Peeking her head out from behind the fabric curtain of her boudoir upon hearing the unusual noise outside, Jinbo asked, "Star Kid, when did you become a nouveau riche?" She was utterly stunned when she finally saw my not-quite-complete ZUMA set.

"What nouveau riche!" I deliberately flexed my not-so-burly frame, boasting, "I've had this stuff for ages; I just hadn't bothered bringing it before." Of course, I couldn't tell her that this gear had been stripped from the corpses of the Red Moon masters of the Divine Moon Palace who had fallen in battle.

"Oh! I didn't realize you were one to keep your wealth hidden! Do you happen to have any ZUMA gear for a Mage?" Jinbo asked, surprised.

"Nope!" I replied flatly. It wasn't stinginess, but I figured that for a mere squirt of a warrior like me to possess a full set of ZUMA gear was astonishing enough. If I were to pull out ZUMA gear for a Mage or a Taoist as well, considering the melee at the exit, even a fool could guess where I got this equipment. I certainly didn't want to invite trouble upon myself.

"Stingy!" Jinbo scoffed, yet her gaze held deep confusion. "You weren't wearing it before, but now you are. Boy, don't tell me you’ve already advanced to a Red Moon Warrior."

"Is that not allowed?" I countered.

"No way! I remember you only joined the Evil Faction a year ago. Have you really mastered the Blazing Sword Art in just this short time?" Jinbo stared at me with a look of utter disbelief.

"That's right." To be honest, seeing Jinbo so shocked gave me a real sense of pride.

"Heavens above, only a year and a half!" Jinbo was stunned into silence. "Another Longyuan Feixue is born." she muttered to herself.

"Longyuan Feixue!" I was somewhat bewildered. What did mastering the Blazing Sword Art have to do with this Longyuan Feixue?

"That!" Jinbo, for once, regained a semblance of normalcy. "How old are you?"

"In another half a year, I'll turn sixteen." My birthday is easy to remember; it falls around the time of Lesser Fullness every year.

"So you're only fifteen and a half right now!" Jinbo exclaimed in horror.

"Mm!" I nodded subconsciously. "Is something wrong?" Jinbo's uncharacteristic behavior made me feel a bit uneasy. Did this woman have some sort of mental issue?

"God! Only fifteen and a half!" Jinbo completely lost it, sputtering incoherently. "You, you absolute wretch, you’re even worse than that Longyuan Feixue!"

"Ha! I'm a wretch!" Jinbo's reaction completely confused me. Had this woman gone mad?

"Um!" I waited until Jinbo had calmed down somewhat before cautiously asking, "Are you alright?"

"Mm!" Jinbo fixed me with a grim stare. "I'm fine. Better than fine now."

"........" Gazing into Jinbo's dark eyes made me somewhat timid. "I! I don't think I've offended you, have I?"

"No!" Jinbo’s reply was surprisingly terse, leaving me even more bewildered.

"That’s good, that’s good!" I quickly plastered on a smile. Today’s Jinbo was truly bizarre, so I decided to leave her alone for now. Still, I couldn't help wondering who this Longyuan Feixue was, and why Jinbo said I was even worse than him.

"Um, I was wondering, who is Longyuan Feixue?" I asked carefully, fearful of any further erratic behavior from Jinbo.

"What! You don't even know who Longyuan Feixue is?" Jinbo seemed on the verge of another outburst.

"Don't! Don't get agitated!" I quickly tried to smooth things over. "If you don't want to talk about it, forget it."

"Sigh! I’m utterly defeated by you." Jinbo finally calmed down. To be a Ranger and not know the famous Longyuan Feixue—it seemed only you in the entire world would be such a person!" Jinbo continued. "However, only you would have the right to say that line."

"........" These were all followers, weren't they? The more Jinbo spoke, the more confused I became. Was this Longyuan Feixue really that famous? Why was there absolutely no mention of him in the Ranger’s Handbook? I carefully flipped through the Ranger’s Handbook in my hand, trying to find any reference to Longyuan Feixue.

"Enough, stop looking! He's not in there!" Jinbo’s expression was complex. "But you just need to remember these few lines." Jinbo then recited: "Longyuan sees Feixue, Eagle Zhen is Arrogant Man, Bear Ba Shakes the World, Tiger Howl Leaves the Wilds!"

