One Piece: The Strongest Asura

The actions of the Lord of Beigu City were so covert that no one could have known of them. He wouldn't tolerate any interference with his plans. To him, the Zhuo family was merely a small, insignificant faction—not worth fearing. Eliminating them seemed more like a casual afterthought.

Meanwhile, the Zhuo family remained completely unaware of the impending danger. The city lord's plan was airtight. Without solid evidence, taking action could provoke unrest, which he absolutely wanted to avoid. Maintaining control over the region required stability; chaos would threaten his authority, a scenario he refused to risk.

However, Zhuo Luo didn't care about the politics at play. His only focus was his newfound path to strength. Whether the mysterious dream was real no longer mattered. For any man, the instinct to become stronger seemed deeply imprinted in their very essence.

Initially, Zhuo Luo believed physical prowess, brute strength, and a solid understanding of swordsmanship were enough to dominate. He had relied on these savage methods of combat back on the Grand Line. But now, he understood why each opponent had been so difficult to defeat. His realization compelled him to seek self-improvement. Only by surpassing his current self could he hope to achieve greatness.

As he opened the simplified training manual on cultivating qi, Zhuo Luo was struck by how challenging it was to understand. It was like asking someone with elementary-level education to read advanced academic texts. But despite the difficulty, he resolved to persevere. Mastering this training would pave the way for his transformation into a more powerful being.

"This is harder than I thought! If Robin were here, she'd probably explain all of this to me in no time," Zhuo Luo muttered with frustration. The realization of his own inadequacy was both humbling and motivating.

He knew that if he could reach Level One in a month, he'd be ready to venture beyond the Zhuo family estate. Staying there indefinitely wasn't a viable option. He needed to explore the outside world to find the opportunities he sought. However, the path ahead was anything but simple, and he would need both time and effort to succeed.

The thought of the power he could achieve drove him forward. Temporary struggles were a small price to pay for the strength he desired.

"Open your pores, connect with nature, and let the natural qi flow through you. Try to retain it in your body, merging it with your essence—your energy, spirit, and vitality. Transform it into your power, making it an inseparable part of you."

After reading this passage, Zhuo Luo summarized what he needed to do. But he knew it would take days, if not longer, to accomplish. The secluded chamber he was in had clearly been designed for this kind of training.

"So, this chamber is meant to help me calm my restless heart? Fine, then. I'll break through and prove my worth! Failure is no longer an option. Losing twice is a disgrace no swordsman should bear!"

Determined to make the most of the ideal conditions, Zhuo Luo focused entirely on his training. Having been given a second chance at life, he now understood its purpose: to become stronger and protect the weak. No matter how difficult the journey, he was committed to achieving this goal.

"First, I need to calm my mind and connect with nature. Easier said than done," he muttered.

Achieving true tranquility—forgetting time, oneself, and everything else—was far from easy. Even with his unwavering will, Zhuo Luo found it challenging. Such absolute calm could only be attained in a distraction-free environment like the secluded chamber, which was why it existed. However, prolonged isolation also posed the risk of driving a person mad.

Still, once Zhuo Luo set his mind to something, he wouldn't stop until he succeeded. It was an unshakable trait of his.

Meanwhile, events outside were unfolding. The ongoing investigation had uncovered evidence pointing to the Zhuo family's eldest son as the one who dueled the deceased swordsman. This revelation raised many questions, as the eldest son had been missing for two months before reappearing. The mystery surrounding his absence and sudden return made him the prime suspect.

"I demand to see the head of the Zhuo family! Refusal to comply will be considered defiance, and we will annihilate your entire clan!"

The assassin from the Shadow Sect, who had been at the city lord's mansion earlier, declared his intentions. He believed the Zhuo family held the key to solving this case. Without a clear reason to justify their actions, the authorities couldn't move against the Zhuo family. But in these tense times, any action had to be justified to avoid accusations of injustice.

"So, it's an esteemed member of the Shadow Sect! I deeply regret the poor treatment you've received. It's a grave failure on my part!"

The Zhuo family patriarch, upon sensing the overwhelming aura emanating from the Shadow Sect member, knew he was facing someone far stronger than himself. This was not someone he could afford to dismiss or deceive.

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