The Blade’s Awakening

The moment Min-Jae entered seclusion, he cast aside all distractions. This was a chance to sharpen his body and soul, to carve himself into the perfect weapon. The instructors had spoken of "Shadow Veil Breath" as merely a technique to cultivate internal energy, but Min-Jae quickly discovered something unusual about his own body.

From the very first session, as he guided his breath and focused on the circulation of energy within, he noticed that the energy absorbed by his body doubled in density compared to the others. While the other trainees could barely accumulate a small stream of energy within their dantian, Min-Jae's grew into a torrential river. It was as if his body naturally refined and stored energy at a rate far beyond what was considered normal.

A rare constitution.

One that would make him a monster.

Yet, Min-Jae remained silent about this discovery. Revealing such an ability would only paint a target on his back. He knew better than to expose his strengths so easily.

One Year in Seclusion

As time passed, Min-Jae's progress in both breathing and stealth arts advanced at a terrifying pace. While others struggled to grasp the early stages of "Tenebrous Phantom Step," he had already reached level 3, moving like a shadow in complete silence. He spent every moment perfecting his control, dodging between unseen traps placed within the cave to sharpen their reflexes.

The weight on his limbs was no longer a burden—it became an extension of himself. Each strike he practiced carried not just force, but precision and speed honed through relentless discipline. The old Min-Jae had long disappeared, leaving behind only a being shaped by vengeance and survival.

When the doors of the secluded chamber finally opened, the survivors emerged as different people. Their eyes no longer shone with innocence—only a cold determination remained.

The Energy Pill & Martial Arts Selection

Awaiting them was a sight that left even the strongest-willed in shock.

A single instructor stood before them, holding a small jade pill.

"This is a Vermilion Dragon Pill. It contains the accumulated energy of 30 years. Consume it, and your strength will leap forward. But do not grow arrogant—this is only the beginning."

Min-Jae accepted the pill without hesitation, swallowing it along with the others. The moment it entered his stomach, he felt fire spreading through his meridians, surging into his dantian like a tidal wave. Yet, due to his rare constitution, his body didn't just absorb the energy—it compressed it, making it more potent than what the others gained.

But just as the group finished refining the energy, the instructor spoke again.

"Now, you will enter the Grand Library. Within, you may choose martial arts manuals. But be warned—what you select will be the techniques you must master over the next three years. Choose wisely."

Min-Jae wasted no time. The moment they entered, his eyes scanned the shelves filled with tomes of supreme martial techniques. Each book originated from the most powerful sects across Murim.

After careful deliberation, he chose four blade arts, each legendary in its own right:

1. Phantom Moon Blade – A technique from the Phantom Moon Sect, known for swift, unpredictable slashes that resemble illusions.

2. Abyssal River Slash – A technique from the Dark Sword Sect, overwhelming foes with an endless tide of blade energy.

3. Blood Eclipse Style – A demonic sword art that focuses on merciless, precise attacks, meant to kill in a single strike.

4. Seven Hells Execution – A technique from the Blood Demon Sect, utilizing overwhelming force to crush enemies with brutal efficiency.

But as time ran out, he needed one more technique. Unable to decide, Min-Jae reached for an old, dusty tome with no title.

Something about it called to him.

With his selections complete, the group was ready to leave—only for the instructors to throw another challenge.

The Battle for the Azure Rebirth Elixir

"This elixir," the instructor announced, "contains the energy of 40 years. But only one of you will receive it."

Min-Jae remained still as the pill was placed in the center of the arena. No weapons. Only the last person standing would claim it.

Immediately, chaos erupted.

Children who had trained and suffered together for years turned against each other, fists and kicks flying with merciless intent. Some formed temporary alliances, but all knew the truth—only one would walk away victorious.

Min-Jae, however, remained motionless. He waited.

Let them exhaust each other first.

But his plan fell apart when he saw the final three survivors—the ones who resented him the most—standing together.

A smirk formed on their lips as they turned to face him.

The Fight Begins

The first opponent lunged with a swift kick. Min-Jae sidestepped. His eyes calculated the second attacker before he even moved—anticipating the punch coming from behind. He twisted his body, dodging the attack and countering with a knee to the ribs.

The third opponent was different. He was a tactician, waiting for Min-Jae to be preoccupied before striking. Seeing his chance, he moved to grab Min-Jae's arm—only for Min-Jae to vanish.

Level 3 Tenebrous Phantom Step.

He reappeared behind his enemy and struck him in the temple with his elbow, knocking him unconscious.

That left two.

The first attacker recovered and tried a roundhouse kick, but Min-Jae caught his leg and delivered a brutal palm strike to his chest, sending him crashing into the stone floor.

The last opponent, seeing his allies down, hesitated. But Min-Jae didn't.

In a blur, he closed the distance, delivering a clean, powerful blow to the jaw—the final strike of the battle.

Silence followed.

Then, the instructor stepped forward, picked up the Azure Rebirth Elixir, and tossed it toward Min-Jae.

"You've earned it."

Min-Jae swallowed the elixir without hesitation, feeling its energy flood through him. He could sense his internal power rising to unimaginable heights.

But this was not the end.

Now, with last three years of secluded training ahead he was finally about to leave for his cave