Only those who have opened the Ren and Du Meridians can truly be called masters in the current martial world! Once the Ren and Du Meridians are opened, true zhenqi gradually deepens, cycling endlessly, but this is merely stepping onto the first rung of the martial path! The Sect Leader must already be aware of these matters," Ye Wen nodded, then gestured for Chen Yizhong to continue, while he himself listened intently. As it happened, after finishing their meal that day, Ye Wen, having nothing else to do, had summoned Chen Yizhong over, and in the course of their conversation, the topic drifted to the current powers within the martial landscape.

This intelligence was crucial for Ye Wen, yet Chen Yizhong, having roamed the jianghu for decades, paid little heed to such things, usually treating them as mere anecdotes. If Ye Wen hadn't asked, he probably never would have thought to relay such news to his Sect Leader.

"Once the Ren and Du Meridians are open, an internal circulation is formed within the body. The zhenqi generated at this stage is unstained by external influences and supremely pure—it is naturally formed, which is why some seniors referred to this zhenqi as Innate Zhenqi. This zhenqi originates from the self, is used by the self, and is far purer than the internal energy nurtured by one’s own techniques after one has already begun cultivating. Thus, the opening of the Ren and Du Meridians serves as a watershed. Cross it," and a whole new world unfolds; fail to cross it, and one might remain an ordinary martial artist for life..."

Truthfully, Chen Yizhong wasn't perfectly clear on all the specifics, but fortunately, his extensive travels had exposed him to a vast and varied collection of information, allowing him to assemble many vital pieces of intelligence.

"But the true masters of the jianghu believe this is only the beginning. While opening the Ren and Du Meridians establishes an internal cycle, it is merely a small circuit! Some suggest that only by opening all the Xuanguan (Mysterious Gates) throughout the body, allowing all meridians to flow unimpeded and form one grand circulation, does one truly reach the Innate Realm. All martial artists today use this as the standard, and reaching this level means one is counted among the foremost experts in the martial world..."

Only now did Ye Wen finally grasp the direction for his future endeavors. Although he knew his current strength didn't qualify him as a top-tier expert—in fact, he was significantly weaker than that Crimson Sun Divine Lord. One must remember that the Crimson Sun Divine Lord, Pei Gonglie, wasn't even considered a top-tier master in the jianghu. Setting aside other factors, the mere fact that this man was quite wary of the Spirit Void Master, who was hunted to death, suggested that many individuals in this world surpassed the Crimson Sun Divine Lord in might.

He hadn't been without considering the possibility of opening all the Xuanguan throughout his body, but lacking a specific method, he dared not act rashly.

Now hearing that clearing all the body's meridians was an actionable path, Ye Wen’s thoughts inevitably began to quicken. It had been some time since he opened the Ren and Du Meridians, and his cultivation had stabilized. Although his zhenqi was growing steadily stronger due to the efficacy of the Cold Spring, if things continued this way, would he only be able to rely on slowly accumulating internal energy to grow stronger? That seemed dreadfully tedious.

It wasn't that his progress was too slow, but rather that Ye Wen suddenly lacked a clear objective. Previously, he had the goal of mastering the Zixia Divine Art to its peak; now what? Accumulating internal energy was an endless task with no defined milestone to aim for.

After hearing Chen Yizhong’s words, Ye Wen finally had a new target: elevating his personal power to a level where he could begin opening the other Xuanguan.

According to Chen Yizhong, these Xuanguan were the Eight Extraordinary Meridians. Aside from the Ren and Du Meridians, there were six others. Once these eight were opened, the body's entire meridian network would instantly connect and flow as one. At that point, when zhenqi circulated throughout the entire body, it would erupt wherever his intent directed, offering immense convenience when facing an enemy.

"As for the world's peak masters..." Chen Yizhong stroked his beard, "I don't know how profound their power truly is, but rumors suggest that most of them have achieved a certain level of mastery over their martial arts; even those with comparable power levels can be defeated effortlessly by them. It seems being called a peak master isn't simply about having deep cultivation!"

Chen Yizhong felt these matters were too esoteric, something to be merely listened to for interest. He added his own interpretation: If one opened all the body's Xuanguan and reached the apex of power, why would a small fraction still stand head and shoulders above the rest? Simply discussing the magnitude of their power seemed unreliable, as many so-called peak masters were late bloomers. For example, Li Xuan, the current Sect Leader of the Tianshan Sect, only achieved the status of a top-tier expert within the last decade, yet during this time, he has been revered as one of the strongest figures alive.

