Chapter 0001: An Introduction to the World of Martial Arts

The seventh rank corresponds to the Master realm, which can only be attained by a select few within the empire; beyond that, it is truly legendary, existing only in hearsay.

Lin Zesheng agreed, feeling that he did not understand much, and would certainly take whatever you said as the truth, though it seemed quite reasonable. By the way, the last partner seemed to be hinting at me again, suggesting that Lin's parents are a very compatible couple, indicating that they are genuinely accepting, otherwise they would not go to such lengths to lay the groundwork.

These ten representatives are all from the most prestigious noble families, and it is said that they are masters in their own right, also being ten of the thirteen masters publicly recognized by the empire

Wu Bo continued to recount his experiences in the empire. Since the Great Qin was founded on martial arts and ultimately seized the world through its warriors, Chang'an naturally became a sacred place for martial arts. It gathered numerous martial arts masters and other skilled practitioners, with a steady stream of people coming from all over the country each year seeking martial training. It is said that "the poor pursue literature while the rich pursue martial arts." Those seeking martial training spend money if they have it, and if they do not, they sell themselves. Generally, there are a few places to go:

Wu Boshun then briefly introduced the Lin family. Since Lin's father had advanced to the fifth rank and was one of the commanders of the Imperial Guard, he could either continue to advance until he reached the level of a Grandmaster, gradually moving towards the higher echelons of the empire, with the possibility of being granted titles of nobility in the future, or he could remain at the sixth rank, accumulating more years of experience, and become a member of the many official families.

3. Martial arts schools; some individuals cannot endure the constraints of the military, or they fear death and do not wish to be enslaved or serve as servants. Therefore, they can work for martial arts schools, which also have corresponding industries. However, behind these martial arts schools are often wealthy families or even support from the government. If one wishes to advance further, it is still inevitable to go through a certain process.

The first person one must not offend is undoubtedly His Majesty the Emperor, the great sovereign who unified the world, Emperor Qin Zheng. Following him are the three major governmental institutions, with Chancellor Lü at the helm of the Central Secretariat, which nominally oversees the affairs of the realm and serves as the direct superior to the governors of the provinces

Moreover, if Lin's father were truly a man who abandoned his wife, the Gongsun family would never marry their esteemed daughter to him. No matter how favored the esteemed daughter might be, it would be impossible for them to allocate resources to support a thankless wretch.

"Wu Bo, there are still three masters; you haven't mentioned them yet," Lin Ze hurriedly asked.

As the eldest illegitimate son, Lin Ze, although he can hardly receive direct assistance from the Gongsun family, the relevant influence at least ensures that there is a path forward. Now it remains to be seen whether he possesses the talent for martial arts

Martial artists refine their essence and transform their energy, and in order to cultivate themselves, they must have a substantial amount of food and medicinal materials, as well as some rare natural treasures. Without these, attempting to advance would be akin to exhausting one's life force, and one might even die from the burning of vital energy. Talent is innate; it is the foundation of a martial artist. Without talent, merely accumulating resources will result in nothing more than a strong pig. It is said that pure resources make it very difficult for ordinary individuals to advance to the fourth rank, with the third rank being the limit.

According to Wu Bo, both individuals have surpassed the fourth rank, with a lifespan reaching up to 300 years. If one does not enter the martial path, in this era, one would likely pass away by the age of 50 or 60. It would be entirely possible for oneself to live a self-sufficient life in the countryside. Given the background of this stepmother, it would be feasible for her to let both of them meet an untimely end. Could it be that she is concerned about Lin's father? Forget it, looking at oneself, one appears to be just a few years old. How could one ascend to the heavens? It is entirely possible for oneself to live a self-sufficient life in the countryside. Given the background of this stepmother, it would be feasible for her to let both of them meet an untimely end. Could it be that she is concerned about Lin's father? Forget it, looking at oneself, one appears to be just a few years old. How could one ascend to the heavens? Since one has come, one should make oneself comfortable.

