Book 3 Chapter 10: A Glimpse of Transcendental Mastery - Martial God

Chapter 10: A Glimpse of Transcendental Mastery A thunderous explosion echoed through the dense forest, as if an enormous bomb had detonated. Yu Jing Lei's body shot out like a bolt of lightning. His aura, shrouded in a vivid green hue, grew even more intense, forming a protective cocoon around him reminiscent of a silken chrysalis. Unlike the opponents He Yi Ming had faced before, this protective barrier appeared not as an illusion but as a tangible entity, delivering an overwhelming visual impact. When Cheng Fu unleashed the full power of his fire element, he could conjure a flame-like barrier of vital energy. Yet, his barrier paled in comparison to the nearly tangible protective field encasing Yu Jing Lei. Despite this seemingly impenetrable energy shield, cracks began to surface as Yu Jing Lei flew back, spreading rapidly. In merely the blink of an eye, the entire shield shattered, vanishing as if it had never existed. Yu Jing Lei's face bore an expression of undeniable shock. As he looked toward the dust-shrouded battlefield, a newfound joy, unseen for over a century, emerged in his eyes. Moving with lightning speed, he retreated several yards in the air before landing steadily on his feet. Yet, the instant his feet touched the ground, a subtle sound emanated from the point of impact, as countless cracks radiated outward like a spider's web. Only then did a faint flush appear on his face, disappearing swiftly without a trace. Despite his prowess, even Yu Jing Lei could not entirely withstand He Yi Ming's thunderous strike and had to redirect part of the force into the ground. This revealed the formidable power inherent in He Yi Ming's earlier attack. Moments later, the swirling dust finally settled. He Yi Ming, leaning on his great Guan Dao, gazed at the elder with a mix of reverence and admiration. The elder had indeed withstood He Yi Ming's full-force strike, and Yu Jing Lei seemed unscathed. The gap between them was truly immense... After folding and stowing away the Guan Dao, He Yi Ming bowed deeply and said, "Your mastery is unfathomable, senior. I am convinced." Yu Jing Lei offered a slight smile, feeling a pang of guilt. In truth, when he had received that slash, he'd sustained a minor internal injury. Yet, given his cultivation, he could easily conceal it from He Yi Ming, a novice in the realm of innate cultivation. Of course, Yu Jing Lei had to hide this from everyone. If word got out that a formidable figure in the One-Line Heaven sect was injured in a fair duel with an innate master from the Hundred Scatter Heaven, he would never face anyone again. "You have far exceeded my expectations, Yi Ming," Yu Jing Lei sighed emotionally, "Consider me your uncle-master, like Elder Yao and the others." He Yi Ming hesitated slightly but eventually complied, "Yes, uncle-master." He then asked, "Uncle-master, I understand that beyond the innate level lies the divine path. Have you reached the divine path?" His question arose from the stark contrast noticed during their clash—the disparity so immense it boggled the mind, likened to an earthly expert confronting a heavenly master. Even a pinnacle outer force expert, like Xue Lie, who was only a step away from the innate realm, couldn't compare to a true innate master. In his last encounter with Yu Jing Lei, He Yi Ming keenly felt this disparity. Otherwise, Yu Jing Lei could not have withstood his full-force blow. Yu Jing Lei paused, a peculiar expression crossing his face. He chuckled softly, "Yi Ming, where did you hear of a divine path beyond innate?" He Yi Ming respectfully replied, "I heard it from my grandfather." Yu Jing Lei nodded slightly, "Yi Ming, I can tell you, the so-called divine path is merely a legend, a result of ages of misinformation among practitioners." He Yi Ming was greatly surprised, "So, there is no divine path beyond the innate level?" Yu Jing Lei hesitated briefly, "I'm not certain, but from what I know, the divine path is elusive. Apart from ancient legends, no records exist of any formidable figure truly entering this divine realm." He Yi Ming opened his mouth, a tinge of disappointment washing over his eyes. So the divine path is nothing but myth. After a long pause, He Yi Ming abruptly raised his head, "Uncle-master, since you say you're just an innate master, why do you feel so different?" Yu Jing Lei took two steps forward, his movements naturally imbued with a perfection evident to He Yi Ming. It seemed these steps subtly aligned him more harmoniously with the environment. Even though their surroundings were now battered and torn, this perception only made the elder's presence seem even