Strength Soars

The next day.

At around nine in the morning, an unfamiliar middle-aged man arrived at Ning Ze's villa.

"Mr. Ning Ze, these are the secret manuals you purchased from Limitless Home. Use your fingerprint to verify your identity and retrieve them."

Ning Ze looked at the dark-red alloy case held out before him and pressed his finger against the fingerprint scanner beside it.

"Ding. Verification successful."

The dark-red alloy case flipped open, revealing a secret manual and two discs: one containing the manual's core principles, one with video demonstrations, and one with explanations.

Ning Ze took out the manual and discs. "Thank you."

The unfamiliar middle-aged man smiled faintly. "This isn't Mr. Ning's first time purchasing a secret manual. I'm sure you're already aware of the relevant precautions."

"By the rules, I'll repeat them... The copyright of this secret manual belongs to its creator. The copyright holder of Gale Sword Master is Wu Daozi! The buyer has only the right to study it, not the right to pass it on. You may not copy, privately sell, or teach the manual. Anyone who violates this will be jointly hunted down by the Limitless Martial Arts School, Thunderclap Martial Arts School, Underground Alliance, and government military!"

Ning Ze nodded seriously. "I will follow the rules." Naturally, he did not dare take such matters lightly.

The world was now divided into five major nations. There was no need to elaborate on the strength of the official forces.

Then there were the two peak martial arts schools, the Limitless Martial Arts School and the Thunderclap Martial Arts School. These two schools were spread throughout every Base City in all five nations. Founded by Earth's two most powerful experts, their status in these strength-dominated Base Cities was self-evident.

The remaining Underground Alliance, also known as the HR Alliance, had been jointly established by numerous ancient great families. It controlled the world's rule and credibility—money.

Being rich enough to rival a nation was not a joke, but a fact.

The strong remained strong. Whether during war, disaster, or peace, these ancient families remained unscathed. Their power was terrifying.

If those three factions joined forces to hunt someone down, only a very few powerful individuals could survive in the wilderness among the beasts.

After delivering the secret manuals, the unfamiliar middle-aged man left.

Ning Ze returned to the Training Room, sat cross-legged, and began reading the manual.

At first glance, his pupils contracted sharply.

What entered his sight was a slightly blackened sword mark!

It was clearly just an image printed on paper, yet it gave off an incomparably sharp feeling.

The center was dark and hollow, while the two sides resembled countless chaotic straight lines, as if they could tear everything apart!

A longsword could not help but appear in Ning Ze's mind—a sword brimming with chilling killing intent!

Even his heart trembled.

This kind of sword... It is nothing like the lightness and agility of the Gale Sword Art. Instead, it feels incomparably savage. Either you die or I die... This is a sword of absolute killing!

For a moment, Ning Ze felt as though he had returned to that desperate moment of dodging the Shadow Cat Monster.

This Sword Art contained the profundities between life and death, capable of awakening the potential of life itself!

He turned to the next page.

"The strongest defense is offense!"

The handwriting danced like dragons and phoenixes, carrying an unstoppable momentum.

"The sword follows momentum and strikes with it. Between life and death, there is only one sword!"

"One sword strike determines the changes of heaven and earth... Wind leaves no trace..."

"The core of the secret manual I created has only one point: momentum!"

"The Sword Art has endless variations, but momentum remains unchanged. Within the raging wind, there is an eye..."

"Gather strength, build momentum, and when it is unleashed, it is like the heavens collapsing. That is absolute killing!"

Ning Ze frowned slightly, his expression turning contemplative.

When this expert, Wu Daozi, created this secret manual, his understanding of Sword Art had risen to another level—perhaps even several levels.

Perhaps his combat experience had gradually grown richer, and his fighting style had changed as well.

If the Gale Sword Art was somewhat fierce, agile without sacrificing sharpness—

Then Gale Sword Master had clearly evolved into a raging tornado. Even its defense was merely groundwork; in truth, every sword was an offensive sword.

Once its momentum formed, its power rivaled terrifying celestial phenomena, capable of destroying everything in an instant. How domineering was that?

