The manual clearly stated:
'This cultivation method can extend lifespan and vitality, lighten the body and invigorate blood circulation. It has regulatory and healing effects on all five organs, treating internal injuries. The deeper the cultivation, the better the effects.'
"Treating internal injuries?"
Napoleon's heart stirred.
"Young master? It's time for dinner. It's already midnight..."
Petite's voice came from outside the bedroom door.
Napoleon stretched his arms and shoulders.
He pushed open the door to see Petite sitting alone on a stool outside his door, having waited for him for who knew how long.
Midnight was the witching hour.
According to the Holy Light Church's timekeeping system, the clergy divided the day into twelve periods, each period split into early and late segments. Midnight proper was the deep night period.
This was the time between twelve at night and one in the morning.
"It's already this late?" Napoleon looked around at the other courtyards. The usually noisy other sections were now completely quiet.
In the night breeze, he could faintly hear the night watchman passing outside, striking his bell.
"What food is still available?"
Napoleon walked toward the kitchen.
The Bonaparte manor's kitchen was built between the front and rear courtyards—one had to leave the rear courtyard to reach it.
"I had the kitchen save you a portion of every dish. Just needs heating," Petite said quietly, following close behind Napoleon.
The two followed the corridor out of the rear courtyard, turning left into the small kitchen courtyard.
The kitchen courtyard had several tables and chairs scattered about, specifically for the cooks and servants to take their meals.
As soon as they entered the small courtyard, they saw someone sitting at a table, devouring the food that had been saved for Napoleon with great appetite.
"Big brother, why are you still up so late?" The person eating looked up, revealing the face of a pure and beautiful young woman.
"Isabelle?" Napoleon was startled. "When did you get back?"
He sat down across from her, studying Isabelle Bonaparte as she ate heartily.
This sister born to his stepmother was his half-sister, but stepmother Margaret had treated him like her own son, often caring for him even more than her own daughter.
In the original Napoleon's memories, his feelings toward stepmother Margaret and toward Isabelle far exceeded those for his other siblings.
"I just got home. I was hungry and came here, only to find a whole table of dishes laid out. I thought it was prepared for me."
Isabelle had a sword strapped to her back and wore blue practical clothing. Her chest was certainly bound, and if not for her truly beautiful face, one couldn't tell she was female.
"You shouldn't have come back..." Napoleon sighed.
"Why not?"
Isabelle put down her bowl, her expression suddenly turning cold and stern.
"Sir Aldrich died under mysterious circumstances. What exactly did the Thornton family provoke? All this talk of demons and monsters—I don't believe any of it!"
"What do you mean?"
Napoleon stared at her.
"I came back early specifically to investigate Sir Aldrich's true cause of death and bring the murderer to justice!"
Isabelle said seriously, a flash of killing intent in her eyes.
Napoleon looked at this second sister of his, remaining silent for a long time.
Isabelle's face flushed with anger.
"Brother, Sir Aldrich is dead—haven't you thought at all about finding the real killer?!"
"I investigated, but found no leads..." Napoleon shook his head. "I couldn't find any trace of the perpetrator, no evidence whatsoever. Dozens of people in the Thornton household, all brutally murdered in a single night, without even half a sound."
"I don't believe it!"
Isabelle stood up.
"I've eaten my fill. Tomorrow I'll start investigating. Brother, I'm going to rest now."
With that, she strode toward the courtyard exit.
"Petite, do you want to come to my room?"
She casually greeted Petite as she passed.
Petite shook her head sadly, clearly depressed by the mention of Sir Aldrich.
Sir Aldrich had always been kind to them, gentle and courteous. She couldn't understand how such a good person could suddenly be gone.
Isabelle left.
Napoleon sat down and had Petite heat up the remaining food, continuing to eat what was left.
"Isabelle went out to study at the police academy five years ago. Professor Holmes is a famous combat instructor at Beauclair Academy. But looking at her now, it seems she hasn't cultivated battle energy methods either."
Those who practiced battle energy cultivation, according to what was recorded in the Ravencrest Combat Codex, all had the characteristic of piercing, commanding gazes.
The deeper the battle energy cultivation, the brighter and sharper the light in their eyes became.
But sister Isabelle's eyes were dim, no different from ordinary people. She was clearly not a battle energy cultivator.
"That makes sense too—how could battle energy practitioners be as common as cabbages? Which makes that Morgana all the more extraordinary..."
