"Welcome to this chaotic world!"
Li Guanyi stared at the Yunwen agent who had died with his eyes wide open, his breath still coming in ragged gasps—a reflex born of sheer instinct. Yue Qianfeng reached over and gave his back a firm pat, speaking in a steady tone:
"Sit down and meditate. I used my Crimson Dragon true energy to open up your meridians and acupoints—I've left some of my energy in you."
"But that's only external help, not your strength."
"If you don't focus your mind, you'll forget it all within days."
"Calm your spirit, guide your breath, maintain the circulation of this internal energy—that's the only way to truly master it."
Li Guanyi nodded. He stepped into the dilapidated Mountain God Temple, sat cross-legged, palms facing upward, closed his eyes, and focused his breathing. Slowly, he guided the warm current of internal energy to circulate through his body. Despite having been drenched by the night's rain, he felt invigorated, the heat flowing through his limbs, comfortably warm.
Meanwhile, Yue Qianfeng crouched beside the fallen spy, rummaging through his belongings. When his hand brushed across a certain object, his expression stiffened slightly.
Li Guanyi, with eyes closed, carefully strengthened the mental imprint of this flow of internal energy, determined to make its circulation second nature.
In this focused state, his sensitivity to his body gradually increased.
Soon, he noticed that whenever the energy passed his heart, it would inexplicably slow down, and that comforting warmth would faintly turn cold, taking several breaths before it could return to normal. A faint realization dawned in his heart—this must be the lingering poison within him.
The fact that he could now sense the hidden poison in his own body was already a qualitative breakthrough. Li Guanyi let out a quiet sigh of relief but also realized that the jade liquid within the bronze cauldron in his chest still hadn't filled.
Even with Yue Qianfeng right in front of him, the jade liquid inside the cauldron was stalled at ninety-five percent, not budging.
Li Guanyi silently questioned himself:
Could it be… that filling the jade liquid requires more than just proximity to Yue Qianfeng and that crimson dragon?
When he had cycled his breath several more times and confirmed he could guide the energy at will, Yue Qianfeng took a swig of wine from a leather flask and said casually:
"Good comprehension. You managed to learn the basics of this Breaking Array Melody in just the time it takes for one incense stick to burn. This is something new, a technique of our military lineage, that is not widely known. It's only been around for twenty years or so, passed down secretly among us."
"It was created twenty-two years ago by Old General Zhou, Marshal Yue's teacher after he shattered the Turkic Iron Phalanx in battle."
"That old general spent his life on the battlefield. On his way through Jiangnan to pay respects to the late emperor, he happened to hear a little eight- or nine-year-old girl playing the zither. The sharp, resonant sound inspired him, leading to the creation of this technique. He named it a Melody."
"You've seen other martial artists, haven't you? First, they have to beat their bodies into shape before they can guide their internal energy. This Breaking Array Melody is different. It brings internal energy into the body first and uses that warmth to temper the flesh."
"It's a level higher in concept."
"Of course, in the end, all paths lead to the same destination."
Li Guanyi immediately asked, "Body strength, internal energy—is that the key?"
Yue Qianfeng nodded. "Right. The body needs to be tough to withstand blows. The energy needs to be steady to deliver them."
"Whether you start from the inside or the outside, the goal is the same—strengthen both until they fuse into true energy. That's when you step into the realm of mastery."
"A martial artist who has reached mastery—whether in speed, strength, or toughness—will far surpass ordinary people."
"Of course, different schools of martial arts specialize in different things. Someone focused on speed might not have the sheer toughness of someone who's dedicated years solely to forging the body."
Li Guanyi pushed aside the matter of the bronze cauldron for now, concentrating fully on Yue Qianfeng's explanation.
Then Yue Qianfeng suddenly asked, "But tell me—do you think a martial artist who's stepped into mastery will defeat someone who's still just toughening the body or cultivating energy?"
Li Guanyi thought for a moment and replied, "No."
"If that person's unarmed, wearing ordinary clothes, and I have a weapon capable of piercing his vital points… there's a chance I could kill him."
It was an answer that many sharp-minded children could come to. Yue Qianfeng smiled and pressed further:
"Oh? With just that short sword of yours?"
Li Guanyi considered it seriously, then said, "Two weapons."
"Where's the other one?"
The thirteen-year-old pointed at his ragged clothing and said quietly:
"An expert who's reached mastery might still underestimate a child like me. That underestimation is the other weapon."
Yue Qianfeng's smile faltered slightly, surprised by such words from a ragged youth whose clothes were even shabbier than an ordinary peasant's. A flicker of appreciation appeared in his eyes, and he nodded slowly.
"Good point. A tiger's strength isn't inferior to a martial artist, yet a few hunters can still bring it down. Even if someone has mastery-level strength, speed, and toughness, a careless mistake can cost them their life. You have that short sword, and if your opponent underestimates you, there's a chance—even a freshly advanced martial artist could die by your blade."
"Weapons, armor, willpower, mindset—all of these influence life and death."
Afterward, Yue Qianfeng checked Li Guanyi's internal circulation again, seeing that he was already proficient. He couldn't help but praise:
"Truly good comprehension."
Unfortunately… poisoned from a young age. His constitution has been corroded, holding him back.
A trace of regret flickered in Yue Qianfeng's eyes. Even after just three cycles of circulation—merely three rounds—Li Guanyi had memorized the entire structure of the Breaking Array Melody. His comprehension was exceptional, but the internal energy moved far too slowly.
