Inside the thatched cottage.
"You must have forged your own path by now?" The old man glanced at Jiang Ning again and asked.
"I have!" Jiang Ning nodded.
"That is hardly surprising!" the old man said. "To reach the first-grade Unity Realm, you must have encountered countless fortunes and opportunities, but your comprehension must also be extraordinary. It would be strange if you had failed to forge your own path."
Looking at Jiang Ning, the old man continued, "I did not have particularly high expectations of you before. For a thousand years, no one has reached the point I have-not even those from the Upper Three Heavens. But now, I see considerable hope in you. If you ever reach my level, I hope you can bring peace to the world."
"Even without your asking, Senior, I would do so," Jiang Ning said.
"That, I believe." The old man smiled and took another sip of tea. "I read accounts of your past deeds and learned something of your character. I hope you will not take offense."
"You jest, Senior," Jiang Ning said.
After a pause, Jiang Ning could not help seizing the opportunity to ask another question.
"Senior, what realm exactly lies above the first grade-the realm of a Martial Saint?"
"Above the first grade..." A reminiscent look appeared in the old man's eyes before he shook his head. "I cannot tell you that yet! I hope you will comprehend it for yourself. All you need to know is that the flesh has no limits, and the spirit knows no bounds. Grow endlessly stronger, climb endlessly higher, and one day, you will stand atop the mountain and see the mysteries of the human body, and a far vaster world."
"Once someone reaches that point and sees certain things, he will know