Napoleon pondered this, then focused on eating his meal.
---
The next morning.
Napoleon accompanied Captain Garrett early to visit Magnus Blackwood, the former police chief.
"Chief Blackwood's Heartbreaker Combat Art, though also an external combat technique, is said to be comparable to the legendary Stonefist Technique.
Its main focus is a penetrating force that can strike through mountains to hit cattle, directly attacking the enemy's internal organs. Extremely formidable."
On the road, Captain Garrett and Napoleon each rode a horse, proceeding at a steady pace toward Magnus's home.
Magnus lived in the smithy district near Oxenfurt's city walls.
This area was mainly inhabited by the poor and craftsmen—blacksmiths, carpenters, and the like.
All along the way, Napoleon saw people everywhere who were sallow and emaciated. The passersby mostly wore patched clothing.
"I heard of the Heartbreaker Combat Art's reputation occasionally when I was young. But how did Chief Blackwood fall to such circumstances? Whether in connections, strength, or experience, he would be more than qualified to serve as a combat instructor at the constabulary."
Napoleon asked casually.
Captain Garrett shook his head.
"Why? It's all because of a tragic case from years past. He sought revenge, and though he ultimately killed his opponent with his own hands, he was left with recurring internal injuries. The various medicinal supplements alone exhausted his family fortune."
As they spoke, the two quickly arrived at a dilapidated small courtyard.
Captain Garrett dismounted and knocked on the door.
"Who is it?"
Soon a thin young man opened the door.
"Captain Garrett?" He looked at the Iron Fist with pleasant surprise. "Please come in, come in!"
Napoleon followed him inside, immediately spotting the white-haired old man sitting in the courtyard basking in the sun.
"Are you young Master Bonaparte?"
The old man got straight to the point, speaking loudly.
"Indeed I am."
Napoleon cupped his hands respectfully.
"I received the silver you sent earlier. I can teach you the Heartbreaker Combat Art techniques face to face, but I have one more request."
The old man was the formerly decisive Magnus, the former police chief.
"Master Magnus, please speak."
Napoleon's expression remained unchanged.
"I hope that young Master Bonaparte will find several more students for this technique, so that my lifetime of painstaking effort won't be wasted." Magnus's voice was full of vigor, still extremely imposing.
"Master Magnus, rest assured! This junior promises!"
Napoleon declared firmly.
"Good! Whether using blade or palm, one must have this spirit of accepting a challenge alone, pressing forward without retreat! Without this mettle, no matter how strong the blade, it's just empty posturing!"
Magnus's voice suddenly turned stern.
"My Heartbreaker Combat Art shares principles with blade techniques. When striking with palm or blade, one must be prepared to burn one's boats, imagining oneself in desperate circumstances. Only then can one unleash the greatest power and speed!
A hesitant heart cannot deliver full force!"
Napoleon's heart shook, suddenly seeming to understand something.
"Essence, energy, spirit—will, intention, strength—all must combine and focus at one point. This is the key to both blade work and my Heartbreaker Combat Art!"
Magnus declared sternly.
Napoleon closed his eyes and stood still, seeming to gain insight, his hand gripping the long blade at his waist.
He had barely arrived at the courtyard before this former greatest master of Oxenfurt gave him a proper lesson.
"A hesitant heart cannot deliver full force."
This phrase rumbled like thunder, continuously reverberating in his mind.
All along, hadn't he been thinking too much, causing his blade work to always feel slightly sluggish?
Now thinking about it, he must have been lacking that bit of will and fighting spirit!
He clearly had better technique than Captain Garrett, yet in actual combat, he lacked the confidence to defeat Captain Garrett. Originally he thought it was due to lack of experience.
Now it seemed he was missing exactly this element of fighting spirit.
After a long while.
Napoleon bowed respectfully to Magnus.
"Thank you for the lesson, Master Magnus!"
"No matter, now have everyone else leave. I need to teach you the Heartbreaker Combat Art essentials!"
Magnus's voice boomed.
Captain Garrett and the young man both smiled wryly and withdrew from the courtyard.
The entire day.
Napoleon remained at Magnus's place, memorizing and practicing the essentials and techniques of the Heartbreaker Combat Art.
Mental techniques combined with physical forms, Magnus also held nothing back in sharing his combat experience from years of facing enemies.
