A Qi Master's Divine Skill

In exchange for the "gift" from the Old Emperor, Rein obtained the secret technique of the old man guarding the treasure vault, "Condense Qi into Gang".

It's not a martial art, but a method for condensing battle qi.

Ymir also said something.

After all, this was originally a gift for "them".

Although she had heard some of it before, she patiently accompanied Rein, listening to her great-uncle explain the unique Qi cultivation method of "Jiechuan Style".

"Qi Master" is almost the Extraordinary Profession with the deepest understanding of fighting qi among all Transcendent.

Listen to her; she has now entered the "Legendary Realm," and through this ability, she can understand even more.

Instead of continuing to wander around the treasure vault, the three of them sat down in a simply decorated little house.

"The true essence of the 'Qi Master' lineage lies in the application of fighting spirit, unlike the 'Martial Artist' lineage, which focuses solely on external martial arts techniques."

"When I first entered the Fighter Sequence, I also chose to start as a 'Martial Artist' because the martial arts moves are beautiful and the killing is fierce. Moreover, as long as your fighting skills are proficient enough, you will rarely encounter an opponent of the same level of Transcendent."

"Later, I discovered a problem: no matter how powerful a martial art is, there are times when it has its limits. Transcendent individuals are the 'guns,' martial arts are just the 'bullets,' while 'gunpowder' is the root of Transcendent individual's combat power. Battle aura is the 'gunpowder' for a fighter. Only by controlling more explosive battle aura can one unleash greater power. This is also the most fundamental reason for the difference between the major levels of Transcendent."

"I was thinking, is there a way to make battle qi more condensed? Then, I found a fragment of a secret method for condensing battle qi, unearthed from an ancient ruin in the imperial palace treasury, and I gained a great deal of insight from it. Later, I secluded myself for decades, and that's how I came to have today's [Condense Qi into Gang]."

"."

Rein listened attentively as the old man explained the origin and principles of his secret technique.

The whole story sounds a bit like "Versailles".

Simply put, Omar had a "fighting genius" back then who was invincible among his peers, but he was not satisfied.

He felt that his mastery of martial arts had far surpassed that of his peers, and even surpassed that of higher-level fighters.

However, he has never been able to overcome that hurdle, which is that he finds it difficult to "challenge opponents of higher levels" (head-on battles that are not subject to professional counters).

If you want to fight against opponents of higher levels, you can't avoid one issue: "Bodyguard Battle Qi".

Second Tier Transcendent have a battle qi veil, third and fourth-tiers have battle qi armor, and fifth-tiers have elemental armor, which is equivalent to wearing a "bulletproof vest".

This bulletproof vest isn't absolutely invincible, but if you can't break through it, the force can't penetrate it, and the damage it causes is very limited.

Therefore, martial arts techniques in combat against opponents of higher levels are like bullets hitting bulletproof vests. The bullet's hardness (the martial arts technique) certainly increases its lethality. But what determines the final effect is the bullet's penetrating power.

Generally speaking, within the same Fighter Sequence, when fighting across a larger tier, the damage from a lower-tier Transcendent can be blocked/buffered by more than 80% by the Bodyguard Battle Qi of High-tier Extraordinary.

That's roughly equivalent to 100 kilograms of force, and it's only about 10 to 20 kilograms that can penetrate Bodyguard Battle Qi. It would be good if it could even hit the opponent's main body.

That 10% or so damage is practically nothing to High-tier Extraordinary.

Unless someone with absolute Monstrous Strength like Rein, even if it's only around 10%, he still has an incredibly high base strength to break through the opponent's defense.

If 100 kilograms isn't enough, then 10,000 kilograms will do!

Once that defense limit is broken, it becomes "true damage".

Therefore, Rein's current opponents are usually killed by a single punch from his Monstrous Strength.

Of course, if you encounter something that can't be destroyed by bombardment, you generally can't win a direct confrontation.

Rein's current Monstrous Strength is entirely due to various fortuitous circumstances.

The Mind Core, the [Great Strength God Art], the [Gang Line], and the Bloodline Worms's feeding back to the body after maturity are all indispensable.

