Xue Daoyong exerted great effort to maintain the expression on his face.
He reached out and placed his hand on Li Guanyi's shoulder, feeling an extremely pure surge of qi. At this level, a martial artist's qi could erupt from the eight meridians throughout their body, theoretically allowing them to move freely without injury. Even if a hundred martial artists at the entry-level attacked him while he was donned in armor, they would be unable to overwhelm him.
Even if his hands and feet were restrained, he could unleash qi from his shoulders and back to strike down an opponent.
After the initial shock, Xue Daoyong's first reaction was concern. He grasped Li Guanyi's wrist, channeling his internal energy, and frowned slightly, saying, "Have you been misled into practicing some quick-fix technique with such a rapid breakthrough?"
In his youth, he had traveled far and wide, and during his journeys, Ying Kingdom was still known as Wei Kingdom.
He had also encountered the demonic sects on the western frontier, where one by one they would charge at him, their internal energy exploding, flesh and blood flying. Some branches would even consume pills to fill their bodies with poison, exploding upon impact. Even martial artists of higher realms could easily fall into their traps if they were not careful.
At this moment, he worried whether Li Guanyi had been reckless in his pursuit of power, concerned for his health.
But it should not be that a momentary advancement would ruin his foundational cultivation. As the internal energy flowed, the elder sensed that the young man before him had strong bones and muscles, and his qi was vast and powerful, the condensed internal energy fluctuating with an unexpected purity.
This was certainly not the result of hasty cultivation.
This person had a solid foundation, ranking among the top ten in Xue Daoyong's century of travels.
The remaining few were already legendary figures. One of the two innate beings of the Dao Sect had crossed paths with Xue Daoyong in his youth. Back then, Xue Daoyong had found the Tai Chi Soft Cloud Technique profound and deeply rooted, but now he felt that Li Guanyi's foundation was not inferior to that of the innate being.
However, Li Guanyi was indeed a few years older than that innate being back then.
That person had only been ten years old.
Suddenly, Xue Daoyong realized the short time Li Guanyi had spent cultivating.
From body forging.
To crossing the condensation of qi, reaching the opening of the meridians.
In less than ten days!
While that young Daoist had already cultivated for six years.
Xue Daoyong fell silent, rubbing his brow, and asked, "How did you do it?"
He looked at Li Guanyi.
Li Guanyi had considered how to explain this before coming.
He thought about revealing the secrets of General Xue's hidden realm, mentioning the Tiger Howl Bone Forging Technique, or even bringing up the old man Si Ming directly, claiming he had encountered a great master. But upon further reflection, he dismissed all those ideas.
Too many words could lead to mistakes.
Xue Daoyong was a seasoned veteran.
The more he spoke, the easier it would be for others to uncover hidden truths. Therefore, Li Guanyi's only choice was to respond seriously, "It's just cultivation. I meditated, and then Yue Qianfeng came to teach me a qi condensation technique, and that’s how it happened."
"Just cultivation?"
"Just cultivation."
Xue Daoyong's lips twitched, feeling as if his hundred years of effort had been wasted.
Li Guanyi paused, then spoke with a humble and sincere tone, "I think I might have a little bit of talent."
Xue Daoyong felt darkness cloud his vision.
The elder took a deep breath, exhaling slowly to stabilize his mind, placing his hands behind his back, and nodded slightly, not pretending at all, but instead laughing and scolding, "What do you mean by a little talent? With such qualifications, you are truly exceptional; this old man has never seen such a thing!"
"You can be proud of yourself."
"In my hundred years of wandering the world, I have seen many geniuses. Xiao Wuliang charged into battle at thirteen, and the Duke of Taiping fought across thousands of miles at twenty, beheading tens of thousands. These are extraordinary generals. Xiao Wuliang is from a noble family, but the Duke of Taiping came from a farming background and only began cultivating after joining the army."
"I can assert that your talent is not inferior to theirs!"
