The First Sage of Military Strategists

Chapter 93 Flying Swords and Secrets (4K)

"Come again!"

Qi Yan refused to give up and once again manipulated her divine soul to crash into it.

In a battle of souls, there are no combat techniques to be used; the only way to determine victory or defeat is through the most brutal and primitive fighting methods.

In an instant, the two divine souls collided again.

Qi Yan was knocked away again, her mind becoming even more confused.

"As expected of the number one military strategy, Han Qing, although you have just broken through, your soul is exceptionally strong, far surpassing mine." Qi Yan couldn't help but sigh, and did not try again.

When she encountered Han Qing's soul, it was as if she had crashed into a boulder, completely unable to resist.

Upon hearing these words, Han Qing suddenly recalled what the Zhige Jing mentioned: the purer the Dharma thought, the stronger it is. His soul was formed from pure Dharma thought, so his combat power was unparalleled.

Normally, the power of the Zhige Jing (止戈经) is not apparent; it is only when encountering other military strategists who refine their spirit that Han Qing truly experiences the power of this spirit-refining method.

Whether it was the previous assassin or Qi Yan now, neither of them could gain any advantage when their cultivation level was higher. In fact, at this moment, with their souls clashing, Qi Yan was completely suppressed.

Only through battle can there be comparison, and only through comparison can superiority be determined.

“I am no match for you in terms of spiritual strength. If we continue fighting, my spiritual soul will be shattered,” Qi Yan said.

If the soul is scattered, part of the magical power will be broken, and the remaining magical power will return to the temple.

As time goes by, these broken thoughts of Dharma will re-form.

However, if too many magical thoughts dissipate in an instant, the cultivator will suffer severe damage, falling into a coma or losing their memory, or even becoming mentally impaired and unable to recover for life.

Therefore, although the soul is flexible and has many incredible properties, it is also very fragile.

Healing the soul is more difficult than healing the body.

“Let’s try a different kind of fight,” Qi Yan said, raising his hand to draw his sword. The blade shimmered with light, as if it were made of exquisite gemstones.

"This sword is forged from firefly steel and can be controlled by the soul, transforming into a flying sword to attack and kill enemies."

Those who cultivate their spirit in the Soul Gathering Realm must know how to use their spirit to control objects and injure enemies.

Han Qing, come, let's each take one sword and fight again!

As Qi Yan spoke, she tossed the sword in her hand to Han Qing, and then drew another sword from the servant behind her. This sword was also shimmering with light and was made of the same kind of firefly steel.

Han Qing originally intended to use the Star Shuttle to fight the enemy, but when he saw Qi Yan throw the Firefly Steel Sword, he gave up on the idea.

He didn't catch the sword with his hands; instead, he controlled his soul to enter it.

"It seems that Star Steel is more suitable for containing a divine soul than Firefly Steel."

As soon as Han Qing entered, he realized the difference between the two.

Star Steel offers less resistance and requires less magical energy to control.

The book says that both Star Steel and Firefly Steel are among the three great immortal steels, capable of containing the soul of a cultivator, with Star Steel being the foremost of the three great immortal steels.

This statement has now been confirmed.

Han Qing's understanding of the world deepened through reading and practical experience.

"Take this!"

While he was pondering, Qi Yan had already made her move. Her divine soul controlled a flying sword, which suddenly rushed forward and transformed into a white, cold light that descended from the sky, aiming straight at Han Qing.

Han Qing also simultaneously controlled his flying sword, which shot upwards like a white rainbow, crashing straight into Qi Yan's flying sword.

Ding-ding-ding-ding!

In an instant, the two flying swords collided in mid-air, producing a series of crisp sounds.

Not far away, Li Tai and Mu Dachun were also drawn to the scene.

"A flying sword?" Mu Dachun's eyes widened.

"This is a battle between cultivators who control objects with their divine souls. I'm not surprised that Lord Qi is a cultivator, but I didn't expect that the young master is too. So young, yet he has such a high level of attainment in the Dao of Dharma Thought. Amazing!" Li Tai exclaimed.

