Chapter 635: Discussing the Dao

This world has yet to develop a culture of chasing stars or asking for autographs, not to mention that the gap between Li Fei's current status and these students is vast.

Therefore, when the students saw Li Fei in person, none dared to step forward to strike up a conversation, though Li Fei smiled and waved at everyone, which immediately made them feel a sense of closeness.

However, in the end, no one still dared to go up and chat.

If it were only his status as the Marquis of Jing'an, it would be fine, but Li Fei also happens to be a Special Envoy of the Blue Patrol.

These students at the Martial Arts University all have extraordinary family backgrounds, so they are more aware than the average person of the kind of power Li Fei holds in his hands.

That is a power that could cause their fathers' generations and their entire families to collapse with a single word!

So they dare not easily make contact with Li Fei.

Li Fei walked through the crowd with Li Tianyu just like that.

"I was able to break into the combat power rankings so quickly, besides the Heaven-Stellar Gate inheritance and those resources you gave me, Master Qin Zhen also taught me a lot."

On the way to the exotic beast breeding area, Li Tianyu said to Li Fei.

"Oh?"

Li Fei was taken aback, "You hadn't mentioned this to me before."

The force Li Tianyu cultivated is the metal-attribute Heaven-Stellar Force, which happens to be perfectly suited for the Heaven-Stellar Gate inheritance, so Li Fei taught all the Heaven-Stellar Gate inheritance that Hao Yi left him to Li Tianyu.

Besides that, the Green-Faced Ghost King's forces have almost unified the martial arts world of Datong Prefecture, possessing all kinds of resources, and Li Fei has the Green-Face Villa send a portion to Li Tianyu regularly.

With the inheritance and the resources, plus the guidance Li Tianyu received from a martial arts master at the Martial Arts University, combined with her own daring and fighting spirit and excellent temperament, she naturally progressed rapidly.

"Master Qin Zhen said my temperament is highly compatible with 【Golden Spear】, that I am a born warrior, so he gave me some extra guidance."

Li Tianyu said to Li Fei with a happy face.

During the original Martial Arts Exchange Tournament, Qin Zhen could designate one person from the Martial Arts University's contestants to skip the preliminary rounds and enter the main tournament directly.

He chose Li Tianyu.

At that time, Li Tianyu had just broken through her realm, and her strength on paper and her realm were not outstanding; she certainly wouldn't have ranked in the top three.

Under these circumstances, Qin Zhen's choice to let her obtain a spot in the main tournament made many people feel that she was riding on Li Fei's coattails.

Later, when Li Tianyu was eliminated in the first round of the main tournament, it seemed to confirm this even more.

But only Qin Zhen knew why he chose Li Tianyu.

After the Martial Arts Exchange Tournament ended, Qin Zhen, who had already broken through to the realm of a Martial Arts Master, returned to the Martial Arts University and took the initiative to guide Li Tianyu's cultivation.

In just over four months, Li Tianyu fought her way into the Martial Arts University's combat power rankings for Force-Practicing Martial Artists, ultimately ranking second!

Such results proved Qin Zhen's eye for talent.

What is truly stunning about Li Tianyu is not her tested aptitude, but her powerful combat instinct.

Daring to risk one's life is not such a remarkable thing, but to risk it every time and survive every time—that is what is remarkable!

In Qin Zhen's words: "Some people have excellent aptitude and break through realms quickly; some have excellent comprehension and can master even the most difficult martial arts quickly. These people's potential is reflected in their daily lives, while your potential can only be reflected in battle."

Normally, only those fierce generals on the battlefield who have been through hundreds of battles, crossed the blade's edge time and again, and crawled out of piles of the dead time and again can gradually hone a powerful combat instinct.

But for Li Tianyu, such an instinct is a talent she was born with.

"It seems you really can be a general in the future."

After hearing Li Tianyu's description, Li Fei felt genuinely happy for her.

"That goes without saying!"

Li Tianyu lifted her chin.

As the two spoke, they walked into the exotic beast breeding area, then traveled through the jungle and across the glaciers, arriving at the foot of the small mountain where Shi Caiming lived.

"Professor Qin."

Qin Zhen was standing at the foot of the mountain waiting for the two, and Li Fei took the initiative to salute.

"It's Vice Principal now."

Li Tianyu whispered to Li Fei.

Upon hearing this, Li Fei was about to correct himself when Qin Zhen spoke:

"No matter, the Marquis of Jing'an may go up the mountain yourself; the Principal is waiting for you on the mountain."

"Professor Qin, just call me Li Fei; thank you for your guidance of Li Tianyu."

Li Fei said.

Qin Zhen said sternly: "Cultivating talent for the Martial Arts University is my primary duty; there is no need to thank me."

Li Fei cupped his hands in a salute, nodded at Li Tianyu, and went up the mountain alone.

He soon reached the summit.

It was the same large lawn, and the lean old man was still sitting by the cliff drinking.

Li Fei had a feeling of returning to the days several months ago when he went up the mountain every day to follow Shi Caiming's cultivation.