If one argued that the Tianshan Sect Leader achieved his status through the Ice Soul Cold Art, a renowned powerful technique of the day, what about Hu Shuwen of the Jade Cave Sect? His entire arsenal was derived from the Jade Cave Sect's techniques, yet he ranks among the top masters today and is even hailed as the top expert most likely to achieve Void Shattering in centuries. How could this be explained?

"Therefore, this old man believes that once one reaches that realm, determining what kind of martial artist one is no longer relies solely on internal energy cultivation..."

Ye Wen hadn't given these statements much serious thought. Under normal circumstances, once cultivation reached a certain level—a limit—further rapid advancement became nearly impossible. When power levels were similar, disparate combat strengths indicated that the deciding factors were not just the depth of internal energy, but also the understanding of martial arts, on-the-spot adaptability during combat, and overall comprehensive quality of the martial artist.

In other words, peak masters might not be vastly superior in raw cultivation compared to first-rate experts, but they are the ones capable of maximizing their combat potential; otherwise...

Ye Wen merely listened to these insights without overthinking them. After all, he was still quite far from being considered a first-rate expert, let alone when the difference in cultivation wasn't extreme—at that point, victory wasn't determined by internal energy alone. Who was stronger ultimately required a fight to know. Thus, those designations of first-rate or second-rate were just casual remarks, not absolute measures.

Even concerning pure internal energy cultivation, Ye Wen still had a long journey ahead. These Extraordinary Meridians were not easy to open; he had only managed to open two through sheer luck and fortuitous encounters.

What truly captured his attention was the phrase in Chen Yizhong’s speech: Void Shattering.

"Void Shattering? This world has such a thing?" Ye Wen cursed inwardly in shock and immediately began asking what this Void Shattering entailed.

Chen Yizhong scratched his head. "This old man doesn't know too much; the matter is too profound! It’s only said that after one's martial cultivation reaches a certain level, they break through the void and depart the mortal realm, though no one knows where they go. This legend is quite similar to the Daoist concept of ascending in broad daylight! It’s truly baffling!"

"But for several hundred years, the martial world has rumored that only warriors who achieve peak cultivation can accomplish this, making it the most highly sought-after realm among jianghu practitioners!"

Ye Wen paused, then asked cautiously, "Could this just be a fabricated rumor? After all, this concept seems overly mystical!"

"Rumor?" Chen Yizhong immediately dismissed the thought upon hearing it. "No, although no one has shattered the void in the last two hundred years, this is a concrete event. Both the Tiandao Sect and the Chan Sect have relevant textual records; those are martial arts classics, they wouldn't speak nonsense!"

"Martial arts classics?" Ye Wen was intrigued. "Do those two sects actually allow people to view their martial arts texts?"

Chen Yizhong understood Ye Wen's curiosity and explained, "They only revealed the sections pertaining to Void Shattering; the specific content of the martial techniques was not shown!"

Ye Wen acknowledged this understanding. After chatting a bit more with Chen Yizhong, besides learning about Void Shattering—a matter that gave him a great headache—he also grasped the general structure of the contemporary jianghu.

Currently, the most powerful forces were naturally the Tiandao Sect and the Chan Sect. However, as these two were religious orders, maintaining close ties with the court and boasting centuries of inheritance, they implicitly held a position above the myriad other sects. Although they frequently sent disciples out, they rarely involved themselves in jianghu disputes; but when they did intervene, it became a major event in the martial world.

Beyond them, the Tianshan Sect was also formidable. Their sect-guarding divine technique, the Ice Soul Cold Art, was reputed to be the most Yin and cold art in the current martial world, complemented by exquisite swordsmanship, meaning ordinary martial artists wouldn't dare provoke someone from the Tianshan Sect lightly. Moreover, in the last decade, the Tianshan Sect produced a super expert who ranked among the very top in the current jianghu, subtly challenging the dominance of the Tiandao Sect and the Chan Sect, causing most people to refrain from provoking the Tianshan Sect.

Upon learning this, Ye Wen recalled the message left by the Spirit Void Master: "That damned Spirit Void Master, leaving us a broken wooden plank only to burden us with such a difficult problem! While my Daoist sect's Ice Soul Cold Art is powerful, it shouldn't be this monstrously strong. Who knew you’d hand me one of the strongest current bosses as a future enemy!"

