Fang Che quickly scanned everyone, observing their reactions and taking note of them.
He had a rough idea in his mind.
Then, he raised his glass and walked towards the table where the instructors were seated to propose a toast.
"Well said," praised Li Changkong.
The other instructors also looked at him with admiration.
Fang Che smiled sheepishly. "I must have made you all laugh."
Instructor Liu from Class Eleven sighed. "We can only envy."
Bing Shangxue put down her chopsticks and looked at Fang Che. "Alright, kid, what's your agenda?"
This question almost made Instructor Liu and the others lose their balance.
Why did she suddenly ask this?
Did I miss something?
"No agenda," Fang Che smiled innocently.
"If you don't say it now, we'll never know," Bing Shangxue snorted, pretending to pick up her chopsticks again.
"Wait, wait..."
Fang Che hurriedly stopped her. "Instructor, I actually have two questions. First, can I go out on missions now? Second, how many credits do I need for a weapon that can be enchanted or infused with spirits?"
Li Changkong snorted from the side. "First, that's two questions. Second, you can't go out on missions. Third, even if there were such weapons, they wouldn't be available to you. Fourth, even if they were, you couldn't afford them!"
Fang Che's face fell.
Instructor Liu, feeling a bit obligated after accepting the treat, smiled and explained, "You've just broken through and have been in the martial academy for less than two months. It's impossible to take on missions now. First, you need to memorize the mission rules, be able to answer all key points fluently, and understand the general requirements of the tasks. Only after passing the assessment can you go on missions."
"In simple terms, at your stage, you should only take on appropriate missions. No matter how perfect the opportunity, if it's not suitable, you can't take it."
"Such tasks foster a sense of luck, which is why they're forbidden. That's the biggest rule of taking on missions!"
"Then there's your cultivation. You need to at least reach the mid-level of the third tier of Martial Master to take on lower-tier missions."
Instructor Liu added, "Our Baiyun Martial Academy isn't like a mercenary hall. The tasks assigned to students of various levels are all achievable. Moreover, accepting tasks beyond one's level is forbidden. Even if you complete them, there won't be any rewards, only penalties and deductions of credits."
Fang Che's eyes widened. "What? There's such a rule?"
Everyone laughed. "That's why you need to understand the academy's rules first. Otherwise, with your few credits, a few tasks beyond your level would wipe them out."
Fang Che rolled his eyes helplessly.
He decided to check out these rules tomorrow.
"Then... what about such weapons?"
Fang Che held onto a glimmer of hope.
After all, he had the spirit of a Golden-Horned Flood Dragon.
No matter what, he needed to find it a dwelling place, right?
Otherwise, what would he do when certain information couldn't be conveniently passed through Yen Meng in the future?
That was a crucial part of his plan.
"Basically impossible," said Duan Zhongliu. "Even if you could afford it, those kinds of weapons are rare across the entire continent."
"Even if they exist, they must have been nurtured for a long time to develop spirituality, making them capable of being enchanted or infused."
"But for such a weapon to exist independently, there's only one possibility: its original owner must have died. Only then can the divine weapon be ownerless."
Fang Che knew this very well.
He also knew how difficult it was to find such weapons. Places that might have such ownerless weapons included the headquarters of guardians, major noble families, various upper-level organizations, and, finally, peak martial academies.
Due to the need to cultivate geniuses, peak martial academies might possess such items.
There were quite a few places where divine weapons might exist.
But for Fang Che at this moment, Baiyun Martial Academy was the only possible place.
He couldn't reach the others!
Instructor Liu took a sip of wine. "Since you're treating us to wine today, I'll answer these childish questions that the other instructors don't want to."
"It's called childish because it's rare, hard to find, and unaffordable. Telling you is useless."
"When the owner of such a divine weapon dies, the battle they encountered must have been unimaginably intense. Generally, the divine weapon would be destroyed and become scrap iron upon the owner's death."
"Even if it survives, it would be severely damaged and hard to recover."
"Even if it exists intact, the spirituality within it wouldn't recognize anyone else. Because spirituality doesn't equate to intelligence—"
Instructor Liu sighed. "A divine weapon with intelligence would self-destruct after its owner's death, even if it remains intact. Without exception."
"Our academy does have a spiritually infused divine weapon, a spear."
"But that spear is a treasure of the entire academy. To exchange it with credits..."
Instructor Liu smiled. "Even a hundred thousand credits wouldn't be enough!"
