In the Great Dynasty of Shangxuan Province, the prestigious family, the Li family, resided within their expansive estate known as "Luang Garden." As the morning fog lingered, a group of Li family youths commenced their daily martial arts practice.

The head of the Li family serves as the governor of Shangxuan Province. The Li family's ancestors hailed from the Xianhua Sect, one of the top ten sects of the Immortal Realm, and accompanied the great Emperor Wu of the Great Dynasty to unify the world.

Shangxuan Province, formerly the capital of the Yuan Dynasty, was considered for re-establishment as the capital after the Great Dynasty's founding. However, due to its challenging terrain, the idea was eventually abandoned.

The Great Departure Dynasty's legacy was marked by decline, and Shangxuan's unsuitable conditions led to its designation as a secondary city. Nevertheless, the court entrusted this ancient city to the Li family, reflecting their deep trust.

The Li family's prominence is evident in their estate, which spans 1,000 zhi and features numerous courtyards and gardens. To an outsider, navigating the estate would be nearly impossible.

The Li family's inner estate, named "Luang Garden," truly lives up to its name.

The sound of fists slicing through the air and the shifting of the morning fog filled the space.

The young practitioners moved with vigorous precision—like a fierce tiger hunting prey, a lion charging a bull, an eagle swooping on a rabbit, or a crane gracefully soaring. Their movements were agile and powerful, demonstrating a solid foundation in their training.

At that moment, a pair of eyes from a concealed vantage point behind a rocky outcrop observed their every move.

These eyes belonged to a sixteen-year-old boy with delicate features and a black cap—an impoverished servant named Liu Feng.

"I discovered a hidden passage last month that leads directly to the inner garden's sewers. Without it, entering the inner courtyard to observe their martial arts would be impossible. If caught, it's certain death... but I can't remain a servant forever."

Liu Feng meticulously studied the movements of the young practitioners, memorizing every detail.

Liu Feng, a humble servant of the Li family, was born into a life of servitude due to his father's position. The family had been bound to servitude for generations.

Sneaking into the inner estate to steal the family's martial arts techniques was a dangerous and desperate act.

Suddenly, Liu Feng noticed a middle-aged man clad in a red robe approaching the training field. The man's presence was imposing, standing nearly nine feet tall with a posture as straight as a sword.

This man was Master Wu Liang, known as the "Giant Spirit Hand"—a renowned martial artist from the Li family, famous throughout the region for his profound teachings.

"When practicing martial arts, there are nine grades and eighteen levels! We categorize our training into ten stages: the initial stage is Health, followed by Conditioning, Movement, Rigidity, Divine Strength, Breath Control, Internal Strength, Bravery, Psychic Power, and the final stage, Transcendence!"

As Master Wu Liang arrived, all the disciples halted their movements and stood attentively.

Liu Feng listened intently.

"If you reach the tenth stage of physical training, you'll attain a strength so great that even five horses couldn't tear you apart! An ancestor of ours endured being pulled by five horses but managed to remain intact, showcasing the power of the tenth stage!"

Master Wu Liang's voice, deep and resonant, filled the air with authority, causing a tremor in Liu Feng's heart.

"How formidable is this strength? Can the human body truly reach such levels?" Liu Feng wondered in awe.

"However, don't assume physical training is the end. This is merely the beginning. Our ancestors, taught by celestial beings, possess knowledge of mystical secrets that surpass other families. To transcend the physical realm and master these secrets is to truly rise above and excel."

"Transcendence, the Mystical Arts!"

As Liu Feng absorbed these words, he felt as if a new world had opened before him. His usual observations of martial arts had never revealed such depths.

"What are these mystical arts?" Liu Feng pondered.

A disciple inquired, "What are mystical powers?"

Master Wu Liang explained, "Mystical powers defy the ordinary limits of human understanding. For instance, while physical training might enable you to tear apart a tiger, lifting oneself by one's own hair is impossible by normal means."

"It's impossible. No matter how powerful one becomes, lifting oneself by the hair is contrary to normal logic," another disciple replied.

"To accomplish what seems impossible is the essence of mystical power!" Master Wu Liang declared with conviction.

"Defying ordinary limits—that's what mystical power is! Whether it's manipulating fire or water, controlling lightning, or flying swords, these are the manifestations of mystical arts."

"Have you achieved such mystical powers?" a disciple asked.

"Reaching such levels is rare. I've only attained the eighth stage of physical training. Achieving mastery in the mystical arts would secure your position within the Li family and grant you high honor," Master Wu Liang replied.

"Achieving the mystical arts from physical training is as challenging as reaching the heavens. If you can attain the fifth stage within three years and demonstrate immense strength, it would be a significant achievement for our family. Remember, these legendary feats are meant to inspire you to train diligently and aim high!"

Master Wu Liang concluded, "Today, I will demonstrate 'Yannian Yishou,' a top-level technique passed down by our ancestors. Understanding its essence and charm is crucial. Remember, only by perfecting the physical body can one enter the realm of mystical arts. The mystical power, born from the mind, is boundless. Only with a strong body can the mind nourish and develop this power."

"Yannian Yishou..."

Liu Feng restrained his excitement and continued to observe.

Within half an hour, Liu Feng absorbed the knowledge of the physical training stages and understood the foundational principles of martial arts training. Determined, he resolved to change his destiny.

Suddenly remembering a pressing task, Liu Feng recalled that the young Miss Li would be going out hunting, and he needed to tend to the snow fox he had been raising.

Realizing this, Liu Feng quietly retreated through the hidden passage and exited the estate without detection.

Had Master Wu Liang been at the ninth stage of Transcendence, Liu Feng's presence would have been sensed, making his escape impossible.