"Huff."
The old man, after a moment of profound silence, exhaled slowly, a satisfied smile spreading across his wrinkled face.
"You can take any two of these items, and I won't say anything more."
"Is that so?"
Trainee Wudi's lips curved into a subtle smile as he lowered his head, his gaze sweeping over the three enigmatic artifacts.
"Brother Wudi, why don't you take this book and the sword with you?"
Trainee Guo Yang suggested eagerly, his eyes fixed on the gleaming blade. Meanwhile, Trainee Guo Ying shook his head, offering a different opinion.
"Brother Wudi, you should take this lamp that has the azure-colored flame, and the sword with you."
"Nah, I think the lamp and the book would be better."
Trainee Yan, who had been silently observing, finally chimed in, offering his own preference. Trainee Wudi, however, ignored their suggestions for a moment, his eyes returning to the old, leather-bound book. He raised his head, addressing the old man directly.
"Elder, can I see this book once and decide if I want to take this or not?"
"You may."
The old man chuckled, a dry, raspy sound, as he granted permission.
"Thank you."
With a respectful nod, Trainee Wudi reached out and carefully picked up the book. His fingers brushed against the worn cover, and then he began to flip through its pages with astonishing speed, a mere blur of motion.
The titles of the volumes flashed before his eyes:
[ Eight Fist Martial Art
Volume 1: Sealing Fist
Volume 2: Explosion Fist
Volume 3: Sword Fist
Volume 4: Whistle Fist
Volume 5: Indestructible Fist
Volume 6: Unity Fist
Volume 7: Man, Earth, and Heaven Fist
Volume 8: True Fist]
After Trainee Wudi had seemingly flipped through all the pages in a matter of seconds, his eyes, unseen by others, absorbing every detail, he calmly put the book back down. His decision was made.
"I will take this Yin Yang Sword and the Azure Flame Lamp , Elder."
He announced, his voice clear and unwavering.
"Hahaha, then so be it. Take them, brat, take them!"
The old man burst into hearty laughter, his eyes gleaming with something akin to relief. With a casual flick of his wrist, he tossed the sword and the lamp towards Trainee Wudi, still laughing as if nothing extraordinary had just transpired.
"Thank you."
Trainee Wudi caught the items with practiced ease. The moment he held the Yin Yang Sword, he felt an astonishing weight, as if the sword itself contained the entirety of the universe.
Within this single blade, he perceived the boundless power of universal energy. Such a feeling was profoundly strange and instantly made him realize that this sword was by no means simple.
He decided then and there that he would have to deeply comprehend the sword after returning to the academy. As for the lamp, it was equally peculiar.
Even though the azure flame burned vibrantly right before him, he felt no discernible presence from it, as if the flame belonged to an entirely different dimension, detached from their reality.
With their prizes claimed, Trainee Wudi and his friends decided to leave the old man and the street behind.
After they had departed, the old man let out a deep, resonant sigh, a sound of profound relief. He felt as if an immense weight, which he had carried for an eternity, had suddenly been lifted from his shoulders.
The Yin Yang Sword and the Azure Flame Lamp were, indeed, by no means ordinary items; in fact, they were far, far more significant than anyone could imagine.
"Finally, I have been lifted from those curses. I hope the Cursed Weapon and Artifact will bring you fortune more than misfortune."
The old man, who had been silently watching Trainee Wudi and his friends disappear into the night, slowly began to fade, his form growing transparent, until he completely vanished from his original position on the rock.
After all, the task he had come here for had been completed, and he had nothing more to do in this realm.
******
After Trainee Wudi and everyone returned to the dormitory compound, Trainee Wudi did not directly head back to his room. Instead, he made his way to the Martial Training Arena.
The arena grounds were vast, large enough to accommodate thousands of people at once, with hundreds of smaller, individual arenas currently empty and silent under the moonlight.
As Trainee Wudi walked towards one of these empty arenas, he could feel his heart begin to pump with a mixture of nervousness and intense excitement.
"Eight Fist Martial Art."
He inhaled deeply, drawing a long breath, and then settled into a precise fighting stance, his body poised and ready.
"First Volume: Sealing Fist!"
