20: realm

Night.

The newly summoned death warrior, Twenty (Basic Mnemonics), quietly appeared in the courtyard, silently blending into the night.

Qinglan Martial Academy, Sutra Pavilion.

This was a five-story pagoda-style building, with flying eaves and bucket arches, possessing a grand and magnificent Aura.

At the entrance, there were deacon Disciples with steady Auras standing guard. After verifying his identity token, Lin Mo was able to step inside.

The first floor was spacious, with rows of tall bookshelves arranged neatly.

The catalogs were categorized: Fists and Palms, Legs and Feet, Sabers and Swords, Spears and Staves, Exotic Weapons, Movement Techniques, Hard Qigong, Internal Skills, Miscellaneous Studies... a dazzling array of choices.

Although they were only basics, the completeness of the System far exceeded what Lin Mo had previously seen in bookstores.

He did not rush to choose; instead, he first walked to the shelves containing miscellaneous studies and geographical records, pulled out a thick volume titled "Records of Great Qian's Scenery," and began flipping through it quickly.

He needed to clarify the macro-background of this world as soon as possible to determine his position and future direction.

According to the records in the book, the continent he was on was named Cangxuan. It was vast and boundless, with numerous kingdoms, and Sects, noble families, and Gangs were as common as cow hair.

The Great Qian Dynasty was a powerful nation in the eastern part of the Cangxuan Continent. Its national strength was at its Peak, having been established for over three hundred years.

Qinglan Prefecture, where Qinglan City belonged, was one of the thirty-six prefectures of the Great Qian Dynasty, located in the north-eastern part of the Dynasty.

Adjacent to the continuous Wanmang Mountain Range, it was considered a major border town with a fierce folk culture and a strong martial atmosphere.

Regarding martial dao Realms, what was mentioned in the book was largely the same as what Lin Mo had previously understood, but more systematic and clear:

Strength Training (Skin Refining): Tempering the muscles, bones, and skin to increase physical strength. This is the Foundation of martial dao, which ordinary people can also achieve through hard training. Those at Perfection have strength exceeding several hundred catties, and their skin is tough enough to resist ordinary blows.

Bone Forging (Inner Breath): When qi and blood are sufficiently abundant, supplemented by specific methods, a strand of Inner Breath is condensed in the Dantian or specific Acupoints.

Inner Breath can nourish the bones and internal organs, greatly enhancing strength, endurance, and recovery. When applied to limbs or weapons, its power doubles.

Only at this Realm can one truly be called a "Martial Artist."

Muscle (internal qi): The Inner Breath grows and condenses, opening up the major Meridians throughout the body, making them flow like rivers, and the Inner Breath transforms into more active and penetrating internal qi.

internal qi can be released externally to injure enemies, and a Protective Aura begins to manifest, allowing for the execution of some profound Martial Skills. Martial Artists of this Realm are already the backbone of various forces.

Marrow Cleansing (True Qi): The beginning of shedding one's Mortal coil. Using internal qi to repeatedly wash the bone marrow, improving the Foundation and causing a qualitative change in the body; Lifespan also increases accordingly.

internal qi is further purified into True Qi, which is far superior in quality to internal qi. Its external release distance is longer, its power is greater, and it possesses certain special properties, such as cold, heat, or sharpness.

Martial Artists of this Realm can be called experts, acting as generals in the military or Elders in Sects.

5. Blood Exchange (Grandmaster): True Qi fills the entire body, replacing Mortal blood. Vitality is boundless, severed limbs can be reattached if done promptly, and Lifespan increases greatly.

True Qi and spirit initially combine to produce a 'momentum' or 'intent,' which can greatly affect the opponent's mind.

This Realm is the Peak of Mortal martial dao. One can establish a Sect, dominate a region, and be honored as a Grandmaster.

As for what lies above Blood Exchange, there seem to be further Realms.

The book was vague, only unclearly mentioning terms like 'transcending the mundane and entering sainthood' or 'touching the celestial,' which seemed to involve even more mysterious and unknowable Domains.

Lin Mo guessed that those might be the levels Steward Wu had once obscurely mentioned as being above Marrow Cleansing and Blood Exchange, possibly even related to legends of immortal cultivation. But for him at the moment, it was too distant.

