Seizing the Ranks of Attainment, Starting with the Book of Changes
Chapter 153

Everything Was Won Through the Fist

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He walked away, still dressed in a blue robe.

The onlookers on the long street and in the surrounding area were all caught in a state of bewildered shock.

what happened?

Why did it end so quickly?

Before the battle, they thought it would be a fierce and intense struggle, but they did not expect it to start so quickly and end just as swiftly.

The actual battle was completely different from what they had imagined.

The Black Sha Saber Technique, which was supposed to be deadly with every strike and snowball once it gained momentum, was defeated before it even had a chance to gain any ground.

Everyone had initially worried that the battle would destroy the entire street, and some vendors were even hoping for compensation afterward. However, the only damage caused by the battle was the shattered blue bricks beneath Mo Tianxiong's feet when he suddenly attacked.

Many martial artists from the Western Frontier were shocked. The gap between them was far too great; it didn't seem like a fight between peers at all.

The martial artists from the Central Plains were equally amazed and shocked by the vast difference in skill between the two sides in this battle.

Of course, they always believed in the prestige of the Dragon and Tiger Ranking, but they never expected that Mo Tianxiong, so revered by the martial artists of the Western Frontier, would be so weak.

Really!

Another instance of self-amusement in Western Frontier!

Someone murmured, "Judging from what Young Hero Yu said, Mo Tianxiong, who is said to be comparable to Lingyue back then, can only be ranked between tenth and fifteenth on this generation's Dragon and Tiger Ranking?"

The Western Frontier martial artists, who had been arguing in the restaurant just a few days ago, suddenly fell silent.

After all, Yu Tunzhou was ranked fourth on the Dragon and Tiger Ranking, while Mo Tianxiong couldn't even withstand a single move from him. This couldn't possibly be a difference between fifth and fourth place.

"Tenth to fifteenth place is already very good," someone kindly offered as a consolation.

"It's not necessarily that Mo Tianxiong is too weak; perhaps it's that Young Hero Yu is too strong. I've heard that this generation might be the strongest in a thousand years, surpassing the era of Yan Huifeng and Kou Ziling— "

On the long street.

As everyone gazed at the figure in the blue robe, they felt a sense of insignificance and powerlessness in the face of heaven and earth.

As the man in green robes drifted away, Mo Tianxiong remained standing in the same spot, staring at the curved blade in his hand, motionless for a long time.

Around the long street, Feng Qingping, who was watching the battle from a wall with her fellow disciples, was flushed with excitement. She and her fellow disciples exclaimed in low voices that Martial Uncle Yu was too dashing and handsome, while she harbored a secret that no one knew.

It was at this very moment.

Only then did Feng Qingping truly understand the nature of the person who had been teaching her boxing techniques every night for the past few days.

For any young martial artist, receiving guidance from Martial Uncle Yu is an immense fortuitous opportunity!

only----

The boy felt a little uneasy thinking about his slow progress in learning boxing recently.

After nightfall, around midnight.

Feng Qingping entered the courtyard on time and saw a figure in a blue robe, relaxed under the cool moonlight. He was exactly the same as the one who had appeared on the long street before, but seemed to be a few sizes taller.

"Keep practicing your boxing."

A calm voice came from behind him. Without hesitation, the young man stood still in the courtyard, assumed a boxing stance, and adjusted his breathing.

For Yu Tunzhou, the process of teaching boxing to young people was also a new perspective on the subject.

Practicing boxing, learning boxing, and teaching boxing are ultimately very different.

He refined the essence of this boxing style and compiled it into a general outline.

--

At this moment, looking at Feng Qingping's fist form, he stepped forward to correct her, saying, "If you want to master fist techniques, first practice in a space like a reclining ox, focusing on small space and large artistic conception. Seek smallness over size, stillness over movement."

"Take small steps, exert force subtly; the so-called 'exerting power from the smallest details' means exerting force within a tiny space, achieving internal and external harmony, and Tongtian from within."

Sweat beaded on Feng Qingping's forehead, and a sense of underlying fear and shame lingered in her heart.

He felt incredibly stupid; he had practiced a set of boxing techniques for days and still hadn't mastered its initial form.

He wondered anxiously if his Martial Uncle Yu was already getting impatient.