He swung his fist forward, the movement both elegant and graceful, as if he were attempting to seal the very world itself with the force of his blow.
Boom!
Boom!
With each successful punch, a loud, concussive explosion resonated in the air, a testament to the power he was manifesting.
"Volume 2: Explosion Fist!"
His fist suddenly began to circulate his body's blood at an unimaginable speed, far beyond normal human limits. This rapid circulation caused his blood to become extraordinarily powerful, surging with explosive force.
Boom!
Boom!
The explosions were stronger and far more powerful compared to the first volume, each of his launched fists creating a deafening burst of air.
The azure flame in the lamp he had just acquired, placed carefully at the edge of the arena, flickered wildly, as if on the verge of extinguishing at any moment, reacting to the violent energy being unleashed.
"Huff!"
"Huff!"
He finally collapsed onto his knees, gasping for breath, his body trembling uncontrollably. Only three punches of the Explosion Fist, and this was already his absolute limit.
Sweat, thick and profuse, began to melt from his body, falling and dripping down onto the polished stone floor of the arena.
"It seems that even if the Eight Fist Martial Art doesn't require Internal Energy, it consumes a great amount of stamina."
While breathless, he couldn't help but smile, a wild, almost crazy grin, for this was an unexpected, yet exhilarating, realization.
With his Eye of the Mortal , once he observed a Martial Art, Trainee Wudi could instantly comprehend and theoretically copy it, internalizing its essence in mere moments.
"This damn body!"
He couldn't help but grit his teeth, a profound frustration boiling within him. With such an insane, unparalleled eye, he could have become one of the most powerful martial masters in the entire Murim world.
"Damn!!"
He slammed his fist onto the arena floor, a bright flash of force accompanying the blow, without holding anything back.
"Damn it!!"
He punched again, this time streaks of blood visible on his knuckles and fist, the skin tearing under the strain.
"This pathetic body!!"
He punched once more, blood spattering everywhere this time, painting the stone. His eyes, though still blazing with an inner fire, were heavily clouded by tears, wanting desperately to fall, yet something deep within him held them back.
"What's the f**king use of this eye that has insane power if this pathetic body can't even keep up with it?!"
He slammed his fist onto the arena once again, his teeth grinding audibly, his eyes almost completely obscured by the unshed tears.
"If I could exchange this pathetic body for a great talent, I could even abandon my humanity!"
His whole arm began to tremble from the excruciating pain, his muscles tearing with each violent exertion, his blood feeling as if explosions were taking place inside his very veins.
"I really am pathetic, haha haha!"
He covered his face with his bloodied hand, inadvertently painting his features with his own blood, and let out a laugh filled with pure madness, a desperate, broken sound echoing in the empty arena.
"Why don't you just kill me instead of making me live this miserable life?!"
Although he constantly tried to project an image of cool composure, inwardly, he was suffering immensely from the pain of not possessing any inherent talent for martial arts.
He had learned hundreds of Martial Arts, yet he could not execute them properly, for his body was still that of an ordinary human being, unable to withstand the strain.
His eye allowed him to master any Martial Art or power in an instant, yet what was the use of that if his physical talent was as pathetic as dirt?
"If this is how you play, I will also play it in my own style then."
Finally, something profound seemed to crack within his mind, a barrier he had been desperately trying to hold back for so long.
"So be it."
Inhaling deeply, he calmly exhaled, a newfound resolution settling over him.
"Seems like I am not destined for the Martial Path."
He slowly raised his head to gaze at the moon, admiring its serene beauty with calm and focused eyes. His blood-painted face reflected the soft, ethereal beauty of the moonlight, a stark and haunting image.
"If so, then I shall destroy the Martial Path!"
He lightly squinted, a dangerous glint entering his eyes.
"Those that can't be mine, how can I let them be others'?"
His heart felt as if it was bleeding whenever he contemplated how fate seemed to be playing cruel tricks on him.
It had given him the power of an eye with so many absurd abilities, yet no martial talent to cultivate martial arts. It was like possessing a luxurious car worth billions of dollars, yet having no engine to operate it.
"This will be written in the account that I will settle with you soon."
******
"Sister Tang, are you in?"
Early in the morning, when the sun had just begun to rise in the east, painting the sky with soft hues, Trainee Wudi and Trainee Yan stood outside a private dormitory.
