Three Heavens

The young men were willing to listen, and Meng Yuan and Wu Changsheng occasionally chimed in. Nie Yannian became more and more animated as he spoke, delving into the initial changes and origins of the martial warrior path.

In ancient times, natural disasters were constant, and monsters caused chaos. In their repeated resistance, the human race gradually explored the path of the martial warrior and progressively perfected the methods of advancement.

Moreover, from ancient times to the present, nine out of ten founders of large and small dynasties were martial warriors.

Later, Daoism and Confucianism flourished, and then Buddhism emerged.

Each school refined its own theories and also integrated with others, each developing its own unique methods of advancement.

However, the three religions have risen and fallen, experiencing periods of prosperity and decline. Just like the current Qing Kingdom, which respects Confucianism and Daoism while disparaging Buddhism.

Martial warriors establish themselves through martial arts, focusing more on cultivating themselves, unlike Confucianism which cultivates Haoran Qi, or Daoism which cultivates both nature and life.

Because of this, when it comes to combat power, within the same rank, martial warriors are often the strongest. Once they get close, they can even instantly kill those of the same rank from other paths, and even kill those of higher ranks.

With strengths, there are naturally weaknesses. For example, others can use spells and divine abilities, while martial warriors can often only rely on a sword or saber.

Of course, these are mostly comparisons of advantages and disadvantages among lower ranks. As for what the scenery is like at higher ranks, Nie Yannian said he didn't know.

After finishing the old anecdotes, Nie Yannian began to talk about the path of entering the ranks for martial warriors.

Martial warriors have the concept of the Upper, Middle, and Lower Three Heavens. The Lower Heaven has thirty-three heavens, the Middle Heaven has thirty-three heavens, and the Upper Heaven has thirty-three heavens.

In total, there are ninety-nine heavens, which are often referred to by martial warriors as the Ninety-Nine Acupoints.

Buddhism and Daoism also drew upon the concept of the Upper, Middle, and Lower Three Heavens from martial warriors, developing their own theories. For example, Buddhism has the theory of the Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow Three Heavens, and Daoism has the theory of the Thirty-Three Heavens.

The thirty-three acupoints in the Lower Heaven are located in the skin and flesh, and their positions are fixed.

There are four in each limb, sixteen on the torso, and one on the head, totaling thirty-three.

The middle thirty-three are in the tendons, bones, and internal organs, and their distribution is the same as the lower thirty-three.

As for the upper thirty-three heavens, Nie Yannian did not elaborate.

Opening acupoints allows one to cultivate True Qi. And True Qi is the source of a martial warrior's strength, circulating within the Upper, Middle, and Lower Three Heavens. Therefore, opening the Upper, Middle, and Lower Three Heavens is the foundation of the martial warrior path.

Even the methods of some profound techniques require this as a basis.

The more acupoints are opened, the smoother the flow of Blood Qi in the body, the greater the strength, the faster the reaction, and the more rapid the circulation of True Qi.

The ninety-nine acupoints connected are like river channels. The more river channels there are, and the wider they are, the more essence they can carry, and the more convenient it is to mobilize them.

For example, a person's strength is like a large ship carried in a river. The wider the river channel and the more water there is, the larger the ship it can carry, and the corresponding strength will be more powerful.

Ninth Rank perfection requires fully opening the lower thirty-three heavens, Eighth Rank perfection is fully opening the middle thirty-three heavens, and Seventh Rank is fully opening the upper thirty-three heavens.

The seventh, eighth, and ninth ranks do not go beyond the scope of mortals, but they are the foundation of martial warriors. Once all acupoints are fully opened, one can see the vastness of the sky and sea, which is another kind of scenery.

Entering the ranks means opening one of the lower thirty-three acupoints.

This step is often the most time-consuming, but it's not difficult. Usually, it involves tempering the body, and then slowly opening the acupoints using the Way of Looseness and Tightness taught by Nie Yannian. Some also use medicinal baths to wash the body, combined with certain methods.

Once one acupoint is opened, it can form a line from a point, quickly opening the next acupoint. For example, the acupoints on the arm, starting from the palm, to the wrist, then upwards, and then the whole body.

If diligent, ordinary people can fully open the thirty-three acupoints in the lower heaven within three to five years; those with outstanding talent can often fully open them in one year, or even less time.

Of course, nothing is certain, and one might get stuck at a certain acupoint. Or if one is too lazy, there will be no progress.

However, opening one acupoint brings one benefit. Opening the acupoint on the top of the head can make a person energetic and clear-minded. Opening those on the limbs can make strength greater and more stable, and opening those on the torso can increase endurance and is good for strength.

As for which acupoint to open first, there is no definitive conclusion.

Some attack the top of the head first, some open the limbs first, and some open the torso first, mainly depending on the local conditions or other reasons.

Proper large sects and those with long traditions all open the acupoint on the top of the head first.

And some Boat Gangs and Medicine Gangs, who need to pole boats and climb mountains, jump high and far, require strong lower bodies, so they open the lower two limbs first, and then the arms.

As for some martial halls outside, they are even more varied.

Because of this casualness, although the world respects Confucianism, Buddhism, and Daoism, most people without a background choose the path of the martial warrior. This is because it is easy to get started, effective quickly, and after strength increases, it is beneficial no matter what one does.

"Look at those farmers and trackers, aren't they more resilient than you? But there are very few who open acupoints, and this is because they don't have a method. Although the movements of the Embracing Stake Nourishing Essence Art are simple, the important thing is the breathing method and the visualization method. But just this layer of window paper, if no one guides them, those people will never figure it out or understand it in their lifetime."

