In Emei, start by obtaining golden attributes.

Chapter 170 Man in Harmony with Heaven, Borrowing the Power of Heaven and Earth

Zhang Sanfeng pointed at the stone and said, "Pick up the stone."

Upon hearing this, Gu Shaoan took three steps forward and picked up the stone with his right hand.

Zhang Sanfeng said, "Put the stone down."

Just as Gu Shaoan put the stone down, Zhang Sanfeng's voice rang out: "Pick it up again."

"Ok?"

Upon hearing Zhang Sanfeng's words, Gu Shaoan felt a sense of skepticism.

Although he didn't understand why, Gu Shaoan still picked up the bluestone again as Zhang Sanfeng had instructed.

Only then did Zhang Sanfeng speak:

The so-called "domain" is the sublimation after "power".

"That is, the realm of true meaning."

"It is a state after martial arts have reached their peak. Just like this stone, as soon as you see it, you know whether you can pick it up directly, or whether you need to move forward a few steps, or whether you need to bend over to pick it up. It has become an instinct in your body."

"Martial arts are the same. When martial arts are cultivated to the highest level, a special area can be generated. This area is limited in scope, but it can perceive the subtle details, like looking at this stone. Under the cover of this 'area', the slightest change in airflow, the surge of another's internal energy, and the slightest deviation in footsteps can all be clearly reflected in the mind in an instant."

"The moment the other party stepped into this area, all their possible movements were clear to me, as clear as if I were seeing that stone."

"If the opponent's martial arts have not reached the level of 'domain', or cannot break through the domain you have created, then within this domain, you are the 'chess player' who can see the enemy's moves in advance and make all the plans. Before the opponent has even finished their actions, their intentions are already in your grasp, and you can anticipate their moves."

"Furthermore, if you can reach the level of the domain, then when your true essence is circulating, the energy around your body can contain the energy of the Immortal Touching the Head. Once you need to make a move, whether it is throwing a punch, kicking, or even hitting your own head, you can draw the surrounding energy to gather in your attack, and the power will naturally increase."

Zhang Sanfeng's narration is very straightforward.

It even uses the example of picking up a stone to explain the realm of this "domain" in the simplest way, making it easy to understand.

After pondering for a moment, Gu Shaoan asked, "When you faced my sword strike earlier, did you use the 'Domain' technique?"

Zhang Sanfeng nodded and said, "That's right! That finger strike contained the power of my Tai Chi Chuan, which is why it was able to easily neutralize all the attacks in your sword strike."

After a pause, Zhang Sanfeng continued, "It wasn't just that one sword strike; I dealt with all your attacks in the same way before."

As he spoke, Zhang Sanfeng's fingertips twitched slightly.

The next second, Gu Shaoan felt as if he had sunk into a swamp.

It felt as if his whole body was enveloped by a series of supple yet viscous forces, making it difficult to break free.

Fortunately, this feeling only lasted for a moment before disappearing without a trace.

Gu Shaoan thought for a moment and asked, "If I were to encounter someone like you in the future, someone whose martial arts level has reached the 'Domain' level, how should I deal with them?"

As if he had guessed that Gu Shaoan would ask this question, Zhang Sanfeng said, "In the end, a 'domain' is nothing more than a variation that comes out of a martial art after it has reached a certain level. It can enhance the strength of a martial artist, but its essence has not changed."

"If you have strong martial arts skills, ruthless moves, and faster movement and attack speed than your enemy, what difference does it make if your enemy's martial arts haven't reached the 'domain' level?"

“If your sword strike had been ten times stronger, the domain I just condensed would have been torn apart by the sword energy on your sword. At that point, I would have had to be more serious.”

Gu Shaoan: "."

Although he knew that Zhang Sanfeng's words might be quite conservative, Gu Shaoan's expression still became somewhat unnatural upon hearing them.

After a moment of contemplation, Gu Shaoan continued, "May I ask, senior, how should I cultivate to elevate my power to the level of 'Domain'?"

Zhang Sanfeng shook his head and said, "This old Daoist can't give an answer to this question either. Any martial art starts with 'Roundness and Perfection,' and subsequent cultivation depends entirely on oneself. If one has enough comprehension, perhaps in a few months one can naturally reach the level of 'Momentum,' and then naturally reach the level of 'Domain!'"

"If you don't have enough comprehension, no matter how much or how detailed the explanations are, it will be of no use. If you can't understand it, you just can't understand it."