He looked at Fang Che. "Let alone your two hundred and something credits! After tonight, paying for the food and drinks, it won't even be two hundred."
Fang Che was utterly despondent.
On the side, Li Changkong slowly said, "Instead of buying one, it's easier to nurture one yourself."
"Nurture one myself?"
Fang Che's eyes lit up again. That was an idea.
He also knew a method, but the materials were hard to find. So he asked with a sliver of hope, "Does our academy have such materials?"
"No!"
Li Changkong found it amusing that he was seriously considering it and decisively answered, "Absolutely not!"
"Because once someone gets those materials, they wouldn't keep them! They'd immediately forge them into a weapon. So, even if there are ownerless weapons, there wouldn't be ready materials!"
The instructors laughed heartily, exchanging knowing glances.
They felt a deep sense of satisfaction from teasing this little fool.
Fang Che felt like a myriad of mythical beasts were rampaging through his heart.
Do you all think you're very humorous?
I'm on the verge of a breakdown!
If I had known, I wouldn't have invited you.
Just then, Bao Feiyu, chewing on a bone, mumbled, "But such materials were reportedly found in the Forest of Ten Thousand Spirits..."
"Shut up!"
Li Changkong's face changed.
Bao Feiyu hurriedly shut his mouth, looking embarrassed.
Li Changkong sighed, looking troubled.
This idiot's words were deadly. How could this little fool not be tempted?
The Forest of Ten Thousand Spirits was not a place for humans. Even if the four of them joined forces, they might not make it out alive.
"Yes, the Forest of Ten Thousand Spirits once yielded divine materials brought out by the legendary craftsman Soul-Locking Bell Diao Wuqiu five hundred and seventy years ago."
"Before Master Diao, no one had found any for thousands of years. And after Master Diao, no one has heard of anyone finding any."
Li Changkong finished, looking seriously at Fang Che. "Fang Che, abandon this idea. It's not something you can covet!"
Fang Che silently nodded.
He raised his glass and drank it in one go.
Li Changkong glared fiercely at Bao Feiyu.
Bao Feiyu, knowing he had caused trouble, avoided his gaze.
At this moment, Mo Ganyun took a sip of wine. "Instructor, can you explain the realms of martial arts?"
Li Changkong looked at him with a half-smile. "Your family hasn't explained it?"
"My family speaks of their own system, which differs from the generally accepted realms of the academy and the world."
Mo Ganyun said, "Each family has different interpretations of the realms, but no family can match the comprehensive experience of the academy."
"That's true."
Li Changkong pondered for a moment. "I originally planned to cover this in a large class, but since you've asked, I'll explain it now."
Without any hesitation, he continued, "The tiers of martial arts have evolved over thousands of years as disparities in strength grew too vast."
"For instance, in the past, the term 'innate realm' was used. Some in the innate realm could single-handedly slaughter a squad also deemed 'innate.' Such disparity couldn't be grouped under one realm."
"Hence, the tier system in martial arts was developed."
"I'll explain up to the Monarch level. By then, you should understand everything."
"The levels are: Martial Apprentice, Martial Soldier, Martial Master, Martial Sect, Innate Grandmaster, Martial General, Martial Commander, Martial Marquis, Martial King, Martial Emperor, and Monarch."
"First is the Martial Apprentice. You've all passed this level, but it's worth mentioning as it's the starting point of martial arts. The initial distinction between a martial artist and an ordinary person."
Li Changkong continued, "When you desire to become stronger, and your body coordination and actions come effortlessly, and you gain strength through continuous work or training, you have the initial qualifications for martial arts. At this stage, you know nothing and need instruction for everything, hence called a Martial Apprentice."
"This is the basic difference between a martial artist and an ordinary person. Many ordinary people, despite extensive physical work or training, damage their bodies due to overexertion, lacking the necessary aptitude. I'm referring to people under thirty."
"We understand."
"This initial division is also what you refer to as the 'Nine Heavens of Martial Arts,' specifically the first level. However, the term 'Nine Heavens of Martial Arts' is a colloquial term used by mundane martial artists and not a formal ranking."
"After Martial Apprentice, as you learn how to
exert force, use energy, fight, and understand the basic structure of the human body, you naturally advance to Martial Soldier as your proficiency and strength increase."
"Transitioning from Martial Apprentice to Martial Soldier is easy. Once you reach the required level, a full-power battle with a peer or superior will naturally break through, like piercing a thin barrier, without much difficulty."
