The strength of a Martial Artist comes from within.
Cultivators seek Dao, Martial Artists commune with gods.
The inherent strength is the foundation of a Martial Artist's power, whether it involves using techniques or intensively strengthening the physique, all paths lead to transcending the mundane and achieving true immortality.
Thus, there are sayings that Immortals cultivate Dao to achieve everlasting life, and Martial Artists refine their bodies to seek indestructibility.
This is also why Martial Artists often have shorter lifespans than Cultivators, as their vitality equals their realm, which equals their strength.
Therefore, Martial Artists almost always have ways to burn their lifespan to enhance their own strength.
Of course, the methods differ, what one can endure differs, and thus the effects of transformation are naturally vastly different.
