Kuang Malunte looked at Qin Fen, clad in tattered samurai robes, standing silently on the battlefield, his composed expression radiating an ineffable, handsome spirit.

"You wish to spar?"

Qin Fen's voice seemed to carry from an epoch long past. Samalunte shivered involuntarily. Spar? That was a joke. Sparring with a monster like this wouldn't just mean losing face in defeat; it wouldn't be as simple as ending up in the hospital. One wrong move, one punch, and his life could end right there. A martial artist might not fear death, but one should die with purpose. Samalunte could not see any value in fighting Qin Fen.

Samatin Feng’s lips moved uncontrollably, clicking repeatedly, producing a distinct "snap, snap" sound. Was this brat truly just a basic-level Outer Saint Martial Hall disciple who had just entered the Saint Martial Hall?

The Inner Saint Martial Hall practitioners who had come along had completely shed the air of superiority they displayed upon arrival. Each one stared at Qin Fen with faces ashen, speechless for a long moment. No one could have imagined that the strength of a newly arrived young martial artist in the Saint Martial Hall could be this formidable. Forget newcomers to the Inner Saint Martial Hall; even those who had been there for one, two, or even three years held little advantage before him.

In the quiet Martial Arts Hall, the other young practitioners waited for Samalunt’s answer. Qin Fen frowned slightly, his gaze sweeping over the other Inner Saint Martial Hall members, and he said lightly, "If you are not confident in winning one-on-one, coming at me all at once is also acceptable."

The Martial Arts Hall fell into a dead silence!

The attention of the young practitioners focused entirely on the Inner Saint Martial Hall group. A basic-level Outer Saint Martial Hall martial artist who had just entered the Saint Martial Hall—in the past, such a person would have been considered arrogant and presumptuous; any Inner Saint Martial Hall practitioner would have furiously rushed forward to teach him a lesson.

Yet, today, after the fight they had just witnessed, Samalunte felt none of Qin Fen's arrogance. That casual tone made it sound like he was merely stating the most mundane of facts.

All at once? Samatin Feng understood perfectly. Even if all the Inner Saint Martial Hall practitioners attacked together, in Qin Fen's eyes, they would amount to nothing more than an appetizer, a mere stepping stone.

Hesitation. The Inner Saint Martial Hall practitioners had never been so hesitant before. This young martial artist before them was operating on a level far beyond their own.

Samalunte glared hatefully at his younger brother. If it weren't for this kid stirring up trouble, how would they find themselves in such a dilemma today?

Qin Fen shrugged, lifted his leg, and took a single step forward.

Whoosh!

Samalunte stomped his foot violently, his body rocketing back over ten meters. His face was pale as he stared at Qin Fen with extreme vigilance.

Almost simultaneously, the other Inner Saint Martial Hall practitioners rapidly retreated, drawing their fists into fighting stances, watching Qin Fen as if facing a formidable enemy.

"Heh heh." Qin Fen laughed helplessly and shook his head. These people’s courage had been completely shattered. He had merely taken a casual step forward; he had no intention of making a move, yet it caused them to rocket backward. They couldn't even perform a basic assessment of whether a martial artist was about to fight.

"No way?" "This is too hilarious!" After a few seconds of silence in the Martial Arts Hall, the young practitioners burst into laughter. The Inner Saint Martial Hall members, usually walking with their heads held high and radiating dominance, were actually sent reeling backward by Qin Fen's single advance today. This kind of face-losing scenario had never occurred before.

Samalunte’s cheeks burned. If not for the presence of Qin Fen, meaning there was absolutely no chance of winning, he would have already rushed over to "spar well" with the other laughing young practitioners.

"Trash," Di Shitian spat out coldly. "How can such people enter the Inner Saint Martial Hall?" Ferreira nodded in agreement. "Indeed, young sir, people like that are not qualified to be in the Inner Saint Martial Hall. But we can’t entirely blame them. Didn't even you and I look astonished after watching Qin Fen fight the Martial Venerable just now?"

"Nonsense!" Di Shitian snorted again. "If I were him, even with only his level of strength, I would have fought Qin Fen! A martial artist can be defeated, can die, but one must never act like that. That is the backbone a martial artist should possess."

Ferreira stroked his thumb. "And that is why you became one of the Six Chief Seats, while those kids below will never reach your level in this lifetime."

Di Shitian waved his long sleeve and vanished from the rooftop deck without another word. The battle here was concluded. Qin Fen's performance today, even acknowledged by those on the opposing side, was undeniably outstanding.

