Urban setting: Starting with the inheritance of Bajiquan, national martial arts shake the entire int

In the United States, there is a hardcore live-streaming program called "Truth Lab" composed of retired special forces soldiers and martial arts fighters.

The host, a burly man named "Tomahawk" Jack, repeatedly played that video in front of his millions of fans.

"Gentlemen, we analyzed this video over a hundred times using state-of-the-art slow-motion equipment," Jack said, pointing to the screen with an unprecedentedly serious expression. "We found no trace of editing. And look here."

He froze the image at the moment just before Ma Cong's finger touched the sword.

"The sword is vibrating at a high speed! This is not something an ordinary sword can do. It means that the swordsman, that Taoist priest, is also a top expert! He has poured his power into the sword!"

"Then, look at this Chinese man's finger. It's pointing not at the blade, nor at the spine, but at the widest plane of the blade!"

Then, "crack," it broke. Like a cookie.

Jack took a deep breath and looked at the camera.

"I don't know how that was done. Maybe it's some kind of sonic weapon we don't understand, maybe it's some kind of sophisticated magic. But if... I mean if it's true. If someone can really do that with their fingers..."

A hint of fear appeared on his face.

"Then, all the ways of fighting, combat, and war that we know will be completely overturned."

Japan, the holy land of Kendo, Kodokan.

Several elderly people, dressed in traditional clothing and with white hair and beards, were kneeling on the tatami mats, watching the video repeatedly.

The atmosphere was deathly silent.

"Inoue-kun, in your opinion, is this... possible?" an old man asked in a hoarse voice.

Known as "Inoue-kun," he is Takehiko Inoue, the highest-ranking swordsman in contemporary Japan, also known as the "Sword Saint."

Inoue Takehiko did not speak, but slowly drew the famous sword beside him, known as the "National Treasure"—"Kikuichimonji Norimune".

He flicked the blade lightly with his finger.

"Buzz—"

The clear, resonant sound of the sword echoed throughout the dojo.

"Our Japanese sword forging process involves countless hammer blows to bring out the steel's toughness to its fullest potential," Inoue Takehiko said slowly. "While Chinese sword-making, especially the famous swords of ancient times, pursues 'strength' and 'spirit.' Judging from the fractured cross-section, the Zixiao sword's steel purity and hardness far surpass modern techniques."

"To crush it with your finger... there's only one possibility."

A chilling glint flashed in his eyes.

"In that instant, he infused the sword with an 'intention' that transcended the material. It was this 'intention' that destroyed the sword's 'soul.' That's why the sword shattered."

"This is... the realm of the Sword God."

In the secret intelligence agencies of many other countries, documents marked "Top Secret" were urgently delivered to the desks of their superiors.

The file titles are remarkably consistent.

Preliminary assessment report on Ma Cong, the "superhuman" from China.

A global storm surrounding Ma Cong and "Chinese martial arts" is already brewing in the shadows.

At the eye of the storm, Ma Cong, along with General Zhou and Chen Beixuan, boarded a special plane bound for Qingcheng Mountain in Sichuan.

His new journey is about to begin.

The special plane pierced through the clouds and landed smoothly at the military airport in Sichuan.

There was no welcoming ceremony, no media reporters, and everything was conducted in absolute secrecy.

After disembarking from the plane, Ma Cong and his group immediately transferred to an off-road vehicle with a special license plate and sped off towards Qingcheng Mountain.

The atmosphere inside the car was somewhat peculiar.

General Zhou held an encrypted satellite phone and kept coordinating and communicating with various parties, his tone serious and efficient.

"...Yes, seal off all undeveloped areas in the back mountains of Qingcheng, using 'geological disaster risk assessment' as the reason."

"When will the engineering corps arrive? I need at least one engineering regiment to be deployed within three days, with the most advanced exploration and construction equipment."

"Regarding funding, the first tranche of 10 billion yuan in special funds must be received within 24 hours! Additional funds will be allocated if necessary!"

"Tell the local comrades that this is the highest-level 'Kunlun' project. Anyone who dares to leak information or delay will be court-martialed!"

A series of swift and decisive orders came from General Zhou's mouth. Ma Cong could feel that the entire national machinery had begun to operate at high speed for his vision of a "holy land".

Meanwhile, Chen Beixuan and Qin Zhenshan, sitting on the other side, were like two primary school students going on their first long trip, excitedly discussing things the whole way.

"Mount Qingcheng! What a wonderful place! I visited it once when I was young, and the 'qi' there is truly different—gentle and nourishing." Chen Beixuan's face was flushed.

"It's more than just nourishing," Qin Zhenshan remarked. "The energy of Wudang Mountain is pure and sharp, perfect for sword practice. The energy of Qingcheng Mountain, on the other hand, is inclusive and ever-flowing. Grandmaster Ma's choice of this place was truly brilliant! It perfectly aligns with the 'Tao' of Tai Chi!"

The look in their eyes as they looked at Ma Cong had changed from shock and awe to utter worship and conviction.

In their view, every decision Ma Cong made contained profound martial arts principles that they could not comprehend.

Ma Cong did not participate in their discussion; he simply closed his eyes and quietly absorbed the sensations.

As the off-road vehicle drew closer to Mount Qingcheng, he could clearly "smell" the fresh scent of grass and trees in the air, mixed with an "energy" that made him feel comfortable all over.

This energy is different from the chaos and filth of the city, and also different from the ruggedness and solemnity of the military camp.

It is pure and gentle, like a mother's embrace.