WebNovels

Chapter 7 - Chapter 7: The Contract

The next morning, a light drizzle fell, and the August weather carried a humid, sultry weight.

Inside the Han family manor, on a flat stretch of training ground, Han Hechang stood across from his nephew, the Everlasting Sword held firmly in his grip.

"Little Jue, you've reached the Perfect level in body movement," Han Hechang said, his eyes gleaming with pride. "The second stage of the Everlasting Sword Technique should pose no problem for you now. Watch carefully, I'll demonstrate it for you."

The Everlasting Sword Technique was renowned for its unpredictability and flowing complexity. Whether leveraging an opponent's force to counterattack or unleashing hidden bursts of power, this sword technique encompassed every principle of adaptive combat.

Han Hechang had arrived at Jiangnan Base City just after midnight. After learning about Han Jue's stunning performance from Han Hesheng, he'd pulled his nephew out of bed at dawn to begin instruction.

In Han Hechang's hands, the heavy Everlasting Sword moved like a fish through water, light and graceful one moment, capable of unleashing devastating power the next. The technique had no fixed forms or rigid sequences; it primarily cultivated a fundamental skill that could be applied in countless ways.

Han Hechang first performed a complete demonstration of the Everlasting Sword's foundational movements. Then, drawing from his own deep understanding, he meticulously detailed the principles contained within the second stage, breaking down each subtle technique.

Han Jue's Six Eyes tracked every motion, memorizing not just the movements themselves but the underlying principles that gave them life.

"Little Jue, solo practice alone isn't enough, actual combat is the crucial step toward mastering any technique," Han Hechang declared. "Come. I'll suppress my physique to that of a high-level warrior and employ only the second stage of the Everlasting Sword Technique. Experience it for yourself."

Clang!

Almost before he finished speaking, Han Hechang attacked.

Han Jue's pupils contracted as he instinctively swung his sword, blocking the strike with perfect timing.

"Not bad, quick reactions," Han Hechang praised, though his hands never stopped moving.

Han Jue retreated, parrying his uncle's attacks while observing every nuance of movement and power generation. The hidden force technique became clearer with each exchange, the principles crystallizing in his mind like ice forming on still water.

Whoosh!

There it is!

With four consecutive bursts of hidden force, Han Jue leveraged his uncle's incoming momentum, sidestepping the blade and flowing behind Han Hechang in one fluid motion. In an instant, his sword reached his uncle's neck.

Han Hechang stopped immediately, a wide grin spreading across his face.

"Magnificent, Little Jue! Worthy of being my nephew!" He laughed heartily, genuine joy radiating from him.

Han Jue lowered his sword with a smile. "Uncle's teaching is still the best."

"You brat, you just don't want to acknowledge my teaching ability, do you?" Thunder God, who'd been watching from the sidelines, glared at Han Jue with exaggerated irritation.

"Lei Shen, could you have mastered Perfect-level swordsmanship in an hour?" Han Hechang shot back with obvious disdain. "If you can't, you have no business teaching Little Jue. That responsibility falls to me."

"You, !" Thunder God sputtered, fury and embarrassment warring on his face, but no words came. He had no rebuttal.

During the Great Nirvana period, he and Han Hechang had been warriors of the same generation, both serving as humanity's main force against the monster hordes. However, Han Hechang had always grasped mental cultivation faster than him, and their competitions had consistently ended in Han Hechang's favor.

Only after Thunder God's fortuitous discovery of ancient ruins and subsequent breakthrough to the planetary level had he claimed the title of world's second strongest. Otherwise, it was hard to say who would have held supremacy.

The memory still stung. If Han Hechang had been equally fortunate and broken through to the planetary level, Thunder God might very well have been competing for third place instead.

"Little Jue, the third stage of the Everlasting Sword Technique requires comprehending Artistic Conception to execute properly," Han Hechang explained, his tone turning serious. "I can't help you much beyond letting you experience my Artistic Conception firsthand. The rest depends on your own comprehension."

Han Jue nodded respectfully. "Thank you, Uncle."

"What are you thanking me for?" Han Hechang waved dismissively. "When you become stronger, beating up Thunder God will be thanks enough." He said it casually, as if discussing the weather.

