The tallest teenage boy looked at the man, with a hint of confusion on his face.

He looked at the blindfolded man and began to speak.

"Teacher, what is it that's been troubling you to the point where you haven't been eating much these past few days?"

The other teenagers, on hearing this, also looked up, their eyes filled with puzzlement.

"Martial Arts Dao begins with the Fourth Realm, laying the foundation for elevating life's level in the future, initiating the body with energy, then using vitality and blood to activate the Bone Appearance. This is followed by cultivating True Intent, imprinted upon the bones, seeking the Great Dao within, planting the Dao Seed, and thus achieving Great Success in the foundation."

The blindfolded man spoke.

All the other children shook their heads as if they had heard these words countless times before.

Only the tallest teenager understood that the teacher was not speaking without a reason at this moment. Seriously, he looked at the blindfolded man and began to speak, "Respected teachers established the Martial Arts Dao, paving the way for the Human Race; this is an immense virtue."

"I just do not know why the teacher is worried now."

The man sighed, raised his hand to his forehead, and spoke, "This era's constraints on the Human Race are too great. The Human Race is marching against the current, and breaking through life's levels is even more difficult than I imagined."

"The First Realm and the Second Realm are still manageable, capable of Perfection, but the Tier Three of the Martial Arts Dao involves the fusion of body and intent, with bones and thought engraved, and the foundation this realm requires is immense. At the same time, it is the first step to becoming Extraordinary."

"Only by crossing into such a realm is one considered to have achieved the first elevation of life's level, allowing future paths to be smoother."

"But now, our Human Race is weak, with hidden shackles. The foundation accumulated in the previous two realms is utterly insufficient to attack the Third Realm; only you ten kids, born under fortune, can barely accomplish Realm-Breaking."

The expression on the blindfolded man's face turned even more troubled.

"The Martial Arts Dao is incomplete; if passed down, it would only harm the Human Race...."

"I still need to think about how to break through the dilemma...."

Hearing the man's words, the other children, who had been distracted, also realized the severity of the situation. They exchanged glances and saw the confusion in each other's eyes.

This matter is of grave importance, concerning the fundamental survival of the Human Race's future.

All the children fell silent.

The blindfolded man involuntarily raised his head to gaze at the sky, as if watching the stars.

He spoke softly.

"How should this path be walked..."

"How should it be walked!!!"

The voice, starting from a whisper, turned into a thunderous roar, as if the entire Star River, all of heaven and earth, all beings, were questioning.

"How should it be walked!!"

These questions exploded in Su Tu's ears, and in an instant, everything he saw vanished.

Su Tu's eyes trembled.

At this moment, he had already walked down from the Martial Path, with an elder monk of very high seniority smiling at him, as if having waited for a long time.

"Amitabha Buddha, it seems the young benefactor has gained much insight, congratulations and felicitations."

The old monk spoke softly.

Su Tu noticed that his mother was not by his side and couldn't help but ask, "Thank you, master, for waiting. The Martial Path is indeed miraculous, and I couldn't help but become engrossed in it. I wonder where my mother is..."

"The lady is praying for peace for the young benefactor, such is the heart of all parents in the world...."

The old monk clasped his hands together, softly chanting a Buddhist phrase.

Su Tu was moved in his Heart and Spirit and indeed felt that his mother was in a nearby temple, and his heart was somewhat at ease.

Then he spoke to the old monk.

"Junior Su Tu, thank you, master, for taking care of my mother."

Su Tu spoke politely.

Regardless of whether it was because of his talent or something else, the fact that the other party was willing to treat Su Tu and his mother with such graciousness was enough to earn Su Tu's respect.

Moreover, earlier on the Martial Path, he had benefited greatly, even seeming to understand an ultimate secret regarding the origins of the Martial Arts Dao.

"Hahaha, young friend, no need to be polite. Old monk's Dharma name is Ku Wen, just an aged monk from this generation in the Dragon Nurturing Temple, too old, so whenever esteemed guests arrive, it is always the old monk who is tasked with welcoming them."

Ku Wen spoke with a kind expression, smiling warmly.

However, Su Tu knew that this master was not as simple as he claimed. Having a host of a Martial Temple willingly serve as a novice monk on the side was not something an ordinary elder monk could accomplish.

