Dawn broke over Luocheng, dyeing the sky a pale gold.
In the small courtyard, Han Yang stood with his hands behind his back, gazing at the eastern horizon. The morning breeze ruffled his black robe, and the rising sun cast a long shadow behind him.
Chen Qiaoqian stood quietly at his side, her delicate hand gently holding his sleeve. Though her eyes were still red from last night's tears, they now shone with determination.
"Brother Yang, must we really leave Luocheng today?"
Her voice was soft, but it carried reluctance.
Han Yang turned, his deep eyes softening as they met hers.
"Qiaoqian, Luocheng is too small. The Spirit Gathering Pill was only enough to push me to the peak of Bone Forging. If I want the second revolution of the Stars Technique, I need greater resources—and greater battles."
He paused, then smiled faintly.
"Besides, the Chen family's old dogs are still lurking in the shadows, and the City Lord's Mansion will not swallow last night's humiliation quietly. Staying here will only bring you danger."
Chen Qiaoqian bit her lip and nodded.
"I understand. Wherever you go, I will follow."
Han Yang gently stroked her hair.
"Good. Pack light. We leave before the city gates open."
---
An hour later.
The eastern gate of Luocheng.
The heavy iron gates had just creaked open when two figures walked out side by side.
Han Yang wore a simple black robe, a long sword slung across his back—the only weapon he had taken from the Li family's treasury.
Chen Qiaoqian had changed into a pale blue traveling dress, a veil covering her face. Though it hid her beauty, it could not conceal her graceful bearing.
Behind them, Luocheng's walls grew smaller and smaller.
No one noticed that, atop the city tower, City Lord Lu Potian watched them leave with a complicated expression.
"Senior Han… the Imperial City is a dragon's pool and a tiger's den. I hope you return alive."
He muttered to himself, then turned and disappeared into the shadows.
---
The official road stretched north, flanked by dense forests and rolling hills.
Han Yang and Chen Qiaoqian walked unhurriedly. With his peak Bone Forging strength, a thousand li a day was child's play, but he did not wish to exhaust Qiaoqian.
"Brother Yang, where exactly are we going?"
Chen Qiaoqian asked while adjusting the bundle on her back.
"Tianwu Imperial City."
Han Yang's answer was calm, but it carried a weight that made the air tremble.
Chen Qiaoqian's beautiful eyes widened.
"The Imperial City? That's the heart of the Tianwu Empire! They say even Yuan Dan experts are as common as clouds there…"
Han Yang smiled faintly.
"Exactly. Only there can I find the resources to complete the second revolution—and the enemies worthy of tempering me."
He did not mention that, in his first life, he had once stood at the peak of the Imperial City, sword in hand, looking down upon the world.
Some memories were too heavy; he would reveal them when the time was right.
---
Noon.
The two had entered a stretch of primeval forest known as Black Wind Ridge—a notorious haven for bandits.
Suddenly, a sharp whistle pierced the air.
Dozens of figures leaped from the trees, surrounding them in a practiced formation.
The leader was a scar-faced man with a massive saber, his aura at the early stage of Spirit Gathering.
"Little beauty, leave the girl, take the trash and scram!"
The scar-faced man licked his lips, eyes gleaming with greed as they fixed on Chen Qiaoqian.
Chen Qiaoqian instinctively stepped closer to Han Yang.
Han Yang's expression remained unchanged.
"Black Wind Bandits? Your reputation precedes you."
The scar-faced man laughed arrogantly.
"Kid, you have eyes! Hand over the girl and all your valuables, and I'll grant you a quick death!"
Han Yang shook his head.
"I'm in a hurry. You have three breaths to disappear."
"Arrogant!"
The scar-faced man roared, swinging his saber in a blazing arc toward Han Yang's head.
Early Spirit Gathering strike—enough to split a boulder!
Han Yang did not dodge.
He raised one finger.
Ding!
A clear ring.
The saber stopped an inch from his forehead, unable to advance.
The scar-faced man's eyes bulged.
Han Yang's finger gently tapped the blade.
Crack!
The saber shattered into a dozen pieces.
Then, his finger continued forward, lightly touching the scar-faced man's forehead.
Bang!
The scar-faced man's head exploded like a ripe melon. His headless body swayed twice before collapsing.
One finger, instant kill!
The surrounding bandits froze, terror in their eyes.
"Devil… he's a devil!"
"Run!"
Panic erupted. The bandits scattered like startled birds.
But Han Yang had already moved.
His figure blurred, leaving afterimages.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Muffled thuds rang out one after another.
In less than ten breaths, all forty-seven bandits lay dead on the forest floor, their bodies twisted at impossible angles.
