"He wasn't like this yesterday... How strange."
"Tsk, tsk. Could this be that legendary kind of breakthrough—the kind born from long and steady accumulation?"
A wave of murmurs rippled through the onlookers, their gazes filled with surprise, envy, and confusion.
Li Wen, the boy who had only ever known to train with his head down, seemed to be transforming at a speed they couldn't comprehend.
Amidst the quiet chatter, a gaze as steady as a mountain silently fell upon Li Wen.
It belonged to their Martial Dao instructor—Wang Hu!
Wang Hu was tall and powerfully built, with a square jaw, thick brows, and fierce eyes. Even in a plain training uniform, he couldn't hide the aura of an iron-willed veteran.
At that moment, a clear flicker of astonishment crossed his resolute face, quickly melting into deep gratification.
Unlike students who only valued talent or family background, Wang Hu had genuinely cared for and appreciated Li Wen over the past two years, a boy from a poor family with seemingly average talent.
There was no other reason than Li Wen's almost obsessive diligence! He was always the first student to arrive at the Martial Arts Room and the last one to leave.
Rain or shine, good day or bad, his persistence and willpower had deeply moved Wang Hu.
He had privately guided Li Wen on multiple occasions, even making exceptions to give him extra training resources or sparring time. In his heart, Wang Hu believed Li Wen was a diamond in the rough who only lacked opportunity and time.
Now, watching Li Wen's completely transformed saber technique, seeing him so immersed, moving with fluid ease and steadily finding his groove, Wang Hu felt as if he were witnessing a dusty, uncut jade being meticulously polished, finally revealing its own unique brilliance.
His gaze softened, and the corners of his mouth curved into a subtle, almost imperceptible smile.
Immersed in the world of the saber, Li Wen was completely oblivious to the stares and whispers from the outside world.
His intent, his qi and blood, his stances, and his movements—at this moment, they achieved an unprecedented level of harmony.
His mind was highly focused, as if the entire world had narrowed to just him and the saber in his hand.
Chop, hack, flick, stab, parry, block... He executed the twenty-six forms of the Tiger Saber Skill with exhilarating fluidity, utterly unhindered.
The doubts that had long accumulated in his heart melted away like ice and snow under his newly enhanced comprehension and practice, transforming into fuel for the fluid execution of his saber art.
Without realizing it, he had already practiced the set more than ten times in a single, unbroken sequence.
The moment he completed the final form, "Tiger Crouching at the Pass," and brought the saber to rest before his chest, Li Wen felt a pleasant warmth spread through his body, followed by a wonderful sense of clarity that permeated every inch of his being.
At the same time, the familiar, pale-blue screen of light appeared as expected, materializing clearly in his vision:
[You have continuously practiced the Tiger Saber Skill. Saber Skill experience has increased significantly!]
[Technique: Saber Skill - Advanced (Greater Mastery 0/100)]
'I did it! Advanced Saber Skill, Greater Mastery!'
An immense wave of joy instantly flooded his heart.
Leaning on his saber and panting slightly, Li Wen felt an indescribable surge of heroic spirit welling up in his chest.
Did this breakthrough come quickly? It was fast—impossibly fast. But Li Wen knew this wasn't entirely the result of a single day's work from his soul fusion or "Absolute Focus."
More importantly, it was built on two and a half years of tedious, day-in, day-out practice, without a single moment of slacking.
It was all that sweat and persistence, bit by bit, that had built his foundation and honed his muscle memory to the absolute limit, providing the fertile ground for today's epiphany.
This was the very definition of a breakthrough born from long accumulation, a natural fruition of his efforts!
"Haaa..." He let out a long breath, a relieved and satisfied smile gracing his face.
Just then, a deep, powerful voice rang out, filled with undisguised admiration:
"Excellent! Your footwork is steady, the saber follows your body, and your intent follows your power! You executed all twenty-six forms in one fluid motion, like a fierce tiger patrolling its mountain! Well done, Li Wen. This is the mark of achieving Greater Mastery in the Tiger Saber Skill!"
Wang Hu had approached at some point and was now looking at Li Wen with a fiery gaze, his face wreathed in an approving smile.
His voice was loud and powerful, carrying clearly to the corner of the Martial Arts Room and reaching the ears of all the students who were still watching Li Wen.
Teacher Wang's affirmation made Li Wen's recent breakthrough seem all the more real and astounding.
"Thank you, Teacher Wang!" Li Wen sheathed his saber and cupped his fist in a standard Martial Dao salute. His attitude was respectful and his eyes were clear, showing not a hint of arrogance from his teacher's praise.
Seeing the still-humble young man before him, the admiration in Wang Hu's eyes deepened.
He clapped Li Wen firmly on his somewhat thin shoulder. Although the boy seemed to stand a little taller than yesterday, a long-term lack of resources meant his frame was still gaunt.
"Very good! Keep up this spirit and this drive to improve!" Wang Hu's voice was filled with encouragement and expectation.
"The path of the Martial Dao is long; comprehension and hard work are both indispensable. You've already grasped a key point and found your own rhythm. Keep this up, and you might just make another breakthrough before the college entrance exams! I have high hopes for you!"
His tone was sincere, clearly showing he was genuinely happy for his hardworking student's breakthrough.
"Yes, sir!" Li Wen straightened his back and replied in a deep voice, a warm current flowing through his heart.
Every piece of extra guidance from Teacher Wang over the past two years, every "practice a little longer," every encouraging glance—he had etched them all into his memory.
'Teacher Wang, for all the care you've shown me, I will surely repay you one day!' he silently and solemnly vowed.
After offering a few more words of encouragement and reminding Li Wen to consolidate his gains step by step, Wang Hu turned and continued his patrol of the Martial Arts Room to instruct other students.
As he watched Wang Hu walk away, Li Wen's thoughts began to race.