Online Game: Me, with Unparalleled Comprehension

Staying on Wudang Mountain is certainly safe and peaceful, with dedicated training grounds and free access to second-rate martial arts.

However, bottlenecks began to appear. He couldn't find any so-called sect missions, didn't know how to increase sect contributions, and had no clue how to advance from a third-generation disciple to a more core second-generation disciple or even obtain the inheritance of unique skills.

Song Yuanqiao and Zhang Cuishan seem to only be responsible for teaching fixed martial arts skills and giving occasional guidance, without issuing tasks or mentioning promotion mechanisms.

The entire sect operates more like an academy that provides basic and advanced education, rather than a sect with a clear questline and contribution exchange system like those in traditional online games.

"Perhaps this is just how realistic the sect system is in this game? If you want more, you need to trigger opportunities yourself, or meet certain conditions and have NPCs give it to you?" Wu Feng guessed. But in any case, he was stuck now.

Aside from practicing martial arts and eating, there's almost nothing else to do every day.

"We can't just stay here working in isolation forever." The game world is vast and boundless, with monsters, bandit strongholds, secret realms, other towns, and bounty quests. That's where you can get experience, money, equipment, and even martial arts manuals.

"I'll practice Tai Chi sword more, at least until I reach the highest level. If nothing changes on the mountain by then, I'll go down!" Wu Feng made up his mind.

Without further hesitation, he composed himself and slowly raised the Iron-Cutting Sword.

The initial stance is smooth and gentle, and the swordplay unfolds accordingly.

It was still that slow, soft trajectory, but he was completely absorbed in it, carefully experiencing every flow of gentle strength and every subtle shift in the center of gravity.

I tried to bring the subtle feeling of blending with the environment that I experienced while practicing "Harmony with the World" last night into this extremely gentle sword technique.

The bamboo forest was deserted, save for the soft murmur of the sword and the figure of the young man focused on his cultivation.

As the sun rose higher and then slowly shifted, it stretched and shortened his shadow on the grass.

Sweat gradually seeped out, but he seemed oblivious, continuing to practice the same monotonous cycle over and over again.

Wu Changfeng slowly sheathed his sword, stood in the center of the bamboo forest clearing, and let out a long sigh.

The evening glow filtered through the gaps in the bamboo leaves, casting his shadow long and slanted.

The internal energy within his body calmed down with the sword's momentum, and a harmonious and gentle sword intent lingered around him.

Just now, Tai Chi Sword finally crossed the threshold of minor mastery.

He stretched his wrists, which were slightly sore from continuously using soft strength, and was about to turn and leave when his gaze inadvertently swept over the edge of the bamboo forest, but he couldn't help but stop.

Not far away, beside an old bamboo grove, a figure in a gray robe had quietly appeared.

An elderly man with snow-white hair and a gentle face stood with his hands behind his back, looking over calmly.

It seemed as if it had been standing there for a long time, blending seamlessly with the surrounding bamboo forest and mountain scenery; it was almost impossible to notice unless you looked closely.

Wu Changfeng felt a slight chill in his heart, and quickly stepped forward, cupping his hands and bowing: "Senior."

"Hmm." Zhang Sanfeng nodded slightly, his eyes showing approval. "Not bad, your Tai Chi sword skills are already at a minor level. Very good."

He paused, his gaze lingering briefly on Wu Changfeng. A glimmer seemed to flicker deep within his gentle, calm eyes. "Observing your internal energy circulation, although the foundation is still the Wudang Nine Yang Skill, there is a different meaning in your aura—a harmonious and radiant light, hidden yet not revealed… Have you also cultivated other internal skills?"

Wu Changfeng's heart skipped a beat. He hadn't been fooled by a master of this level after all.

After a moment's thought, he frankly replied, "Senior, this is a rudimentary internal energy cultivation method that I recently came to understand on my own from a chance encounter with the Tao Te Ching. I have indeed reached the pinnacle of the Nine Yang Skill and cannot progress any further. I thought that the path of martial arts is as vast as the sea, and if I could learn from many different methods and verify their strengths, it might make up for the shortcomings of a single technique and be more beneficial to my cultivation. Therefore... I have privately tried to practice a bit of it."

"A cultivation method derived from the Tao Te Ching?" A hint of surprise flashed across Zhang Sanfeng's eyes, which then turned into a profound inquiry. "I have also studied that scripture for many years, but I have never been able to glean any specific methods of circulating qi from it. Your comprehension is indeed extraordinary."