Li Guanyi said, "The Duke of Taiping's family is in..."
Xue Daoyong replied, "It is indeed in Jiangnan's eighteenth state."
"I heard that the Duke of Taiping, when he was young, had to roll up his pants to plant rice and pick lotus pods to eat. He came from a very poor background, with only two thin garments a year. One winter, there was heavy snow in Jiangnan, and he was frozen on the roadside. It is said that a girl gave him some pastries and draped her cloak over him, allowing him to survive the winter."
"If it weren't for that, the world would not have such a brave general."
"Back then, he was so poor, but after gaining fame, his family became wealthy. Unfortunately, that great fire ten years ago..."
The elder did not say anything further.
Li Guanyi lowered his gaze.
Xue Daoyong took Li Guanyi to the training ground in the inner courtyard, saying, "Since you have such a foundation, I should explain the subsequent cultivation to you. After entering the realm, the first level has three major stages: [Body Forging], [Qi Condensation], and [Meridian Opening]."
"After that, the three will merge into one, which is ascending the tower."
"Currently, the world is in chaos, with frequent conflicts between nations. In the martial world, ranks are often assessed based on military positions. A martial artist at the entry level can serve as a squad leader at the border, commanding five new recruits, with meals including meat; a martial artist who has entered the second level can become a deputy officer, with the highest rank being a seventh-grade military official."
"After retiring from the border, one can serve as a county officer."
"With housing and armor, one can be considered a prominent figure in a city."
"Do you know the difference between the second level and the entry level?"
Li Guanyi shook his head.
He had killed martial artists at the second level, but the first was due to Yue Qianfeng absorbing the vital energy with a single punch, leaving those entry-level martial artists relying solely on their physical bodies. Li Guanyi had also used the power of the Dharma Form to prevail; the second was a quick kill, and he had not seen the detailed methods.
Xue Daoyong smiled slightly, saying, "When a martial artist enters the realm, their internal energy manifests externally."
"After qi condensation, the internal energy can be refined. To enter the second level, one must harmonize [Qi Condensation], [Meridian Opening], and [Body Forging], allowing the refined qi to naturally form a cycle around the body. You see, like this."
The elder's robe fluttered, and a refined opportunity swirled around him.
Li Guanyi reached out to touch it, feeling a distinct repulsion, as if placing his hand into a storm. Xue Daoyong said, "This is [Defense]. The internal energy circulates around the body, allowing one to evade most hidden weapons to a certain extent, causing arrows to deviate. It is the foundation of the third level, where qi condenses into armor."
"[Attack] is much simpler."
Xue Daoyong gripped a wooden staff, and energy surged forth.
This was the mark of having condensed qi.
The elder's wrist moved, and with a flick, the energy exploded, transforming into a burst of force that sliced through the air, striking a stone tablet ahead. Accompanied by the wooden staff shattering into dust, the stone tablet, which would require a full-force strike from an entry-level martial artist to break, slid to the side.
The fracture was smooth.
Sword qi.
Xue Daoyong said, "Defense has its own qi circulating around, while at the second level, one can unleash sword qi to kill from a distance. At this time, martial artists need new weapons; special materials can allow the internal energy to circulate and withstand the explosive damage of the internal energy, which is known as [Sharp Weapons]."
"This is the second level, for seventh to ninth-grade military officials."
"Deputy officers at the border, as well as the elite cavalry and infantry across the land, are all martial artists of this realm. The one you killed back then was the same; he likely hadn't cultivated to the point of unleashing sword qi."
Xue Daoyong continued, "If entering the realm is like being a notable figure in a small city, then the second level is like being a top character in a small town. Moreover, with your methods and the power of the Dharma Form, you must reach this realm to truly utilize them."
Li Guanyi raised his gaze and saw the elder smile, casually extending his hand, and the qi surged forth.
