Chapter 579: Chapter 185: Third Grade Meridian Passage (End of Volume 5)
Ye Xuan suddenly asked, "Why did the Martial Emperor ascend Kunlun Mountain? Was it purely to challenge the Dao Sect?"
The Sword Sect shook his head and said, "The Martial Emperor perceived that in this realm, even if one’s cultivation reaches the Transformation Realm, there’s no significant extension of lifespan, capped at around one hundred and twenty years, which is unreasonable."
"Perhaps the answer lies atop Kunlun Mountain. Unfortunately, he couldn’t break into the Bilu Palace and was unable to comprehend its secrets."
Chen Tang was deep in thought.
Previously, the Sword Sect mentioned the cage of heaven and earth, perhaps it was an insight derived from related experiences.
Chen Tang said, "If the Dao Sect originated from the Outer Realm, and after the battle at Xiajiang hasn’t been seen, is it possible he already returned to the Outer Realm and isn’t here anymore?"
"He should still be here."
The Sword Sect contemplated, "This person is inherently cautious, and will never act unless he is certain. Defeated by the Martial Emperor, he may even choose to stay dormant within Bilu Palace for a whole twenty years, waiting for an opportunity to deliver a fatal blow to the Martial Emperor."
Chen Tang murmured, "So he’s one of the crafty Daoists..."
The Sword Sect added, "Moreover, even though the Dao Sect hasn’t shown himself, his traces and influence are spread throughout the Divine Land."
Chen Tang was slightly startled but quickly realized, "The Profound Celestial Sect?"
The Sword Sect nodded slightly and said, "The emergence of the Profound Celestial Sect is most likely the work of the Dao Sect."
Chen Tang asked, "So, whether it’s the Profound Celestial Sect Leader of Beiqian, or Duke Lei, or Wind Master, they might be disciples cultivated by the Dao Sect?"
"Indeed."
The Sword Sect said, "These people, each of them cultivates a volume of the ’Celestial Book’, which should be the Profound Sect Secret Manual passed down by the Dao Sect."
Several of the disciples cultivated by the Dao Sect have reached the Returning to Void Realm, equivalent to a Martial Arts Grandmaster.
What realm has the Dao Sect’s current cultivation reached?
Chen Tang had initially thought that the Martial Emperor’s long stay on the Great Snow Mountain, hesitating to descend, was to avoid the Profound Celestial Army and Beiqian forces.
Only at this moment did he realize that the Martial Emperor was likely avoiding the Dao Sect!
He quickly thought of something more terrifying, his expression gradually turning serious.
Since the Sword Sect could deduce that the Martial Emperor is still alive through his martial arts.
The Dao Sect should be able as well!
If the Dao Sect knows the Martial Emperor is still alive, it’s very likely he would go to great lengths to eliminate him!
The Sword Sect seemed to notice what was on Chen Tang’s mind and smiled slightly, saying, "You need not worry."
"Since he has passed on his true teachings to you, he anticipated this day would come, and surely made preparations. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have simply taught you some common martial arts, nor would he have revealed his identity."
"Your character has many qualities similar to his, being forthright and brave, valuing promises over life and death. The Martial Emperor’s nature is bold and magnanimous, he looks down upon those overly cautious and timid."
"He perceived you worthy to transmit everything he learned in his life."
Chen Tang recalled the days of cultivation on the Three Thousand Snow Ridges.
Although brief, spanning only a few months, every day was indelible.
Initially, the Martial Emperor did not hold him in high regard, only teaching him a set of Tiger Subduing Fist.
This was due to his grandfather having known the Martial Emperor.
It was only later, as they continued to interact, that the Martial Emperor gradually imparted to Chen Tang superior cultivation methods and his understanding of martial arts.
Chen Tang asked, "Beyond the Transformation Realm, is there a higher level of realm?"
"Perhaps there is, or maybe there isn’t."
The Sword Sect replied, "If there is, only the Martial Emperor would have the opportunity to deduce it."
Sighing, the Sword Sect continued, "It’s just a pity, in the battle of Xiajiang, he was too severely injured by the Dao Sect, his divine soul damaged, maybe never to fully recover."
"And later, engaged in a great battle with the Cold Domain Blade Emperor on the Three Thousand Snow Ridges, besieged by the rebel Five Clans, was trapped within the Capital City; surviving is already fortunate enough."
"To deduce martial arts further, he doesn’t have that kind of energy anymore."
