A few days had passed since the attack in the alley, but the events of that night still lingered in Chu Yan's mind. The Obsidian Veil Cult had emerged as a shadowy force that posed a real and immediate threat, and the encounter had left him with more questions than answers.
Other than training, Chu Yan had spent the past days researching and gathering information, piecing together about the power structure in the Great Xia Country.
In the dimly lit study of his home, Chu Yan sat at his desk, surrounded by all kinds of copied books and reports. The glow of a single lamp illuminated the room as he meticulously sifted through the information. The more he learned, the more he realized the depth and complexity of this world.
The Obsidian Veil Cult was no ordinary group. They were an underworld organization that targeted not only Xia Country but also its neighboring nations. Every time they made a move, it resulted in catastrophe and turmoil throughout the region.
Aside from learning about the Obsidian Veil Cult's background, Chu Yan also discovered the division of forces within each region. While most regions were overseen by the Federation Branch, many of the martial arts industries were dominated by various sects and powerful families.
For example, in the East Region, the most renowned force is the Sun Sect, celebrated for its martial art known as the Golden Sun Saber Technique. This technique is famous for its devastating power, harnessing the sun's energy to deliver incredibly destructive strikes.
There were also other forces to be mindful of, such as the Zhang Clan, the Ethereal Wind Sect, and the Yuan Lineage, among others. As Chu Yan absorbed all this information, he began to grasp the true scale of the challenges he faced. The attacks he had encountered were just the tip of the iceberg, and it became increasingly clear that his involvement in these unfolding events would only grow deeper with time.
On the next day, Chu Yan went to the Gale Wind Pavilion to asked Su Hai for advice. Rather than advice, it more like asking for new martial arts.
"You want to learn new martial art? Chu Yan, I know that you are good, but don't bite more than you can chew. Train the Gale Wind Sword to perfection level first," refused Su Hai directly.
"I already trained it to limit level, Uncle Su," replied Chu Yan calmly.
"Don't be stubborn, steady pace...Wait, what did you just say?" asked Su Hai, thinking he heard it wrong.
"I have not only reached the perfection level of the Gale Wind Sword technique, but I have also pushed it beyond that—to the limit level." replied Chu Yan.
For a moment, Su Hai's usually composed demeanor faltered. His eyes widened in disbelief, and he regarded Chu Yan with a newfound seriousness. "Limit level?" he repeated, his voice betraying a hint of shock.
Su Hai was silent, his mind racing. He had known Chu Yan was talented—exceptionally so—but to reach the limit level with a Yellow-Level middle-grade technique at such a young age was unheard of. It took years, sometimes decades, for martial artists to achieve such mastery, and yet this young man had done it in a fraction of the time. The realization left Su Hai momentarily at a loss for words.
After a long pause, Su Hai finally spoke, his tone measured but tinged with admiration. "Chu Yan, you truly are a remarkable talent. To reach the limit level of the Gale Wind Sword technique is no small feat. It's beyond what even I expected of you."
He stood up, pacing slowly as he gathered his thoughts. Chu Yan's request for another technique now made sense. The Gale Wind Sword technique, with its emphasis on swift, flowing strikes, might indeed need a complementary art to balance its finesse with raw, explosive power—especially if Chu Yan was to face opponents of equal or greater strength in the near future.
After a while, Su Hai's contemplative expression shifted to one of acceptance and resolve. "Very well, Chu Yan. If you have truly reached the limit of the Gale Wind Sword, then you are ready for something more challenging. I have another Yellow-Level middle-grade sword art that may suit your needs."
He walked over to a locked cabinet and retrieved a scroll, its edges worn with age but still maintain its conditions. He returned to Chu Yan and handed it to him.
"This is the Bloodburst Sword technique," Su Hai explained. "In general, It's a sword art that focuses on explosive strikes, imbuing each slash with immense power and a burst of energy. Unlike the Gale Wind Sword, which is about precision and speed, this technique is about overwhelming your opponent with sheer force."
Chu Yan unrolled the scroll with care, his eyes meticulously scanning the intricate diagrams and detailed descriptions. As he read, he could feel the latent power radiating from the technique. It was precisely what he needed—something that would enable him to fully harness the strength awakened by his bloodline.
Su Hai nodded, his gaze fixed thoughtfully on Chu Yan. "Chu Yan, your potential is limitless, but remember that power must be tempered with wisdom. Never lose sight of your path, and always strive to understand the deeper meaning behind your techniques."
"I understand, Uncle Su. I won't let you down," Chu Yan responded, his voice resolute with determination.
As Chu Yan departed from the pavilion, Su Hai remained in the courtyard, his eyes lingering on the spot where the young genius had just stood. To reach such a level at such a young age... Su Hai thought, shaking his head in awe. The boy was undoubtedly destined for greatness, but such talent also brought with it even greater challenges.
A mixture of pride and concern stirred within Su Hai. Chu Yan was an exceptional student, perhaps the most gifted he had ever trained. Yet, the world was vast, filled with hidden dangers. Su Hai could only hope that Chu Yan would continue to develop not just in strength, but also in wisdom.