Amazzone system

Lu Fan left his valley once more, knowing that without deeper knowledge of Innate Martial Arts, he would soon hit a dead end. His instincts told him that Baihu City, a place teeming with martial artists, would have what he needed.

He disguised himself carefully—wearing a simple mask and a dark robe, ensuring that his appearance wouldn't attract attention. His time in the valley had changed him greatly; his body had become towering and iron-hard, a stark contrast to his former self.

Before heading into the city, he suppressed his Blood Flame and Thunder Energy, concealing his true strength and making himself appear as just another Bone Tempering expert.

The Underground Gathering

After gathering information from a few taverns, he learned about a martial gathering held in a hidden underground chamber. This was a place where martial artists of all levels came to exchange knowledge, challenge each other, and trade techniques.

Unlike formal sect events, there were no rules—only strength mattered.

Lu Fan made his way to the gathering's secret location, an abandoned temple outside the city. The entrance was guarded by several Bone Tempering martial artists, who examined each visitor before allowing them inside.

To avoid suspicion, Lu Fan casually clenched his fists, making the bones in his arms crackle like iron—a common display of Bone Tempering cultivation. Satisfied, the guards let him pass.

Inside the Gathering

The underground chamber was bustling with warriors. At its center was a large battle platform, where fighters challenged each other, wagering martial manuals, weapons, and cultivation resources. Around the arena, smaller groups haggled over techniques, herbs, and secret scrolls.

Lu Fan quickly realized that most of the participants were only at the Bone Tempering stage. True Innate Martial Artists were rare, and those who had reached that level wouldn't waste time in such a gathering.

Still, this was a valuable opportunity.

Instead of fighting, Lu Fan blended into the crowd, carefully observing and listening. He needed information.

The Personal Exchanges

In a corner of the chamber, several martial artists were conducting personal exchanges—trading martial techniques, experience, and resources.

Lu Fan moved toward one of the groups and overheard a conversation.

"I once saw an Innate Martial Artist fight," an older man said, stroking his beard. "It's not just about strength—their Qi flows naturally, like breathing."

Another man scoffed. "Innate warriors are rare. What do you even know?"

The older man chuckled. "I saw one with my own eyes. He fought barehanded against a sword master, and his Qi alone stopped the blade before it could touch him."

Lu Fan's eyes narrowed. This was exactly the kind of information he needed.

He stepped forward. "Do you have anything written by an Innate Martial Artist?"

The old man glanced at him, then at the silver bills Lu Fan discreetly revealed in his palm.

After a moment of hesitation, the man pulled out an aged manuscript, its pages slightly yellowed with time.

"This was written by an Innate Martial Artist to guide future generations in his family," the man said. "It contains his life journey, martial arts practice, and breakthroughs."

Lu Fan's heart pounded. This was far more valuable than he had expected.

The price was eighty silver, but Lu Fan handed over the money without hesitation.

The Secrets of Innate Martial Arts

That night, Lu Fan returned to his inn and carefully studied the notes.

The manuscript described the life of an Innate Martial Artist named Xu Tianhai. He had started as an ordinary martial artist, struggling for years at the Bone Tempering stage, much like Lu Fan himself.

Xu Tianhai's breakthrough came when he realized that Innate Martial Artists don't just refine their bodies—they refine their Qi as well.

One passage stood out:

"Bone Tempering strengthens the body, but Innate Martial Artists move beyond mere flesh. Their Qi is like flowing water, filling every part of them. Without Qi control, the body is just an empty shell."

Lu Fan's thoughts raced. His Blood Flame and Thunder Energy had strengthened his body, but they weren't flowing naturally. He had power, but no true Qi control.

Further in the manuscript, Xu Tianhai described his first real fight as an Innate Martial Artist:

"The moment I broke through, my Qi no longer needed conscious effort to move. It flowed instinctively, wrapping around my fists before I even attacked. My enemy's blade never touched me—my Qi pushed it away before it could reach my skin."

Lu Fan closed the manuscript, deep in thought.

"If I want to reach the Innate Realm, I need to refine my Qi, not just my body."

Just as he was processing this, a sudden commotion erupted outside.

A Familiar Threat

Lu Fan rushed to the window and was shocked.

Another Ghost Cultivator.

The last one had been killed, yet here was another—though noticeably weaker.

Dressed in black robes with a pale face, this Ghost Cultivator had the same eerie blood and soul energy as the previous one. However, his aura wasn't as oppressive.

Lu Fan frowned. Are they part of a larger group?

In the street below, members of the Tiger Escort Agency and several Bone Tempering cultivators were already engaging the Ghost Cultivator.

The battle was brutal. His attacks ignored physical defenses, seeping into his opponents' bodies and weakening them from within.

For a moment, it seemed like the defenders would be overwhelmed.

Then—

A figure descended from the rooftops, moving like a phantom. A sharp blade flashed, cutting through the darkness.

The Ghost Cultivator barely had time to react before the newcomer struck.

The Hidden Innate Master

The assassin was an old man in simple robes. His movements had been too fast for anyone to follow, and the Ghost Cultivator had been cut down before he could even resist.

Gasps spread through the crowd.

Someone whispered, "An Innate Martial Artist…"

Lu Fan's heart pounded. This was the second time he had seen an Innate Master fight, and once again, it was over in an instant.

The old man stood motionless, his Qi calm yet terrifyingly sharp.

He looked down at the Ghost Cultivator's body and sighed. "Another one… These pests are multiplying."

His eyes scanned the crowd. For a moment, they locked onto Lu Fan.

Lu Fan remained perfectly still, ensuring his Blood Flame and Thunder Energy stayed hidden.

The old man smirked faintly, then turned and vanished into the shadows.

A Revelation

The gathering quickly dispersed, shaken by what had happened.

Lu Fan left quietly, his mind filled with new insights.

"Innate Martial Artists aren't just stronger… they move differently. Their Qi is fluid, controlled… unlike mine, which is wild and unstable."

That night, he returned to his inn, his thoughts filled with what he had learned.

If he wanted to truly step into Innate Martial Arts, he needed to refine his Qi control—and he needed to do it fast.