"Currently, relying on the Aperture Condensation Method and daily stacking, my Inner Breath is pure and thick; its quality is likely close to or even at the level of internal qi."

"However, my total volume, application techniques, and the development of my Meridians are still at the Bone Forging stage."

"Relying on physical strength... I can most likely match the Marrow Cleansing (True Qi) Realm, which is the strength of a martial academy Elder."

"I need systematic Martial Skills and more advanced internal Mind-Cultivation Techniques to guide and utilize it," Lin Mo evaluated his own strength in his heart with a slightly cautious assessment.

He flipped through several more miscellaneous books involving ancient legends and strange sightings, hoping to find any mention related to the script on the animal skin parchment or the material of the rusted sword, but the harvest was meager.

It seemed these secrets were not things ordinary books could record.

Putting down the miscellaneous books, Lin Mo began to select Martial Skills. He currently lacked systematic offensive and defensive means, and the Death Warriors also needed standardized guidance.

Ultimately, he selected three books.

Bedrock Fist: A fist technique that focuses on Foundation, steady power delivery, and outstanding defense. The Moves are simple and ancient, easy to learn but hard to master, but when practiced to a deep level, the fist Aura is like a mountain, integrating offense and defense.

It was suitable for building a Foundation and also for the Death Warriors to Cultivate, as it could fully utilize their advantages of great strength and strong discipline.

Willow Catkin Following the Wind Step: A basic movement technique that emphasizes light footwork, dodging and maneuvering, and borrowing or redirecting force. Although it has little offensive power, it is extremely practical for evasion, repositioning, and closing in.

Lin Mo valued its effect on improving mobility.

Basic Detailed Explanation of Meridians and Inner Breath Nourishment: This was not a Martial Skill, but a guidebook explaining the body's major Meridians, Acupoints, and how to safely and effectively guide and nourish Inner Breath.

Its content was much more detailed and systematic than "a brief discussion on qi and blood transference," which could perfectly supplement the deficiencies of the Aperture Condensation Method in terms of basic theory and make the Death Warriors' cultivation safer and more standardized.

After choosing the manuals and registering at the deacon's office, Lin Mo left the Sutra Pavilion.

Returning to his independent courtyard, he handed the three manuals to Shi Liu, ordering him to transcribe copies as soon as possible so that all Death Warriors could study them.

At the same time, he began to plan his upcoming life at the martial academy.

"Martial academy courses are mainly divided into literary classes and martial classes."

"Literary classes include classics and history, military strategy, medicine, geography, etc., while martial classes are guidance for unarmed combat, weapons, movement techniques, Internal Skill cultivation, and combat drills."

"Grade A students have more freedom of choice and opportunities to individually ask Instructors for guidance," Lin Mo recalled the contents of the "Martial Academy Regulations."

"Use the resources and environment of the martial academy to quickly improve the strength of myself and the Death Warriors, systematically learn martial dao knowledge, build a network of connections, and simultaneously develop my own power in secret."

"The Grade A status at the martial academy and the support of the Hundred Treasures Pavilion are excellent covers."

He summoned Si, Er, San, and Fang Han.

"From tomorrow onwards, you will take turns accompanying me to class, familiarizing yourselves with the academy's affairs, and observing other students and Instructors."

"During the rest of the time, lead the other Death Warriors in the courtyard to Cultivate Bedrock Fist and Willow Catkin Following the Wind Step, and also study the 'Basic Detailed Explanation of Meridians'."

"The cultivation of the Aperture Condensation Method will continue as usual, but you must be more careful not to show any abnormalities in front of others."

"Fang Han, you will stay by my side and be responsible for daily chores, while also sitting in on literary classes and basic martial classes."

"Do not neglect the breathing method and body-strengthening techniques I taught you. Watch more, listen more, learn more, and speak less."

"Yes!" the several people obeyed the order.

"In addition," Lin Mo's gaze focused slightly, "keep an eye out in the martial academy for any research courses or individuals related to ancient scripts and strange metals."

"Also, notice if any students or Instructors have connections with the Black Wolf Gang or other underground forces in the city."

With the arrangements made, Lin Mo walked into the courtyard and stood still.