"It's been a while since I've met someone as interesting as you," Qingyang Zi chuckled.
Truth be told, given his status, countless people were eager to curry favor with him. Be it a cup of fine tea or a sip of plain water, some individuals would praise anything to the skies.
Qingyang Zi found Pei Xuanjing's straightforward reply refreshing and felt no resentment for it.
Interesting?
Pei Xuanjing didn't understand Qingyang Zits sentiments and only smiled in response.
Qingyang Zi continued, "You've been in the Martial Academy for half a month now. How do you feel? If you have any concerns, feel free to bring them up, and I will help resolve them."
Pei Xuanjing shook his head and replied, "All is well, with no issues."
To him, every day was carefree, and he had ample martial skill methods to refine and accumulate Taoist rhythm. The current Martial Academy was the most suitable place for him.
Nodding his head, Qingyang Zi asked, "1 heard you borrowed the 'Giant Spirit Suppressing Mountain
Skill.'
Pei Xuanjing nodded, "Yes. I borrowed it for research to see if there are any learnings I can reference."
He was aware that he could not hide his investigations into martial skill practice methods from Qingyang Zi. After all, his interactions with the disciples of the Four Symbols Sword Sect weren't secrets, and anyone who cared to know would be aware.
When he surpassed the third-grade realm, all his information since birth had been compiled into records by now.
As the vice-chancellor of the Martial Academy and his direct superior, Qingyang Zi undoubtedly had access to these files.
"If you have any doubts, you can also ask me, " Qingyang Zi offered.
The old Taoist was keen on advising and appeared to have intended to mentor Pei Xuanjing.
Presented with such an opportunity, Pei Xuanjing of course asked a few questions. After all, even though he'd reached his current realm with the assistance of a simulator, he knew there was still a considerable gap compared to seasoned martial artists like Qingyang Zi who were immersed in the second-grade realm.
One might learn a lot from the successes and failures of others. Given Qingyang Zi's insights, even if some issues couldn't be directly resolved, they could indeed provide Pei Xuanjing with a divergent perspective and inspiration. He definitely couldn't miss such an opportunity.
As expected, Qingyang Zi answered each question raised by Pei Xuanjing on the application of martial skills, and where he was unable to answer, he still offered valuable advice.
In short, the advice given by Qingyang Zi was of great help to Pei Xuanjing.
Leaving aside everything else, the martial realizations shared by Qingyang Zi increased Pei Xuanjing's Daoist rhythm values considerably.
After a long while, having exhausted his questions, Pei Xuanjing naturally asked about Qingyang Zi's purpose for summoning him.
"May I ask why you have summoned me, sir?"
He believed that Qingyang Zi didn't invite him just to offer advice.
Qingyang Zi looked at him approvingly, pleased with how cooperative Pei Xuanjing was. "I heard you possess a Thousand-refined level divine treasure sword, " Qingyang Zi spoke slowly. "Hmm?" Pei Xuanjing initially frowned but then nodded, "Correct."
Qingyang was, of course, referring to the Thousand-refined level divine treasure sword he'd obtained after killing the Lui family's Fourth-grade martial artist elder in Anping Prefecture.
Although he didn't specialize in using swords, the very fact that it was a Thousand-refined Divine Weapon and its high value, made it inconvenient to use or sell, hence he kept it with him. Could it be that the old Taoist was thinking about his Thousand-refined Divine Weapon?
"Sir, you intend to…" Pei Xuanjing asked hesitantly.
"I would like to propose a trade with you today", Qingyang Zi candidly expressed his intent.
As one of the top-notch forces in the Great Ming, and with a good relationship with the royal family, Taihe Mountain True Martial Sect had an undisputedly strong foundation among these forces.
But even with such wealth and power, Divine Weapons were always in demand, never dismissed as excessive. The three divisions of Divine Weapons – Indomitable, Thousand-refined, and Ten Thousand-Forged – were quite rare. Top-level forces could only boast one or two Ten
Thousand-Forged Divine Weapons as their treasures, and Taihe Mountain was no exception.
Even the True Martial Sect masters only possessed the Indomitable-class Divine Weapons, with none of them having even a Thousand -refined class Divine Weapon.
Despite the True Martial Sect's fame in sword skills, they had a semi-extinct saber skill set, and an emerging saber prodigy lacked a suitable saber.
They'd initially thought of pleading with the imperial court to forge one, but unexpectedly, they learned that Pei Xuanjing had a suitable one.
