Ancient Magic

Shi Huang began to explain the origins of the Ancient Magic Book as the wagon rolled toward Windwood Sect. "Zuhn, that book in your hands is extraordinary," he said. "It's tied to a legacy far older than you or me."

Zuhn glanced up from the book, intrigued. Shi Huang continued, "My master was a noble man, a Martial Sky King with centuries of life ahead of him. But he was killed by a rival sect leader, who now stands at the late stages of Martial Sky King himself."

He paused, his voice growing somber. "My master's master, the One-Eyed King, was even more formidable. He wielded Ancient Magic with unmatched precision. He founded Windwood Sect, and his power was legendary. But one day, he vanished. No one knows what happened to him."

Zuhn's interest deepened. "What made him so powerful?"

"Ancient Magic," Shi Huang replied. "It's not of this world. Only those with rare bloodlines can wield it. Yet, you—with no discernible bloodline—can open the book. That makes you unique, Zuhn. And dangerous."

Zuhn began to grasp the significance of the Ancient Magic Book. It wasn't just a collection of techniques—it was a gateway to a power that few could comprehend. The book emphasized that mastering its skills required cultivation, a process of refining one's body, mind, and spirit to harness and control energy, known as qi or spiritual energy. Cultivation was the foundation of strength in this world, and Zuhn, despite his natural prowess, had never formally practiced it.

The book's table of contents led him to a section titled The Basics of Cultivation. It explained that cultivation involved absorbing energy from the environment, circulating it through the body's meridians, and storing it in the dantian, a core located just below the navel. The process required focus, discipline, and a deep connection to one's inner self. Cultivators progressed through ranks—Bronze, Silver, Gold, Martial Sky, and beyond—each stage representing a significant leap in power and understanding.

Zuhn, intrigued and determined, decided to use the three-week journey to Windwood Sect to begin his cultivation journey. He started by meditating, sitting cross-legged in the wagon with the book open in front of him. Following the instructions, he focused on his breathing, drawing in the ambient energy around him. At first, it was faint, like a whisper in the wind, but as he concentrated, he began to feel a warm, flowing sensation in his chest.

The book described specific techniques for energy absorption and circulation. Zuhn practiced these diligently, visualizing the energy as a glowing stream moving through his body. He guided it through his meridians, feeling it strengthen his muscles, bones, and organs. Each cycle of energy refined his body further, and he could feel his power growing.

As days turned into weeks, Zuhn's progress was remarkable. By the time they were two days away from the sect, he had reached Middle Martial Sky—a feat that would take most cultivators years to achieve. Shi Huang, sensing the rapid increase in Zuhn's aura, was both impressed and wary. The Ancient Magic Book had accelerated Zuhn's growth, but it also hinted at the dangers of such rapid advancement. Cultivation required balance, and pushing too hard could lead to instability or even self-destruction.

Zuhn, however, seemed unbothered. His natural affinity for combat and his relentless focus allowed him to adapt quickly. He practiced the cultivation techniques alongside the book's combat skills, integrating them seamlessly. The Five Scar Slash, Magical Dagger, and Eight Dancing Slashes became more potent as his cultivation deepened, each technique fueled by the energy he now controlled.

By the time they arrived at Windwood Sect, Zuhn was no longer the same person who had boarded the wagon. His foundation was solid, his strength undeniable. He had taken his first steps into a world of cultivation, and the journey had only just begun.

As they approached Windwood Sect, Zuhn saw its grandeur. The outer disciples, Middle-Late Silver, lived in modest shacks, completing tasks for resources. The inner disciples, Peak Silver, resided in nicer homes, their potential evident. Finally, the core disciples, all Gold Rank or higher, occupied luxurious houses near the sect's heart.

When the wagon stopped, Shi Huang stepped out first, addressing the curious crowd. "I've recruited a new disciple from Hencewood," he announced.

Zuhn emerged, his aura deliberately suppressed to Early Silver. The core disciples, initially awed by his presence, now scoffed. "Master, why bring this trash here?" Yin Wan, the second-ranked core disciple, sneered. "He's not even worthy of being an outer disciple."

Shi Huang smiled. "If you're so confident, Yin Wan, why not spar with him?"

The disciples erupted in laughter, but Shi Huang's next words silenced them. "Anyone who defeats Zuhn will receive multiple Late Cultivation Stones."

Greed lit their eyes, but Liu Lihua, the unranked but strongest disciple, remained silent. She saw through Zuhn's act, sensing his true power was far higher than Early Silver. While the others plotted their victory, she prepared to witness something extraordinary.

In the arena, Zuhn stood on one side, his expression calm, while Yin Wan, the second-ranked core disciple, faced him with a cocky grin. Shi Huang and the other disciples watched from the sidelines, their eyes fixed on the two combatants. Liu Lihua, the unranked but strongest disciple, observed intently, curious about Zuhn's true strength. His aura was concealed to Early Silver, a feat that spoke volumes about his skill.

