A martial art that lowers the threshold for Martial Arts foundation building and also bestows a significantly extended lifespan upon completing the Martial Arts foundation-building—what an important matter this was.
To say that it might bring about a transformation of the Martial Arts system was no exaggeration. Some powerhouses in Qingyun Path insisted that, if this were indeed true at this time, and it could extend the lifespans of strong fighters in the Twelve-Floor Tower, then the land would certainly be engulfed in great upheaval, with countless strong fighters emerging in madness for this skill.
At that time, the pattern of this world would likely become even more chaotic, no one knew how many powerhouses would fall in the process, nor how many people would rise from it.
Transformation has never been mild; every innovation inevitably leads to a struggle of blood and fire. Only through such a process can a transformation be thoroughly completed. As a great force with a long heritage, Qingyun Path had recorded the chaos of several past transformations that this world had experienced.
The previous changes had merely been innovations in the Martial Arts system; this time, the Martial Classics genuinely meant subversion, and even Qingyun Path did not dare to say they had enough confidence to get through it safely. They could only gather their strength in the nick of time, preparing for any unexpected events.
For the moment, they also temporarily set aside their enmity with Star Moon Temple. After all, if all of this were true, that meant that their previous struggles were insignificant compared to the chance at a more prolonged life; the current interests mattered little.
...
Not only had Qingyun Path discovered these things, but powerhouses of forces like Wuji Sect, Tianwu Pavilion, and Star Moon Temple also attached great importance to this Martial Classic. When their disciples completed their foundation building with the Martial Classic, they naturally discovered the mystery within.
Moreover, something known to one person is called a secret, but once more than one person knows it, the so-called secret can no longer be kept hidden. Even if other forces had not found out, when they noticed the actions of their rivals, they naturally paid attention to this aspect as well.
Given the current chaotic situation in the martial arts world and the court, it was only natural for these forces to plant spies within each other's sects. And such an important matter would invariably spread out.
Thus, the news that martial artists, who had completed their Martial Arts foundation building and ascended to the first realm of the Twelve-Floor Tower, had enhanced vitality and nearly three cycles of 60 years of lifespan, inevitably leaked out.
Lifespan, this was what countless strong fighters yearned for. The more powerful the martial artist, with the ability to change Heaven and Earth, yet they too would one day turn grey with age and face the end of life—how could they be content with that?
"In the past, I had no choice. Now that the opportunity has arisen, I must seize it," said one.
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"Hahaha, I've waited three hundred years, forcefully obtaining skills from various sects, not hesitating to destroy dozens of forces, only seeking for the Path of Longevity. As my lifespan neared its end, I found nothing and thought I would die with regrets. Yet to my surprise, after the darkness comes the dawn, and I've actually encountered a chance for life. Truly, the heavens have not abandoned me!" another exclaimed.
"With all this great strength, one can only live for five hundred years. I haven't yet fully enjoyed the world's splendour and wealth—how could I be content? I must live longer," declared another.
"…"
Numerous powerhouses were startled by this news, and who knows how many, previously hidden in mountains and forests, playing in the mortal realm, indifferent to the disputes between Heaven and Earth, finally revealed themselves. They began making moves to seize the upper volume of the Martial Classics, desiring to unearth its profound mysteries.
This Martial Classic, what kind of profound mystery does it hold, and what distinct method of cultivation does it offer, that as soon as a martial artist completes the foundation of martial arts and ascends to the first floor of martial arts, it brings a surge of vitality and grants additional lifespan? This is what countless powerhouses are curious and frantic about.
There is great terror between life and death; even the most earth-shattering powerhouse, with countless influence, wealth, and power, cannot suppress their longing for life.
However, each person takes different actions. Some powerhouses, either fearing Pei Xuanjing's mysterious and unfathomable power or confident in their own wisdom, chose to research on their own after obtaining the first volume of the Martial Classics, hoping to use its profound mystery to compensate for what their martial arts techniques lack.
But this was not the choice of all powerhouses. Some, perhaps out of confidence in their own power or simply not wanting to conduct their own research, believed that since the first volume of the Martial Classics came from Pei Xuanjing, it was very likely that Pei Xuanjing also possessed the second volume, those cultivation techniques that could directly access the twelfth floor of martial arts.