Napoleon had begun battle energy cultivation, so his energy was vigorous. Throughout the entire day he only rested twice, spending the rest of the time continuously learning and practicing.
By evening, he had committed all the essentials of the Heartbreaker Combat Art to memory. Only then did he take his leave.
Returning home, he immediately went to his bedroom and sat cross-legged.
"Gold Finger Enhancement System!"
Silently calling out, the modifier interface appeared once again before his eyes.
After pressing the modify button, the entire system interface flashed brightly.
Napoleon focused his attention on the Ravencrest Battle Energy Method.
"This time there should be no problems."
Modifying a combat technique in several stages like this wouldn't be too intense, and the physical burden would be lighter too.
"Advance one level!"
Napoleon stared intently at the Ravencrest Battle Energy Method.
Soon, the status and level of the method jumped directly from initial mastery to first level.
Napoleon immediately felt as if his organs were on fire, his mouth dry and tongue parched, his face flushed red.
Having read the manual, he knew this was excess battle energy causing excessive heart fire.
He quickly stood up, took the prepared Magister Kalkstein's Vitalis Elixir from the table, and began sipping it in small mouthfuls.
Vitalis Elixir was called the master's draught of life restoration, with extremely strong nourishing properties. Among all restoration potions, Magister Kalkstein's formula was considered supreme.
It was an expensive alchemical preparation imported from the central provinces.
The family's medicine room stored some, which he could use perfectly.
After drinking three cups of the rich vitalis elixir, Napoleon finally felt the heat in his chest and abdomen gradually dissipate.
"According to the manual's records, the Ravencrest Combat Codex has only two levels total. Energy sensation can be achieved in one day.
But reaching initial mastery requires a hundred days, and only those with natural aptitude can achieve it.
Reaching the first level of mastery takes two to three years. The second level requires five to ten years."
He set down his cup, poured the elixir directly from the bottle into his mouth, and swallowed the concentrated essence.
"My single advancement is equivalent to two to three years of others' hard cultivation. Not bad at all."
He clearly felt the energy flow in his chest and abdomen was much stronger than before.
If before it was like a hair strand, now it was as thick as chopsticks.
Napoleon also looked at his other combat technique—the Heartbreaker Combat Art.
This technique showed as "not yet started." External combat techniques were different from battle energy methods—as long as one memorized the forms and mental techniques, they would appear as an item in the system.
But battle energy methods required first generating energy sensation before they could be modified.
Napoleon planned to quickly advance the Ravencrest method first to increase his overall essence, energy, and spirit, then modify other external techniques. This way the physical burden would be much lighter.
Napoleon studied at former Police Chief Magnus's place for three days, after which he completely memorized the Heartbreaker Combat Art.
Then he went to his second master.
The second master recommended by Captain Garrett was surnamed Ashworth, named Duncan. He had once been a top expert in the previous mayor's constabulary, from the same era as Police Chief Magnus.
His mastery was Zephyr's Blade Dance technique, swift as lightning.
Unfortunately... later his hand tendons were mysteriously severed by someone, crippling him. He too was childless, though in his case it was because he never married, being introverted and silent, which left him without descendants.
Napoleon studied under this master for four days.
Zephyr's Blade Dance technique, in his view, was actually a notch weaker than the Black Tiger Blade techniques, but having one more combat skill was always beneficial.
Afterward, he entreated Captain Garrett to take him to visit other renowned masters throughout Oxenfurt, particularly the older generation of experts.
With Lord Marcus Bonaparte's approval, using money to pave the way, he learned two more techniques from these masters: the Octarch Stance Mastery and the Twin Sapphire Strikes.
Both were combat techniques a level below the Black Tiger Blade methods.
He understood this was natural—after all, Captain Garrett with his Black Tiger Blade was a top-tier expert in Oxenfurt. How could others easily reach his standard?
For two straight months, Napoleon persisted in diligently practicing various combat techniques.
At the same time, he continuously nourished his body, consuming large quantities of yin-nourishing and blood-supplementing medicines.
The additional medicinal expenses from his combat training could reach over a thousand silver crowns per month. For ordinary families, this would be an astronomical sum.
Fortunately, this also received Lord Marcus Bonaparte's approval. Otherwise, no matter how wealthy a family's son he was, he couldn't spend money so recklessly.
In the blink of an eye, summer passed and September autumn arrived.
Napoleon had been in this world for nearly three months now.