"Longyuan Sees Feixue!" I murmured to myself. "Sounds like a truly formidable master."

"Sounds like it? He's the number one among the Ten Young Experts on the continent right now!" Jinbo retorted sharply.

"The top one among the Ten Young Experts?" I was a little shocked. "How powerful is he?" After thinking it over, I asked, "How big is the gap between him and Chi Jiao and Yan Luo?"

"Chi Jiao and Yan Luo?" Jinbo mused. "They are both quite formidable, actually." Jinbo seemed to recall something and added, "They both made it into the top one hundred young experts on the Fama Newcomer Rankings. Yan Luo is ranked eighty-three, and Chi Jiao is eighty-nine." After saying this, Jinbo looked at me strangely. "But those two are absolutely no match for Longyuan Feixue; the gap is too vast. Even a hundred Yan Luos and Chi Jiaos combined wouldn't be Longyuan Feixue's opponent!"

"What? Has Longyuan Feixue already surpassed the Red Moon level?" I gasped in horror.

"Not quite, but he's not far off," Jinbo said seriously. "Don't assume that once a Ranger cultivates to the Red Moon level, they've reached the end."

"........." I stood there dumbfounded. "How is that possible? As far as I know, the Red Moon level is the highest rank a Ranger can achieve. Once you reach the Red Moon level, there's virtually no further progress possible."

"What you said is mostly correct, but not entirely accurate," Jinbo explained. "It's true that one’s strength cultivation usually stalls at the Red Moon level, but that's just the common view. In the eyes of those top masters, the Red Moon level only signifies a skill tier, much like how Red Moon Warriors at this level can only learn the Blazing Sword Art." Jinbo continued to elaborate. "But even among warriors who have both mastered the Blazing Sword Art, there are still differences in strength. This comes from the integrated application of Power, Technique, and Speed. The so-called Red Moon level merely grants them the same level of Battle Qi energy and the basic skill—the Blazing Sword Art. As for how well they utilize these techniques, that depends on their individual cultivation. Those who use it well can naturally become masters among Red Moon Warriors, while those who use it poorly merely rely on brute force to bully those with lower Battle Qi levels. Against a master of the same rank, it’s a guaranteed death sentence."

"........." I was stunned. This was exactly what I had envisioned! The trinity of Speed, Power, and Technique combined was the most perfect state.

"Of course, many people understand this principle, but very few actually manage to achieve anything remarkable in this area!" Jinbo continued. "And those who have achieved astonishing success in this regard are the ten known as the Ten Young Experts—Rangers under thirty years old. The four top masters ranked at the very front are the prime examples."

"............." I stared at Jinbo in astonishment. "Can the difference between those of the same rank truly be this vast?"

"It is true!" Jinbo’s expression grew solemn. "The achievements these four have reached are no accident. They have endured hardships and efforts unimaginable to ordinary people to forge their unique technical characteristics in their respective domains."

"Technical characteristics! Style!"

"Precisely." Jinbo nodded. "It can be said that their understanding of martial arts has reached the Grandmaster level. Among them, Eagle Zhen Kuangren of the Eagle Zhen Sect specializes in the word 'Speed.' His swordsmanship is incomparably fast; it’s difficult to find anyone in the world whose sword style is faster than his." Jinbo went on. "It is rumored that Eagle Zhen Kuangren can strike over twenty times in an instant! Simultaneously attacking twenty different points on a person's body! His sword is not only fast, but incredibly precise."

Heavens! Over twenty strikes? I was horrified. "Is he even human?"

"Heh, didn't expect that, but it's the truth." Jinbo continued. "Then there is Xiong Ba Tianxia of the Bear Ba Sect, whose specialty is 'Thickness.' Although his speed isn't fast, the intensity of his Battle Qi is his most terrifying killing move. It can be said that among all Red Moon Warriors, his Battle Qi cultivation is the highest; no one can break through his protective Battle Qi, not even Eagle Zhen Kuangren!" Jinbo added. "Of course, if that were all, Xiong Ba Tianxia wouldn't be much, but his other ultimate technique, the Spiral Battle Qi Field, is a terrifying move that many opponents cannot decipher. It is said that Xiong Ba Tianxia’s externalized Battle Qi has reached a state of astonishing spontaneity. He can control his Battle Qi to deploy a Battle Qi vortex with an incredibly high energy density within a twenty-meter radius of his body. Any opponent entering this range simply cannot move freely. Even if you are incredibly fast or skilled, facing such a Battle Qi vortex renders free movement impossible—how could you possibly defeat him?"