The pride of the Inner Saint Martial Hall practitioners returned to their faces. "You are outstanding; I must admit that. But that doesn't mean you can continue to be so arrogant. The Inner Saint Martial Hall is brimming with experts. Whoever comes next time will certainly make you suffer! I concede today. Even if we all attacked together, we couldn't beat you. Please."

The Inner Saint Martial Hall practitioners bowed in unison, turned, and quickly vanished from the Martial Arts Hall.

Qin Fen’s smile became even more helpless as he shook his head. Arrogant? When had he ever been arrogant? He had been in the Saint Martial Hall for less than two days, and it seemed he had only been the passive recipient of challenges. Although his goal for coming here was to witness the martial arts of the Saint Martial Hall and he had intended to initiate challenges himself, that had not yet officially begun.

The other young practitioners quickly gathered around Qin Fen, and before he could resist, they hoisted him up high and tossed him forcefully into the air.

Although they were categorized as Outer Saint Martial Hall foundational types, they were, at heart, all Outer Saint Martial Hall disciples who had long been suppressed by the Inner Saint Martial Hall, unable to lift their heads. Now, a young martial artist had suddenly appeared like a comet, and how could they not be thrilled and excited? "Qin Fen, you are so strong!"

"Yes, how are you so strong?" "Do you have any secrets?"

"What are you asking? Can you compare to my master?" Ren Tiansheng, relying on his Fourteen-Star strength, pushed the young practitioners aside and stood in front of Qin Fen. "Your foundations are too shallow right now. Focus on mastering the First Level True Qi Oscillation first! High-level martial arts are not suitable for you yet."

With the authority of an instructor and the might of a Fourteen-Star expert, the young practitioners could only retreat repeatedly.

Ren Tiansheng’s fierce expression instantly shifted into a face full of eager smiles when he turned to Qin Fen. "Master, shall we find another place to talk? This place is too chaotic and unsuitable."

Master? Qin Fen looked at this martial artist, who was in his early forties but possessed Fourteen-Star strength, and sighed repeatedly. A practitioner of the Ten-Star level calling a Fourteen-Star expert Master—this world was growing crazier and crazier.

"Qin Fen."

From outside the crowd, a voice that wasn't exactly clear rang out. Qin Fen's ears twitched, and his eyes flashed with the joy of seeing an old acquaintance.

Bai Sheng's voice! Qin Fen remembered it clearly. It was Bai Sheng, who had secretly gone easy on him during the selection process, granting him enormous benefits! Though he had heard this voice few times, he would never forget it in his life.

A great kindness is never spoken of, only etched in the heart! Qin Fen flung his arms open and strode toward Bai Sheng, respectfully performing the gesture of a junior greeting a senior.

In the martial world, while martial prowess is a crucial component, many martial artists who called someone 'Senior' for the first few years would switch to 'Old Bai' once their strength surpassed theirs, and then perhaps 'Little Bai' once they far exceeded them.

Qin Fen did not want to engage in such ill-mannered behavior. Such a kindness was worth remembering for a lifetime. Bai Sheng’s deliberate act of bestowing the martial texts was a favor of that magnitude.

Let alone reaching the Divine Beast level by luck today, Qin Fen believed Bai Sheng would forever remain a Senior—a Senior deserving of respect.

This caused the surrounding young practitioners to be stunned, and Ren Tiansheng froze in place. Bai Sheng only had the strength of a Fourteen-Star expert; in terms of martial foundation, perhaps he wasn't even comparable to Qin Fen. What right did he have to receive such a grand gesture from Qin Fen?

"Senior, it has been a long time," Qin Fen slowly straightened his back, a broad smile on his face as he asked, "Have you been well these days?"

Bai Sheng was also stunned, but a smile quickly spread across his cheeks, the corners of his eyes and lips. While being honored by such a young prodigy brought face, what truly made him happy was Qin Fen's sincerity.

"Not bad, not bad," Bai Sheng nodded repeatedly, his face full of smiles. "You are doing very well too. You kept me waiting so long; I thought you weren't coming after all."

As Bai Sheng spoke, he lightly punched Qin Fen's shoulder. "Kid, I have two things to discuss with you."

"Old Bai, let's move somewhere else," Ren Tiansheng rushed to their side, placing one hand on Qin Fen's back and the other on Bai Sheng's back as he urged them away. "Let’s talk somewhere else."