The talk of seniority and such could be listened to and set aside.

"Master Ku Wen, you jest. How could I be considered an esteemed guest? I'm merely a student with slightly better talent."

Su Tu humbly said.

The master Ku Wen lightly smiled and then spoke, "If you are merely a student with slightly better talent, then in this generation of the Human Race, no one would be worthy of the term prodigy."

Upon hearing Ku Wen call out his title, Su Tu was not surprised. Dragon Nurturing Temple was not a small faction, and an elder monk capable of having the host serve as a novice monk would naturally have the authority to know his identity.

Dragon Nurturing Temple, nurturing the true dragons, the prodigies of the Human Race, is eager to connect with all martial prodigies. For any talented individual, as long as they request entry into Dragon Nurturing Temple, even if they have no affinity with the Buddhist Sect, Dragon Nurturing Temple will provide resources.

This is evident from Dragon Nurturing Temple's willingness to hang the Martial Bell in the temple for others, and not just for private use by their monks.

For this reason, Dragon Nurturing Temple has always maintained good relations with the martial prodigies. Any prodigy entering Dragon Nurturing Temple to gain insights from the Martial Bell is considered to owe a favor to Dragon Nurturing Temple.

This was the case for Su Tu as well.

"Master, please don't joke. Somehow, I inexplicably became known as the Emperor."

Su Tu skillfully pulled out a formula.

It must be said, this formula is truly effective, even Master Ku Wen had no words at this moment, unsure how to respond.

Darn it, you've acquired the title of Emperor, resonated with the Martial Bell eleven times, an unparalleled prodigy unseen in the world, and yet you dismiss it with a mere 'somehow'???

Even the wise and experienced Ku Wen was momentarily silent.

Su Tu quickly spoke to break the awkward atmosphere.

"What might Master Ku Wen have to instruct this junior?"

If it was merely to show respect, this eminent monk had already expressed his goodwill outside. If there were no other matters, the one waiting for him would be the abbot, not this monk.

Therefore, Su Tu guessed that this monk might have something to discuss with him.

Sure enough, upon hearing these words, Master Ku Wen's lips curled upward, revealing a slight smile on his aged face.

"Young friend, you are indeed wise. My thoughts could never be hidden from you."

"I wonder if you have ever heard of the Wenwu Bell Tower?"

Upon hearing this, Su Tu honestly shook his head. To be frank, he had just learned about the existence of the Martial Bell in the Dragon Nurturing Temple.

Not to mention the so-called Wenwu Bell Tower.

"Our temple's founding ancestor is named Celestial Sect. This eminent monk placed the Martial Bell bestowed by the Martial God in the temple, using the True Spirit method to ensure that each branch temple has a Split Spirit of the Martial Bell. It can attract the gifted talents of the Human Race, initiate the Martial Path, and left a Buddhist decree that the Martial Bell should not be privately kept. All talented individuals of the Human Race can be summoned."

Master Ku Wen began to speak.

"Celestial Sect, the eminent monk, has the Human Race at heart. The Dragon Nurturing Temple's actions are admirable!" Su Tu spoke.

Ku Wen chuckled, accepting Su Tu's compliment, and then continued.

"Currently, the Martial Bells in each Dragon Nurturing Temple are Split Spirits, not the original. The true Martial Bell is atop the Wenwu Bell Tower.

Any gifted talent of the Human Race attracted by the Martial Bell can ascend the tower during this year's grand ceremony at the Dragon Nurturing Temple. Those who reach the top can see the original Martial Bell and have the chance to strike it. It is said that those who strike the Martial Bell can see the bell's spirit and receive direct teachings from the Martial God."

Upon hearing this, Su Tu's eyes suddenly brightened. He vaguely guessed what Ku Wen was about to say.

"Our temple currently has an unassigned quota for ascending the tower. Therefore, I would like to invite you, young benefactor, as our temple's last climber. Would you be willing?"

After these words fell, Master Ku Wen looked directly at Su Tu.

Having just walked the Martial Path and listened to the teachings that cleared up doubts, Su Tu has gained a new understanding of the Martial Arts Dao, possibly even uncovering the great secrets of the Third and Fourth Realms.

