When Luo Feng found Wei Wen, the latter was practicing his swordsmanship in the second-floor martial club training hall.
Luo Feng watched a few of Wei Wen's seemingly casual sword swings and began to observe them intently, trying to comprehend their essence.
Wei Wen's random movements actually shared many similarities with the Nine Stage Thunder Blade.
"It feels like the Nine Stage Thunder Blade, yet it's not quite the same system," Luo Feng couldn't help but muse.
As time passed, something he hadn't noticed before began to dawn on him. The longer he watched, the more he perceived the subtleties of this optimized version of the Nine Stage Thunder Blade.
Luo Feng became completely engrossed in Wei Wen's blade techniques. Compared to his previous attempts to glean insights from watching the Nine Stage Thunder Blade, he now strove diligently to identify the differences and underlying patterns.
For a moment, all his previous thoughts on the Nine Stage Thunder Blade flashed through his mind, and he began to deduce and analyze them anew.
[Your friend Luo Feng is comprehending the optimized version of the Nine Stage Thunder Blade. Your understanding of the optimized Nine Stage Thunder Blade continues to improve.]
"This is terrifying," Luo Feng couldn't conceal the shock in his eyes. "Absolutely terrifying."
"Wei Wen's movements resemble the Nine Stage Thunder Blade, yet they aren't identical."
"Even without having fully learned the Nine Stage Thunder Blade myself, I can tell this version's power is clearly superior."
Though Luo Feng had only grasped a fraction of it, he was deeply amazed by this superficial understanding.
When Wei Wen turned around, he found Luo Feng standing motionless on the spot.
Luo Feng said nothing, clearly still immersed in the mysteries of the optimized Nine Stage Thunder Blade that Wei Wen had just demonstrated.
Though his body remained still, Luo Feng's mind was racing, constantly analyzing and evolving the blade technique he had witnessed.
Luo Feng's comprehension was currently higher than Wei Wen's. For Wei Wen, observing Luo Feng's grasp of the optimized Nine Stage Thunder Blade was like witnessing an epiphany.
"???"
Wei Wen, having finished his practice and noted the system's notification, spotted Luo Feng and couldn't help but shake his head speechlessly.
He had merely been swinging his blade casually, yet Luo Feng seemed to have fallen into a unique state of enlightenment.
He couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy for Luo Feng's comprehension, which far surpassed his own.
After all, the further one advanced in cultivation, the more critical comprehension became.
Take concepts like the Domain or the Laws of Origin, for example. No matter how simplified the optimized secret techniques were, with Wei Wen's level of comprehension, he might not be able to learn them in a lifetime.
Consider prodigies like Luo Feng or the Golden Horned Beast, who possessed immense innate talent and vast stores of inherited memories filled with secret techniques tailored for them.
But before reaching the Universe level, hadn't they also failed to comprehend the Domain?
Wei Wen's comprehension was clearly inferior to that of the Golden Horned Beast and Luo Feng. Even with simpler secret methods, it was difficult for him to cultivate them quickly.
Furthermore, figures like Hong and Lei Shen, who could comprehend the Domain at the Planetary level, were no slouches in terms of comprehension either. But without the corresponding talent and bloodline, achieving greatness was still challenging.
To quote Babata's original words: judging by the growth efficiency of a ninth-level bloodline, if not facing life-or-death threats, reaching the peak of the Star level within one lifetime was the norm under ordinary circumstances.
And the Golden Horned Beast?
Reaching adulthood meant the peak of the World Master level—far surpassing even the strongest first-class World Master level bloodlines among humans!
From this perspective, both talent and comprehension were indispensable!
On both these fronts, Wei Wen currently held no advantage.
"Even with a system that lets me lie flat and advance, my talent and comprehension are still lacking..." Wei Wen shook his head slightly. "I wonder when my talent and comprehension will surpass Luo Feng's."
Of course, regardless of his innate talent, his current cultivation speed was definitely faster than Luo Feng's. For now, at least, he didn't need to worry too much about issues of talent and comprehension.
