Chapter 302: Origins, Night Talk, and Redefining the Martial Dao

The woman wore a moon-white silk dress embroidered with dark patterns. Her shoulders were delicate, her waist slender, and with every step she took, her waist swayed gently, exuding a unique elegance.

Jiang Wu's brow twitched slightly upon seeing her.

Liu Zhizhi's appearance was impeccable. Her skin was like pale jade, her forehead broad and brows delicate, her nose straight and elegant, and her lips naturally rosy without any rouge.

Her eyes, flowing with a fluid grace, seemed to hold autumn waters. It made one inadvertently recall the ancient verse, "A charming smile, beautiful eyes so bright."

"Your daughter greets you, Father," she said.

"Zhizhi, this is Jiang Wu, a martial arts genius of Guangling Commandery, and beside him is his younger brother, Jiang Feng."

Liu Zhizhi turned and gave a slight bow to the Jiang brothers.

"You are too polite, Miss Liu."

Liu Zhizhi evaluated Jiang Wu but didn't even glance at his younger brother.

Liu Zhizhi looked at Jiang Feng and, meeting his expectant gaze, uttered a cruel truth. "I do not."

"Understood."

Jiang Wu stood up and cupped his fist to the Liu Clan Head. "We have troubled the Liu Residence this time. My brother and I will take our leave now."

"Take care."

Jiang Feng looked somewhat devastated as he followed Jiang Wu out.

Liu Zhizhi asked curiously, "Father, why did the Jiang brothers come to our Liu Residence?"

"It's nothing. Go back and rest."

"Yes, your daughter will take her leave."

Walking out of the Liu Residence, Jiang Wu said indifferently, "Do you understand now? Your so-called love at first sight was merely wishful thinking on your part. If I am not mistaken, you reacted that way because Miss Liu possesses a special constitution."

"What special constitution?"

"I am not an immortal cultivator, so I am not entirely clear on the details. However, I have heard that among female immortal cultivators, some might possess a Charming Body, which unconsciously causes others to feel affection and admiration for them."

"Is that so?" Jiang Feng asked in surprise.

"Do you not believe your older brother?"

"I believe you."

"Good. Next, we need to handle the second matter."

As soon as his voice faded, a group of people suddenly sprang out from both the front and behind them. There were over a dozen individuals in total, all of whom were Peak Innate or Grandmaster martial artists.

Among them, one young man and one middle-aged man exuded an aura entirely different from the rest.

Their attire also differed from that of those martial artists.

'Immortal cultivators?'

'At the very least, Late-Stage Qi Condensation immortal cultivators.'

Jiang Wu made a swift judgment in his mind.

The thin young man sneered, "Brat surnamed Jiang, I told you long ago that the young lady of the Liu family has already been chosen by an important figure. I warned you not to have any ideas about her, but it seems you did not listen. Today, I won't be as lenient."

"I am Jiang Wu, and this is my younger brother Jiang Feng. May I ask which family you all are from?"

"Jiang Wu, I've heard of you," the young man said with a haughty expression. "You come from Floating Mountain Village. You have parents and a younger brother named Jiang Feng. A few years ago, you single-handedly challenged a martial dao clan and defeated all their Mid Grandmaster experts. Afterward, your fame skyrocketed, and you bought a residence in Guangling Commandery to settle down. I admit, you are indeed a martial arts prodigy. But so what if your martial arts talent is exceptionally high? You will ultimately stop at the Grandmaster realm. The Martial Dao has no future!"

Jiang Wu remained unbothered, curling his lips as he said, "I don't know if the Martial Dao has a future, but you certainly talk a lot of nonsense. You haven't answered my question at all."

"A mere Jiang family dares to be so insolent. Attack, teach him a severe lesson!"

The remaining eight martial artists swarmed forward.

Jiang Wu kept one hand behind his back and raised only the other. He walked toward the young man, strolling leisurely in a courtyard. Whether they were Peak Innate martial artists or Grandmasters, none could withstand a single blow from him.

In the blink of an eye, everyone was sent flying backward, spitting out blood and suffering severe injuries.

"Young Master, step back. Let this old servant handle it."

The middle-aged man formed hand seals with both hands, instantly condensing several fireballs. Radiating scorching heat, they flew toward Jiang Wu from different directions.