For these high-standing powerhouses, instead of wasting time conducting their own research, it was far more convenient to take action and seize the second volume of the Martial Classics from Pei Xuanjing.
"Your Highness, this is already the sixth group of martial artists who have infiltrated the Royal Mansion attempting to steal the second volume of the Martial Classics," a guard martial artist said to Pei Xuanjing respectfully.
In these times—or rather, since the message was passed that completing the martial arts foundation through the first volume of the Martial Classics could grant additional lifespan—Pei Xuanjing's Royal Mansion had almost become the focal point of the world, drawing the attention of countless people.
The gaze these powerhouses directed at Pei Xuanjing's Royal Mansion was filled with greed and desire, as if they wanted to seize the entire mansion to find the second volume of the Martial Classics.
However, faced with the mysterious and unfathomable Pei Xuanjing and those powerful guards of the Royal Mansion, some martial artists were able to suppress their desires, while others could not and chose to take action.
Just now, there were more martial artists who wanted to infiltrate the Royal Mansion to try and steal the Martial Classics. But what they didn't know was that Pei Xuanjing had long since turned the area within dozens of miles into a nascent Mystical Land of Blessings. Within this nascent Mystical Land of Blessings, Pei Xuanjing was omniscient, and from the moment they drew near, they had nowhere to hide.
Pei Xuanjing sat in the pavilion with tea utensils laid out in front of him. He brewed tea casually and, upon hearing the guard's words, said without lifting his head, "Treat these people the same as the previous ones, following the rules. You don't need to ask me."
Pei Xuanjing understood the actions of these intruders but did not approve of them.
In the beginning, Pei Xuanjing merely had his guards chase these people away without intending to pursue the matter further, but later he found some of them became increasingly presumptuous.
"I'm quite curious if all the martial artists in this realm are so spirited, embracing death without fear," Pei Xuanjing remarked as he watched the boiling water for his tea, a flash of cold murderous intent in his eyes. "If they mistake my kindness for weakness, then let them pay with their lives!"
Since they had acted, they would have to bear the consequences. Pei Xuanjing had two types of orders for his guards. For those who only stole without harming anyone, they were simply caught and hanged on the high platform outside the Royal Mansion.
As for the other kind, those who silently infiltrated and dared to strike and harm others upon being discovered, they were to be killed without discussion, to set an example for others.
"One by one, they're all a stubborn bunch, not giving up until they're at the brink of the Yellow River!"
However, what Pei Xuanjing had not expected was that these martial artists were each incredibly bold and reckless. After several attempts, nearly a hundred people had intruded with the intent to steal, and not a single one surrendered without a fight. Each was determined to break out using their own strength, meaning, unfortunately, that not one qualified for the first option and all were executed on the spot.
Without a doubt, the actions of these people greatly displeased Pei Xuanjing, causing a murderous intent to arise in his heart. He was curious to see whether their fates were tougher or his blade sharper.
"If you all want to probe, then go ahead and continue to do so. The question is whether you have enough martial artists under your command." Pei Xuanjing emptied the tea from his cup, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon.
He knew that among those who had trespassed, besides some martial artists whose minds were clouded by greed and desire for profit, there were some who had been sent by others.
Some martial artists of the Twelve-Floor Tower trusted too much in their own strength; they were unwilling to contemplate the Martial Classics on their own and instead set their sights on Pei Xuanjing, aiming to take from him what they believed to be the second volume of the Martial Classics.
...
"Your Highness, isn't your goal to disseminate the Martial Classics, to allow more martial artists to pursue cultivation and thereby reform the existing martial arts system? Why are you now preventing these people from obtaining the second volume of the Martial Classics?" asked a young guard, who used to be a vagrant child, puzzled.
These loyal guards, too, were aware of Pei Xuanjing's plans. Otherwise, how would they carry out their duties?
But precisely because they understood, this young guard was puzzled and wanted to voice his inquiries.
Yet, his question truly shocked the other guards, revealing a look of astonishment on their faces.
"Silence!"
"How dare you question the decisions of His Highness!"
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"This subordinate has failed to properly instruct; please, Your Highness, punish me!"