"Gale Sword Master is more exquisite than the Gale Sword Art, and it also contains Force Generation techniques."

"A normal martial artist's full-force strike is ten-tenths. But when using Gale Sword Master, they control their force at seven-tenths. Their original force is seven-tenths; after mastering the First Layer, they gain one additional layer of force. That is two stacks of seven-tenths, for a total of fourteen-tenths. After mastering the Second Layer, they gain two additional layers of force, for a total of twenty-one-tenths..."

"However..."

Ning Ze narrowed his eyes. He only had the First Layer of Gale Sword Master. After mastering it, he would have fourteen-tenths force generation, but that was not particularly high to him.

His strength was less than 2,300 kg, yet after force generation, it could exceed 4,000 kg. That meant his force generation was at least eighteen-tenths! Four-tenths higher than the First Layer of Gale Sword Master!

When he generated force, he did not feel his strength falling to seven-tenths at all. The only thing he could not determine was how many additional tenths of strength he gained afterward.

But he vaguely felt that the added strength was no weaker than his physical strength.

That was nearly twenty-tenths of strength!

"I'll need to test exactly how much force I can generate. Still, this force generation feels pretty simple."

Ning Ze stood up and gripped the hilt at his waist. He slowly closed his eyes. The room was completely silent.

In his perception, a gust of cold wind blew from the ceiling. Coolness spread outward, the cold wind settled, and when it struck the wall behind him, it spiraled back.

Ning Ze felt the force within his body twist and turn. Following the wind's patterns, he drew his sword and slashed.

A curved silver-white sword light flashed before him, and the longsword had already come to a stop behind his back.

Ning Ze opened his eyes, a thoughtful look in them as he murmured, "It should be like this?"

"It feels a little weak?"

"Forget it. Force generation is force generation, and sword moves are sword moves. This Sword Art is indeed far fiercer than the Gale Sword Art, and exceptionally exquisite as well. It feels like there are many similarities. I should be able to master it quickly."

"The matching Movement Technique is Swift Steps, along with the matching Guidance Technique, Seven Spiritual Wind Arts. I definitely have to practice Swift Steps. Not only is it far superior to Spirit Rhino Hundred Steps, it can even coordinate with sword moves, producing a power far beyond one plus one."

"But this Seven Spiritual Wind Arts... Do I need a Guidance Technique? Even after mastering the First Layer, it would only increase the Cosmic Energy my cells can absorb by four-tenths. Yet I can continuously cultivate the Gene Energy Cultivation Method. I don't need to cultivate a Guidance Technique at all."

"Hm?"

Ning Ze's eyes sharpened, his gaze full of thought. "Guidance Techniques can increase the upper limit of Cosmic Origin Energy that cells can absorb. Perhaps there is also a way to increase the speed at which they absorb Cosmic Origin Energy!"

"That's right! If the absorption speed of Cosmic Origin Energy increases, the rate at which my strength grows will increase too." His thoughts spread outward. Then... could I simplify the Five Hearts Facing Heaven Style as well? Let my body remain in cultivation at every moment. At that thought, Ning Ze fell silent.

The Gene Energy Cultivation Method, namely the Five Hearts Facing Heaven Style, was the only method on all of Earth for cultivating Gene Energy.

An ordinary martial artist might only absorb energy for ten minutes at a time before the Cosmic Energy in their cells became saturated.

Even top experts merely created Guidance Techniques to increase their cells' appetite, allowing them to absorb more Cosmic Energy each day.

The key was increasing the upper limit of Cosmic Energy that cells could absorb. There was no need to cultivate every moment.

Nor was there any need to increase the absorption speed of Cosmic Origin Energy.

But Ning Ze was different.

His cultivation limit had already disappeared. What he needed was a way to rapidly absorb Cosmic Origin Energy! That was the most difficult part.

"And there are Movement Techniques and Sword Arts. If I simplify their cultivation, then I can remain in cultivation every moment."

Ning Ze's voice grew colder. These methods simply did not exist on Earth. This was the fundamental difference between how he and other martial artists improved.