He forced himself not to think too much, calmed himself down, and worked hard to master the form of the fist technique, striving to make no mistakes when exerting force.

Yu Tunzhou was observing Feng Qingping's boxing style.

Compared to Mo Tianxiong, he was actually more looking forward to the boy developing his Fist Intent.

According to what Junior Brother Li said that day, the True Intention of his fist technique can be said to encompass all things.

Its grandeur surpasses even the vastness of the four seas. Thus, when millions practice its boxing style, they can experience millions of different atmospheres and develop millions of different Fist Intent, creating a spiritual practice in the smallest details.

So Yu Tunzhou was quite curious about what kind of Fist Intent this kid could develop.

However, judging from the current progress, I'm afraid this kid won't be able to develop his Fist Intent before I head south to the South Sea Dragon Palace.

Yu Tunzhou felt only slight regret about this, but no other emotions.

This set of boxing techniques is not something that can be learned quickly; on the contrary, the more hasty you are in practicing it, the easier it is to lose sight of its True Intention.

Learning slowly is never a problem, as long as you are willing to work hard and persevere.

After all, he wasn't looking for a Martial Dao successor.

Under the cover of night, Yu Tunzhou stood with his hands behind his back, quietly watching the boy's figure sweating profusely, his thoughts drifting back to the time in the cave.

Perseverance is difficult, especially when there is no hope in sight.

Old Mo once said he was a gambler, and from that perspective, isn't that certainly true?

When there is no hope ahead and malice surrounds him, yet he is unwilling to give up and die, all he can do is take a gamble, hoping for a turnaround in the future, hoping he can win.

Fortunately.

In the end, he did indeed win the bet.

But will this story end with heaven helping those who help themselves?

Or is it that those who accumulate good deeds and cultivate virtue will naturally attain divine enlightenment?

Or perhaps it is a training ground in the Mortal Realm, where lotuses bloom from mud, and all the hardships of life are meant to temper and refine us?

At this moment, Yu Tunzhou looked up, his eyes calm and serene, reflecting the blue sky of the outside world that he had longed for but could never have when he was in the small town.

In the Primordial Spirit Heaven and Earth, the first thing it saw when it looked up was the boundless azure sky. The black Kun Fish, its burning ambition ignited, also opened its long-dormant eyes at that moment and looked up again at the vast azure sky.

Its eyes burned with intense heat.

He slowly extended his fist.

However----

Everything comes from the fist.

Before leaving that night, the self-consciously dull-witted boy couldn't help but ask, "Martial Uncle Yu, am I too stupid?"

"Never underestimate yourself, nor look down on others," Yu Tunzhou said with a smile. "Feng Qingping, what are your ambitions?"

"Ambition?" The boy was bewildered. Was this something he could possess?

"Ambition is a powerful word," Yu Tunzhou laughed. "You must find your own ambition, and not feel ashamed or embarrassed by it, but conquer it and transform it into the driving force for your progress."

Ambition—is that a powerful word?

Feng Qingping had never heard of such a saying before, yet he wholeheartedly agreed with it. His previously uneasy heart was now burning with warmth, a feeling he had never experienced before!

At that moment, Feng Qingping blurted out, "What are Martial Uncle Yu's ambitions?"

"Naturally, he is invincible."

The figure in the blue robe stood smiling, and it didn't seem like a joke.

Even today.

Yu is no longer just trying to survive.

Why not go and see the view from the highest point?

They left the courtyard.

Feng Qingping jogged back to the dojo's dormitory.

He quietly entered the house and lay down on the bed, but his heart remained restless, like a wildfire that, once ignited, was difficult to extinguish.

He tossed and turned in bed, then finally got up, went to the courtyard alone, took a deep breath, and began practicing his boxing.

"Punching a fist into the land where an ox lies still—revealing the subtle workings of heaven and earth—advancing and retreating, cultivating one's own virtue—"

That night, Feng Qingping was not the only one in the Far West City who would have a sleepless night.

This highly anticipated battle quickly spread throughout the Far West City.

Everyone was focused on tonight's battle, but no one could have predicted this outcome.

Yu Tunzhou demonstrated an almost overwhelming advantage, the reasons for which can only be discovered by the various teams' External Scenery. Based on their revelations, the younger generation of each team almost all gave up the idea of challenging Yu Tunzhou.

