411: Chapter 411 A Free Consideration in One's Heart!

As his gaze fell once more upon the line [Spear Technique: fifth stage (10%)], Qin Yan's eyes grew exceptionally bright.

"With my current understanding of the Spear Dao and the enhancement from that 'two-ten-thousandths' of Spear Dao Profundity,"

"It will take a month at most, or as little as a few days, for my Spear Technique to naturally progress into the realm of 'Sixth Stage — Spear Intent'!"

He had a clear premonition and powerful self-confidence regarding this.

In Martial Arts Skill, the gap between the fifth and sixth stages was a massive watershed; it was the critical step where 'technique' sublimated into 'Dao'.

Before the fifth stage, a martial artist's mastery of skill was mostly reflected in the levels of 'form', 'force', 'glow', and 'Qi'—a combination of technique and power.

The resulting blood-qi amplification was also often limited to when the corresponding weapon was being used.

For instance, in the past, if Qin Yan did not use his long spear and relied only on his fists and feet, the blood-qi he could erupt would only be his basic value, unable to receive the bonus from his Spear Technique skills.

But once one stepped into the sixth stage and condensed their own 'Intent'—

Such as Spear Intent, Sword Intent, or Saber Intent—it would be a completely different world.

'Intent' was the condensation and sublimation of a martial artist's will and their understanding of Martial Arts Skills; it was no longer restricted to a specific weapon's form.

By then, every gesture and movement could contain the power of 'Intent'.

Even a tree branch or a fallen leaf could erupt with astonishing power in their hands.

The amplification of blood-qi would become more direct and comprehensive, carrying the special attributes and effects bestowed by 'Intent'.

"I really wonder what kind of monsters those guys are who can condense 'supreme grade Spear Qi' at the fourth rank or even lower realms."

Thinking of this, Qin Yan couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder.

The 'Destructions End Spear Qi' he currently mastered was only at the first grade level.

Although its power was impressive, the gap between it and the legendary 'supreme grade Spear Qi' was as vast as the distance between clouds and mud.

supreme grade Spear Qi was far superior to first grade in both power and mystery; it was the ultimate realm dreamed of by countless spear-wielding martial artists.

However, Qin Yan quickly reined in his imagination and envy.

"The priority right now is to first raise my Spear Technique realm to the sixth stage and condense my own 'Spear Intent'."

"supreme grade Spear Qi is certainly tempting, but it consumes too much time and energy, and opportunities for it are hard to come by."

"Directly improving my Spear Intent realm has a clear path, and the boost to my current combat power will be more direct and massive."

He had a clear plan.

"It's just..."

Qin Yan frowned slightly, pondering another matter. "If I use my current first grade 'Destructions End Spear Qi' as a foundation to condense Spear Intent, the final grade of the Spear Intent I achieve will probably only reach the 'fourth grade' level at most."

Martial 'Intent' had its own hierarchy of grades, divided into ten levels, with ninth grade being the lowest and first grade being the highest.

And above the first grade, there was the 'supreme grade intent' that existed only in legends.

The grade of 'Intent' was of paramount importance.

It was the starting point and foundation of a martial artist's path of 'Intent'.

It directly related to whether one could break through to the Great Grandmaster realm in the future, and how far one could travel on the path after becoming a Great Grandmaster.

Many exceptionally gifted martial artists, after stepping into the realm of 'Intent',

Would spend long years constantly polishing, tempering, and raising the grade of their 'Intent'.

The reason was simple: according to martial arts common sense, those with Spear Intent (Sword Intent, Saber Intent, etc.) at the fifth grade or below were basically destined never to reach the seventh rank 'Great Grandmaster' realm!

'Intent' was the prototype and cornerstone of 'Dao'.

Once the grade of 'Intent' was determined, the potential and upper limit of power for the 'Domain' derived from it in the future would be roughly set.

Therefore, any martial artist with ambition and drive would pour their heart and soul into this stage of 'Intent', striving to lay the highest grade foundation.

Qin Yan was naturally no exception.

"Fourth grade Spear Intent... is only the starting point."

His goal was supreme grade Spear Intent!

Reining in his churning thoughts, Qin Yan exhaled a long breath of turbid air, and his surrounding aura returned to tranquility.

He did not continue to stay inside the Alchemy Room.

Last night, he had received a notification from a soldier saying that Dean Xiao Shan had business with him and wanted him to head to the Command Core Area today.

"Let's go see what instructions the Dean has." Qin Yan straightened his clothes and then pushed open the door.

Outside, the sunlight was just right, and the sea breeze brushed against his face with its characteristic salty dampness.

The alchemy area was still quiet, with only the faint medicinal fragrance wafting occasionally from other stone houses.

After ten days of secluded cultivation and consolidation, he was completely refreshed.

...

Inside the command tent, the atmosphere was heavy and solemn.

Besides Great Grandmaster Xiao Shan and Great Grandmaster Liu Mu seated at the head, and Vice-Dean Lin Shui standing to the side,

Below them were seven or eight generals dressed in various military uniforms, their epaulettes gleaming.

These generals were of varying ages; some had graying hair and eyes full of experience, while others were in their prime with soaring auras.

But without exception, they all radiated a chilling killing intent and surging blood-qi fluctuations honed from long years on the battlefield.

At this moment, these high-ranking military officers, who were usually calm in command and deeply majestic, were all frowning, their faces showing obvious worry and disapproval.

"Dean Xiao, you must think twice about this!"

A white-haired, resolute-looking old general was the first to speak, his voice loud yet urgent. "The Dragon Whale Clan just lost Black Whale, and now they suddenly propose a 'fourth rank level' Martial Combat Contract with our human race."

"To define the resource ownership and patrol rights of certain areas in the Eastern Sea for the next three years—this is absolutely a malicious trap!"

"How could they be willing to swallow such a big loss and then take the initiative to come to us for a match? There must be a trick!"

"General Wang is absolutely right!"

A middle-aged general nearby immediately agreed. He had a cold face and eyes as sharp as a hawk's. "My intelligence department just received a secret report. The Dragon Whale Clan headquarters in the Sea Suppression Area has recently shown abnormal energy fluctuations, suggesting that some extraordinary being has arrived!"

"Although the specific identity hasn't been determined yet, for the Dragon Whale Clan to make such a big fuss, this creature's identity and strength are definitely extraordinary!"

"They chose this time for a competition not just to settle a temporary score, but certainly for a deeper plot!"

"This Martial Combat Contract cannot be signed!"

"Yes, Dean Xiao! Who knows what means they have prepared in secret?"

"We ask Dean Xiao to be cautious!"

The generals spoke one after another, their words earnest and full of concern.

Clearly, regarding the Dragon Whale Clan's sudden 'martial combat' proposal, the high-level military officers generally held an opposing and skeptical attitude.

Seated at the top, Xiao Shan listened calmly to everyone's dissuasion.

Waiting until the discussion died down slightly, he slowly raised his hand.

"Quiet."

Two words. The voice wasn't loud, but it seemed to carry an invisible power, instantly smoothing over all the noise in the tent.

Everyone's gaze focused on this highly respected Great Grandmaster who presided over the Eastern Front.

"I have my own considerations regarding this matter."

(That's all for today. I'll find a chance to make up an extra chapter for everyone this month.)