He knew that those who cultivated their spirit were even rarer than martial artists, and that it was much more difficult to achieve something in the path of cultivating one's spirit.

Those who can control objects are at least at the Soul Gathering Realm or above.

In other words, Han Qing, at his age, is at least a Soul Gathering Realm cultivator, which is astonishing.

"Brother Li, what is a Spirit Refiner?" Mu Dachun asked.

"It's a complicated matter, but you must go to the treasury to read more books when you have time to broaden your horizons," Li Tai said.

Qi Yan also allowed them to borrow books from the government treasury every week, but there was a limit to the number they could borrow.

"I can't read!" Mu Dachun scratched his head.

Li Tai and Han Qing were both very studious and often went to the treasury to read books. Mu Dachun, on the other hand, did not have such thoughts. He did not even know how to read.

"Those who refine their spirit condense their thoughts and gather their divine soul. If they become saints, they can fly through the sky and escape into the earth, and are capable of anything. They are the true strongmen of this world. No matter how powerful a martial artist is, they cannot compare to them," Li Tai sighed.

Mu Dachun's eyes widened in disbelief. It was the first time he had ever heard of a cultivator who refined spirits, and he found it incredible.

If someone had said this to him before, he definitely wouldn't have believed it.

But at this moment, seeing the two flying swords fighting each other in the distance, he understood that what Li Tai said was very likely true.

“Da Chun, it is our good fortune to be able to serve as Young Master Han’s bodyguards. A genius like Young Master Han is bound to become a prominent figure in the world. We must work hard and try our best to keep up with him,” Li Tai added.

He cherishes his current life and understands that he owes it all to Han Qing.

"I know. Lord Qi told me that if we encounter danger in the future, I can die, but you cannot die. If you die and I live, then I will die too!" Mu Dachun nodded seriously.

As the two were talking, not far away, Han Qing and Qi Yan's sword fight had reached a fever pitch.

Ding-ding-ding-ding!

The two flying swords danced up and down, their speed and force increasing. Everywhere you looked, there were sword shadows, as if they were interwoven into a large net, making it impossible to tell where the flying swords were.

Suddenly, another violent collision occurred, and Qi Yan's flying sword abruptly lost control, spiraling downwards from the sky and plunging straight into the bluestone slab below.

Han Qing's sword remained steadfast, moving rapidly through the air, tracing an arc before swiftly landing in his hand.

Qi Yan's eyes widened: "I lost? The Ceasefire Sutra truly lives up to its reputation as the number one military strategy. You've only just entered the Soul Gathering Realm, and I'm already no match for you."

"Another fight?" Han Qing asked.

He was still not satisfied and wondered if he should go easy on Qi Yan and let her get her revenge.

Qi Yan waved her hand: "No need. Even if we fight ten more times, I still can't win. It would only be a disgrace to myself."

Han Qing, your strength is now several times greater than when you first arrived in Hengshan City. Putting everything else aside, just the act of using your divine soul to control a flying sword for assassination would kill a fifth-realm martial artist in one move if they were caught completely off guard.

If you go all out, killing martial artists of the same realm will be as easy as cutting melons and vegetables. I think even martial artists of the fifth realm will avoid you.

Such astonishing growth in such a short time, such talent—I've never seen anything like it before. He truly deserves to be called a prodigy of all time.

Han Qing fell silent. He had indeed grown very quickly, after all, he had the Seven Killings Stele to help him.

"However, don't be complacent. There are many extraordinary talents in the world." Qi Yan quickly added, fearing that Han Qing might become arrogant and complacent.

"I certainly wouldn't dare to slack off in the slightest," Han Qing shook his head.

Firstly, because he was a diligent and self-disciplined person, and secondly, because the Luo family was like a sword hanging over his head, and his current strength was far from enough to deal with such a behemoth.

"Han Qing, let's stop practicing for now and go have a drink!" Qi Yan said, walking towards the pavilion by the lake.

Han Qing did not refuse; he was indeed tired.

Controlling a flying sword with one's divine soul consumes an enormous amount of magical power.

Qi Yan's defeat just now was due to the excessive consumption of her magical energy, which she could no longer sustain.