Without means to counter or restrain Yu Tunzhou's Unity of Heaven and Celestial Person and man, they are no different from Mo Tianxiong.

There's no chance of winning!

If that person wants to, it's all a matter of one punch!

In the eyes of the various powerful cultivators at the External Scenery, Yu Tunzhou's understanding and mastery of the Unity of Heaven and Celestial Person was simply inconceivable, almost reaching the External Scenery level, only lacking the support of his Inner Heaven and Earth, which prevented him from sustaining it.

However, during this extended period, in front of his peers, he could be completely regarded as an External Scenery!

How do I fight this?

Not to mention that he had already entered Pure Land, it was not only the suppression of his "realm" that was so despairing, but also the suppression of his Primordial Spirit. He had almost no weaknesses.

It's an absolutely hopeless gap.

This battle wasn't because Mo Tianxiong was weak, but because the enemy was too strong!

"Shouling, the chieftain has ordered you to abandon this challenge."

A powerful cultivator from the External Scenery stepped in front of a young man carrying a sword, his tone leaving no room for refusal, "If you want the chance to obtain the Eternal Dragon Gate, you must set off immediately for West Xuan Commandery and challenge [Thunder Duke] of the West Wind Merchant Association Guild."

Yang Che.

The young man carrying the sword was none other than Shi Shouling of White Water Stronghold, who was on par with Mo Tianxiong and was one of the three strongest young men in the Western Frontier.

As the opening of the Eternal Dragon Gate draws ever closer, the entire world is in an uproar.

This monopoly on the quota has also prompted many young martial artists who were hiding in the mountains and fields to come out of seclusion. Even though they know that this is a conspiracy by the Great Yan Imperial Family, they still want to compete for a quota.

The Eternal Dragon Gate was a treasure land created by the Dragon Race and Phoenix Race when they reigned supreme in the world. It was said to offer countless fortuitous opportunity. According to the history of the Dragon Race, even the Heavenly Court, which later ruled the heavens and the earth, had coveted it.

"Yang Che, the [Thunder Duke] ranked fifteenth on the Dragon and Tiger Ranking?" Shi Shouling raised a thick eyebrow and said in a deep voice, "Why him?"

"Yang Che was once among the top ten on the Dragon and Tiger Ranking. He's currently the most suitable opponent for you in the Western Desert —not too weak, not too strong," explained the powerful External Scenery from White Water Stronghold. "His strength and reputation are sufficient. Defeating him could grant you the qualification to enter the Eternal Dragon Gate."

"Just a possibility?" Shi Shouling frowned.

"As expected, we anticipate significant changes in the next Dragon and Tiger Ranking."

The powerful External Scenery said solemnly, "It's not just you, Mo Tianxiong, and Su Wan; other major Aristocratic Clan and clans across the continents, and even the Central Plains, may also have hidden tricks up their sleeves. There simply aren't enough spots to go around."

Shi Shouling's expression gradually became serious.

Tonight's battle between Yu Tunzhou and Mo Tianxiong made him realize the vastness of the world; even those so-called dragons and phoenixes among men are nothing more than carp crossing a river in the eyes of some.

It's likely that the martial arts world in the Central Plains will become incredibly lively in the next few months.

The outpost in Shennong Valley.

"Holy Maiden, the Palace Master requests your return."

A woman in a dark blue pleated dress turned around, looked at the old man behind her, and said calmly, "Is it because of Yu Tunzhou?"

The old man shook his head. "It's related to the quota for the Eternal Dragon Gate."

Upon hearing this, a strange light flashed in the woman's eyes. "The palace has reached a deal with the Great Yan Imperial Family? Does this involve the power dynamics of the Western Frontier?"

"The Holy Maiden will know when she returns," the old man said, not wanting to elaborate further, and changed the subject. "In addition, there is a secret letter here, which is related to that Yu Tunzhou."

"Oh?"

The woman named Su Wan received the secret letter and found it to be a piece of intelligence, which contained a battle report of Yu Tunzhou killing Sun Xiongman.

After a moment, Su Wan said in a quiet tone, "Mo Tianxiong challenged us too early."

The old man agreed with this.

