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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 7
Chapter Title: Flame Heaven Qi Awakens
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⚙ TREASURE EFFECTS ⚙ First, grants immunity to fire-attribute attacks. This applies not only to martial arts and spells but also to magic, curses, and the like. Second, boosts internal energy by one cycle and clears the mind. Third, infuses the Heavenly Demon Divine Art with extreme yang heat energy, allowing the inheritor to manifest a unique aura known as Flame Heaven Qi. ⚙ AUTHOR UPDATE ⚙ The author has completed reinforcing the (Treasure * One Heaven Origin Fire Token). "Flame Heaven Qi is the best!"
Our author. I knew you could do it!
The One Heaven Origin Fire Token floating in midair soon recognized its true master and slipped into my body.
It felt like sinking into warm water, and then Flame Heaven Qi began rising from my body like heat haze.
Miraculous.
The energy dwelling within the One Heaven Origin Fire Token naturally settled into my dantian, fusing with the internal energy I'd gathered through the Heavenly Demon Lotus Heart Method and bursting forth as Flame Heaven Qi.
This single surge elevated me to the superhuman realm in an instant.
Every time I flexed my fist, channeling my internal energy, crimson flames roared to life in response.
Even when I wasn't actively circulating my energy, it manifested naturally as protective aura with each breath.
A legendary treasure prepared by the legends of the martial world for their successor. Incredible.
⚙ NOVEL UPDATE ⚙ The long-cherished wish of the True Dragon Sword Sect has pierced through the ages and appeared. So how could it not be? Joo Ho-won gazed at the One Heaven Origin Fire Token shining in the air and felt no regrets even in death. He bowed his head toward Lee Hwan. "Hea... Heavenly Demon, I greet you." ⚙ AUTHOR UPDATE ⚙ The author has completed (Final Paragraph #3). - Personal Greed, Episode 2 ✅ EPISODE COMPLETE Personal Greed, Episode 2 – 100% Complete ⚙ AUTHOR REVIEW ⚙ Author's evaluation: Great job on the One Heaven Origin Fire Token setup. Especially Flame Heaven Qi—that's a hit! Episode 2 turned out delicious. This one's gonna blow up, right? ◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
Episode 2 #1: Scene transition (Martial Alliance Federation Embassy – lightly revealing the world's setting).
#2: Combat scene 1. Protagonist's real purpose for visiting the embassy (to reclaim the One Heaven Origin Fire Token).
#3: Combat scene 2. Protagonist's growth② (Reclaiming the One Heaven Origin Fire Token * Flame Heaven Qi)
I sank into the plush sofa and scrolled through the entire Episode 2 text.
Honestly, it was a shame that most of the content was filled with combat scenes rather than dialogue and plot progression.
But since it ended with a bang, I personally rated it as barely passing.
Now, only the highly anticipated Episode 3 remained in this early arc. Its end should also wrap up with 'protagonist's growth ③'.
Let's see.
Episode 1 covered the protagonist's martial arts. Episode 2 handled an item related to those martial arts.
From Episode 1 to 3, the story is about reclaiming his original power to a certain level. So Episode 3 should feature an external opportunity or a powerful artifact.
What would work?
It needs something that grabs the readers' eyes...
He's always relied on fist techniques in the past, so nothing fitting comes to mind.
The appeal of fist-using protagonists isn't from tools—it's from smashing enemies barehanded, right?
But... do I have to stick to fists?
Fist techniques have the advantage of not relying on weapons, but the downside is they're seen as weaker compared to weapon arts once your personal prowess hits a certain ceiling.
Fists are obviously the coolest, but is there no other way?
That's when it happened.
"I've kept such an esteemed guest waiting far too long."
Joo Ho-won returned to the room.
He'd stepped out briefly to handle the near-disaster from our fierce fight.
I figured fixing a wall-shattering brawl would take ages, but as embassy official, he wrapped it up quick. High rank really pays off.
And he'd even processed my martial artist registration along the way.
⚔ ID CARD ⚔ 🏛 Martial Alliance Federation 📄 IDENTIFICATION CARD 👤 Name: Lee Hwan 📅 DOB: 08/02/2002 ⭐ Grade: 2nd Grade (二級) 🏛 Sect: Other
I took the ID he offered.