Jiang Wu merely waved his hand. A terrifying wind pressure directly blew the fireballs away, causing them to detonate mid-air.

The middle-aged man's expression changed. He brushed one hand across his Storage Pouch, and a crimson sword light shot out, arriving before Jiang Wu like lightning.

However, Jiang Wu used only two fingers to catch the blade of the Flying Sword.

"How is this possible?!" The young man's eyes nearly popped out of his head in shock at this sight. "How could a martial artist block the attack of a Dharma Tool with their bare body?"

"Just because others cannot, does not mean I, Jiang Wu, cannot."

"Here, have it back!"

Jiang Wu hurled the Flying Sword back. The speed was actually several times faster than when the cultivator controlled it.

The impact was so swift that he couldn't possibly intercept it with his divine consciousness.

The Flying Sword flashed past, but it only scratched the middle-aged man's arm.

"Thank you for showing mercy." The middle-aged man could naturally tell and immediately cupped his fist.

"Elder Yun, why must you apologize to him? Does he actually dare to lay a hand on a disciple of the Ge family like me?"

"The Ge family? The Ge family of Guangling Commandery?"

Jiang Wu furrowed his brow. As the location of the Immortal Martial Alliance Headquarters, Guangling Commandery had experienced vigorous development, causing many families to rise to prominence over the years.

Some aristocratic families had even relocated to Guangling Commandery.

Among the numerous factions in Guangling Commandery—excluding the Immortal Martial Alliance, which was an amalgamation of all immortal and martial dao clans—the Ge family had made a name for itself.

This was because the Ge family was a Foundation Establishment Aristocratic Family, and its Family Head, Ge Yuchen, was a Foundation Establishment Stage immortal cultivator.

Currently, there were over ten Foundation Establishment Aristocratic Families in Guangling Commandery.

The Ge family's overall strength did not rank near the top, but it was a Vassal Family of the Xu family.

The Xu family had carved out half of the Great Wei empire's territory. Their momentum nearly surpassed that of the Great Wei Imperial Clan, and they were subtly revered as the number one aristocratic family in Great Wei.

Across all regions and commanderies of the Immortal Martial Alliance, there wasn't a single aristocratic family that did not revere the Xu family.

They were the founders of the Immortal Martial Alliance and its current supreme authority. As long as they willed it, they could quickly rally forces far exceeding those of any Golden Core Aristocratic Family.

"What's wrong, scared now?" The young man raised an eyebrow upon seeing the shift in Jiang Wu's expression, speaking triumphantly.

"Then this important figure you mentioned, could it be a disciple of the Xu family?"

"So what if it is?"

"In that case, I can put my mind at ease. If it were any other aristocratic family, I would truly worry that they might act without restraint and cause trouble recklessly. But I have long heard of the Xu family's reputation."

Jiang Wu rubbed the jade pendant at his waist with his fingertips. A faint smile curled on his lips, and his tone was as peaceful as if he were casually chatting about everyday matters.

He paused, his gaze falling upon the tense face of the young man opposite him. His smile remained, but his words struck the crux of the matter with perfect precision. "The Xu family maintains a low profile, and their clan rules are exceedingly strict.

And your Ge family is merely a Vassal of the Xu family. Would you actually dare to stir up trouble outside under the Xu family's name?"

"Otherwise, you wouldn't have been so evasive when speaking."

"If this matter blows up and damages the Xu family's face, forget about you—even your Ge Family Head wouldn't be able to escape the Xu family's punishment."

As his voice trailed off, Jiang Wu's eyes darkened slightly, and he added a final sentence. "Even the Xu family disciple behind you wouldn't be able to protect you."

The young man had been struggling to maintain his composure. Hearing Jiang Wu mention the Xu family's rules, his face turned visibly pale.

His Adam's apple bobbed involuntarily, and his hands quietly clenched the hem of his robes.

Dense beads of sweat instantly broke out on his forehead, trickling down his temples.

"What do you want? Don't tell me you plan to report me to the Xu family?"

"Not at all," Jiang Wu shook his head. "I have no time to meddle in such trivial matters. As for my younger brother's situation, you can rest assured. The Liu family has already explicitly refused us.

