Martial Dao

Biodata

Power Progression

Cultivation Hierarchy

Principles

Martial Dao practitioners temper their physiques and use Blood Qi as the basis for martial ability. Lin Xiaotian first learns of the system after surviving the rift mist, concluding that greater physical strength would allow his Blood Qi to absorb more energy. 2

Early cultivation revolves around stimulating, strengthening, and circulating Blood Qi. A stronger body can contain and develop more Blood Qi, while techniques, food, and medicinal pills provide the resources needed to sustain this process. 2 5 19

Natural talent remains decisive. Willpower and comprehension can help a practitioner cross the Initiation threshold, but advancement into Skin Tempering depends heavily on the nourishment of one’s Blood Qi and physical potential. 20

Entry into the Martial Path

Entrance Stake Method

The Huang Family Martial Hall uses the Entrance Stake Method, also called the Stake Skill, as its entry examination. Candidates have three days to learn and perform it successfully atop raised stakes. 5 7 8

• Its mnemonic formula regulates breathing and stimulates vitality and Blood Qi. 8
• Its outward forms are flexible; only several key movements and internal principles remain constant. 8
• The key movements deliberately oppose normal bodily mechanics, making injury a common consequence of training. 7 8
• Performing the technique on level ground is insufficient; maintaining it on the stakes is the actual threshold for entry. 9
• The trial removes bodily impurities and reveals a candidate’s underlying Martial Dao potential. 11
• Of several dozen candidates in Lin’s intake, only four pass; the other successful candidates are injured during the trial. 11

Eight Extremes Mountain-Shattering Force

The Eight Extremes Mountain-Shattering Force is the Huang Family Martial Hall’s foundational cultivation manual. It is theoretically capable of leading a practitioner to Hidden Force. 15

• It emphasizes the resonance of force. 16
• When paired with the Entrance Stake Method and practiced to minor accomplishment, it can complete Skin Tempering. 17
• Hall Master Huang demonstrates the technique through eight afterimages, a violent Blood Qi eruption, and shockwaves capable of staggering weaker disciples. 16
• Lin uses the technique to guide the medicinal power of a Blood Essence Pill into his Skin Tempering breakthrough. 20

Cultivation Resources

• Medicinal pills — Strengthen the body and accelerate cultivation; martial halls retain their formulas as valuable inheritances. 11 16
• Nourishing meals — Daily food infused with medicinal essence that supports qi and blood, though it cannot replace ordinary nutrition entirely. 19
• Blood Essence Pill — A pill nourished by Lin’s evolved Blood Qi until it becomes top-grade, providing the medicinal power for his Skin Tempering breakthrough. 19 20
• Silver — A major barrier to entry; the Huang Family Martial Hall charges five taels for the Stake Skill and twenty further taels for formal tutelage. 5

Notable Practitioners

• Lin Xiaotian — Enters the Huang Family Martial Hall despite mediocre innate martial talent. His exceptional Blood Qi heals training injuries, enhances pills, and allows him to reach Skin Tempering. 9 18 20
• Senior Brother Tao — Huang Family Martial Hall instructor who teaches the Entrance Stake Method and explains the Blood Qi-centered foundations of early cultivation. 5 8
• Hall Master Huang — An Internal Force practitioner who demonstrates the Eight Extremes Mountain-Shattering Force and oversees the martial hall. 15 16
• Qin Household’s daughter — An External Force martial artist rumored to have survived an encounter with an Internal Force expert. 20

Limits and Higher Powers

Martial Dao is portrayed as formidable within Long River Town, but it may not represent the world’s highest form of power. Song Wanyan states that the Martial Dao of the world is insufficient to resolve her predicament, while her memory-sealing techniques and other supernatural abilities appear distinct from ordinary martial cultivation. 14

Hidden Force remains only a theoretical destination for the Huang Family Martial Hall’s teachings. Although an older expert was rumored to have found a path toward it, no resident of Long River Town is known to have achieved the realm. 15