Chapter 92: Becoming A First Rated Martial Artist.
Jun Wu’s life gradually returned to tranquility after the departure of the Jun clan elders. Since their visit, no other strange or uninvited guests had appeared at his doorstep.
With Elder Peng’s recent breakthrough as a Grade-1 Blacksmith, their work had become far more efficient.
Elder Peng handled the forging of the plates while Jun Wu focused solely on engraving the runes.
This division of labor elevated their productivity to an astonishing level.
On average, they could now produce three to four hundred array plates each day.
Jun Wu’s burden was greatly reduced.
With much free time, he devoted himself to setting up formations at their hidden base of operations and immersing himself in cultivation.
His goal was singular and pressing: to break through as quickly as possible.
To outsiders, his speed of advancement already seemed terrifying.
Yet to him, every step felt painfully slow.
His enemies would not give him the luxury of time. If he lingered, if he allowed complacency to creep in, he would be crushed before he ever had the chance to rise.
He clenched his fists as he cultivated, determination burning in his eyes. I must seize every opportunity. I must become a master as soon as possible.
Bang!
A deep rumble erupted from within his body, echoing through the cultivation chamber. A powerful aura surged outward, rattling the walls.
Jun Wu slowly opened his eyes.
A faint smile tugged at his lips.
"Finally," he murmured, his voice low but triumphant. "I’ve stepped into the First Rated Martial Artist realm."
He checked his body carefully.
Though his outward appearance remained unchanged, he could feel the strength that now coursed through him.
His meridians were stronger, wider, more resilient, capable of accommodating greater energy flow.
More importantly, they could now bear additional arrays.
Breaking through to the rank of First Rated Martial Artist granted him the ability to inscribe another array directly onto his meridians, enabling instant activation without external preparations.
Without hesitation, he began to plan. Which array should I choose?
He already possessed an offensive option—the Wind Blade Array, and a defensive one for protection.
His Swift Wind Boots gave him the means to retreat swiftly if escape became necessary.
What he lacked was concealment. A way to vanish when needed, to mask his presence entirely.
"The Concealment Array," he decided after a moment of thought. "That will balance my arsenal."
Following the complex process of primordial meridian cultivation, he began inscribing the Concealment Array onto his newly strengthened channels.
The work was grueling.
The array lines etched across his meridians burned like molten fire.
Agony lanced through his body, drawing a groan from his throat.
His muscles quivered and sweat rolled down his forehead, but he grit his teeth and persevered.
The pain was unbearable, but the reward was worth it.
Meanwhile, in the courtyard outside, Zhang Wei and Mao Yun had just returned from their respective duties.
"How’s the progress? When will the base be finished?" Mao Yun asked.
"In a week or two," Zhang Wei replied after a moment’s calculation. "And you? How is the training?"
Mao Yun’s expression brightened. "Better than expected. With the Young Master spending so many resources, many whose cultivation had stagnated have begun to improve again."
Then, a trace of confusion crossed his face. "But I don’t understand why the Young Master insists on training them in fast-movement techniques and assassination methods. It almost feels like he’s raising an organization of killers."
Zhang Wei frowned, equally perplexed. "Assassins? Why would he...?" He trailed off, unable to come to a conclusion.
The more they speculated, the less sense it made.
At that moment, Xinyue appeared, her steps light and graceful.
She looked around curiously before asking, "Uncle Zhang Wei, Uncle Mao Yun, have you seen the Young Master?"
"Young Miss," Zhang Wei said with a faint smile, "the Young Master is cultivating."
Her cheeks colored faintly. "Oh. Thank you."
Ever since her relationship with Jun Wu had grown closer, the others had begun addressing her as Young Miss.
Though she tried repeatedly to correct them, they remained adamant. She had long since given up arguing.
A familiar voice suddenly echoed behind her. "Don’t tell me you’re missing me already?"
Xinyue spun around to see Jun Wu walking toward them, freshly bathed and dressed in a simple blue silk robe.
By coincidence, her own attire was also blue.
Her face flushed even redder. "Who would miss you..." she muttered, unable to meet his gaze.
"Then why is your face—"
Before he could finish, she interrupted hastily, "Nothing happened to my face. Young Master, I wanted to ask what you’d like to eat."
Jun Wu studied her silently for a moment, then smiled. "Why don’t we take a walk instead? We’ve been cooped up in the mansion all day. It’ll be good to relax."
"You’re right, Young Master," Zhang Wei quickly agreed.
"Should we accompany you?" Mao Yun asked.
Jun Wu shook his head. "No, that won’t be necessary."
With his recent breakthrough, he had little to fear. Unless a Master Realm powerhouse appeared, he could handle any threat that came his way.
...
Outside the mansion, Jun Wu and Xinyue strolled side by side along the bustling street, blending seamlessly with the flow of ordinary pedestrians.
Xinyue’s heart pounded, her stomach fluttering with butterflies. Walking so openly with him felt surreal.
"Do you know of any beautiful places in the city?" Jun Wu asked, glancing at her.
She nodded quickly. "I do. Come, I’ll take you there."
On their way, they passed a street vendor—an old man grilling skewers of meat over an open flame.
The savory aroma wafted through the air, and Jun Wu, without hesitation, purchased several sticks.
He bit into one with obvious relish, oil glistening on his lips.
His carefree smile was disarming, worlds apart from the cold, indifferent young master most people knew.
Xinyue laughed softly at the sight, her hand rising to cover her mouth. "Young Master, that’s not how you eat it." She giggled, offering him her handkerchief.
"Really? Then why don’t you show me?" Jun Wu teased, rolling his eyes playfully as he wiped his mouth. "You’re such a terrible manager, letting me embarrass myself like this."
Their lighthearted banter drew smiles from passing townsfolk, though neither of them noticed.
What they also failed to notice was the group of shadowy figures trailing silently behind them, eyes glinting with ill intent.