more imposing. "Yi Ming, within the innate realm, there are nuances," Yu Jing Lei smiled slightly, "An early innate practitioner senses innate qi and discovers 360 innately concealed acupuncture points." He Yi Ming's eyes sparkled, his internal points stirring with a palpable energy. Though his previous strike had depleted his true qi, the restorative powers of an innate master quickly replenished and coalesced it once again. Gazing calmly at He Yi Ming, Yu Jing Lei did not hide his admiration, "You have mastered innate qi and your acupuncture points to a remarkable extent, connecting most of your pathways." He Yi Ming was momentarily startled; was there perhaps an impediment in these pathways unknown to innate masters? In his experience, despite varied sizes, these mystical points were interconnected. Yet aware of his unique physique, He Yi Ming chose not to inquire further, casting his gaze downward to shield his peculiarity from the elder. Yu Jing Lei continued obliviously, "Innate beginners absorb their corresponding qi, nurturing and connecting points. However, each point aligns with a specific elemental force. While other elements can promote growth, progress is slow and fails to unleash ultimate power." His eyes focused earnestly on He Yi Ming, "Elder Yao noted your rare talent in four of the basic five elemental affinities. This gives you a unique edge in cultivation. Yet, achieving your current level so swiftly could only result from an epiphany." He Yi Ming nodded humbly, inwardly acknowledging the elder's wisdom. Still, neither Yu Jing Lei nor anyone else could fathom that He Yi Ming's 360 innate points were flawlessly interconnected, facilitating his unprecedented breakthrough. Were it not for this, even numerous epiphanies would not have culminated in his current prowess. This physiological anomaly placed He Yi Ming as a true pioneer; yet Yu Jing Lei, bewildered, attributed this miracle to He Yi Ming's elemental affinities and enlightenment. "Innate initiates we call Hundred Scatter Heaven," Yu Jing Lei explained, "Though they are innate, their paths aren't fully connected, preventing the full potential of innate qi from manifesting." He paused, a glimmer of pride lighting his eyes, "Fully integrate your points, and the power grows exponentially. Such mastery elevates one to a One-Line Heaven expert." He Yi Ming listened eagerly, inquiring seriously, "Uncle-master, is mastering these points enough to become a One-Line Heaven expert?" "Indeed." Yu Jing Lei suddenly shook his head, a knowing smile on his face, "Elder He, it's no simple task." He Yi Ming hesitated but was filled with curiosity. Although his points were fully merged, he had yet to reach the legendary One-Line Heaven state described by Yu Jing Lei. Yu Jing Lei sighed gently, "Elder He, despite your extraordinary talent, combining four elemental paths, you must saturate these points with qi until they brim over before tackling the final convergence." He Yi Ming slightly tilted his lips, refraining from voicing disagreement, yet a hint of skepticism flickered in his eyes. Yu Jing Lei's brows furrowed slightly; as an elder who had lived over two centuries, he instantly discerned He Yi Ming's disregard for his warning. "Elder He, do you know why those who seamlessly connect all their innate points are called One-Line Heaven?" Yu Jing Lei inquired. After pondering for a moment, He Yi Ming said, "I do not." "The innate points serve as the junction between man and heavens. Successfully connecting them is an audacious defiance of nature. Among the Hundred Scatter Heaven masters, scarcely one in ten attains success. Failure invites the backlash of qi — at best, leaving one crippled by the loss of qi, or at worst, causing an explosive demise. 'Nine lives for one, a razor-thin line between life and death,' hence the name One-Line Heaven," Yu Jing Lei emphasized with grave seriousness. A shiver ran down He Yi Ming's spine, as he finally grasped that achieving the One-Line Heaven state was far more perilous than he had imagined. Silently, he counted himself fortunate that his innate points were already interconnected. Failure in such an attempt would have been catastrophic. Suddenly, he recalled Yu Jing Lei's earlier remarks and felt a revelation dawn upon him. "Uncle-master, are you suggesting that to connect all the innate points, one must first saturate them with qi?" He asked. "Exactly," Yu Jing Lei replied without hesitation, "Until you sense that all points are brimming with qi, any attempt to link them will be futile." He Yi Ming lowered his gaze thoughtfully. He understood the crux of the matter now. Although his points were naturally linked, they lacked sufficient qi