Ethan summoned the [Emperor Ming Script].
It was as he expected — an old book with a jade cover. The book was only a few inches thick but carried an ancient aura.
"This should be at least a Rank S technique. I just hope it surpasses my expectations," Ethan smiled. From what he knew about techniques, this should date back to the ancient era, and judging by its name, it had to be a mighty one.
Ethan opened the status window of the script.
[Emperor Ming Half Script: Rank — Divine]
[Description]: During the ages of the old gods, there lived an almighty supreme being named Ming. From the beginning of his journey to godhood, he cultivated 32 martial arts techniques, each with the power to topple mountains, split seas, and destroy stars. But on a fateful day, Emperor Ming boasted to the Immortal Emperor, saying he could withstand three strikes from him. At the end of the day, Emperor Ming could not even bear the weight of the Immortal Emperor. As a token of defeat, Emperor Ming divided his divine script into two and gave one half to the Immortal Emperor.
"Uh… divine script — and not just that, only half." Ethan was amazed. "The more I hear about the gods, the more fascinated I get."
According to the system, the gods could destroy stars in a single strike. Terrifying. Even the Supremes couldn't achieve that. It seemed the Supreme level wasn't the final realm in human understanding.
Looking at the script, Ethan could swear — if he saw this lying on the ground, he wouldn't even bat an eye. Books like this were common in the Saint Market, where techniques and martial arts were sold.
"Ok… let's see what you've got," Ethan grinned. Who wouldn't be excited? He had never even heard of a technique at the divine level before.
[The Emperor Ming Half Script currently contains 16 divine techniques, but due to your weak body and soul, you can only cultivate 1 divine technique.]
"Only one? As expected of a high-end script," Ethan said. Practicing even one was good enough. He didn't care about the rest — he just wanted to see what a star-splitting technique looked like.
[You can only practice the first technique of Emperor Ming
[The new technique has been added to the Immortal Pavilion — tap to view]
Ethan immediately checked the new skill. It was divided into eight levels, but only the first was unlocked. Specific conditions had to be met before practicing each one.
[Conditions to practice First Dragon Subduing Palm: Strength, Speed, and Agility must be at 50]
[Conditions met]
The moment the system finished speaking, a figure rushed out of nowhere — just like when he learned the Star Sword Technique. The dark figure stood straight, like an immovable mountain. Although it was just a stance, Ethan knew it was more than that. Its feet were planted to the ground as if man and earth were one. Mana flowed into its legs and left arm.
Its energy brimmed with chaos as it slowly raised its left arm and performed a spectacular, wild palm strike.
ROOOOOOOAAARR!
For some unknown reason, Ethan heard the roar of a mighty dragon — it almost split his ears. Looking closely, he saw a phantom golden dragon coiling around the figure's left arm.
The technique was intricate and awe-inspiring.
"Damn… with this palm technique, I could kill the Night Stalker with ease," Ethan was flabbergasted.
But he knew it wouldn't be easy. Though it looked like a simple move, Ethan — a martial arts expert in his past life — knew better. Even an Ascended would find it difficult to learn.
Ethan steadied his breath, channeling mana into his legs and left arm. He planted his feet firmly on the ground.
"Wow…" His stance felt unshakable — as if no force could move him.
He began practicing the palm. At first, his movements were sloppy, but slowly, he adapted.
Three days later, Ethan had mastered the First Dragon Subduing Palm. Yet, no matter what, his version didn't produce the dragon's roar he'd heard from the dark figure.
[Congratulations! You have mastered the First Dragon Subduing Palm]
[To unlock the next level, you must be at Level 20]
[Congratulations! You have gained +10 Mana]
[Attributes: Strength 55, Agility 52, Stamina 55, Speed 50, Mana 50]
Now all of Ethan's stats had hit 50+. If this were his past life, he would already be considered Ascended. But here, he was still just Half Awakened.
"Now that's OP," Ethan chuckled.
Still, he had to be careful. If anyone learned his true stats, they'd be shocked to death. The powerful guilds might even try to capture him for human experiment.
"That's it for now. Better check the map and see where I am," Ethan said, summoning the Map of the Giant Kingdom.
A massive hologram floated before him. The map was divided into three large islands — only one was clear, the rest blurred.
"Hmmm… guess I don't have business on the other islands yet," Ethan thought.
In the center of the map, a blinking marker showed his location — The Ruin of the Fallen Soldiers. No surprise — this place looked like an army barracks. But what he didn't understand was what happened here. Perhaps a catastrophe involving the mischievous gods?
Ethan shook the thought aside as he noticed a trail leading from his position through a desert to a large city labeled The Fallen King's Lair.
"That's where I'm going," Ethan decided, packing his things and setting out along the trail.