"Greed will only make the snake swallow the elephant. Right now! First, increase my strength. Once I have the ability to protect myself in the Wilderness Area, then I'll think about these things."

With that, Ning Ze stood and continued cultivating.

Three hours passed in a flash.

At the dining table.

Ning Ze wolfed down his food, finishing a bowl of rice in just a few bites.

Ning Qianqian stared in astonishment.

"Brother, why are you eating so much after coming back this time?"

Ning Ze held his rice bowl and answered with a grunt without turning around, his eating pace not slowing in the slightest.

He was not entirely sure how the system increased his strength, but long periods of training made him tired. Coupled with his comprehension of Force Generation, cultivation consumed a great deal of energy, making him hungry more quickly.

Scholars needed poverty, martial artists needed wealth. Fortunately, food was not particularly expensive, and their family could easily afford it.

Ning Hua naturally understood what was going on. His grin nearly reached the back of his head. Force Generation, Micro-level Movement Technique—his son was an unparalleled genius!

"Eat slower. Cultivation needs a balance between work and rest." Li Wan spoke with a loving expression.

Ning Ze nodded. "Don't worry, Mom. I'll be careful."

He did not take it too seriously. In the past, his body's absorption of Cosmic Origin Energy had been limited. He cultivated four times a day, totaling only an hour, after which his body became saturated.

When he could not cultivate Gene Energy, he could only practice Sword Arts and Movement Techniques.

Now, however, every bit of cultivation could improve him. Not only was there no limit, the speed was far beyond before. He simply could not stop cultivating!

"How is the secret manual that arrived today coming along?" Ning Hua asked with concern.

"It's alright."

"Force generation hasn't been affected. I just need a few more days to familiarize myself with the sword moves."

The new Sword Art skill had yet to form on the panel, so Ning Ze could only answer based on feeling.

Ning Hua nodded with a broad smile and did not ask further. Force generation had not been affected, so why worry about sword moves? The manual had just arrived. He would be proficient in a few days.

Ning Qianqian pursed her lips and looked at her father, then quickly glanced at Ning Ze. She realized that her father seemed to have defected! He was actually smiling at her brother the entire time?

Rolling her eyes, she picked up some food and stabbed at her rice several times with her chopsticks.

She had just finished her second year of high school and was about to enter her third, but her strength was only 550 kg. She was still 50 kg away from earning the martial arts school's Advanced Student title, and reaching 700 kg before graduating high school seemed unlikely.

Even by her sophomore year of college, it would be difficult for her to become a martial artist. Her talent was far inferior even to Ning Ze's previous talent, and she deeply envied his gifts.

Ning Qianqian pouted unhappily. "Isn't it just Force Generation? I can generate force too!"

What she meant by force generation could also be considered force generation. Before becoming a martial artist, it meant controlling how to fully unleash one's ten-tenths physical strength, concentrating all of it into a fist or kick. But force generation after becoming a martial artist was amplification!

Ning Ze continued eating with an unchanged expression, showing no intention of responding.

This little sister of his had always harbored a rebellious heart.

Even with his previous talent, he could suppress her with one hand. Now, there was even less need to mention it.

Most importantly, the girl was too foolish. She had actually sided with their father. Did she not know who was the boss of the family?

Li Wan and Ning Hua exchanged a glance and smiled without saying anything. They had not told the girl that Ning Ze had comprehended Force Generation. Otherwise, if she blabbed about it outside, everyone would know.

"I'm done eating. I'm going to cultivate."

Ning Ze drank a mouthful of water, then stood and headed toward the Training Room.

Ning Qianqian was deeply unconvinced. So what if his talent was good? He was actually ignoring her!

Her eyes shifted, and she said with a smile, "Brother, don't you feel like you've forgotten something?"

There was no reply, only his carefree retreating back.

He ignored her again!

Ning Qianqian clenched her fists, feeling furious inside!

"What are you standing around for? Hurry up and eat! Afterward, go train at the martial arts school! If you don't become an Advanced Student this summer, just see how I deal with you!"