"If it were that simple, then Lang Fanyun wouldn't have been able to increase his strength so much after the 'Overturning Rain Sword Technique' reached the 'Domain' level."

The mountains are in front of me, and the water is also in front of me.

It's easy to "see mountains as mountains and water as water".

But it's difficult to "see mountains as not mountains, and water as not water".

Not to mention the later level of "seeing mountains as mountains and water as water".

The way of martial arts is profound; some things can be taught, but some things can only be learned by oneself.

Take, for example, the level of "momentum".

Over the course of eight years, Gu Shaoan's "Golden Top Cotton Palm" only had one move, "Immortal Touching the Top," which touched upon the level of "momentum," and that was enough to understand the difficulty involved.

With Gu Shaoan's current level of martial arts prowess, he naturally knows that sometimes, the less you know, the better.

After keeping the matter of "domain" in mind, Gu Shaoan changed the subject and asked, "This junior would like to know, what exactly is the difference between a Celestial Realm cultivator and a martial artist who has condensed their Yuan Qi into Gang Qi?"

"Celestial Realm"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Sanfeng glanced at Gu Shaoan with some surprise.

It seemed as if they hadn't expected Gu Shaoan to think so far ahead.

After thinking for a moment, Zhang Sanfeng said, "Condensing Yuan into Gang is simply compressing, condensing, and purifying the true Yuan within the body to the extreme, so that it transforms into Gang Yuan, just like refined steel."

"Strong as it may be, it is still just ordinary iron, still revolving within the small world of its own flesh and internal energy. What it strengthens is the sharpness and sturdiness of the 'weapon'."

He paused, his aura seemingly resonating subtly with the howling mountain wind outside the pavilion: "But the Celestial Realm is completely different. The true meaning of this realm lies in the word 'harmony'."

Zhang Sanfeng raised his hand and pointed to the boundless sea of ​​clouds and sky outside the pavilion: "What is meant by 'celestial being'? It does not refer to a high and mighty deity, but rather to the fusion and resonance between a martial artist and the world they inhabit."

As he spoke, the wind at the summit seemed to subtly shift.

It wasn't something deliberately driven, but rather Zhang Sanfeng's aura, which blended into the heavens and earth, seemed to have become a manifestation point of the will of heaven and earth in this place.

"Those who reach the Celestial Realm no longer simply 'cultivate themselves,' but rather draw upon the power of heaven and earth."

He raised a finger, the tip of which emitted no light, but the air around it began to spin spontaneously at an accelerated speed, eventually forming a small vortex at Zhang Sanfeng's fingertip.

"Just like the wind."

Zhang Sanfeng twitched his fingertips slightly, and the swirling airflow suddenly accelerated, transforming into a visible whistling vortex that hovered between his fingers, with a faint blue halo flowing within it.

"The energy generated when performing a move is the 'energy core' that the user has painstakingly condensed and stored. The amount consumed determines the amount of energy generated."

“But those at the Celestial Realm are different. At this level, they use the Three Flowers as a guide and their bodies as a key to draw upon the power of heaven and earth and make it their own.”

At this point, Zhang Sanfeng flicked his fingers.

The cyan vortex between his fingers shot out like an arrow, crashing into a millstone-sized blue stone outside the pavilion.

"boom."

A deafening roar, far more muffled than any of Gu Shaoan's previous attacks yet imbued with the power of heaven and earth, exploded out.

The next second, the hard bluestone was not "shattered", but rather burst open from the inside by an invisible and enormous force, causing rocks to fly everywhere.

At this moment, Zhang Sanfeng spoke again: "This flick of my finger contains less than one-tenth of my own power. The remaining ninety percent or more is borrowed from the omnipresent strong winds and energy on this peak. This is the 'Celestial Realm,' which uses one's own power as a guide and the power of heaven and earth as the main force, hence its immense power."

"Even the most ordinary martial arts, when enhanced by the power of heaven and earth, can unleash power far beyond what others can imagine."

Zhang Sanfeng continued, "When man is in harmony with heaven, he borrows the power of heaven and earth and draws the strength of heaven and earth into himself; this is called the unity of man and heaven."

Hearing Zhang Sanfeng's words, everyone present felt a chill run down their spines.

Not to mention Zhou Zhiruo, Yang Yan, and Zhang Wuji, even Abbess Miejue and Song Yuanqiao were all astonished by Zhang Sanfeng's description, their eyes filled with longing.

