"The Five Deltas Continent is divided into five continents, namely the East, South, West, North, and Central states. Each state is composed of countless counties, and the so-called county is actually an independent city that is outside of the empire. It is considered a special existence, and we are in the East Delta County of the East Continent," Elder Zhao said, explaining the distribution of states on the continent.
"The five states together can only be considered an extremely small part of the entire continent, and there are endless mountains. There are boundless mountains beyond the five continents. The land is vast and countless times larger than the Five Deltas Continent. There are many ancient ferocious beasts in the mountains that are extremely dangerous, so much that no one can pass through this great mountain. It's known as the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains."
Su Yu frowned. It was the first time that he found out about the existence of the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains. In that case, the Five Deltas Continent structure was very similar to that of his previous life. However, most of the areas in his previous life were surrounded by seas, while the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains surrounded the Five Deltas Continent in this world. There were countless sea creatures in the sea, while numerous ancient ferocious beasts were in the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains.
Su Yu couldn't help but ask, "Could it be that even a Martial Saint powerhouse can't pass through the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains?"
Elder Zhao shook his head with a wry smile and sighed softly. "In the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains, ancient ferocious beasts are favored by heaven and earth, and many are born with the power to destroy the world. They have a better advantage than humans, and many of us martial arts practitioners actually create our martial arts moves according to the ancient ferocious beasts."
Su Yu gasped and thought, In this case, those ancient ferocious beasts are indeed very mysterious. No wonder it's so difficult for humans to fight them.
"Although the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains is extremely dangerous, there are still many opportunities and countless treasures in it. If you are lucky enough to find one, it'd definitely be life-changing. Hence, many would still try their luck despite being well aware of the dangers."
Su Yu's expression became increasingly sullen. At the thought of his mission to collect the spirit herbs and magical beasts of the entire continent, he reckoned that he would definitely have to go to the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains' dangerous places.
"Master, have you been to the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains before?" Mu Xiaoxiao asked curiously.
Elder Zhao said with a proud expression, "Of course I have. I once went to the hinterland of the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains with a few friends to pick a superior-grade holy fruit, which is a Class-6 Crimson Spirit Fruit."
Spirit herbs were divided into eight classes, each of which was divided into three grades, namely superior-grade, mid-grade, and low-grade. Those that were Class-6 and above could be considered holy fruits that were extremely rare.
Elder Zhao, who loved superficial compliments, was appeased upon noticing the admiration in Mu Xiaoxiao's eyes, and he grinned widely.
However, Su Yu could still see some scruples and lingering fear in Elder Zhao's eyes. What exactly did they experience there? he wondered.
Elder Zhao was a Martial Saint powerhouse, but even then, he was frightened by the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains.
Su Yu thought, How can I enter? This system is such a ripoff. I should at least be given a secret manual for a secret skill or something. Yet, I'm only told to grow crops. Won't I be courting death if I go to the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains?
"There are various forces and sects on the Five Deltas Continent. From now on, go ahead and find out more for yourself. I won't go on anymore. Next, I'll tell you about the ranking of martial artists."
Su Yu put on a solemn expression. Martial artists were the foundation of the world.
"Martial artists have to practice inside out. The first step is Body Tempering, which is divided into ten layers of Outer Art. During this phase, your physique will greatly surpass that of ordinary people, and with each advancement in stage, your physique will improve by countless times. You'll become a true martial artist only when you reach the 10th level of Outer Art. You'll then progress to Inner Art, which is divided into nine levels, namely Martial Apprentice, Warrior, Martial Master, Great Martial Master, Martial King, Martial Guru, Supreme Warrior, Martial Saint, and Martial Emperor!"
"Once you become a Martial King, you will be able to establish your own force and dominate over them. When you become a Martial Guru, you can start a sect and become a sect leader. If you go further beyond, you can be considered the trump card of a sect."
Fascinated by his words, Mu Xiaoxiao asked, "Master, which realm are you in then?"
"Hahaha, I became a Martial Saint 20 years ago." Elder Zhao stroked his beard and pretended to be modest as he shook his head and said, "Unfortunately, there has never been a Martial Emperor in the past thousands of years, and there is no example that I can learn from. I can never cross the threshold of becoming a Martial Emperor."
Indeed, that made Mu Xiaoxiao admire and respect him even more. She muttered with envy in her eyes, "A Martial Saint must be really impressive."
"When you become a Martial Saint, you will be considered to have stepped into the ranks of the top powerhouses in this continent. Don't worry. You are my disciple. Sooner or later, you'll become a Martial Saint too." As he spoke, Elder Zhao's expression became even smugger. He continued. "A Martial Saint may be impressive, but we are only specializing in the path of martial arts, and in this continent, there are also other professions like Smelters, Spirit Medicine Masters, Beast Tamers, and others. There are unique characteristics of each profession, and they are the most important existences in this continent. I am an Elixir Saint!"
There were many professions on the continent, and the most prestigious one was undoubtedly Spirit Medicine Masters, who would be respected by all everywhere they went. Spirit Medicine Masters could easily help a martial artist break through their bottleneck and greatly reduce their cultivation time. They could also refine concoctions for healing injuries, getting rid of toxins, and saving others. Hence, Spirit Medicine Masters had plenty of friends on the continent. If one were to offend a Spirit Medicine Master, they would definitely face the wrath of countless martial artists who would take revenge for the Spirit Medicine Master.
"How is it, kid? It's not too late to acknowledge me as your master now. As long as you become my disciple, I won't shortchange you in cultivation techniques and elixirs. You'll become an Elixir Saint in no time!" Elder Zhao said to Su Yu, trying to tempt him.
Cultivation techniques were extremely rare. Generally, only disciples or sect members would inherit them. Without cultivation techniques, one would definitely not be able to become a true martial artist no matter how hard they worked if they lacked talent. As an Elixir Saint, Elixir Shroud was definitely not short of elixirs. With the support of elixirs, he would definitely be able to progress rapidly in cultivation! That temptation was absolutely lethal to ordinary people.
Unfortunately, even if Su Yu wanted to become his disciple, the system would forbid him from doing so. He shook his head as he said, "Elder Zhao, you are now a guest of the Great King Mountain while I'm the king of the Great King Mountain. I can't take you as my master."
"Kid, didn't you hear what I just said? If you want to build a force, you have to reach the strength of a Martial King. You're just a greenhorn. Are you really not going to acknowledge me as your master?" Elder Zhao continued to ask, feeling dumbfounded. He really wanted to take Su Yu as his disciple, but he couldn't help it because the latter seemed to be silly. He thought, Is it that important to be the Mountain Great King?
"Thank you for your kind intentions, Elder Zhao. Unfortunately, I'm not fated to be your disciple."
At that moment, Mu Xiaoxiao sneaked up to Su Yu's ear and whispered, "Brother Su, don't worry. Once my master teaches me something, I will come and teach you what I've learned."
The faces of Su Yu and Elder Zhao stiffened at the same time. Mu Xiaoxiao thought that her voice was very soft, but how could she hide it from a Martial Saint?
There was a sudden awkward tension and silence in the air.
Su Yu looked rather awkward, while Elder Zhao seemed to be upset and indignant. However, Mu Xiaoxiao stood by the side and behaved obediently, thinking that no one had found out.
"Ahem, Elder Zhao, since we're done with the teaching, I'll get going," Su Yu said as he walked toward the field.