Han Qing lasted longer; he estimated he could last at least another fifteen minutes.

"The Zhige Jing is indeed powerful. I wonder what kind of military visualization Qi Jie is practicing?" Han Qing pondered, then followed Qi Yan to the pavilion and sat down opposite him.

A maidservant brought over two jars of wine. Qi Yan, being extremely generous, picked up one jar, tilted his head back, and gulped it down.

Han Qing didn't hesitate either, and picked up the wine jar and gulped down several mouthfuls.

The alcohol is extremely potent and is intended for high-level martial artists. Even if you are physically strong and extraordinary, you will still get drunk and stagger around if you drink too much.

Han Qing drank half a jar in one gulp, wiped the spilled wine from the corner of his mouth, and suddenly asked, "Sister Qi, just how powerful was Yuelu Academy back then?"

He had always been curious as to why such a powerful family as the Luo family would hold onto a young boy like him so tightly. The only reason was that the Yuelu Academy was too powerful.

"That's incredible. Back then, Yuelu Academy was a sacred place for martial arts. Hundreds of schools of thought and tens of thousands of cultivators from all over the world sat there discussing the Dao, chanting scriptures day and night. There were countless strong people among them. There were eight hundred martial artists at the sixth level of the Dao alone, known as the Eight Hundred Grandmasters. Any one of them could have established a sect in the martial arts world."

"I don't know exactly how powerful Yuelu Academy is. What I just said was only what I saw and heard with my own eyes. The forces hidden in the shadows are only much greater." Qi Yan's eyes showed a look of reminiscence, and her expression was somewhat solemn.

Han Qing was secretly amazed. The sixth level of martial arts was enough to be called a grandmaster, and there was no problem in establishing a sect.

The founders of those martial arts schools and gangs in Baiyun County were only at the fifth level of martial arts.

As for the seventh realm of martial arts, it is often referred to as the Martial Saint. It is already the highest level of master in the world in the common people’s perception. It can be described as extremely rare, one in ten thousand.

Eight hundred Grandmasters are already terrifying enough, but there are tens of thousands of Spirit Refiners, including Saints from various schools. No wonder the imperial court targets such a massive force; anyone sitting in that position would be restless and unable to eat or sleep properly.

"What? Surprised? Yuelu Academy is the former holy land of martial arts in our Great Yu Dynasty, the number one power outside the imperial court. It has a history of thousands of years and a profound foundation. Its strength cannot be weak." Qi Yan said with a smile when he saw Han Qing's silence.

"The former? It doesn't exist anymore?" Han Qing pressed.

"It no longer exists. The beginning of the court's elimination of all schools of thought was the destruction of the Yuelu Academy. Although I did not participate in that battle, I heard from my father that it was extremely tragic and chaotic."

Besides the Great Yu, many other forces, including the Western Mang and the Holy Desert Empire, were also involved in vying for the treasures within the Yuelu Academy. Many of the advanced martial arts techniques and rare treasures circulating in the world today originated from the Yuelu Academy's treasury, including the jade pendant in your hand and the Zhige Jing (止戈经) within it,” Qi Yan remarked with emotion.

Han Qing vaguely felt that he had figured out the whole story. If the imperial court wanted to deal with Yuelu Academy, his mother would definitely be a key target.

"Now Yuelu Mountain is in ruins. Back then, there were thousands of palaces and gardens stretching for eight hundred miles from the foot of the mountain to the top. Even if you rode a horse at full speed, you couldn't cover the whole mountain in a day and a night. Now, nothing is left."

However, the strong members of Yuelu Academy were not wiped out. My father said that a considerable number of them went into hiding, waiting for an opportunity to take revenge on the imperial court. Now, do you understand why the Luo family is targeting you?
If anyone knew you were Su Jin's son and possessed such extraordinary talent, they would surely follow you to the death.

"The Luo family is one of the biggest beneficiaries of the destruction of Yuelu Academy. They most want to see you, along with other powerful figures from Yuelu Academy, wiped out," Qi Yan added.

"I understand. It seems that once my identity is exposed, I'm afraid the imperial court will not tolerate me either," Han Qing pondered.

