“How are the cultivation stages of martial artists divided compared to those of Daoist cultivators? For example, which stage corresponds to the Qi Condensation Stage for Daoists?”
Wu Ming had long accumulated a host of questions. Encountering Feng Han, who seemed somewhat experienced, how could he possibly let the opportunity slip away?
Feng Han, however, furrowed his brows and replied, “Martial arts and Daoist techniques are entirely different matters. Why must their stages be forcibly matched?”
Wu Ming felt disheartened and asked, “Then there’s absolutely no common stage ranking understood by the general populace?”
“Of course not!” Feng Han’s tone turned icy. “The true ranking is based purely on strength. When two Grandmasters clash in battle, the one who survives is naturally stronger than the one who perishes. None of today’s renowned experts became famous without emerging from blood-soaked battlefields.”
Wu Ming nodded and said, “I see. True strength involves the proper utilization of timing, terrain, and human harmony. Techniques aren’t inherently superior or inferior, but they do vary in effectiveness.”
Feng Han nodded as well, somewhat impressed with Wu Ming’s understanding.
“It was my own obsession…”
Unknown to Feng Han, Wu Ming was inwardly smiling bitterly: “This world of Great Zhou is real, not a game. There’s no need for so-called equality. There’s no balance required between magical and physical paths. If you have high aptitude, excellent talent, and abundant resources, naturally you can choose a stronger path. Differences are determined from the very beginning and will only widen over time, never narrowing.”
“Furthermore, there are no universal stages across different cultivation paths. Only through actual combat can one determine who is stronger.”
“If that’s the case,” Wu Ming mused, “then my chosen path as a ‘warrior’ is somewhat too common. Catching up with those prodigies will inevitably require more effort and yield diminishing returns. Since I have the Temple of the Sovereign Deity at my disposal, should I consider changing paths?”
Although that former pampered young master was untalented and could only pursue martial arts cultivation, the current Wu Ming had the support of the Temple of the Sovereign Deity. As long as he accumulated sufficient merits, he could gain access to fundamental Daoist techniques, shamanistic magic, and poisonous insect arts, enabling him to carve out his own distinctive path.
Poor Feng Han, who initially saw Wu Ming as a promising student, had no idea that Wu Ming was already contemplating abandoning the frontline warrior’s path to explore other disciplines. If he had known, he would have struck Wu Ming down with his eagle claw technique long ago.
…
After a morning of training, Wu Ming’s appetite was immense. At noon, he devoured three large bowls of fragrant millet rice, chewed half a roasted chicken, enjoyed a bowl of tender, melt-in-your-mouth, non-greasy red-cooked pork, and several vegetarian dishes before leisurely munching on fruit for dessert and heading off to find Wu Qing.
“This meal alone probably cost enough to support an average family for ten to fifteen days…”
As he walked, Wu Ming pondered, “My current appetite is already two or three times that of an ordinary strong man, and I can’t go a day without meat. How could an ordinary family afford to feed me properly? No wonder the saying goes, ‘The poor study literature, the rich practice martial arts, and cultivators bankrupt their families.’ It seems the expenses for these three paths increase progressively!”
“I heard from Feng Han that you’ve already broken through to the Qi Condensation Stage. Very good!”
Entering Wu Qing’s private chamber, Wu Ming caught a whiff of the elegant pine fragrance and felt slightly uneasy.
But Wu Qing showed no discomfort at all.
She had only a pot of clear water and some fresh fruits like pine nuts before her, clearly indicating her deep Daoist cultivation, even beginning to attempt the fasting practice, which sent a chill through Wu Ming’s heart.
“Now that you’ve reached the fifth physical body stage, the ‘Turtle Hibernation Method’ is no longer suitable for you. Here is the subsequent ‘Spiritual Turtle Qi Cultivation Technique,’ which can be practiced all the way to the ultimate transformation stage. Study it yourself first, and consult Feng Han if you have any questions.”
With a soft sigh, Wu Qing continued, “Sister has to return to the Daoist academy after being away for three days.”
“The ‘Spiritual Turtle Qi Cultivation Technique’?”
As Wu Ming took the ancient scroll, he noticed it still carried a faint warmth and fragrance, stirring his emotions, though he quickly composed himself and asked, “I see that Feng Han is quite talented. Can we use this technique to win him over?”
“Of course. He has a clean background, but unfortunately lacks a foundation. If you can successfully recruit him, it would be a good thing. However, cultivation techniques must not be passed around lightly. Remember this well!”
Wu Qing nodded indifferently.
Wu Ming’s expression turned solemn as he recalled that in this world, martial artists were divided into nine physical stages: Mind Stabilization, Skin and Flesh, Tendons and Bones, Internal Strengthening, Qi Condensation, Innate, External Qi Armor, Internal Qi Armor, and Ultimate Transformation.
The first four stages focused on cultivating the mind, body, tendons, bones, and internal organs, laying the foundational groundwork.
The stages from Qi Condensation, Innate, to Ultimate Transformation were all about refining and transforming Qi.
The “Turtle Hibernation Method” and the “Spiritual Turtle Qi Cultivation Technique” were sufficient for cultivation up to the ninth stage’s peak. Wu Qing had obtained these techniques at great cost. In ordinary small clans, these would be treasured as family heirlooms, capable of transforming the fate of commoners.
Even though Feng Han already had his own Qi cultivation method and couldn’t easily change it, he could pass these techniques to his descendants, potentially sparking a revival for his family.
Of course, precisely because of this, Wu Ming naturally wouldn’t be foolish enough to give them away so easily.