In his leisure time, he slowly began to chat with Lin Ze. This is a world of martial arts, where martial prowess is revered. Warriors occupy 80% of the resources in the world and hold a high status.

"And what about the last master?" Wu Bo looked at Lin Ze with a foolish expression after hearing this. "Of course, it is the great emperor"

Wu Bo looked at Lin Ze in silence, thinking that the young man still had unresolved feelings. He couldn't help but advise, "Young Master, although the Madam has become like that, we cannot blame the Master and the Mistress. It is best for you not to harbor any resentment, as they are the only ones you can rely on." As he spoke, there was a hint of concern in his eyes.

Wu Bo continued, "Chang'an is the imperial capital and also the gathering place for various prominent families. There are no greater opportunities for martial arts than here. In the past, during the chaos among the states, several major sects were referred to as sacred places of martial arts. However, since the establishment of the imperial capital, no place dares to claim the title of sacred ground."

Each year, each government reports the number of additional troops needed, and the Ministry of War arranges for officials to recruit soldiers and send them to various governments. Local military forces are under the jurisdiction of various levels of government, with a configuration of 10,000 for each provincial governor, 3,000 for each county magistrate, and 500 for each district magistrate

Lin Ze is the product of Lin's father returning to his hometown to hold a celebration at the age of 20, and after getting thoroughly drunk, he made the common mistake of a man. Lin Ze thought for a moment, and this must be the reason why Lin's father was almost indifferent to both mother and child, as there was no emotional foundation, just an impulsive act of punishment

A partner is not only a companion but also a friend, mentor, and teacher. Merely practicing in isolation without guidance is not sufficient; even with great talent, one risks practicing incorrectly.

Next, Wu Bo mentioned that the Lin family in Chang'an could only be considered below average, and that one must remain low-key to avoid provoking those who cannot be offended. Even with the backing of the Marquis of Wu'an, it could still bring great trouble to Lin's father.

Those at the fourth rank and above are truly skilled individuals. The fourth rank, known as the Dantian Realm, involves opening the Dantian, drawing in vital energy, and refining the marrow, which not only enhances martial prowess but also grants an additional 300 years of lifespan. The fifth rank, known as the Meridian Realm, and the sixth rank, known as the Acupoint Realm, represent the pinnacle among the skilled.

Lin Ze nodded in agreement, stating that this is akin to the principle that larger cities in later generations offer more opportunities for profit

If they possess good talent, it is not impossible for both father and son to join the Imperial Guard. With the appropriate conditions, ultimately becoming a mid-level expert is still achievable. If their talent is somewhat lacking, as direct relatives, they can assist in managing and establishing the family business, supporting the future head of the family. They may even branch out and expand, as they are at least of the Lin surname bloodline. As the only two male descendants of the newly established family, they bear an undeniable responsibility.

XXX, Lin Ze almost spat out a mouthful of blood; could it be that his father also traveled through time?

It is said that there are martial arts masters who can fly through the sky and traverse the earth, capable of single-handedly forming an army. It is widely believed that martial arts are divided into nine ranks. The first rank is the Muscle and Bone Realm, regarded as the starting point of martial arts, where it is said that one possesses the strength of a thousand pounds, which is also a standard for joining the military. The second rank is the Internal Organs Realm, where practitioners have excellent endurance, able to walk three hundred miles in a day. The third rank is the Vitality Realm, where such masters possess vitality like smoke, enabling them to strengthen their bodies and live a stable life until old age.

Lin Ze was unaware of his stepmother's true thoughts; after all, he was a 22-year-old soul in charge, harboring little resentment

Lin Ze indeed showed a look of astonishment, my goodness, it feels like a mythical world. An ordinary person at the first rank has already reached a level that even the most advanced humans on Blue Star cannot attain. As for traveling three hundred miles a day, that is understandable; it is merely a matter of having exceptional endurance.

It also allowed Lin Ze to witness the appetite of martial artists. The nearly eighty pounds of meat from the black panther was barely two pounds for Lin Ze, while Wu Bo consumed it all throughout the day. Fortunately, the Daqin region is rich in mountains and forests, with good environmental protection and a considerable number of wild animals. Additionally, the vast land and sparse population make it feasible; otherwise, it would be difficult to sustain a group of martial artists.

