The principal's office felt different in the late afternoon light. Shadows stretched across the dark wood paneling, and the ancient martial artifacts on the walls seemed to pulse with hidden significance. Principal Mu Mingjian sat behind his imposing desk, but his usual scholarly demeanor had shifted into something more mysterious—almost dangerous.
"Sit, Minwoo," the principal said, gesturing to the chair across from him. His voice carried an weight that hadn't been present during the morning's public ceremony. "We need to discuss your true situation."
Minwoo settled into the leather chair, noting how the principal's sharp eyes seemed to see more than they should. There was something about Mu Mingjian that had always made him slightly uncomfortable, though he'd never been able to identify what exactly.
"Your victory in the selection tournament was impressive," the principal continued, opening an ornate wooden box on his desk. "But more concerning were the techniques you displayed. Combination methods that shouldn't be possible for someone of your cultivation level."
A chill ran down Minwoo's spine. How much did the principal actually know?
[Alert: High-Level Martial Artist Detected]Target: Mu MingjianEstimated Power Level: UNKNOWN (Beyond system measurement capability)Threat Assessment: Potentially extremeRecommendation: Extreme caution in all responses
"I've been studying combination techniques for years," Minwoo said carefully. "The university's archives have extensive theoretical materials—"
"Don't." The principal's voice cut through his excuse like a blade. "We both know there's more to your abilities than academic study. The question is whether you're ready to learn what you truly are."
The box clicked open, revealing a scroll wrapped in midnight-blue silk. The material seemed to absorb light rather than reflect it, and Minwoo could sense powerful energy emanating from within.
"This," Mu Mingjian said, lifting the scroll with reverent care, "is a fragment of the 'Infinite Unity Manual'—one of the lost supreme texts of martial cultivation. It contains techniques for merging different martial paths that were thought impossible to recreate."
Minwoo's heart raced. The scroll's energy felt familiar somehow, resonating with something deep in his bloodline.
"Why are you showing me this?" he asked, though part of him already suspected the answer.
The principal's eyes seemed to pierce straight through him. "Because your bloodline carries the genetic markers of the Infinite Master lineage. You're not just someone who stumbled upon combination techniques, Minwoo. You're the descendant of the greatest combination martial artist in history."
The revelation hit like a physical blow. The Infinite Master—even Minwoo had heard the legends. A martial genius from centuries ago who could supposedly combine any techniques seamlessly, creating new forms that surpassed their individual components. But those were just stories... weren't they?
[BLOODLINE REVELATION CONFIRMED]Heritage: Infinite Master Lineage (Dormant activation detected)Current Awakening Level: 1.5 stages (estimated 10 total stages)Potential: Unlimited technique combination capabilityWarning: Advanced bloodline abilities may attract dangerous attention
"The awakening process typically takes decades," the principal continued, unrolling the scroll slightly. "But external pressures can accelerate it dramatically. The national championship, the attention you're receiving, the stress of team coordination—all of these are pushing your dormant abilities to surface faster than normal."
Ancient diagrams became visible on the scroll's surface—complex energy circulation patterns that seemed to shift and move as Minwoo watched. Just looking at them made his blood sing with recognition.
"I'm giving you this because you'll need it," Mu Mingjian said seriously. "The techniques described here will help you control your awakening bloodline and develop team coordination methods that go far beyond normal martial arts. But Minwoo..." His voice grew grave. "Power like this attracts attention. Dangerous attention."
"What kind of attention?" Minwoo asked, though the system warnings had already hinted at the answer.
"The Purification Alliance has been hunting descendants of the ancient bloodlines for over a century. They believe that combination techniques represent corruption of pure martial arts, and they'll stop at nothing to eliminate what they see as genetic aberrations." The principal's hands clenched. "I've been protecting you as much as possible, but your public displays of ability have made concealment impossible."
The weight of the revelation was staggering. Not only was he developing dangerous abilities, but there were people actively hunting others like him.
"Is that why you became principal here?" Minwoo asked. "To protect students with unusual bloodlines?"