Slow energy circulation meant slow cultivation. In combat, it meant slow recovery, weak reserves, and limited fighting ability. It must be that the early poisoning had ruined his innate potential.
What a shame.
With that regret buried in his heart, Yue Qianfeng continued:
"That Breaking Army Blade Technique I passed to you earlier is standard among Central Plains soldiers, though the version I taught you has been improved by us. Compared to the so-called superior techniques of major martial sects, it might lack refinement, but it's orderly, straightforward, and effective."
"The names of the moves and the internal force behind them are different, but from the outside, it's just simple soldier training. You can use it freely."
"As for the Breaking Array Melody, you should be able to break through the first layer in one to three months. After that, each layer takes progressively longer. There are twelve layers in total. For the exceptionally gifted, three years is enough. Those with decent constitutions might take eight years. Once you complete it, you can attempt to reach mastery."
"Techniques beyond mastery require spiritual insight—they can't just be taught with words."
"Still, even a basic martial artist who's stepped into mastery can join an elite unit in the army."
"They can serve as squad leaders in regular troops or as wandering adventurers. Many idle guests in aristocratic families are also around this level. It's enough to keep yourself alive and live decently."
Yue Qianfeng gauged Li Guanyi's potential. Even with the help of the Breaking Array Melody, it might take him fifteen years or more to reach mastery. By then, he'd be twenty-seven or twenty-eight—considered a promising figure in small towns, living a stable, respectable life.
Li Guanyi listened carefully, keenly aware of the comfort hidden in Yue Qianfeng's words. He figured his aptitude was probably nothing special, but for now, he pushed the thought aside and focused on the traces of jade liquid in the bronze cauldron within him.
Still not enough. More time? Or stronger stimulus?
Without hesitation, Li Guanyi stood and bowed deeply.
"Disciple greets Teacher!"
Yue Qianfeng caught his arm with a laugh. "You're clever—but no."
"We've met by chance, and I like you well enough. Teaching you some martial arts is no problem. But taking a disciple… I won't. My style emphasizes brute force, and it requires exceptional natural talent."
He spoke frankly and openly, explaining his reasons with no pretense. He liked this sharp-witted, slightly vicious kid—smart, with a ruthless streak—but the boy's weak constitution was too limiting. Still, on impulse, Yue Qianfeng took out a small bronze seal and tossed it to Li Guanyi.
"That said—your answer earlier pleased me. Take this."
"It's my token. If you infuse it with the internal force of the Breaking Array Melody, I'll sense your presence faintly."
"If you complete the Breaking Array Melody someday or run into real trouble, bring this to find me. That'll be the end of our karma together. Hahaha. If you can't find me… just keep it as a memento."
Li Guanyi heard the note of farewell in his voice.
After today, unless he used this bronze seal, he wouldn't see Yue Qianfeng again—and without that, awakening the jade liquid in the bronze cauldron might be impossible.
Li Guanyi looked at Yue Qianfeng—and at the crimson divine dragon behind him.
Glancing down, he saw that the jade liquid in the bronze cauldron had only reached ninety-five percent. A thought suddenly crossed his mind. He deliberately asked:
"Then… may I ask one last question? What lies beyond mastery?"
Yue Qianfeng chuckled, "You like aiming high, don't you?"
He paused, then, seeing the boy's innocent yet eager gaze, he softened. This child probably won't get much further in life… But Yue Qianfeng was generous to his people. He smiled:
"Fine. If you're talking about the realms beyond—'Beyond Heaven, Beyond Towers'—"
"I'll give you a glimpse."
He clenched his fist.
The black night, the endless rain—everything froze. Countless raindrops hung suspended in the air, transforming into glistening beads like a dense mist. Li Guanyi felt his heart stop, his body weightless, suffocating.
In the next instant, all those raindrops reversed direction, surging skyward.
Yue Qianfeng moved.
He twisted his body, pivoted his waist, and clenched his fist.
BOOM!!!
With a deafening roar, the suspended rain vaporized into steam, swirling into clouds. Between Yue Qianfeng's fingers, a blazing fire burst forth. The flames spread like a roaring tide, condensing before Li Guanyi's eyes into a roaring crimson dragon. With a twist of his waist, Yue Qianfeng punched forward.
The entire Mountain God Temple—
The mountainside—
The corpses scattered across the slope—
In that one instant, all were reduced to ash.
Debris drifted like falling snow. Li Guanyi slowly raised his hand, lifting his gaze to the now-clear sky. The moon had broken through the clouds. That torrential night rain had been blown away by a single punch.
The crimson dragon still roared in the air, coiling around Yue Qianfeng, making him seem both divine and demonic.
Yue Qianfeng slowly extended his hand, the crimson dragon curling over his fingers, looming over Li Guanyi like a beast about to swallow him whole.
Finally—it simply tapped him lightly on the head, snapping him back to reality.
This… this was the strength of a true powerhouse, even while gravely wounded?
Li Guanyi stared at the crimson dragon that had dispersed the night's downpour. Its fiery reflection shone in his eyes. His fists clenched unconsciously, veins bulging from his hands. His heart pounded wildly in his chest.
And when Yue Qianfeng pressed his palm gently against Li Guanyi's head—
The jade liquid in the bronze cauldron began to rise again.
As the crimson dragon faded from sight—
The jade liquid in the bronze cauldron finally… filled.
(End of Chapter)