If he can reach the top of the bell tower and strike the Martial Bell, Su Tu's understanding of the Martial Arts Dao will be elevated to an entirely new level. The benefits are indescribable to outsiders.

"Why me?"

Still, Su Tu did not rush to agree.

"The gifted talents your temple can attract must be countless. Why did the eminent monk choose me?"

Master Ku Wen gently smiled, "Because, the Martial Bell tolled eleven times, unprecedented. I believe in your talent, and moreover, because you are Zhou Wuliang's disciple, I believe in 'Heaven-Reaching'!"

With the mention of 'Heaven-Reaching,' Su Tu's eyes couldn't help but narrow, his gaze fixed on Master Ku Wen, his expression enigmatically uncertain.

"More importantly, once the person chosen by our temple succeeds in ascending the tower, our temple can send one person to the Emperor Star Main Temple to meditate and cultivate. They can even compete for the position of Buddha's Son. This generation of our temple has produced a Buddha's Son, I don't want him to be constrained here."

"However, some monk friends do not wish to see our small temple produce a true Buddha. Therefore, they are well-prepared this time."

"Our temple may be small, but we are fortunate enough to meet you, young benefactor, a true dragon. Hence, this old monk had to thicken his face to bring forth this matter."

Su Tu looked at Master Ku Wen. If this matter was indeed as Ku Wen said, then it would actually be a win-win situation.

By being drawn to the Martial Bell here, he has received favor, and it is a win-win situation. In his thoughts, it's beneficial and harmless, so Su Tu spoke up.

"Master Ku Wen, don't say that. You are clearly honoring me, so I will not decline!"

Upon hearing this, Ku Wen's expression brightened, the wrinkles on his face slightly smoothing out.

"Thank you, young friend. If one day you seek the path back to your Dao Lineage, our temple is willing to lend a hand."

Ku Wen spoke earnestly.

"He indeed knows many things!"

Su Tu thought to himself. When Ku Wen mentioned 'Heaven-Reaching,' Su Tu had already had his suspicions.

But his expression remained unchanged, and he said, "In that case, thank you, Master."

Both parties expressed their gratitude, each with a smile on their lips. But how much of it was genuine friendship, and how much was transaction, they both understood.

At this time, the tightly closed temple doors also opened.

Shang Zichun exited the temple with a satisfied expression.

Su Tu and Ku Wen also concluded their exchange. Subsequently, Shang Zichun thanked Master Ku Wen for easing the way for them.

After politely declining Ku Wen's invitation to stay for a vegetarian meal, the two left the temple.

This time, however, there was no need to take the express line out. The Dragon Nurturing Temple has an exclusive path, specifically for sending off distinguished guests.

Su Tu and Shang Zichun were directly classified as that highest level of honored guests, taking the exclusive route with a private car.

After opening the car door for Shang Zichun, Su Tu walked to the other side, just about to get in.

But his gaze swept over the arched bridge not far away, and he saw a monk who seemed a few years younger than him standing at the end of the bridge.

The young monk had a handsome face, with a small red mark between his brows, his gaze intently fixed on Su Tu.

There seemed to be an indescribable worry hidden in his eyebrows.

Su Tu met the monk's gaze without avoiding it. When their eyes met, the young monk placed his hands together and slightly bowed.

Su Tu respectfully returned the gesture with one hand, smiling lightly.

Then the young monk turned and left, while Su Tu got into the car.

At the moment they crossed paths, the smiles on their faces instantly vanished.

"Is it really him?"

"Monk, I'm not his match just yet. This man is no soft-hearted individual. If you show up now, he won't care if you're a child; he'll truly crush you into pulp."

"Amitabha, I misspoke, young monk."

"But don't be anxious, monk. The grand ceremony of the Dragon Nurturing Temple is on December 7th this year, so there's still time. During this period, I will fully study your 'Buddhist Teachings.' At that time, I will help you deal with this troublesome fellow."

The young monk spoke softly, as if talking to someone or perhaps to himself...

.....

Su Tu sat in the private car, a Peace Talisman forcefully hung around his neck by his mother. Shang Zichun, a bit worn out from today's events, closed his eyes for a nap in the car.

Su Tu looked out the window, his eyes scanning the scenery outside, full of deep meaning.

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