Chapter 31: The Cultivation Technique Acquired, the Real Way to Level Up
In the morning, the sky over Guanshan Township was suddenly covered with magnificent, colorful clouds stretching across the horizon.
Those unaware of the significance simply attributed it to unusual but beautiful weather.
However, the martial arts masters hidden within Guanshan Township were all astonished, their hearts filled with awe and reverence.
Xu Ning stood by the window of his inn room, gazing in amazement at the auspicious clouds in the sky.
Zhao Datou's words from long ago seemed to echo in his ears:
"Martial arts grandmasters appear only once every ten thousand years. When one does, their name will be remembered for eternity. If you ask whether becoming an immortal or a grandmaster is easier, I can only tell you this: becoming a grandmaster is harder than becoming an immortal!"
"Once a grandmaster is achieved, auspicious clouds will cover ten thousand miles, and the world will know their name!"
These were the words Zhao Datou had spoken to Xu Ning when he had asked what a true grandmaster looked like.
Now, looking at the radiant, colorful auspicious clouds filling the sky, Xu Ning knew with certainty that Meng Yangming had most likely broken through to the legendary grandmaster level.
He hadn't expected that Meng Yangming had already reached the peak of the Innate Realm before being poisoned. The breakthrough, triggered by the removal of the poison that had suppressed his power for so long, had finally come.
But then Xu Ning thought about it and understood. If he wasn't at the peak of the Innate Realm, how could he have withstood the ravages of the Hundred Flowers Wither poison for so many years? It made perfect sense.
This is for the best, Xu Ning thought. With this grandmaster owing me a debt of gratitude, I'll be safer in the long run.
Of course, this wasn't Xu Ning's original intention in saving the other man. It was an unexpected but welcome outcome he hadn't anticipated.
Besides the desire for cultivation techniques, another major reason he had chosen to save Meng Yangming was that Xu Ning vaguely saw a resemblance to Zhao Datou in him. A kindred spirit, perhaps.
After some reflection, Xu Ning pushed the thoughts aside and went to get his identification certificate. He then headed to the local academy to register for the examinations.
Today was the final registration day for the provincial examination. It closed tomorrow, and the exam itself would begin the day after.
Nothing unexpected happened during the registration process. Xu Ning successfully completed the necessary paperwork and, a few days later, passed the provincial examination, becoming a student of the preliminary examination, a "Tongsheng."
Although becoming a Tongsheng only qualified him to participate in the next level, the county examination, it already placed him among the best of local scholars. Many lifelong scholars never achieved even this first step in their entire lives.
Of course, the more important next step was the county examination. Passing the county examination would make him a "Xiucai," a scholar with official recognition and privileges. This position offered him a chance to become a local official or teacher.
And this was the very hurdle that had blocked his teacher, Qiao Hexuan, for over thirty years, preventing him from ever advancing further.
Therefore, Xu Ning secretly resolved to give it his absolute all in the upcoming county examination. Even if he couldn't pass the higher imperial examinations later, he would at least pass this county-level exam to give his aging teacher a satisfactory result, a validation of his teaching.
After completing all the necessary procedures for the next stage, Xu Ning waited in Guanshan Township for a few more days, hoping to meet with Meng Lingzhu. But they still hadn't come looking for him.
With the county examination imminent, Xu Ning had no choice but to leave and travel to the county seat.
Four or five days later, Xu Ning arrived in Linyun City, which was the county seat for the region.
After resting for a night at an inn, Xu Ning went directly to register for the county examination the next day.
Three days later, Xu Ning successfully completed the written exams and was now anxiously waiting for the results to be posted.
Xu Ning was quite nervous about the outcome.
After all, if he didn't pass this time, he would have to wait another three years for the next examination cycle. And Xu Ning didn't know how many more three-year periods his elderly teacher, Qiao Hexuan, could possibly endure.
During this anxious waiting period, Xu Ning finally met up with Meng Lingzhu and Meng Yangming again.
The three of them couldn't help but smile warmly when they met.
Meng Yangming looked completely different from before. The energy and spirit he now exuded were incomparable to the dying man Xu Ning had treated. He radiated power and vitality.
"Young friend! Come, have a drink with me!" Meng Yangming said with a broad smile.
Xu Ning didn't refuse and nodded directly. "Sure, I'd be honored."
If it were before, Xu Ning would definitely have refused such a public meeting, because he was afraid of the other party's hidden enemies discovering their connection.