Although the Spirit Void Master hoped Xu Xian would avenge him, Xu Xian was now a disciple of the Shushan Sect. If action were taken, the Shushan Sect would have to shoulder the responsibility. Viewed this way, a conflict between the Shushan Sect and the Tianshan Sect was almost inevitable. Since the Ice Soul Cold Art was hailed as their guardian technique, it couldn't be something learned by a mere novice. It seemed the one who killed the Spirit Void Master must have been a high-ranking figure from the Tianshan Sect, perhaps even that damned super expert personally.

As for others like the Jade Cave Sect, Azure Dragon Society, or North Sword Gate, although they were major sects in the current jianghu, they were far inferior to these established powers. Even the Tianle Gang ranked below these main factions. Truthfully, the Jade Cave Sect, without Hu Shuwen, would likely be much weaker than the others, but the influence of a single super expert was immense, allowing the Jade Cave Sect to prosper quite comfortably in recent years.

Speaking of Hu Shuwen, Ye Wen recalled this fellow’s jianghu nickname: Nine Sword Immortal. Rumor had it he carried nine treasured swords of varying sizes. Ye Wen wondered how this 'big brother' managed to engage in combat carrying so many blades.

"Could this fellow know some wondrous art like Sword Manipulation?" At this thought, Ye Wen pictured nine cold, gleaming longswords bearing down on him menacingly—a scene that certainly wouldn't bring comfort.

He also recalled his own few attempts at a crude, self-styled Sword Manipulation, which earned him the title of 'Sword Immortal' from some quarters. Could this have offended this formidable figure? This man was currently the number one figure in the martial world—at least according to Chen Yizhong’s description. If this gentleman became angered and decided to strike at Shushan, Ye Wen knew for a fact he would be utterly unable to cope.

"He wouldn't even need nine swords; this great master could probably obliterate me with a casual palm strike!"

Now, he could only hope that his conspicuous nickname wouldn't spread—he’d much rather be saddled with the moniker 'Gentleman Sword' than 'Sword Immortal,' leaving such flamboyant titles for those who sought the limelight more.

After sending Chen Yizhong away, Ye Wen sat in meditation to practice his qi, processing the trove of information he had gathered. He realized he had already formulated accurate guesses about many things, even surprisingly close ones.

At the same time, the power of the sects in this jianghu was indeed formidable. For his Shushan Sect to carve out a place for itself in the Central Plains martial world, the task ahead was truly immense.

Sighing, the only source of relief for Ye Wen was Chen Yizhong’s earlier comment: "The Sect Leader opened the Ren and Du Meridians at such a young age; his future accomplishments are limitless! I daresay the rise of our Shushan Sect is inevitable!"

However, based on Chen Yizhong’s theory, Ye Wen needed at least another ten years to reach the threshold of the Innate Realm. Coupled with the steady development of the sect, in ten years, he could lead his disciples into the Central Plains to fight for renown.

"Ten years! Perhaps I should be most grateful that I transmigrated into the body of a young man, rather than an old man nearing the end of his days!"

Ten years wasn't an unbearably long time. Ye Wen was just past twenty; in ten years, he would be in his prime, the perfect time to lead his sect and contend throughout the Central Plains.

Concurrently, in ten years, his few disciples would have also matured. With the Shushan Sect possessing a core fighting force, that was the true capital for a sect's ascent.

"Since that is the case, I must seize these ten years well! First, I need to find a secret manual to practice..." With that, he casually extended a finger, focusing his internal energy, Ye Wen intensely desired a high-quality internal energy manual, preferably one capable of opening the Extraordinary Meridians.

However, perhaps because Ye Wen had exhausted too much of his good karma through frequent encounters with valuable items recently, this time he ended up with a manual titled Tang Family Overlord Spear.

"Oh, for crying out loud! Long-handled weapons are regulated items..."

Looking at the Tang Family Overlord Spear manual in his hand, Ye Wen was speechless. After casually flipping through a few pages, he put it away, contemplating whether he should just recruit a government military officer as a disciple and pass the spear technique down that way?

For now, Ye Wen’s urgent desire for a new internal energy manual had to be postponed.

Time flew by rapidly once more; in the blink of an eye, another two months passed. During this period, Ye Wen's Shushan Sect settled into a stable routine.

Because the dispute between the Tianle Gang and the Shushan Sect seemed to have reached a temporary close, and the Shushan Sect remained intact and even stronger atop Shushan, many people eager to learn martial arts flocked there to seek discipleship.

The superior geographical location of the Shushan Sect could not deter the enthusiasm of these aspirants, not even the disciples sent by the numerous smaller sects on Shushan to recruit for themselves.

"Brother... where are you heading? Come join our sect, we have good food, drink, and martial arts training..."

"What sect are you?"

"XX Gate..."

