C7 Sneak Attack!

The murder of a direct disciple at the Wave Submitting Sword House naturally sent shockwaves through the establishment. House Lord Qin Qinggang was enraged and personally set out to investigate the matter.

Gossip flourished within the house, with most fingers pointing at the Barbarian Essence Blade House, another martial arts dojo in Liucheng, and some whispers implicated Chiang Jin. Given the rivalry between the two houses, whose reputations were neck and neck, and the history of their disciples' grudges and clandestine duels, suspicion naturally fell on the Barbarian Essence Blade House after Lin Fengyu's death.

Chiang Jin, often on the receiving end of Lin Fengyu's bullying, became a prime suspect, especially considering his recent behavior, which seemed to connect him inextricably to the murder.

"It has to be Chiang Jin!" exclaimed a middle-aged beauty in a luxurious Liucheng residence, her anger sending a teacup shattering to the floor. She had contemplated accusing the Barbarian Essence Blade House, but the implications were too broad, and she couldn't afford to alienate them all. So, she targeted Chiang Jin, the more vulnerable option.

"The lady speaks the truth. Chiang Jin bore a grudge against my son. Now that he's risen in status, he's surely harboring resentment," Lin Zhaofeng, the Lin family patriarch, added bitterly. "It's infuriating that Qin Qinggang shields him, claiming there's no evidence. When the truth is so apparent, what more evidence is needed?"

"Qin Qinggang is no saint himself. All these years, my Fengyu paid him handsomely for martial arts training, never once shortchanging him. And now, when trouble arises, he defends that foundling Chiang Jin!" Lin Zhaofeng paced furiously, lamenting, "But with Qin Qinggang's disapproval, our hands are tied regarding Chiang Jin!"

A sinister glint appeared in Mrs. Lin's eyes as she coldly suggested, "Who says we're powerless? If we can't act, can't others? The Wave Submitting Sword House isn't invincible."

Lin Zhaofeng, taken aback, whispered, "What do you mean, my dear?"

With a mad gleam in her eye, Mrs. Lin hissed, "My son's death cannot be in vain. Better to kill the wrong person than to let the culprit walk free. Whether it's Chiang Jin or not, he will pay with his life for Fengyu's!"

...

Chiang Jingang had just finished purchasing various medicinal herbs to take back with him. As a martial artist in the Houtian realm, using herbs to bolster Qi and blood could accelerate the refinement of internal energy—a practice taught by all martial arts clubs. Now that Chiang Jin had cultivated his internal energy, he certainly wouldn't ignore such valuable prescriptions.

"To avoid suspicion, I mustn't touch the gold and silver Lin Fengyu left behind. But my own savings should tide me over for a while," he mused. Having worked at the Wave Submitting Sword House for years, he had a modest monthly stipend.

As the evening drew on and the streets emptied, Chiang Jin quickened his pace, eager to return to the Sword Pavilion. But as he entered an alley, a sudden sharp pain at his brow signaled danger.

In an instant, a massive broadsword descended from above, aiming to cleave him in two.

"Is it done?" The assailant, a green-clothed man in his thirties, initially wore a triumphant grin that quickly turned to shock as he realized his strike had met only air.

"An afterimage!"

Reacting swiftly, the man spun around, blade at the ready, but Chiang Jin was already standing calmly several yards behind, sword in one hand, herbs in the other, watching him.

"Not bad footwork," the attacker spat out.

Chiang Jin eyed the man's distinctively styled broadsword and ventured, "From the Barbarian Essence Blade House?"

"Why attack me? I have no quarrel with your house," Chiang Jin inquired, his voice even.

"Ha, Chiang Jin, you think you can fool me?" the green-clothed man sneered. "Someone's offered a hefty five hundred taels of silver for your head. As for my identity, you'll find out after you're dead."

A chill ran through Chiang Jin, his thoughts racing to Lin Fengyu's death, but he kept his suspicions to himself, replying with a smile, "I wonder which wealthy individual is so lavish. I can't recall having offended anyone."

"Well, that would be…" The green-clothed man began, thinking he had Chiang Jin's attention, then suddenly lunged with his blade, "You can ponder that all you want in hell!"

Chiang Jin feigned attentiveness, but internally, he was already on high alert.

When the man in green launched his attack, Chiang Jin swiftly unsheathed his sword to counter.