"Young Master Napoleon has truly been diligent during this period."
Captain Garrett stroked his beard, watching Napoleon practicing Zephyr's Blade Dance technique in the training yard.
Napoleon hadn't used the enhancement system to modify this blade technique. During this period he hadn't touched the system at all, only exploring on his own.
The system was ultimately an external force. He wanted to test what difference there was between combat techniques he practiced hard and those obtained through modification.
Zephyr's Blade Dance technique happened to be uncomplicated with simple forms, perfect for his gradual practice.
Swoosh!
Swish swish swish!
After several crisp sounds, the straw training posts around Napoleon were cut down in an instant.
Napoleon held a meter-plus long guan dao, gripping it single-handed, slowly reversing the blade to rest against his back. This completed the practice session.
"Starting martial training too late—how can I catch up with others without working harder?"
Napoleon smiled.
"I must thank you for all your help during this time, Captain Garrett."
Captain Garrett waved his hand dismissively.
"I know you have plans to collect combat techniques and manuals to strengthen the family. But in Oxenfurt, there are only so many people who might share their techniques. The possibilities elsewhere are quite limited. What are your plans next?"
Napoleon pondered briefly, allowing Petite to run over with a wet towel to wipe his sweat.
"Since Oxenfurt..."
"Terrible! Terrible!!" Suddenly a house servant came running urgently toward the training ground, his face pale, shouting loudly.
"What's happening? What's all this shouting about?!"
A manor guard stepped forward to scold him, pulling the shouting servant aside to question him carefully.
After the inquiry, the guard's expression also changed somewhat. He hurried over to Napoleon and the others.
"Young Master, the second miss has gotten into a fight with someone, and now we can't find her!" the guard said urgently.
"What?!"
Napoleon was stunned.
He had known Isabelle's return would cause trouble, but he hadn't expected it to happen so quickly.
"Where is she? Who did she fight with?"
Captain Garrett immediately asked sternly.
"In the Pleasure Quarter, with several guards from a passing merchant caravan!"
"Does the master know about this?"
"Not sure, but that lad only just received word. It was the second miss's personal maid who brought the news. He came to you first thing, Young Master."
The guard replied quickly.
These people were all orphans Lord Marcus had taken in and bought as children, raised and trained from youth. Their loyalty to the Bonaparte family was very high.
"Well done. Don't rush to inform father about this yet. I'll go take a look first."
Napoleon said in a low voice.
"The second miss is investigating the Thornton family tragedy. How did she end up fighting with merchant caravan guards?" Captain Garrett asked puzzled.
"We'll know once we go see."
Napoleon's expression was calm.
He quickly assembled household guards and servants, selecting ten men, and headed straight for the Pleasure Quarter.
The Pleasure Quarter was Oxenfurt's famous red-light district of brothels and entertainment houses. He had no idea how Isabelle's investigation had led her there.
They rode without stopping all the way.
When Napoleon arrived, the street was in chaos, with two shopkeepers from stores near the Bonaparte properties leading people to appease the vendors who had been caught in the crossfire.
"Compensate where compensation is due, apologize where apologies are needed. Don't let others look down on the Bonaparte family."
Napoleon instructed.
"Yes!"
The ten men brought from the Bonaparte estate quickly responded.
Everyone dispersed to handle the aftermath.
Napoleon and Captain Garrett went to the roadside to examine the area where traces of combat remained.
"She left not long ago. Isabelle has always had a fiery temper. Being provoked by small-time thugs in a place like this and starting a fight is quite normal." Napoleon carefully examined the bloodstains on the ground.
There wasn't much blood, and he wasn't worried it belonged to Isabelle. With her skills, dealing with two merchant caravan guards would be no problem.
On the gray-white stone pavement, dark red bloodstains had splattered, quite conspicuous in the sunlight.
Napoleon crouched down, lightly dabbed the blood with his finger and sniffed it, his brow immediately furrowing.
"What is it? Any discoveries?" Captain Garrett walked over and, like him, dabbed the bloodstains with his finger to smell.
"Normal human blood, nothing unusual."
"That's not what puzzles me..."
Napoleon shook his head.
"What puzzles me is that this amount of bleeding is quite significant. Although Isabelle has a bad temper, she usually knows when to hold back.
Such heavy-handed violence—she's normally not this reckless."
At this time, the guards who had gone to handle the aftermath nearby returned.
