The gazes of ten thousand people converged upon the fighting arena. "Hoo!" Teng Qingshan withdrew his Reincarnation Spear.

Zang Feng sat stunned upon the ground, gazing deeply at Teng Qingshan for a long moment before speaking, "Junior Brother Qingshan, I lost.

Utterly and completely defeated!" He then rose, retrieved his scabbard and battle blade, and dejectedly walked directly off the stage.

The surrounding soldiers and core disciples immediately cleared a path to let Zang Feng depart.

Zang Feng had lost, utterly incapable of mounting any resistance! "Zang Feng's strength is quite good! It approaches that of the Black and White Elders of the Carefree Palace.

Though he falls somewhat short of Meng Tian, the Blood Moon Blade." Teng Qingshan judged internally.

His own Five Elements Spear Technique was continuously being refined through study and comprehension.

Especially that time at Flame Mountain, defeating the Sect Master of the Heavy Sword Gate relying solely on 'Adding Fuel to the Fire' and 'Plucking Out the Firewood for Fuel.' At that time, his comprehension of the integration of Yin and Yang, hard and soft, had elevated to a higher level.

The Shadow-Following Spear Technique, when unleashed, flowed seamlessly, more perfectly complete than before. "He certainly has considerable potential," Teng Qingshan observed the desolate figure of Zang Feng. "True strength is forged in setbacks! Whether Zang Feng rises like a dragon or falls like dust in the future depends entirely on his mental fortitude." Teng Qingshan, in his previous life, had endured the life-and-death trials of an assassin from the age of seven! Killing, survival training, anti-torture conditioning, and more.

The life and death of friends and lovers, his own survival.

Teng Qingshan had experienced too much! His past and present lives had led his state of mind toward perfection.

How could Zang Feng compare? Zang Feng had entered the Guiyuan Sect as a child, recognized as a genius.

His potential seemed boundless.

Everything had gone smoothly—he became the Sect Master’s direct disciple and then the commander of the Black Armored Army! Zang Feng truly had never suffered a devastating blow. "In this contest, Commander Teng is victorious!" Pang Shan announced in a booming voice from the stage. "Commander Teng remains the foremost commander of our Black Armored Army!" Over ten thousand eyes were completely focused on the fighting arena, fixed upon Teng Qingshan, clad in his cyan martial attire. "Teng Qingshan!" "Commander Teng!" ...

The soldiers of the Black Armored Army shouted madly.

Every one of them was intensely excited, roaring and yelling! In the Black Armored Army, the strong reigned supreme! Teng Qingshan had defeated Zang Feng with undeniable strength, and deep in their hearts, the soldiers naturally acknowledged Teng Qingshan as the number one figure in the Black Armored Army! Many of the core disciples of the Guiyuan Sect were beside themselves with excitement.

Teng Qingshan came from an ordinary background, yet possessed such strength at seventeen.

Countless core disciples took Teng Qingshan as their benchmark! It was undeniable! From this day forward, Teng Qingshan was the foremost among the younger generation! The sky, gloomy all day, finally unleashed a torrential downpour that night! Whoosh! The rain poured down, chilling to the bone! On the second-floor corridor of Teng Qingshan’s residence, Teng Qingshan lay in a chair, watching the icy storm: "The atmosphere of worship for the strong in Guiyuan Sect is truly intense.

Defeating Zang Feng...

such a small matter caused such a commotion." He recalled the scene following the battle that morning, feeling both exasperated and amused.

There were those offering congratulations.

Some wished to exchange a few words with Teng Qingshan.

Others hoped to ask Teng Qingshan to accept one of their relatives or nephews as a disciple.

As the twenty-seventh generation disciple with such high prowess, Teng Qingshan was certainly qualified to take on students.

...

In short, this battle had definitively cemented Teng Qingshan's standing. "Status and respect are earned through strength," Teng Qingshan sighed inwardly.

