C5 The Ambush at the Back of the Mountain.

"Have I really cultivated internal energy?" Chiang Jin could feel the surge of power within him and realized that Qin Qinggang had assisted him in overcoming the initial barrier of internal energy. He quickly bowed with his fists clasped and expressed his gratitude, "Thank you, House Lord."

Cultivating internal energy was not about adhering to a fixed method; it was primarily about refining one's physique. With a robust constitution and vigorous spirit and blood, a little tempering could lead to the development of internal energy.

Previously, Chiang Jin's constitution was subpar, and it seemed unlikely he would ever cultivate even the slightest internal energy in his lifetime.

But after the system enhanced his constitution, with just a bit of guidance from the Wave Submitting Sword House's Lord, Chiang Jin successfully cultivated his internal energy.

Qin Qinggang nodded, pleased, and said with a smile, "You've mastered the Light Fixing Sword Technique to perfection; there's nothing more to train. Later, go see Bai Zhi. I've arranged for her to pass on the Wave Submitting Sword Technique and the Wave Falling Spell to you. Also, the Liucheng Grand Tournament is in half a month. It's a chance for you to broaden your horizons!"

With that, Qin Qinggang stroked his beard and departed.

The other disciples watched with envy.

The Wave Submitting Sword Technique and the Wave Falling Spell were the Wave Submitting Sword House's prized teachings, previously only accessible to Qin Baizhi and a select few direct disciples.

Chiang Jin's single audience with the House Lord had earned him this privileged instruction and a spot in the Liucheng Grand Tournament, a clear sign of the House Lord's high regard.

The disciples swarmed around him, offering their congratulations.

Chiang Jin felt somewhat uncomfortable with the sudden shift in their behavior, just managing to respond when he heard a disdainful snort.

Looking up, he saw Qin Baizhi approaching with an icy demeanor. The other disciples stepped aside, giving her space.

"Come with me," she said curtly before turning to leave. Chiang Jin quickly followed.

...

With a resounding "Bam!" Lin Fengyu shattered the table before him, his voice laced with fury, "Did the House Lord truly award Chiang Jin the tournament spot?"

Xu Ping recoiled slightly, replying, "The House Lord announced it in the Martial Arts Hall, in front of all the disciples. It must be true!"

"Ah! Chiang Jin, you and I are now sworn enemies!"

The Liucheng Grand Tournament was not just an opportunity for fame; the top contenders would receive rewards from the City Lord and a chance to hone their skills. It was a coveted event for many young warriors.

But with limited spots available, and one now given to Chiang Jin, Lin Fengyu was left out in the cold.

"Senior Brother Lin, Chiang Jin has become so formidable. We can't defeat him; there's nothing we can do," Xu Ping said cautiously.

"Do you also believe I can't beat him?" Lin Fengyu's eyes blazed with rage.

Xu Ping shrank back, hastily adding, "Of course not!"

Lin Fengyu's tone turned icy, "I was merely careless last time. How could he compare to me in terms of inner strength? In another fight, I'd surely win."

Xu Ping offered a wry smile, "Senior Brother Lin, the House Lord has publicly committed to his decision. It can't be reversed. Another fight would still leave the spot with Chiang Jin."

After a moment of silence, Lin Fengyu clenched his teeth and declared, "It's different. If I eliminate that boy, the spot becomes mine, doesn't it?"

Xu Ping froze at these words, only to see a murderous glint in Lin Fengyu's eyes as he commanded, "Xu Ping, find out where Chiang Jin goes every day. I won't give him another chance this time!"

At the back of the Sword Pavilion, Chiang Jin sheathed his sword, a look of contentment on his face.

Since Qin Baizhi had taught him the sword techniques, she had been cold but thorough in her instruction.

Chiang Jin had quickly grasped the Wave Submitting Sword Technique and made significant progress with the Wave Falling Spell in just a few days, thanks to his enhanced constitution and aptitude.

The complexity of the Wave Submitting Sword Technique far surpassed that of the Light Fixing Sword Technique. In the past, he might not have even begun to learn it by now!