Li Changkong explained, "Hence, it's said that breaking through from Martial Apprentice to Martial Soldier is safe. A wise family would ensure a competent sparring partner, avoiding any mishaps."
Hearing this, Fang Qingyun's face twitched.
His face burned, and he felt a bit resentful. Instructor Li, what do you mean by this? What do you mean by an idiot...
He recalled the pain and his father's whipping and scolding.
Fang Qingyun shivered.
He couldn't help but glance at Fang Che.
Fang Che also turned to him, smiling and giving a thumbs up.
Fang Qingyun quickly turned away, face darkening.
His cousin was too annoying!
Li Changkong ignored their antics and continued, "The term 'soldier' in Martial Soldier is analogous to a scholar who has attained a certain level of knowledge, not just someone who has learned to read."
"A Martial Soldier is similarly in the accumulation phase of martial knowledge and strength. Thus, a Martial Soldier!"
"After sufficient accumulation, understanding increases, and strength grows. At a certain point, you can answer the questions of new martial apprentices without needing to ask the master. This stage corresponds to a private tutor teaching basic knowledge."
"Hence, this stage is called 'Master.' A Martial Master."
"Don't underestimate this stage. Many people with average aptitude never progress beyond this point, opening small martial schools to teach basic skills."
"At this point, martial artists' abilities are already formidable compared to ordinary people."
Li Changkong sighed. "Here, I must emphasize that the disparity between people can be as vast as the difference between heaven and earth."
Everyone nodded emphatically.
Indeed.
Such is the world.
"After Martial Master comes Martial Sect. What is a Sect? It means founding a sect, a Martial Sect. Although our current Martial Sect doesn't reach the level of creating a unique school of thought, it implies enough power to lead a group of Martial Masters."
Li Changkong smiled. "A Martial Sect can be compared to a school principal, capable of leading many Martial Masters. Do you understand?"
This explanation, with its comparisons, made it easy to understand.
"The gap between Martial Sect and Martial Master is immense, like night and day. For example, before Fang Che broke through to Martial Sect, fighting Mo Ganyun might take a dozen or more moves. But after breaking through, defeating Mo Ganyun takes less than half a move. You've witnessed this."
"The difference between Martial Master and Martial Sect is not just a rank jump but a qualitative leap. The power and agility gained after breaking through are beyond the reach of Martial Masters."
Mo Ganyun tried to minimize his presence, but everyone noticed him.
He muttered, "Why use me as an example? Don't I need face..."
The murmuring was faint.
But everyone, being keen-eared, heard it and chuckled.
Yet, they quickly silenced themselves, attentively listening to Li Changkong's teachings.
Others had explained before, but none as clearly as Li Changkong.
"The gap between Martial Sect and Martial Master is a significant division, marking the separation of ordinary martial artists from true martial practitioners."
Li Changkong said, "Remember, the first division is between Martial Apprentice and ordinary people. The second is between Martial Sect and Martial Master. Each division is like a chasm."
"This second division is what you call the second level of the Nine Heavens of Martial Arts. Fang Che has moved from the first level to the starting point of the second."
Everyone nodded in agreement.
"After Martial Sect comes Innate. Innate means fetal breath, internal breathing from cultivation. It doesn't rely on the mouth and nose, forming a self-sustaining cycle within. The duration varies, from indefinitely long to just dozens of normal breaths."
"The term 'Innate' covers many aspects. In ancient times, it referred to everything below the Emperor level. It was later refined."
"Thus, 'Innate' was expanded to 'Innate Grandmaster,' also known as 'Great Innate Grandmaster.'"
"However, remember, this doesn't differentiate between Grandmaster and Great Grandmaster, but between Innate and Postnatal. This must be clear."
"A postnatal Martial Sect, no matter how strong, cannot defeat an Innate. Even if they were equal moments before, once one breaks through to Innate, the gap becomes vast."
"Even the top-ranked Bone Shattering Dream Spear Duan Xiyang couldn't defeat any Innate at the Martial Sect level!"
Li Changkong emphasized this point.
"So, this is a true watershed, dividing lives."
"From Martial Sect to Innate is the third division. Although it's a short span, countless people never cross this threshold in their lifetime. You, coming from martial families, should know this."
"Yes, the third level of the Nine Heavens of Martial Arts."
Everyone nodded solemnly.
Especially those from level eight and nine families, who had many elders stuck at this stage.
Many elderly figures remained Martial Sects, despite their advanced age.
