Ding Sheng brandished his longsword, adopting the stance again to practice the basic self-defense sword techniques.

The sword light surged, and the sword momentum rose once more.

It turned out that everything just now was not an illusion.

This time, Ding Sheng executed the four techniques—Splitting Light, Breaking Ice, Lifting Clouds, and Chasing Wind—with even greater ease. From start to finish, it flowed seamlessly, tight as liquid mercury, and the power of his sword technique had more than doubled. The sound of the rusty sword slicing through the air echoed continuously, like a red glow radiating, unending.

At this moment, he was completely sure that he not only grasped the essence of these four techniques but also understood their realm to the pinnacle level.

"This is really strange. Could it be that because of my crossing over, I've transformed into an extraordinary genius?"

After thinking it over, this seemed to be the only explanation.

The merging of two souls from past and present might indeed have created an exceptionally perceptive genius.

This discovery suddenly filled Ding Sheng with more confidence regarding the entrance exam for the Wanjian Sect, which was only half a month away.

As long as he could enter the Wanjian Sect, he would receive the most professional and systematic instruction, learning various divine skills and martial techniques, bringing him closer to his grand ambition of becoming a strong person who controls his own destiny.

Noticing that there was still time, Ding Sheng didn't rush back and began to practice swordsmanship repeatedly at the washing sword pool.

Half an hour later, he had immersed himself in an incredibly mysterious state.

As his sword momentum surged, Ding Sheng's body radiated a great deal of heat. His blood surged like a river flowing through his veins. As the sword momentum increased, ordinary people's vision could hardly capture the trajectory of the rusty sword. Ding Sheng, along with the sword, was enveloped in steaming white vapor, with flickering sword light that was extraordinarily marvelous.

This state lasted a full hour.

Finally, unprecedented soreness and fatigue forced him to stop.

At that moment, Ding Sheng realized another issue.

For a strong person, beyond extraordinary comprehension—this software—one also needed exceptional physical attributes—this hardware.

However, Ding Sheng's body was not only average in the thickness and toughness of his meridians, but it had also shrunk due to a lack of cultivation and nurturing over the years.

Moreover, he was now fourteen years old, and his meridians were nearly set; with his current physical strength, he was only somewhat stronger and more agile than an ordinary person.

During the practice of sword techniques, once he entered that mysterious Entering the Realm state, it was akin to mobilizing all his muscles and bones to coordinate their movements. With Ding Sheng's current physical strength, he could only maintain this state for an hour at most.

Exceeding this time limit would cause unbearable muscle soreness.

If he forced himself to continue practicing, he risked injury.

"This won't do. Although my comprehension is astonishing, the foundation of this body is still too weak. Without a solid foundation before the age of fourteen, my future martial path may become exceptionally difficult. It will be hard to pass the test to enter the Wanjian Sect in half a month. I need to find a way to quickly improve my physical strength. Lingzhi is certainly the best option, but unfortunately..."

The Boundless Continent is a world filled with miracles, and there are indeed many treasures capable of instantly transforming a person's meridian talent, allowing them to undergo a rebirth.

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However, those items are incredibly rare and precious, typically possessed only by the high-ranking great sects and families, far out of reach for a poor kid like Ding Sheng.

"Is there any other way?"

Ding Sheng furrowed his brow, sifting through the vast memories in his mind.

After a while, his eyes suddenly lit up as he thought of something...

However, he soon displayed hesitation, for going to that place would entail significant danger, with the risk of death.

"Forget it, even though it's a bit dangerous, this is the last chance. One must take risks for wealth and glory; I’ll go for it!"

After a moment's contemplation, Ding Sheng gritted his teeth and made up his mind.

In his past life, he was someone who acted very boldly. Even after crossing over, his nature remained unchanged.

At this moment, the sun was nearing the horizon.

Crimson clouds painted the earth, illuminating the distant entrance of the Wanjian Sect, which looked majestic and magnificent, like a celestial palace in the clouds—layer upon layer of jade structures, endless corridors, surrounded by green waters, and the martial arts square interspersed with palatial residences, all evoking admiration at first glance.

