Chapter Twenty-Four: The Ninefold Thunder Blade

"Luckily, it wasn’t my money," Luo Yuan grinned.

Though he had spent two hundred million Huaxia coins in one go, Luo Yuan felt no regret, for he understood that martial artists spent vast sums on weapons and equipment. Yet, when they hunted powerful beasts, the rewards were equally extravagant. That was why martial artists were known as a high-income group.

The next morning.

In the private garden of Luo Yuan’s home in Mingyue Community, a stranger arrived.

"Mr. Luo Yuan, these are the manuals and equipment you purchased. You can open them using your fingerprint," the man explained.

Luo Yuan accepted several sealed alloy boxes handed to him. He swiped his finger over the top of one. "Beep! Fingerprint verification successful," an electronic voice chimed. The alloy box opened, revealing a book about a centimeter thick and two discs atop it.

"Ninefold Thunderblade," Luo Yuan read the title on the cover.

"Mr. Luo Yuan, please check the contents. Once you confirm, kindly sign here," the delivery man smiled, yet his gaze held a hint of envy as he looked at Luo Yuan.

He continued, "As per the rules, I must remind you... The copyright for this manual belongs to its creator. The copyright holder of 'Ninefold Thunderblade' is Thor! The buyer is entitled only to study it, not to reproduce or teach it. Copying, selling, or imparting the manual without permission is strictly forbidden. Anyone who violates these rules will be hunted by the Extreme Martial Hall, the Thunderbolt Martial Hall, the Underground Alliance, and the government forces."

Luo Yuan nodded at the man's words, but inwardly he envied Thor. To make a fortune solely from knowledge copyright—a slim book and two discs worth a hundred million—was as effortless as picking up money, and no one else was allowed to teach it.

After the delivery man left, Luo Yuan hurried to the training hall and opened the 'Ninefold Thunderblade' manual.

"Of all martial arts, nothing is invincible; only speed breaks through all."

"When your blade is fast enough, reaching the limits, you become unbeatable." On the first page, Luo Yuan saw bold, sweeping calligraphy.

"The core secret of the 'Ninefold Thunderblade' I created is a single word—speed!"

He turned to the second page.

"Why is speed so powerful?"

"Firstly, when your blade is so fast that your opponent cannot react, you can cut their throat before they even have a chance to swing their weapon! Even if your strength is only a tenth of theirs, their throat cannot withstand your blade. Speed enables you to strike at the opponent’s weak points."

"Secondly, speed makes your blade incredibly potent."

"According to energy calculation—the power of a blade equals 0.5mv^2. That is, with a fixed blade mass, the faster it moves, the more terrifying its energy! At sufficient speed, a jet of water can pierce steel, a sheet of paper can slice through metal!"

"Speed leaves your opponent no time to defend!"

"Speed renders your blade unstoppable! Whether attacking weak points or through sheer force, making your blade fast is the best approach!"

So it was a fast-blade technique. No wonder it was so difficult to master. It required not only accumulated experience but also innate talent.

"'Ninefold Thunderblade' includes a complete movement technique called 'Streamlight,' a guiding technique named 'Ninefold Primordial,' and a comprehensive blade art called 'Thunderblade.' Of these, the guiding technique is fundamental!"

"Only through the guiding technique can you build a powerful physique!"

"Physical constitution is the foundation!"

"Blade art and movement technique are skills, requiring repeated practice and comprehension!"

Unfortunately, the guiding technique, movement, and blade art Luo Yuan held were only the first three levels, although each originally had nine.

The power of the Ninefold Thunderblade comes from a remarkable method of exerting force.

An ordinary person swinging a blade with full strength might use all ten parts of their power. Practitioners of 'Ninefold Thunderblade' use only seven-tenths strength when swinging. As the first force is unleashed, they strive to add a second force, also seven-tenths. Combined, this equals fourteen-tenths of power!

Ninefold Thunderblade is divided into nine levels.

The first level allows an extra surge of hidden force—totaling fourteen-tenths power.

The second level grants two extra surges, for twenty-one-tenths power.

The third level, three surges, for twenty-eight-tenths power.

...

The ninth level enables nine surges, reaching seventy-tenths—seven times the practitioner’s original strength.

Luo Yuan marveled at Thor’s ingenuity as he read. The Ninefold Thunderblade could multiply one’s power, akin to a critical strike, but it was extremely difficult to train. Even the first level required mastering eighteen blade moves, and only with insight could one grasp its essence.

Setting aside the manual, Luo Yuan opened the other alloy boxes. Inside were an A9 Bloodshadow Combat Blade, six Series 9 flying knives, a B6 model shield, a full set of D9 combat gear, a premium backpack, and a high-grade combat communication watch—one of each. He had specifically requested a black-gold color scheme, so the equipment looked unified, understated, yet luxurious.

Luo Yuan activated his mental power. The six black-gold Series 9 flying knives floated before him, mysterious and formidable. With a thought, they shot toward a metal target, piercing straight through. The six-centimeter-thick alloy target was like tofu, offering no resistance.

"These Series 9 flying knives really are sharp enough to slay lord-level monsters," Luo Yuan exclaimed.

The phone suddenly rang. Luo Yuan glanced at the caller—Chief Instructor Wu Tong.

"Hello, Chief Instructor Wu, what can I do for you?" Luo Yuan asked.

"Luo Yuan, now that you’re a martial artist, Manager Zhuge instructed me to assign you to a War General-level team. This will let you gain experience outside the city and ensure your safety. I’ve arranged for you to join the 'Firehammer Squad,' alongside Luo Feng. That way you two newcomers can look out for each other," Wu Tong’s steady voice came through.

"The Firehammer Squad? Alright, I understand," Luo Yuan replied. He was eager to join a powerful martial artist team and gather attributes. Luo Feng’s mental attributes were decent, but he couldn’t rely on that alone. He resolved to venture into the wilderness and seek powerful monsters with mental attributes, needing to rapidly increase his strength.

That afternoon, dressed casually, Luo Yuan arrived at the first floor of the Extreme Martial Hall. The Firehammer Squad members had reserved a table to welcome new recruits, Luo Yuan and Luo Feng.

"Luo Yuan, Luo Feng," Chen Gu raised his glass with a hearty laugh.

"Welcome to the Firehammer Squad! I am your vice-captain, Chen Gu! From now on, stick with me, I’ll cover you. But let me be clear: our squad will give you chances to gain experience, to get used to fighting monsters. But you must work hard yourselves. Don’t always rely on other team members. If, after your first mission, you still can’t adapt... we’ll have to remove you from the squad."

"Yes, yes, we understand," Luo Yuan and Luo Feng replied with smiles and nods.

ps: Dear gods, please shower me with rewards, monthly votes, and add to your favorites. Luo Yuan bows in gratitude.