Our Jiang family will no longer have any dealings with the Liu family either."

"That's good," the young man surnamed Ge let out a sigh of relief.

"However, I am very curious. The Liu Clan is merely an ordinary martial dao clan. If a disciple of the Xu family had taken a liking to her, they would only need to say the word, and the Liu Clan Head would certainly be more than willing to arrange the marriage.

Could it be that they cannot? Or perhaps, they cannot do it right now?

Is it because they are already engaged to someone else?"

The young man opened his mouth to say something, but the middle-aged man beside him pulled him back and shook his head.

"This has nothing to do with you. Since it's a misunderstanding, we will part ways here."

The young man surnamed Ge and the rest immediately left, though they still left someone behind to secretly keep an eye on the Liu Clan.

Jiang Feng stepped forward, his eyes shining with admiration. "Brother, you're amazing! Even immortal cultivators are no match for you. And that was the Ge family, yet you were able to talk to them with such confidence!

Still, the Xu family is truly domineering. Eating what's in their bowl while keeping an eye on the pot, and even preventing others from taking a bite."

"That is power and influence!"

"If our Jiang Clan one day reaches the heights of the Xu family, a descendant of the Jiang Clan would only need to utter a single sentence, and countless people would exhaust all means to get it done for them."

"With you here, Brother, our Jiang Clan will definitely achieve that one day," Jiang Feng said, his eyes full of worship.

Jiang Wu looked at him and ultimately held back from revealing that he was merely adopted by the Jiang Clan.

"The Jiang Clan's lineage will rely on you to continue."

Jiang Wu patted his shoulder and began walking toward the Jiang Residence.

"What do you mean by that? Brother, you are the eldest son. Of course, the Jiang Clan relies on you!"

This scene was observed by Xu Mingwei from high up in the sky.

'Truly worthy of being a descendant of my Xu family. Even growing up in a poor family, he was still able to rise. After breaking through, he knows how to conceal his edge, remaining neither arrogant nor impatient.

When facing formidable enemies, he knows how to utilize available information to effortlessly diffuse the crisis.'

Xu Mingwei's lips curved into a smile, but a moment later, his eyes narrowed. 'It hasn't been that long, yet some of the Xu family's younger generation have already started feigning compliance while secretly acting out.

It is time to have De Heng and Chong Hui, those two Family Heads, properly rectify this situation.'

Xu Mingwei did not go down to find Jiang Wu immediately.

Instead, he waited until midnight before using his divine sense to probe the area.

At this moment, Jiang Wu had just sat cross-legged by his bed, preparing to study the wondrous uses of divine sense.

Suddenly, he felt a tyrannically powerful probing force sweep over the courtyard like a searchlight, directly enveloping his door.

This divine sense did not bother to hide itself; it fell upon him openly and brazenly.

'It is this divine sense again. During the day, I was cautious and did not want to expose myself, yet he provokes me time and again. Does he truly think I am made of soft clay?!'

A surge of killing intent abruptly rose in Jiang Wu's heart.

His eyes darkened. Moving like an arrow released from the bowstring, he burst through the door. Tapping his toes against a corridor pillar, he borrowed the momentum to soar into the sky.

Tracing his own divine sense back against the source of the probing force, Jiang Wu rode the wind, piercing through layer upon layer of clouds.

The higher he went, the thicker the night became, with only a bright moon hanging high in the heavens.

The clear moonlight spilled over the sea of clouds like a swathe of white silk, rippling with silver waves.

Once Jiang Wu ascended to the peak of the clouds, stepping upon the soft, cotton-like mist, his gaze immediately locked onto a figure standing ahead.

The person had their back turned to him, standing quietly amidst the moonlight, his entire body seemingly shrouded in a faint halo.

Jiang Wu felt that the figure before him was astonishingly burly. With broad shoulders and a narrow waist, his back was perfectly straight. He looked like a towering mountain, firmly rooted in the sea of clouds, exuding an unshakable, majestic aura.

The night wind brushed past, making his dark robes flutter noisily.

As his sleeves billowed, a quaint jade pendant hanging at his waist was vaguely visible, reflecting a cold luster under the moonlight.