At Li Wan's command, Ning Qianqian hurriedly lowered her head and began eating diligently.

Their family's circumstances were quite good. After twenty years of cultivation, Li Wan was at least a martial artist. Though she was only a Primary Warrior, with strength below 1,700 kg, suppressing an Intermediate Student was as easy as playing around.

Time passed in a flash.

A week went by.

The top floor of the Limitless Martial Arts School.

Ning Ze stood calmly before the Punching Power Testing Machine. His body bent slightly, and in the next second, force erupted. He slammed his fist hard into the target, producing a muffled bang.

"Beep..."

The Punching Power Testing Machine displayed a number—2802 kg.

Ning Ze's expression remained calm. He was not surprised by this number in the slightest.

Host: Ning Ze

Realm: Intermediate Warrior, 2803 kg

Cultivation Skills: Gene Energy Cultivation Method "Five Hearts Facing Heaven Style"; Guidance Technique "Seven Spiritual Wind Arts"

Combat Skills: "Swift Steps" Micro-level 473/10000; "Gale Sword Master" Proficient 455/10000

The new advanced secret manual had replaced the previous one.

His test result was 1 kg lower than the panel's reading, which was normal. Even the Punching Power Testing Machine could not guarantee absolute accuracy. There were certainly discrepancies in the digits after the decimal point, not to mention the complete mobilization of human strength.

Ning Ze had cultivated for a week. He cultivated Gene Energy for fourteen hours every day, and because he would become fatigued, he practiced Sword Arts and Movement Techniques for only six hours each day.

Over the past week, he could feel himself becoming stronger every moment. The exhilaration of such rapid improvement made him obsessed with cultivation, and he had gained 500 kg of strength.

He slept only three and a half hours a day. Fortunately, his physical fitness had reached the Intermediate Warrior level, so it would not affect his health.

Today marked one week since he obtained Gale Sword Master. He had come specifically to test his force generation.

Bang!

The target of the Punching Power Testing Machine shook continuously, and another number appeared on the display—3903 kg.

A faint smile appeared on Ning Ze's lips.

"Even with just the First Layer of Gale Sword Master, I have strength close to that of an Advanced Warrior. I can already hunt monsters normally with my uncles."

"Next..."

His eyes glanced around. No one was training nearby.

After adjusting his stance slightly, Ning Ze threw another heavy punch at the target of the Punching Power Testing Machine. The display showed—5595 kg.

The instant he saw that number clearly, Ning Ze suddenly threw another punch. With a beep, the display refreshed—2783 kg.

Ning Ze stepped forward and reset the Punching Power Testing Machine. His heart was greatly shaken.

His strongest force generation had reached 5595 kg! Nearly 5600 kg!

That was twice his strength!

His force generation was actually truly double!

Even though he had expected it, Ning Ze's heart was still far from calm. On Earth, the force generation of all secret manuals stacked layer by layer.

The first type was like Gale Sword Master. One's original strength was seven-tenths, and every cultivated layer added another seven-tenths of strength.

The other type of bonus allowed one to fully unleash their original strength, with the First Layer adding two-tenths, three-tenths, or four-tenths. The highest was four-tenths, making force generation 1.2, 1.3, or 1.4. Each additional layer continued to add two-tenths, three-tenths, or four-tenths of Base Strength.

But him—his own force was ten-tenths! Then he added another ten-tenths with Force Generation techniques!

Both types of force generation formulas applied to him.

Because his force generation was no longer calculated in tenths, but in multiples!

"Unless it's a moment of crisis, I absolutely cannot expose my Force Generation technique."

Ning Ze turned and left with a calm gaze. There was no need to test his speed or neural reaction speed.

His Movement Technique had reached the Micro-level. Even without force generation, his neural reaction speed was certainly above the excellent level for an Advanced Warrior, one realm above his own strength.

And he had always been skilled in speed. His base speed should be close to 60 m/s. With force generation, his strength reached 5600 kg, and his speed would also be close to 80 m/s.