Sam's voice resonated with wisdom as he began to elucidate the profound intricacies of martial arts.
His words painted a vivid picture of a journey that transcended the boundaries of body and soul, weaving a tapestry of enlightenment and self-discovery.
As he spoke, Jonas, the elder martial artist, hung on his every word, a mix of astonishment and trepidation etched across his face.
"Martial arts," Sam continued, his tone measured and profound, "are a dual path. First, one must cultivate the martial path, nurturing the body. Then, we seek to grasp the principles and attain enlightenment, nurturing the soul. Our existence is similar to a voyage across the boundless sea of bitterness that life presents. To cultivate the body is to construct a sturdy vessel, one capable of navigating the tumultuous waters. Cultivating the soul, on the other hand, equips us with the oars to propel this vessel forward."
He paused, allowing his words to sink in, before continuing with an air of sagacity,
"Should one neglect the cultivation of the body, their vessel shall remain unsteady and fragile, prone to capsizing when confronted by life's storms. Should one ignore the cultivation of the soul, their motivation and willpower shall wither, rendering them powerless even in the face of impending death."
Sam then ventured into the intricate transition from the Houtian to the Xiantian stage, his voice resonating with the weight of ancient wisdom.
"The shift from Houtian to Xiantian signifies the shift from cultivating the body to nurturing the soul. To explain further, consider the essence of Xiantian. It's akin to how a baby breathes in its mother's womb, relying solely on an ethereal connection for sustenance. This is the essence of Xiantian. After birth, humans breathe the impure air of the world, signifying the transition to Houtian."
"In the Xiantian stage, the soul attains unparalleled tranquility. The body's interaction with its surroundings transforms, allowing the soul to commune with nature and even harness the power of the heavens and earth through the force of the soul. This is the true essence of Xiantian. But to bridge the gap between Houtian and Xiantian, one must sever all ties and return to the womb-like state."
Jonas, clearly moved by Sam's insights, muttered in a mix of awe and self-doubt, "And what is the meaning of Xiantian?"
With a knowing gaze, Sam replied, "Xiantian, as my master once explained, is the return to the womb's way of existence. Babies in the womb breathe through their connection to their mother, devoid of nose or mouth. It's a state of absolute reliance. This defines Xiantian. Once born, we breathe through our nose and mouth, subjecting ourselves to the impurities of the world—a state known as Houtian."
"The Xiantian stage brings about a profound tranquility of the soul, altering the body's interaction with its environment. The soul awakens to the world, establishing a connection with nature and the ability to manipulate the forces of heaven and earth through soul power. Achieving this state requires severing all attachments and returning to the womb-like existence."
Jonas, now aware of his previous misconceptions, lamented,
"I've been on the wrong path all these years. Sixty years wasted! Truly lamentable."
Sam sympathized with Jonas's plight.
The path to Xiantian was not one that could be traversed without the guidance of a martial sect's teachings and resources.
Rare and precious medicines were essential, tightly controlled by these sects, making it an insurmountable obstacle for those like Jonas who lacked such support.
"Senior," Sam said gently, "even if you possess the knowledge, without the backing of a clan, it remains an unattainable dream. My master once said that even with a technique capable of reaching the Xiantian stage, it would still be impossible without the proper support."
Jonas nodded, acknowledging the harsh reality.
"I know... I've longed for the Xiantian stage my whole life. Even if I can't attain it, at least show me the right direction. Let me die with some semblance of peace and without regret."
Sam's heart went out to Jonas, the tenacious old man who had dedicated his life to martial arts.
He recognized that without the miracle cube he had discovered, he might have ended up like Jonas—forever chasing the elusive dream of Xiantian and facing regrets in his twilight years.
Reflecting on this, Jonas extended a hand of friendship, saying, "Little friend, I feel a connection with you despite just meeting. Would you accept an old man like me as your friend?"
Sam, touched by Jonas's sincerity, responded warmly, "I would be honored to be your friend, Senior."
Jonas's eyes lit up, and he proposed, "Then let's celebrate our newfound friendship at the Great Clarity Pavilion. We'll feast, drink, and converse freely. What do you say, my good friend?"
Sam hesitated briefly before agreeing. He also requested, "Senior, regarding the inscription technique, I would appreciate it if you could keep it a secret."
Sam had conjured a fictional master to account for his knowledge, but he preferred to remain discreet about his inscription skills to avoid unwanted attention.
Jonas understood Sam's concerns and reassured him, "Rest assured, young friend. As long as the Warlord Havens of Starlight Haven City exists, I guarantee your safety. Should you encounter any trouble, send me a sound transmitting talisman, and I will personally intervene. But one thing intrigues me—why would you, with your inscription skills, need to sell inscription symbols or work at the Great Clarity Pavilion? Is it for practice?"
Sam, offering a wistful smile, confided, "It's due to economic constraints. My master taught me but never provided any financial support. My family is of humble means, insufficient to sustain my martial journey."
"That has to be the way of a true martial artist. There is no rage, excess, greed, sloth, or actual adversity to mold the spirit. Your master must have taken this knowledgeable and experienced decision knowingly since he has his own reasons and reality. In that case, although I'm not sure if this goes against your master's wishes, if you still want to sell your inscription symbols, I could buy them at market value. Is 3000 gold adequate if it's that flame-engraved inscription symbol?"