"Who are you, sir? Why have you probed me again and again?"

"You are quite impressive to have opened a new realm of the Martial Dao—the Origin Martial Realm. For thousands and tens of thousands of years to come, you will be revered by future martial artists as the Martial Ancestor!"

"How... how do you know that!"

Jiang Wu was filled with unparalleled shock. No one else should have known about this matter.

"Are you feeling murderous?" Xu Mingwei chuckled softly, then slowly turned around.

Upon seeing his face, Jiang Wu realized it perfectly matched a person from the memory fragments that had surfaced in his mind when he broke through.

He froze on the spot.

"Looking at your astounded expression, have you recognized me? Logically speaking, you shouldn't have. Is it a gift from heaven and earth for opening a new realm of the Martial Dao?"

Xu Mingwei muttered to himself.

However, Jiang Wu simply asked calmly, "Who exactly are you? What is our relationship?"

"My name is Xu Mingwei."

"The Dongxi Xu Clan's Arrow Demon, Xu Mingwei!"

Jiang Wu's heart had never surged with such turbulent waves as it did today. "Then, am I also a member of the Xu family?"

"You are a sixth-generation descendant of my Xu Clan. Your name is Xu Jingwu. Of the six branches in our Xu Clan, you are the eldest legitimate descendant of my branch.

The current Family Head of the Dongxi Xu Clan is your grandfather.

You may address me as Great-Grandfather."

Jiang Wu fell silent upon hearing this. After a long while, he finally said, "I should have thought of this earlier. Flood dragons appeared in my memory fragments, and in today's world, only the Xu Clan possesses a true flood dragon."

A moment later, he raised his head and locked eyes with Xu Mingwei. "Since I was born into the Xu Clan, why was I sent to the current Jiang Clan?

Is it because I lacked cultivation aptitude and was deemed unworthy of the identity of the eldest legitimate grandson of the Dongxi Xu Clan's Family Head?"

"Do you hold resentment in your heart?"

Xu Mingwei stated, "It's to be expected. Anyone would feel resentful, let alone a heaven-defying genius like you."

"However, do not misunderstand. My Xu Clan has never abandoned a single family disciple. The family precepts of our Xu Clan dictate that its people are the absolute foundation."

Seeing the obstinacy in Jiang Wu's eyes, Xu Mingwei continued, "It was my father's decision. He is the founder of the Xu Clan."

"Why?"

"Because your talent is too high. You are destined to be the pioneer of the Martial Dao, an existence who will be hailed as a venerable ancestor in the future. Tell me, if such a figure were to emerge within our Xu Clan, what would happen?"

After pondering for a few breaths, Jiang Wu replied, "The Xu Clan is already a colossus. If a Martial Ancestor were to appear, it would be like cooking with fierce fire and hot oil. The resulting blaze could be enough to burn the Xu Clan to ashes."

"Truly worthy of being a son of my Xu Clan. You are indeed intelligent." Xu Mingwei chuckled lightly, feeling extremely satisfied with Jiang Wu's current growth. "If you were in his place, what would you have done?

Forbid him from practicing martial arts?

Or watch as the Xu Clan becomes the target of all arrows in the future?"

Jiang Wu continuously ran simulations in his mind. To allow his talent to flourish while keeping the Xu Clan safe, this seemed to be the only viable path to take.

"The Ancestor of the Xu Clan possesses great foresight. I am inferior to him."

"Of course!"

Jiang Wu looked at the gaze emanating from the older man's eyes; it felt somewhat familiar.

'Right, it is exactly like how my foolish younger brother looks at me.'

"So, you've sought me out now to have me acknowledge my ancestors and return to the clan?"

"Acknowledging your ancestors and returning to the clan isn't something that needs to be rushed. Today, I only came to see you and to tell you the whole truth.

Having heard all this, Wu'er, do you wish to return to the Xu Clan?"

"I..."

Jiang Wu fell silent. Father Jiang and Mother Jiang had treated him very well, but the Xu Clan had also painstakingly schemed for his sake.

At this moment, the sliver of resentment in his heart fully dissipated.

"I am willing, but can this matter be postponed for a few years? My parents raised me, and now that they are getting older, they do not have many years left to live.

I want to send them off happily.

