Chapter 40

The Fundamental Diagram is also called the True Form Diagram or Divine Intent Diagram; it is the essential mystery of a martial art.

To fully master a martial art, the Fundamental Diagram is indispensable.

Only by comprehending the saber intent left in this Fundamental Diagram can your White Ape Tiangang Saber be considered truly complete.

Wei Yuan slowly unfurled the scroll on the desk.

One after another, images of white apes wielding sabers in dance appeared before his eyes, vivid and lifelike.

"How miraculous!"

As he watched those saber-wielding white apes dance, countless images of white apes walking on stakes and swinging sabers instantly surfaced in Qin Shuo's mind.

This Fundamental Diagram contains only thirty-six patterns, corresponding to the thirty-six moves of the White Ape Tiangang Saber.

But when Qin Shuo focused on one pattern, the still white ape in the image seemed to come alive.

Its corresponding move was no longer fixed, but instantly evolved into dozens or even hundreds of actions, with endless variations.

Of course, this variation only occurred in his mind.

It was as if the scroll possessed a strange power, guiding him to penetrate the true essence and mystery of this move.

"So this is how the Yellow Dragon Turning Like a Wind Whirl has so many variations."

Qin Shuo's eyes lit up; he was completely captivated by the Fundamental Diagram before him.

In the next moment, several lines of familiar small text suddenly appeared before his eyes, triggered by the Taotie Cauldron.

【Ingredient Discovered: White Ape Tiangang Saber Intent Diagram!】

【Refining Condition: Comprehend the saber intent of all thirty-six Tiangang Saber moves!】

【Current Refining Progress: 0/36】

【Refining Effect: Three Origins Merging into One, Strength Transformed into Edge, Invincible!】

"Strength transformed into edge?"

Seeing the prompt on the Taotie Cauldron, Qin Shuo was also slightly stunned.

He quickly shifted his gaze to the final pattern.

On that image, a white ape leapt high, both hands gripping the saber, and chopped downward at a hundred-zhang-high mountain.

This time, no move variations appeared in Qin Shuo's mind; it seemed this move had only this single action.

Yet the white ape radiated an unprecedented fierce aura.

It was as if all its essence, energy, and spirit had converged upon this single strike.

And the long saber it held bore a streak of white light upon its blade.

That white light was razor-sharp, like a peerless divine blade, fierce and domineering.

Qin Shuo merely focused his gaze upon it, and felt as if that blade-light would cleave him in one stroke, his sea of consciousness suddenly aching.

"What a fierce blade-light!"

Qin Shuo's heart pounded with alarm, sweat beading on his forehead; he hastily averted his eyes.

"Do not stare directly at the final Fundamental Diagram." Wei Yuan spoke up in timely reminder.

"This final move, White Ape Splitting the Mountain, is the essence of the thirty-six White Ape Tiangang Saber moves.

In your future comprehension of saber intent, do not be greedy for progress or rush ahead!

You must first fully comprehend the saber intent of the preceding thirty-five moves before attempting to comprehend this final White Ape Splitting the Mountain.

Otherwise, a slight carelessness will cause you to be harmed by that fierce saber intent."

"Just a picture, yet it can be this powerful!" Qin Shuo exclaimed in amazement.

He then added, "Master, our White Ape Tiangang Saber is so formidable—what level of martial art does it belong to?"

According to his knowledge, martial arts in this world are roughly divided into five tiers: namely,

Lower Martial Arts, Middle Martial Arts, Upper Martial Arts, Secret Techniques of the Absolute, and Martial Divine Powers!

Among these, the lower, middle, and upper tiers are the most common.

Like the White Ape Tiangang Saber and Songfeng Baihe Sword of the Liuhe Martial Arts Hall, they should belong to this category.

As for Secret Techniques of the Absolute, they are generally possessed only by martial arts clans and sects with deep foundations; ordinary people rarely encounter them.