The Martial Alliance Federation wasn't some vague term like 'Central Plains' in wuxia genres—it clearly functioned as a proper nation.
There are probably various ways to gain citizenship, like in modern countries, but proving your martial prowess seems the fastest route.
"This is the highest rank I can grant with my authority."
He added that I'd get a rank befitting my status back at Federation HQ.
But I shook my head.
"It's fine. I don't want to draw attention right now. This is more than enough for my activities."
"And this."
He pulled out another keycard.
"I figured you'd need a private training ground, so I prepared one."
Thinking I might refuse, he hurriedly added,
"It's one I've used myself. Every year, when the One Heaven Origin Fire Token's extreme flare-up came, I needed a place that could handle it. But now that it's yours, Heavenly Demon, filling that spot would be the embassy's greatest joy."
Only after hearing Joo Ho-won did I notice.
His body bore heat-flower scars on his nape and inner wrists, peeking past his clothes.
With the auto-reinforced setting, he'd suffered four horrific flare-ups annually.
I felt oddly sorry. All because of those added details.
But that pain ends now.
Lee Hwan, the rightful owner of the One Heaven Origin Fire Token, has reclaimed it.
"The Heavenly Demon Lord must have deeply trusted the True Dragon Sword Sect to entrust you with this duty. Let's carry on that profound legacy from our forebears."
"How could there be any disagreement? The embassy will serve you with full devotion henceforth. Don't hesitate to share any needs or wishes."
⚙ AUTHOR STATUS ⚙ The author has not updated Personal Greed, Episode 2. ✨ WRITING SPREE Riding the flow, the author decides to keep writing before the vibe fades. "The writing's on fire—gotta keep going!" ⚙ NOVEL UPDATE ⚙ The author has begun the first paragraph of Personal Greed, Episode 3. 📖 NOVEL EXCERPT ⚙ 1. The room was utterly silent. "The Heavenly Demon Lord must have deeply trusted the True Dragon Sword Sect to entrust you with this duty. Let's carry on that profound legacy from our forebears." Lee Hwan said this while gazing intently at Joo Ho-won. 'Justice, whatever. I'm tired of living for others.' Lee Hwan thought further. 'This time, it's your turn to give back to me.' In Lee Hwan's hand were two cards from Joo Ho-won. One proved he was a martial artist; the other was the keycard to a villa owned by the True Dragon Sword Sect in the Martial Alliance Federation. Compared to the blood he'd shed for them before regressing, a single villa was nothing. What Lee Hwan had to do now was clear. Reclaim his original power—as much as possible in this environment. No need to rush revenge. With time on his side now that he'd returned to the past. "I trust you'll keep this secret." With that, Lee Hwan turned and left. Joo Ho-won had endless questions and stories that could last sleepless nights, but he couldn't hold Lee Hwan back. His back was too resolute for that. ⚙ NOVEL UPDATE ⚙ The author has completed (Paragraph #1). - Personal Greed, Episode 3
Oh! Great job finishing the paragraph, author!
Truth be told, we could've skipped the whole first paragraph, but keeping the focus solely on my side—instead of filling it with Joo Won-baek's shock at the Heavenly Demon's appearance or other factions' reactions—put my mind at ease.
Yes, that's how web novels roll.
Especially in the ultra-early stages, we can't let the readers' attention scatter.
Even after the opening, keep the viewpoint locked on the protagonist as much as possible.
You're doing great. Keep the momentum—fighting!
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The rude clerk's attitude had done a complete 180.
The moment she saw me, she shot up from her seat and bowed deeply.
"Safe travels!"
Even as I passed through the main gate, her crisp voice hit my back.
Word of my 2nd Grade certification must've spread through the embassy staff—plenty of awed stares followed me.
Well, according to our author's setting, it was a big deal.
⚙ WORLD LORE ⚙ Martial Alliance Federation ID Card Ranks (World Setting) 1st Grade: TBD. 2nd Grade: Issued to typical first-rate masters and above; comes with certain privileges. 3rd Grade: Allows mercenary work. Permits carrying swords, guns, etc., anywhere in the world. 4th Grade: Basic rank.