However, today was different. Meng Yangming had become a Grandmaster. His enemies certainly wouldn't dare to make a move against him or his associates in the short term. The balance of power had shifted entirely.
Moreover, Xu Ning guessed that the reason Meng Yangming and the others hadn't come looking for him these past few days was perhaps because they had gone to seek revenge on their enemies first. For all he knew, those enemies might have already been wiped out by Meng Yangming's newfound power.
They found a decent, quiet tavern, ordered a few dishes, and the three of them ate and chatted amicably.
"I heard from Lingzhu that you came to participate in the imperial examinations," Meng Yangming said between bites. "Since you're here in the county seat, have you already passed the preliminary examination and registered for the county level?"
Xu Ning nodded. "To be honest, Senior, I passed the preliminary examination, and I've also finished the county examination. Now I'm just waiting for the results to be announced."
Meng Yangming and Meng Lingzhu were surprised to hear this, exchanging impressed glances.
After all, for martial arts practitioners like them, the imperial examinations had always been something they held in high reverence, a completely different path from their own. In their view, being able to become a Tongsheng was already quite remarkable for someone so young.
"I'm also very curious to see whether you make the list, young friend," Meng Yangming said, his interest genuine. "How about we stay in the city for a few more days and see the results together?"
Meng Lingzhu, standing beside him, nodded eagerly. This was exactly what she wanted.
Then, the three of them began to chat more freely. Meng Yangming made no attempt to hide his praise and admiration for Xu Ning's skills and character.
After a few rounds of drinks, Meng Yangming reached into his robes and took out seven worn but well-preserved secret manuals. He handed them respectfully to Xu Ning. "These are the martial arts manuals you requested, young friend. A small token of my immense gratitude."
Xu Ning quickly accepted them and carefully put them away, his heart racing with anticipation.
Meng Yangming couldn't help but ask, his curiosity getting the better of him. "Young friend, do you want these manuals to practice martial arts yourself? To learn from them?"
Xu Ning shook his head honestly. "I'm not particularly interested in practicing more martial arts, Senior. I just want to borrow them to study them, to read and understand them."
Meng Yangming's face showed a knowing, meaningful expression, but he just smiled and didn't press further. He understood that some people had their own mysterious ways.
Xu Ning knew, of course, that the other party had likely seen through him to some extent. But his face showed no displeasure. So what if he saw through me? I'll continue to hide my true abilities. What does it matter? In any case, I don't want others to know that I also practice martial arts unless my life is in danger.
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Seeing that it was getting late, Xu Ning made his excuses and left first.
Upon returning to his inn room, Xu Ning eagerly took out the cultivation manuals Meng Yangming had given him and began examining them carefully.
It had to be said, Meng Yangming was quite trustworthy and generous.
Of the seven manuals, four were top-tier techniques that could be practiced all the way to the ninth level, the peak of martial arts.
The other three were no less impressive, all capable of reaching the seventh level, which was still remarkable.
Clearly, Meng Yangming hadn't held back. He had given Xu Ning his most treasured techniques, the core of his family's martial heritage.
This made Xu Ning quite gratified. His efforts in saving the man hadn't been in vain.
Of course, Xu Ning had no intention of actually practicing these new techniques. His three current techniques were already more than sufficient, and practicing more would be a waste of precious time and ultimately pointless for his goals.
He then lit an oil lamp and began studying the first manual intently.
As he read with careful observation, his understanding of his own three techniques began to improve rapidly, almost instantly.
This speed of improvement completely exceeded Xu Ning's expectations.
It was only then that he truly understood. The most effective way to upgrade his techniques was not just reading any books, but studying other, related cultivation techniques directly.
The difference was now enormous, night and day.
The next day, Xu Ning stayed indoors, spending every waking hour engrossed in studying these precious manuals.
When Xu Ning finished studying the second book, the Vajra Indestructible Divine Art and Snow Shadow Step underwent a profound transformation. They successfully upgraded to the most advanced techniques possible, reaching their theoretical peak.
At the same time, his Iron Shirt technique also improved significantly, reaching the seventh level.
Xu Ning didn't stop there. He continued his study, hoping to upgrade Iron Shirt all the way to the highest level as well.
However, as he read further into the remaining manuals, Xu Ning discovered something that greatly surprised him and changed his understanding.
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Chapter 32: Passing the Imperial Examination, Top Scholar
Xu Ning discovered that as he continued reading through the remaining manuals, the Vajra Indestructible Divine Art and Snow Shadow Step, which had already reached what he thought were their peak levels, were actually still improving. The understanding deepened, the techniques refined themselves further.