For ordinary people, it's very difficult to obtain even one of these things in their entire lives; it's simply impossible for all sorts of opportunities to pile up on them.

The same was true for Andrew back then.

Even though he was a member of the Omar royal family and possessed almost all the top cultivation resources in the world, he still couldn't find the method to allow him to fight beyond his level, no matter how hard he tried.

Even after visiting renowned masters and seeking guidance from top Transcendent individuals in various professions, no one could solve this fundamental problem.

However, this "fighting prodigy" did not give up. He read a large number of ancient secret manuals in the imperial palace collection.

Then, I actually found some ideas.

He felt that since the problem lay in the degree of refinement of battle qi, he should focus on refining battle qi.

Therefore, he eventually abandoned the "Martial Artist" path and turned to "Qi Master".

Then, by combining fragments of ancient techniques, he created a secret method that allows low-level Transcendent to break through the Bodyguard Battle Qi of High-tier Extraordinary.

That is—[Condense Qi into Gang].

"People generally believe that the strength of a battle qi armor is determined by the Extraordinary Rank, but that's not true. Battle qi can be condensed, but the method is very difficult."

When Rein heard Andrew explain the principles behind his secret technique, he inexplicably thought of his own [Gang Line].

Gang Line refers to shaping fighting energy into the form of "lines".

Andro's secret technique also involves shaping battle aura, but instead of creating a form, it involves "compressing and condensing" it.

He is increasing the "density" of his fighting spirit!

The strength of Transcendent's Bodyguard Battle Qi is directly proportional to their Extraordinary Rank.

To use a more vivid analogy, the Bodyguard Battle Qi of the First Tier of the Transcendent is like a layer of "sand," while the Second Tier is like "tofu," the Third Tier is like "stone," and the Fourth Tier is like steel, and the fifth level is like diamond.

Although their defensive capabilities differ, the essence of Bodyguard Battle Qi is the same: it is all battle qi.

Just like sand and diamonds, they are both made of carbon, but their hardness varies greatly due to the different arrangements of their atoms.

Andrew's "Condense Qi into Gang" is a special secret method for arranging and condensing fighting qi.

This method allows lower-level Transcendent to control battle qi with higher levels of refinement. This directly solves the most fundamental problem of "fighting beyond one's level."

If one can master it, even Second Tier Transcendent may possess the same level of battle qi condensation density Third Tier Extraordinary, or even a higher-tier ordinary Transcendent.

The so-called Bodyguard Battle Qi damage reduction no longer exists.

In gaming terms, the attack now has "physical penetration" capability!

Andrew used this secret technique to become invincible.

His hand blade, enveloped in battle aura, was indeed as sharp as a blade, easily cutting through the opponent's Bodyguard Battle Qi.

Initially, it was invincible among its peers.

Later on, it became possible to fight opponents of higher ranks.

In the end, after he reached the Fourth Tier of the Transcendent, he was virtually invincible. He could puncture any aura or magical shield with a single palm strike, as easily as popping a balloon. (Aura condensation is only one aspect of combat power; Andrew is a fighting genius, with exceptional fighting skills and physical attributes.)

His famous move, "Splitting a River with One Palm," is a testament to the ultimate refinement of fighting spirit.

However, this secret technique is very powerful, but it also has a huge drawback!

That is, the amount of battle qi after condensation will be visibly reduced.

The higher the level of secret technique cultivation, the more severely the amount of battle qi is reduced.

According to Andrew, to achieve a similar level of aura refinement to the next major rank, aura needs to be refined to about 1/8 of its original strength.

The whole process is like refining a rough iron billet with few impurities into steel, which will shrink in size.

Therefore, even for a professional "Qi Master" who is known for having the most abundant fighting spirit, practicing this secret method will make you appear to be a "weakling" in terms of fighting spirit.

Andrew paused here and asked again, "So, you've really decided to learn this secret technique? Although your current battle qi is quite good, seven or eight times that of an average Third Tier Qi Master, when it's finally refined, it might only reach the level of an ordinary Third Tier Extraordinary. Of course, the prerequisite is that you can master this secret technique."