He stepped forward and cupped his hands in a salute:

"Principal, student Li Fei has returned."

Shi Caiming was still holding an unextinguished cigarette, turned to look at Li Fei with somewhat drunken eyes, and a smile appeared on his face:

"Come, have a drink with me."

So Li Fei skillfully stepped forward to pour wine for Shi Caiming and poured a cup for himself as well.

The two clinked glasses lightly and drank it all in one gulp.

"Not bad, you became a Marquis after one trip out."

Shi Caiming seemed to be in a good mood, "Fortunately, this old man also holds a marquis title, so I don't have to salute you."

As the Principal of the Martial Arts University, Shi Caiming was enfeoffed as a Marquis by the imperial court in his tenth year of service.

If he, as principal, serves for a few more decades before retiring and steadily supplies a large number of talents to the country, he will have a chance to receive a hereditary title when he retires in the future.

"Principal, you joke; no matter what, I will always be a student of the Martial Arts University."

Li Fei said sternly.

"Is that so? But you, this student, run off every few days and haven't attended many classes at the Martial Arts University in total."

"."

"How long do you plan to stay this time you're back?"

"The Emperor has ordered me to investigate a case; at most ten days, then I must go to Gan Province."

"Will you come back after you go?"

". will come back!"

Looking at Li Fei's determined expression, Shi Caiming suddenly became a bit angry: "Draw your blade, let me see if your blade technique has improved."

Li Fei was startled, and before he could react, Shi Caiming flicked his finger, and a spark flew from his fingertip.

When the spark reached Li Fei, it exploded with a boom, transforming into a scorching blade force!

Li Fei sensed the danger in advance and retreated while activating his Primordial Star Armor.

The blade force struck the golden armor, bursting into a large cluster of sparks.

In an instant, the world before Li Fei's eyes changed:

The large lawn on the mountaintop was ignited by the sparks, and the raging fire turned the entire summit into a sea of flames!

There were countless flying sparks in the sky, like red fireflies, illuminating the sky into a crimson red, and the scorching temperature could almost melt metal.

Li Fei's expression turned solemn; he drew the Ghost-Slaying Blade and slashed out.

Golden light bloomed from the blade, then transformed into countless golden rays, piercing through this world of fire!

But soon, those extinguished flames burned again with an even more surging posture.

This move of Li Fei's, 【Infinite Bright Fire】, not only failed to break Shi Caiming's Dao force but instead caused it to undergo a transformation, becoming even more powerful!

In the world of flames, a giant tree broke through the soil, and there were flame flowers on its branches.

A wild wind blew, and the flame flowers all over the tree shook off, turning into a sky full of sparks that swept toward Li Fei, covering the sky and earth.

【Fire Trees and Silver Flowers in an Everlasting Night】!

Li Fei's Primordial Star Armor melted, and his mind was captivated by this extremely gorgeous scene, becoming intoxicated by it.

When he came back to his senses, he was still standing perfectly fine on the lawn, with no traces of burning around him.

Only the unsheathed Ghost-Slaying Blade, his still-hot outer robe, and the reduced blood souls within the Ten Thousand Blood Bead reminded him of everything that had just happened.

"Your blade technique is not even one-tenth of your master's; if he were still here, he would surely be angered to death by you."

Shi Caiming was still sitting in his chair, saying with a cold laugh.

Li Fei was stunned: "That move just now, was it my master's blade technique?"

"He left his life's learning to you, but it seems you haven't looked at it properly."

Shi Caiming shook his head.

Li Fei felt somewhat ashamed upon hearing this.

In the past few months, he had to cultivate martial arts, practice spells, and study the Dream-Like Decree.

He had to practice the "Red Sound Fire Vajra Method" and the "Calamity-Fixing Vajra Method."

He also had to delve into Lin Tianyi's notes and study the integration of spells and martial arts.

He truly hadn't studied the inheritances Hao Yi left him properly.

Now, Li Tianyu likely has a better grasp of the Heaven-Stellar Gate martial arts than he does.

"Do you think that the "Vajra Eight Sections" is a supreme technique of the Pudu Temple, that its level is higher than the Heaven-Stellar Gate's martial arts, and that it is the most suitable martial art in the world for Vajra Force, so there is no need to learn the Heaven-Stellar Gate's martial arts anymore?"

Shi Caiming looked directly at Li Fei and questioned him.

Li Fei opened his mouth but did not speak.

He did indeed have such thoughts in his heart, and letting Li Tianyu learn the Heaven-Stellar Gate's martial arts was also done with the intention of having her inherit the Heaven-Stellar Gate's legacy.

Shi Caiming looked at Li Fei's young face and suddenly sighed.

He knew that this young man had actually done well enough, perfectly enough, and really shouldn't be reproached any further.

The fact that he had suddenly lost his temper just now was not actually because of the martial arts.

"The martial arts of the Heaven-Stiff Sect are indeed inferior to Pudu Temple, and the 'Eight Methods of the Vajra' is indeed more suitable for you. But in terms of blade technique, what your master left you is no worse than the martial arts of any sect in the world."

