Martial Realm

"Woosh". There was a huge fluctuation in the Qi around Jing Ling's courtyard as all the Qi in a 100-meter radius got sucked into Jing Ling's dantian.

"Boom"

"YES! I finally broke into martial realm!"

It has been 3 days since the finals, and Jing Ling felt she was about to breakthrough so she has been cultivating every day.

"Really... nothing can beat real battle experience. But I have never had the chance or the need to go all out before the finals."

Jing Ling reminisces about the finals however, her thoughts start to wander and Huan Ying's face pops up.

"Hmph, what's wrong with this kid. He's so bipolar. First, he treats me like I'm his toy but then he helped me out at the end. Plus... it didn't feel half bad being in his arms."

"Miss!" Yun ran over and stopped in front of Jing Ling.

"What's wrong Yun? Take a deep breath before first."

"Huff... Miss... Why are you blushing?"

"Blushing? What are you talking about? I'm nnnooottt bluuussshhiiinngg" Jing Ling studdered.

"But your cheeks they're..."

"Ahem! Yun what did you run here for?"

"Oh right! The Emperor sent you an invitation to a banquet at the palace!"

"What?!"

Yun handed a note over to Jing Ling.

"It is my honor to invite you to the palace for a celebration banquet. You performed most admirably during the competition. Thus, a banquet will be held tomorrow night to honor you and your achievements."

"...Do I have to go?" Jing Ling asked Yun with a reluctant expression.

"Of course you do! It's an invitation from the Emperor and you're the Champion. It's only proper that you attend even if you only show up briefly."

"Alright... Yun, please prepare a few options for what I should wear to the banquet. I will pick one tonight."

"As you wish Miss!"

Once Yun left, Jing Ling closed her eyes and sent her mind to her dantian.

"Master Song had specifically mentioned that I wasn't allowed to practice any of the moves from his inheritance until I have entered martial realm. Now I can finally see what he has left me."

Floating beside Jing Ling's dark purple sphere is a small blue orb. As Jing Ling slowly transfers some energy from her dantian into the orb, it began to glow. After several more minutes, the orb flashed and a name appeared."

"Silent Blade?"

The stream of words quickly entered Jing Ling and embedded themselves in her mind.

"Wow, this is amazing. The move is so simple but deadly..."

Silent blade, the first of Song Xuegang's 8 sword techniques series. It's a move that allows it's user to release a blade made of energy the moment they draw their sword. However, it's difficulty lies in getting the timing correct. If the user were to draw too quickly there will be insufficient time for the energy blade to form, and if too slow, the blade will not be hidden in the unsheathing of the sword.

"I could easily defeat an opponent if I master this. They wouldn't even react if I attack them the moment I draw my sword."

Jing Ling immediately faced a rock and drew her sword but nothing happened.

"Hmm... maybe I didn't transfer enough energy into the sword."

She tried again but this time the energy blade exploded while it was still inside the scabbard. Small pieces of sword and metal scabbard flew towards Jing Ling, creating cuts all over her hands.

"This technique, it requires so much control..." thought Jing Ling.

"Xiao Ling! What happened? Why was there an explosion?"

"Nothing, Brother Zheng, I was practicing a new sword technique."

"You're bleeding! Let me take you to see Doctor Lu!"

"There's no need. They're just minor cuts."

However, Jing Zheng didn't listen and carried her to the infirmary.

When Doctor Lu saw Jing Ling he almost fainted from the sight of all the blood.

"Why won't you listen to me and be more careful Miss! A beautiful lady such as yourself shouldn't have so many injuries."

"But this is why I have you Doctor Lu."

" Hmph, one day I will be unable to treat your injuries and they will leave scars."

Jing Ling shrugged, "Having one or two scars won't be the end of my life."

Doctor Lu almost coughed out blood when he heard Jing Ling's answer.

"Why are you shaking Doctor Lu? You're not that young anymore. You should take care of your health."

"I don't want to hear that from you of all people! And if I do die, it will be from you angering me to death! Now leave and do whatever you want. I don't care anymore."

Doctor Lu pushed Jing Ling out of the room and slammed the door in her face.

"Why is he so mad?" Jing Ling thought as she went to talk to her Father.

"Father?"

Master Jing Jun was looking through some papers in his study when Jing Ling showed up.

"What is it Ling'er?"

"I need a new sword."

"Hm? I thought you have the Dao sword?"

"Well... It exploded while I was learning a new technique so I can't use it anymore."

"I see... what kind of sword do you need?"

"A cheap one. It can even be rusty. I don't know how many more swords I will explode."

"I see, take this key then. It opens the first door in our treasury. All of it is useless junk. I had thought about throwing them all out but your mother wouldn't let me. You can take any of the swords in there."

"Thank you, Father!"

"You're welcome, make sure to blow up a few more swords and help me make more room in there."

"Hehe, I will!"

Jing Ling made her way to their treasury and carried as many rusty swords she could carry back to her courtyard.

"Alright! Now I can practice as much as I want!"