".........." I murmured to myself. "Facing an opponent like that, even the fastest sword or the most exquisite technique is useless."

"And then there's Hu Xiao Shanye of the Tiger Howl Sect!" Jinbo said in a deep voice. "Hu Xiao Shanye has mastered the ultimate Tiger Howl technique of his sect. If he unleashes a mighty roar, the sound is a top-tier sonic attack that absolutely no one can resist. Those nearby have their internal organs instantly pulverized. It is said that the Tiger Howl is derived from the royal family's secret manual, the Lion's Roar, and its power is no less than that technique."

Goodness, even that works? Just one roar has such terrifying power. My mind was nearly crashing. What kind of monsters are these people? Each one more formidable than the last!

"But the combined might of these three is still no match for Longyuan Feixue!" Jinbo seemed intent on dropping bombshells.

"What! Longyuan Feixue is even stronger than the three of them combined?" I was aghast. "What kind of monster is this Longyuan Feixue?"

"Yes!" Jinbo stated gravely. "This Longyuan Feixue surpasses all three of them in speed, technique, power, and Battle Qi cultivation. However, very few people have ever seen her act. Rumor has it that even Eagle Zhen Kuangren, Hu Xiao Shanye, and Xiong Ba Tianxia fighting together might not be her match!"

"..............." Heavens, what is this Longyuan Feixue, some kind of super-monster?

"Well, I assume they are indeed very strong!" I said with some doubt. "But what does this have to do with me mastering the Blazing Sword Art?"

"The connection!" Jinbo muttered. "The connection is huge."

"Ah!" I was startled, completely unable to grasp Jinbo's meaning.

"Did you know that these four universally acknowledged geniuses share one common trait!" Jinbo said.

"A common trait!" I murmured, perhaps beginning to understand. "Are you saying this common trait is the Blazing Sword Art?"

"Correct." Jinbo confirmed. "All four of them comprehended the Blazing Sword Art before the age of twenty. Eagle Zhen Kuangren mastered it when he was nineteen. Hu Xiao Shanye mastered it at eighteen, and Xiong Ba Tianxia achieved it at seventeen. As for Longyuan Feixue, she mastered the Blazing Sword Art when she was only sixteen." Jinbo glanced at me subconsciously as she spoke. "From this, you can see that the earlier one masters the Blazing Sword Art, the higher their future cultivation potential will be. Throughout the ages, the number of people who mastered the Blazing Sword Art before turning twenty is less than a hundred, and every single one of them became a genius of their era without exception. Now do you understand what it means for you to master the Blazing Sword Art at such a young age?"

"Impossible! Am I a genius?" I was somewhat stunned. How could that be? I was quite clear about my own abilities. I might have a little cleverness and a few tricks, but that was absolutely nowhere near the title of 'genius.'

"Heh! You could say that!" Jinbo chuckled lightly. "But you must work hard, or it would be a terrible waste if such great potential is buried due to laziness."

"Alright, I’ve told you so many stories in one go, I’m tired!" Jinbo said before retreating back into her boudoir.

"Mm! Thank you!" I nodded subconsciously.

In truth, I didn't dwell too much on whether I could be called a genius. Instead, Jinbo's words gave me a general idea for my future cultivation. It seemed my initial conception back when I was in the Eastern Layer of the dungeon could indeed be realized. Skill cultivation had indeed become very difficult to break through, but the methods of utilizing those skills were endlessly variable. As long as one integrated their own unique style, one could completely form their own distinctive technical style, couldn't they? But what path should I take going forward?

My own style and characteristics? I involuntarily reached for the dueling sword hanging at my right shoulder. It seemed a fast sword style would always be my foremost option. However, I didn't intend to reach the monstrous level of Eagle Zhen Kuangren. After all, my goal was to defeat the Red Moon Demon, or to earn enough gold coins to buy the Red Moon Demon's bile to treat my mother's throat. Therefore, I wasn't someone obsessively or fanatically pursuing the Martial Dao. As long as I could cure my mother's throat, I really couldn't care less about practicing martial arts. As for what I would do after that, I hadn't thought that far ahead, though I definitely needed to investigate the ruins that inexplicably brought me here.