Even if his talent and comprehension were poor, as long as he could grow rapidly for the time being, that was enough.
Once he grew stronger and entered the vast, mysterious universe, there would be plenty of ways to enhance his talent and comprehension.
"Wei Wen, what's going on with your blade technique?" Luo Feng asked, looking astonished. "It looks like the Nine Stage Thunder Blade, but it also feels different."
"The Nine Stage Thunder Blade... I'm quite gifted, so I optimized and improved it," Wei Wen stated seriously, though his words were far-fetched.
He had originally been debating whether to tell Luo Feng about the optimized Nine Layers Thunder Blade, but he hadn't expected Luo Feng to figure it out on his own.
Not that it mattered—he trusted Luo Feng's character.
Besides, teaching Luo Feng the optimized version was beneficial for Wei Wen as well.
"Ahem. Wei Wen, could you teach me?" Luo Feng asked, looking somewhat embarrassed.
He was well aware that the original Nine Stage Thunder Blade was already valuable, let alone an improved version—its worth would undoubtedly be much higher.
"No problem," Wei Wen replied calmly. "But the optimized secret manual must be kept confidential. At the very least, when displaying your strength in public, only use the first stage of the original Nine Stage Thunder Blade."
"Understood," Luo Feng agreed immediately.
Having purchased the secret manual himself, Luo Feng knew that such texts couldn't be casually shared.
If word got out that Wei Wen had improved and optimized the Nine Stage Thunder Blade manual, it could lead to significant trouble.
"Good. As for the specifics of the optimization, it goes like this..." Wei Wen proceeded to explain simply.
Luo Feng listened with rapt attention, as if possessed, absorbing every detail of Wei Wen's improvements and explanations regarding the Nine Layers Thunder Blade.
The foundation of cultivation was paramount. A better foundation in force exertion from the start would lead to faster progress in the future.
"I never imagined force should be applied this way. The advantages are tremendous," Luo Feng murmured.
"It's incredible. When I compare the Nine Layers Thunder Blade I bought with this optimized version, the gap is vast. I never thought power could be channeled like this."
"Wei Wen, you're truly a genius. This improvement and optimization of the secret technique is amazing."
"Besides the optimizations themselves, the progression from basic to advanced is exceptionally clear, with very straightforward explanations on force exertion methods."
In truth, Luo Feng's current strength was still at the level of pure burst power, focused mainly on increasing explosive force.
He had never considered applying force to his legs to increase speed, let alone the defensive aspects that the original Nine Stage Thunder Blade didn't cover.
The optimized Nine Stage Thunder Blade incorporated all these concepts.
Once mastered, with the same first-stage cultivation and physical fitness, he could completely overwhelm a warrior who practiced the ordinary first stage of the Nine Stage Thunder Blade.
Luo Feng had managed to reach the first stage of the unimproved Nine Stage Thunder Blade in just over a month. The first three layers had taken him about half a year.
While the optimized Nine Stage Thunder Blade might not be a perfect secret technique—it couldn't compare to foundational mental cultivation methods honed by countless beings over millennia—it could still significantly increase Luo Feng's cultivation speed.
Now, he estimated it wouldn't even take two months to master the improved first three layers.
By around the end of August, Luo Feng was confident he could pass the B-level test!
After all, the improved Nine Stage Thunder Blade included not only offensive blade techniques but also movement techniques and guidance methods, greatly enhancing both Luo Feng's raw power and agility.
"By the way, Wei Wen, what are your thoughts on joining the training camp?" Luo Feng suddenly remembered another reason for his visit.
"You don't want to go, do you?" Wei Wen looked surprised.
"It's not that I don't want to, I just have a lot of concerns. You know about my family's situation..." Luo Feng said, looking troubled.
"Actually, the elite training camp isn't as isolated as you might think, and the management is quite flexible," Wei Wen explained simply.
"The network access inside is very convenient. You can call or video chat with your family over the internet."
"Besides, you should understand this: to put it bluntly, a warrior's strength and status translate directly into wealth."
"The sooner you become strong, the faster you can fulfill your desires—like improving your family's living conditions, or even helping your brother walk again."
