Chapter 2: The Path of Strength Begins
The weight of the wooden sword in my hand felt light, but my mind was heavy with the realization of my situation. I had reincarnated into Nano Machine's world, a place of cutthroat martial arts politics, assassins lurking in the shadows, and sect betrayals at every corner. And someone already wanted me dead.
But they had made a mistake.
I wasn't the original Ye Qing anymore.
I had the Absolute Martial System.
Ding!
[System Notice: The host has performed a successful Basic Sword Arts technique.]
[Analyzing proficiency… 15%]
[Would you like to accelerate mastery?]
My breath hitched. The system lets me increase mastery instantly?
"Yes."
Ding!
[Basic Sword Arts proficiency increased to 50%. Movements refined, strikes faster, energy flow optimized.]
My hands moved instinctively, and suddenly, the sword's weight felt like an extension of my own body. I slashed forward, and the air itself seemed to ripple.
Han Min, my subordinate, took a step back in shock. "Brother Ye… your swordplay…"
I lowered the weapon, smirking slightly. "I've had an epiphany."
Han Min's expression was a mix of awe and confusion. The Ye Qing he knew had been skilled but nowhere near this level.
A system that lets me master martial arts techniques at ridiculous speeds… This was beyond broken. But I wouldn't complain.
Right now, my priority was survival.
"Han Min, tell me exactly what happened last night," I commanded.
Han Min hesitated but then spoke. "You were returning from a mission when you were ambushed by assassins from the Silent Blades Sect. You barely made it back alive. The Sixth Division has launched an investigation, but… rumors are spreading."
I narrowed my eyes. "What rumors?"
He gulped. "That… that you've angered someone powerful within the Demonic Cult. Some say it was an outside enemy, but others believe it was an internal betrayal."
A chill ran down my spine. Internal betrayal.
If it were an enemy from outside the cult, I could prepare. But if someone within my own division or higher-ups wanted me dead… I was playing a far deadlier game.
Ding!
[New Quest: Unmask the Traitor]
Survive the next assassination attempt.
Gather intelligence on who orchestrated your death.
Reward: Shadow Cloak (Grants invisibility for 5 minutes per day).
So it wasn't over. More assassins were coming.
Good.
Let them come.
Preparing for the Hunt
"Han Min," I said, my tone sharp. "Where's my weapon?"
He hesitated, then pointed to the wooden rack near the wall. "Your sword was damaged in the attack, but I retrieved another from the armory."
I walked over and unsheathed the blade. It wasn't anything special—just an iron longsword—but it would do for now.
Ding!
[Would you like to analyze the weapon?]
Wait… the system can scan weapons too?
"Yes."
Ding!
[Weapon: Standard Demonic Cult Iron Sword]
Attack: +15
Durability: Moderate
Special: None
Basic. Functional. But not ideal.
"Han Min," I said, sheathing the blade. "We're going to the armory."
His eyes widened. "But Brother Ye, you should rest—"
"I don't have time for rest," I interrupted. "More assassins are coming. If I don't prepare, I'm dead."
His face paled at my words, but he nodded. "Understood."
Now, I needed to find a better weapon… and bait out my enemies.
The Armory and the Test
The armory was dimly lit, the scent of oil and steel hanging heavy in the air. Weapons lined the walls—blades, polearms, daggers, and even exotic weapons unique to the Demonic Cult.
An elderly blacksmith sat behind the counter, his eyes narrowing as I approached. "Elder Ye Qing. Didn't expect to see you so soon after your… misfortune."
So even he had heard the rumors.
I ignored the comment and glanced at the weapons. "I need something better than this." I tapped the iron sword on the counter.
The blacksmith chuckled. "You're not high enough in rank to access the Divine Armory, but I do have something for those willing to prove themselves."
He gestured to a set of sealed weapon racks at the back. "The special weapons are available, but only if you pass the test."
I raised an eyebrow. "What test?"
Ding!
[Side Quest Activated: Trial of the Blacksmith]
Complete the blacksmith's trial to gain access to higher-grade weapons.
Reward: Hidden Blade of the Night (A weapon with stealth properties).
Interesting.
"What's the trial?" I asked.
The blacksmith smirked. "Defeat one of my combat puppets using only your fists. No weapons. No Qi techniques."
Han Min immediately whispered, "Brother Ye, that's dangerous. The combat puppets are designed to fight at peak human strength."
I exhaled. A test of pure skill?
Perfect.
I needed to see just how far my system-enhanced body had improved.
"I accept," I said, stepping forward.
The blacksmith grinned and pulled a lever. The ground rumbled, and from a hidden compartment, a metallic humanoid puppet rose. It was shaped like a martial artist, its limbs thick with reinforced plating.
"Let's see if you're worthy," the blacksmith said.
The puppet's eyes glowed red, and it charged.
I smiled.
Ding!
[New Combat Mode Activated: Martial Arts Simulation]
[Assessing opponent… Adjusting reflexes… Enhancing muscle memory…]
I stepped forward—and the fight begin...