As for Martial Divine Powers,

it is said that only Martial Saints can master this heavenly-reaching means; ordinary martial artists, even if they spend their entire lives, may never witness it once.

"Quasi-Upper Martial Arts!" Wei Yuan replied without hesitation.

"Oh? Quasi-Upper? So it still falls within the range of Middle Martial Arts?"

Originally, Qin Shuo thought that since the saber intent contained in the White Ape Fundamental Diagram was so formidable, it must at least be Upper Martial Arts.

He never expected it to be merely at the Quasi-Upper level.

"To be precise, the first thirty-five moves belong to Middle Martial Arts, while only the final move, White Ape Splitting the Mountain, reaches the level of Upper Martial Arts!" Wei Yuan explained.

"What is the difference between Middle Martial Arts and Upper Martial Arts?" Qin Shuo pressed on.

His understanding of martial arts classification had stopped at simple grading; he was not clear about the distinctions between each tier.

"Lower Martial Arts emphasize strength over intent, focusing only on techniques and moves, devoid of intent;

Middle Martial Arts combine technique and intent, stressing natural harmony, using intent to drive strength."

"And Upper Martial Arts?"

"Upper Martial Arts stress the Three Origins Merging into One—namely, spirit and intent united, intent and qi united, qi and strength united.

Three Origins Merging into One allows one to exhale qi into gang, and strength transformed into edge.

The final move of the White Ape Tiangang Saber, White Ape Splitting the Mountain, requires achieving the realm of Three Origins Merging into One, strength transformed into edge, to be executable."

"Now I understand!" Qin Shuo exclaimed in realization.

He then continued asking: "What special qualities do Secret Techniques of the Absolute and Martial Divine Powers possess?"

So-called ultimate martial arts are those where both techniques and the divine intent of cultivation have reached the pinnacle of perfection.

Such martial arts possess immense power and are extremely difficult to cultivate.

Even if an ordinary martial artist happens to obtain one such art, it is difficult to master it to completion, and they may not even be able to enter its threshold.

As for martial divine abilities, these are heavenly methods that only a Martial Saint can master.

However, some descendants of aristocratic families, relying on Martial Saint bloodlines, can also display part of the power of martial divine abilities.

Such power can move mountains and overturn seas—beyond human capability.

Speaking of this, Wei Yuan's eyes showed a trace of reminiscence, and he continued:

"When I was young and traveled the world, I once saw a fortunate aristocratic youth display divine ability.

Even now, thinking back on that power still makes my blood surge and boil with热血."

"That powerful?"

Listening to Wei Yuan's description, Qin Shuo felt a yearning arise for the legendary divine ability.

"Very powerful! And it is a different kind of power from secret ultimate techniques."

Wei Yuan nodded heavily, his expression solemn: "Such a method seems to gather the great power of heaven and earth into one body, surpassing the realm of technique and divine intent—it could be called—Dao!"

"Dao?"

Qin Shuo's heart trembled.

The word Dao, whether in his previous life or in this world, is a very profound and mysterious term, involving the laws and principles of heaven and earth.

If martial arts in this world could truly reach the level of Dao, then it would not be much different from the immortals of his previous life.

Thinking of this, Qin Shuo also felt his blood surge.

If one day he could also wield divine ability and roam heaven and earth...

What great joy and majesty that would be!

"Alright, whether martial divine abilities or ultimate secret techniques, they are not something you can currently access—overthinking is useless.

And our Liuhe Martial Arts Hall's White Ape Tiangang Saber, though merely quasi-supreme martial art, if you can fully master it, even in the elite-gathering prefectural city, it would be sufficient."

Perhaps fearing he had revealed too much and dampened Qin Shuo's enthusiasm, Wei Yuan hurriedly supplemented the White Ape Tiangang Saber.

"Master, rest assured, disciple will surely diligently cultivate the White Ape Tiangang Saber." Qin Shuo said sincerely.

He understood Wei Yuan's good intentions—he did not want him to aim too high and forget to stay grounded.

