Invincible Divine Doctor of the Beautiful Lady-Chapter 709 - 687: The Unspoken Rules of the Ancient Martial World

Chapter 709: Chapter 687: The Unspoken Rules of the Ancient Martial World

Skies Beyond the Skies, a small world opened up by Supreme Great Powers, do not exist within the mundane realm.

Each of these revelations struck Tangyu’s mind like a thunderbolt. At this moment, Tangyu realized how insignificant he was, like an ant standing beneath Mount Tai, where all he could do was look up at the vast sky. There were Supreme Great Powers who could open up an entire small world. Had they already attained the level of Immortals? What kind of existence could possess such power? It was unimaginable and even terrifying to contemplate. Yet, this was precisely what he, Tangyu, truly aspired to pursue in his heart.

The ultimate power, the ultimate myth.

Just thinking about it was enough to make one’s blood boil with excitement and passion.

"Besides the Nine Great Heavens, the next tier encompasses hidden Ancient Martial Arts Families and some minor Sects. Naturally, these powers keep themselves well concealed, some dwelling deep in remote mountains cut off from the world. Some can even use mystical Formations to hide their Sect entrances. They could be right before your eyes, yet remain unseen, which is truly amazing. For example, Shaolin Wudang, they belong to this tier of power, but they present themselves in two ways: one that is public and one that is concealed. In the Second Layer of power, Shaolin Wudang are among the elites. The Nine Great Heavens generally do not meddle in the affairs of the Martial World, so the matters of the Martial World are largely dictated by these few major Taoist Lineages."

Tangyu nodded. Shaolin and Wudang had always seemed mysterious to him, but now it made sense. No wonder they had been able to maintain such high esteem for thousands of years.

"The tier below includes scattered small Ancient Martial Arts Families like ours, dispersed within the mortal world. Some choose remote rural places with sparse human activity, while others, like the Li Family, hide in plain sight within the city. In the grand scheme of the Martial World, we small Ancient Martial Arts Families don’t amount to much—merely the bottom tier. Even the Li Family, when combining all of its members in the Innate Realm, has only a handful of about ten people," said Ghost Doctor.

Although this might seem like a small number to Li Feng, Tangyu felt it to be a formidable force—certainly beyond his ability to withstand and beyond what the Yin Medical Sect could handle. If the Li Family were willing to help, wouldn’t dealing with the Yin Medical Sect be like grasping something within easy reach? This was the depth of heritage.

The Ancient Martial World, a vast world indeed. Even families like Li Feng’s were considered among the lowest ranks.

Tangyu was very curious and asked, "How powerful are Shaolin and Wudang then?"

This question made Li Feng ponder before answering, "I’m not entirely sure myself. The specifics are likely unclear to anyone, as the true strength of an Ancient Martial force is its heritage, naturally not something to be lightly revealed to others. Shaolin and Wudang are deeply hidden, but as far as I know, they should have hundreds of people in the Innate Realm, and the most terrifying part is that they possess dozens of individuals above the Innate Realm. Above the Innate Realm lies the Earthly Realm, above that is the Imaginary Realm, and above the Imaginary Realm is the Heavenly Realm. Legend has it that breaking through the Heavenly Realm allows one to seek the Path of the Immortals, to step into the Immortal Realm. Each major Realm is divided into nine smaller Realms. The Innate Realm is also divided into nine layers. With each increase in layer, the strength escalates dramatically. There’s an immense chasm, a vast gulf between the major Realms—it’s like the difference between heaven and earth. However, aside from the Nine Great Heavens, the strongest are probably only at the Earthly Realm. A single being at the Earthly Realm can dictate terms in the Martial World, commanding a weighty position; when they speak, all directions must heed their commands. I have never seen a practitioner of the Earthly Realm. According to my father, one finger from someone in the Earthly Realm could easily crush me to death. Even a breath of their True Qi could kill a person in the Innate Realm instantly."

"So powerful!" Tangyu marveled once more. A breath of True Qi capable of killing an Innate Realm practitioner; was akin to being divine. Such a person could presumably ascend to the heavens and traverse the earth, decapitating enemies among tens of thousands of troops. And this was merely the Earthly Realm, which itself is divided into nine ranks. Above the Earthly Realm lies the Imaginary Realm, and above that, the Heavenly Realm. How incredibly powerful must the practitioners of the Imaginary Realm and Heavenly Realm be?

No wonder they could create a small world of their own.

Unimaginable, truly indescribable.

The more he listened, the more Tangyu felt like a frog in a well, his scalp tingling.

The path of Ancient Martial Arts was incredibly long.

The Path of the Immortals was even more mythical.

At that moment, Tangyu’s heart was tumultuous, with various thoughts surging up, including a bold ambition and resolve to aim straight for the Path of the Immortals.

It was in this moment, precisely this moment, that Tangyu’s heart truly understood all that he sought in life, with an unprecedented firmness. Indeed, the Path of the Immortals was what he was after. Now with his Pure Yang Qi cultivated to the Sixth Layer, once he cultivated it to the Ninth Layer of Great Perfection, what level would his Realm reach? Could he break through the Innate Realm and climb to the Earthly Realm?

Furthermore, this Cultivation Technique was passed down by his master, so his master must know something about it.

