Breaking Through the Boundaries

Jian Mu's heart was still pounding as he dashed through the forest. His mind buzzed, replaying the events of the moment he unleashed the Infernal Slash. The explosion of dark qi, the trail of crimson-black energy slicing through the air, it had felt like a part of him that he'd never known was there. And now, it was his. That power, that immense destructive force, it was his to command.

As he sprinted toward the dormitory, a rare feeling bloomed in his chest,a sense of pride. For once, he wasn't haunted by doubt or fear. He didn't feel weak, nor insignificant. His past was a shadow, something he would no longer run from. He had broken through, forced his way to the next realm, and for once, the power he had longed for was his.

'I did it… I finally did it. I pushed past the limit I thought was impossible. For once... I'm not just some discarded pawn...'

The thought sent a ripple of amazement through his veins. Jian Mu grinned to himself as he rounded a corner, nearing the dorm. The familiar stone structure loomed ahead, and though the guards might soon arrive to investigate the explosion, Jian Mu didn't feel afraid.

As he pushed open the door to his dorm room, he saw Zhao Lin sitting on the bed, his arms crossed, a look of suspicion in his eyes. Jian Mu's smirk faltered for a moment, but he quickly composed himself. Zhao Lin was a good friend, he'd always had his back, even when Jian Mu had nothing to offer. But something about him now felt different. Maybe it was the way Zhao Lin was eyeing him, like he knew something was off.

Zhao Lin didn't speak immediately. Instead, he gave Jian Mu a long look, studying him closely.

"Well, well, look who's back..." Zhao Lin finally spoke, his voice tinged with caution. "You're a little late, aren't you? And what's with the explosion?"

Jian Mu chuckled, a feeling of confidence welling up inside him. "I had some… personal training to do." He took a deep breath and walked toward the small table in the center of the room. "I pushed myself past my limits. Can't let anyone else be ahead of me, can I?"

Zhao Lin's gaze sharpened, but he didn't press. He was clearly suspicious, but Jian Mu wasn't about to explain everything. He wasn't even sure how to explain it himself. The vision, the mysterious figure, the immense power he'd felt, none of it made sense.

"I can see that," Zhao Lin said slowly, his eyes narrowing slightly. "I've never seen you this strong before. Did you break through to the next realm?"

Jian Mu's lips curved into a smirk, his chest pumping with pride. "Yeah. I did." His voice was calm, but inside, he couldn't help but feel a rush of satisfaction. "I didn't need anyone's help to get there."

Zhao Lin seemed to hesitate, as if debating whether to push further. He finally stood up, his expression unreadable. "I'll be outside if you need anything," he said flatly, clearly choosing not to pry. "But I'm not stupid. Whatever you did, I'll find out eventually."

Jian Mu nodded. "I'll be fine, Lin. Don't worry about it."

Zhao Lin gave him one last, lingering look before leaving the room without another word. The door clicked shut behind him, and Jian Mu exhaled. It was then that the weight of the situation began to settle in. Zhao Lin might have his suspicions, but there was no way he could understand the full picture.

No one could.

The figure, Jian Mu thought to himself. That man… His mind flashed back to the vision, the one with the blood soaked battlefield, the battle with the mysterious man, and the sword techniques that still echoed in his memory. It was all so vivid. It felt like the power he had unlocked was tied to something greater, something beyond him.

But who was that man? Who was the first Heavenly Demon?

Jian Mu shook his head. Doesn't matter. Not now.

What mattered now was the power he'd gained. His hands flexed, feeling the surging dark qi within him. He felt different. More in control. The force in his body was like a river, flowing and surging through his veins, filling every inch of his being with qi. He was no longer a victim of his circumstances.

"I finally did it mother... I grew stronger..."

He took a step toward his sword, which was lying discarded on the floor. As he picked it up, he noticed something strange, there was a crack running along the blade, a deep gash from the force of the Infernal Slash. His heart sank as he inspected it closer.

"Damn it…" His grip tightened around the hilt. His sword, was ruined. The power he had unleashed had shattered it.

But instead of disappointment, Jian Mu felt an odd sense of satisfaction. The sword might have been broken, but the force that had destroyed it was his. And if the sword couldn't keep up with sword technique he has grasped then he would find something stronger.

He ran a hand through his hair, smiling to himself as the adrenaline began to settle.

"I've broken through. I've surpassed where I thought I could go."

His mind wandered back to the figure, to the techniques he had seen, the way the Heavenly Demon had moved, dancing with death in the middle of a battlefield. Jian Mu closed his eyes, trying to remember every detail, every movement, every slash. He could see it in his mind, clearer than ever before. The technique, the style, it was burned into him.

"I'll master it." he thought fiercely. "The Infernal Slash... I'll make it mine. Every step, every movement, it'll all be mine."

Jian Mu stood tall, a fire igniting in his chest. He would not stop here. He would grow stronger, faster. He would become a force no one could reckon with.

The first Heavenly Demon's first style was now his, and he was going to master the first style.

"I am the one who decides my fate now."

End of chapter 22