Qin Fen turned to look at Caesar and the others. Xue Tian raised his arm and waved. "Old Qin, you go handle your business first. After seeing that battle, these guys probably need to go into temporary secluded meditation."

Brooks nodded in agreement. The recent battle had been highly insightful; Qin Fen had utilized almost everyone's martial techniques, executing them even better than the originals.

"Master, where is your room? Let's go to your room? It's a good chance for me to recognize the path as well." Ren Tiansheng, completely at ease, showed no less familiarity than Xue Tian. If not for the vast difference in their physical appearances, Qin Fen would have wondered if Ren Tiansheng and Xue Tian were related.

The group left the Martial Arts Hall, and not far away, Bai Sheng pointed to Gao Yuan, who was standing by the roadside, and said to Qin Fen, "This is my friend, Gao Yuan."

Qin Fen nodded slightly, bowed, performed the martial junior’s salute with a cupped fist: "Senior."

Gao Yuan froze for several seconds, unable to react. Before meeting Qin Fen, he had speculated on all sorts of possibilities: proud, disdainful, hypocritical, or merely polite. Yet, he had never imagined Qin Fen would be so courteous, and clearly not with false politeness.

Neither arrogant nor restless! Gao Yuan nodded repeatedly. For this young man to possess such a profound martial foundation and yet remain composed—it was truly unexpected.

Back on the sixth floor of Qin Fen’s designated building, Ren Tiansheng looked around the room and clicked his tongue. "Master, this room of yours isn't great. Why don't you move into mine? A Fourteen-Star expert's living quarters are much better than a newcomer's."

Qin Fen shook his head nonchalantly. "I came here to witness the martial arts of the Saint Martial Hall, not to enjoy comfort. This place is fine; it’s countless times better than where I lived before. There's no need to change."

Bai Sheng sat comfortably on the sofa, turning to look at the somewhat uneasy Gao Yuan and smiling. "Qin Fen, I have two things for you." Qin Fen pulled over a stool and sat opposite Bai Sheng, listening intently.

"First, this." Bai Sheng took out two hand-copied small booklets from his robes and placed them on the table, pushing them toward Qin Fen with his fingers. "I thought about this before; if you came to the Saint Martial Hall, I must give you a gift. These are my and Gao Yuan's notes on martial arts insights. I thought they would be greatly helpful to you, but now they can probably only serve as reference material."

Qin Fen examined the notebooks and then Bai Sheng. He took the notebooks in both hands very seriously. Having walked the martial path all these days, he understood more deeply that many people on the martial path habitually hoard secrets. Bai Sheng's attitude was clearly not a pretense, nor did it seem like a sudden decision.

"Senior, thank you," Qin Fen carefully put away the notebooks, his eyes shining with gratitude. "This isn't just a reference; it will definitely be of immense help to me."

Gao Yuan stared blankly at Bai Sheng. He hadn't understood during the previous gambling session why Bai Sheng would give away a book of martial arts notes that were useless to himself. It turned out he had been thinking of this all along. A young martial artist...

The second matter...

Bai Sheng raised a hand and pointed at Ren Tiansheng. "Ren’s control over True Qi Oscillation has always been stuck at Level Four. After your help just now, he must have broken into Level Five, right?"

"Yes," Ren Tiansheng raised his eyebrows, beaming at Bai Sheng. "Old Bai, are you interested in a sparring match to test my Level Five True Qi Oscillation control?"

Qin Fen was not foolish; seeing Bai Sheng’s expression, he immediately understood. "Senior wants to...?"

Bai Sheng extended his palm, and Qin Fen very seriously placed his wrist against it. The True Qi Oscillations of both sides clashed, emitting a rapid frequency collision sound.

One second, ten seconds, thirty seconds... Qin Fen withdrew his hand, transforming his index and middle fingers into a sword gesture, swiftly pointing toward Bai Sheng's Jianjing acupoint. "Senior, I will send a stream of frequency-oscillating True Qi into your body; please experience it."

Bai Sheng slowly closed his eyes, feeling the True Qi Qin Fen had sent into his body. Thump-thump-thump-thump... Thump-thump...

Gao Yuan stared tensely at Bai Sheng. Qin Fen bringing Ren Tiansheng to Level Five True Qi Oscillation earlier was too astonishing, so astonishing it was hard to believe.