"Reaching Innate means you can achieve great things. From here, you start to transcend ordinary human life."
"The terminology changes from here."
"Innate can command a hundred men in the army, becoming a company leader or even a centurion. Great accomplishments and a martial career start here."
"The next rank is Martial General. A centurion is just a large squad leader, but with more merit, higher martial prowess, and richer combat experience, one can become a Martial General, leading troops into battle. You understand the literal meaning, right?"
"Understood."
"After Martial General, with further improvement in cultivation and combat skills, comes Commander. The progression from General to Commander needs no explanation, right?"
"No."
"These two ranks don't require much explanation. They are subdivisions of the Innate, making the concept easier to grasp."
"The difference lies in 'Commander,' which means commanding others. It implies the ability to lead other officers, perceive the overall situation, and make strategic decisions."
"At this stage, one touches upon the concept of 'micro-management' in martial arts, though just at the threshold."
"Also, at this level, one starts to grasp the concept of 'momentum' or 'presence,' though only superficially."
Li Changkong explained, "Do you understand this?"
"Yes."
"Here lies another division, the fourth. You've heard the saying, 'The pot won't break far from the well, and the general will die on the battlefield,' right?"
"Yes."
"The next rank is Marquis."
"Regardless of being a General or Commander, surviving many battles and accumulating enough merit to be conferred as a Marquis isn't common."
"You've often heard the phrase 'confer Marquis and General,' but understand that 'Marquis' is a reward after a victorious return. It's not an official position but a title of nobility."
"Marquis status represents significant power. It symbolizes having 'momentum' or 'presence,' the authority to overawe others."
"Hence, Marquis is the fourth level of the Nine Heavens of Martial Arts."
"But note, at this level, a Martial General can potentially challenge a Commander."
"Here, strength accumulates rather than increasing in rank. There's no sudden enlightenment or dramatic breakthrough."
Li Changkong's detailed explanation was clear to all.
"This verifies the saying that everything below the Emperor level belongs to the Innate. Do you understand?"
"Yes."
"Good."
"Next is the fifth division, Martial King, or the fifth level of the Nine Heavens of Martial Arts."
Li Changkong's tone always had a hint of disdain when mentioning the 'Nine Heavens of Martial Arts.'
He added 'your so-called' to indicate his disapproval.
He drank some wine to quench his thirst. "What is a King?"
"In ancient times, the ruler of a country was called a King, who ruled over a region. In martial arts, only those reaching unparalleled heights in a specific area can be called Kings."
"Today's so-called Martial Kings don't truly deserve the title. It's a misnomer due to tradition."
Li Changkong chuckled. "It would be more confusing to call all the levels below Emperor as Innate."
Everyone laughed.
Li Changkong rolled his eyes. "Actually, there's a secret."
"What secret?"
"Originally, there were ranks like Martial Minister and Martial Chancellor, but they were too cumbersome and were scrapped."
Everyone was stunned.
Further subdivisions like Martial Censor, Martial Secretary, and Martial Assistant were too terrifying to consider.
"After Martial King is the ruler of a nation, the Martial Emperor. The Emperor can confer titles on Kings, governing them. There's also the term Martial Sovereign, but it's equivalent to Martial Emperor."
"Above Martial Emperor is Monarch, the pinnacle of the secular world."
"In times of alliance against powerful foes, the most respected leader becomes the Monarch, even revered by Emperors."
"This is the most respected title in our continent."
"Monarchs, even in the late stage, can borrow power from nature, understanding some mysteries of the world."
"This signifies the start of extraordinary power at the peak of secular authority. You'll understand this when you reach this level."
"This is the sixth division, or the ninth level of the Nine Heavens of Martial Arts."
"That's why I don't acknowledge the term 'Nine Heavens of Martial Arts.' It's just self-glorification by mundane martial artists."
"Focus on actual cultivation rather than grandiose titles. Don't be misled by popular sayings."
Everyone smiled awkwardly.
Including Fang Che, who had always promoted the
'Nine Heavens of Martial Arts' in his previous life...
Hearing such a detailed breakdown today, he realized his lifelong advocacy was nonsense...
It felt very peculiar.
Li Changkong laughed. "I've explained as much as I can, as I've only reached the Emperor level. Beyond that, you'll have to discover for yourselves."
All the students pondered deeply.
The four instructors from Class Eleven stood and toasted. "Instructor Li, you're truly a gold medalist. We've learned a lot!"
Li Changkong laughed heartily and downed his drink.
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