The Limit Dojo's Zhi-An region branch was buzzing with activity that morning. Word of the quasi-warrior assessment had spread fast—especially the shocking results of the Luo twins. Instructors, students, and even casual trainees had heard the whispers.
> "They say both brothers crushed the exam. Their speed was already above the warrior threshold!"
"No kidding? Most people train for years just to pass one test…"
"They're not called the Evil Twins for nothing. One's calm like ice, the other burns like fire."
The dojo plaza was crowded with trainees when Luo Feng and Luo Zheng arrived. Their presence drew countless glances. Some were awed, others envious, and a few downright hostile.
The twins didn't react. Dressed in simple training uniforms, their eyes sharp and steady, they carried themselves with the calm assurance of those who had already touched greatness.
At the front, Instructor Jiang Nian stood with hands behind his back. He looked over the group, then his gaze lingered on the brothers. His lips curved into the faintest smile.
"Today," he began, his voice carrying over the murmurs, "you've all taken the first step. Passing the quasi-warrior test proves your talent and determination. But becoming a true warrior—stepping into the ranks of Earth's strongest defenders—requires much more than raw strength."
He raised a long alloy blade. Its gleaming edge caught the morning light.
"This is the foundation of your path: the Basic 18 Forms. Do not underestimate it. Every master, every warrior, no matter how dazzling their achievements, has started here. It is the root of all blade techniques in the Limit Dojo. Master this, and you will walk farther than ninety percent of mankind."
The students straightened. Many already knew of the Basic 18 Forms, but hearing Jiang Nian's solemn tone gave the moment weight.
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The First Training Session
The dojo's training hall was a vast space with polished alloy flooring, lined with racks of standard blades.
"Choose your weapon," Jiang Nian instructed.
The students stepped forward, each selecting a training blade. Luo Feng and Luo Zheng moved with the crowd, each picking a standard alloy saber. Both resisted the urge to call out their SS-grade twin sabers—such treasures were to remain hidden until the right moment.
Jiang Nian demonstrated the first form. His blade moved slowly, each motion deliberate, cutting through the air with the weight of decades of mastery.
"Form One—Downward Slash. Watch the flow of strength. It is not the arm alone, but the coordination of waist, legs, and breath. Power begins from the ground, rises through the body, and falls through the blade."
He repeated the motion three times, then stepped back.
"Now, try."
The hall filled with the sound of steel cutting air. Blades rose and fell. Some students' movements were stiff, others sloppy.
Luo Feng's eyes shone. He replayed Jiang Nian's movement in his mind, breaking it down into lines and angles. His spiritual energy sharpened his focus.
Power from the ground… waist rotation… breath release…
He swung. His blade descended with surprising fluidity for a beginner. Jiang Nian's brows lifted slightly.
Nearby, Luo Zheng mirrored the motion. His strike was crisp, precise, almost identical to Jiang Nian's demonstration. But unlike his brother, he deliberately held back a fraction of his speed, making it look slightly less perfect.
Inside, however, he was thinking of something else.
System, run comparative analysis.
A cold voice echoed in his mind:
> [Analysis Complete. Deviation from Instructor's demonstration: 0.02%. Efficiency: 99.8%.]
Luo Zheng allowed himself a faint smile.
---
Whispers in the Hall
As the session continued, the differences between the twins and the others became glaring.
Most students struggled with coordinating their movements. Their slashes wobbled, lacked force, or exhausted them quickly.
But Luo Feng's blade was growing smoother with each repetition, as though his body naturally understood the technique. And Luo Zheng's every strike was steady as a heartbeat, flawless in execution.
The whispers began again.
> "Did you see that? They've only just started, but it's like they've been practicing for months!"
"Monsters… absolute monsters."
"Twin demons, I tell you. One slash from them and I'd probably drop dead."
Some eyes glowed with admiration. Others darkened with envy.
---
Luo Feng's Spark
After a short break, Jiang Nian had the students practice continuously. Sweat filled the hall, the sound of blades slicing air like a rhythmic drumbeat.
Luo Feng's movements became faster, sharper. His mind worked furiously, dissecting each mistake, correcting in real-time.
It's not just the arm. The breath aligns with the waist… no, shift my weight here, release there—
Suddenly, his blade descended with a sound like splitting wind. The motion was smooth, powerful, flawless.
Jiang Nian's eyes widened.
"This…" He muttered under his breath. "Already? On the very first day?"
Gasps spread through the hall.
> "Did you see that slash?!"
"He's already mastered the first form?"
"This is insane. I've been training half a year and I'm not even close."
Luo Feng didn't notice their stares. His face was flushed, eyes blazing with excitement. I can feel it… the path opening before me.
---
Luo Zheng's Shadowed Brilliance
Beside him, Luo Zheng's blade rose and fell with perfect rhythm. His technique wasn't just good—it was flawless. Yet he deliberately kept it a step behind Luo Feng, making it seem as though he were simply matching his brother's pace.
Only Luo Feng noticed how unnaturally steady his twin's strikes were. But he didn't question it. To him, it was natural—his brother was just as much a genius as himself.
Inside, Luo Zheng's system flickered:
> [Progress: Basic 18 Forms, Stage 1 mastery achieved.]
[Thunder Void Blades: 17% comprehension, approaching first state.]
He exhaled softly. Not yet. I'll wait until we're back at the villa to push further.
---
Jealousy and Awe
As the days passed, the twins' progress shocked the dojo. What took most students weeks or months, they achieved in mere days.
By the end of the first week, Luo Feng had fully mastered the first three forms, moving with fluid precision. Luo Zheng matched him exactly, as though they were mirrors.
Whispers grew into open talk.
> "Evil Twins… they're not human."
"No, geniuses. Once-in-a-generation geniuses."
"If Hong or Thunder God hear of them, they'll be snatched up immediately."
Even instructors whispered to one another in astonishment. Reports were already being sent to higher levels of the Limit Dojo.
---
Foreshadowing the Breakthrough
One evening after training, Luo Feng stayed behind, blade in hand. He practiced alone, sweat dripping, his movements faster and sharper than ever.
But suddenly—he stopped. His slash faltered. He frowned.
There's something missing. I can feel it… I'm close, but something's blocking me.
From the doorway, Luo Zheng watched quietly. He recognized the look on his brother's face. A bottleneck.
Not yet, he thought. When the time is right, I'll help you cross it.
The system chimed softly in his mind:
> [System Mission Updated: Aid your brother in achieving mastery. Reward: Comprehension Card Lv.2.]
Luo Zheng's lips curved faintly.
Perfect. It's all falling into place.
---
The Dojo Master's Visit
A week later, the dojo's regional headmaster himself came to observe. He stood at the back, arms folded, as the students practiced.
When his gaze fell on the twins, his eyes narrowed. Their movements were too sharp, too refined for novices. When Luo Feng executed the third form flawlessly, the master's brows shot up. When Luo Zheng followed with an equally perfect motion, his expression turned grave.
He leaned toward Jiang Nian. "You were right. These two… their talent is terrifying. If they survive long enough, they'll stand at the very peak of Earth."
Jiang Nian said nothing, only watched his students with pride.
In the training hall, the twins exchanged a glance. Their blades rose and fell in perfect unison, as if two parts of the same soul.
The whispers grew louder. Respect. Fear. Envy. Admiration.
And thus, the legend of the Twin Geniuses of the Dojo began to spread across the region.
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