Although he felt drawn to martial divine abilities and ultimate secret techniques, he also understood that the road must be walked step by step, and food must be eaten bite by bite.

"Hmm, if so, then from today onward, you shall contemplate the White Ape Fundamental Diagram in this study."

Wei Yuan nodded satisfied.

Qin Shuo is not lacking in talent; if properly tempered, his future achievements will only be higher, not lower, than his.

Therefore, he does not wish Qin Shuo to have high eyes but low hands, wasting his martial arts talent and comprehension in vain.

"This Fundamental Diagram is the foundation of the martial arts hall; if you wish to contemplate it in the future, you may only come to my study, and you may not take it out—do you understand?"

"Disciple understands!" Qin Shuo nodded heavily.

"Good! Then you may now proceed to contemplate on your own—ask me anytime if you do not understand."

Having said that, Wei Yuan walked straight to the side, no longer disturbing Qin Shuo's contemplation of saber intent.

And Qin Shuo did not hesitate, directly placing his right palm on the first Fundamental Diagram.

Boom!

Almost the moment his palm touched the scroll, a violent and mighty roar erupted from within the Taotie Cauldron, shaking him so much he nearly fainted on the spot.

But soon he steadied his mind and focused his attention on the Taotie Cauldron.

At this moment, within the Taotie Cauldron, a blurred figure gradually took shape.

That figure resembled a white ape, holding a long saber and dancing, performing the first form of the White Ape Tiangang Saber: Rising Step, Listening to the Wind!

Previously, when Lin Feng taught him this form, it was merely a simple raising of the step and lifting the saber to slash left and right, forming a Cross Slash.

But now, under the演绎 of this spiritual phantom, it displayed dozens of different variations.

Likewise a slash, the one displayed by Lin Feng and that by this spiritual phantom seemed like two different saber techniques.

Each slash of this spiritual phantom seemed to carry a will—resolute, decisive, fierce and merciless.

At the instant this slash was swung,

Qin Shuo's mind involuntarily surfaced the image of his opponent being disemboweled by him, blood flowing profusely.

Wei Yuan's study is large enough for Qin Shuo to freely display the saber techniques he has comprehended here.

In just half an incense stick's time,

he, under the guidance of that spiritual phantom within the Taotie Cauldron, comprehended part of the divine intent of this first form, the Cross Slash.

"Good lad, your comprehension is indeed not ordinary!" Wei Yuan silently sighed beside him.

He was astonished that Qin Shuo could touch the threshold of the divine intent of the first form's saber technique in such a short time.

But Qin Shuo's subsequent progress speed made him shift from astonishment to shock, and then to awe...

In the end, Wei Yuan became completely numb.

In his heart, besides awe, only delight and gratitude remained.

Fortunately, this lad became his disciple.

If he had become a disciple of Mang Mountain Martial Arts Hall, my Liuhe Martial Arts Hall would probably be completely trampled under Mang Mountain Martial Arts Hall's feet within a few years.

Even my title as the second strongest in Black Water City might not be preserved.

"In just a short afternoon, he actually completely mastered the true intent of the first form's Cross Slash—such comprehension is simply monstrous."

When Wei Yuan saw Qin Shuo off, his whole body had already gone numb.

Originally he thought he had already highly regarded Qin Shuo's talent and comprehension, and had promptly accepted him as a personal disciple.

But looking at it now, he still underestimated this kid's potential.

"Old man, that Peiyuan Pill wasn't given for nothing; perhaps not long from now, my Liuhe Martial Arts Hall will have another Tongmai Realm expert."

Wei Yuan watched the teenager's receding back, his fingers lightly twisting his beard, his face full of a satisfied smile.

Qin Shuo's talent and comprehension far exceeded his expectations.

After less than two months of martial arts practice, he had already achieved Inner Strength Great Success.