Shi Caiming said to Li Fei in a softened tone.

Li Fei nodded heavily.

He had been to the Imperial Library, where the seventh to tenth floors contained peerless martial arts, which were martial arts involving the Dao-force level.

Anything above that involved divine abilities, which already exceeded the scope of martial arts.

Therefore, although Hao Yi's final realm was only that of a Martial Dao Master, when it came to martial arts involving the Dao-force level, he could indeed innovate and create the most top-tier peerless blade technique of the current age based on the original foundation of the Heaven-Stiff Sect!

Pudu Temple was indeed stronger than the Heaven-Stiff Sect, but what was stronger was the higher-level power and heritage; at the Dao-force level, Shi Caiming had already given his evaluation:

Hao Yi's blade technique was no worse than any other blade technique!

"I will definitely spend more time studying Master's blade technique."

Li Fei said to Shi Caiming with a serious expression.

The Heaven-Stiff Sect also had Dao-force, just not the Dao-force of the "Eight Parts of the Vajra."

The former could at most be placed on the seventh floor of the Imperial Library, while the latter could be placed on the tenth floor.

Therefore, Li Fei had not spent time practicing the Heaven-Stiff Sect's Dao-force before, only learning one "Primordial Star Armor."

But now that he heard Shi Caiming say this, he would spend more time on blade technique in the future.

Shi Caiming nodded: "Actually, I don't blame you. Back then, I said I would wait until you had incorporated the fire-attribute implant and had the fire-attribute innate Qi before I could teach you to comprehend his 'Heaven and Earth Single Blade.' But you happened to go out to participate in a competition at that time, and only returned now."

Li Fei glanced at the Ghost-Slaying Blade in his hand; the mark inside the blade body was already filled with power, enough for him to unleash one "Heaven and Earth Single Blade."

However, he had kept this trump card and never used it.

"Dao-force is the pinnacle of martial arts, the perfect embodiment of a martial artist's essence, Qi, and spirit, but everyone's pinnacle is different, and the application of Dao-force is divided into levels."

Shi Caiming began his teaching.

Li Fei walked to his side and listened carefully.

"The first level of Dao-force is called 'Entering the Dao,' which is the initial involvement with Dao-force; martial artists at the peak of the Dao-Foundation stage are usually at this realm."

"The second level of Dao-force is called 'As You Wish,' which means being able to wield Dao-force as one pleases, connecting moves without any stagnation, and no longer needing to change breath; this realm can usually only be mastered after becoming a Martial Dao Master, though a very small number of Dao-Foundation stage martial artists can also achieve it."

Li Fei thought of the Martial Dao Masters he had challenged at the Great Luo Sect.

Those people used Dao-force at the 'As You Wish' realm; that kind of conversion at will, smooth and seamless, flexible and ever-changing application of Dao-force left a deep impression on him.

And this was clearly not the limit of Dao-force.

Shi Caiming continued:

"The third level of Dao-force is called 'Mysterious Scenery,' where the power of inner intent begins to manifest externally, not only affecting a single individual, but being able to affect a large area, making people feel as if they are in a mysterious landscape."

Li Fei recalled the world of flames from just now and nodded.

When Hao Yi and Xu Jing dueled on the plaza, Hao Yi used the Heaven and Earth Single Blade, and his intent power affected the entire plaza; as long as one was within it, one would be affected!

Clearly, the Dao-force levels of both Shi Caiming and Hao Yi would not be lower than 'Mysterious Scenery.'

"Martial Dao Masters can all achieve 'As You Wish,' but not many people can achieve 'Mysterious Scenery.' Generally speaking, only those approaching the Grandmaster realm or who have already reached the Grandmaster realm can relatively easily master 'Mysterious Scenery' as the prototype of a Martial Dao Domain."

"As for the level above 'Mysterious Scenery,' the fourth and highest level of Dao-force is called 'Creation'; this level is truly where technique approaches the Dao!"

"Dao-force at the 'Creation' level can possess changes in force that break common sense, almost equivalent to having cultivated a new divine ability; it can be called reaching the divine through martial arts!"

Hearing this, Li Fei immediately thought of the Dao-force the other party used at the very end when he fought Lan Ruoyun a few days ago—【Lan Yin Xu Guo】.

The completely counter-intuitive redirection of force displayed an incredible effect!

Without a doubt, the martial artist who created the 【Lan Yin Xu Guo】 style of Dao-force must have had their Dao-force level at the 'Creation' level.

Although Lan Ruoyun had mastered 【Lan Yin Xu Guo】, she only remained at the 'Entering the Dao' level.

If she could have reached the 'Creation' level and displayed the full power of 【Lan Yin Xu Guo】, it would not have been so easy for Li Fei to win against her.

"Your master Hao Yi broke through his realm in one go back then and was able to defeat Xu Jing, who possessed three divine abilities, with just one divine ability, because the blade he slashed out at the end using the Matter-Refining divine ability had already reached the 'Creation' level!"

Shi Caiming looked at Li Fei and said this.

There is another chapter tonight.

(End of this chapter)