This was the reality of the Nine Provinces Continent! To win respect, one had to rely on their own capabilities! Hearing is deceptive; seeing is believing.

Many disciples and soldiers might have heard rumors of Teng Qingshan’s might, but they might not have truly acknowledged it in their hearts.

Only by witnessing that battle could they be truly convinced! "What glory is there in dominating among the Postcelestial realm experts! The truly formidable figures on the Nine Provinces Continent are the Innate experts! In Guiyuan Sect, once one becomes an Innate expert, they are immediately elevated to 'Law Enforcement Elder,' holding an transcendent status!" Teng Qingshan's thoughts focused on how to reach the Innate realm.

The compliments and flattery from that morning did not make him complacent in the slightest.

Teng Qingshan stood up and immediately sat cross-legged in the corridor, once again attempting to cultivate his first stream of Innate True Essence.

...

The rain continued ceaselessly until the next morning, when the deluge eased into a fine drizzle, still pattering down.

Teng Qingshan opened his eyes.

Having sat cross-legged on the corridor all night, his clothes were somewhat damp. "'The' (Mysterious Moon Spear Canon) describes the method for stepping into the Innate realm.

I have cultivated for nine days, yet there is not the slightest sign," Teng Qingshan frowned. "I must ask Master!" Afterward, Teng Qingshan washed up, took an umbrella, ate breakfast, and headed directly to see Zhuge Yuanhong.

In the early morning.

Zhuge Yuanhong's study door stood wide open.

Zhuge Yuanhong, barefoot, his long hair unbound, wearing a loose robe, was wielding a brush pen vigorously before his desk.

Incense smoke from the censer on the desk diffused waves of sandalwood fragrance. "Master!" Teng Qingshan stood respectfully at the doorway. "Oh, Qingshan," Zhuge Yuanhong replied without looking up, his brush moving sometimes slowly, sometimes quickly. "Come in." Teng Qingshan entered the study.

Smelling the sandalwood, his mind spontaneously calmed.

He stood quietly to one side without speaking.

He could see that his master was painting a landscape scroll; with a few simple strokes, rocks and ravines appeared on the Xuan paper.

After a moment, Zhuge Yuanhong finally stopped painting. "This scroll will take until noon at least to complete," Zhuge Yuanhong said, smiling at Teng Qingshan. "Qingshan, do you enjoy painting?" "No, I do not," Teng Qingshan shook his head. "Painting, in fact, is an excellent way to temper the state of mind," Zhuge Yuanhong mused. "For example, when you are angry, you can paint a scene of a great fire consuming houses.

That essence of anger must be entirely contained within the painting, so that anyone who sees it feels that this fire can burn everything—the frenzy and fury are all embodied within." "Under different states of mind, you must control the brush precisely to execute the painting well! There can be no flawed strokes! This demands an extremely high level of mental control!" Zhuge Yuanhong explained.

Teng Qingshan nodded.

To manifest the artistic conception of a painting, one must first possess an extremely high level of painting skill.

Painting technique is the foundation. "Cultivation after reaching the Innate realm is about tempering the state of mind and comprehending the realm," Zhuge Yuanhong chuckled. "Qingshan, you need to learn a method to hone your state of mind! The 'Mysterious Moon Spear Canon' details a method involving brush calligraphy—practicing writing the character '' (Moon).

There are eighteen ways to write a single 'Moon' character.

The ancient sages did not create characters arbitrarily.

Immersing oneself in calligraphy allows one to truly feel the boundless charm contained within a single character." Teng Qingshan nodded, remaining silent.

Calligraphy, painting? Teng Qingshan could, at best, write his name and sketch simple portraits.

This was essential training for an assassin.

As for artistic conception? Teng Qingshan was far behind.

Moreover, he had no interest in those pursuits.

What interested him were Fist Techniques! Spear Techniques! He could practice the 'Three Stances' for an entire day without feeling tired.