Such a rate of progress, even placed among the many talents of the prefectural capital, would be as rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns, truly deserving the title of heavenly pride.

This is also why he previously did not want to investigate Qin Shuo's study of the Burning Blood Secret Technique, and even gave him the Peiyuan Pill to help him consolidate his foundation.

In this world, without the permission of one's master, changing one's path and learning another's teachings is a very serious act of betrayal.

More seriously put, it could be said to be a betrayal of one's master.

Although the Liuhe Martial Arts Hall cannot be considered a true sect, Wei Yuan has the grace of imparting the Dharma to Qin Shuo, and the two also have the nominal relationship of master and disciple.

By reason and by emotion, when Qin Shuo studies other martial arts techniques, he should first consult this master of his, obtain permission, and only then can he learn another's teachings.

But Wei Yuan is very clear that, given Qin Shuo's current displayed talent, leaving Black Water City, even Songyang Prefecture, is only a matter of time.

Therefore, regarding the matter of studying other sects' martial arts, he chose to avoid discussing it and tacitly acknowledged that Qin Shuo could make his own decisions.

And Qin Shuo clearly understood his intention, accepted the Peiyuan Pill, but did not proactively explain the source of the Burning Blood Secret Technique he used today.

The master and disciple understood each other without words, neither speaking it out.

This way, it both ensured Wei Yuan's right to know and authority over his personal disciple's study of other martial arts, and did not hinder Qin Shuo's growth and development.

After all, once this matter is brought up and a precedent is set, it would later be difficult to again use this to bind other personal disciples and ensure the martial arts hall's inheritance.

Qin Shuo had already left Wei Yuan's study by midnight.

He had become too engrossed in his comprehension of Saber Intent, even his dinner was sent over by someone arranged by Wei Yuan, completely forgetting the time.

But this ended up troubling Qin Lan, who had been waiting outside.

Since Zhang Xiong was injured in today's sparring match, no one was there to send her home.

The little girl could only obediently wait in the outer courtyard, waiting for Qin Shuo to return home together.

"Brother."

When she saw Qin Shuo, who had been gesturing all the way, immersed in his comprehension of Saber Intent and unable to extricate himself, walking out from the inner courtyard, Qin Lan immediately went forward to meet him.

"A Lan, why are you here?"

As for this Qin Lan still being present at the martial arts hall, Qin Shuo was also somewhat surprised.

Recently, he himself had been alone on Wolf Mountain, coming and going as he pleased, and had completely forgotten that Qin Lan was still waiting for him.

"What do you say?"

Qin Lan stood with her hands on her hips, her face puffed with anger, her dark eyes staring wide open, very cute.

"Hehe, I got so absorbed in martial arts practice that I forgot you." Qin Shuo scratched his head somewhat embarrassedly.

"Hmph!"

The little girl was obviously angry from waiting too long in the outer courtyard, her cheeks puffed as she walked out of the martial arts hall, heading home on her own.

Qin Shuo quickened his steps to catch up, walking side by side with Qin Lan, and broke the deadlock with just one sentence.

"How much Exotic Beast Meat do you think is appropriate to give Xiong Ge? Fifty catties, or one hundred catties?"

"One hundred catties!"

The little girl blurted it out without even thinking.

"Heh! Not even married yet, and you're already taking his side?" Qin Shuo teased.

"I haven't!"

Qin Lan immediately denied it, a blush rising on her fair cheeks.

"Really not?"

"Really not!"

"Fine, then let's give him thirty catties!"

"No, you just said fifty catties!"

"My sister doesn't even like him, so why would I give him that much?"

"I didn't say I don't like him!"

"Then you must like him, right?"

"Brother..."

Returning home.

Qin Lan immediately went to check the Moose Meat Qin Shuo had brought back.

When she saw the Exotic Beast Meat piled up like a small mountain, she jumped up and down, overjoyed.

Qin Shuo then returned to his room, took out the Peiyuan Pill given by Wei Yuan, and prepared to take it.