"Did you just say Emperor Qian is dead?"

The Mountain Guest suddenly asked.

"Yes."

Chen Tang nodded, "It was two or three months ago, they say a new emperor ascended the throne and granted amnesty to the world."

The Mountain Guest murmured softly, "Considering his age, he should be over seventy, but for a Grandmaster, that isn't really old. How could he have passed away?"

Emperor Qian was actually a First Grade Grandmaster.

It was the first time Chen Tang had heard of this.

The Mountain Guest asked, "Are you going to deal with the Black Water Gang next?"

Chen Tang said, "The Black Water Gang's influence is too great. With my strength, I can't possibly deal with them. However, if it's just about seeking revenge on that Young Leader, there's still a chance."

The Black Water Gang's influence spreads throughout Pingzhou and maintains close relationships with various government offices.

The incident in Changze County was covered up. Thinking he could single-handedly fight against the Black Water Gang was like an ant trying to shake a tree—utter foolishness.

However, according to the Mountain Guest, that Young Leader of the Black Water Gang is a Seventh Grade.

As long as he cultivates to the Eighth Grade's Extreme Realm and combines it with One Breath Divine Illumination, there is a significant chance of killing him!

How to lure out that Young Leader is the key.

The Mountain Guest added, "Tell me the information you know about the Black Water Gang."

Chen Tang then recounted the information he had heard to the Mountain Guest.

The Mountain Guest mostly listened attentively, occasionally frowning slightly.

After listening, the Mountain Guest fell into deep thought, not knowing what he was contemplating.

After a moment, the Mountain Guest suddenly asked, "Who is the new emperor of Qian Country?"

"Ah?"

Chen Tang was taken aback, then shook his head, "I don't know."

The question was so abrupt, he didn't know why the Mountain Guest's thoughts would jump like this.

Moreover, how would he know such a thing?

"Something's not quite right."

The Mountain Guest seemed to have noticed something amiss and shook his head, saying, "When you go back this time, take advantage of the Cyan Dragon Bureau to investigate a few things and tell me next time you come to the mountain."

Chen Tang nodded.

"First, the information about the new emperor of Qian Country."

"Second, information about the governor of Pingzhou."

"Third, who is the Grand Commandant of Qian Country now."

Grand Commandant?

Chen Tang had heard of this position in his previous life; it seemed to be one of the Three Dukes.

The Mountain Guest said, "The Grand Commandant is the one who oversees the military and political affairs of Qian Country and is ranked among the Three Dukes. These three pieces of information are not considered secret, so it should not be difficult for you to find out in the Cyan Dragon Bureau."

After a pause, the Mountain Guest continued, "Also, fourth, the relationship between the Cyan Dragon Bureau and the Profound Celestial Sect. You might not be able to investigate this matter, but just keep an eye out if you get a chance."

"Alright, I've noted it down."

Chen Tang asked, "Are these pieces of information related to the Black Water Gang?"

The Mountain Guest said, "I don't know. You go investigate first."

Just mentioning the Profound Celestial Sect, Chen Tang's mind became active, and he couldn't help but ask, "Senior, do you know the Profound Sect's Techniques?"

"No, but I know a bit about them."

The Mountain Guest said flatly.

Chen Tang went on to ask, "What is this Profound Sect all about? If you have no aptitude, can you not cultivate?"

The Profound Sect seemed somewhat similar to the cultivation described in books from his previous life. Now witnessing it firsthand, he was still somewhat intrigued.

After all, the path to immortality is one even emperors covet.

The Mountain Guest said, "Cultivating Mystic Skills requires having Spirit Roots. Spirit Roots are akin to a sense beyond the five senses. With Spirit Roots, one can perceive the Essence Qi of Heaven and Earth and condense Qi into the body for cultivation."

"Both martial arts and the Profound Sect involve Refining Essence and Transforming Qi. However, Martial Arts' Inner Strength refines the Acquired Essence Qi, which means the essence from daily food and some medicinal supplements, thus forming an Inner Core and cultivating Inner Qi."

"As for the Profound Sect, due to the presence of Spirit Roots, alchemists can perceive and refine the Innate Essence Qi right from the start of cultivation, using Breathing Techniques to condense Qi into the body for Foundation Establishment and Core Formation."

Chen Tang realized the difference and said, "Doesn't that mean martial arts cultivate on a lower level from the start?"

Both involve Refining Essence and Transforming Qi, but martial arts refine the Acquired Essence.

While the Profound Sect starts by refining the Innate Essence.

"Not necessarily."

The Mountain Guest said, "Alchemists practice the Flying Sword Technique. Even with Innate Qi, all their skills rely on the Flying Sword. Their Life Attribute Cultivation isn't nearly as robust as that of a martial artist."

"The so-called dual cultivation of life and nature means the cultivation of body and mind. To achieve something in martial arts, one must advance courageously, constantly honing the body and mind."

"Though the Flying Sword is indeed formidable, killing effortlessly, it can face ten or even a hundred foes alone, but it is ultimately external. Without the tempering of flesh, sinew, and bone, and the cultivation of bone marrow and viscera, an alchemist's own strength is far from that of a martial artist."

Chen Tang deeply resonated with these words.

Xu Tong relied on the Flying Sword to catch him off guard.

But without the Flying Sword, Xu Tong was only a bit stronger than an ordinary person.

The Mountain Guest said, "Above alchemists are the warlocks, at the Foundation Establishment Realm. In this realm, cultivators gradually condition their bodies, and they also master some Mystic Skills that can harness the Essence Qi of Heaven and Earth. In addition, they can cultivate a second Flying Sword."

"But when martial artists reach the Fifth Grade, they too cultivate Inner Qi, greatly increasing their combat power, so they may not be without a chance against a warlock."