Then, with a sweep of his sleeve, the qi gathered and transformed into a fierce tiger, pouncing forward, directly smashing the stone tablet into dust, leaving craters on the ground, with dust swirling. The elder waved his sleeve and said, "The force can carry the Dharma Form; when the force manifests externally, one can perform such techniques."
"However, when this old man had the power of the Dharma Form, I was no longer in this realm. In this second level, I have never tasted the sweetness of overpowering others with force, haha."
Li Guanyi looked at the crater that had exploded, a glimmer in his eyes.
He thought of the Night Rider Cavalry that had pursued him ten years ago.
The Night Rider Cavalry were all martial artists above the second level.
Li Guanyi gripped his weapon and asked, "Elder Xue, if I cultivate to this level, how do I compare to the elite like the Night Rider Cavalry?" The elder laughed heartily, saying, "If you can enter the second level and unleash a punch, the White Tiger's roar would be far more powerful than sword qi."
"At that time, if you faced the Night Rider Cavalry..."
"You would strike them as if they were old pigs and dogs."
"At that time, I will provide you with a treasure weapon from the martial world for self-defense. A weapon forged three hundred times is ultimately just ordinary iron, unable to withstand the onslaught of vital energy. The more it is used, the more likely it is to collapse from within. A weapon that can bear internal energy has used many precious materials, which is what we call a sharp weapon."
"And above sharp weapons, those that resonate with the Dharma Form can be called treasures. Although the term 'treasure sword' or 'treasure blade' has become common, in reality, it is not something that can be casually named. Any treasure blade is worth its weight in gold."
Li Guanyi asked, "Above this is the divine weapon, right?"
The elder laughed, saying, "Yes, but also no. Between divine weapons and treasures, there is another category. Such weapons have not yet followed extraordinary heroes to achieve earth-shattering feats, so their names are not well-known. They have not been forged in the furnace of fate and have not given birth to spiritual essence, thus cannot be called divine weapons."
"However, they are not ordinary treasures either; their materials are not inferior to divine weapons. When they clash, any treasure sword or sharp weapon before them will shatter. Moreover, they possess many mysteries, each one unique, which is what we call [Mystic Weapons]."
"Each mystic weapon has the potential to become a divine artifact."
"Only the Ying Kingdom's Sword Forging Valley and Jiangnan's Divine Weapon Manor have a large number of mystic weapons in existence."
"Two hundred years ago, the first swordsman of Jiangnan swept across the world, breaking through all the sword sects in the Central Plains, collecting dozens of town-protecting mystic weapons. He was incredibly arrogant, originally from a noble family, but then stepped into the martial world, establishing a sect in Jiangnan, known as the Divine Weapon Manor of the Murong family."
"With countless blood debts and unparalleled fame."
"This person still exists today, being the first master of the martial world."
"Relying on weapons and sword techniques, he has entered the Central Plains Academy three times, forcing back the innate beings of the Dao Sect, and has fought against Gongyang Suwang three times without defeat or retreat. Originally a master of swordsmanship, his arrogance has made him countless enemies. He has fought three hundred duels but has never lost."
"Sword Madman, Murong Longtu."
Li Guanyi silently noted this name, instinctively thinking of the Autumn Water Sword given to him by his aunt.
However, this short sword, even if it came from the Murong Manor, should not be of mystic weapon grade.
Perhaps it was a treasure?
The elder instructed him on how to ascend the tower.
This step is known as [Hunyuan Wuj], which requires thoroughly blending the previous stages of [Body Forging], [Qi Condensation], and [Meridian Opening] into the body's instincts, allowing it to be completed without conscious thought. At this moment, Li Guanyi suddenly thought of the four symbols of the Dharma Form within him.
If he were to refine everything from before, merging into one...
Shouldn't these four Dharma Forms also be integrated into the next realm's cultivation?
At this moment, Li Guanyi was merely maintaining balance through the Huangji Jing Shijie. The power of the four Dharma Forms could only be used one by one by mobilizing internal energy. Should he seek Master Zhu and learn the sixtieth volume of the Huangji Jing Shijie from him to reach a stronger level?