The Grand Commandant's Office, led by Grand Commandant Wei Liao, nominally commands the imperial army excluding the Imperial Guards. The Court of Judicial Review, headed by Li Si, is responsible for investigating disturbances caused by martial artists in the civilian sector and overseeing the officials. Overseeing them are the two pillars of the empire, known as "Shang Jun" Wei Yang and "Wuan Jun" Gongsun Qi

In order to take care of the young Lin Ze, Wu Bo made frequent stops along the way. He held the official pass given by Lin's father and stayed at the official post stations, where they did not have to spend money on food and lodging. Of course, the meals were not very good. To improve their diet, Wu Bo hunted quite a bit along the journey, catching larger animals such as leopards and jackals, as well as smaller ones like rabbits and wild chickens, which satisfied Lin Ze's appetite, although most of it was consumed by Wu Bo himself

Furthermore, your father, after entering Chang'an, changed his name. Regardless of what he was called before, he is now named Lin Dong

Lin Ze was taken aback. Is this the famous General Bai Qi of the State of Qin? Is this still the historical Qin Dynasty? It is somewhat amusing and perplexing. Am I not, in name, a great-grandson of Bai Qi? However, historically, Bai Qi committed suicide before the unification, right? No, this is a mythical version of the Qin Dynasty.

The matriarch is also a fourth-rank expert, hailing from the prestigious Gongsun family as a legitimate daughter, and is the direct granddaughter of the current head of the Gongsun family, who is said to be a master-level strongman with the imperial title of "Wuan Jun." Wu Bo also subtly mentioned that the matriarch, Gongsun Yue, as a noble daughter from a prominent family, marrying Lin's father is undoubtedly considered a marriage beneath her status.

Wu Bo glanced at Lin Ze's expression and noticed that there was not much fluctuation. He couldn't help but praise, "A tiger father does not raise a dog son," yet he was unaware that the person before him was not the real one and lacked any sense of empathy.

4. Sects are essentially a higher-tier version of martial arts schools, also known as the Hundred Schools of Thought. They are similarly governed by the empire but possess a certain degree of autonomy. A significant portion of them maintains close ties with the imperial authorities, and many prominent families were initially members of these sects. During the previous period of chaos among the states, various sects emerged to support their favored nations. Ultimately, with the unification of the Qin dynasty, many sects were affected, their strength diminished, and they nominally submitted to the Qin, entering a phase of recuperation.

Moreover, General Wang Jian, the Marquis of Wucheng, and General Meng Ao, the Marquis of Zhongxin, are the leaders of military aristocracy, serving respectively as the Grand General of the Protectorate of the Western Regions and the Commander of the Protectorate of the North. Feng Jie from the Northeast Expedition to Liao, Ye Teng from the Eastern Sea Patrol, and Zhao Tuo from the Southern Expedition to the Hundred Yue.

Lin Ze could not help but feel a sense of humiliation, having been looked down upon by an ancient figure

After Wu Bo finished speaking, he couldn't help but mention Lin's father: As the head of the family and a fifth-grade strong practitioner, he is already a notable figure among martial artists. Generally, a county magistrate is merely a mid-level fourth-grade expert. As a fifth-grade commander of the forbidden army, his status is even slightly more esteemed than that of a prefect. Moreover, the head of the family is only 26 years old this year; who would dare to say that he won't become a master in the future

Extending one's lifespan can also be considered a remarkable feat, and it only requires a fourth-tier level. According to the classification of tiers, this is merely at the mid-level of the food chain, thus the higher-end scenery is even more desirable to Lin Ze

Joining a prestigious family carries relatively low risks, making it more suitable for those with families to support. Such families place greater emphasis on the upbringing of their children from a young age, although the return on investment takes a long time to materialize, often reflecting on future generations. Wu Bo is a prime example of this.