Han Yang returned to Chen Qiaoqian's side, calmly wiping a speck of blood from his sleeve.
"Let's go. We've wasted enough time."
Chen Qiaoqian stared at the carnage, then at Han Yang's serene face. Her heart raced.
"Brother Yang… you're becoming stronger again."
Han Yang smiled but said nothing.
The Nine Revolutions of the Stars Technique silently operated, devouring the faint life essence from the corpses. Though meager, every bit helped.
---
Three days later.
A towering city appeared on the horizon—its walls a hundred meters high, guarded by soldiers in silver armor.
Tianwu Imperial City!
Even from dozens of li away, its oppressive aura pressed down like a mountain.
Han Yang stopped, gazing at the distant walls.
"We're here."
Chen Qiaoqian took a deep breath, gripping his hand tighter.
"Brother Yang, what do we do first?"
"First, we need a place to stay. Then…"
Han Yang's eyes flashed with star-like brilliance.
"I'll register at the Heavenly Martial Academy."
Chen Qiaoqian was stunned.
"The Heavenly Martial Academy? That's the empire's top academy! They say only geniuses under twenty with Spirit Gathering cultivation or above can enter!"
Han Yang chuckled.
"Qiaoqian, don't worry. Three days from now is their annual entrance trial."
"I will enter—and I will take the championship."
His tone was calm, yet it carried absolute confidence.
Chen Qiaoqian's eyes sparkled with adoration.
"Mm! I believe in you!"
---
Imperial City, eastern district.
A modest inn.
Han Yang booked a quiet courtyard. After settling Chen Qiaoqian, he sat cross-legged on the roof, bathing in moonlight.
The Nine Revolutions of the Stars Technique revolved slowly.
Starlight descended like silver threads, merging into his body.
His aura climbed steadily.
Peak Bone Forging… half-step Spirit Gathering… early Spirit Gathering!
Mid Spirit Gathering!
Late Spirit Gathering!
Peak Spirit Gathering!
Only one step from Yuan Dan!
But here, the bottleneck appeared.
The second revolution required not just spiritual energy, but a catalyst—a Heavenly Material or Earthly Treasure of extreme yang or yin attribute.
Han Yang opened his eyes, murmuring:
"Fire Spirit Crystal… or Ice Soul Jade…"
"Looks like the academy's treasure vault will be my first target."
---
The next morning.
Imperial City, central square.
A massive stone tablet stood erect, inscribed with golden characters:
**Heavenly Martial Academy Entrance Trial — Three Days Hence**
**Age Limit: Under 20**
**Cultivation Limit: None**
**Reward: Champion enters the Inner Academy + One Treasure from the Vault**
Countless young geniuses gathered, eyes burning with ambition.
Han Yang stood at the edge of the crowd, Chen Qiaoqian beside him.
Suddenly, a mocking voice sounded.
"Well, well, isn't this the Chen family's useless son-in-law?"
A youth in embroidered robes approached, flanked by two guards.
Chen Hao—the Chen family's so-called genius, early Spirit Gathering at nineteen years old.
Behind him, several Chen family members glared at Han Yang with venom.
Han Yang glanced at them indifferently.
"Chen Hao, you escaped Luocheng?"
Chen Hao sneered.
"Escape? The Chen family has already pledged allegiance to the City Lord's Mansion. Han Yang, you're the one who should be running!"
He leaned closer, voice dripping with malice.
"Three days. The trial. I will personally cripple you in front of the entire Imperial City."
"Let the world see what happens to trash who overestimates himself!"
Han Yang smiled faintly.
"Good. I'll be waiting."
Chen Hao spat, then turned and left.
Chen Qiaoqian worriedly tugged Han Yang's sleeve.
"Brother Yang, Chen Hao has the City Lord's Mansion backing him. He might…"
Han Yang gently patted her hand.
"Three days is enough."
"Enough for what?"
Chen Qiaoqian blinked.
Han Yang looked toward the academy's distant spires, eyes cold.
"Enough to make the entire Imperial City… remember my name."
---
Night.
Imperial City, black market.
Han Yang wore a black cloak, moving like a shadow.
He stopped before a hidden stall.
An old woman with a hunched back looked up, her cloudy eyes sharpening.
"Fire Spirit Crystal. One hundred thousand spirit stones."
Han Yang placed a storage ring on the counter.
"Two hundred thousand. Plus a favor from me in the future."
The old woman's eyes flashed.
"Deal."
A fist-sized crimson crystal appeared in Han Yang's hand, pulsing with terrifying heat.