Furthermore, I must arrange the rest of my younger brother Jiang Feng's life so that the Jiang Clan's lineage can continue."

"To value relationships and loyalty so deeply... you are a good child. But all your arrangements will be futile. If you want him to be safe, have him join the Xu family. I can have Jing'er take him as an adopted son.

Jing'er, who is your biological father, is named Xu Wenjing.

His martial arts talent within the Xu Clan is second only to yours.

Most people in my branch possess outstanding martial arts talent, but you are the one who has consolidated the Martial Dao into greatness!

In the future, you will also be one of the core decision-makers of our Xu Clan."

"Why would my arrangements be futile?"

"The level you reside at is too low, so naturally, the things you are exposed to are limited. I will not go into the specifics. The only thing I can tell you is that this place is merely a Land of Imprisonment.

Whether it is Great Wei, Great Liang, or Great Jin, billions of living beings are nothing more than pawns for certain high-and-mighty figures.

In a little over ten years, this place will be plunged into the Thousand-Year Great Tribulation. At that time, innocent lives will undoubtedly be slaughtered by the thousands."

"Manipulating the fates of billions of living beings?"

"How could things be like this..."

An expression of sheer disbelief appeared on Jiang Wu's face, as if all his previous understanding of the world had been completely overturned in an instant.

"Can they not be saved?"

Xu Mingwei sighed softly. "If our Xu Clan becomes strong enough one day, we might be able to sever this agonizing cycle. But until then, showing pity will only drag our Xu Clan into extreme peril.

Whether in this Land of Imprisonment or the outside world, the weak are meat for the strong to eat. You can harbor kindness in your heart, but that goodness cannot be allowed to run rampant without constraint."

Jiang Wu fell silent once more.

"We have spoken enough idle chatter. It's time to discuss the main business."

"Please speak."

Xu Mingwei decided to open his heart to him, gradually allowing him to accept the existence of the Xu Clan.

Xu Mingwei laid out Xu Chuan's entire series of plans in exhaustive detail.

As Jiang Wu listened quietly, a deep sense of reverence for Xu Chuan welled up in his heart.

These plans had been finalized shortly after he was born. This alone proved how astonishing the Ancestor's foresight and tactical brilliance truly were.

"I understand. I will follow the instructions."

"Are you still unwilling to acknowledge me?"

After hesitating for a moment, Jiang Wu called out, "Great-Grandfather."

Xu Mingwei smiled and nodded. Then, recalling something, he warned, "If, in the future, while you are meditating quietly at night, a bizarre force suddenly tugs at your divine sense through the void...

As long as you are certain that you are physically safe, there is no need to resist it."

"A bizarre force tugging at my divine sense? Why?"

"That is my father's handiwork. The place your divine sense enters is the Grotto-heaven world belonging to our Xu Clan. When you see my father, remember to respectfully call him Old Ancestor."

Jiang Wu, feeling immense awe despite not fully understanding, nodded slightly. "Understood, Great-Grandfather."

"Mm. Take this Storage Pouch. Inside, you'll find my elder token, along with a mask and a jade pendant.

The jade pendant can block others from using spiritual sense probing on you, and the mask will prevent anyone from peering into your true appearance.

If you ever need the Xu Clan's assistance, wear the mask and present my token to the Guangling Branch. As long as it doesn't harm the interests of the Xu Clan, De Heng can basically fulfill any request."

"The Family Head of the Guangling Branch..."

"He is the eldest son of my third brother, Mingxuan. There are six of us siblings, You can address the others directly by their elder titles. For instance, my second brother Mingyuan is currently the First Elder of the Xu Clan, I am the Second Elder, Mingxuan is the Third Elder, and so on.

As for De Heng, you can just call him the Guangling Family Head.

The population of the Xu Clan has skyrocketed. For direct descendants beyond the third generation, we directly address them by their family positions. As for my father and mother, younger generations like you should uniformly address them as Old Ancestor."

Jiang Wu nodded, indicating his understanding.

His generation was far too low. He might have to call some teenagers and young adults "Granduncle" or "Grandaunt".

"Great-Grandfather, as the Xu Clan grows in scale, some of the younger descendants still require strict supervision."