"People from large families and clans, or from prestigious sects, either take medicinal baths or eat well from a young age. They have long had their own set of methods for tempering the body, nourishing essence and qi, and opening acupoints. We can't learn them, and they won't teach them."

Nie Yannian looked around at the young men and said very seriously, "But fortunately, the path of the martial warrior doesn't discriminate. If others are faster, let them be faster. If we are more diligent and endure more hardship, we can also catch up to them."

"Don't panic and rush to catch up just because Little Gelder has succeeded. This kind of thing cannot be rushed. The Embracing Stake Nourishing Essence Art I taught you combines looseness and tightness. This may not be the best method for opening acupoints, but it is definitely the most suitable for you. Visualize yourself more, temper your strength more, and you will always be able to enter the ranks. It doesn't matter which acupoint you open first, as long as you can open it."

"Opening acupoints is something others cannot help with. I can only pass on some experience to you, after all, the path of the martial warrior is the one that values oneself the most."

Nie Yannian talked for a long time, and seeing that it was almost time for lunch, he became impatient.

"From now on, Little Gelder will be your senior brother. Listen to him for daily training, eating, and sleeping!" Nie Yannian said with a stern face, finally showing some demeanor of a strict teacher. "If anyone is not convinced, don't you dare come and complain to me. Beat him until he is convinced first!"

Seeing Master Nie value Meng Yuan so much, everyone couldn't help but look at Meng Yuan, but saw that Meng Yuan was expressionless.

Meng Yuan knew that being a leader was certainly a sign of his own ability, but it was also because he had made a contract of servitude.

"Go eat!" Nie Yannian waved his hand, but pulled Meng Yuan back. "You stay, I have a few more things to tell you."

After everyone had gone far, Nie Yannian said, "Martial arts, martial arts, is the external application of one's own strength, speed of movement, and brain. Do you understand?"

"It means that with greater strength, faster movement, and quicker reactions, supplemented by martial arts techniques, one can save more effort and display greater power. It's not just about learning martial arts techniques," Meng Yuan said.

"You kid are really good." Nie Yannian patted Meng Yuan's shoulder hard and said, "This is also what the old saying goes, practicing martial arts without practicing cultivation is a waste of time in old age. You don't need to rush to learn any techniques now. Temper your body more, visualize more with the Nourishing Essence Art, and focus on opening acupoints first."

"Thank you, Master Nie!" Meng Yuan expressed his sincere gratitude and then asked, "How do I open the next acupoint?"

"What's the rush? You just broke your body, it's fine to take it slow," Nie Yannian said with a smile.

There's never a good word out of this man's mouth!

"Precisely because I just broke my body, I should strike while the iron is hot and forge ahead," Meng Yuan said, abandoning all pretense of shame.

"You kid, you're good with both words and martial arts!" Nie Yannian sized up Meng Yuan and chuckled, "Actually, it's very simple. Continue practicing the Embracing Stake Nourishing Essence Art, cultivate True Qi, and then slowly use the True Qi to impact the next acupoint."

Seeing Meng Yuan's seriousness, he explained some key points in detail.

"Opening acupoints can't be rushed, you need to follow a method, and it must combine looseness and tightness," Nie Yannian looked up at the sky and said, "It's getting late, I'll teach you saber and sword techniques later! You lead them in training this afternoon!"

Meng Yuan glanced at the sun directly overhead and thought to himself, This is called late? You're just too lazy, aren't you?

"You must remember, don't break your body. Don't worry, when the time comes, I'll find you a seasoned old madam, guaranteed to teach you great skills!" Nie Yannian said very seriously.

I knew you were still thinking about the silver I'd earn as a male concubine! And what seasoned old madam?

"Master Nie, I still prefer young and pretty ones," Meng Yuan said truthfully.

"They're all the same with your eyes closed! You're still young, you don't understand the taste!" Nie Yannian waved his hand dismissively, looking like he was just trying to fool him, and got up to leave. "Put the lounge chair away properly, don't break it."

After Nie Yannian left, Meng Yuan walked towards the mess hall.

He had truly benefited greatly today, finally getting a glimpse into some of the deeper aspects of this world.

It seemed that having a good position was necessary for broadening one's horizons. If he had remained a villager and gelder, he would likely only hear some Fox Zen and find it difficult to touch upon reality.

Upon arriving at the mess hall, the usual noisy sounds of eating were absent; it was very quiet today.

The male and female students sat in two rows, each with a bowl of rice in front of them, plus an extra bowl piled high, clearly prepared for Meng Yuan.

All the students looked at Meng Yuan, each with a different expression.

Everyone had heard too much today. But the more they knew, the more they felt this Senior Brother Meng was extraordinary.

According to Master Nie, a Ninth Rank Martial Warrior needed to open all Thirty-Three Acupoints, which usually took three to five years for ordinary people, and even a year for those with outstanding talent.

And to open the first acupoint for entering the ranks, it would take ordinary people three to four months, and they would also need guidance and diligent practice.

But this Senior Brother Meng had opened an acupoint in just one month, and he hadn't received much guidance. Although it was too early to say for the future, he was undoubtedly very promising.

"Senior Brother Meng," Wu Changsheng also stood up.

"Ah... Senior Brother Meng," Tie Niu stood up and spoke.

"Senior Brother Meng," all the male and female students stood up.

"Calling me Ah Xiong is more pleasant to the ear," Meng Yuan sat down and said with a smile, "Eat!"