Having made his decision, Ding Sheng felt light all over. Looking at the scenic entrance, he felt a sense of grandeur wash over him.

"Time is almost up; I should head back."

...

The sunset was picturesque.

Ding Sheng strapped the rusty sword to his back and walked along the mountain path.

With cleaning tools slung over his shoulder, he felt refreshed, ascending the stone steps behind the washing sword pool’s stone tablet, soon arriving at the front martial arts venue of the Wanjian Sect.

Walking among the ancient, elegant buildings, the towering ancient trees and grand stone statues, the high halls and flying eaves, he brushed past disciples clad in the traditional garb of the Wanjian Sect, feeling as if he were strolling through an ancient magical drama from his past life—an unreal sensation akin to dreaming.

At that moment, a large crowd of disciples suddenly gathered at the announcement area in the square.

A din of voices followed.

"What happened? It seems quite lively."

"Brother, you don't even know? The four top swordsmen of the younger generation from the nine great sects of Xuezhou—the Four Fast Swords—agreed to compete on the Thousand Cold Absolute Peak to see whose sword is faster and sharper. After ten days and nights of fierce battles, the rankings have finally emerged. Now all the disciples are talking about it!"

"Really? Our Brother Guan Feidu from the Wanjian Sect, known as Chasing Wind Sword, is also one of the Four Fast Swords. He has supposedly reached the Seven Apertures Martial Master level; with such strength, he should rank first among the Four Fast Swords, right?"

"That's not wrong. Brother Guan is exceptionally gifted and possesses the Ice Heart Sword Physique, a rarity among ten thousand; he indeed ranks first among the Four Fast Swords. Unfortunately..."

"Unfortunately what? Did Brother Guan lose?"

"Not exactly. Originally, Brother Guan had defeated Zhao Wuyou from the Thunder Sound Sect, Thunder Fast Sword, as well as the notable Mind Clarity Sword from the Mingxin Mountain Manor and Double Sword One Shadow Feng Taicang from the Yuan Sheng Sect, claiming the top position among the Four Fast Swords. Just as the duel was concluding, a fourteen-year-old handsome young man suddenly appeared on the Thousand Cold Absolute Peak..."

"A white-clad youth? Only fourteen years old?"

"Yes, this boy is truly a prodigy; his strength is unfathomable. He issued a challenge, defeating Brother Guan with his first sword, then beating the combined efforts of the Four Fast Swords with his second sword, before laughing heartily and leaving!"

"No way! Which sect does this boy belong to, to be such a monster?"

"Some speculate that this youth might be the renowned genius from the top sect of Xuezhou, the Child Prodigy, Mu Tianyang..."

One voice after another reached Ding Sheng's ears, recounting the thrilling exploits of the world’s genius warriors.

This was indeed an incredibly exciting world full of infinite possibilities.

Ding Sheng listened to the discussions around him, feeling a wave of emotion rise in his heart. While he knew Brother Guan Feidu's exceptional skills, he never expected that in this contest, he would be defeated by a fourteen-year-old boy. This white-clad youth seemed not only powerful but also had a talent and charisma that were hard to ignore, compelling Ding Sheng to want to learn more.

"Mu Tianyang..." he whispered, the name resonating in his mind. The boy hailed as a "Child Prodigy" must surely harbor untold stories. Ding Sheng couldn't help but recall the thrill and passion he felt while swinging his sword in the washing sword pool; he yearned to showcase his talents on this stage and become the focus of everyone's attention.

"Perhaps this is the direction I should strive for." Ding Sheng silently resolved, a stronger determination igniting within him. He hoped to find his own path to breakthrough through relentless effort, even surpassing those prodigies. He believed that only in the ever-changing world of martial arts could he forge his own legend.

Not far away, the square buzzed with excitement as disciples fervently discussed the details of the contest and legendary figures. Ding Sheng's gaze gradually became resolute; he realized that the path to becoming a strong warrior was no longer distant. As long as he bravely took the first step, he could welcome the glory that awaited him.

"I will also become the next legendary figure that people talk about!" Ding Sheng silently vowed, his steps growing steadier. He gripped the rusty sword tightly in his hand, knowing that every step he took toward the future was the beginning of his journey toward his dreams.