Time went by. Min-Su's family received a whole new different treatment and his sister began to heal mentally thanks to her parent's love. Min-Su's meditation finished after a few days and he joined them for a particularly emotional reunion. After that, he went on to secluded cultivation alongside Jin with the goal to reach the peak of the ninth stage from their actual eight stage.

The Ryu clan took things in their hands and proceeded to clean out their courtyard. Then, they began to prepare an area according to Hae-Hyuk's requests. Needless to say, they had no choice and could only do whatever they were told.

Sophia was being taught by Hae-Hyuk. He pointed her towards learning his secret eye technique first. But he also taught her about this world. She had had many questions after everything that happened since they reached this clan. What was right, what was wrong, what could be considered evil... She had difficulties separating such things. Hae-Hyuk took the time to explain it all to her. That things couldn't be judged so simply.

The news of the special arena opening in the city of Seven Waterfalls spread quickly, far and wide. Every cultivator, clan and sect getting the news had to make plans for it.

In a certain sect, the Patriarch was discussing the news with one of his grand elders:

"Patriarch, how should we respond to this news?"

The Patriarch answered him quickly: "Send as many elders as you can!"

The Grand Elder was a little stupefied at the reaction. Those would be battles restricted to the 9th stage of spiritual accumulation, shouldn't they send disciples at this stage? He spoke of his worry to the Patriarch who answered him: "Fool! This is an opportunity! An opportunity to receive new techniques for our sect from a Grand Master! Don't waste time with sending disciples that might lose! Send all our best elders! As many as we can!"

The Grand Elder wiped some sweat from his forehead, unused to being berated so and replied: "I do not believe this to be proper, Patriarch..." He really believed that sending elders was too much. And surprisingly, the Patriarch nodded in agreement. However, his conclusion differed: "You're right. Send all the Grand Elders available too! We cannot pass on this opportunity! I would go too if I could, damn it!"

Such situation were played all over the world as the enticement brought by easily earned techniques was that impressive. Especially considering where they would be coming from. Hae-Hyuk's image was something that was like a brand. As a pinnacle technique master, he was known throughout all lands. So, when the news of him providing 'nearly free' opportunities... Obviously, all sharks are attracted to meat. And this meat was damn juicy!

That being said, there were some who had other thoughts. Hae-Hyuk's competitors and rivals. To them, it wasn't a question about whether they could win some techniques. They were making plans related to killing the disciples. No disciples, no participation. It was as if a pie fell from the skies to land in their laps. A delicious one. Hae-Hyuk was providing them with a chance to end his participation before the start!

"Send all Masters! Go kill those kids!"

Regardless of their goals, every power with at least some decent ability sent people to the Seven Waterfall City. It became so crowded that they had to open the annex cities under the floating one. People from all backgrounds had come and had been waiting for the launch of the project... and it would happen once the disciples reached the required stage.

...

... ...

... ... ...

Jin exited from his secluded cultivation. He was now 22 years old and some. He finally managed to reach the peak of the ninth stage. And he was unable to go further. He needed to absorb a treasure and fuse with elements in order to move further.

He didn't have to go far to find Hae-Hyuk. His Master had been waiting for him and Min-Su in the adjacent room. As he entered, he greeted his Master politely before taking a sit in front of him.

Hae-Hyuk said: "Congratulations on reaching the peak of the ninth stage" and Jin thanked him accordingly. Hae-Hyuk took out a long box from his spatial ring and pushed it forward. He explained: "This is your present. Open it"

Jin opened the box and took a spear out of it. It was the weapon he had asked for back at the twin towers. It was a 2.20m long spear with both sharp ends. On one side, the blade was similar to a lightning in shape while on the other, it was a straight end but there was a second blade circling around the first. The middle part was lean and tough, colored black without decorations. With one glance, one could tell this was a mighty weapon. As he spinned it a few times, Jin could feel the air vibrate wherever it passed through.

Hae-Hyuk explained: "After fusing the three weapons, I added a little something and this is the result. This spear has reached the sixth grade. It is a pinnacle treasure. As you asked, it contains three elements, which are thunder, wind and sharpness. Of course, at the moment, you won't be able to use those yet"

Jin bowed: "Thank, you, Master Hae-Hyuk, this spear is magnificent"

Hae-Hyuk nodded: "Of course, it is. I made it personally. Anyways, it is good that you have reached this stage"

After he said so, he got up and went up to Jin. He placed a palm on Jin's chest and said: "This might tickle"

Then, a wave of energy entered Jin. The pain was incredible to the point he nearly passed out right at the start. This was no tickle...Only after Hae-Hyuk took away his hand could Jin finally breath out. He asked with an angry glare: "What is the meaning of this, Master?"

He could feel that his core had been locked. In such a state, he would be unable to grow further...