May 10, 395 of the True Martial Era.
Chen Zong had been training at the Clan Hall for eight months, and for the eighth consecutive time, he was crowned King of the Chiefs.
"Chen Zong, even though I lose to you every time, I've tempered my Blood Qi four times now. Tomorrow, I'll become a martial artist—even sooner than you," Chen Guzhan declared, showing no sign of discouragement.
"Congratulations," Chen Zong replied with a smile. "But you'll need to work even harder. By the time I become a martial artist, I might just surpass you."
"You won't get the chance," Chen Guzhan retorted confidently.
Initially, Chen Guzhan's Blood Qi Tempering had progressed slowly. However, after completing the first cycle, the second accelerated, then the third even faster. Now, after eight months, he had finished his fourth cycle.
What Chen Guzhan didn't know was that Chen Zong was already nearing the completion of his sixth cycle. A jar of Tiger Yang Bone-Strengthening Wine slightly accelerated Chen Zong's progress.
"I'll definitely complete my sixth cycle within a month," Chen Zong affirmed.
May 13, 395 of the True Martial Era.
In Chen Chuyun's courtyard:
"Chen Zong, you need not come here starting tomorrow," Chen Chuyun said, her gaze calm.
Chen Zong was puzzled.
"I'm leaving the Clan Hall to attend the Seven Luminaries Martial Academy," Chen Chuyun explained. "Yesterday, I participated in the Wind Martial City's Battle of Heroes and secured a spot in the top hundred."
Chen Zong understood, but questions filled his mind.
"Do you know how vast the Eastern Continent is?" Chen Chuyun asked. "Even I don't know its true extent. Wind Martial City is just one among countless Martial Cities. Together with six other cities—Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth, and Thunder—they form the Seven Luminaries Land. The Seven Luminaries Martial Academy dominates this region and nurtures elite martial artists."
"Instructor, must one enter the top hundred to get in?" Chen Zong asked.
"You must be under eighteen. If you reach the seventh layer of the Qi Blood Realm, you're admitted directly. Otherwise, you must enter the top hundred," Chen Chuyun said. "You're undergoing your sixth cycle now. Even without breaking through to the seventh layer, you'll likely reach the sixth, and with your strength, making the top hundred is possible."
"I'll head to the academy as soon as I can," Chen Zong declared.
"Good. I'll be waiting," Chen Chuyun replied, smiling. "And from today, you don't need to call me 'Instructor.' You can call me by name or 'Cousin.'"
"Then I'll call you Sister Yun," Chen Zong said, smiling.
"Remember, the Chen Clan is only one of the Five Great Clans," Chen Chuyun warned. "Among the Three Great Clans and the other Great Clans, several geniuses have appeared—some no less talented than you, and two or three who might surpass you."
"Who are they?" Chen Zong asked.
"Tang Junluo of the Tang Clan, Li Zhenshi of the Li Clan, and Zhao King City of the Zhao Clan. They're younger than you but have all completed six temperings and aim for the seventh," Chen Chuyun replied.
Yet neither Chen Chuyun nor Chen Zong believed in inherent inferiority. Noble birth meant little; what mattered was the will to pursue and endure.
"Cultivate well, but don't rush. I'll be waiting at the academy," Chen Chuyun said warmly, handing him a silk scroll. "May this help your sword practice."
Chen Zong accepted the black silk booklet, its cover marked with three silver characters: Little Sword Manual.
Later, Chen Zong read the Sword Preface Chapter, absorbing the fierce yet concise words. The next chapters detailed sword forms and the four essentials: Speed, Precision, Stability, and Ruthlessness. The author, Xuan Bingzi, remained a mystery, yet Chen Zong admired the insight.
Days passed. On May 20, Chen Zong faced Chen Fenghua. Though forced back by Chen Fenghua's perfected Chain Blade Technique, Chen Zong congratulated him sincerely.
By May 25, Chen Yong and Chen Ying also broke through. Though they teased Chen Zong, he smiled inwardly. "When I finish my sixth cycle, I'll surpass them again. Almost there!"