Li Guanyi silently noted the method to break through to the second level using the Yubi Shenshou Jue.
He planned to find Master Zhu after reaching Jiangzhou City and then proceed with his breakthrough.
Xue Daoyong said, "By the way, we will be heading to the capital in three days."
Li Guanyi asked, "Three days? Isn't there still more than twenty days?"
Xue Daoyong laughed and scolded, "You little rascal, do you think we should wait until the grand ceremony to go? If so, we might as well just lie here and wait for the emperor to personally carry us in."
Li Guanyi muttered, "That wouldn't be impossible."
Xue Daoyong lifted his foot and kicked the boy's backside, laughing and shaking his head, "You brat."
"How arrogant."
"Because of that old fool Yue Qianfeng's actions, the martial noble youths who attacked you have suffered greatly. If you enter the capital now, you should expect some trouble."
The elder picked up a letter and said slowly, "Guanyi, remember, once you enter the city, you are a disciple of the Xue family."
"Fifteen years old, having practiced martial arts since childhood. Do you understand?"
Li Guanyi asked, "Will they believe it?"
Xue Daoyong replied lightly, "Of course not, but they will only think you are a hidden pawn of the Xue family, never suspecting your true identity. This second identity is something they will deduce themselves, and they won't doubt it."
Li Guanyi softly said, "Elder Xue."
"The favor today will surely be repaid in the future."
The elder sighed and said, "In front of this old man, don't be so formal. Just give me a shoulder rub, and that will suffice."
So, Li Guanyi obediently stepped forward to massage his shoulders.
The elder said proudly, "Today's events may need to be recorded. In the future, renowned generals will also have been the ones to rub this old man's shoulders when they were young, haha. Guanyi, you must take this to heart; perhaps I can use this to leave a mark in history."
Li Guanyi couldn't help but smile.
The elder took out an item and reluctantly handed it to Li Guanyi, saying, "Here, take this."
"What is it?"
The elder sighed, "A letter from Xue Shuangtao for you."
He waved his hand, saying, "Alright, you can go back and open it. Don't disturb my eyes in front of me. Remember, in three days, don your armor and gather your troops to join the Xue family convoy to Jiangzhou City. We won't wait for you; if you're late, you can go by yourself."
"This is a big matter; this old man won't wait for you."
The elder waved his hand, and Li Guanyi returned to open the letter. A flower fell out.
The letter contained simple characters:
"Brother Li Guanyi, I hope this letter finds you well."
The young lady initially wrote with a serious tone, but her words became much lighter later on, simply recounting her experiences in the capital, mentioning that the harem was dull. However, in conversations, Li Guanyi's name was increasingly mentioned, with some calling him a fierce tiger and others a jackal.
The young lady's words carried a sense of indignation, suggesting she had quarreled with them.
Though the young lady appeared gentle and gracious, she could use a heavy bow and ride and shoot.
She must not have adapted well to the petty intrigues of the palace.
Li Guanyi quietly read on.
Turning the page, he saw the young lady write:
"The Turks have arrived, all very strong, and they brought a team of iron floating towers. It seems there are arrangements for martial contests for entertainment before this grand ceremony. The royal family of Ying has not yet arrived, but the Duke's advance party is already here, and it seems the second young master will arrive soon."
"The name of that Duke's second young master seems to have been given a title by the great emperor of the Central Plains."
"It means [Tian Ri Zhao Zhao]."
"And then he took another name, just a single character."
"It is: Wen."
"It seems he is about to arrive in Jiangzhou."
Li Guanyi's gaze sharpened slightly.
At this moment, on the land of the Chen Kingdom.
The girl who had separated from the main force looked up at the sky, a phoenix dancing on her shoulder, her spirit soaring, and she smiled slightly, saying:
"Li Guanyi, oh Li Guanyi."
"We shall meet at last."
(End of Chapter)