Chapter 3 Inherited

Soon after, Owen returned to his courtyard. "Master, there are less than twenty days left until the Sword Token competition," Sherry informed him. "According to tradition, all young participants must pass a family assessment at least half a month before the competition. The minimum requirement is to reach the Eighth Grade True Martial Realm. The final assessment deadline is in three days." "Understood. You may leave," Owen replied. Sherry nodded and left quietly. Inside his room, Owen sat cross-legged, recalling memories and information from his Supreme Bloodline awakening. This included a special cultivation technique and a forbidden skill. The technique, an inherited one for bloodline Awakers, didn't have a specific name. Though Owen's bloodline had been awakened for three years, he hadn't had the opportunity to cultivate it while in Valdemoro Prison. He had thoroughly memorized the technique and was now finally able to practice it. As Owen began cultivating, he felt the surrounding spiritual energy rush toward him at an incredible speed, causing the entire space to tremble. In just a short moment, his cultivation level noticeably increased. "The rate at which I absorb spiritual energy is astonishing, possibly tens or even hundreds of times faster than before my bloodline awakened," Owen thought, startled by the speed. Additionally, he noticed that the technique significantly compressed and enhanced the quality of his spiritual energy, greatly boosting his overall power. Previously, Owen's cultivation had reached the Peak Tenth Grade True Martial Realm, but it had declined due to his imprisonment. Now, with his accelerated cultivation speed, he believed he could easily reach the Eighth Grade True Martial Realm within three days, meeting the competition's minimum requirements. As for the forbidden skill, known as the "Divine Slayer Art," it allowed Owen to temporarily amplify his strength by burning his bloodline power. However, this skill came with significant drawbacks and was only to be used in life-or-death situations. Determined, Owen focused on his cultivation, ready to regain his former strength. Three days passed quickly... At a large arena, many people had gathered. Today was the last day for the Su family Sword Token competition assessment. Both direct members of the Su family and young members from outside factions were present, hoping to qualify. Participating in the Sword Token competition was considered an achievement, even if they knew they stood little chance of winning. "Bang!" A loud crash echoed as a large figure in the center of the arena swung a club, sending Vic, who had come from an outer faction, flying to the edge of the arena. "Haha, Vic, you're still not strong enough," one of the spectators teased. "Most people at the Eighth Grade True Martial Realm can last over twenty seconds against the battle puppet, but you only lasted eighteen." "Well, I just broke through to the eighth grade yesterday," Vic grumbled, standing up. "Besides, Otto Hong, you're already at the peak of the eighth grade." The teasing subsided, but Vic felt frustrated. "If I had stabilized my cultivation and practiced the palm technique my brother taught me, I might have passed today's assessment," he thought. Otto approached Vic and asked, "Do you think Owen will show up today?" "Owen?" Vic's face twisted in anger. Three days ago, Owen had humiliated him, knocking out a tooth. The story had spread, and people knew Owen planned to compete for the Sword Token and even threatened to defeat Jackson. Jackson was widely considered the strongest among the Su family's younger generation. While Owen was once the most talented, three years in Valdemoro Prison had supposedly dulled his abilities. People knew he had only reached the Seventh Grade True Martial Realm, making his challenge seem laughable. "We're here to see Owen make a fool of himself," Otto remarked. "That fool," Vic sneered. "He barely reached the seventh grade three days ago, yet he thinks he can compete for the Sword Token? He doesn't even meet the minimum requirement. I can't wait to crush him in front of everyone if he dares to show up." At that moment, they noticed a figure approaching the center of the arena. "Owen, he really showed up!" Vic's face contorted with rage as the crowd turned to watch Owen, the once-promising talent of the Su family, now returning after three years in Valdemoro Prison.