Xu Ning was surprised. Was this just becoming more profound, or could they actually continue to upgrade to a whole new level?
Out of curiosity, Xu Ning took out the thatched hut and asked, "How is the grading of my cultivation methods different from the grading of items like you?"
The thatched hut replied, "Actually, it's quite similar. Before the second level, it's low-grade mortal. From the second to the sixth level, it's mid-grade mortal. From the sixth to the eighth level, it's high-grade mortal. The ninth level is top-grade mortal. The tenth level is legendary mortal. And the eleventh level is divine mortal."
After hearing this, Xu Ning had a general idea of the scale.
A cultivation method that could be cultivated to the tenth level was something truly legendary. Such a method was nearly impossible to find in the mortal realm. Once mastered, it could surpass a grandmaster and possess the legendary strength of the mortal world, becoming something beyond normal human limits.
Those who could cultivate to the eleventh level would possess something completely beyond the comprehension of ordinary mortals. Upon mastering this level of cultivation, they would wield power surpassing the mortal world entirely, stepping into a realm of legend.
Xu Ning then thought of another crucial question. "Does cultivating to the eleventh level mean being comparable to a cultivator's power?"
After all, surpassing the mortal realm was precisely the definition of a cultivator's power.
The Thatched Hut clarified, "Incomparable in a direct sense, but infinitely close. If such a person were to then become a cultivator, their foundation would surpass everything. They would be unmatched."
Xu Ning's eyes lit up upon hearing this.
Perhaps ordinary people simply couldn't achieve this, since they had no chance of obtaining a mortal-level divine-grade cultivation technique in the first place.
Even if someone did obtain one, they wouldn't have the lifespan to cultivate the technique all the way to the eleventh level, let alone then pursue immortality on top of that.
But Xu Ning was different. He possessed effectively endless lifespan through his system!
This was a very long and ambitious plan. No, he reminded himself, I can't rush this. I must proceed slowly, step by step, steadily and surely. Otherwise, I wouldn't even know when I might perish through carelessness.
After calming himself down, Xu Ning continued to study the cultivation techniques diligently.
He paused after a short while, a new thought striking him. "Wait, can Tie Dan and Yingying Monster cultivate these techniques too?"
If they both upgraded to the Mortal-level Divine Grade and then mastered a Mortal-level Divine Grade technique, what would happen if they then cultivated all the way to Immortality? The potential was staggering.
Having considered this, Xu Ning naturally decided to try it immediately.
He summoned Tie Dan and Yingying Monster and carefully taught them the foundational principles of the technique.
Unexpectedly, they could actually comprehend and practice it. They immediately entered a deep meditative state, their energies swirling.
Since they were in a meditative state, Xu Ning ignored them for the moment and continued studying the technique on his own. Before he knew it, the afternoon had passed.
Bang bang bang—
Muffled, explosive thuds suddenly came from Tie Dan and Yingying Monster while they were practicing. The sounds startled Xu Ning awake from his reading.
Looking at the two beasts, who had already opened their eyes and were looking around with newfound awareness, Xu Ning was completely taken aback.
They had reached the first level of the technique in just one afternoon! It had taken Xu Ning almost two full years of dedicated effort to achieve the same!
"How did you two get here so fast?" Xu Ning couldn't help but ask directly, his voice a mix of awe and slight envy.
The two beasts couldn't hide their smugness. Then, Tie Dan spoke up, his tone insufferably proud. "Xu Ning, we're both top-grade mortals now. In terms of natural aptitude for cultivation, some people just can't compare, no matter how hard they try."
Xu Ning immediately sensed something was wrong. "Who are these 'some people' you're talking about so casually? Believe me or not, I'll duel you right now to settle this!"
Tie Dan simply looked up at the ceiling, seemingly indifferent to the threat, a smug look still on his face.
For the next two days, Xu Ning devoted himself entirely to studying the remaining cultivation techniques. This caused his three core techniques to improve at an extremely rapid pace. His Iron Shirt technique even reached the eighth level.
This was originally just a basic, foundational body-tempering technique. But reaching this level completely exceeded the understanding of the normal martial arts world. It was unheard of.
Xu Ning couldn't imagine how profound it would be if it ever reached the legendary eleventh level.
At the same time, the improvement of the three techniques also gave Xu Ning a deeper, more holistic understanding and insight into the nature of martial arts itself.