"You two may begin," Shi Huang announced.

Yin Wan moved first, chanting under his breath. A shimmering light enveloped his body. "This is Reinforced Light Armor," he boasted. "It protects me against Gold Rank attacks. You, a mere Early Silver, don't stand a chance."

He drew his crimson sword, which darkened to a deep purple as he chanted again. With a smirk, he charged at Zuhn, his blade aimed straight for his opponent's chest. The onlookers expected the fight to end in an instant.

Zuhn raised his arms, bracing for the impact. When Yin Wan's sword struck, it bounced off as if hitting an immovable wall. The crowd gasped. Yin Wan's smirk vanished. "What the—?"

Before he could react, Zuhn countered with a single punch, sending Yin Wan flying across the arena. Yin Wan recovered mid-air, his face twisted in fury. He chanted again, his sword turning pitch black. The disciples murmured in awe.

"He's using Ultimate Dark Slash!" someone exclaimed. This technique, a Gold Rank killer move, could obliterate anyone below Gold and seriously injure those at Gold Rank.

Liu Lihua tensed. Even if Zuhn was hiding his power, this attack could still harm him. Zuhn, however, remained unfazed. He drew his dagger and shifted his stance, unsealing a fraction of his power. His aura surged to Early Gold.

The disciples were stunned. "He's Early Gold?!"

Shi Huang chuckled under his breath. "That's still not enough to beat Zuhn."

Liu Lihua overheard him, her eyes widening. A Gold Rank technique won't be enough?

Zuhn slashed through Yin Wan's attack effortlessly, his dagger cutting through the dark energy and striking Yin Wan's chest. Yin Wan collapsed, blood pooling beneath him. Shi Huang intervened, administering healing pills before carrying him out of the arena.

"Zuhn Sheng wins the first fight," Shi Huang declared.

"First fight?" the disciples echoed, confused.

Shi Huang explained, "Zuhn and I made a deal. If he defeats all of you, I'll fulfill my promise."

The disciples paled. They had just witnessed a previously Early Silver defeat their second-strongest. How could they possibly win?

"Of course," Shi Huang added, "you can admit defeat. But doing so will strip you of your Core Disciple status."

The room fell silent. One by one, the disciples stepped forward, only to be swiftly defeated by Zuhn. Within two hours, all but Liu Lihua had fallen.

"Last but not least, Liu Lihua," Shi Huang announced.

The disciples' spirits lifted. Liu Lihua, the unranked but feared disciple, stepped into the arena. Her aura was formidable, her strength at the late stages of Gold.

"Zuhn," Shi Huang said, "you'll need to release more of your power to face her."

Zuhn considered this, then unleashed his full aura. The room trembled as his cultivation surged to Middle Martial Sky. The disciples gasped, struggling to breathe under the pressure.

Alright, let's—" Zuhn began, but Liu Lihua interrupted.

"I admit defeat," she said, turning to leave.

But Zuhn appeared behind her in an instant, his eyes glowing red with killing intent. He grabbed her shoulder. "You're not going anywhere."

He forcefully dragged her back into the arena, his movements swift and deliberate. With a sharp gesture, he activated a protective barrier, a shimmering dome of energy that enveloped them completely, cutting off all connection to the outside world. The barrier pulsed faintly, its surface rippling like water as it absorbed and dispersed any external energy that tried to penetrate it. It was a formidable defense, one that could withstand even the most powerful attacks, at least for a time. The air inside the barrier grew still, the chaos of the outside world fading into a muffled silence.

During the three-week journey to the Windwood Sect, Zuhn had dedicated himself to mastering the secrets of the Ancient Magic Book. The tome was a treasure trove of knowledge, filled with intricate techniques and skills that required both mental acuity and physical precision. Among the many abilities he had studied, protective barriers stood out as one of the most valuable. After two weeks of relentless reading and practice, Zuhn had finally grasped the fundamentals of barrier creation. The book described these barriers as essential tools for cultivators, particularly when facing opponents who surpassed them in strength. By channeling energy in a precise pattern and visualizing an impenetrable shield, a cultivator could create a barrier that not only defended against physical and spiritual attacks but also concealed their presence from prying eyes.

To activate the barrier, Zuhn had to focus his energy into his core, then extend it outward in a controlled flow. The key was to maintain a balance between the barrier's strength and its stability—too much energy, and it would collapse under its own weight; too little, and it would shatter at the first strike. Once the barrier was formed, it required constant attention, a subtle yet steady stream of energy to keep it intact. Zuhn had practiced the technique tirelessly, and now, in the heat of battle, it proved its worth. The barrier stood firm, a testament to his growing mastery and the ancient wisdom contained within the pages of the book.

Shi Huang tried to intervene, but his attacks bounced harmlessly off the barrier. Unknown to Shi Huang, this barrier could withstand even a Martial Sky Lord's assault.

As smoke filled the barrier, obscuring the view, Zuhn's voice echoed coldly. "Let's see what you're made of."