"I know. The one who took a liking to the Liu family's girl is a grandson of De Heng. He is currently engaged to a True Spiritual Root woman from the Taiyuan Li Clan.

The Taiyuan Li Clan is secretly already a Vassal of our Xu Clan, but very few know of this.

Given the Li Clan's status, that boy naturally wouldn't dare act recklessly.

As for the Liu family girl, she possesses a Charming Body, making her an excellent cauldron to aid in cultivation. Add her appearance and temperament to the mix, and it's completely normal for her to be coveted.

And this is before she has even embarked on the Immortal Dao.

Once her Charming Body is truly awakened, she will become someone capable of bewitching all living beings. Those lacking in willpower will immediately be reduced to subservient lackeys at her feet."

"Is it truly that terrifying?"

"There are tens of thousands of constitutions in the world. Just like me; I was born with Innate Divine Strength and eagle-like eyes that grant me vision far superior to an ordinary person's.

Your father was born with martial bones, possessing a physique of Bronze Skin and Iron Bones that is extraordinarily rare.

And then there's you. Your entire body is forged of martial bones, and you were born with the Heart of the Martial Ancestor. Your Qi and Blood are unimaginably majestic, making it ten or even a hundred times easier for you to practice the Martial Dao than others.

You inherently carry the Martial Ancestor Fate Frame, along with the embryonic form of the Martial Dao Heavenly Eye.

In your future cultivation, you should focus heavily on developing your heavenly eye. It might become a truly remarkable Divine Ability."

"The faint red vertical mark on my forehead... is actually the embryonic form of the Martial Dao Heavenly Eye?"

"Now that you've broken through to the Origin Martial Realm and naturally birthed divine sense, you should have a way to activate it. Perhaps it will bring you an unexpected surprise."

"Thank you, Great-Grandfather, for resolving my doubts."

Looking at the smile on his face, Xu Mingwei suddenly sighed. "If fate hadn't toyed with us, you would currently be in Dongxi, enjoying the affections of Wenjing and his wife while undergoing rigorous training under me."

"Great-Grandfather, do not feel sorrowful. Although my childhood was tough, it was also very happy. My parents love me dearly, loving me even more than their own biological son."

Xu Mingwei nodded. "By the way, besides you, your birth parents also have three younger brothers and two younger sisters.

Before the third generation of the Xu family, our numbers were sparse.

It was only after the Third Generation that the population gradually began to surge, which was largely tied to the circumstances of the Xu Clan at the time.

After all, our Xu family started from the absolute bottom as lowly farmers.

We constantly accumulated, developed, and solidified our foundation, repeating the cycle step by step to reach our current scale."

"The Xu Clan is a legend in Great Wei—an unreplicable legend. I, too, am honored to be a member of the Xu family."

"Let's end it here for today. The chances of us meeting in person will be much lower moving forward, but we can converse in the Xu Clan's Grotto-heaven from now on."

"Yes. Take care, Great-Grandfather." Jiang Wu cupped his hands and watched as Xu Mingwei departed.

This night felt incredibly surreal to Jiang Wu.

He had once speculated that he might have come from a massive Aristocratic Clan, sent away simply because he lacked the aptitude for Immortal Cultivation.

But never in his wildest dreams did he imagine that he originated from the Xu family.

Then again, the chances of an ordinary family birthing someone with his level of talent was one in a hundred million.

Furthermore, based on what Xu Mingwei had just said, many members of the Xu Clan harbored special talents or unique constitutions.

Of course, what was even more bizarre was that his expulsion from the Xu Clan hid so many convoluted secrets behind it.

The terrifying truth of the Land of Imprisonment and the looming threat of the Thousand-Year Great Tribulation cast a heavy shadow over his heart.

"Having opened a new realm of the Martial Dao, I was initially feeling quite smug, thinking myself the greatest pioneer in all of history with boundless prospects ahead. But looking at it now, I was merely looking at the sky from the bottom of a well.

One's perspective determines one's ultimate heights.

Right now, I am still far too weak.

However, the Martial Dao has no boundaries.

If I can forge one new path, then I can forge a second, and a third.

One day, I will definitely become the true Martial Ancestor!"

Jiang Wu swore an oath to the moon before turning around and returning to the Jiang Residence.