As soon after the young guard spoke, before Pei Xuanjing could utter a word, a few guards who had been by Pei Xuanjing's side for many years immediately showed a change in expression and rebuked him, especially the one holding the position of chief guard, who immediately knelt before Pei Xuanjing seeking punishment.
To them, Pei Xuanjing's mentorship had altered their destinies. They revered Pei Xuanjing like a god, and supported all of his decisions unconditionally, without any discount. As long as His Highness commanded, they would not refuse and would never question right or wrong.
However, these vagrant child guards were different. They were not personally taught by Pei Xuanjing and because of their youthful impulsiveness, they had asked the preceding questions.
But for the chief guard, this was unacceptable because, in his view, it was an affront to His Highness. Had it not been for one of his own disciples, if anyone else had shown such disrespect, even if they were his disciple, he would have personally punished them before His Highness could speak.
Seeing his master react so, the young guard also showed a look of fear on his face and hastily knelt alongside the chief guard, somewhat panicked.
"Rise," Pei Xuanjing said, seeing the fear in their faces, and shook his head slightly with a smile. "Am I that terrifying?"
With a light flick, he helped the kneeling guards to their feet with a gentle force and then said, "There's no need for that; I am not that petty."
"Thank you for your magnanimity, Your Highness!"
"Thank you, Your Highness!"
Seeing Pei Xuanjing not angry, the nervous expressions on the guards' faces gradually faded.
Pei Xuanjing put down his teacup and looked at the young guard. "You just asked me why, since I originally intended to spread the Martial Classics, I now prevent these people from obtaining them."
The young guard, still intimidated by the previous situation, didn't dare to speak, but his eyes were filled with curiosity that he couldn't hide.
Pei Xuanjing continued, "First, you must understand one thing. Some things are not valued when given for free. But if one pays a heavy price to obtain them, then they will certainly not take it lightly."
Only what is gained at a cost is cherished; the things given for free are taken for granted—worthless even if lost.
It's like those who fawn over others—they don't care for what's offered freely, yet yearn deeply for what they can't have.
Besides, the second volume of the Martial Classics is so precious, to think they could obtain it easily is laughable. Having access to the Martial Classics is already a gift from me to them.
Moreover, to change the martial arts system of this realm, the first volume of the Martial Classics was already more than enough. Having the second volume is only a matter of time, but for Pei Xuanjing, time is the least valuable thing.
On the other hand, for many powerhouses, particularly those nearing the end of their lifespan, having the second volume of the Martial Classics has an entirely different significance.
"As for another point, it's quite simple. The Martial Classics are mine to give. If I choose to bestow them, it's a grace, but they cannot take it by force because I do not permit it." Pei Xuanjing's words were calm, yet his tone carried an undeniable domineering authority.
As a True Immortal descended to the mortal realm, Pei Xuanjing had the prerogative to look down upon everyone in this world. He could grant them the second volume of the Martial Classics, but only if he wished to, not because it was taken from him by force.
That was the pride of a True Immortal, and indeed, the domineering nature of such a being. Each and every True Immortal is filled with absolute confidence and pride, never tolerating provocation from beings below the Immortal Path.
To challenge a True Immortal comes with a price.
The guards withdrew, leaving Pei Xuanjing alone. He stood with his hands behind his back, gazing into the distance. His profound eyes sparkled as if he were pondering something.
"This world seems not as simple as I had thought," Pei Xuanjing mused.
Upon his arrival in this realm and learning about its historical evolution, Pei Xuanjing had made a judgment: even though this world was no less extraordinary than the Great Ming World after its ascent, yet for all its history, no True Immortal had been born. The strongest known here, the martial artists of the Twelve-Floor Tower, were on par with the Supreme Strong of the Great Ming World, but they had not entered the domain of the Immortal Path.
As a True Immortal, during the Unity of Heaven and Man, Pei Xuanjing had once perceived the Will of this Heaven and Earth and had likewise not detected any trace of immortals' presence. Thus, he had always firmly believed that no True Immortals had existed in this world.
However, not long ago, after the prototype of the Mystical Land of Blessings he had created was fully completed and his Earth Immortal Path progressed further, Pei Xuanjing had new insights in a brief moment—insights that made him doubt his previous conclusion and start to question his earlier judgments.