If this message had arrived a day earlier, even if Mo Tianxiong hadn't changed his mind, the forces behind him would have changed his mind on his behalf.

Initially, none of the factions believed that Yu Tunzhou possessed the strength to kill External Scenery, suspecting that others were involved in this battle. However, judging from this battle report—

The Yu Tunzhou wasn't even a sneak attack!

This person actually infiltrated the banquet hosted by Sun Xiongman, and in full view of everyone, composed a "eulogy" for Sun Xiongman, openly declaring that he came here to kill. In the end, he even summoned heavenly lightning to destroy the entire blessed land fragments, and in a head-on battle, he took Sun Xiongman's head!

really----

"How arrogant!" Su Wan's eyes flashed with a cold light. "It seems Mo Tianxiong has escaped with his life in this battle!"

The old man agreed, "Since this person truly possesses the strength to kill Sun Xiongman, even if Mo Tianxiong has hidden trump cards, it wouldn't be difficult for him to kill the latter."

"----I watched him build his magnificent mansion, I watched him host lavish banquets, I watched his mansion crumble----"

Su Wan's gaze fell on the last poem in the secret letter, and she couldn't help but read it aloud, as if she could glimpse the arrogance of that person from within the letter.

He coldly observed the rise of a new External Scenery, who was surrounded by banquets, and then took action to destroy all of this "wonderful" success.

For Sun Xiongman, his recent high spirits and lofty ambitions seemed to be nothing but a pipe dream, all gone in an instant, a drama of rise and fall in a single night.

"Was Lu Huaiqing like that back then?" Su Wan suddenly asked.

The old man was silent for a moment, then shook his head and said, "When Lu Huaiqing first ventured into the martial world, he was far from being so arrogant and domineering. But after experiencing many things, his style of doing things and even his methods have become more ruthless."

"So it seems Lu Huaiqing didn't choose another version of myself," Su Wan murmured to herself. "Tell me, what exactly is Yu Tunzhou's purpose in coming to the Far West City?"

"He seems to have some connection with the Heavenly Peng Daoist Temple," the old man said.

Su Wan shook her head. "What I mean is, what exactly does he want to gain from coming to the Heavenly Peng Daoist Temple? The Eternal Dragon Gate is about to convene, and everyone is striving to improve their strength, but this guy—hasn't he broken through to the Divine Ability yet?"

The old man's gaze sharpened. "Does the Holy Maiden mean the Dao Path? Fortuitous opportunity like Yu Tunzhou's Dao Path within the Heavenly Peng Daoist Temple?"

Even he couldn't help but change his expression.

The Yu Tunzhou is only at the Form Refinement Perfection; once this person truly confirms the Dao Path cultivation and advances to the Divine Ability, what kind of improvement will his strength receive?

And there are actually four such martial artists on the current Dragon and Tiger Ranking!

This alone demonstrates the profound cultural heritage of the Central Plains!

Suddenly, the old man turned around sharply to look in the direction of Heavenly Peng Daoist Temple, his expression filled with surprise and uncertainty.

"What's wrong?" Su Wan asked sharply.

The old man said in a deep voice, "An expert from the External Scenery has made a full-scale attack, and the location is Heavenly Peng Daoist Temple!"

Su Wan's expression changed. There were quite a few External Scenery stationed in the Far West City, far exceeding the number in ordinary county cities. However, all the powerful figures were Shougui and would never act recklessly in the city. Otherwise, the entire Far West City would have been destroyed long ago.

"Yes—" Su Wan suddenly exclaimed, "Someone is targeting Yu Tunzhou?"

The old man gazed into the distance, his expression grave, and said, "Two External Scenery from the Outer Realm made a move, and one of them actually managed to stop Zuo Lan!"

As Grandmaster on the Earth Ranking, Zuo Lan's strength ranks among the top in the various External Scenery within the Far West City.

Such a display is not something that ordinary noble Aristocratic Clan or noble households can produce!

Each studio has its own External Scenery, but there are also places where External Scenery are needed year-round. The fact that they can provide two External Scenery at once, one of whom is Grandmaster of the Earth Ranking, speaks volumes about the behind-the-scenes story...

Could it be the Six Paths of Evil and Demons?

Su Wan decisively said, "Elder Mu, go and help!"