saturation. Therefore, advancing to the One-Line Heaven was unattainable. Yu Jing Lei's voice resonated in his ear, "The qi of the Hundred Scatter Heaven practitioners is scattered, whereas in the One-Line Heaven, it becomes interconnected. The difference is monumental. Elder He, with your unique talents, you already stand alone. However, without further progress into One-Line Heaven, your journey may halt here." He Yi Ming clasped his hands in a respectful bow, "Thank you for your guidance, uncle-master. I shall strive to advance without a shred of negligence." Yu Jing Lei smiled with satisfaction, "Nurture your points and accumulate qi diligently. In perhaps fifty years, you might finally fill them. Yet, even then, connecting them entails immense danger. Passing this trial depends solely on one's fortune and enlightenment." He Yi Ming nodded solemnly, "I understand." Despite his serious demeanor, he felt relieved. For him, filling his points with qi would naturally elevate him to the status of a One-Line Heaven master. The perilous endeavor of linking points, which to a typical Hundred Scatter Heaven master seemed like passing through the gates of hell, posed not the slightest threat to him. ※※※※ After a lengthy discussion, the two began their return journey. The encounter had revealed He Yi Ming's foundation to Yu Jing Lei, yet He Yi Ming gleaned even more in return. Though both One-Line and Hundred Scatter Heaven practitioners are innate realm experts, the chasm between them is colossal and incomparable. This realization tempered his once prideful heart. To He Yi Ming, Yu Jing Lei, a revered elder, had now become a goal to chase and surpass. Upon returning to the Spiritual Medicine Peak, Yu Jing Lei went directly to find Daoist Yao, while He Yi Ming cared not for such trivial matters. He walked toward his courtyard, pondering how he might rapidly enhance his power. Under normal practices, even utilizing innate techniques, the absorption of innate qi is severely limited. Given his 360 points, it's akin to a drop in the ocean. Though gradual accumulation could one day lead to a breakthrough, the process is agonizingly slow, potentially taking fifty years of rigorous cultivation. Were other innate masters to learn of He Yi Ming's thoughts, they'd likely lament their fortune. To secure a place in the One-Line Heaven within fifty years would be a cause for celebration for any Hundred Scatter Heaven master. Lost in thought, he unwittingly entered the courtyard. Inside, Yuan Li Xun was airing blankets and clothing under the blazing sun, ensuring all moisture was driven away. A fleeting glance revealed among the clothes an unrolled scroll. His heart skipped as he recognized the piece—a landscape painted by a former innate master, acquired unwittingly in Tianluo Kingdom. This master had seemingly imbued the landscape with his insights, but despite numerous viewings, He Yi Ming failed to unravel its mysteries. Now, as his eyes fell upon the painting, he felt a strange impulse and found himself moving toward it almost instinctively. Within moments, He Yi Ming stood before the scroll. Bathed in intense sunlight, each detail of the painting became vividly clear. For the first time enjoying the artwork in such light conditions, an unfamiliar sensation stirred within him. He stepped forward, using the painting as a focal point, pacing slowly. In his perception, the immense sunlight morphed into a powerful energy source. Stimulated by this energy, the painting began to expand unconditionally. Gradually, it seemed as if he was drawn into the very world of the painting itself. In a trance, He Yi Ming comprehended a profound truth. The artist was undoubtedly a master, embedding innate insights into the canvas in a masterful expression of elemental understanding. However, unlocking these secrets wasn't straightforward. Previously, He Yi Ming perused the painting under dim light within confined spaces, always encountering a dead end. Now, with Yuan Li Xun inadvertently placing it beneath the sun, amidst the woodland symphony of unknown birdsong, clarity dawned, and a remarkable resonance with the painting emerged. The landscape seemingly came alive, while He Yi Ming found himself no longer standing outside the artwork but encompassed within. Inside, he beheld lifelike mountains and peaks, closing his eyes to experience the soft whispers of wind, the tinkling flow of springs. His hands stretched forth, seemingly extending infinitely, brushing against the gigantic mountains from afar. At this moment, he no longer felt human, transforming into a colossal giant, whose hands could obscure the sky itself, while the towering mountains were mere playthings in his grasp...