At this moment, Tangyu was eager to ask his master, yet he still suppressed the impulse. Regardless, the pressing matter was to deal with the Yin Medical Sect. Yet, at this time, Tangyu felt an overwhelming sense of confidence. The Yin Medical Sect, viewed in this light, really wasn’t worth mentioning, not even an ant. Subconsciously, Tangyu’s mindset underwent a massive change. His vision was no longer constrained by the mundane world. Even if the leader of the Yin Medical Sect was formidable, at most he would only have reached the Innate Realm.

In the Martial World, any random individual could squash him.

The weight that had been pressing on Tangyu’s heart these days dissipated, leaving him immensely relieved and in high spirits. It was as if all of life’s troubles had vanished.

This feeling was indeed delightful.

"Yes, it is extremely powerful, an existence we can only look up to. Currently, I am just at the Second Layer of the Innate Realm. The worldly aura within this mortal realm does indeed have a great impact on the Cultivation of Ancient Martial Arts, disrupting the mind," Li Feng shook his head, seeming greatly troubled by this fact.

"Worldly malevolence? There’s such a concept?" Tangyu said.

Li Feng nodded, "Of course, there is. Although our cultivation in ancient martial arts can’t be said to be defying the heavens, it does push humanity to its limits. And what I mean by ’worldly malevolence’ is not like how those novels describe it. The worldly malevolence I speak of pertains to environmental factors. Without a proper environment, it’s naturally difficult for one’s mind to settle down and fully immerse in cultivation. Moreover, the mundane world is full of temptations; one careless indulgence can lead to the neglect of cultivation. Of course, the concept of nature’s spiritual energy certainly exists. Even if you have a resolute mind, there will always be some influence, however minimal."

"Mm, that’s indeed true," Tangyu nodded, as he could understand this.

Just like when he was in Ghost Doctor Valley, there were few disturbances, and every day was spent learning medicine and cultivating, leading to quick progress. But after arriving in Donglin City, he just didn’t have the mindset for cultivation anymore, and was greatly affected indeed.

It seemed he would need to be more mindful of this in the future.

Tangyu didn’t have any lingering attachments to the worldly life, but he held deep affection for the women by his side.

"Cultivation is all about the mind. Tangyu, that you could cultivate so quickly to the Innate Realm amid the dust of the world is indeed impressive," Li Feng said.

Tangyu replied with a smile, "It’s just some opportunity, merely luck."

"Luck is also a part of strength, Tangyu. Don’t ever underestimate luck. Fortune is fate, which is extremely important for us as cultivators of the ancient martial arts," Li Feng explained, gesturing with his hands.

Tangyu then understood and, bowing respectfully, said, "I’ve learned a lot, the conversation with you is more enlightening than ten years of study. My presumptuous visit today has truly been most rewarding. I am deeply grateful, and I won’t forget this kindness, Brother Li Feng."

"No worries, consider it the due of friendship. Tangyu, you came today seeking help, didn’t you?" Li Feng said.

Tangyu nodded and responded, "Indeed, one does not come to the temple for no reason. My bold visit today is to seek assistance with a certain matter."

"You want me to help you deal with the Yin Medical Sect?" Li Feng asked.

Having witnessed Li Feng’s abilities, Tangyu wasn’t surprised. It seemed the capability of ancient martial arts families was indeed formidable; even without stepping out, they were well-informed about such secretive matters, deserving of respect. With his conjecture confirmed by Li Feng, Tangyu naturally nodded and said, "Correct, I have come to ask if Brother Li Feng would help me deal with the Yin Medical Sect. They have wild ambitions and wish to throw the world into chaos, crimes that must be punished. This time, the Yin Medical Sect is evidently set on causing a bloodbath in Donglin City. If they succeed, countless people will suffer. Although I have reached the Innate Realm, the forces I have are too weak, and I’m not confident about dealing with the Yin Medical Sect, which is why I venture to ask for your help. I’ll remember this favor," he said.

Li Feng, however, shook his head with a smile. Seeing him shake his head, Tangyu knew that today’s effort would be futile.

"Tangyu, although I’ve made friends with you, I really can’t help with this matter. It’s not that I don’t want to help you, but I can’t help you. Individuals like the master of the Yin Medical Sect truly deserve death," Li Feng said.

Tangyu’s brows furrowed slightly, "Why can’t you?"

Li Feng had said he couldn’t, and that was quite intriguing.

Li Feng pursed his lips and posed a question, "Let me first ask you something, which must also be puzzling you. Why, given the strength of the ancient martial world, can no trace of it be found in history, so much so that ordinary people have no knowledge of the ancient martial world’s existence?"

Moved by the question, Tangyu nodded, "Indeed, I have indeed been perplexed by this. Is there some secret behind it?"

Li Feng nodded, "There are secrets. The ancient martial world has its own rules. They might not be written laws, but they are tacit understandings, unspoken conventions, ironclad laws that have been formed over thousands of years and cannot be violated. Ancient martial artists can live hidden among the common people, but they must not act recklessly, nor should they forcefully change significant worldly affairs. Otherwise, if it leads to serious consequences, the ancient martial artist and even their backing powers would not be spared from being executed by the ancient martial world. The schemes of the head of the Yin Medical Sect are extensive. If I helped you, it would amount to interference in major worldly affairs, and both my family and I would suffer the consequences, a punishment we cannot afford."

"So that’s how it is. I’m sorry, I was unaware of these things," Tangyu said.

"Don’t worry, no harm done when one doesn’t know," Li Feng replied with a gesture.

Tangyu, now at ease, realized that the ancient martial world indeed had such a strict system. However, this too was for the best.