He felt that it wouldn't be long now before he could break through to the Innate Realm. This rapid progress was largely due to the immense value of these techniques he was studying.
After all, four of them were top-tier techniques of the highest order.
Such opportunities wouldn't come around often. Although Xu Ning had asked Meng Yangming to help collect more in the future, even for a grandmaster like him, obtaining top-tier martial arts techniques from other families wouldn't be easy.
After all, martial arts techniques were extremely important to the entire martial world, often valued above even life itself. A powerful technique could sustain the glory and power of an entire family for generations.
Therefore, sometimes, even at the cost of death, someone would rather die than let their family's secret technique be passed on to outsiders.
Since the examination results were being released today, Xu Ning didn't have extra time to study. He set the manuals aside and went directly to the announcement area in the city center.
Meng Yangming and Meng Lingzhu were already there, waiting. Upon seeing Xu Ning, Meng Lingzhu immediately waved with delight.
Coming to their side, Xu Ning couldn't help but smile at their eager faces. "I feel like you two are even more excited about this than I am!"
Meng Lingzhu replied, her voice a little strained, "We actually have other things to attend to soon. We purposely stayed here just to see your results. By the way, about what I promised you earlier... I'll come back to fulfill it after my grandfather and I finish our business."
Meng Lingzhu blushed slightly as she said this, her eyes flickering with an emotion Xu Ning didn't quite catch.
Xu Ning was surprised. "A promise? What promise? I only asked you to help me collect more cultivation techniques. You don't really need to force yourself to promise anything else. That's more than enough."
Meng Lingzhu was taken aback, a flicker of disappointment flashing in her eyes before she quickly hid it. After regaining her composure, she said, "Then we'll do our best to find more techniques for you."
Noticing the subtle change in Meng Lingzhu's expression, Meng Yangming sighed inwardly but wisely said nothing more. He understood his granddaughter's heart better than she did.
Later, seeing the somewhat awkward atmosphere that had fallen between them, Meng Yangming tried to comfort Xu Ning about the results. "Young friend Xu, if you don't pass this time, don't be too discouraged. There will be other opportunities in three years. You're still young."
In Meng Yangming's experienced view, passing the county-level exam was a one-in-ten-thousand achievement. Xu Ning wasn't even a full-time scholar dedicated solely to studying; his medical skills were already remarkably good. How could he also excel at the examinations?
For someone like him to even attempt the county-level exam was already remarkable. In Meng Yangming's opinion, he should be proud of just trying.
Xu Ning waved his hand dismissively, his confidence unshaken. "I'm not in a hurry. We'll see what happens."
Dong—
Just then, the large bronze bell on the bell tower suddenly rang out, signaling the announcement of the results.
Immediately, several constables came over with a large yellow scroll and posted it prominently on the announcement board.
A crowd of anxious candidates and their families rushed forward, pushing and shoving to see the list.
Xu Ning and his two companions weren't initially in a rush. They hung back, letting the initial chaos subside. But the moment they casually glanced at the list from a distance, all three of them froze simultaneously, their faces filling with utter disbelief.
The reason was simple. At the very top of the list, written in bold characters, were the words: Xu Ning of Guanshan Township.
Xu Ning was initially somewhat incredulous. He rubbed his eyes vigorously, sure he must be mistaken.
After confirming he wasn't seeing things, he couldn't help but break into a wide smile. This was indeed far beyond his expectations.
He had only hoped to pass the county-level exam, to give his teacher Qiao Hexuan some satisfaction. He had never expected to be named the top scholar, the very best among all candidates!
At this moment, Meng Yangming and Meng Lingzhu, standing beside him, finally came to their senses. They slowly turned to look at Xu Ning with eyes as wide as if they were looking at a ghost.
The top scholar! They hadn't seen many like him in all their years of wandering the martial world. Such academic achievement was rarer than a grandmaster.
"Congratulations, congratulations, Top Scholar Xu!" Even Meng Yangming, a newly ascended grandmaster, couldn't help but bow slightly and sincerely congratulate Xu Ning. Such respect was due.
Moreover, Meng Yangming knew that Xu Ning also possessed the identity of a legendary divine physician. This young man was truly extraordinary.
Meng Lingzhu also quickly bowed, her voice soft. "Congratulations, Top Scholar Xu."
However, there was a clear undercurrent of sadness and disappointment in Meng Lingzhu's voice.
How could she, a mere wandering martial artist with no official standing, ever be worthy of such a man? she thought, her heart sinking. The gap between them had just grown immeasurably wider.