A few nights later.

During the hour of xu.

Just as expected, Jiang Wu felt an inexplicable force emanate from the void above his head, tugging at his divine sense.

Jiang Wu pondered briefly and then gave up resisting.

It was a modest-sized space, but the Spiritual Qi was so dense that it was beyond his imagination. Planted within the Spirit Field were countless Spirit Grasses that he couldn't name but could instantly tell were exceptionally rare.

There were also three massive spirit trees.

"Eh? Your aura is very unfamiliar. Is this your first time here? What is your name?"

"My name is Jiang... Xu Jingwu." Jiang Wu instinctively almost blurted out the name "Jiang Wu", but after thinking about it, he gave the name "Xu Jingwu".

"Hello, Xu Jingwu. I am Xu Huai."

"Master, you have arrived."

Xu Jingwu turned to look, only to see a young man who had inexplicably appeared behind him.

"You are... Old Ancestor?"

"It seems Mingwei has already gone to see you."

"Jingwu greets Old Ancestor."

"Do you blame me in your heart for sending you away from the Xu Clan?" Xu Chuan asked with a faint smile.

"Initially, I did. But after Great-Grandfather explained it to me, I hold no resentment. Forging a new path in the Martial Dao is a matter of immense importance, one that might even spark a war between immortals and martial artists.

If others learned that the pioneer belonged to our Xu Clan, the family would likely suffer a catastrophic disaster."

"It is good that you understand," Xu Chuan said. "But ultimately, it is because our Xu Clan's strength is still too weak. If we possessed the power to suppress the entire world, we would have the capacity to house any genius, prodigy, or monstrosity."

"Old Ancestor's words make sense."

"I brought you here today to lend you a helping hand. Do you see the Dao Repository Pavilion in the distance?"

In the western area of the Xu Clan's Grotto-heaven stood a seven-story-tall pavilion.

"It houses all the martial dao and immortal dao Ancient Classics our Xu Clan has collected since our rise. It even holds quite a few Golden Core and Nascent Soul texts that I gathered here in the Heavenly South.

As well as the unique Cultivation Methods and Secret Arts of our Xu Clan.

Aside from our clan's exclusive arts and secrets—for which you must swear an oath not to pass on to outsiders without my permission—you may make your own decisions regarding the rest."

Xu Jingwu was deeply shocked. This was an unimaginably precious repository of Dao inheritance.

"Thank you, Old Ancestor. But I practice the Martial Dao. Will immortal dao Ancient Classics be of any use to me?"

"The Grand Dao has tens of thousands of paths, but they ultimately lead to the same destination. Did you not reference the concepts of the Foundation Establishment Stage when you opened the Origin Martial Realm?

When immortal cultivators step into Foundation Establishment, their divine consciousness transforms into divine sense.

Likewise, when a martial artist steps into the Origin Martial Realm, they must secure the Divine Aperture, break through the Niwan Palace, and birth divine sense. Furthermore, after entering the Foundation Establishment Stage, Mana must undergo liquefaction.

The same goes for True Qi.

Is that not the case?"

Xu Jingwu was stunned. He then asked, "Old Ancestor, how are you so intimately familiar with the Origin Martial Realm? Could it be that you have also reached it?"

Xu Chuan laughed heartily. "Although I have practiced martial arts, I only reached Peak Innate. Within our Xu Clan, those who practice the Martial Dao and reach Peak Grandmaster are exceedingly rare.

And nearly all of them eventually embarked upon the Immortal Dao.

Once one steps onto the Immortal Dao, their True Qi will convert into Mana. This is irreversible. The Martial Dao and the Immortal Dao are systems that cannot coexist.

However, within the Immortal Dao, there are similar methods, known as body refining methods.

They also temper the physical body, granting tyrannical strength.

Moreover, they can harmonize with the traditional Immortal Dao. This path is called the Dual Cultivation of Dharma and Body.

Unfortunately, this path is fraught with immense difficulty. Only a scant few can even embark upon it. Those who achieve minor success are one in ten thousand, and those who reach its pinnacle would be considered top-tier possessors of Greater Divine Abilities even in ancient times."

"The Martial Dao has just begun its true rise. It still requires you and countless other martial artists to pioneer its future."