The True Qi inside Bai Sheng, initially still, gradually began to resonate with the vibrations from Qin Fen's Qi. His Qi frequency continuously changed. At first, it only vibrated within the main meridians. After a full half hour, the True Qi in all his internal meridians began to oscillate at different frequencies.

This is... Bai Sheng was ecstatic in his heart. This single stream of True Qi from Qin Fen wasn't just about bringing Ren Tiansheng to Level Five Qi control and being done; he was guiding him toward Level Six True Qi Oscillation!

The difficulty in controlling Level Five True Qi Oscillation versus Level Six is like heaven and earth, and performing these tasks inside someone else's body increases the difficulty exponentially.

Bai Sheng was shocked by Qin Fen's astonishing control over True Qi Oscillation, yet simultaneously overjoyed! For so many years, the bottleneck that had been stuck was finally broken! A critical step for Marrow Cleansing and Nirvana required all the True Qi in the body to begin oscillating at different frequencies in different meridians.

One hour, two hours, three hours...

Ren Tiansheng and Gao Yuan watched Bai Sheng curiously. Why was it taking so long? Bai Sheng’s aptitude theoretically suggested it should only take half an hour. Gao Yuan looked worriedly at the beads of sweat on Qin Fen's forehead. Performing Qi Oscillation inside another person was far more dangerous and difficult than self-oscillation. Wouldn't something go wrong?

Four hours... Gao Yuan and Ren Tiansheng exchanged glances filled with disbelief. Four hours of focused concentration—spending time with this young man was truly demoralizing. Four hours of marathon-like assistance without a single error—this level of control made even a Fifteen-Star martial artist feel ashamed.

Four hours and thirty-seven minutes. Qin Fen let out a long breath, raising his hand to wipe the sweat from his forehead.

Gao Yuan anxiously watched Bai Sheng, noticing that his old friend showed no signs of waking up; he was still in deep meditation.

"Senior Bai Sheng likely needs a little more time to adapt and remember," Qin Fen said slowly, extending his palm. "Senior, shall we try?"

The same event replayed. In half an hour, Gao Yuan successfully entered Level Five True Qi Control. He stared blankly at Qin Fen, his eyes now holding significant admiration. "It was nothing, just a small effort," Qin Fen wiped the sweat from his brow, looking genuinely happy. Although it seemed he gained little benefit by helping three people with True Qi Oscillation guidance, only he knew how much he had actually gained.

These past few days, each of the Seven Great Experts had been making minute progress, and Qin Fen had constantly strived to achieve 'Subtlety' (Ru Wei), but always fell just short. If he had achieved 'Subtlety' in the battle not long ago, the result should have been an absolute draw.

Subtlety? Qin Fen closed his eyes to regulate his breathing, smiling happily.

After helping the three complete this True Qi Oscillation control, and while probing their bodies' meridians and guiding the True Qi Oscillation, he had unknowingly stepped into the realm of Subtlety!

What is Subtlety? Before the autumn wind moves, the cicada is already aware!

When Bai Sheng emerged from his meditation, it was five hours after Qin Fen had started helping him. The moment his eyes opened, confidence and excitement subtly radiated from them. His entire demeanor underwent a massive transformation in an instant.

Gao Yuan stared blankly at Bai Sheng. After a long pause, he said in disbelief, "You... you controlled Level Six True Qi Oscillation?" Bai Sheng lightly clenched his fist, his face alight with unprecedented joy. "Yes! Level Six Oscillation control..." In the next moment, Bai Sheng's bright, focused eyes misted over with moisture. The martial path he thought he could never advance on again had been completely overturned by someone in an instant.

Bai Sheng felt an urge to kneel down and shout toward the heavens. Having broken through this single bottleneck, the desire for Marrow Cleansing and Nirvana, which had been extinguished, was reignited! Although the hope was still slim, it was no longer utterly nonexistent like before!

"You... you actually..." Gao Yuan found it impossible to accept the fact. How could two people with similar abilities and aptitude open up such a vast gap at a certain level in just a few hours?

Although Level Five Qi Oscillation Control and Level Six were only one level apart, the hope they represented was completely different.

Bai Sheng looked at Qin Fen with a troubled expression. "Gao Yuan is a very good friend of mine..."

Gao Yuan was stunned. Ren Tiansheng stood rooted, looking at Qin Fen. "Old Bai, are you saying...?" Bai Sheng’s face also held a trace of disbelief and a bitter smile. "Yes, even I can hardly believe it. Guiding a person to Level Six Oscillation is much harder, but that is precisely what happened."