Chapter 272: Chapter 122: Prize Gains and Physical Body Enhancement
At that moment, Li Haitao suddenly pulled a stack of silver notes from his robes. They were thousand-tael notes, edged in red-gold, and there were precisely ten of them.
He stood up, walked directly over to Yang Jing, and presented the silver notes with both hands. A gentle smile touched his lips. "Young Hero Yang, I, on behalf of the Li Family, offer these ten thousand taels of silver to congratulate you on your breakthrough to the Transformation realm. I must insist you accept it."
Yang Jing was slightly taken aback, a flash of surprise in his eyes.
He truly hadn’t expected Li Haitao to make such a move.
When their exchange of blows concluded, Patriarch Li’s expression had been so grim that anyone could see he was suppressing a burning rage.
Yet now, not only had the man personally delivered the prize money, but he had even prepared such a lavish additional gift. The shift was far too abrupt.
He rose to his feet instinctively. Gazing at the silver notes in Li Haitao’s hands, he was just about to politely decline.
After all, while he and the Li Family weren’t mortal enemies, they were certainly not friends. What’s more, he had just defeated Li Mengchao on the dueling platform, causing the Li Family to lose both face and substance.
Under such circumstances, this gift of ten thousand taels of silver felt a bit too hot to handle.
"Jing’Er, you don’t need to refuse." Before Yang Jing could speak, Sun Yong, seated at the head, suddenly spoke up. "In Yuhe County, it’s been a custom for many years to send congratulatory gifts to newly advanced Huajin Powerhouses. The Lord County Magistrate and the other families will likely send tokens of their goodwill as well. Clan Leader Li has simply been particularly generous, preparing ten thousand taels outright."
He looked at Li Haitao, the corners of his mouth lifting into a faint smile. "It is a kind gesture from Patriarch Li. Just accept it."
Hearing this, Yang Jing understood at once.
’So this is both custom and a way for the various powers to extend an olive branch. If I insist on refusing, I’ll just look ungracious.’
He no longer hesitated. He accepted the silver notes with both hands and cupped his fist to Li Haitao, saying, "Thank you for your kind intentions, Clan Leader Li."
Seeing him accept, the smile on Li Haitao’s face became more genuine. "You’re too kind, Young Hero Yang. To have such achievements at your young age, your future is limitless. The Li Family and Sun’s Martial Arts Hall may have many dealings in the future."
After saying this, Li Haitao cupped his fist to bid farewell. "It’s getting late, so I won’t disturb you any longer. I will come to visit again another day."
"Take care, Patriarch Li."
Sun Yong and Yang Jing rose to see him off, stopping at the entrance of the inner courtyard.
Watching the retreating backs of Li Haitao and his steward, the smile on Sun Yong’s face faded slightly. He turned to Yang Jing and said, "Let’s talk inside."
The two returned to the main hall and sat down. Sun Yong refilled his teacup before speaking slowly, "That Li Haitao... he’s a shrewd old fox who knows when to bend. He’s finally figured it out."
Yang Jing was a little confused. "Master, what has he figured out?"
"What else could it be?" Sun Yong set down his teacup and looked at Yang Jing. "He lost the exchange of blows too quickly earlier, and his judgment was clouded by anger. All he could think about was his lost face and his losses. After going back and calming down to think it over, he naturally realized that with your rate of progress in the Martial Dao, your chances of stepping into the Qi Eating Realm in the future are extremely high."
Yang Jing was stunned. He had always been focused on his training and knew little about the realms beyond Transformation. He couldn’t help but ask, "Master, what is the Qi Eating Realm?"
Since he began his martial arts journey, the realms he had encountered were Bright Strength, Dark Strength, and Transformation. Sun Yong had never elaborated on the higher levels.
A look of longing flashed in Sun Yong’s eyes as he slowly explained, "The path of the Martial Dao is divided into two major stages: ’Strength Training’ and ’Qi Cultivation.’ Bright Strength, Dark Strength, and Transformation all belong to Strength Training. It’s a process of tempering the body’s foundation and condensing Inner Strength. Once Inner Strength Perfection is achieved, you begin to contemplate Qi Cultivation, connecting the internal and external forces to guide the Heaven and Earth Primordial Qi into your body."
He paused, his tone growing more solemn. "The first realm of Qi Cultivation is the Qi Eating Realm. Upon reaching this realm, a Martial Artist can absorb the formless Heaven and Earth Primordial Qi to nourish themselves. Their Inner Strength transforms into Inner Qi. Not only does their lifespan increase, but their power is worlds apart from the Transformation realm. Even ten warriors at the Peak of Transformation would be no match for a single expert who has just entered the Qi Eating Realm."
Yang Jing listened with rapt attention, his eyes shining with curiosity and longing.
’So, beyond the Transformation realm, there’s such a vast world.’
Sun Yong said slowly, "Li Haitao has been able to lead the Li Family for so many years; his judgment is naturally sharp. He can see your astonishing potential. Since he can’t do anything to you now, his only option is to try and win you over. This is to avoid a situation where, if you truly step into the Qi Eating Realm in the future, the Li Family won’t even have room for regret."
Only then did Yang Jing completely understand Li Haitao’s intentions. He couldn’t help but feel a surge of emotion. ’In the world of the Martial Dao, strength is ultimately what reigns supreme.’
His own potential was enough to make the Li Family, with whom he had just formed a grudge, take the initiative to show goodwill. This was the confidence that came from power.
He looked at the wooden box on the table, filled with the prize money, and then thought of the ten thousand taels Li Haitao had gifted him. His gaze gradually grew firm.
’The Transformation realm isn’t the end, and the Qi Eating Realm isn’t unattainable.’
’My journey on the Martial Dao has only just begun.’
Yang Jing’s gaze shifted from the wooden box. His heart filled with curiosity about that higher realm, and he couldn’t resist asking, "Master, what exactly is this ’primordial qi’ you mentioned?"
Sun Yong rubbed the rim of his teacup and mused, "I can’t explain it clearly myself. I only know that it’s a type of free-floating energy in the world. Some call it Spiritual Qi, others call it Primordial Qi. Ordinary Martial Artists can’t sense it. Only those who have stepped into the Qi Realm can barely resonate with it."
He paused for a moment before continuing, "This primordial qi is sparse and difficult to find, but it instinctively gathers in Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures, as well as in exotic beasts. That is why ancient Spirit Medicines and exotic beasts living in perilous lands are so precious. The primordial qi contained within them can be directly absorbed by Martial Artists to aid their cultivation, achieving twice the result with half the effort."