"The Heavenly Peng Daoist Temple must not be allowed to suffer any mishap in the Far West City!"

The old man's expression turned solemn. "Indeed, the Heavenly Peng Daoist Temple must not be allowed to suffer any mishap at this time!"

Otherwise, when that person returns in the future, they will not ignore what they have done today!

Furthermore, they have no conflict of interest with Yu Tunzhou, and they can even do him a favor.

With this in mind, the old man immediately set off.

In the courtyard of Heavenly Peng Daoist Temple.

Yu Tunzhou was calmly practicing the third form of his fist technique.

After adjusting his mindset tonight, he could vaguely grasp some of the key points of Little Black Hua Peng's transformation.

Suddenly.

He calmly asked, "A friend visiting so late at night, are you planning a sneak attack?"

With a cold snort.

The person who infiltrated the courtyard clenched his fist and punched out, causing waves to surge around him. The waves were deep and dark, like an endless sea, and the force of his fist was immense!

Yu Tunzhou's gaze was deep. His opponent's punch caused the energy of heaven and earth to tremble, and the power of water suddenly intensified, so much so that a hazy mist rose around him, as if looking at flowers through a fog. The dampness was heavy and terrifying, as if it could seep into his blood and bone marrow.

This is a truly complete External Scenery!

Sun Xiongman is no match for him!

"To deal with an arrogant brat like you, do I need to launch a sneak attack?!"

With a sharp shout, the infiltrator punched Yu Tunzhou in the chest, the force of which was like a vast ocean, its waves engulfing heaven and earth!

Yu Tunzhou's form resembled a roc spreading its wings, suddenly soaring into the sky, unwilling to engage the enemy here.

The surrounding area was filled with disciples of the Heavenly Peng Daoist Temple, and the aftershocks of the battle in the External Scenery were enough to easily engulf them!

You can't escape today!

The powerful External Scenery who had infiltrated let out a low shout, his will moving with the force, stirring up a vast ocean of surging waves that seemed to pour into the heavens and earth, turning the deep, dark waters into a watery kingdom.

At the same time, dark clouds gathered in the sky, their intensity suggesting a heavy rain was imminent.

This was the full force of an expert from the External Scenery; under the influence of their aura, it was enough to cause changes in the celestial phenomena.

At this moment, the sky was dark, the moonlight was blocked by dark clouds, and we were plunged into a dark gloom where we could not see our own hands. Yet, the waves roared, as if they were about to swallow everything!

At this moment, Yu Tunzhou forgot his perilous situation and sensed the changes in the laws of heaven and earth.

Water gathers and transforms into dark clouds, but lightning also follows. The way of all things in the world is not independent, but rather interdependent and mutually influential.

"Escape?"

He clenched his fist, as if he held lightning within it, a mysterious and extraordinary sight, his jade- Ruyu fist meeting the opponent's tsunami head-on.

The next moment.

Like a tidal wave swallowing the heavens and earth, it was torn apart by a bolt of lightning!

"The one who escaped today is definitely not me, Yu!"

Boom!

Within the dark clouds, streaks of silver snakes darted about, their color tinged with blue. Then, another bolt of blue lightning struck down upon the Mortal Realm, like a majestic blade of divine punishment. It appeared slow, but in reality, the heavens and earth were frozen in place, and the lightning passed through the solidification, arriving in an instant!

"Heavenly lightning?"

The External Scenery was sent flying backward, his body crackling with lightning and his face shrouded in mist. He exclaimed in shock and fury, "You used heavenly lightning in front of me?!"

"Arrogant brat!"

These words made Yu Tunzhou's gaze sharpen, and he vaguely guessed the other party's identity.

He commanded the Five Thunders Heavenly Heart Orthodox Method, using the Fazhen contained within himself as a guide, to carry out punishment on behalf of Heaven, thus summoning heavenly thunder.

This was also the first time he had used this Thunder Method at full power!

In an instant, the thunderclouds in the sky hung low and oppressive, suffocating everyone, as if a thunder pool, which had accumulated countless years of ancient Daoist essence, had been summoned to this place by Yu Tunzhou.

This scene caused the powerful cultivator from the External Scenery Realm, who had initially appeared to be defying authority, to exclaim in shock, "The Thunder Ministry's Righteous Law?"