Moreover, Pei Xuanjing was a swordsman, not a sabrist.
After explaining the reasons, Qingyang Zi said, "That's why I shamelessly ask you to exchange this Thousand-refined level Divine Weapon."
As Pei Xuanjing contemplated swiftly in his mind, he responded, "Sir, your invitation is an honor that I should not refuse, but…"
He wondered whether Qingyang Zi proposed this trade out of his own volition or if someone was testing him by means of this trade.
Could someone be trying to instigate a rift between Qingyang Zi and him through this?
After all, the Divine Saber was of no use to him. But if he declined, would Qingyang Zi harbor resentment against him?
"What exactly? If you have any doubts, speak freely," Qingyang Zi urged him.
In his opinion, the best resolution would be to facilitate the smooth exchange of the Divine Saber. Getting a divine blacksmith or seeking the court's help was admittedly a hassle.
Pei Xuanjing replied, "I am just curious about the terms of the trade you propose." He made a decision and agreed.
After all, it was a Divine Saber of no use to him, and he had considered trading it.
As long as Qingyang Zi offers a fair price, he won't mind doing a favor. Qingyang Zi tentatively suggested, "How about a high-level martial sword skill?"
Pei Xuanjing smirked at him, "This seems a little insufficient, doesn't it?"
A Thousand-refined level Divine Weapon was slightly more valuable than a high-level martial sword skill. After all, the boost in battle strength provided by the Divine Weapon was much quicker than that of martial skills.
Thinking about this, Pei Xuanjing found it strange how the Liu family, which didn't have a single third-grade martial artist, could possess two Thousand-refined level Divine Weapons. It was really bizarre.
Actually, it wasn't his fault for not understanding. The two Divine Weapons nominally belonged to the Liu family but were in fact left with them by the Mire Sect in preparation for a future undertakings. Unfortunately, all their plans benefitted Pei Xuanjing in the end.
Seeing Pei Xuanjing remain firm, Qingyang Zi added, "And one bottle of the Heavenly Yuan Great Pill and ten bottles of the Earth Yuan Great Pill.. How about that?"
A top-grade martial study of swordsmanship, a bottle of Heavenly Yuan Great Pill, and ten bottles of Earth Yuan Big Pill.
With these as terms to exchange for a thousand-refined grade Divine Weapon, it was quite an even deal.
Pei Xuanjing prepared to agree.
However, at this moment, he heard Qingyang Zi saying, "How about adding another half of a top-grade martial study?"
"Half of a top-grade martial study?" Pei Xuanjing was surprised.
Pei Xuanjing didn't quite understand what a half of a top-grade martial study meant because to him, an incomplete martial study of this caliber held no value.
A half-step top-grade martial study was akin to a mid-grade martial study, except slightly more powerful.
Qingyang Zi chuckled and uttered a few words: "The seventh and eighth layers of the 'Dragon Elephant Skill'."
What?
Pei Xuanjing's pupils shrank suddenly.
He never expected it to be half of this particular martial manual.
Why does True Martial Sect have the seventh and eighth layers of the 'Dragon Elephant Skill'?
Huh?
It seemed somewhat logical that the True Martial Sect would have these layers of that particular martial manual.
If he recall correctly, there was once a significant enmity between the True Martial Sect and the Diamond Gate, and the founding Ancestor of the True Martial Sect was present at that time.
With this in mind, everything seemed to make sense.
"Thank you, Dean. I will send the Divine Weapon later." Pei Xuanjing bowed with respect.
He had no choice; he owed a big favor this time, and the other party seemed to have figured out his bottom line. The seventh and eighth layers of the 'Dragon Elephant Skill' were given deliberately. Qingyang Zi waved his hand, "No worries, it is just an exchange."
Pei Xuanjing guessed correctly that the 'Dragon Elephant Skill' was a deliberate gift for him.
umgyang El's 01aer martial Drotner, wno was currently tne neaa or 'l'rue martial sect, sent a message that if Pei Xuanjing was willing to trade, this martial art would be added as a gift to him.
As for the reason, Qingyang Zi didn't know, he was simply following orders.
Pei Xuanjing expressed his gratitude once again.
Although the other party said so, he knew he owed them a favor. After all, he wouldn't forsake the subsequent training in 'Dragon Elephant Skill'.
