"Perfect! Let me test my swordsmanship!"
Han Jue chuckled as he watched the growing horde of monsters, drawing the Everlasting Sword from his back.
On Earth, physical technique mastery was divided into four distinct levels: Basic, Microscopic, Perfect, and Artistic Conception. Beyond Artistic Conception lay the Domain level, a realm where body and space itself became one.
In the broader universe, however, the hierarchy was simplified to just four tiers: Basic, Artistic Conception, Domain, and World.
After awakening his Six Eyes, Han Jue had gained more than just the ability to directly perceive the fundamental operation of spatial laws. The enhanced learning capabilities granted by his unique ability alone were enough to propel him rapidly to the pinnacle of the Basic level in physical techniques.
As for the Artistic Conception level? That wouldn't trouble him for long.
Even the Domain level presented no insurmountable obstacle. What he needed to focus on next was comprehending the laws themselves.
Besides physical techniques, weapon mastery also followed a four-tier system: Basic, Specialized, Perfect, and Artistic Conception.
Although Han Jue's physical skills had reached Perfect level, his swordsmanship remained at the Basic level, relatively unpracticed. This combat assessment presented an ideal opportunity to hone those skills.
The first level of the Everlasting Sword Technique introduces hidden force, Han Jue reflected, recalling his uncle's teachings. It doesn't directly enhance strength, but allows for a second burst of power within a short timeframe, essentially launching two consecutive full-strength attacks. This can catch opponents completely off guard. Alternatively, I can use this hidden force to shift positions mid-strike, making my next move unpredictable.
The essence of the first level surfaced clearly in his mind.
The Everlasting Sword Technique was renowned for its continuous flow and unpredictability, primarily designed for one-handed combat that leveraged and redirected an opponent's own force.
At the third level, a practitioner could achieve eight consecutive bursts of power within a brief period, representing the ultimate fusion of physical and sword techniques. Combined with the quadruple power amplification at mastery, it was second only to legendary techniques like "World Destruction" and "Nine-Layer Thunder Blade."
Han Jue tightened his grip on the sword. The surrounding monsters, intimidated by the aura radiating from him, temporarily refused to charge forward.
"If you won't move, then I will," Han Jue said with a slight smile.
Whoosh!
He exploded into motion, charging directly into the horde at breathtaking speed. Deliberately suppressing his Perfect-level agility, he devoted himself entirely to refining his swordsmanship. With the physique of a high-level warrior, he could slay most monsters with nearly every strike, his technique steadily improving with each engagement.
One slash severed an Iron-Haired Boar's tusks cleanly. Another blow decapitated a Tiger Mastiff mid-leap.
Relying on the hidden force principle of the Everlasting Sword Technique, even without employing his full agility, Han Jue maneuvered through the herd with fluid grace, his movements deceptive and unpredictable.
Though these low-level beast soldiers were consumed by bloodlust, they still possessed a natural fear of death. Under Han Jue's relentless slaughter, the monsters on the outermost perimeter actually began to flee!
That won't do. They're all my prey.
With that single thought, Han Jue merged his agility with his swordsmanship seamlessly.
Instantly, his killing speed increased exponentially.
Hundreds of beasts were finally routed by Han Jue's solo assault!
"Ha!"
After dispatching the last monster and sheathing his sword, Han Jue smiled with satisfaction.
His swordsmanship had broken through to the Perfect level!
He was even close to mastering the second level of the Everlasting Sword Technique!
Suddenly, he detected movement behind him.
"Hmm? Luo Feng?"
Han Jue hadn't expected to encounter the future Lord of the Galaxy again so soon. Was this coincidence, or something more?
"You recognize me?" Luo Feng seemed surprised. This formidable warrior knew him?
"I overheard others talking about you in the square," Han Jue explained casually. "My name is Han Jue."
"I heard you were recruited early by the Extreme Martial Arts School?" Han Jue continued with an approving smile. "It seems you're quite talented."
"No, no," Luo Feng stammered, suddenly embarrassed by the praise. "Compared to you, Brother Han, I'm nothing special. By the way, why haven't I heard your name before?"
Han Jue's imposing 1.91-meter height was admittedly deceptive.
"Brother?" Han Jue smiled slightly. "I'm sixteen years old."
Ah.
Luo Feng felt even more embarrassed upon hearing this.