As for brush calligraphy? That felt like torment. "Haha..." Zhuge Yuanhong shook his head and smiled. "Tell me, why have you come?" "Master!" Teng Qingshan said solemnly. "In truth, your disciple has long been able to achieve the 'Spirit' breaking through the obstruction of the Niwan Palace." "What!" Even Zhuge Yuanhong, normally composed, started in shock! "Qingshan, truly, can your 'Spirit' break through the obstruction of the Niwan Palace?" Zhuge Yuanhong found it hard to believe.

The greatest barrier to reaching the Innate realm is this very hurdle.

Once the 'Spirit' can break through, one has one foot already in the Innate realm.

It could be said that achieving Innate status is almost guaranteed.

An Innate expert at seventeen? What a concept! "Master, watch this," Teng Qingshan took out a flying dagger and casually flicked it toward the area outside the study.

Whoosh! The dagger cut through the air, suddenly arced mid-flight, and pierced the trunk of the willow tree. "This..." Zhuge Yuanhong's eyes instantly lit up, and he excitedly clapped Teng Qingshan on the shoulder. "Haha, Qingshan, my Qingshan! I thought I had estimated you highly enough, yet you continually surprise me! Haha...

a turning flying dagger? Your 'Spirit' is not only capable of leaving the body, but your control has reached this level.

Your 'Spirit' is truly too strong! I guarantee, you will not need even an hour to step into the Innate realm!" 'Guiyuan Zhuge' was a byword for wisdom and composure across the Nine Provinces Continent.

But facing a disciple who could enter the Innate realm at seventeen, no one could maintain calmness and composure. "Master," Teng Qingshan said helplessly, "In fact, ever since I obtained the 'Mysterious Moon Spear Canon,' I have been practicing 'Intent resides in the Dantian, Spirit harmonizes with Qi,' attempting to condense the first stream of Innate True Essence.

However, nine days have passed, and I still have not succeeded." "What? Impossible," Zhuge Yuanhong refused to believe it. "It is the truth," Teng Qingshan felt helpless internally.

Zhuge Yuanhong was momentarily astonished, then calmed down, pondering: "There are two conditions for reaching the Innate realm: reaching Postcelestial peak, and the 'Spirit' breaking through the 'Niwan Palace' obstruction.

You have achieved both.

How could you not have succeeded? I clearly saw the flying dagger turn just now.

Your control over your 'Spirit' is far superior to mine when I first entered the Innate realm.

Could it be that the Postcelestial peak hasn't been reached? Impossible, the first time I saw you, you were already at the Postcelestial peak." "Qingshan, sit down cross-legged and try again according to what I say," Zhuge Yuanhong instructed. "Yes, Master." Teng Qingshan sat down cross-legged.

Zhuge Yuanhong said, "Immerse your mind entirely into your Dantian, ideally focused on the center of that vortex." Teng Qingshan suddenly opened his eyes, looking at Zhuge Yuanhong with confusion: "Master, the center of the vortex? Is there a center to the vortex in the Dantian?" Zhuge Yuanhong was also momentarily taken aback. "Of course there is!" Zhuge Yuanhong exclaimed in astonishment. "This is how the spiritual energy of heaven and earth is absorbed and converted into internal energy, stored in the Dantian.

As more internal energy is absorbed, the Dantian expands, slowly growing larger.

Take Xiaoyun, for instance—his cultivation technique is formidable.

His absorption of spiritual energy is fast.

After ten years, his Dantian can expand to its limit and stop growing.

At that point, the internal energy within the Dantian will naturally form a vortex! This is common knowledge that every cultivator of internal energy should know?" Teng Qingshan was dumbfounded. "Master, my Dantian is still gradually growing!" Teng Qingshan spoke up.

Zhuge Yuanhong was shocked. "Impossible.

During your first Centurion competition, you already possessed the strength of a First-rate Martial Artist, yet your internal energy cultivation method is clearly poor.

You must have consumed some spirit fruit to possess such abundant internal energy.