Thinking of this, he asked again, "Dean, isn't the 'Dragon Elephant Skill' referred to as a semi-lost or even lost art?"
Qingyang Zi laughed heartily and explained, "It was our Ancestor who deemed it as such; we are merely following his words."
Pure, unadulterated dominance in that explanation.
He wondered what realm that ancestor, Sanfeng, had reached to give such a remark towards the 'Dragon Elephant Skill'.
However, this didn't matter to Pei Xuanjing. The transaction at hand solved his urgent needs. Even if he had not yet fully extrapolated the eighth layer of his "Four Spirits Skill", as long as he accumulated enough Taoyun, he could use the simulator to boost his strength.
When Pei Xuanjing agreed to the trade, Qingyang Zi, as if he was prepared, had someone bring over a fifth-grade Heavenly Yuan Great Pill and twenty bottles of Earth Yuan Big Pills, along with a
top-grade martial sword skill, 'Damo Swordsmanship', and the seventh and eighth layers of 'Dragon Elephant Skill'.
"I owe them a big favor this time."
Looking at these items before him, Pei Xuanjing thought to himself.
No doubt, he made a profit on this trade.
Granted, he could avoid owing them a favor by refusing.
But what's the point?
If Qingyang Zi or his True Martial Sect intended to be friendly, there was no reason for him to refuse.
Pei Xuanjing was alone. Becoming friends with True Martial Sect could be seen as him making connections with the elite.
Someone once said that martial arts world was not just about fighting and killing, but understanding human sentiments and worldly wisdom.
Owing a favor would create an opportunity to repay it later. This back-and-forth would build relationships and friendships.
After sending the Divine Saber, Pei Xuanjing returned to his little courtyard to begin studying his newly acquired martial arts.
He placed the seventh and eighth layers of the 'Dragon Elephant Skill' aside after confirming its authenticity.
His focus was primarily on the top-grade martial art 'Damo Swordsmanship'.
This sword skill originated from the Zen Sect founder, Damo. When the Zen Sect split, Ancestor Sanfeng serendipitously acquired this sword skill, one of the Zen Sect's seventy-two unique techniques.
The sword skill contained only eleven moves but could be recycled and used in a variety of ways. Its vast and profound principles of martial arts made it exceptionally powerful in dictating movements with stillness, and channeling energy was greatly beneficial for internal cultivation.
Also known for its eccentric moves, the agile and clever footwork and body techniques of this sword skill were unmatched by other sword skills. However, the essence of compassion in the Zen Sect remained, so compared to many other sword techniques, its offensive power was slightly inferior.
There is a characteristic common to both Budhist and Taoist cultivation martial arts. They both contain their respective philosophical ideologies. If you do not agree with these ideologies, your effort in training could be in vain.
However, for Pei Xuanjing, he was more interested in the Taoyun hidden within. He also found the body and footwork of this sword technique to be helpful in correcting his shortcomings.
As for the sword moves, he didn't really mind. After all, he preferred to extract some beneficial methods to create his own unique sword moves.
[Damo Swordsmanship, refining can get 21,000 Taoyun.]
"It seems that the simulator has given a high evaluation to this martial art." Seeing the prompt, Pei Xuanjing thought to himself.
The simulator provided different evaluations for martial arts of different grades. Even a martial art of the same grade could contain different Taoyun.
Generally, the Taoyun contained in a lower grade martial art ranged from 100-500; a mid-grade martial art contained 1000-5000 Taoyun; while a top -grade martial art contained 10,000-50,000 Taoyun. Even if there were differences, they wouldn't be significant.
As for how much Taoyun a peerless martial art could provide Pei Xuanjing with, he did not yet know because he had not acquired a peerless piece of martial art.
Time passed surprisingly peacefully. Pei Xuanjing spent his days wholeheartedly practicing martial arts at the academy and took some time to teach Pang Hong. He would submit some of his understanding regarding the compilation of 'Martial Classics' every month to fulfill his duties.
Over time, more editors arrived at the academy, and new tenants took over several courtyards.
Pei Xuanjing's neighbor was Qi Heng, a forty-year-old man proficient in using the Bright Silver Spear and fist techniques, a third-grade Martial Master. They often exchanged ideas because they lived close to each other.
Time flew fast, and in the blink of an eve, half a year had passed, and it was winter again.
With the help of the true meaning of martial arts, Pei Xuanjing easily mastered the 'Damo Swordsmanship'..