The blade trembled faintly, emitting a low hum, as though answering its master's stirring emotions after the breakthrough.
His chest rose and fell slightly, his breathing steady and unhurried. There was none of the fierce panting he had imagined—only the exhilaration of power released in full flood, and the calm of something falling naturally into place.
He had broken through.
It was not wild joy, nor excitement so overwhelming he could barely contain it.
Instead, it was a weighty, rightful relief, like scaling a lone peak that had lingered in his sight for days.
Joy ran deep and restrained, like a warm current hidden beneath the sea's surface.
At last, he had truly grasped the steering wheel of power. His body, mind, and technique had become one, and he had crossed the threshold into the true inner hall of martial arts—the Unity Realm.
He stood quietly, sensing the endless surging force within him, smooth and harmonious as one.
With Divine Sense turned inward, his qi and blood flowed and pulsed in this brand-new realm. Every thread of strength seemed to cheer and leap with joy, becoming more obedient and more condensed.
"Xinhuo University—" His gaze pierced through the massive viewing window and fell upon the deep night sky.
The mock exam in half a month would be the first stage upon which he displayed this newfound power.
He took out his communicator and dialed Fang Chengwu's number.
His voice was calm and unruffled. "Teacher Fang, I've broken through. My blade art has entered the Unity Realm."
There was silence on the other end for several seconds. Then Fang Chengwu's gentle, steady voice came through, carrying unmistakable gratification. "Good! Stay where you are. I'm coming."
A few minutes later.
The door to the Independent Martial Arts Room slid open soundlessly.
Fang