Of course, all of that had to wait until my mother was cured. For now, the priority was figuring out how to rapidly increase my own strength.

Eagle Zhen Kuangren, huh? Since someone has already paved the way and achieved astonishing success, perhaps I should pay a visit to this pioneer?

To be honest, I am a very lazy person, and I adhere to the philosophy of 'borrowing ideas.' By 'borrowing ideas,' I naturally mean utilizing things that others have already created for my own use! This so-called laziness only applies to tasks that consume too much brainpower. Intellectual labor, especially the contemplation required for something akin to founding a school of martial arts, gives me a headache. In contrast, simple monster grinding and cultivation suits my temperament better, which is why I could master the Blazing Sword Art in a relatively short time. However, I am well aware that with my current understanding of the Martial Dao, it would be difficult for me to carve out any astonishing techniques on my own, though I've never actually had that ambition.

If I can escape this perilous situation, the next step will be to visit this Eagle Zhen Kuangren.

With a clear direction in mind, my entire demeanor relaxed. I immediately stood up, stretched my limbs slightly, and instantly, the surging Battle Qi energy within me felt like continuously churning volcanic magma, wanting to burst out of my body.

Damn it, this feeling is exhilarating! The only frustrating thing is that I have all this power but no good way to vent it.

Wooooo...

Just as I was feeling frustrated, a series of urgent wind chimes suddenly rang out.

Ah, it’s the alarm bell for predictive magic! Trouble!

Whoosh! Jinbo also rapidly pulled back her boudoir curtain and rushed out. We anxiously stared at the southeast direction from which the wind chimes signaled the warning. Before long, we saw four figures rapidly approaching not far ahead.

"Ah! It's Big Dumb Bull and Jinbi!" Jinbo exclaimed, overjoyed.

But I felt no such excitement, because trailing behind them was a huge crowd of members from the Raging Dragon Gang—roughly fifty people, if I counted correctly. The figures leading the charge, including Jinniu, were all wounded and looked utterly disheveled, yet they still ran for their lives. The bearded warrior named Jinniu seemed to be carrying someone on his back!

Countless spells and Soul Fire Talismans rained down behind them like a fierce storm. The five people fleeing desperately shielded Jinniu in the center, running while simultaneously blocking the attacks from the dozens of pursuers behind them.

"Roar! Dammit, how dare they hurt Jinniu and the others! These bastards all deserve to die!" The beautiful Jinbo had completely exploded with rage. She immediately darted out of the cave entrance toward the rapidly approaching group.

"Lightning Bolt!" From a distance, Jinbo instantly unleashed a Lightning Bolt. This was the most powerful area-of-effect spell a high-level Mage like Jinbo could cast.

"Ah! Roar!" The dozens of pursuers were completely unprepared for the sudden ambush. The first three warriors struck were instantly thrown backward by the electric shock, crashing heavily to the ground.

Good heavens, what terrifying magic! I was greatly startled. I had long witnessed Jinbo’s magical power; it was terrifying among Mages of the same rank.

I estimated those three struck by lightning were likely beyond saving. But I couldn't feel happy at all.

This woman was far too reckless. There were dozens of enemies, yet she dared to jump out alone to seek death. Worse yet, her appearance had exposed the cave where I was hiding. Although I desperately wanted to save Jinbo's companions, the enemy numbers were overwhelming, and I didn't know if any Red Moon level masters were among them. Rushing in rashly would only put myself in danger. After careful consideration, I decided against intervening immediately. Besides, if I were to save anyone, I needed to choose a better time for an ambush.

Now look at this—this idiotic woman just grandly rushed out and openly attacked the dozens of pursuers. Wasn't she asking for death? And she dragged me into it!

"Ah!" The sudden turn of events threw the pursuers' formation into chaos.

Jinniu and the others also noticed Jinbo suddenly appearing. While overjoyed, they knew this wasn't the time to celebrate. "Jinbo, run! You can't hold them off!"

"You guys run!" Jinbo gritted her teeth and unleashed another Lightning Bolt. "I'll hold them off for a while."

"Silly girl! Run now, it's useless!" A tall Mage rapidly approaching reached out, grabbed Jinbo, and dragged her, continuing the retreat towards the stone cave where I was hiding.