A sad smile crossed the older man's face. "Perceptive. Yes, this university serves as more than just an educational institution. We're a sanctuary for those whose abilities don't fit into conventional categories." He gestured toward the scroll. "But sanctuary only works if residents are strong enough to defend themselves."
Minwoo reached for the scroll, feeling its energy respond to his touch like a key finding its lock. Information began flowing into his mind—not just techniques, but understanding of principles he'd been groping toward blindly.
[Infinite Unity Manual - Fragment Accessed]New Techniques Available:
Harmony Resonance Method: Synchronize energy with multiple partners Adaptive Formation Theory: Real-time tactical adjustments Bloodline Stabilization Breathing: Control awakening process Concealment Techniques: Hide true power level from detection
Special Knowledge Unlocked:
Team combination theoretical framework Advanced energy circulation patterns Bloodline development stages and risks Historical context of Infinite Master techniques
"The manual will help you develop your team's potential safely," the principal explained. "But remember—knowledge without wisdom is dangerous. Use these techniques to protect your teammates and achieve your goals, but never let the power define who you are."
"What about my teammates?" Minwoo asked. "They're involved now too. Are they in danger because of me?"
"Less danger than you might think. Haneul comes from an established martial family with protective connections. Daesung's traditional cultivation makes him less interesting to bloodline hunters. And Sora..." The principal paused. "Sora has her own protections, though she may not realize it yet."
The cryptic comment raised new questions, but before Minwoo could ask, the principal continued.
"I'm also providing material support for your training," he said, returning to practical matters. "You'll have access to the university's restricted training facilities, including the underground chambers where energy density is higher. I'm assigning Master Liu as your team coordinator—he's a former national champion who understands advanced combination techniques."
A sealed envelope appeared on the desk. "This contains funding authorization for equipment and materials you'll need. Don't hesitate to request additional resources if your training reveals new requirements."
Minwoo felt overwhelmed by the level of support being offered. "Principal, why are you doing all this? I'm just one student..."
The older man's expression grew distant, as if remembering something painful. "Because twenty years ago, I failed to protect someone with abilities like yours. She was brilliant, innovative, dedicated to pushing the boundaries of martial arts. The Purification Alliance found her before she was ready to defend herself." His voice hardened. "I won't let that happen again."
The room fell silent except for the steady tick of an antique clock. Minwoo looked down at the scroll in his hands, feeling the weight of centuries of accumulated knowledge and the expectations of those who had preserved it.
"There's one more thing," the principal said softly. "Your awakening process will accelerate as you face greater challenges. The national championship will likely trigger the next stage of bloodline development. When that happens, you may experience... changes. Physical, mental, perhaps even spiritual. Don't fight them, but don't let them overwhelm you either."
"Changes like what?" Minwoo asked nervously.
"Enhanced perception, intuitive understanding of martial principles, possibly temporary personality shifts as ancient memories surface. The Infinite Master's consciousness sometimes echoes through his descendants during major awakenings." The principal's eyes grew serious. "That's why maintaining your connections to friends and teammates is crucial. They'll anchor you to your true self when the bloodline tries to reshape you."
Minwoo stood to leave, carefully tucking the scroll into his jacket. At the door, he turned back. "Principal... who was she? The person you couldn't protect twenty years ago?"
A ghost of a smile crossed the older man's face. "Your mother, Minwoo. Your mother."
The office door closed behind him with a soft click, leaving Minwoo standing alone in the corridor, his world fundamentally changed once again. The scroll seemed to pulse against his chest, full of promise and danger in equal measure.
[Major Plot Development Triggered]New Knowledge Acquired: Personal family history, bloodline heritage, hidden university purpose New Resources Available: Infinite Unity Manual fragment, restricted facility access, advanced mentorship New Threats Identified: Purification Alliance active hunting, bloodline awakening risks Emotional State: Shocked but determined
The path to the championship had just become far more complex and dangerous than he'd ever imagined.