"Young Master, we have news! Someone saw the second miss pursuing two men with her sword, chasing them all the way outside the city! Some say those two being pursued were actually murderers wanted by the authorities, not merchant caravan guards at all!"
"I see."
Napoleon nodded.
"Let's go check the city gate. The nearest gate would be the West Gate—they should have gone out that way."
The group, including Captain Garrett, headed toward the West Gate of the city.
About ten minutes later, everyone reached the West Gate, where the duty officer came over to greet one of the household guards, clearly recognizing him.
"Miss Bonaparte number two chased them out, heading toward Devil's Pit."
The officer provided crucial information.
Napoleon was about to lead his men to search when, having barely left the city, he saw Isabelle riding her horse, dragging two bound men behind her, heading back toward the gate.
Upon seeing Napoleon, Isabelle's face showed obvious pride.
"Big brother, why did you rush over here? They're just two small-time thieves—don't you trust my abilities?"
She had changed into white heroic attire, holding a long sword with a silver scabbard in her hand, with a silver-edged belt around her slender waist. Her long hair was pulled up high, making her look spirited and valiant. Despite never officially stating it, her actions and dedication clearly showed her aspiration to become Oxenfurt's next police chief, following in the footsteps of great officers like Magnus.
Napoleon stood at the city gate, waiting for Isabelle to ride up before dismounting. Only then did he breathe a sigh of relief.
"Don't be so reckless in the future."
Although he wasn't the original Napoleon, Stepmother Margaret's care for him during this time had been genuine, and he wasn't heartless. He could naturally distinguish between sincere care and false sentiment.
Because of his stepmother, he also felt somewhat protective toward Isabelle.
"Don't worry, these small-time thieves in Oxenfurt aren't worth my concern!"
Isabelle said carelessly.
Napoleon looked at the two murderers bound with ropes on the ground. Both had pale complexions, apparently from blood loss, and were now unconscious—whether dead or alive was unclear.
What was strange, however, was that both their mouths bore faint upward curves, as if... they were smiling?
Napoleon made mental note of this detail.
Seeing that Isabelle was unharmed, he couldn't say much more. Perhaps he was making too much of nothing.
After giving Isabelle a few more warnings, he and Captain Garrett led the men back to the estate.
Life returned to its previous rhythm.
Each day he would rise for three hours of morning practice, working on blade techniques. After lunch in the afternoon, he would practice stance work and the Heartbreaker Combat Art.
In the evenings, he would return to his room to practice the Ravencrest Battle Energy Method.
As for that Shadow Force technique, he had suspended its practice.
This routine continued. Captain Garrett, seeing this, advised him to concentrate on practicing one thing at a time, but Napoleon had his own plans.
After ensuring all combat techniques were registered as options in the modifier system, he began once again to advance the level of the Ravencrest Battle Energy Method.
Late at night.
Napoleon lay supine on his bed, slowly opening his eyes.
He sat up straight and looked toward the paper window.
Pale moonlight streamed in from outside, leaving a clear white patch on the bedroom floor.
Outside, he could faintly hear the snoring of guards on night watch.
The wind was strong, making the leaves of the large trees in the courtyard rustle loudly.
Napoleon slowly sat cross-legged on the bed.
"This timing should be about right."
He listened carefully to the surrounding sounds and detected no possible disturbances.
"After such a long period of recuperation, my body's essence, energy, and spirit have all reached their peak. It's time to advance the Ravencrest Battle Energy Method."
These past days, Isabelle had been acting as a vigilante everywhere—sometimes catching murderers, sometimes injuring thieves and perverts—causing quite a stir.
However, Napoleon watched with a growing sense of inexplicable urgency in his heart, especially after learning from Master Magnus recently that during his time as police chief, he had encountered some bizarre cases. Although they ultimately went unresolved, these cases had left a deep impression on him.
Collecting his thoughts, Napoleon silently called out in his mind.
"Gold Finger Enhancement System."
Immediately, a dark gold interface appeared before his eyes.
With practiced ease, he pressed the modify button, then focused his attention on the Ravencrest Battle Energy Method option.
"Advance one level!"
The status on the option immediately jumped, easily advancing from the first level to the second level.
Inside his body, a feeling of being completely drained suddenly surged forth, as if he had overindulged excessively many times in a very short period.
His vision also began to feel dizzy and disoriented, and that familiar sensation of feverish heat surged up again.