"Impossible! All the Thunder Ministry's traditions should have been wiped out—where did you learn this from?!"

Yu Tunzhou, seemingly riding the wind, pointed a finger at the approaching figure. His lightning Fazhen instantly locked onto the opponent, and he lightly commanded, "Go!"

In an instant, lightning bolts rained down from the sky, one after another, forming a continuous rolling thunder.

The latter was immediately forced to dodge in a sorry state, feeling unwilling in his heart. He also summoned lightning, only to find that the lightning he summoned quickly merged into the opponent's camp!

Lightning crashed down, sparks flew everywhere Yu Tunzhou didn't yet have the ability to fly or disappear into the earth, but it used the wind to drift slowly down like a falling leaf, trying its best to prevent the lightning from affecting the city below.

At the same time, he sensed that there was also External Scenery battle taking place deep within the Heavenly Peng Daoist Temple, and that Senior Brother Zuo had been stopped.

Just as his thoughts were racing, several angry shouts came from afar, "Who External Scenery to cause trouble in the Far West City! Surrender at once!"

Upon hearing this, the powerful cultivators at the External Scenery, who were already avoiding the heavenly lightning, immediately retreated towards the outskirts of the city.

He turned his head and looked at us, his voice cold and menacing. "Young man, the Eternal Dragon Gate is not a place for you!"

Yu Tunzhou's face turned cold as he uttered two words: "Long worm!"

The latter paused, seemingly surprised that the other party had seen through his identity so quickly. However, sensing that several other External Scenery were about to arrive, he stopped arguing and sped away.

Meanwhile, deep within the Heavenly Peng Daoist Temple, the being who was locked in battle with Zuo Lan also began to retreat immediately.

Zuo Lan was unwilling to give up so easily. Amidst the golden light, a magnificent Heavenly Peng appeared behind him, piercing through the clouds and extending its claws, causing a splash of blood to erupt in the air.

By breaking through the External Scenery and connecting the inner and outer worlds, one can condense a corresponding Spirit Aspect with one's own Primordial Spirit Inner Form as the core. This is almost the precursor to Dharma Aspect form, and its power is terrifying.

A moment later.

Zuo Lan appeared beside Yu Tunzhou, clutching a dragon scale in her hand. Her eyes blazed with fury as she said, enunciating each word clearly, "I will immediately send word to my senior brother!"

"Even though my senior brother has broken through to the Half-Step Dharma Aspect, he still sits firmly in the Northern Dark Sea, not retreating an inch. With such a heart for the world and for all living beings, yet a villain has secretly attacked us and laid a hand on our temple. This matter will not end so easily!"

Upon hearing this, the External Scenery from all directions who had rushed over felt a jolt of fear; their worst fears had come true!

Before Yu Tunzhou could speak, they quickly urged him, "Brother Zuo, calm down!"

"Brother Zuo, don't be impulsive. There might be something fishy about this. Brother Fuyao has already advanced to the Half-Step Dharma Aspect. Which Dragon Race would be so foolish?"

Zuo Lan snorted angrily, "Junior Brother Yu has only been a guest at my dojo for a few days, and he has already been attacked by External Scenery. How can this matter be left unresolved! There must be an explanation!"

The External Scenery from Far West City hurriedly said, "Young Hero Yu was indeed frightened today; this is the fault of Far West City! However, the situation in the Northern Dark Sea is equally important. It's best not to alarm Brother Fuyao about this matter. We can exert pressure together!"

"Indeed, those two dared to disregard the rules of our Far West City and act so recklessly. We are willing to join forces with the Heavenly Peng Daoist Temple to put pressure on the West Sea Dragon Palace!"

"Hmph, although we don't know which lineage of dragon they belong to, since they're so close to the West Sea, we'll definitely settle this score with their West Sea Dragon Palace! We'll jointly issue a notice to the West Sea Dragon Palace, demanding they conduct a thorough investigation and give our Far West City an explanation within three days!"

Looking at the group of people who shared the same hatred for the enemy, Yu Tunzhou was taken aback.

He, the one who was ambushed, hasn't even said a word yet, so why are these people reacting so strongly?

Are you really that afraid of Senior Brother Fuyao retreating from the Northern Dark Sea battlefield?

End of Chapter
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