Two years and five months had passed.
In a courtyard, a young boy stood with a sword in hand, his posture elegant and refined.
He had the air of someone who had lived for many years, though his youthful appearance suggested otherwise.
Standing at about one meter tall, he carried himself like a noble young master. His aura exuded the wisdom of a seasoned sage.
He wore white martial robes, a heavenly object known as the Mythic Robe—a garment that perfectly adapted to its user, changing colors and styles as needed.
It was not just for show; this robe was as tough as diamond, offering both elegance and protection.
As Li Hao stood still, his eyes remained closed. Then, with a slow breath, they opened, revealing irises shimmering with hues of gray, purple, and gold.
He took a single step forward and swung his sword with grace, his movements flowing like an elegant swan gliding through water.
A faint fragrance of blossoms spread through the air as he executed his sword dance, ending on his fifth swing.
He turned his gaze to the left, where his sister stood watching. This was her extra month at home, a rare extension of her stay...
Li An, now nine years old, had matured in appearance, though only two years had passed.
Her training had progressed significantly under both her master and her brother's guidance, allowing her to step into the level of a Martial Master.
While strong, martial masters were still far from the true peak of power. Only those who had reached the Willful Realm were acknowledged as true elites.
As for Li Hao, he had advanced to the Seventh Level of the Second Turn, placing him within the Profound Realm—a stage of power that marked the beginning of mythic-level strength.
However, his strength was still at the early stages of this level. He knew that while he was powerful, there were still many beings in the world who could easily surpass him.
"As they say," Li Hao mused, "the stronger you become, the more you realize how insignificant you are."
But this perspective belonged only to those within the early realms. At the true peak, there was nothing to fear but the Heavenly Dao itself.
Li An let out a frustrated sigh. "Brother, why is this technique so difficult? I've been practicing it for years, but I'm still stuck at the entry level."
Li Hao looked at her calmly and replied, "That's because you're not in the required realm yet.
Once you reach the Mythic Realm, you'll be able to use the technique to its fullest."
He stretched his arms. "Let's stop for today. I'm as hungry as hell."
"Okay," Li An agreed, lowering her sword.
The two of them walked back inside. At the door, they removed their shoes, brushing off the dirt from their training.
Entering the kitchen, they found their mother, Hi Jine, preparing rice with seasoned beef.
She served them two wooden bowls filled with food, then sat down with them, though she had no meal of her own.
Instead, she watched them eat.
"How's the food today?" she asked.
"It's fine," Li Hao answered simply.
"I think it's delicious, Mom!" Li An added with a bright smile.
Hi Jine nodded before turning her attention back to Li Hao. "You're starting at the Martial Hall tomorrow. It'll be your first day. How do you feel about it?"
Li Hao glanced at her and replied in his usual straightforward manner. "Fine."
His brief responses were a habit—a way to avoid revealing any weak points in conversation.
Li An, however, was more expressive. "You're coming to the Martial Hall too? I can take you under my wing!" she said excitedly.
Then, realizing what she'd just claimed, she quickly reconsidered. Wait… how can I take him under my wing when I can't even beat him in a spar?
Li Hao smirked inwardly at her reaction. He then asked, "Sister, what's the level of the instructors in the Outer Grounds?"
"They're mostly Martial Masters," she replied.
"The one in charge of new disciples is only an entry-level master."
"Oh? And what's your strength compared to his?"
Li An thought for a moment. "I'm at the proficient level, which is one stage above him."
Li Hao nodded. "So technically, you could take in a disciple like me."
His words made sense. He was far too advanced to be taught by an entry-level Martial Master, but if his sister became his master in name, it would allow him to move more freely within the Martial Hall.
Li An didn't think much of it and agreed. "Yes, I could take a disciple. But my master thinks I'm too young to do so."
"Just tell him you want to take me in," Li Hao suggested.
"Alright, I'll try."
After finishing his meal, Li Hao stood up. "I'm going to bed."
He walked to his room, which was next to the kitchen. After entering, he removed his clothes and lay down, contemplating the day ahead.
Tomorrow, he would step into the Martial Academy for the first time.
Even now, he felt no fear.
Even if the academy had fighters at the peak of the Profound Realm, so what? He was at the Seventh Level of the Second Turn, placing him among the strongest within the academy.
His combat power was four times that of a normal seventh-level cultivator, and he had perfected the Heavenly Blossom Sword Art.
If that wasn't enough, he had also received two rewards from the system:
Sky Piercing Heaven Sword – A mid-tier Human Heavenly Weapon of Legend Class.
Cosmic Void Eyes – Eyes that could perceive the rules of the void, see through all illusions, and eventually comprehend the Heavenly Laws.
These rewards set him apart from normal cultivators.
His Cosmic Void Eyes, once fully developed, would grant him insight into the very fabric of existence.
Even so, he understood that Heavenly Laws were supreme—second only to the Great Dao Laws themselves.
Facing an opponent who had comprehended even a fraction of a Heavenly Law would be an immense challenge...
The next morning, Li Hao bathed and donned his Mythic Robe. As usual, it was white with golden martial patterns.
After breakfast with his family, he stepped outside, where a luxurious enclosed cart awaited him.
Li An joined him inside, and soon, the cart set off toward the Martial Hall.
An hour later, they arrived at the Martial Hall, an enclosed fortress with towering walls preventing outsiders from peering in.
The interior resembled a grand Buddhist temple, filled with courtyards and training areas.
Li An led him toward the entrance, bypassing the long line of new disciples. She approached an elder sitting at the registration desk.
"Brother Zhe, how are you today?" she greeted.
"I'm fine, just doing my usual tasks." The elder, Zhe Chen, glanced at Li Hao. "Are you here to register someone?"
"Yes," Li An replied. "I'm registering my little brother, Li Hao, age seven—as my disciple."
Zhe Chen raised an eyebrow. "Taking in disciples now, are we?"
Li An grinned. "He's my brother. I have to teach him well."
Zhe Chen chuckled and nodded. "Alright. You can go in."
With that, Li An led Li Hao toward the Back Mountain, where her master resided.
This was only the beginning of his journey in the Martial Hall.