According to Zhang Sanfeng, the difference between a martial artist in the Celestial Realm and one in the Condensed Yuan Qi Realm seems to be only one level.

In reality, the difference between the two is already a fundamental one.

Suddenly, Zhang Sanfeng changed the subject. "However, even among martial artists at the Celestial Realm, there are still differences in strength."

"The strong will always be strong, and the weak will always be weak. Even for martial artists at the Celestial Realm, their foundation still lies in their own martial arts and accumulated knowledge."

"Even when one is in the stage of condensing primordial energy into qi, one is still considered low-class. Even if one enters the realm of oneness with heaven and man, one is still considered low-class."

“Take my seventh brother as an example. Even if he got lucky and was able to reach the realm of harmony between heaven and man, his own martial arts accumulation is insufficient and his power is weak. If you were to reach the realm of condensing qi into qi, he wouldn’t have been able to withstand your sword strike before.”

"So it's fine to know beforehand, but don't be too ambitious. The most important thing is to solidify your own martial arts foundation."

When Zhang Sanfeng used him as a negative example, Mo Shenggu immediately looked resentful.

But what could Mo Shenggu do when facing his own master?
Upon hearing this, Gu Shaoan nodded and said, "I will keep your teachings in mind, senior."

Finally, Gu Shaoan spoke again: "One last question, may I ask you, senior, is there any martial art in this world that allows a martial artist to draw upon the power of heaven and earth before even reaching the Celestial Realm?"

Gu Shaoan never forgot the "Martial Arts Enlightenment Card" he had obtained.

Even now, Gu Shaoan still hasn't been able to decide whether to use this "Martial Arts Enlightenment Card" on the "Emei Nine Yang Manual" or on other martial arts.

For Gu Shaoan now, this question is even more important than the previous ones.

Zhang Sanfeng shook his head and said, "This old Taoist has never heard of it."

Immediately afterward, Zhang Sanfeng seemed to have guessed what Gu Shaoan was thinking and said, "Don't even think about it, kid. The power of heaven and earth is special. Without reaching the realm of celestial beings, let alone activating it, even sensing it is as difficult as ascending to heaven."

"It's not that no one has wanted to create such a martial art before, but after decades of effort, they have only delayed their own cultivation."

Gu Shaoan nodded and said, "This junior understands, thank you for the reminder, senior."

Despite his words, Gu Shaoan's mind still began to wander.

The strong will always be strong, and the weak will always be weak.

If one can master a martial art powerful enough to move heaven and earth before even entering the Celestial Realm, the power of that martial art will only increase after entering the Celestial Realm.

For Gu Shaoan, there is absolutely no improvement that is greater than mastering this martial art.

Just then, Zhang Sanfeng suddenly raised his hand and grabbed Gu Shaoan's hand.

Immediately afterwards, Gu Shaoan felt a surge of rich, powerful, and pure true energy suddenly flow into his body.

Then, Zhang Sanfeng's body trembled.

"Is this the Nine Yang Divine Skill? No, after cultivating the Nine Yang Divine Skill, the true essence becomes extremely strong and yang, even more domineering. Although your true essence is somewhat similar to the Nine Yang Divine Skill in terms of aura, it is balanced in yin and yang, and moderate and peaceful. What kind of internal skill are you cultivating?"

Upon hearing this, Gu Shaoan glanced at Abbess Miejue.

Meeting Gu Shaoan's gaze, Abbess Miejue raised her chin slightly and said, "Just say it."

Upon hearing this, Gu Shaoan truthfully replied, "Eight years ago, my master won the Wudang Nine Yang Skill from the Wudang Sect. After returning to the Emei Sect, I had just cultivated the Wudang Nine Yang Skill to the third level of perfection when I unexpectedly fell into a state of enlightenment. Then, I unintentionally merged the Wudang Nine Yang Skill with my Emei Nine Yang Skill to form the Emei Nine Yang True Scripture."

Zhang Sanfeng's face looked somewhat stiff.

Eight years ago, after Abbess Miejue led her people down the mountain, Song Yuanqiao immediately ran to Zhang Sanfeng to apologize. Zhang Sanfeng naturally knew about the fact that Wudang Nine Yang Skill had been lost to Abbess Miejue.

"Eight years ago, when I was eleven years old?"