"Once you're free from these worries and have the strength, you'll have the freedom to do as you wish."
"Even marrying Xu Xin wouldn't be a problem!"
"Uh..." Luo Feng's mouth twitched slightly.
His secret crush on his future wife was no secret to Wei Wen, who was a transmigrator!
But in truth, Luo Feng was also acutely aware of the significant gap between himself and Xu Xin.
While Luo Feng wasn't entirely clear about Xu Xin's exact background, he had some idea. Coupled with his own family circumstances, he didn't dare to pursue her openly, so he had always kept his feelings hidden.
Luo Feng was only human. Beyond considering his family, he also had his own aspirations.
"Everything in your dreams… might be within reach if you just stretch out your hand!" Luo Feng's eyes narrowed as he gazed at the bustling, feasting warrior community.
Before, his family lacked wealth, forcing him to rely solely on himself for everything. But now, he could also depend on his own talent and comprehension.
Luo Feng glanced toward his home. If he willed it, he could change the fate of both himself and his family.
"Keep working hard, Luo Feng!" Wei Wen encouraged him.
The more promising the future he painted for Luo Feng, the stronger Luo Feng's determination to strive would become.
Over the next two days, while Wei Wen and Luo Feng continued their training, they also waited quietly for the warrior team Zhou Zhengyong had mentioned, the one that would take them to the wilderness area for real-world experience.
In addition to practicing and comprehending the Nine Stage Thunder Blade, Luo Feng also trained in the basic methods of controlling flying knives to exercise his mental power and increase his telekinesis amplitude.
For two full days, Wei Wen either rested or was fully immersed in such practice, never once leaving the house.
And through the feedback from Luo Feng, he finally achieved some results.
[Your friend Luo Feng is comprehending the optimized version of the Nine Stage Thunder Blade. Your understanding of the optimized Nine Stage Thunder Blade continues to improve. Congratulations on comprehending the First Stage of the Nine Stage Thunder Blade.]
Thanks to the feedback from Luo Feng's training, Wei Wen's grasp of the Nine Stage Thunder Blade was rapidly deepening.
Before Luo Feng had even mastered the first stage, Wei Wen had already comprehended it ahead of him.
A sudden sense of enlightenment arose in Wei Wen's heart. His next blade slash was almost instinctive, utilizing only 70% of his strength.
Yet, after delivering this force, his body still retained enough energy to instantly unleash a second burst of force, also at 70%!
Whoosh!
Two consecutive waves of force transmitted to his arm. In a combat scenario, the Blood Shadow Blade would instantly transform into a cold streak of light, cutting through the air faster than ever before.
"I can now emit an additional burst of hidden force, and this hidden force isn't limited to just my hands and sword," Wei Wen smiled.
"It can also act on my legs and body, increasing my speed and defensive capabilities."
The first stage of the Nine Stage Thunder Blade provided a force amplitude of 1.4 times, significantly boosting Wei Wen's overall strength.
…
In front of the tall, dark-blue skyscraper that served as the headquarters of the Extreme Martial Club Hall in the main urban area of Jiangnan Base City, two youthful figures appeared. They were Wei Wen and Luo Feng, who had just arrived.
Zhou Zhengyong had informed them today that a warrior team had been assigned to them. However, it wasn't exactly a team; rather, a powerful warrior had been arranged to lead them, and they were here to meet today.
"The President is training on the 31st floor. He is waiting for you now," a staff member of the Extreme Martial Club Hall said upon seeing Wei Wen and Luo Feng, immediately rushing to greet them.
"Thank you for letting us know," Wei Wen and Luo Feng nodded.
The staff then led Wei Wen and Luo Feng into the headquarters building, entered an elevator, and pressed the button for the 31st floor.
While many warriors were waiting at the entrances of other elevators, the special elevator Wei Wen and Luo Feng entered had no one else waiting.
The ordinary warriors couldn't help but feel surprised seeing these two young men able to enter the special elevator.
After all, they were geniuses capable of at least entering the basic training camp, and possibly even the elite training camp. Having some privileges was normal.
