see...
I suppose you can't talk about the Celestial Art without mentioning the Wind Moon Sect.
Do you want to hear about it?
I found myself wondering why Fei fell so hard for the Celestial Art and what she went through.
If I ask, this could go on for the rest of today and into tomorrow, but...!
...I want to hear about it!
Heh. In that case...
...?
...Something's on the line!
It's heavy! This one's got some fight in it!
Wait, weren't you about to get to the important part?!
Forget that! This is more important!
It's a big one, Captain!
This will be my first catch ever! Proof that my training has paid off!
Lesson number two of the Celestial Art...!
Use your opponent's strength against them!
Now!
Fei yanked hard on the rod, sending a massive splash into the air.
What came out of the water was...
You caught a boulder?!
A boulder?!
I guess I did gain something from this training, but... Kgh!
Boulders...
Aren't... edible...!
Fei?!
I carried the collapsed Fei and rushed back to NOA.
Before we reached the hospital, she opened her eyes just as we passed a street vendor grilling fish.
After eating enough food for twenty people, she finally returned to her usual self.
...And I had to pay for it all.