Ten layers of dark energy

The first page of the secret manual for the "Ninefold Thunder Blade" opens before Luo Feng's eyes. The most prominent word on the title page sends a shiver down his spine: "Swift!" This is just a photocopy of the original manual, yet even the single word "Swift" imprinted here manages to evoke fear within Luo Feng. One can only imagine the terrifying power of the Thunder God who created this martial art.

Luo Feng continues reading: "Among all martial arts in the world, only speed can break through any defense. When your blade becomes so fast that your opponent cannot react, you can sever their throat before they even swing their own blade. Even if your strength is only a fraction of your opponent's, their throat won't withstand your sharp blade. Speed allows you to strike at your opponent's weaknesses."

"But there's more: speed also amplifies your blade's power. According to the energy calculation formula, a blade's attack power equals 0.5mv^2. In other words, when the speed of a fixed-mass blade increases, its energy becomes formidable. At extreme speeds, it can pierce through steel like water columns or cut through metal like paper."

"Speed prevents your opponent from defending effectively. It makes your blade unstoppable, whether attacking from a vulnerable angle or sheer force. Speed is the ultimate method."

Luo Feng nods in agreement. This principle is well understood by most martial artists today: only when pushed to the limit of speed can one become invincible.

"Many warriors know this principle, but few can successfully apply it in practice," boasts the Thunder God in the manual. "My creation, the 'Ninefold Thunder Blade,' grants me the fastest blade in the world, along with unmatched speed and strength."

Luo Feng's eyes shine with excitement.

"The 'Ninefold Thunder Blade' encompasses the entire set of 'Flowing Light' body techniques, the 'Ninefold Origin' guiding art, and the 'Thunder Blade' sword techniques. Among these, the guiding art is fundamental. Only through it can you achieve a powerful physique."

"Physical fitness is the foundation."

"Both sword techniques and body techniques are skills that require repeated practice and insight."

Luo Feng continues flipping through the pages. The manual describes three sections of guiding art, totaling nine parts for the 'Ninefold Origin.' Similarly, the sword techniques and body techniques are limited to the first three levels. He reads every word carefully.

As he lifts his head, the scorching August sunlight streams through the window, illuminating the entire training hall.

"Incredible, truly incredible," murmurs Luo Feng. Even though he has only explored the first three levels, the Thunder God's "Ninefold Thunder Blade" has left him awestruck. Compared to this manual, the so-called techniques circulating online are like fireflies compared to the sun.

"Let's test this sword technique."

Luo Feng places the manual reverently in the corner of the training hall. He draws the Bloodshadow Warblade from its sheath with a sharp sound. The Bloodshadow Warblade measures 101 centimeters in total length, with a blade length of 78 centimeters and a width of 5.2 centimeters. Crafted from second-level Cro alloy, this warblade is worth a staggering 3 million even at half price and weighs 112 kilograms.

"Begin!" "Hoo!" "Hoo!" Luo Feng stands in the center of the training hall, repeatedly swinging the Bloodshadow Warblade. The power of the Ninefold Thunder Blade technique lies in a peculiar method of force generation.

When an ordinary person swings a blade with full force, they might exert 100% strength. However, practitioners of the Ninefold Thunder Blade use only 70% of their strength. As they release the first layer of force, they strive to generate a second layer of force simultaneously, still at 70%. The combined force is thus 140%.

The Ninefold Thunder Blade consists of nine layers:

The first layer allows for an additional hidden force, effectively utilizing 140% strength.

The second layer enables two hidden forces, reaching 210% strength.

The third layer allows three hidden forces, achieving 280% strength. …

The ninth layer permits nine hidden forces, resulting in a staggering 700% of their original physical strength.

What does this mean? It implies that if a junior warrior comprehends the Ninefold Thunder Blade technique up to the ninth layer, they can rival a junior warlord in power!

"Difficult indeed. The rumors were true. The entry level is this challenging." Luo Feng swings the blade hundreds of times, attempting to add another hidden force on top of each swing. But he can't manage it.

Too difficult!

Swinging the blade happens in an instant. In that moment, generating a second force internally while already exerting the first force is nearly impossible.

"Let's not aim too high. The first layer of the Ninefold Thunder Blade consists of 18 techniques. Practicing these 18 moves will aid in understanding the first layer's force," Luo Feng nods. As the saying goes, "Repetition is the mother of skill."

With enough practice, insight into the essence will naturally emerge.

"Time for dinner, Luo Feng." "Hurry up, Luo Feng." His parents' voices echo from downstairs.

"Coming." Luo Feng sheathes the Bloodshadow Warblade and hangs it on the wall. He returns the Ninefold Thunder Blade manual to his bedroom before heading downstairs for dinner.

… As time passes, although Luo Feng has joined the Hammer Team, they are currently on vacation. He takes advantage of this time to study the Thunder Blade's techniques, body movements, and guiding art. The combination of guiding art and genetic energy cultivation significantly enhances his physical strength.

As for the Thunder Blade's body techniques and sword techniques, Luo Feng hasn't even mastered the first layer. Despite this, his agility has improved, and his control over the blade's power has become more precise.

"While I can't instantly release a hidden force, at least my muscle control is much more accurate." Alone in the training hall, Luo Feng dons combat pants, attaching five throwing knives to the outer thighs. He wears alloy combat boots and a combat vest, with bare arms adorned by wrist guards.

On his back, he carries a warrior's backpack, a hexagonal shield, and the Bloodshadow Warblade. A communication watch is secured to his right wrist. Inside the backpack, he has water and high-energy rations.

"Today, August 28th, marks my first departure from the base city to officially begin a mission." Luo Feng takes a deep breath.

Indeed… Today is the day the Hammer Team sets out!

"Luo Feng!" The voice of "Cannon" Chen Gu comes from outside.

"Coming." Luo Feng responds and rushes downstairs. His parents, Luo Hongguo and Gong Xinlan, stand to the side in the living room. His younger brother, Luo Hua, sits in a wheelchair, silently watching Luo Feng. They all know today is the day Luo Feng leaves the base city to enter the wilderness.

The wilderness encompasses everything beyond the human base city: ruined cities, suburbs, mountains, forests, lakes, and more.

"Be careful, Luo Feng," Gong Xinlan can't help but say.

"Don't worry, Mom." Luo Feng grins, nods at his father, and looks at his younger brother, Luo Hua.

"Brother, maybe when you return, I'll have some wedding candy waiting for you." Luo Hua suddenly smiles.

"Wedding candy? You've only known that girl for less than two months!" Luo Feng laughs.

"Love moves fast. So what?" Luo Hua smirks.

"Alright, I'll eat your wedding candy when I'm back. Make sure it's some delicious stuff, and give me plenty." Luo Feng ruffles his brother's hair. "Okay, Mom and Dad, I'm leaving. I'll be back in a few days." With that, Luo Feng heads directly outside to meet Chen Gu at the villa's entrance.

Watching the fully equipped Luo Feng leave, alongside another burly man similarly geared up, Luo Feng's family remains silent for a long time.

Depart, head to the wilderness area. "

"Yes, Brother Chen. "

Luo Feng and Chen Gu, along with another man with an iron gun on his back, got into the special car of the Extreme Guild Hall and set off quickly.