System Mission

The night was deep and silent, but Fang Yan lay in bed with no sleep in sight.

The names and strengths of the contestants he'd seen during the day replayed in his mind like brands seared into his heart. The pressure was immense, but more than that, there was an indescribable excitement.

Just then, a familiar mechanical voice sounded in his mind:

[Ding! Detected that the host is about to participate in an important national competition, meeting the conditions for task issuance.]

[Trigger Main Quest: Summit of the Nation]

[Quest Objective: Win the National Collegiate Martial Dao League Championship.]

[Quest Rewards:

- Base Reward: Points, Random Gold-tier Item x1.

- Special Reward: Five Finger Fist Heart Sword (Incomplete) cultivation technique manual.]

[Quest Failure Penalty: None (but will miss a significant opportunity).]

[Accept Quest?]

Fang Yan shot up from the bed, his eyes filled with shock and elation.

"Five Finger Fist Heart Sword!"

Although he hadn't read Gu Zhenren, the information provided by the system made him instantly understand the terrifying nature of this technique.

[Cultivation Technique: Five Finger Fist Heart Sword (Incomplete)]

[Rank: Unknown (Suspected Heaven Tier or above)]

[Attributes: Mental Power, Sword Dao]

[Description: A bizarre cultivation technique from another world, using mental power as a guide to condense a sword embryo within the center of the fist. Every punch is a sword strike, the sword hidden within the fist, making it impossible to defend against. This is an incomplete version, containing only basic condensation methods and three sword stances.]

[Notes: Requires powerful mental power to cultivate; the cultivation process is extremely perilous.]

Heaven Tier or above! Driven by mental power! Sword hidden within the fist!

Every keyword made Fang Yan's heart race. This technique was practically a tailor-made killing move for him!

His mental power, thanks to the system and multiple breakthroughs, far surpassed that of martial artists at the same level. If he could master this technique, combined with his Profound Ice True Qi and spear techniques, his strength would undoubtedly undergo a qualitative leap!

"Accept!" Fang Yan responded in his mind without hesitation.

[Ding! Quest accepted. Wishing the host good luck.]

The system prompt disappeared, and an ancient manual made of black beast hide appeared in Fang Yan's hand. The cover had no text, but just touching it, he could feel a cold and sharp aura.

He suppressed the urge to cultivate immediately. It was too late now, and this technique seemed extremely dangerous. He needed to find a safe place, undisturbed, to study it carefully.

"National champion..." Fang Yan clenched his fist, a hint of determination flashing in his eyes. "This time, I must win!"

The next morning, Fang Yan appeared in the hotel lobby with a refreshed spirit.

Chu Feng and Lin Mengyao were already waiting there, both looking well-rested. Only Li Hao remained his usual cold self, as if indifferent to everything.

"Fang Yan, you look good. Did you sleep well last night?" Chu Feng asked with a smile.

"Yeah, I had a good dream," Fang Yan replied with a smile, not revealing anything about the system quest. It was his biggest secret.

Su Wan quickly walked over. "Are we all ready? We'll head to the opening ceremony first, then familiarize ourselves with the competition venue."

"Ready!"

The four of them followed Su Wan out of the hotel and boarded the dedicated vehicle to Donghai City Sports Center.

The sports center was already packed with people, teams from all over the country, and spectators gathered there, creating a lively atmosphere. The opening ceremony was relatively simple, with the principal's speech, the athletes' oath, and a cultural performance, and it concluded quickly.

After the opening ceremony, the teams were led to familiarize themselves with the competition venue.

The venue was divided into a main arena and several sub-arenas. The main arena was a massive alloy platform engraved with complex defensive runes, capable of withstanding the full force of a late-stage Martial Master or even an early-stage Great Martial Master. The surrounding spectator stands were tiered, accommodating tens of thousands of people.

"This is where we'll be fighting for the next few days," Chu Feng said, looking at the main arena with longing in his eyes. "I can't wait to get up there and try it out."

"You'll have your chance," Fang Yan said, patting his shoulder. His gaze, however, fell on a rune array at the center of the main arena. He could feel that the array contained immense energy; it was likely used to detect competition results and protect the audience.

Just then, a discordant voice interjected:

"Well, well, isn't this the delegation from Kyoto University of Science and Technology? What, is this your first time seeing such a grand event? Scared speechless?"

They all turned to look and saw Zhao Heilong approaching with two students from Black Dragon City University of Science and Technology, a provocative smile on his face.

Chu Feng was about to retort but was stopped by Fang Yan.

Fang Yan looked at Zhao Heilong and said calmly, "We've heard about the strength of Black Dragon City University of Science and Technology. We hope that on the field, you'll be able to display strength that matches your reputation."

"Hahaha, don't worry, we will," Zhao Heilong roared with laughter. "Especially you, Fang Yan, right? I'm looking forward to defeating you personally on the stage."

"Likewise," Fang Yan replied, not backing down.

Zhao Heilong gave Fang Yan a deep look before turning and leaving with his companions.

"That guy is too arrogant!" Chu Feng said indignantly.

"Arrogance requires capital," Fang Yan said calmly. "He has the strength, so he has the capital to be arrogant. What we need to do is take down his arrogance on the field."

Lin Mengyao nodded. "Fang Yan is right. The most important thing for us now is to adjust our condition and prepare for tomorrow's competition."

Li Hao also rarely chimed in, "Mm."

After familiarizing themselves with the venue, the four returned to the hotel.

Back in the room, Fang Yan immediately locked the door, sat cross-legged on the bed, and took out the Five Finger Fist Heart Sword manual.

He took a deep breath and opened the first page.

Dense, strange characters met his eyes, and simultaneously, a massive flow of information surged directly into his mind.

"Use the spirit as the furnace, intent as the fire, and blood as the guide to condense the sword embryo in the fist's heart..."

Fang Yan began to attempt to condense the sword embryo according to the methods in the manual.

His mental power was highly concentrated, circulating along a specific path. He could feel a faint sharpness slowly condensing in the center of his right fist.

But just then, a sharp pain suddenly shot from his fist, as if countless needles were piercing his nerves simultaneously.

"Urgh!" Fang Yan grunted, fine beads of sweat appearing on his forehead.

He gritted his teeth and persisted, continuously channeling his mental power, trying to stabilize that wisp of sharpness.

After an unknown amount of time, just as he was about to collapse, the pain in his fist suddenly vanished. In its place was a cool, hard sensation.

He slowly opened his right hand and saw a tiny, black sword, about the size of a grain of rice, lying quietly in the center of his palm.

The small sword emitted a faint glow, and an indescribably sharp aura emanated from it.

[Ding! Congratulations to the host for initially condensing the sword embryo, achieving beginner level in Five Finger Fist Heart Sword.]

Fang Yan looked at the small sword in his palm, a gratified smile appearing on his face.

Although it was only the beginner level, he could already feel the powerful potential of this technique.

"Tomorrow's match, I'll let you all witness what it means to hide a sword in your fist!"