Volume One, Chapter Nine: The Union of Twin Blades—A Legendary Tale of a New Era

The onlookers in the crowd could not help but marvel, and even Yang Yong and Lu Na secretly applauded Liu He’s performance. Through repeated breakthroughs, Liu He gradually adapted to the high-pressure environment within the tower, growing increasingly confident. In the final stage, facing a beast-like mechanical monster, Liu He was fully prepared. He flexibly utilized his Shadow Dash to close in on the enemy, struck at its weakness, shattered its core, and ultimately secured first place in the competition. The generous rewards he received significantly improved his physical constitution, awakened new skills, and led to a massive evolution in his consciousness.

"This guy is simply a monster!" Yang Yong remarked, his face filled with a gratified smile.

"Indeed, he is getting stronger by the day," Lu Na replied, a hint of pride shining in her eyes.

Upon returning to Yuncheng Academy, Liu He did not become complacent because of his victory. He understood that this was merely the beginning. Amidst the afterglow of his triumph, he resolutely decided to continue honing his skills. He was fully prepared for the unknown and the adventures lurking around him. Only by constantly growing stronger could he remain invincible in the final showdown. Liu He’s heart was filled with longing and anticipation for the future.

The day after returning to Yuncheng Academy, the campus was filled with the sounds of drums and gongs as the academy held an unprecedented, grand ceremony to honor him as the top student. The morning sun streamed through the iron-framed windows, filling the spacious auditorium with a sense of solemnity and expectation. Many students had already gathered, whispering about this newly emerged legendary figure.

"I heard that today there won't just be an award ceremony; we might even get to see his Shadow Dash," a junior whispered to his friend.

"Yeah, I heard Principal Lu Caiyuan himself is presiding over the ceremony."

Shortly after, Lu Caiyuan, dressed in a dark suit, stood on the auditorium stage and began his speech. He spoke highly of Liu He’s performance in the Shura Tower and announced the resolution to name him the top student of the freshman year. Thunderous applause and cheers erupted throughout the hall. However, just as Lu Caiyuan’s voice faded, someone suddenly stood up in the audience.

"Liu He, I want to confirm if your strength is as invincible as the rumors suggest!"

It was Yang Yong. His face was set with a determined expression, and his dark features revealed an unyielding will. Although many broke into a cold sweat, more were filled with anticipation for the impending duel.

Liu He smiled slightly, knowing well that Yang Yong simply wanted to prove himself through this challenge. "Alright, Yang Yong, I look forward to your performance. But let’s keep this as a friendly spar." He replied in a relaxed yet firm tone.

The match began. Yang Yong utilized his signature speed skills, attempting to strike before Liu He could activate his Shadow Dash. Liu He stood in the center, his gaze calm. As Yang Yong pressed forward, Liu He’s figure suddenly shifted, passing through Yang Yong like a phantom and stopping behind him. Yang Yong turned around in shock, only to feel an invisible pressure that instantly stripped him of the courage to continue the fight.

"You really are incredible..." Yang Yong panted, saying with a helpless sigh, though a stronger sense of motivation ignited within him.

Liu He withdrew his ability and looked at the shame-faced Yang Yong, patting him gently on the shoulder: "We both have a long way to go. Keep it up."

Following this challenge, the reputation of Yuncheng Academy grew even louder. However, behind the scenes, Han Kun of the Bureau of Education sat in his office, brow furrowed in deep thought. He knew that the rise of such a genius would have a significant impact on his future plans. Meanwhile, Lu Na, who had been injured during the Shura Tower competition, woke up in the hospital. She recalled the events of the match, feeling a lingering sense of loss, but even more, a sense of unwillingness. She knew that Liu He had far surpassed her, and if she were to challenge him again, she would have to put in even more grueling effort.

The cheers in the auditorium continued. Surrounded by an aura of fame, Liu He knew the road ahead was full of unknowns and challenges, and he was prepared to meet every upcoming battle with a fearless posture.

Liu He sat in the training room, lost in thought; the events of the past few days left him filled with doubts. He had heard about the attack on Lu Na, and she was currently receiving treatment at the academy’s medical center. The name Han Kun flashed through his mind; this director from the Bureau of Education had long coveted Yuncheng Academy, and now he appeared to be an opponent that could not be ignored. Pushing the door open, Liu He decided to check on Lu Na; regardless of anything else, she was one of his students.

When he reached the medical center and pushed open the door, he saw Lu Na sitting on her bed, seemingly focused on observing the changes in her body.

"Teacher Liu!" Lu Na looked up, a hint of joy appearing on her face when she saw him.

"Lu Na, how are you feeling?" Liu He asked with concern, approaching her bedside.

A flicker of determination flashed in Lu Na’s eyes. "I am fine, Teacher. Although I was attacked, it also led to a new breakthrough." She tried to keep her tone steady, but it was clear that she had experienced a violent internal upheaval.

Liu He nodded slightly, looking somewhat gratified. He handed Lu Na a small box. "This is a special cultivation resource; I hope it helps. Congratulations on your breakthrough."

Lu Na took the box, her eyes softening with emotion. "Thank you, Teacher. I will work even harder." Her tone was certain and resolute. Just then, she seemed to recall something and hesitated before saying, "Teacher, I think this incident might be related to Han Kun. I... I don't want to just let it go."

Liu He pondered for a moment. "I have the same suspicion. We need to be especially cautious of Han Kun’s movements. However, before that, you need to recover from your injuries. When the time is right, we will uncover the truth together."

Lu Na nodded and added, "Teacher Liu, there is one more strange thing. After the attack that day, I discovered a black bead inside my body. It seems to have given me new power."

Liu He frowned; this mysterious bead sounded extraordinary. "A bead? It seems we should find an opportunity to study it carefully."

As they spoke, the door to the medical center was pushed open again. It was Principal Lu Caiyuan. He waved his hand, his face wearing its usual seriousness. "Teacher Liu, Lu Na, Yuncheng Academy has received a special order."

Lu Caiyuan went straight to the point, his eyes shining with unwavering resolve. "Lu Na, because of this bead, you, like Teacher Liu, have become a key focus for our academy’s cultivation. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity; I hope you both seize it well."

Lu Na accepted willingly, a burning fighting spirit igniting in her eyes: "I will prove with my actions that I am worthy of this opportunity."

"We will give it our all," Liu He echoed, feeling the weight of responsibility growing on his shoulders.

The spiritual fluctuations at Yuncheng Academy were growing stronger, seemingly signaling that a new force was quietly taking shape. Various factions were gathering as well; this was a new era full of challenges, but also the arrival of new opportunities. Liu He knew the road ahead would be even more intense, and his partnership with Lu Na would surely write their own legendary chapter on this stage.

Liu He stood by the window of the Yuncheng Academy medical center, his gaze piercing through the glass to focus on the shimmering surface of the river in the distance.