"Luo Feng," Han Jue said suddenly, his tone turning serious.
"What is it?" Luo Feng looked up, slightly startled.
"A truly strong person doesn't need to hide their talents," Han Jue said earnestly. "Only by showing your full capabilities can you earn appreciation from those who matter, gain access to better resources, and protect the people you love. If you constantly hide your abilities, you might think you're playing the long game, but you could also be deceiving yourself about your true potential."
"I hope you'll reveal your genuine talent instead of restricting yourself here." Han Jue placed a hand on Luo Feng's shoulder. "I believe you can go much further in the future. Trust me, the War God level is merely your starting point, not your destination."
"Brother Han..." Luo Feng hesitated, watching as Han Jue gradually walked away into the darkness.
What did he mean by that? Luo Feng wondered, his mind racing. Could he have discovered my secret, the abilities I've been hiding? Does he know I'm a Spirit Reader?
He thought hard, but couldn't unravel the truth behind Han Jue's cryptic advice.
Han Jue's intention was straightforward: he hoped Luo Feng would reveal his identity as a Spirit Reader, a psychic warrior, beforehand. With his exceptional talent openly displayed, Luo Feng would receive far superior training at the Extreme Martial Arts School. He could join the elite training camp and reach War God level even faster than in the original timeline.
By then, dealing with threats like Li Yao and others would become trivial.
Earth was too small, a mere starting point. The universe and the sea of stars beyond were where both Luo Feng and he truly belonged.
Following the original timeline? Too slow. Far too slow.
Han Jue wasn't a Spirit Reader, so he couldn't inherit the legacy of the Meteorite Star like Luo Feng would. Therefore, all he could do was accelerate Luo Feng's development, ensuring they could both break free from Earth's limitations sooner.
In the Monitoring Room
The monitoring room had fallen into stunned silence.
"Perfect-level swordsmanship? Just like that?" the major general muttered in disbelief.
He felt as though his entire career had been rendered meaningless, not even comparable to a sixteen-year-old prodigy.
"Don't worry, everyone's devastated," Wang Heng consoled him with a wry smile. "He's a genuine monster. We don't need to compare ourselves to him. Look at that young man named Luo Feng instead, he's quite impressive too, with Microscopic-level body movement. Let's try to recruit him to the Thunder Dojo."
"Wang Heng!" Now it was Zhuge Tao's turn to protest. "Having Han Jue isn't enough for you? Now you're trying to steal talent from my Extreme Martial Arts School?"
"Didn't you try to poach Han Jue earlier?" Wang Heng countered with obvious disdain.
"You, !" Zhuge Tao was rendered momentarily speechless, exasperation written across his face.
While Luo Feng's talent was certainly high enough to qualify for the Basic Training Camp, he was still leagues behind Han Jue's extraordinary abilities.
"Alright, both of you, stop arguing," the major general interjected hastily. "Look, if we don't stop him soon, Han Jue is really going to clear out all of Monster Town by himself!"
The two men turned their attention back to the screen, snorting in unison before focusing on the display.
Just as the officer had predicted, Han Jue was going on an absolute rampage through Monster Town!
Wang Heng suddenly remembered what Han Hesheng had said earlier. Could this actually be coming true?
Han Jue had barely finished clearing the first horde and rested for only a brief moment before starting his slaughter anew. Other prospective warriors could only stare in awe and frustration at his unstoppable assault.
It was as if he possessed unlimited stamina.
"Old Wang, if you don't stop him, the other examinees won't be able to complete their assessments," the major general warned.
"Let him finish early, then," Wang Heng decided, standing and heading toward the door. "But don't let the other prospective warriors know about his record."
Han Jue had already killed hundreds of monsters, a feat that created history unprecedented and likely never to be surpassed.
Letting other candidates know would only crush their ambition. The vast gap between them and Han Jue wouldn't serve as motivation, it would be demoralizing.
In Monster Town, Han Jue stopped his killing spree before Wang Heng could arrive.
These low-level beast soldiers posed no threat to him whatsoever. While he'd hoped to use intense combat to break through to the Artistic Conception level and comprehend true sword intent tonight, it had proven somewhat difficult with such weak opponents.
After considering for a moment, Han Jue decided to leave some monsters alive for the other candidates.
No point in being too greedy, after all.