"It's a shame I haven't yet found a way to earn Talent Points. With those, whether I wanted to further enhance my talents or improve my swordsmanship, it would be much more efficient than this grueling practice."

Wiping the sweat from his brow, Chiang Jin was about to head back when a sudden premonition made him glance to the side.

"Who's there?"

"Heh, quick reflexes!"

Ten meters away, Lin Fengyu approached with a long sword in hand, while Xu Ping stood to one side.

"Is it you?" Chiang Jin's eyes narrowed slightly as he said, "Lin Fengyu, didn't you get your fill of defeat last time?"

Upon hearing Chiang Jin bring up their past encounter, Lin Fengyu's anger flared. "Had I not let my guard down before, how could someone like you have beaten me? I'm here today to reclaim my honor!"

Blinded by rage, Lin Fengyu lunged forward, his sword casting a chilling light that shrouded Chiang Jin.

Chiang Jin's gaze sharpened, and with a swift motion, he unsheathed his sword to face his adversary.

Previously, Chiang Jin had managed to best Lin Fengyu using only his sword skills, without the aid of internal energy. Now, with his internal energy cultivated, his strength had multiplied many times over. Lin Fengyu stood little chance.

It took only two exchanges before Chiang Jin angled his sword, aiming a strike at Lin Fengyu's sword-wielding left hand.

Lin Fengyu was too slow to evade and had no choice but to drop his sword and back away. Chiang Jin was about to pursue when he caught sight of Lin Fengyu's oddly smug grin. A shiver ran down his spine, and instinctively, he altered his stance, retreating several steps.

With a hiss, a crossbow bolt thudded into the ground where Chiang Jin had just stood, its fletching still quivering.

"A military crossbow!" Chiang Jin's face fell as he turned to look at Xu Ping.

Xu Ping, crossbow in hand, looked on in stunned silence, seemingly surprised by Chiang Jin's evasion.

"You fool, aim carefully!" Lin Fengyu snapped, turning to berate him.

"I didn't think he'd back up!" Xu Ping muttered, shrinking back as he loaded another bolt into the crossbow.

A chill settled in Chiang Jin's heart as he realized Lin Fengyu's intent was not merely to teach him a lesson, but to end his life.

"I'll keep him busy. Don't miss again!" Lin Fengyu seized the moment to retrieve his iron sword and, with a fierce yell, resumed his assault on Chiang Jin.

A cold resolve crossed Chiang Jin's face. "If it's my life you're after, then expect no mercy from me!"

"Do you really think you can dodge a second time?" Lin Fengyu charged, sword in hand, clashing with Chiang Jin. "What good is your swordsmanship? Today, Chiang Jin, you're a dead man!"

"Heh, you think my skills are limited to swordplay?" Chiang Jin's lips curled into a mocking smile. "You've underestimated my footwork!"

"What?"

No sooner had Chiang Jin spoken than his movements became a blur, his form shifting so rapidly that it seemed to leave echoes in his wake. Xu Ping's vision swirled, unable to focus, let alone aim at Chiang Jin's actual position.

"Shadow Step!"

The foundational martial arts of the Wave Submitting Sword House—the Light Fixing Sword Technique, when mastered, could achieve a fluid grace, while the Shadow Step, when perfected, could create the illusion of lingering images.

Every martial art, regardless of its perceived level, could evolve into something extraordinary when taken to its limits.

Lin Fengyu was overwhelmed, as Chiang Jin appeared to multiply around him, sword shadows striking from every direction, leaving him floundering and defenseless.

"Have you lost your mind? To put so much effort into just an introductory martial art? No wonder you've never developed internal energy despite years of sword practice—you've wasted it on these worthless techniques! Was it worth it?"

Wounded by Chiang Jin's blade, Lin Fengyu's curses grew more desperate until he was screaming at the top of his lungs. But all he received in return was Chiang Jin's icy retort.

"There are no worthless martial arts, only those who lack the skill to wield them."