Master Baiyun smiled and said, “True, complete martial arts actually begin with what you call Mortal martial arts, which are referred to as Gold-tier martial arts in the sect. Above them are Jade-tier, Immortal-tier, and Divine-tier, making three higher tiers.”
“No way, the martial arts we’ve worked so hard to cultivate are mostly incomplete?”
Dai Yuling was dumbfounded.
Ling Xiao wasn’t surprised. He had long noticed this, as his Mountain and River Martial Soul had given hints during its analysis and practice of these martial arts. However, the Martial Soul couldn’t discern what the complete versions of these martial arts were.
So, he could only practice them for now.
Though they were castrated or simplified versions, they shouldn’t be called incomplete—just more suitable for ordinary people to cultivate.
The only difference was their complexity and the level to which they could be mastered.
Ling Xiao figured that once he entered the sect, he might encounter many martial arts he had previously practiced, but at entirely different tiers.
Gold-tier, Jade-tier, Immortal-tier, Divine-tier—these were the true classifications of martial arts.
“By the way, Immortal-tier and Divine-tier martial arts no longer exist on the Tianlong Continent. The human world suffered a great calamity, and these two tiers of martial arts, like Martial Souls, vanished. While Martial Souls can still awaken, such high-level martial arts can likely only be found on other continents.”
Master Baiyun said with a hint of regret.
“Alright, Ling Xiao, let’s leave that topic there. Truthfully, I don’t know much more about this. Once you join the Yuehua Sect, you’ll likely gain more information and resources than I have. I might even need to rely on you in the future.”
Master Baiyun shifted the topic. “Next, we’ll head to the Yuehua Sect. Before we go, there are some things I need to explain, as they’ll be very important for you!”
Ling Xiao, Dai Yuling, and Leng Mei all understood that Master Baiyun was about to share his experience.
After all, he had once been part of the Yuehua Sect. Though his time there was largely a failure, the more failures one endures, the more experience one gains. Listening to him would surely be beneficial.
The three listened attentively.
This could shape their future martial path.
“If you’re fortunate enough to enter the Yuehua Sect, the first thing you must do is keep a low profile and focus on cultivation!”
“The status of outer disciples is very low. While the sect has rules against disciples killing each other, if an outer disciple is crippled, it’s usually no big deal. The higher-ups might not even bother investigating.”
“What I mean is, in the outer sect, don’t try to stand out. Stay as inconspicuous as possible until you become an inner disciple!”
The three understood Master Baiyun’s words. Given Demon Flame Heavenly Sovereign’s high status, if he saw Master Baiyun’s disciples as worthless, he’d likely keep them around for amusement, stepping on them when he felt like it.
But if their potential was too outstanding, it might truly provoke his killing intent.
At that point, an “accidental death” would be all too easy.
“Once you become an inner disciple, your status in the sect will rise significantly. That’s when you should strive to showcase your strength. The greater your talent and power, the more protection you’ll receive from the sect. By then, even Demon Flame Heavenly Sovereign won’t dare touch you lightly.”
Ling Xiao nodded. Based on his experience in the Ling Clan, this was indeed true.
“There’s one more thing to note. Once your talent is revealed, never act arrogantly. If an elder or someone of similar status tries to recruit you, and the offer seems decent, join them.”
Master Baiyun suddenly grew serious. “This is crucial. I’ve seen many geniuses who were so arrogant they refused to give face to anyone, looking down on everyone. Not long after, they died on missions, supposedly killed by external enemies. But clearly, no one was willing to save them. Acting that way not only fails to gain help but also creates more enemies.”
“One Demon Flame Heavenly Sovereign is already more than enough for you to handle. Add another elder-level enemy, and you’re done for. So, always remember to choose a side, no matter the circumstances. Staying neutral in a sect is the most foolish thing you can do, especially when you already have an enemy.”
“Have you all remembered?”
“We’ve remembered!”
In fact, what Master Baiyun said aligned with Ling Xiao’s own experiences.
His survival strategy in the Ling Clan was exactly this.
First, keep a low profile, then make a stunning breakthrough, and immediately find a backer in Second Master Ling.
At the Yuehua Sect, though the stage was bigger and the opponents stronger, the approach remained the same.
“Good. Since you’ve all remembered, pack up quickly, and we’ll set out at once. Time waits for no one, and arriving early allows for better preparation.”
Master Baiyun stood up.
“Your disciples obey!”
Ling Xiao and the others returned to their rooms, packed lightly, and then went back to bid farewell to Master Baiguan, Lin Ze, and others.
Due to the tight schedule, no one said much.
Before leaving, Lin Ze and Master Baiguan gave the three the spirit stones and some True Essence Pills they had painstakingly accumulated.
There were low-grade, mid-grade, and high-grade spirit stones.
Most of the True Essence Pills were low-grade, but they were highly effective for restoring true essence.
Afterward, the three returned to Baiguan Temple and set off for the Yuehua Sect with Master Baiyun.
They didn’t take a carriage or ride horses but chose to travel on foot.
With their qinggong movement techniques, their speed was far faster than a thousand-mile horse, even surpassing some demonic beasts.
Coupled with True Essence Pills to restore true essence, a brief rest allowed them to cover a thousand miles a day with ease.
The Yuehua Sect was ten thousand miles from Yunkong City. At their pace, it would take about seven or eight days to arrive.
This was why Master Baiyun was so eager to set out.
Seven days passed quickly, and they encountered no trouble along the way.
With a Mortal Realm martial artist accompanying them, any ordinary demonic beasts were easily dealt with.
On the morning of the eighth day, before dawn, the group of four arrived at a place of breathtaking beauty.
The sky was just beginning to show a faint white glow, and in that dim light, the scenery appeared like a paradise on earth.
“Heavens, is this where the Yuehua Sect is located? Even the air here feels invigorating, as if it has some miraculous healing effect.”
Dai Yuling couldn’t help but exclaim, “And those spiritual herbs and medicinal plants covering the mountains—they’re so hard to find in ordinary places.”
“This is just the outskirts. It’s still about a hundred miles to the foot of the Yuehua Sect’s mountain. Once you get there, you’ll understand why hidden sects captivate martial artists so much.”
Master Baiyun smiled, quickened his pace, and headed forward.
Though the terrain here was treacherous, with many cliffs and steep walls, it posed no challenge to him or the other three.
Their movement techniques were all exceptionally refined.
