Chapter 29: The Fiery Blade Technique! The Innate Realm

Furthermore, with the addition of the purple-quality Extraordinary Comprehension trait, the experience was entirely different.

As he read through the saber technique manual, it felt as if a miniature version of himself was practicing the moves over and over within his mind, allowing Ye Liuyun to perceive the profound mysteries of the technique with startling clarity.

After setting that manual aside, Ye Liuyun picked up another one he had confiscated.

"Flaming Fury Saber Technique!"

The name alone suggested a style defined by supreme rigidity and masculine energy. It was highly compatible with his Azure Sun Force and the Extreme Yang Physique. Still, he needed to examine the contents to be sure.

As Ye Liuyun flipped through the pages, the figure in his mind began to practice the techniques automatically. It was exactly as the name implied—a style of absolute strength and heat. Moreover, the Flaming Fury Saber Technique came with its own internal energy cultivation method; for every set practiced, his internal energy would increase incrementally.

In this regard, the quality of this technique was vastly superior to the Thirteen Sabers of the Golden Gate—by several tiers, at least.

"Could this be the ancestral saber technique of the Lin family?"

It was no wonder Jin Yuanba had been so desperate to seize it. However, everyone who knew the truth was likely dead now, and it was impossible for Ye Liuyun to verify his suspicion. It did not matter; whether it was the Lin family's heirloom or not, it was in his hands now, which made it his.

Since he possessed the purple-tier talents of "Unity of Man and Saber" and "Extraordinary Comprehension," it would be a waste not to master it.

With that thought, Ye Liuyun committed the contents to memory and stepped into the courtyard to begin practicing. There was no awkwardness or hesitation. From the very first set, he felt as though the saber were an extension of his own arm. Furthermore, his Extraordinary Comprehension talent allowed him to gain new insights whenever he performed the moves.

"Boom!"

With a single swing, a wave of heat surged forth, turning the blade in his hand a glowing red. After a few sets, Ye Liuyun felt his physical strength had noticeably improved. Even after he ceased circulating his internal energy, the saber remained scorching hot for quite a while before it finally cooled down.

"This feeling... I’m about to break through!"

It had not been long since he had advanced to the Post-Natal realm. With the support of various talent traits and the synergy of his martial arts, Ye Liuyun’s cultivation base could advance by leaps and bounds in a very short time. The sets he had just practiced brought him to the threshold of a breakthrough.

"Pre-Natal Qi!"

He clenched his fist, and a pale red internal energy manifested around his arm; though faint, it was unmistakably present. The greatest distinction between a Pre-Natal martial artist and one in the Post-Natal realm was this Pre-Natal Qi. It could automatically form a protective barrier in the face of danger and simultaneously enhance the user's regenerative abilities, allowing simple wounds to heal in an instant.

Internal energy is typically formless, but because both the Azure Sun Force and the Flaming Fury Saber Technique he practiced followed the path of absolute, scorching masculine energy, his internal energy manifested as a pale red glow. Ye Liuyun had now caught a glimpse of Pre-Natal Qi. He was not far from breaking into the Pre-Natal realm.

"Again!"

The realization fueled his excitement. After a brief rest, he continued his training in the courtyard. The Flaming Fury Saber Technique was of a high grade and difficult to master, but for Ye Liuyun, with his "Unity of Man and Saber" talent, any obscure or complex parts became clear after just a few repetitions.

That night, after returning to his room, Ye Liuyun did not rest. Instead, he continued to circulate his Azure Sun Force. Previously, he had only the Extreme Yang Physique, but now, combined with Extraordinary Comprehension, his cultivation speed was even faster.

Finally, just as the sky began to turn pale with the coming dawn, Ye Liuyun, who had been sitting cross-legged in his room, felt his body tremble slightly. The temperature in the room spiked instantly, and waves of heat rippled outward. Fortunately, he was alone, so there was no need to worry about affecting others.

"Hoo!"

He exhaled a breath of stale air. Ye Liuyun slowly retracted his energy, and his previously turbulent internal strength gradually calmed.

"Talent Trait System!
Host: Ye Liuyun
Realm: Early Pre-Natal Stage
Martial Arts: Wind-Slashing Saber Technique, Azure Sun Force, Pine Wood Saber Technique, Jade-Crushing Hand, Flaming Fury Saber Technique.
Talent Traits: Luck (Purple), Steel-Reinforced Bones (Purple), Unity of Man and Saber (Purple), Extraordinary Comprehension (Purple), Sword Mastery (Cyan), Extreme Yang Physique (Purple), Scent-Based Women Recognition (Cyan)."

He had finally broken through. Seeing the "Early Pre-Natal Stage" displayed in the realm section of his character profile, Ye Liuyun wore a relaxed smile.

He stood up and stretched his limbs. After reaching the Pre-Natal realm, cultivation was divided into four minor stages: Early, Middle, Late, and Perfection. He recalled Lu Lan, the guard beside Yan Shuzhu he had encountered earlier; she was at the Middle Pre-Natal stage. Even with the gap of one minor stage, given his numerous talent traits and martial arts, Ye Liuyun was confident that if they were to fight, he would not lose.

"Not bad! Not bad at all!"

The breakthrough put him in high spirits. The Pre-Natal realm was already a level capable of establishing a sect. To his knowledge, among the Embroidered Uniform Guard, only the two Northern and Southern Regional Commanders were likely to have reached such a height. For a mere Thousand-Household official, having first-rate strength was already impressive; reaching the Pre-Natal realm was a rarity indeed.

Just then, the door was pushed open. It was Xing'er.

"Master!"

In truth, Xing'er had arrived long ago, but seeing that he was practicing, she had not dared to disturb him. The sky outside was already brightening; it was well past the time for the morning roll call at the Embroidered Uniform Guard. Without realizing it, Ye Liuyun had practiced for the entire night. No wonder they said cultivation knows no time; when one is absorbed in training, the passage of time is forgotten.

"Master, you haven't slept all night. Why not take a rest at home today?"

As a Hundred-Household official, no one would say anything if he missed a day of work.

"There is no need for that!"

Ye Liuyun waved his hand with a smile. Although he had not slept, his spirit was vibrant. For a Pre-Natal martial artist, even going days without sleep would have no impact.

"Don't worry, I am feeling perfectly fine." Seeing the concern in Xing'er’s eyes, he laughed. "I am in a good mood today. Tell the staff to prepare plenty of wine and meat for this evening."

"As you command, Master."

Seeing Ye Liuyun so cheerful, the worry in Xing'er's heart dissipated, and she smiled as well.