His tone was calm, without any hint of blame, but rather with a touch of感慨: "That child Zhang Cuishan, in his early years, also gleaned some martial arts principles from the brushstrokes of calligraphy. These ultimate principles of heaven and earth exist among all things, but those who can glimpse them and apply them to themselves are one in ten thousand. It's not that the scriptures are not clear, but rather that their understanding and opportunities are limited."

He looked at Wu Changfeng, his expression turning serious: "You have been able to forge a new path beyond the Great Perfection of the Nine Yang Skill, which shows that you are unconventional in your mind and exceptionally talented. However, the most taboo thing in internal energy cultivation is mixing and conflicting elements, so you must be especially careful. Now that you have embarked on this path, you must constantly examine your inner self, harmonize the various energies, and ensure that your foundation is solid. Do not be greedy for more and faster results, or you will harm yourself."

"I will remember your teachings, senior," Wu Changfeng replied respectfully, secretly relieved.

It seems that Zhang Sanfeng was not displeased that he practiced other schools of internal energy cultivation; on the contrary, he encouraged him.

"Practice your sword diligently." Zhang Sanfeng said no more, leaving only one last admonition: "The way of Tai Chi lies in perseverance, like water dripping on stone. Avoid being impatient and restless; only by remaining calm and composed can you achieve success."

As soon as he finished speaking, his gray robe fluttered slightly, and his figure seemed to be lifted by a gentle breeze, gliding back several feet. Then, with a turn, he disappeared into the deeper bamboo forest.

A few bamboo leaves swayed gently, and the place was now empty, as if everything that had just happened was just an illusion.

"Yes, senior." Wu Changfeng bowed again in the direction Zhang Sanfeng had disappeared before straightening up.

He stood there, reflecting on the conversation, a light gradually appearing in his eyes.

"This Zhang Sanfeng's character favorability rating... seems pretty high." He muttered to himself, a slight smile creeping onto his lips.

Instead of criticizing him for practicing internal energy of unknown origin, they showed approval and offered reminders.

This attitude is much better than I expected.

"It seems that staying in Wudang Mountain and burying myself in hard training was the right path." Wu Changfeng's anxiety about not being able to find a way to advance had dissipated considerably.

Being able to meet someone of Zhang Sanfeng's caliber and leave a good impression is itself a form of progress.

The true essence of Wudang, those supreme martial arts techniques, what they truly need is opportunity and recognition.

"I feel... there's a chance." He clenched his fist, a strong sense of anticipation rising in his chest.

The difference between receiving the true teachings and not receiving them is like night and day.

We must remain calm and lay a solid foundation.

He composed himself, sheathed the iron-slaying sword, and turned to walk towards the dining hall.

The lights in the dining hall were just coming on, and dinner was still the same few light dishes.

After finishing his meal quietly and satisfying his hunger, Wu Changfeng nodded to his familiar fellow disciples and then went straight back to his simple little house.

He closed the door and lit the oil lamp. He then chose to exit the game.

In the real world, the game pod hatch slid open, and the familiar lights in the room were somewhat dazzling.

Wu Changfeng sat up and stretched his somewhat stiff body.

He felt a clear sense of power coursing through his limbs and bones, and instinctively clenched his fists, making a few empty punches into the air.

The force of the punch even produced a faint sound of air being cut.

"It seems like my strength has increased again..." He carefully felt the changes in his body. It wasn't just his strength; his coordination, reaction speed, and even the depth of his breathing all seemed to have improved subtly but definitely.

"This game is truly amazing," he murmured, shaking his head.

The daily martial arts training in the virtual world, the insights gained about power generation techniques, blood circulation, and mental focus, are gradually fed back and imprinted on the real body through neural connections.

Although it's not nearly as exaggerated as in the game, this real sense of becoming stronger is captivating.

He changed his clothes, grabbed his phone and keys, and went downstairs.

The city remains bustling at night, with neon lights flashing.

He walked familiarly to his usual small restaurant and lifted the plastic curtain.

The shop was bustling and full of lively atmosphere.

He found an empty seat against the wall, picked up the menu, and skillfully ordered four home-style dishes: twice-cooked pork, shredded pork with garlic sauce, hand-shredded cabbage, and Mapo tofu, plus a bowl of seaweed and egg drop soup.

"Give me more rice," he added to the waiter.