Upon hearing this proposal, Sam felt his heart nearly burst from his chest—3000 gold!
Three thousand gold , and with three of these symbols, that would amount to a staggering 9000 gold ! While Sam had anticipated a rise in the value of his inscriptions, he hadn't fathomed that they could command such a remarkable sum.
What did 9000 gold represent? To put it in perspective, Sam's family-owned restaurant was valued at 3000 gold . If he could acquire it, his parents wouldn't have to toil tirelessly each day.
He'd have 6000 gold left to spare, allowing him to procure medicines.
He could purchase body transformation pills or muscle-enhancing medicines and consume them as if they were ordinary rice!
As for Blood Gift and other rare medicines, he could afford to use one and cast aside another. For Sam, crafting additional inscriptions was a trifling task.
Suppressing the excitement bubbling within, Sam turned to Jonas and expressed his gratitude, saying, "Many thanks, senior."
Jonas couldn't help but notice Sam's elation.
Sam had led a simple and impoverished life under his master's tutelage.
Now, thrust into the bustling capital city at the tender age of fifteen, he was exposed to the wonders, marvels, and treasures that the world had to offer.
It was a temptation difficult for any young man to resist.
Jonas responded, "Little brother, your master's inscription symbol is unquestionably worth that price. And please, do not address me as 'senior.' My name is Jonas; Jonas Adam is my full name, but 'Jonas' is sufficient."
Sam hesitated briefly.
Although he remained uncertain about Jonas's identity, observing the reverence Hen Portia accorded him led him to suspect the man held a lofty status.
Yet, Sam was not beholden to convention; if Jonas wished to be addressed informally, so be it.
He nodded in agreement.
Jonas smiled and proposed, "Hen Portia, let us reserve a private chamber at the Great Clarity Pavilion for a banquet. I would relish the opportunity to share a drink with little brother Sam."
Hen Portia, who had remained silent thus far, was thrilled by Jonas's suggestion. "Yes, Master."
The Great Clarity Pavilion's workers quickly learned that Jonas had planned a feast with Sam.
The astonishment was evident. What was Jonas's name? He was the elite Warlord Haven's chief official, and he served the court with distinction.
The crown prince, who would later ascend to the throne, was also trained by Hen Portia's master, and Jonas would become the emperor's teacher.
His fighting skills were unrivaled, and he was adept in inscription techniques, astronomy, geography, and the ancient art of divination. His greatness commanded the highest regard, even from the Emperor.
Yet, here he was, inviting Sam—the butcher's assistant—to dine with him.
Furthermore, their familiarity implied an emotional connection that surprised others as they exited the kitchen. Sam's background became a source of interest.
If Sam's true origins were not insignificant, why would he willingly accept work at the Great Clarity Pavilion? After all, the saying went,
"The gentleman stays far from the kitchen." Culinary work, especially the job of a butcher, was often scorned by both martial artists and scholars.
While they admired Sam's butchering skills, it hardly seemed a refined occupation.
"Who could Sam really be?"
"I have no idea."
Two waiters, each in their twenties and distinguished by their good looks and proficiency in the fine arts of poetry and painting, exchanged hushed conversations while attending to their guests.
Honored visitors like Jonas and Hen Portia were a rarity, and extraordinary service carried a reward of ten gold —an equivalent to two months' wages.
However, they never anticipated that these distinguished guests had come to seek out Sam.
Though the banquet's dishes were modest, their taste and presentation were exquisite.
The wine, valued at several hundred gold , was known as "Red Dragon Liquor," specially crafted from a secret recipe that incorporated rare herbs.
Consuming it could heal internal injuries, enhance one's physique, and promote spiritual cultivation.
Crafting it was a complex process, using precious materials that made it a luxury even beyond the reach of many aristocratic youths.
During the banquet, Jonas considered proposing that Sam stay at the Warlord Havens.
However, Sam believed it would be inconvenient to practice martial arts there while safeguarding his secrets, so he politely declined.
Forced to abandon his suggestion, Jonas's esteem for Sam soared.
Before departing, he handed over 9000 gold and a gold-purple VIP card.
The card entitles its holder to a 10% discount at any establishment under the Chamber of Commerce's jurisdiction, and in Starlight Haven City, most major businesses fell under its umbrella.
Sam finally held 9000 gold in his hands, a sight that filled him with elation. His blood surged, and he lifted his head proudly.
With 9000 gold , he could send 3000 to his parents, leaving him with enough to purchase the medicines required to easily reach the second stage of body transformation.
By employing his inscription techniques to enhance their effects, breaking through the Pulse Condensation Stage would become a trivial endeavor.
His destiny lay on a path steeped in martial arts.
If Max had once been an insurmountable mountain for Sam, it had now become nothing more than a stepping stone on his ascent in martial arts.
Sam would tread upon it, aiming for even greater heights.
Overflowing with joy, Sam used a sound-transmitting talisman to contact Alex. "Brother Alex, let's go. Today, I'll treat you to some shopping. Meet me at the entrance of the Hundred Treasure Hall."
Alex had offered Sam invaluable assistance in the past, a debt Sam was determined to repay.
After seeing the sound-transmitting talisman, he couldn't help but thought, "This guy must have quite a bit of money to spare if he's using sound-transmitting talismans."