He paused, then continued, "Cultivating this secret technique requires extremely unwavering perseverance, a lifetime dedicated to refining it. Any wavering could lead to complete failure. If you're unwilling to give up your immense fighting spirit, I advise you to abandon it as soon as possible; otherwise, it will be a waste of your energy."

"Senior, I am willing to learn this secret technique!"

Upon being asked, Rein agreed without hesitation.

The secret method that enabled Andrew to become the "number one in Omar" back then must have been something extraordinary.

Moreover, Rein himself doesn't need to worry about the amount of fighting spirit he possesses.

The mature Bloodline Worms gave him a battle qi endurance meridian that was almost like that of a divine Divine Beast. Now that he was at the Third Tier, his battle qi was seven or eight times that of other warriors at the same level.

As you progress to the Fourth Tier and fifth orders, this gap will snowball and grow larger and larger.

This massive amount of battle energy left Rein somewhat confused.

His massive battle aura not only gives him excellent endurance, allowing him to heal more and use his ultimate moves more often.

Aside from a few individual skills like [Sky God Strike] that provide decent boosts, it seems there isn't much of a significant increase in burst damage.

Even if he managed to condense only one-tenth of it, he wouldn't feel much heartache.

Because a rough estimate suggests that even after condensation, when he reaches the fifth rank, his battle qi will still be at least several times that of other rank players.

However, once condensed, the increase in combat power is immediate!

But if he learns this secret technique and gains super high "physical penetration", coupled with his Monstrous Strength, he will almost be able to "ignore defense", wouldn't he be able to kill a High-tier Extraordinary with one punch?

Upon hearing Rein's choice, Andrew's eyes showed a rare hint of satisfaction, and he said, "A wise choice!"

It's going to be very difficult for him to find a successor for this secret technique.

Not to mention the high learning threshold, most people have a shallow perspective and are simply unwilling to give up their fighting spirit.

It's estimated that after his death, he'll just be left to gather dust in the imperial treasury, and who knows when or how anyone will find him again.

Perhaps, it will be lost forever.

How could he not see that Rein, with his extraordinary strength at the Third Tier of the Transcendent Realm, was definitely a person of exceptional talent?

This secret technique may not be impossible to learn.

After a moment's pause, a sharp glint suddenly flashed in the old man's eyes, and he said, "Once you can master the [Battle Qi Transformation] technique, you will find that your vision has reached a whole new level, a level of power that no one in the world has ever seen before!"

"Um, senior."

Upon hearing this, Rein seemed to realize something and asked, "You can accurately sense my battle aura level because of this ability gained from condensing battle aura?"

"Good!"

The old man nodded and continued, "Once you master this secret technique, battle qi will no longer be something ethereal and intangible to you. It will become your closest 'partner.' You will be able to clearly sense the flow of battle qi within Transcendent individuals, and even the aura of all things."

Rein listened with a sense of awe but didn't quite understand, thinking it was probably something similar to "elemental affinity".

It's too early to say anything now, because the prerequisite is that he has to learn this secret technique.

"When I was young, I figured out this path on my own, and I took many detours. But after years of dedicated study, I've finally mastered this secret method."

Since it's called a "congratulatory gift," it's certainly not something to be taken lightly.

The old man took out a booklet he had compiled on the secret method of "Condense Qi into Gang" and then began a practical demonstration.

"Little Ymir, you watch carefully too. This should be more beneficial to your current level. I can demonstrate it for you a few more times; how much you understand is up to you. Otherwise, after tonight, you might not have another chance."

When Rein heard him say this, he didn't know if the old man knew his days were numbered, or if he was referring to the current chaos in Omar.

A look of worry appeared on Ymir's face. "Great-grandfather, you..."

The old man, however, was quite calm and said, "At most, I will reach the end of my life in two months."

The atmosphere was inexplicably somewhat melancholic.

Upon hearing this, the two of them became even more serious, listening attentively.

They may be the last two people in the world to hear Andrew's teachings.