Since Wu Bo is responsible for picking up Lin Ze, he is also tasked with providing guidance and instruction during the initial phase

At this point, Wu Bo had to mention Lin's father again. Lin's father was born in a small county town that existed before Linze, which could be considered a minor martial arts family. The strongest members of the family were the clan leader and two elders, all at the third rank of the Blood Qi Realm. They also held positions such as deputy county lieutenant and pavilion chief in the county, making them one of the local powerful families. In a typical county, the government would usually assign at most two fourth-rank experts, one serving as the county magistrate and the other as the county lieutenant, representing civil and military authority respectively.

It can be said that the honor and disgrace of the entire family are tied to one individual. Fortunately, the matriarch is a noblewoman; if all else fails, they can become a vassal of the Gongsun family, serving them, and within a few generations, they need not worry about complete decline.

Martial arts emphasize "law, wealth, heaven, and partner". The law refers to the cultivation methods, the top-tier cultivation methods, and the vast resources for cultivation. This is the premise of martial arts. Perhaps the first founder of martial arts created their own method, but it does not necessarily lead to extraordinary achievements. It is through the exploration of countless individuals that the ultimately experienced methods become the favorites of martial artists. Without understanding the cultivation methods, one might end up practicing something that becomes poison in the end

Lin's father is a talented contender from the Lin family. He began his martial arts foundation at the age of 5, officially entered the first rank at 10, and reached the second rank by 15. However, due to limited family resources, he eventually relied on connections made through a county official who valued talent to recommend him for the selection of the Imperial Guard. Once he joined the Imperial Guard, he gained ample resources, and his progress became unstoppable. He reached the third rank at 18, entered the fourth rank at 20, and became a small leader within the Imperial Guard. After 6 years of accumulation, he successfully refined his meridians and reached the fifth rank, winning the favor of the daughter of the Grand Commander of the Imperial Guard, thus becoming a winner in life. Recently, he officially established his business in the capital.

Lin Ze smiled and said, "Wu Bo, rest assured, I understand. It would be great if there is a chance to cure my mother's illness"

Joining the government, the imperial troops cannot easily enter, the border troops face high risks, and there are numerous casualties every year. The welfare of local troops is the worst, and many officials in the court also fall victim to criminals each year

The core of the sect operates on an elite model. Although there are considerable resources, the vast majority will be allocated to the core disciples with exceptional talents

1. The government has four types of military forces: the Imperial Guard, Border Troops, Local Armies, and the Court of Judicial Review. In contemporary terms, these correspond to the Central Guard, the People's Liberation Army, the Armed Police Force, and the Ministry of Public Security. The Imperial Guard is directly governed by the Emperor and is stationed in the capital. It primarily consists of the sons of high-ranking officials, aristocrats, and a few from respectable families, all of whom possess considerable martial talent. Those who perform well may be assigned to the Border Troops or Local Armies as junior officers, thereby indirectly ensuring the loyalty of the military. The Border Troops are nominally under the jurisdiction of the Grand Commandant's Office and are stationed at the borders. They are divided into five offices: the Protectorate of the Western Regions, the Commandery of Northern Expeditions, the Commandery of Northeast Liaodong, the Maritime Patrol Office of the Eastern Sea, and the Commandery of Southern Expeditions against the Hundred Yue.

Zhao Gao, the Chancellor of the Central Secretariat, and Xu Fu, the National Master, are the remaining two grandmasters; however, neither has descendants. Young Master, you seldom encounter them, so there is no need to worry too much

2. Aristocratic families have a tradition of nurturing their retainers. As long as you can demonstrate your loyalty and showcase your abilities, you will naturally gain access to resources

The Court of Justice is responsible for formulating and enforcing laws, primarily focusing on public security. It has established institutions at various local levels to assist local officials in apprehending criminals and combating crime

Lin Ze was stunned upon hearing this. Aren't these all renowned figures from the history of the Qin State? Have I really traveled back to ancient times, or is it just a similar place? Speaking of which, will this luxurious lineup of the Qin State meet the same fate as in history, perishing in the second generation?