Thinking of Gu Shaoan's age eight years ago, Zhang Sanfeng clicked his tongue.

Even Zhang Sanfeng was somewhat unsettled at this moment.

"What the hell is this?"

Then he glanced at Abbess Miejue, who had a smug look on her face.

"What are you so smug about? It wasn't you who combined these two martial arts."

Abbess Miejue slightly raised her chin.

"But it's called the 'Emei Nine Yang Manual,' Master Zhang, listen carefully, the prefix is ​​'Emei,' my Emei sect has gained a new unique skill, why can't this humble nun be proud?"

Zhang Sanfeng took a deep breath. At this moment, he had never felt such an itch to fight as he had today.

Looking at Zhang Sanfeng's expression, Abbess Miejue felt extremely pleased.

Abbess Miejue knew that she could never compare to Zhang Sanfeng in her lifetime.

But she has a disciple with exceptionally high talent.

Looking at the entire Wudang sect, besides Zhang Sanfeng, who can compare to her disciples?
Seeing his master's expression, Gu Shaoan couldn't help but smile.

After calming down, Gu Shaoan said to Zhang Sanfeng, "This junior thanks you for your guidance, senior."

Zhang Sanfeng waved his hand and said, "Stop dawdling. If there are any problems in the next few days, just come to the back mountain."

"Based on what you did on Bright Peak, Wudang owes you and Emei a few favors."

"If you feel something is wrong in a few years, come to the Wudang Sect. When it comes to fighting, I have never been afraid in over a hundred years."

Gu Shaoan smiled and nodded, saying, "This junior understands, thank you, senior."

After saying this, Gu Shaoan bowed to Zhang Sanfeng and then retreated behind Abbess Miejue.

On the other hand, Abbess Miejue glanced at Zhang Sanfeng and then clasped her hands in a fist and said, "This humble nun thanks Master Zhang for guiding this disciple."

After saying that, Abbess Miejue smiled and turned to lead Gu Shaoan and the others away into the distance.

Mo Shenggu quickly stepped forward to lead the way for the group.

Watching Abbess Miejue and her companions walk away, Zhang Sanfeng couldn't help but sneer, "If it weren't for the sake of Guo Xiang, the heroine of the Emei Sect, I would have made Abbess Miejue know why flowers are so red today. Is having a good disciple something to be proud of?"

After saying that, Zhang Sanfeng glanced at Song Yuanqiao and his group, who looked honest and easy to bully, and suddenly seemed deflated.

Okay! That's really impressive.

After a long pause, Zhang Sanfeng shook his head and said, "Emei Sect, good luck!"

Thinking about the situation of his Wudang Sect, Zhang Sanfeng frowned even more deeply.

Upon hearing this, Song Yuanqiao couldn't help but chime in, "Indeed! With a disciple like Junior Nephew Gu, the Emei Sect's standing in the martial arts world is bound to change."

Zhang Sanfeng said irritably, "That's bullshit. If you don't work harder, you won't even be able to defeat Miejue when you all combine your efforts."

Zhang Songxi muttered, "What's the use of winning? Isn't there still Junior Nephew Gu? It's not like we can catch up with Junior Nephew Gu just by trying."

“From now on, the abbess won’t need to lift a finger. She can just say, ‘Defeat my worthless disciple first,’ and then Junior Nephew Gu can step forward and fight back.”

Upon hearing this, Zhang Sanfeng's expression froze, but upon careful consideration, it made perfect sense.

Zhang Sanfeng's brows relaxed slightly when his gaze fell on Zhang Wuji.

"Fortunately, there's still someone capable in the family."

A moment later, after Song Yuanqiao and the others left, Zhang Wuji, who was standing next to Zhang Sanfeng, suddenly spoke.

"Grandmaster, tell me, how long will it take for me to catch up with Young Hero Gu in terms of strength?"

Zhang Sanfeng: "???"

Zhang Sanfeng was taken aback when he heard Zhang Wuji's question.

Immediately afterwards, Zhang Sanfeng raised the back of his hand and placed it on Zhang Wuji's forehead. After feeling it for a moment, Zhang Sanfeng said, "My dear grand-disciple, what nonsense are you talking about? Your grandmaster is counting on you from now on, so don't do anything rash!"

Zhang Wuji: "."

　I'll try to finish the next chapter around midnight! I can't guarantee the exact time anymore!

　　
　
(End of this chapter)