"Can you stand up to the Tianle Gang...?"

"Uh... no..."

"Hmph! Such a lousy sect wouldn't even take me! Move aside, move aside! I struggled to get here early; if you delay me further, I might end up at the back of the line!"

Similar conversations were heard frequently over the past two months. Countless smaller sects on Shushan were driven away by the frustration caused by the Shushan Sect, choosing to relocate elsewhere to avoid the constant annoyance.

In addition to the large number eliminated by Ning Ruxue and Xu Xian, and the many pursued by Li Sen leading a group of outer disciples, only a handful of minor sects remained on Shushan. Yet, even these groups dared not antagonize the Shushan Sect; instead, they went out of their way to curry favor, fearing they might anger their powerful neighbor.

"You aren't from the Shushan Sect? Then why are you here?" Some aspiring disciples curiously asked the few people sitting on stools, even setting up small tables and chairs to sell tea.

"We are also a sect on Shushan, but just a small, struggling outfit surviving day-to-day! We set up this stall to earn enough to feed ourselves..."

"Are you not afraid of the Shushan people coming to cause trouble?"

"Sect Leader Ye of the Shushan Sect is a contemporary gentleman, a man of righteous character! We small factions only manage to survive thanks to the protection of Sect Leader Ye..."

"I see! No wonder the jianghu peers call Sect Leader Ye the Gentleman Sword; it truly is well-deserved!" "Indeed, indeed! Come, a large bowl of herbal tea for one copper coin..." Finally, one added conspiratorially, "Brother, seeing as you are an honest person, let me tell you a secret: if you fail to secure entry into the Shushan Sect, you might as well stay with our sect for a while. If the Shushan Sect decides to recruit widely in the future, you'll be close by..."

"Oh? Brother has a point. But casually switching allegiance doesn't seem proper, does it?" "No worries, no worries. Truthfully, we brothers also harbor this thought; even our sect master feels the same. Rest assured, Brother!"

"I understand now..." From this, one could gauge how lively Shushan had become. The previously rugged path winding up the mountain had been forcefully widened into a broad avenue by countless footsteps. Ye Wen even considered whether he should construct a grand staircase leading directly to the main gate of the Shushan Sect to showcase their stature. However, given the immediate need for mass recruitment, funds were tight, so this matter would require more thought later, not immediate action.

As for taking disciples! Zhou Ding, although not yet inducted into the Inner Sect, had already mastered the Returning Wind and Falling Wild Goose Sword and stood as the undisputed leader of the Outer Sect, concurrently holding the title of Steward. The entire responsibility of recruiting new disciples fell to him.

And that fellow Zhang Gui was actually carrying a large broom, sweeping across the Shushan grounds daily. He diligently cleaned the most conspicuous and easily soiled areas: the front courtyard and the main square, utterly unconcerned by the surprised gazes of onlookers. This spectacle even scared away many of the fellow sects originally residing on Shushan.

"Heavens above, even Zhang Gui is sweeping floors for the Shushan Sect. If I go, they probably won't even notice me; better forget it..."

This deterred a batch, but the number of applicants remained high. Over these two months, the first few days saw dozens of people arriving daily; only in the second month did the flow slightly decrease, until today, when perhaps not a single person arrived throughout the entire day.

Zhou Ding and Li Sen were nearly exhausted from the workload, but the Outer Sect still managed to recruit fifty disciples, which, to some extent, strengthened the Shushan Sect.

Regardless of other matters, the original twenty disciples could now be sent out—whether to guard the sect, help earn funds, or venture out independently to gain prestige for the sect—it was better than being confined to the mountain.

"Our Shushan Sect... is finally beginning to prosper!"

Watching Zhou Ding instruct the new Outer Sect disciples, Ye Wen couldn't help but sigh. Ning Ruxue, who had come to observe for any promising talent, also looked at the many disciples with deep emotion. "It is all due to the merit of Sect Leader Brother!"............PS: Last half hour remaining... truly not easy! It's practically a miracle. You truly are supportive fans!

Also recommending a basketball manager novel, book ID: . Synopsis: Who is the owner of the Rockets? Alexander, hehe, you are mistaken. My name is Tiger Jones, the new owner of the Rockets. The great Jordan? No, he had another 'great' alongside him... 'Shark...' and 'Flying' three-peats? Heh, you'll have to ask if the Rockets agreed. The 'GOP' trio is ferocious? Isn't that just one European, one South American, plus someone from a certain archipelago? The Rockets have that too. One last thing: the Rockets can have a dynasty too. See how a transmigrator thrives in the NBA.