Wei Wen hesitated, eyes scanning the quiet training room.
Zhou Zhengyong and Lu Gang, both experienced God of War–level martial artists, immediately understood the implication behind his hesitation.
If Wei Wen truly intended to demonstrate something, it meant he'd likely grasped the first level of the Ninefold Thunderblade Technique—a technique famous for its explosive power and equally notorious difficulty.
Zhou Zhengyong raised a hand. "Everyone else, clear the room."
The staff from the Dojo of Limits who had accompanied Luo Feng and Wei Wen earlier silently nodded and exited, leaving only Wei Wen, Luo Feng, Zhou Zhengyong, and Lu Gang.
"The Ninefold Thunderblade Technique is all about force explosions layered on top of one another. It's also one of the hardest cultivation methods to master. I know you're gifted, but it's only been a few days," Zhou Zhengyong said, his tone serious.
"If you've actually grasped even the first level... that would be astonishing. No, it would mean you're a true outlier—one of the few geniuses on Earth with such comprehension."
"Wei Wen, show us. Surprise me."
He continued, "The Grandmaster of the Dojo of Limits always supports talent—especially those with exceptional perception. If your potential is real, the headquarters will definitely back you."
Wei Wen smiled faintly. "I've already mastered the first level of the Ninefold Thunderblade."
He knew very well—this was the perfect moment to showcase his comprehension. It would put him on the radar of the Dojo's elite.
"You're serious?" Zhou Zhengyong's expression changed. He struggled to keep his voice even, but the tremor betrayed him.
"What?" Lu Gang also stared, his mind reeling.
For ordinary martial artists at the Fighter level, force output typically ranges from 1 to 2 times baseline strength. God of War–level fighters, however, usually reach 2 to 4 times. Most practitioners at the Fighter level would need ten years or more to even approach the first level of the Ninefold Thunderblade.
Lu Gang, a veteran God of War himself, had only reached the third level after decades of cultivation. That alone marked him as an elite. But Wei Wen had mastered the first level in just a few days?
It felt absurd. He couldn't help but suspect that Wei Wen might be bluffing. After all, even Thunder God—the founder of the technique—couldn't have progressed that fast.
Even Luo Feng was stunned. Watching Wei Wen, he felt his breath hitch.
No wonder he was able to enhance the force delivery method of the Thunderblade Technique, Luo Feng thought. This level of perception is monstrous.
"Watch," Wei Wen said casually, then stepped forward and punched.
A sharp burst of force erupted from his body—then, almost instantly, a second wave of internal force surged into his arm. His fist rocketed forward, accelerating unnaturally.
Lu Gang's pupils shrank. As a fellow practitioner of the Ninefold Thunderblade, he could immediately tell—Wei Wen had triggered two successive waves of hidden force. That was unmistakably the first level.
Zhou Zhengyong, though unfamiliar with the intricacies of the technique, saw the difference immediately. The layering of power was unlike any standard force outburst.
"That was... the first level?" he turned to Lu Gang, still trying to wrap his head around it.
Lu Gang let out a bitter laugh. "Yeah. As ridiculous as it sounds, that was the first level of the Ninefold Thunderblade."
"To reach this state in just a few days... he might even touch the fourth level within a year. I haven't even done that myself."
He no longer doubted Wei Wen. Watching him now was like watching someone reach a mountaintop he'd struggled his whole life to climb—only for them to arrive via helicopter.
It felt unfair.
Like spending years chasing after a goddess who barely acknowledged your existence—only to watch her turn and smile warmly at a newcomer who hadn't even tried.
There really are levels to genius, Lu Gang thought grimly. And there's always someone stronger.
"Wei Wen... he's a peerless genius," Zhou Zhengyong whispered, eyes glowing.
"We've struck gold. With that kind of growth rate, he'll pass the B-rank evaluation in two months—no doubt. Once that's done, he'll qualify for the Elite Training Camp."
Zhou Zhengyong's initial plan had been to recommend Wei Wen anyway, but after hearing Yang Hui earlier, he'd been uncertain. Now, with Wei Wen already grasping the first level of one of Earth's most difficult techniques, it was clear—this kid was extraordinary.
And if Wei Wen reached the third level within two months, that would be more than enough to solidify his spot in the Elite Training Camp.
Plus, Zhou Zhengyong was the one backing him. The more Wei Wen achieved, the greater the return on that investment.
Turning to Luo Feng, he asked, "You also bought the Ninefold Thunderblade, didn't you? How's your progress?"
Wei Wen had already shocked him once. Maybe Luo Feng would do it again.
"I'm doing alright," Luo Feng said calmly. "I haven't grasped the first level yet, but I feel like I'm getting close. With a few more days of training, I should be able to."
Lu Gang just stared.
Are they serious?
Wei Wen was insane enough. Now Luo Feng was catching up too?
Zhou Zhengyong was almost giddy. "Looks like we have two rising stars. Honestly, I thought Wei Wen might barely scrape into the Elite Camp—but it turns out you're right there with him."
"With both of you improving this fast... once you're at headquarters with proper facilities and coaching, becoming the youngest Gods of War in history won't just be a dream."
Their conversation was interrupted by the delivery of equipment—combat gear ordered earlier for Wei Wen and Luo Feng.
Zhou Zhengyong turned to Lu Gang. "Old Lu, they're in your hands now. I wish I could train them myself, but I've got too many responsibilities."
"Make sure they keep up with the Thunderblade Technique. Let me know their progress by August 1st. I'll file the Elite Training Camp applications myself."
"No worries," Lu Gang said. "We're only headed to lightly infested zones in the Wilderness Area. As long as we don't run into a monster lord or a large-scale beast tide, they'll be safe."
He smiled. "Honestly, I think their potential might even rival the Curator's. Getting to mentor geniuses like this... I'll be bragging about it for the rest of my life."
Lu Gang wasn't exaggerating. As a senior God of War from Jiangnan Base City, he had real stature—and comparable strength to Zhou Zhengyong. That's why he was entrusted to guide these two rising stars.
Lu Gang looked at them. "Alright, Wei Wen, Luo Feng—let's move out. From now on, you call me Captain."
"Yes, Captain!" they said in unison.
The respect was real. He was their superior, leading them into real combat. They knew the value of that.
Lu Gang gave a quick nod. "Good. Let's go."
With that, they collected their gear and strode out of the Dojo headquarters toward the Wilderness Area.
Fighter jets weren't necessary. The target area wasn't far—and this was just the beginning.