Windwood Sect

Ding

"Start!"

Ban Ju charged at Zuhn, spear in hand. Zuhn hadn't faced a spear-wielder in a long time, and Ban Ju's speed and precision made him wary. Zuhn gripped his dagger, moving cautiously. He feinted, luring Ban Ju into a strike, but to his surprise, the spear grazed his chest, drawing blood.

"Like that?" Ban Ju smirked. "One of my trump cards."

Zuhn's eyes narrowed. He released more of his power, leaving only 2/10 of it concealed. Ban Ju's confidence faltered as he felt Zuhn's aura surge. "Y-You're at the peak of Gold Rank? I can't win this…"

Zuhn was puzzled. Peak Gold? Is that what they think I am?

Ban Ju's next attack bounced harmlessly off Zuhn's body, shocking the crowd and the Sect Leaders above.

"Shi Huang," Zhou said nervously, "let's change the bet."

"Yes," Wang agreed. "This youth is too strong for us."

Shi Huang smiled. "No turning back. Two of you should be able to handle him, right?"

Wang and Zhou exchanged uneasy glances. "We're only early Gold Rank. How are we supposed to beat a peak Gold?"

"You made the bet," Shi Huang said. "What would the public think if two Sect Leaders broke their word? Besides, it's two against one."

Down in the arena, Zuhn toyed with Ban Ju, who grew increasingly frustrated. "Stop toying with me and kill me already!" Ban Ju shouted.

Zuhn obliged, but before he could strike, Ban Ju took his own life, slashing his throat with a dagger. Wang rushed down, unleashing a shockwave that sent Zuhn crashing into a wall.

"You're dying today," Zhou snarled, joining Wang.

Shi Huang intervened, announcing to the crowd: "I am Shi Huang, Sect Leader of Windwood. Today, I will finally choose a disciple. But first, Zuhn will face Wang and Zhou in a no-rules fight."

The crowd erupted in cheers. Shi Huang handed Zuhn a healing potion. "This will heal your injuries and boost your strength temporarily."

Ding

"Start!"

Zuhn unleashed his full power, revealing his true strength: Early Martial Sky Realm. Wang and Zhou, now terrified, activated their trump cards, summoning lightning and fire. Their combined attack sent Zuhn flying, blood dripping from his nose.

But Zuhn's eyes turned dark red, and a devilish smile spread across his face. He charged at the Sect Leaders, his speed blinding. Shi Huang watched with satisfaction as Zuhn overwhelmed them, slashing relentlessly.

Wang and Zhou's protective talismans saved them from fatal blows, but they were battered and defeated. Shi Huang declared Zuhn the winner, and the crowd erupted in cheers.

Exhausted, Zuhn sat on the ground as Shi Huang approached. "You did well," Shi Huang said. "But you have demon eyes. Join my sect."

"No," Zuhn replied.

Shi Huang frowned. "What do you mean, no?"

"I mean, I don't want to join your 'shitty sect.'"

"This is the strongest sect in the region!"

"But not the continent," Zuhn countered. "If I join, I want no restrictions."

Shi Huang considered it. Having a Martial Sky Realm member would elevate Windwood's status. "Fine. But you must defeat the top ten core disciples to earn respect of the other members."

Zuhn nodded. "Deal."

Shi Huang extended his hand. "Welcome to Windwood."

***

"Charlotte," Scar said, "did you hear? Zuhn got accepted into Windwood."

Charlotte paused, surprised. As an enforcer for Dark Star, she knew how rare it was for someone to join Windwood. Zuhn must have grown incredibly powerful, she thought. Maybe he's learned to use Ancient Magic.

"Scar," she asked, "have you heard of Ancient Magic?"

"No," Scar replied.

Charlotte sighed. "A few years ago, I found a book in a forgotten ruin. I've tried to open it several times, failing each time. I brought the book to multiple experts on forgotten ruins, though they were all at a loss. From what I've seen from Zuhn, he might be able to discover the true form of the book."

Charlotte crouched down behind her counter and returned with a leather-bound book covered in strange symbols. 

"Scar," she said, "take this book to Zuhn. If he can open it, it might help him. I believe it has something to do with the Ancient Magic Theory."

Scar eagerly took the book and headed to the west gate, where Zuhn and Shi Huang stood talking.

"Zuhn," Shi Huang said, "beating the core disciples won't be easy."

Zuhn shrugged. "Let's hope they're not too weak."

As they spoke, Scar approached. Shi Huang drew his weapon, but Zuhn stopped him. "This is Scar, a friend of sorts."

"A friend? You killed all of my friends when we first met." Scar said with a nervous smile. 

Shi Huang raised an eyebrow, unsure if Scar was joking. Zuhn, unfazed, looked at the weird book in Scar's hands.

Seeing Zuhn's gaze, Scar quickly handed over the book Charlotte intrusted him with to Zuhn. Shi Huang's eyes widened. "Is that an Ancient Magic book?"

Zuhn opened the book effortlessly, his eyes scanning the pages. The cryptic symbols shifted into English, revealing three powerful techniques: Five Scar Slash, Magical Dagger, Hidden Aura, and Eight Dancing Slashes. Each technique was described in vivid detail, with diagrams illustrating the flow of energy and precise movements required.

Five Scar Slash: This technique allows the user to send five invisible slashes of energy toward a target. The slashes were razor-sharp and nearly undetectable, making them deadly in combat. The key was to channel energy into the weapon, and then release it in a controlled burst. Zuhn practiced the hand movements and energy flow, feeling the power build within him.

Magical Dagger: This skill enabled the user to transform their weapon into any basic armament—sword, spear, axe, or even a shield. The transformation was instantaneous and required intense focus and visualization. 

Hidden Aura: This subtle yet powerful technique allows the cultivator to conceal their energy and presence, masking their true power from others. By drawing their aura inward and weaving it into a delicate, imperceptible shield around themselves, cultivators can appear as an ordinary individual, even to the most perceptive of foes. This skill is particularly useful for ambushes, espionage, or avoiding unnecessary confrontations. The key lies in balancing the suppression of energy without losing the ability to unleash it instantly when needed.

Eight Dancing Slashes: The most advanced of the four, this technique creates a whirlwind of energy slashes around the user, striking everything within a wide radius. It required precise footwork and a deep understanding of energy manipulation. Zuhn practiced the steps, feeling the energy swirl around him like a storm.

"Zuhn," Shi Huang said, "if you can master Ancient Magic, I'll make you my personal disciple."

Zuhn barely heard him, too engrossed in the book. He decided to test Five Scar Slash first. Spotting a death row inmate being transported nearby, Zuhn focused his energy, on visualizing the five slashes. With a flick of his wrist, the invisible slashes flew through the air, decapitating the man instantly. Blood sprayed as the headless body crumpled to the ground.

Shi Huang was stunned. "Incredible."

Next, Zuhn tried Magical Dagger. He held his dagger, concentrating on the image of a longsword. The blade shimmered, elongating and reshaping itself until he held a perfectly balanced longsword. Scar and Shi Huang watched in awe as Zuhn swung the transformed weapon, its edge gleaming in the sunlight.

Finally, Zuhn tested Eight Dancing Slashes. Shi Huang gathered death row inmates around him, forming a circle. Zuhn closed his eyes, focusing on the energy within him. Violet light enveloped his body as he began the intricate footwork. With a final motion, hundreds of slashes erupted in all directions, cutting through the inmates like paper. When the light faded, all that remained were shreds of clothing and pools of blood.

The guards vomited or froze in fear, but Shi Huang was thrilled. "The last time I saw Ancient Magic was over 800 years ago," he said, his voice filled with awe.