Chapter 9 The Thorne Family's Cultivation Legacy

As the first movement was about to finish, Mik finally couldn't hold on anymore. Thud, thud, thud— The force dragged Mik backward, stumbling more than ten steps before he slowly stopped, panting heavily. Fortunately, he didn't spit blood. "Mik?" Colin was stunned. Mik gasped for a long time before he exclaimed, "Wow! What a Body Strengthening Technique! Just one move and its effect surpassed the strongest Body Strengthening Technique of the Thorne Family! The few seconds I spent practicing just now gave me more results than a whole day of training before!" "This…" Everyone was once again stunned. We've known for a while that the Body Strengthening Technique Marcus teaches is incredibly powerful, but we never imagined it would be this formidable! This is just one movement! "Unfortunately, this Body Strengthening Technique is not only incredibly difficult to master but also excruciatingly painful to practice. It's nearly impossible to stick with it without immense determination," Mik said solemnly. "This…" Everyone fell silent, their gazes turning toward Marcus. "Marcus, people have always labeled you a spoiled troublemaker, but who could have guessed you'd endure so much in secret? Just how much suffering have you hidden from the world?" Colin's voice trembled, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Indeed! To undergo such an agonizing practice without showing a trace of it—such resilience and determination are unheard of! I've lived for decades and never seen anything like it. Frederick, you've raised an extraordinary son!" Mik added with admiration. The way everyone looked at Marcus shifted, their eyes filled with newfound respect. Marcus, however, could only stand there, visibly uncomfortable. These guys have such wild imaginations! Marcus internally complained, though he had started to piece some things together by now. The power of the Heavenly Body Strengthening Technique is undeniably immense. Yet, aside from me, it seems almost impossible for others to cultivate. The fortuitous encounter I experienced involves more than just those nine codices. Raphael looked at Marcus with gratitude and said earnestly, "Don't worry, Mr. Marcus! From now on, I'll dedicate myself entirely to mastering this Body Strengthening Technique!" Marcus waved his hand dismissively. "No need to call me Mr. Marcus—it sounds strange. Just call me Marcus." Raphael hesitated for a moment, glancing at Frederick for guidance. Only after seeing Frederick nod did he kneel on one knee and reply firmly, "Understood, Marcus! I swear I'll never share this Body Strengthening Technique with anyone else!" Marcus shook his head. "That's unnecessary. From now on, these moves will be the Thorne Family's official legacy Body Strengthening Technique." "What? Marcus, are you serious?" Frederick stood up, unable to contain his excitement. I thought earlier about how much the Thorne Family's strength could soar quickly if I shared this Body Strengthening Technique with them. However, it is Marcus' cultivation technique. Even though he's my son, I can't make such a decision on his behalf. I never expected him to bring it up himself. Marcus smiled and said, "Of course, I'm serious! In addition, I have a Breathing Technique, a Visualization Method, a Movement Technique, and techniques for Fists, Swords, Blades, and Spears—all passed down as part of the Thorne Family's cultivation legacy." "This…" The elders, upon hearing this, stood up in excitement. Their gazes toward Marcus now carried an added touch of reverence. On the other hand, Marcus picked up a pen and paper, wrote down the Mental Techniques, and moved before handing them to Frederick. Naturally, he included only a single move for each technique. Although the Thorne Family had shown commendable performance, Marcus couldn't handle everything immediately. Besides, based on Raphael and Mik's earlier demonstration, he had come to an important realization. The cultivation techniques from the nine codices seemed to operate on an entirely different level for him compared to others. For them, even a single move was already more than enough. The elders were overwhelmed with emotion, their tears streaming down their faces. "This breathing technique... it's truly extraordinary, as if crafted by divine hands!" "What a remarkable sword technique! I never imagined such perfection existed in this world. Half my life feels like a waste now!" "This body technique... Everything I practiced before—what utter garbage it was!" As the elders marveled, Marcus approached Frederick. "Dad, this cultivation technique can be passed down within the family, but only to those with good character. And most importantly, it must not be shared outside the Thorne Family," Marcus said firmly. Frederick nodded solemnly. "Don't worry, Marcus. I'll make sure to select the right people for it." "Good. I'll set out now to find the three materials we need. While I'm away, keep the family low-key. Have everyone lie low and avoid any rash actions. I'll return soon," Marcus instructed. "Rest assured, I've already made the necessary arrangements," Frederick replied confidently. With a nod, Marcus stepped out of the hall. "Frederick, it seems the Thorne Family is about to rise again and produce a true powerhouse this time!" Colin said with deep satisfaction.