"Above Foundation Establishment is the Golden Core Realm, which the Profound Sect generally refers to as Golden Core True Master."

"Facing a Golden Core True Master, martial artists must cultivate to Second Grade Innate to have the power to fight."

Chen Tang thought for a moment and said, "From what you said, the Profound Sect has a greater chance of victory among those of the same level."

In fact, the chubby old man also said something similar, that at the same level, a Mystic Master has absolute dominance over a Martial Artist.

"Indeed, most of the time, the Profound Sect surpasses Martial Arts."

The Mountain Guest shifted the topic and said, "But there's always an exception. If you can cultivate your Life Attribute to the ultimate perfection, you can suppress a Mystic Master of the same level!"

Cultivating Life Attribute to the utmost means reaching the Extreme Realm in every stage.

The Mountain Guest smiled slightly and said, "Instead of envying those Immortal Masters who practice the Profound Sect, why not learn the Immortal Slaying Technique from me?"

These words were said with great authority.

Even the chubby old man shows three parts of caution when mentioning some experts of the Profound Sect.

Yet this person declares that he wants to slay immortals!

Chen Tang's heart burned with excitement. He bowed respectfully and said, "Please teach me the Immortal Slaying Technique."

"It's still the Tiger Subduing Fist."

The Mountain Guest said.

Chen Tang: "..."

So it turns out that after making a big circle, the Immortal Slaying Technique is just the Tiger Subduing Fist?

The Mountain Guest said, "Your Tiger Subduing Fist is only practiced to the Extreme Rebirth Realm, reaching the 'Divine' realm in fist technique. But have you ever thought why this set of fist techniques, which mimics the form of a fierce tiger, is called the Tiger Subduing Fist?"

Indeed.

It seems more appropriate to call it Fierce Tiger Fist or Tiger Form Fist.

The Mountain Guest said, "Next, I will teach you the complete 'Tiger Subduing Technique.' It includes a breathing technique; from now on, whether you are walking, standing, sitting, or lying down, try to adjust your breathing to this technique. When you practice the Tiger Subduing Fist in the future, you must coordinate it with this breathing technique."

"Is this the Bone Changing Technique?"

Chen Tang's eyes lit up.

The Mountain Guest did not answer. His eyes seemed to ignite with two flames, gazing at Chen Tang's forehead.

"Close your eyes and remember this feeling."

The Mountain Guest's voice came, "The human body has a total of 206 bones, including 29 skull bones."

At this point, under some mysterious force, Chen Tang's breathing suddenly changed rhythm.

In the next moment, he felt a warmth on his skull that gradually spread to his entire head, as if every skull bone was emitting heat.

As he continued to breathe deeply, the 29 skull bones became extremely hot!

"Enter the Divine Illumination State and feel it."

The Mountain Guest reminded again.

Following the advice, Chen Tang instantly entered the Divine State, reaching a state of introspection.

His entire head seemed to reflect in his vision with extreme clarity. Every skull bone and even the seams between them were clearly visible.

"Also, there are 51 trunk bones."

The Mountain Guest's voice continued.

In the state of introspection, the warmth from Chen Tang's skull dissipated, and the entire spine and ribs spreading out to the sides instantly became scorching, emitting a red glow!

"One hundred and twenty-six extremity bones!"

The warmth from the spine and ribs dissipated.

In the next moment, the bones in Chen Tang's arms and legs, hands and feet, began to heat up, bringing a tingling and itching sensation.

The four extremities refer to the limbs of the human body.

"Wake up!"

The Mountain Guest suddenly commanded.

A warm sensation arose at the center of Chen Tang's forehead, instantly breaking his Divine Illumination State.

The process of passing on the skill seemed long.

In fact, it was just one breath.

In this one breath, every bone in Chen Tang's body was nourished through cultivation!

"To subdue a tiger, it's not enough to win with techniques alone."

The Mountain Guest said, "Strength overpowers skill. Only when the power is strong enough can you subdue dragons and tigers. This breathing technique, I have improved over the years based on the Mountain Lord's breathing method. It is stronger than before and has better cultivation effects."

"The Tiger Subduing Fist combined with this breathing technique is the complete 'Tiger Subduing Technique.'"

"Tonight, you will stay here and practice breathing with the Tiger Subduing Technique to familiarize yourself with this rhythm and feeling, and leave at dawn."

"Got it."

Chen Tang nodded.

A doubt suddenly arose in his heart, and he asked, "Master, this breathing technique should be considered inner strength. Why does this kind of inner strength practice require transforming the body first, cleansing the marrow, and not cultivating the inner qi first?"

If you could cultivate inner qi first and practiced from a young age, by the age of twenty, you would have twenty years of inner strength cultivation, right?

The Mountain Guest explained, "Transforming the body and cleansing the marrow is actually the Foundation Establishment process in martial arts. The power of inner qi is too strong, and if there is no foundational body refining practice, your body and meridians will be too weak, and you won't be able to withstand it once you use inner qi."

"The body is like a container; the stronger you make this container through early training, the greater its capacity, allowing it to store more water in the future. If you don't refine it early, once you pour water in, it will leak like a sieve."

The Mountain Guest patiently explained some principles of martial arts to Chen Tang, sparing nothing in his teachings.

Afterwards, Chen Tang sat cross-legged atop the Snow Mountain, using the Tiger Subduing Technique's breathing method, constantly adjusting his breathing to familiarize himself with this rhythm and frequency.

Before long, he had completely mastered it.

The Mountain Guest's words were accurate; with the Divine State, learning any martial arts heart method was easy.

Then, under the Mountain Guest's watchful eyes, as Chen Tang practiced, he fell asleep...

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.