"Jingwu understands."

"From now on, I will pull you in every day during the hour of xu. You can spend your time studying in the Dao Repository Pavilion, and while you're at it, you can ponder on redefining the Martial Dao."

"Yes, Old Ancestor."

Having said that, Xu Chuan formed hand seals to cast a Magical Art, watering the Spirit Grass before leaving the Xu Clan's Grotto-heaven.

Xu Jingwu, on the other hand, did not leave until the hour of chen the next day.

This routine continued for the next three months.

Xu Jingwu finally finished reading all the Ancient Classics in the Dao Repository Pavilion.

For the most part, he merely absorbed their underlying philosophies, such as the creation of Magical Arts and Divine Abilities, and the formulation of martial Cultivation Methods.

As a pioneer of the Martial Dao, he had no predecessors to learn from. The cultivation arts and techniques for the Origin Martial Realm all had to be created by him alone.

Within these three months.

The embryonic form of Xu Jingwu's Martial Dao Heavenly Eye was activated, instantly multiplying his Comprehension of the Martial Dao several times over.

Any martial arts move he saw, he could remember and learn with a single glance. He could even achieve complete mastery of certain martial arts after just performing them once.

After performing them a few times, he could even improve upon their flaws, making the martial art much more perfect.

Inside the Xu Clan's Grotto-heaven.

"Old Ancestor, Jingwu has finished reading all the Ancient Classics in the Dao Repository Pavilion."

"Have you gained any insights?"

"I have some ideas regarding the subsequent realms of the Martial Dao. However, to see if they are viable, I still need to walk the path myself."

"Tell me about them."

"After the Origin Martial Realm, the next stage could be the Pill Martial Realm, focusing primarily on condensing a Qi and Blood Golden Core. However, this step should be extremely difficult. The Golden Core of an immortal cultivator does not contain the power of Qi and Blood.

But a martial artist's Qi and Blood Golden Core is a flawless Golden Core that fuses Qi and Blood with essence, qi, and spirit.

Therefore, I feel that a martial artist's condensation of a Golden Core could be divided into several tiers, which would also lower the difficulty.

As for how it is manifested, perhaps it can be distinguished by the color of the Golden Core.

For instance, a crimson core, a purple core, and a flawless Golden Core.

Above the Pill Martial Realm, using the Nascent Soul Stage as a reference, I have temporarily named it the Origin Embryo stage. Similar to immortal cultivators, it involves refining an Origin Embryo. But this realm is still far too distant for me.

I can only propose the concept for now."

Xu Chuan nodded slightly. "It is already excellent. Once these methods are spread, countless martial artists will naturally go and walk this path."

"Besides this, your grandson has also redefined the Postnatal, Innate, and Grandmaster realms. I plan to name it the Mortal-Shedding Realm.

The transition from the Postnatal to the Innate level is a step-by-step process of shedding one's mortal shell.

The Mortal-Shedding Realm can be further divided into five minor realms: Skin Refining, Flesh Refining, Organ Refining, Bone Refining, and Blood Refining. Once Blood Refining reaches perfection, one can attempt to break through to the Origin Martial Realm."

Xu Chuan raised an eyebrow. "That is quite a massive change. Won't you have to create a complete set of Mortal-Shedding martial arts yourself?"

Xu Jingwu nodded, then laughed. "However, this won't stump your grandson. Of course, I must also thank Old Ancestor for gifting me countless martial dao and immortal dao Ancient Classics.

Although I call it creating my own Mortal-Shedding Realm martial arts, its foundation still evolves from those existing Postnatal and Innate Cultivation Methods.

I merely extracted the essence of various martial arts, broke them down, and systematized them, making it vastly more convenient for martial artists to cultivate."

"However, why doesn't this Mortal-Shedding Realm of yours involve opening acupoints?"

"Opening acupoints is a natural byproduct of the cultivation process. It's the same principle as when immortal cultivators reach a certain level and find that all their meridians naturally open up.

Furthermore, opening acupoints too early is actually detrimental.

During the process of Skin Refining, Flesh Refining, Organ Refining, Bone Refining, and Blood Refining, when water arrives, a channel is formed, and success comes naturally."