Spirit fruits that can increase internal energy can also remodel the Dantian, allowing it to grow to its limit." Teng Qingshan felt both exasperated and amused.

He finally understood the reason! Heavenly spirit fruits? Nonsense.

His internal energy came from the Xing Yi Quan training, which incidentally aided absorption.

In truth, the amount of internal energy absorbed was not large.

Even during the Centurion competition, his power relied on physical strength, not internal energy.

He conserved his internal energy quite carefully.

True rapid cultivation relied on the 'Mighty Ox Strength Art'; reaching the ninth layer now meant one day of cultivation equaled a hundred days of speed back in Teng Family Village.

The 'Mighty Ox Strength Art' detailed the method of cultivation; it would never mention the common knowledge that reaching the Postcelestial extreme leads to the Dantian reaching its limit.

This was common sense! Generally, every cultivator would be informed of this by their master.

But for a genius disciple like Teng Qingshan, who was listed on the 'Earth Ranking,' would his master need to impart such minor common knowledge? "No wonder! Even Zhuge Yun, with his powerful cultivation method, needs ten years for his Dantian to reach its limit.

The speed of my Dantian's growth accelerated only after cultivating the 'Mighty Ox Strength Art.' I haven't even practiced it for a full year yet, so of course, it hasn't reached its limit," Teng Qingshan thought bitterly.

Who would have thought the obstacle trapping him was the most basic requirement: reaching the Postcelestial peak! "Qingshan, your Dantian is still growing and has not reached its limit?" Zhuge Yuanhong stared at Teng Qingshan.

Teng Qingshan nodded. "Then, using a common cultivation method, how did you accumulate such abundant internal energy over ten-plus years?" Zhuge Yuanhong inquired. "I—it's not that my internal energy is abundant; it's that my meridians are wide, allowing for a greater instantaneous burst of inner power," Teng Qingshan explained.

Zhuge Yuanhong was astonished.

Among spirit fruits, those that could remodel meridians were far rarer and more precious than those that increased internal energy! Wider meridians meant stronger instantaneous explosive power. "No wonder your 'Mighty Ox Strength Art' can exhibit such formidable strength," Zhuge Yuanhong wondered. "What spirit fruit did you consume back then?" "I didn't notice! I often ate wild fruits in the mountains.

My meridians changed imperceptibly," Teng Qingshan replied.

He certainly couldn't reveal the secrets of Xing Yi Quan; even if he did, people of the Nine Provinces Continent likely wouldn't understand it.

That was an achievement belonging to an entirely different system.

Zhuge Yuanhong shook his head. "This nature is marvelous; many spirit fruits and herbs remain unknown.

You were probably lucky to consume something! Alright, the issue is now clear.

Your problem is that your Dantian has not grown to its limit—you have not reached the Postcelestial peak!" In the minds of martial artists, reaching ten thousand pounds, the Dantian reaching its limit, and Postcelestial peak were often treated as the same concept.

After all, anyone who could become a First-rate Martial Artist usually had a Dantian that had nearly reached its limit.

This was because spirit fruits capable of expanding human meridians were exceedingly rare.

Who would have expected the anomaly that was Teng Qingshan. "Master, if I continue cultivating using the 'Mighty Ox Strength Art' technique, how long will it take for my Dantian to reach its limit?" Teng Qingshan inquired. "Your Dantian's growth was likely extremely slow over the past dozen years! Given the speed of the ninth layer of the 'Mighty Ox Strength Art,' I estimate...

you will need at least three to four more years for your Dantian to reach its limit and allow you to enter the Innate realm," Zhuge Yuanhong stated.

Teng Qingshan immediately felt a pang of anxiety.

Three to four years? "However, letting you waste three or four years like this is too much of a loss," Zhuge Yuanhong shook his head. "There is no other way...

unless we find a spirit fruit that can instantly enhance your internal energy, allowing your Dantian to reach its limit."