One reason was the principle of not accepting unearned gifts, and another was that bestowing such a significant reward now would leave nothing for future incentives.
“Sister, rest assured, I understand.”
For some reason, as Wu Qing looked at this younger brother who now clearly understood the nuances of advancement and retreat, and seemed to have matured suddenly, a trace of wistfulness appeared on her face. Suddenly, she took out a plain-looking, glossy black ring and placed it on Wu Ming’s finger.
“This is… a magical artifact?!”
Wu Ming’s pupils constricted slightly as he exclaimed in admiration.
He was knowledgeable enough to recognize that although the ring appeared unremarkable, its layered cloud patterns were highly regular, with intricate runes inside the inner ring.
Most importantly, the moment he put the ring on, a faint thread of Qi in his dantian began to stir restlessly, making it clear how valuable it was.
“This is the Black Gold Ring, a low-grade magical artifact capable of attacking enemies from a distance. That Lin Qi I mentioned earlier died by its power. It requires Qi to activate, which is why I didn’t give it to you before. But now there’s no problem…”
Wu Qing spoke casually, but Wu Ming was deeply moved internally.
A magical artifact! Even if it was just a low-grade one, its value was incomparable to the previous fire-technique ring.
“Sister… you gave this to me, but what about yourself…”
Magical artifacts weren’t common items. Wu Ming even suspected that Wu Qing might only possess this one.
“Don’t worry. At present, no one within the Daoist academy can threaten me!”
Wu Qing waved her hand confidently and softly added, “You just accept it. Also, I’ve been working on getting you admitted into the Daoist academy. That ‘Spiritual Turtle Qi Cultivation Technique’ is derived from Daoist incantations, harmonizing naturally with the environment. Never slack off on your practice…”
“…Thank you, sister!”
Seeing the determination in Wu Qing’s eyes and knowing her character, which always kept her word once given, Wu Ming didn’t refuse but accepted the gift, silently vowing to remember this kindness.
“Although I’m no longer the previous Wu Ming, you’ve treated me with sincerity, and I naturally will reciprocate with utmost loyalty and ensure your safety!”
Wu Ming always believed in the principles of “when one attains the Dao, even his chickens and dogs ascend to heaven” and “repaying even a drop of kindness with a spring of gratitude.”
Of course, he couldn’t reveal the great secret of the Temple of the Sovereign Deity to Wu Qing. However, in the future, when he grew stronger, he would certainly bestow his blessings upon this woman.
After all, having taken the identity of her younger brother and receiving so many benefits from her, he wouldn’t feel at ease with himself if he didn’t repay her.
Naturally, for now, he was still in his vulnerable stage and wouldn’t act pretentiously. He simply accepted the gift.
…
As night fell, Wu Ming lay on a soft couch, dismissed the servants and maids, rested his arms behind his head, slightly closed his eyes, and inwardly called upon the Temple of the Sovereign Deity.
[Ding! Detected designated He Shen 69th cycle warrior and Sovereign Deity disciple requesting connection. Permission granted. Connection approved!]
In an instant, Wu Ming felt himself linking with a space that seemed omnipresent, grand, and mysterious.
Ordinary cycle warriors could only passively respond to the Temple of the Sovereign Deity’s summons. How could they possibly treat the Temple like their home, entering and exiting at will?
However, Wu Ming had his own authority and could return anytime he wished.
“If only the Temple of the Sovereign Deity could eventually bring its physical form into this world, that would be the ultimate trump card! Then, no matter how vast the world is, there would be few who could threaten me.”
As long as he could place his physical body in the Temple of the Sovereign Deity, it would almost be the perfect sanctuary.
Unfortunately, the Temple didn’t have this function yet. During cycle missions, the physical body in the real world remained the biggest vulnerability for cycle warriors.
[Ding! Detected cycle warrior carrying a low-grade magical artifact. Would you like to spend 50 small merits to bring it in entirely?]
“What?! Even I have to pay?!”
Wu Ming felt somewhat disheartened but immediately chose no.
Although he was eager to appraise it, there would be plenty of opportunities before the next cycle mission began. Merits were precious and shouldn’t be wasted like this.
With a flash of light, Wu Ming found himself once again in that endless white space, gazing up at the magnificent and awe-inspiring Temple of the Sovereign Deity high above.
“Now I’m just a bit frustrated. Those Daoist cultivators, especially those entering for the first time, must be crying their eyes out…”
Although martial arts instructor Feng Han had his biases, Wu Ming had inquired extensively and combined his own experiences to realize that in the Great Zhou world, Daoist priests, magicians, and shamans—all magical professions—were definitely the elite, the wealthy and powerful.
Of course, precisely because of this, these magical professions were also heavily reliant on external tools, especially during the initial stages when establishing their Dao foundation.
At this point, Daoist priests and magicians were just like those Confucian scholars who hadn’t yet achieved mastery and couldn’t travel and study outside. They spent their days reading scriptures and cultivating their inner energy. To cast spells, given their meager magical power, they absolutely had to rely on talismans and magical artifacts!
Just when a new group of warriors entered the Temple of the Sovereign Deity without a single merit to their name…
“This is practically burying people alive without mercy…”
Wu Ming opened the exchange list and looked at the artifacts section again: “And the exchange prices for magical artifacts and various tools are quite high, even requiring large merits and celestial merits. Is it because the Temple of the Sovereign Deity is currently just a spiritual world, thus discouraging the exchange of physical magical artifacts?”
Drawing on his past experiences, Wu Ming now boldly hypothesized and was somewhat beginning to grasp the underlying principles of the Temple of the Sovereign Deity.
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage