When Zhao Mu saw the prompt from the Demon Clown, realization struck him instantly.
The key to controlling the Ember Remains lay in one crucial factor—
Synchronization Rate.
More precisely, the synchronization rate between himself and the Ember Remains.
At present, his synchronization with the silver sword was only 5%.
And yet—
Even at this low level, Zhao Mu could clearly feel something extraordinary.
If he poured Spiritual Power into the blade and swung it, the resulting force would far exceed the destructive power it had displayed back in Golden Elephant City.
And that was only five percent.
Zhao Mu's eyes flickered with excitement.
"Right… according to the Ember Remains Compendium, this silver sword was forged from the bone remains of a Silver Wolf."
"An adult Silver Wolf could reach nearly 1000 Combat Level… with a Third-Tier Sharp Edge rating."
"If I can raise the synchronization rate to 100%…"
"And supply enough Spiritual Power…"
"Then I'll be able to unleash attacks at the Sharp Edge level!"
His breathing quickened slightly.
There was no doubt about it.
This weapon—
Was a trump card.
A terrifying one.
The Need for a Private Space
However, Zhao Mu quickly realized a problem.
The Training Hall was not suitable for practicing with Ember Remains.
The destructive power was simply too great.
Even a slight miscalculation could result in serious damage—or worse, injuries to others.
With that in mind, Zhao Mu stood up and headed toward Instructor Jiang Jiu.
"Instructor Jiang," he said politely, "I'd like to apply for access to an enclosed training room."
Jiang Jiu looked at him quietly before replying.
"Enclosed training rooms… normally require academic credits."
Zhao Mu's eyes lit up.
Normally?
That meant there were exceptions.
"I need to practice using Ember Remains," Zhao Mu explained. "Using them in a public area could be dangerous."
Jiang Jiu observed him for a moment longer.
Then he nodded slightly.
"There happens to be an unused room today. I can grant you temporary access."
"But I won't activate any of the room's advanced training functions."
"That's fine," Zhao Mu replied immediately.
He understood.
These rooms clearly had additional features—features that likely required credits.
But for now, space alone was enough.
Beneath the Training Hall
Jiang Jiu led Zhao Mu to the edge of the Training Hall.
Then—
Down a flight of stairs.
Zhao Mu's eyes narrowed slightly.
So there was an entire lower level hidden beneath the hall.
The space below was lined with independent training rooms, each separated by thick black stone walls.
Jiang Jiu stopped in front of one door and opened it.
"This one is available."
Zhao Mu stepped inside.
The room was stark and minimalistic.
Pure white walls.
No decorations.
No distractions.
But it was spacious—at least a hundred square meters.
Much larger than the open training area above.
"Thank you, Instructor," Zhao Mu said.
Jiang Jiu gave a slight nod before leaving.
The door closed behind him.
Awakening the Ember Remains
Zhao Mu stood alone.
He took a deep breath.
Then—
He summoned the silver sword.
The blade appeared in his hand, its surface gleaming faintly under the room's light.
He raised it levelly.
Then slowly…
He began to channel Spiritual Power.
A steady stream flowed from his palm into the weapon.
Despite the immense energy, his control was precise—gentle enough to cradle an egg without breaking it.
A Spiritual Control proficiency of 65 was no mere number.
In that instant—
The sword changed.
It felt alive.
A wild, feral aura surged from within it.
Like the fangs of a Silver Wolf, ready to tear into prey.
Even though the creature had long since died, its remnants still carried a lingering instinct.
A chilling killing intent.
Zhao Mu's pupils narrowed.
He immediately suppressed it.
"You are just a weapon," he said quietly.
"And I am your master."
Training Begins
He activated his electronic wristband and projected a basic Introductory Sword Technique.
Then—
He began to practice.
Swing after swing.
Step after step.
The key to increasing synchronization was simple—
Use.
Familiarize.
Adapt.
Until the weapon became an extension of the body.
Until its presence was no longer something separate—
But instinctive.
The Nature of Power
As Zhao Mu continued, he noticed something remarkable.
The Spiritual Power he infused into the blade was being transformed.
Its color shifted.
From transparent—
To silver.
This was the unique attribute of the Silver Wolf—
Metal-type Spiritual Power.
Zhao Mu's own ability, however, was different.
The Demon Clown.
A special, non-elemental attribute.
This meant he had no natural affinity for any element.
But it also meant—
He was not restricted by any.
He could learn any attribute.
Though without natural talent.
Still—
Freedom had its own advantages.
Limits and Recovery
"Shhk—!"
The sword sliced through the air, producing a sharp, clean sound.
Even the air itself seemed to split under its edge.
But soon—
Zhao Mu felt it.
His Spiritual Power was depleting rapidly.
Despite reaching Combat Level 3, his reserves couldn't keep up with the weapon's consumption.
After just five minutes—
He was exhausted.
Without hesitation, Zhao Mu sat down cross-legged.
He placed the sword aside.
Then activated his cultivation technique.
Spiritual Energy Rotation.
Second stage of the introductory manual.
Intermediate Meditation Technique.
Proficiency: 192.
His mind calmed instantly.
His consciousness connected to subspace.
Spiritual energy flowed back into his body.
Within four minutes—
One full cycle was complete.
After three cycles—
His Spiritual Power was fully restored.
Twelve minutes.
From empty—
To full.
An astonishing recovery speed.
Continuous Training
Zhao Mu stood up again.
Picked up the sword.
And resumed training.
Time passed unnoticed.
Swing after swing.
Cycle after cycle.
Until—
Night fell.
By the time he stopped, it was already past ten.
His clothes were soaked with sweat.
His body was fatigued.
His mind was drained.
But—
The results were undeniable.
His synchronization rate had risen.
From 5%—
To 16%.
Growth and Determination
Zhao Mu stared at the silver sword in his hand.
He could feel it.
The difference.
The power had nearly doubled.
And this was only the beginning.
"One month…"
"If I can reach 100%…"
His eyes sharpened.
Then—
Shao Han's figure appeared in his mind.
That arrogant expression.
That hostility.
"He won't act during training camp…"
"But after that…"
Zhao Mu clenched his grip.
"He will come."
And when that time came—
Zhao Mu would be ready.
An Unreachable Goal?
What Zhao Mu didn't know—
Was that his ambition bordered on the impossible.
Throughout the thousand-year history of the Xuanfeng Empire—
Those who achieved full synchronization with Ember Remains—
Could be counted on one hand.
Even reaching 90%—
Was considered perfection.
A Message
Just as Zhao Mu was lost in thought—
His wristband vibrated.
A message.
He opened it.
It was from his roommates.
Dormitory 207.
They were looking for him.
Reunion
Zhao Mu left the training room and met them outside.
Meng Qiuqiu was the first to speak—
Or rather—
To complain.
He was holding a bag of chips, stuffing his mouth as he talked.
"After today's training, I feel like I could eat an entire cow!"
Zhao Mu laughed.
"Now you understand why I eat so much?"
The others chuckled.
For a brief moment—
The tension faded.
But Zhao Mu knew—
This was only the calm before the storm.
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