The elevator ascended without stopping, quickly reaching the top 31st floor.
Wei Wen and Luo Feng exited the elevator and promptly entered the martial arts training hall ahead.
"Wei Wen, Luo Feng, let me introduce you. This is Lu Gang, a renowned God of War in our Jiangnan Base City," Zhou Zhengyong said, getting straight to the point.
"He will be taking you two under his wing for now. It will make gaining experience outside the base city easier, and your safety will be better guaranteed."
"Furthermore, Lu Gang is also a master practitioner of the Nine Stage Thunder Blade. Since the secret manuals you bought are for the Nine Stage Thunder Blade, you can seek his guidance when the time comes."
'Lu Gang?'
If Wei Wen remembered correctly, he was one of the famous Gods of War from the original story… the one who died during the rat tide.
Although he was the first God of War to fall in the plot, he was still a being capable of hunting lord-level beasts, and his strength should not be underestimated.
As for Zhou Zhengyong's suggestion regarding the Nine Stage Thunder Blade… Wei Wen and Luo Feng glanced at each other and couldn't help but smile mysteriously.
The Nine Stage Thunder Blade they practiced wasn't something Lu Gang could teach them.
"Senior God of War, it's an honor to meet you. We look forward to your guidance in the future," Wei Wen and Luo Feng said promptly.
To be honest… Even accounting for Wei Wen's strength as a spiritual master, he still couldn't reach the level of a God of War capable of hunting lord-level beasts.
As for Lu Gang himself, after reaching the God of War level, he almost always operated alone and didn't lead warrior teams into combat.
After all, warrior teams operate on the edge of life and death. Having one burden in the team could have a significant impact, let alone two this time…
Initially, when Zhou Zhengyong first approached him about the task of mentoring rookies, he had been reluctant.
He had seen many geniuses, but many were arrogant and conceited. He wasn't willing to do such a thankless task.
He was a God of War who spent most of the year in the wilderness. Mere genius wasn't enough to earn his genuine recognition.
Anyone capable of becoming a God of War could themselves be called a genius!
But he owed Zhou Zhengyong a favor from before and couldn't refuse, so he ultimately had to hold his nose and accept it.
However, based on this initial contact, Wei Wen and Luo Feng didn't seem like the arrogant type. At the very least, they were easy to approach, which made him secretly nod in approval.
"Old Lu, they'll be counting on you on this trip," Zhou Zhengyong said with a smile.
"No problem," Lu Gang revealed a smile. "I heard from Chairman Zhou that you two are rare talents in our Jiangnan Base City."
"Since you're with me, I'll protect you if you run into trouble."
"But let me be clear first. I'll give you opportunities to practice and adapt to fighting those beasts."
"You have to put in the effort yourselves, though. You can't always rely on my help."
"Understood," Wei Wen and Luo Feng nodded.
"It's about time. Let's get ready and set off," Lu Gang checked his watch and stood up.
"By the way, I see neither of you are wearing combat uniforms. Don't tell me you haven't bought weapons or combat gear yet?"
"We're about to enter the wilderness area. You can't go without suitable equipment. Should I help you purchase some at a one-third discount?"
As a God of War of the Thunder Dojo, he enjoyed the privilege of purchasing equipment at one-third of the market price, which was less than half the cost.
"Thank you!" The eyes of both Wei Wen and Luo Feng lit up.
Wei Wen had a starting capital of 10 billion. With a one-third discount, his purchasing power effectively became 30 billion, which was probably enough to buy a full set of elementary God of War-level combat uniforms, weapons, shields, and throwing knives.
As for Luo Feng, although he only had 200 million in start-up capital, lower-level equipment was cheaper. He could purchase a mid-level warrior-level suit.
While waiting for the equipment to be delivered, Zhou Zhengyong suddenly remembered something.
"By the way, you started practicing the Nine Stage Thunder Blade two days ago. How are the results?" Zhou Zhengyong asked curiously.
Although he didn't expect Wei Wen and Luo Feng to have succeeded, what if they had?