"It's hard to say, but it's best not to reveal your identity until you have enough strength." Qi Yan nodded slightly.

"How powerful must one be to control one's own destiny?" Han Qing asked.

“Become a saint! Saints possess incredible power. If one can become a saint, the Luo family will have nothing to fear. As far as I know, there are no saints in their family,” Qi Yan said earnestly.

"Saint." Han Qing pondered these two words. He had read in a book that becoming a saint was extremely difficult, like ascending to heaven.

However, he thought again that he had the Seven Killings Stele, and no matter how difficult it was to become a saint, he would definitely have a chance to succeed, so why be discouraged?

"Then I will become a saint!" Han Qing took another swig of wine. "I want to be the Great Sage of Military Strategy!"

"Good, that's ambitious! With your talent, you definitely have a chance to become a saint. The Zhige Jing you are practicing has a very special origin. It was created by Sun Jing, the first saint of military strategists. His combat power is recognized as the strongest among military strategists. If you can master it, you will surely become a great saint of military strategists." Qi Yan had a faint smile on her face, and she appreciated Han Qing even more.

Han Qing nodded slightly; he had also read many introductions to military strategists in books.

This major school of thought originated in the Western Wilderness and was popularized by Tianlang Dasheng, one of the founders of Tianlang Fortress. He was the first person in history to achieve sainthood through military strategy and was also known as the Supreme Sage and Teacher of Military Strategy.

There are countless schools of thought on spiritual cultivation in the world, but only those that can produce sages are considered the Great Way; otherwise, they are all minor paths.

However, the student surpasses the master. Sun Jing created the "Stop War Scripture," and his combat power surpassed that of the Great Sage of Heavenly Wolf, making him the number one sage of military strategists.

"I wonder how many sages there are in the world today?" Han Qing murmured.

"This question cannot be answered. Sages are figures who stand in the heavens, like dragons whose heads are seen but not their tails. What you need to do is to keep getting stronger. When you also have the strength to rival a sage, these legendary figures will naturally gradually emerge," Qi Yan said.

“You’re right, you must become a saint!” Han Qing’s gaze grew even more determined.

"The military strategists are among the top three in terms of combat power among all schools of thought, and the 'Stopping War' manual is the foremost principle of the military strategists. Han Qing, keep it up, you have a bright future ahead of you." Qi Yan said, downing the remaining half-jar of wine in one gulp, tossing it aside, and loudly proclaiming, "Two more jars, please!"

Han Qing had finished his wine, so Qi Yan ordered two more jars.

However, Han Qing shook his head: "I'm not drinking anymore, it's time to practice martial arts."

"Han Qing, you are indeed diligent in your martial arts training. You have been in Hengshan City for a month now, and I have observed that you have not left your home. Every day, you spend your time either in the training ground or reading in the treasury. Such diligence is a good thing, but it is not good to be too tense. You must pay attention to the balance between tension and relaxation. There are many people who have injured their bodies and ruined their foundations by training too hard."

"How about this, I'll take you to the Hundred Flowers Pavilion in the city tonight. I've heard that a group of foreign women from the Desert Empire have recently arrived, blonde and blue-eyed, with hot figures. Tsk tsk, I've been wanting to experience it for a long time." Qi Yan's eyes sparkled with excitement.

Han Qing looked strange; he sensed that something was wrong with Qi Yan.

"Practicing martial arts requires a clear mind, so I'd better not go."

"What a pure and untroubled mind you are, Han Qing. My father admires pure martial artists like you." Qi Yan smiled.

Han Qing got up and walked towards the training ground, but suddenly turned back and bowed deeply to Qi Yan.

He could feel Qi Yan's sincerity in helping him, and he was extremely grateful.

Although Qi Yan did it for his mother's sake, he was the real beneficiary.

During this month, he ate well, dressed well, had no worries about external threats, and enjoyed countless martial arts resources. His martial arts realm advanced by leaps and bounds, all thanks to the protection of the Qi family.

I'm asking for monthly votes. I'll add one chapter for every 200 votes. I'm about 70 votes short.

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(End of this chapter)