This particular dormitory was distinguished by its own small, meticulously manicured garden, a tranquil pond, and a beautiful, bubbling water fountain.
*Creak—*
"How nice to see you, Brother Wudi, Brother Yan!"
When the beautiful Trainee Tang walked out, she greeted them with a radiant smile, her presence exuding a charming aura that seemed to brighten the morning itself.
"I would like to apologize for disturbing you early in the morning, but we have come to talk to you about a very important matter related to what we discussed yesterday."
Trainee Wudi smiled, his face radiating a positive and enthusiastic energy that seemed to belie his inner turmoil from the previous night.
"Oh… is that so? I didn't expect my morning to be this good!"
Trainee Tang was momentarily frozen in surprise, but she quickly recovered, her face beaming with an equally radiant energy.
"Please, come in."
With her invitation, Trainee Wudi and Trainee Yan walked inside, entering what felt like a mini-version of a grand hall. The interior was lavishly appointed, featuring everything one would need for daily living: luxurious furniture, ancient paintings adorning the walls, and countless other exquisite items, all speaking of immense wealth.
"Please have a seat."
The three of them sat down on elegantly carved wooden chairs, and Trainee Tang herself offered them warm, aromatic tea.
"This is Blood Ginseng Tea. This helps regulate your blood circulation much more smoothly. More than that, it also has medicinal benefits to nourish, nurture, refine, and purify your blood."
Trainee Tang explained, as she served them the blood-colored tea. Trainee Yan, intrigued, hurriedly picked up the cup and began to drink.
"This tea is really delicious, Sister Tang!"
He exclaimed, his eyes widening slightly in appreciation.
"I am honored by your compliment."
As always, she maintained her elegant and noble demeanor, exuding charm with every gesture and word.
"So, the thing is, Brother Yan will join your faction and become your subordinate."
Trainee Wudi stated directly, cutting to the chase.
"Then that means that—"
"I have not finished yet."
Before Trainee Tang could fully express her burgeoning excitement, Trainee Wudi cut her off again, his voice firm.
Her excitement was clearly visible to everyone, but Trainee Wudi remained solemn and full of seriousness, his gaze unwavering.
"So, what do you want in return?"
She asked, her eyes half-closed, her charming aura shifting, becoming equally serious, recognizing the unspoken demand for compensation.
"I want you to give me access to your family library. Of course, nothing serious, but just the access to those where even an ordinary disciple can enter."
Trainee Wudi laid out his condition.
"...And why would I give you that?"
Trainee Tang felt a surge of confusion. If Trainee Yan was going to join her faction, why should she reward or pay Trainee Wudi instead? It seemed illogical.
"If you can't, then I have no intention of continuing this topic. I am sure there are other young masters and ladies who would love to have him by their side."
Trainee Wudi was firm, his resolve unyielding. He didn't seem to be backing off in the slightest. Trainee Yan, on the other hand, felt as if the room's temperature had suddenly plummeted; it was becoming chillingly cold.
"Okay then, but I will only give you access to the most basic manuals and techniques of the Martial Tang Family."
She conceded, a flicker of irritation in her eyes, but the potential gain was too great to refuse entirely.
"More than enough. But I want you to give me the copies within three days' time, otherwise, I will take that as you don't want to accept the deal."
Trainee Wudi pressed his advantage, setting a clear deadline.
"....Don't worry, I will send the copies within three days' time."
She agreed, a hint of grudging acceptance in her voice.
With that, Trainee Wudi asked for leave, rising from his seat and departing with Trainee Yan.
As they were leaving, Trainee Tang couldn't help but sigh deeply.
"Although I got him, the price I had to pay was also greater than I imagined."
Trainee Tang had initially thought she could acquire the "Supreme Lightning Emperor" by her side with just a bit of effort, but she hadn't expected to pay such a significant price for that.
"But it's worth it if I can get Supreme Lightning Emperor by my side."
She smiled, but this time, her smile was cold, entirely unlike her cheerful demeanor from before. Her eyes, fixed on the closed door, were as cold as a distant mountain peak covered in snow, revealing a calculating ambition hidden beneath her charming exterior.