"Han Hechang! Do you dare to face me in combat?" Thunder God roared, his usual gentle demeanor shattering completely. He drew his weapon with dramatic flair, ready to challenge Han Hechang on the spot.

Han Hechang dodged and fled into the distance with exaggerated movements. Thunder God deliberately held back his speed, refusing to use his flight ability, and gave chase. The two powerhouses played like children, their laughter echoing across the training ground as if they'd returned to decades past.

Han Jue shook his head helplessly, a fond smile on his lips, and turned to walk back into the house.

After the two had exhausted their playfulness, they reconvened in the living room.

The four of them, Han Jue, Han Hesheng, Han Hechang, and Lei Shen, sat on the sofas in comfortable silence. Wang Heng arrived shortly after, standing somewhat stiffly to the side despite being invited to sit.

"Brother Wang, please, sit down," Han Jue gestured to a nearby chair.

Wang Heng moved cautiously to the seat, hyperaware of the planetary-level powerhouses surrounding him.

Thunder God didn't even glance at Wang Heng. Instead, he addressed Han Jue with newfound seriousness. "This is the contract I had Brother Hong help me prepare. Look it over carefully and see if the 'resources' you requested are sufficient. If not, I can add more."

Han Jue took the document and examined it thoroughly, reading each clause with careful attention.

Thunder Dojo Elite Training Camp Contract

Party A: Thunder Dojo Global Headquarters

Party B: Han Jue

Terms and Conditions:

If Party B achieves a combat power amplitude of 4 before September 1, 2056, Party B will receive:

One complete secret technique manual of Party B's choice, One Purple Source Crystal (value: 30 billion Yuan)

If Party B achieves a combat power amplitude of 8 before January 1, 2057, Party B will receive:

Any three complete secret technique manuals of Party B's choice, One Thousand-Year Wild Ginseng Spirit (value: 80 billion Yuan)

If Party B achieves a combat power amplitude of 12 before December 1, 2057, Party B will receive:

One Thousand-Year Ice Marrow Crystal (value: 120 billion Yuan). One longsword from the ancient civilization relic, "Frost"

If Party B achieves a combat power amplitude of 16 before December 1, 2058, Party B will receive:

Access to any secret technique manual in Thunder Dojo's archives. Access to Thunder Dojo's Antarctic ancient civilization ruins and one complete set of the ancient civilization relic armor, "Black God"

If Party B achieves a combat power amplitude of 20 before August 1, 2060, Party B will receive:

One Ten Thousand Year Ice Marrow Crystal

The contract was somewhat similar to Luo Feng's original agreement in structure, but with significantly higher difficulty and much shorter time limits.

"Combat power amplitude equals your fist force level multiplied by your Trial Tower level," Thunder God explained, noting Han Jue's thoughtful expression. "The Trial Tower is a device from ancient civilization ruins that allows your consciousness to enter a virtual training space. You'll understand better once you arrive at the training camp."

"The resources you're offering seem rather sparse," Han Hechang interjected critically. "My nephew can afford combat uniforms and weapons himself. Provide resources that can't be purchased on the open market, Spirits of Plants and Trees and similar items would be far more useful."

"...Wait!" Thunder God glared at Han Hechang, snatched back the paper, and made several modifications with swift strokes.

The 9-series combat uniform and weapons set was replaced with one Purple Source Crystal.

The SS-grade combat uniform and weapons set were replaced with a Thousand-Year Wild Ginseng Spirit.

These were all precious treasures that could enhance physical capabilities. The Purple Source Crystal and chalcedony had similar effects and could work synergistically to strengthen the body. The Thousand-Year Wild Ginseng Spirit could enhance the body's resilience and amplify the effectiveness of other medicinal resources.

Essentially, if Han Jue completed just the first two contract milestones, he could rely on these resources alone to ascend to the War God level.

"Much better," Han Hechang nodded approvingly. "At least you're being reasonable, Lei Shen."

"Alright, young man, come with me to the training camp today," Thunder God announced, shooting Han Hechang an irritated glance before turning to Han Jue with renewed enthusiasm.

"No problem, Founder," Han Jue agreed readily, a confident smile playing at his lips.

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