The old man didn't waste any time and immediately began the teaching. "To achieve [Condense Qi into Gang], you must learn to control your battle qi."

As he explained, he simultaneously released his fighting spirit, gradually revealing the principles behind this secret technique from the basics to the advanced levels.

Just then, the old man raised his hand, and the teapot not far away floated steadily in mid-air. It was as if it were being held up by an invisible hand, and then it smoothly poured tea into the three people's cups.

Upon seeing this, Rein was dumbfounded, and in his heart he exclaimed, "Controlling objects with qi?"

Holy crap, this secret technique is amazing!

[Ding! System recording]

Rein listened, the system simultaneously began recording.

Even if you don't understand it this time, you can listen to it repeatedly in the future.

However, the only difficulty is that the system cannot record things at the level of "intention".

This lecture lasted for two hours.

It was only then that Rein realized what a "Qi Master" was all about.

So this is what Andrew meant by "essence". Everyone has their own area of expertise; this is a "qi cultivation field" that even the top experts of Mafat haven't ventured into.

Before attending the class, Rein thought that if he wasn't a fighting genius, he was at least one of the best Qi Master.

But after attending the lectures, he realized that he was really just hovering on the edge of becoming Qi Master.

He doesn't even qualify as Qi Master.

It would be more accurate to call him a "Martial Artist" with a powerful fighting spirit.

The true power of Qi Master lies not in martial arts skills, but in the application of fighting spirit.

Although Rein possesses a vast amount of battle qi compared to others of the same level, he uses it very superficially, repeatedly relying on the same move, "Overwhelming Force," to suppress his enemies with overwhelming power and battle qi.

This method is very effective, but if you encounter an enemy that you can't suppress, you can only engage in a prolonged battle and eventually be worn down to death.

Now, after listening to the explanation from this Grandmaster Qigong from seventy years ago, it was as if a new door had been opened for Rein, and he saw a completely new way of using power.

When battle aura is used on a blade, its power increases exponentially!

This secret technique of "Condense Qi into Gang" is similar to the "Gang Line" condensation method that Rein learned before.

Using fighting spirit to shape lines is a simple, introductory application.

This secret technique not only involves shaping battle qi into form, but also using a special structure to compress and condense it.

It's like first condensing battle qi into "silkworm silk," and then weaving it into brocade in a regular pattern.

According to Andrew, this secret method is theoretically limitless.

Once one's cultivation reaches Transcendent level, one can repeatedly refine and condense it, reaching an "unknown level of power".

This means that in the future, Rein's [Gang Line] may truly possess the strength of a "steel wire," the sharpness of a blade, the infinite length, and the ability to be shaped at will.

That exaggerated level of refinement could easily break through the battle qi armor of a Transcendent, and without even lifting a finger, a single Gang Line could take a person's head.

Rein felt that, having learned this secret technique, he, a melee fighter, seemed to have developed an incredible ranged attack method.

Of course, the most important thing is

Upon hearing the explanation, he immediately realized that this secret method could be practiced using the Mind Core's dream world!

This is the most surprising part.

With the "Mind Core," this secret qigong technique, which requires extremely high talent to master for others, is only a matter of time for Rein to acquire.

The three also exchanged ideas during the teaching process.

The old man naturally learned of Rein's ability to control the Gang Line.

Then it was Andrew's turn to be shocked.

Finally, a strange expression appeared on the face of the old man who had lived for over a hundred years and had one foot in the coffin. "You... you have already mastered the secret of condensing battle qi?"

Rein replied truthfully, "To be honest, I have previously learned a method of Qi condensation. Therefore, I believe that if I have some time, I might be able to master this secret technique of yours."

There's really no secret to it.

The only difference is that it utilizes a dream-based cultivation system to bring certain cultivation conditions to an "ideal state," allowing it to accomplish tasks that others cannot. Of course, there's also a twenty-fold difference in dream time.

Upon hearing this, Andrew's cloudy eyes suddenly lit up.

His once stagnant emotions suddenly surged.

Finally, before he died, he found the most suitable successor.

This secret technique will not be lost.