Chen Tang remained silent.
He recalled the Martial Emperor’s pale face, his sickly appearance, seemingly indicating that old injuries haven’t healed.
The Sword Sect further stated, "There is another person who might have reached another height."
"The Dao Sect?"
Chen Tang asked.
The Sword Sect nodded, "The Dao Sect’s cultivation is unfathomable, over the decades he hasn’t shown himself, and no one knows his cultivation realm. But if indeed he’s from the Outer Realm, he should know the path after the Transformation Realm."
Ye Xuan frowned and asked, "What is the Dao Sect’s purpose in founding the Profound Celestial Sect? To be number one under heaven? After the fall of the Wu Dynasty and the disappearance of the Martial Emperor, he already is."
"Moreover, he never reveals himself, neither vying for fame nor profit, what is the purpose behind the existence of the Profound Celestial Sect?"
The Sword Sect shook his head and replied, "The Dao Sect is too mysterious, no one knows his thoughts. Except for the Martial Emperor, we have all seen him only twice, and didn’t even have the chance to speak with him."
"Dominating the world?"
Chen Tang considered this thought but quickly dismissed it.
In Beiqian, the power and influence of the Profound Celestial Sect already exceed imperial authority.
Yet the Profound Celestial Sect Leader still supports Yuan Qingshan’s son as the new emperor of Qian Country, without any intent to replace him.
"Judging by your state, you’re about to step into the Third Grade."
The Sword Sect advised, "You should seclude yourself here for cultivation for a while. Once you step into the Third Grade, it’s not too late to leave; during this period, any martial arts doubts you have can be addressed anytime by asking me."
"Thank you, Senior."
Chen Tang bowed to express his gratitude.
Upon departing from the Ba Mountain Sword Sect, he had already cultivated to the Fourth Grade Extreme Realm.
Previously at Yunmeng Manor, he had attempted a breakthrough.
However, the circumstances back then were complex, with Ye Xuan, people from Peach Blossom Valley appearing one after another, and letters arriving from the Capital City, making it hard to settle his mind.
Now in this desolate mountain wilderness, with no interruptions, and the Sword Sect beside him ensuring there’s no security concerns, it’s an ideal situation to focus his mind and attempt the breakthrough once more.
As time flew by, the year-end approached.
During this period, Ye Taoyuan brought Zhiwei over.
After the battle at the Capital City, Ye Taoyuan realized he had misunderstood the Sword Sect years ago.
This time, the father and daughter met after resolving their misunderstanding.
Zhiwei came along not only to see the Sword Sect but also because of her concern for Chen Tang.
Shen Zhiyuan, Su Li, Su Muzhe, and Yan Shu came together.
Su Muzhe and Yan Shu’s good news is near, which need not be elaborated.
Observing Shen Zhiyuan and Su Li, they seemed close as well.
Back then, amidst being hunted by the Drunken Immortal Tower, Chen Tang was forced to part ways with Shen Zhiyuan and Su Li.
They must have undergone numerous experiences together, solidifying their bond.
Unfortunately, Song Wu, being among the Northern Expedition Army, had no time to come over.
It’s said that during this period, the Northern Expedition Army achieved successive victories, reclaiming lost territories, causing tens of thousands of casualties among the Profound Celestial Army, many forced to drown themselves.
Yet Sun Lingxiu and Lu Xun managed to escape, their whereabouts unknown.
With the turn of the year, Chen Tang’s cultivation progressed smoothly, successfully breaking through and entering the Third Grade Meridian Passage Realm!
The meridian leads to life and death, heals diseases, balances deficiency and excess, must not be blocked.
Typical martial artists achieve the Meridian Passage Realm by using inner Qi to unblock the Eight Extraordinary Meridians.
Through Body Refining Technique, one also cultivates the Qi of the Five Viscera.
The pathway of inner Qi involves connecting the internal organs and limbs with the twelve meridians, an integrated route linking the upper and lower.
Starting from the Hand Taiyin Lung Meridian, to the Hand Yangming Large Intestine Meridian, Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian, Foot Taiyin Spleen Meridian...finally to the Foot Jueyin Liver Meridian, a total flow through twelve meridians.
Returning to the Hand Taiyin Lung Meridian, forming a Minor Circulation.
Among these twelve meridians, apart from carrying inner Qi, there is also the circulation of blood.
As such, inner Qi integrates into the bloodstream, gradually increasing Qi and blood.