Fire Spirit Crystal—perfect yang attribute, exactly what the second revolution needed!
Han Yang turned and vanished into the night.
---
Inn courtyard.
Chen Qiaoqian had fallen asleep.
Han Yang sat cross-legged beneath the moon, the Fire Spirit Crystal floating before him.
The Nine Revolutions of the Stars Technique operated at full power.
Boom!
The crystal shattered, transforming into a torrent of pure yang energy that surged into his body.
His aura exploded.
Peak Spirit Gathering…
Half-step Yuan Dan…
Early Yuan Dan!
Mid Yuan Dan!
The yang energy fused with his flesh, bones, and meridians, forging them anew.
Crackling sounds echoed as his bones realigned, his muscles condensed, and his meridians widened.
The second revolution—Bone Forging—began!
Starlight and firelight intertwined, illuminating the entire courtyard.
Chen Qiaoqian woke up, staring in awe.
"Brother Yang…"
Han Yang opened his eyes, twin stars blazing within.
He gently smiled.
"Qiaoqian, tomorrow… we'll go watch a show."
---
The next day.
Heavenly Martial Academy, trial arena.
Tens of thousands of spectators filled the stands.
The emperor's envoy, academy elders, and noble clan heads sat in the VIP section.
Chen Hao stood on the registration platform, smirking as he spotted Han Yang in the crowd.
"Han Yang, you really dare to come?"
Han Yang stepped forward, voice calm.
"I said I'd take the championship."
Chen Hao laughed maniacally.
"Then let's make a bet! If you lose, kneel and call me grandfather three times!"
Han Yang nodded.
"And if you lose?"
Chen Hao sneered.
"I lose? Impossible! But fine—if I lose, I'll call you grandfather!"
The crowd roared with laughter.
A peak Spirit Gathering genius versus a "crippled" Body Tempering trash?
This wasn't a bet; it was humiliation!
The academy elder frowned but said nothing.
The trial began.
First round—Illusion Array.
Second round—Pressure Steps.
Third round—Combat Arena.
Han Yang breezed through the first two, his aura concealed, appearing ordinary.
The crowd jeered.
"Trash really is trash!"
Only Chen Qiaoqian smiled quietly.
She knew—the storm was coming.
---
Final round.
Combat arena.
Chen Hao leaped onto the stage, early Yuan Dan aura erupting.
Across from him, Han Yang stepped up calmly.
The referee announced:
"Begin!"
Chen Hao roared, a fiery tiger manifestation condensing behind him.
"Blazing Tiger Fist!"
The temperature soared; the arena stone cracked.
Han Yang stood unmoving.
Then—he raised one finger.
Whoosh!
A beam of starlight shot out, piercing the fiery tiger and continuing toward Chen Hao's chest.
Chen Hao's eyes widened in terror.
"No—"
Bang!
The starlight penetrated his dantian.
Chen Hao flew off the stage, blood spraying, dantian shattered.
One finger, instant defeat!
The entire arena fell deathly silent.
Then—
"Han Yang!"
"Han Yang!"
The crowd erupted into thunderous cheers.
The academy elders stood up in shock.
The emperor's envoy's eyes gleamed.
Han Yang turned, smiling at the stunned Chen Hao.
"Grandson, call me grandfather."
Chen Hao's face twisted in humiliation, but under countless gazes, he could only choke out:
"G-grandfather…"
Han Yang nodded, then looked toward the VIP section.
His voice rang across the arena:
"Heavenly Martial Academy, Inner Academy spot—mine."
"Treasure vault—open it."
The elder in charge trembled, then bowed deeply.
"Yes, Senior Han!"
---
That night.
Academy treasure vault.
Han Yang selected three treasures:
- Ice Soul Jade (yin catalyst for third revolution)
- Dragon Blood Grass (body tempering)
- A broken jade slip emitting ancient aura
He crushed the Ice Soul Jade on the spot.
Boom!
Yin and yang energies collided within him.
The third revolution—Spirit Gathering—began!
Starlight swirled, forming a vortex above his head.
His aura skyrocketed.
Peak Yuan Dan…
Half-step Heavenly Spirit…
Early Heavenly Spirit!
The vault guards knelt in awe.
Outside, Chen Qiaoqian waited quietly.
When Han Yang emerged, his black robe fluttered without wind, starlight dancing in his eyes.
"Qiaoqian."
He extended his hand.
"Let's go home."
Chen Qiaoqian smiled radiantly.
"Mm. Wherever you are, that's home."
Behind them, the Imperial City's night sky was ablaze with fireworks.
But no one knew—
This was only the beginning.
The God of War's legend had just ignited its first spark.