With the first clash, Chiang Jin realized the man's inner strength vastly surpassed his own, making resistance futile. This adversary was even more formidable than Lin Fengyu.

Quickly, Chiang Jin redirected his sword's glow, employing the supple Finger Tight Sword Technique to evade and parry, engaging in a fluid dance of combat.

"Chiang Jin, I had assumed you possessed some real skill, but to think your inner strength is so meager. Earning five hundred taels of silver from you is far too easy!"

The man in green roared with laughter, pouring more inner strength into his blade, bearing down with crushing force.

Chiang Jin felt an immense pressure engulf him, and despite utilizing the Body Seizing Steps and the Finger Tight Sword Technique, he struggled to withstand his foe's onslaught.

"Die!"

The force of the blade sent Chiang Jin hurtling back into a wall, forcing a mouthful of blood from his lips. The disparity in inner strength was overwhelming; skill alone couldn't fend off such overpowering might!

Facing death, Chiang Jin conceded he was no match for the man in green. "If that's how it is, system, allocate points to the Wave Falling Spell and the Wave Submitting Sword Technique!"

Instantly, the four skill points from defeating Lin Fengyu were applied. The attribute panel blinked by, its changes clear to Chiang Jin.

Host: Chiang Jin

Realm: Postnatal (Minor Achievement)

Cultivation Method: Wave Falling Spell (Nine Waves Layered Slash)

Skills: Light Fixing Sword Technique (Mastered), Body Seizing Steps (Mastered), Wave Submitting Sword Technique (Mastered)

Physique: Superior

Insight: Superior

Talent Points: +0

With his superior talent, Chiang Jin had only managed a basic grasp of the Wave Submitting Sword Technique after nearly ten days. Yet now, his talent had elevated him to the pinnacle of mastery!

The proficiency of the Wave Falling Spell was bound by the layers of inner strength waves a warrior could muster. Nine layers signified minor achievement, eighteen layers marked major achievement, and at thirty-six layers, one might breach the threshold of the Innate Realm.

Chiang Jin felt a surge of inner strength course through him. His previously limited three-wave strength now swelled, wave upon wave, breaking barriers and soaring to twelve layers before settling.

In his mind, the once rudimentary Wave Submitting Sword Technique unfolded with newfound mastery, each movement etched into his consciousness as if he had honed the technique for decades.

Though the transformation seemed gradual, it transpired in a mere instant.

The man in green, having just repelled Chiang Jin, sneered. But upon witnessing Chiang Jin's sudden resurgence, a different aura about him, he paused, then scoffed, "Still clinging to life? Even ten novices like you, fresh in their inner strength, would pose no challenge!"

As he raised his blade to deliver the final blow, Chiang Jin's wrist flickered, weaving a sword flower. The petals spiraled like successive waves, surging upward to meet the heavy blade in a resounding clash!

"Wave Submitting Suppression!"

The man in green's scorn turned to shock as a tidal roar filled his ears. A powerful force struck, sending him flying.

"How can this be? Where did such potent inner strength come from?" he gasped, blood spewing, eyes wide in disbelief as Chiang Jin advanced for another strike.

The man in green mustered all his strength for a desperate slash. Chiang Jin was momentarily stalled, but the man had already fled, shouting over his shoulder, "I never expected your hidden strength, but it's futile. You're doomed! I will return to claim your life!"

Chiang Jin considered pursuit, but as passersby appeared, he hesitated and let the moment pass.

"This man in green is surely linked to Lin Fengyu. Their reluctance to confront me openly suggests caution. There's no need to escalate this publicly."

"And should he return..." Chiang Jin's cold laugh cut the air, "My strength isn't artificially inflated by secret techniques. If he dares to seek me out again, his fate is sealed!"

Though he had narrowly escaped an assassination attempt, Chiang Jin carried on as if nothing had happened, resuming his routine upon returning to the school.

Early the next morning, a sudden rapping at the door jolted him awake. He rose and opened it to find several disciples from Wave Submitting Sword House, their faces bruised and swollen, standing on the doorstep.

"Brother Jiang, the folks from Barbarian Essence Blade House are attacking us. We need your help, quick!" cried one of the disciples, his broad forehead and wide nose marked with the signs of a recent scuffle.

His brow furrowed in concern, he asked, "What happened? Why would Barbarian Essence Blade House's people come after us?"