Chapter 3: The Martial Arts and the Divine Connection

It was this promise that dispelled the doubts of the Jiuding Heavenly Dynasty, and from then on, this promise became a family rule that the Li family must adhere to for generations, which no one is allowed to violate

Chun'er is one of the seasonal flowers of the Wang residence, serving as a maid to Li Haoran. She has followed Li Haoran since childhood and is often teased by him. However, Li Haoran treats her very well, always standing up for her in difficult situations and sharing delicious food with her. As a result, Chun'er feels both fear and joy towards Li Haoran

But now, after listening to Tang Kai's words, his heart has also been set free, no longer fixated on these trivial matters, but rather focused on more long-term goals

Tang Kai glanced at Li Haoran, who was full of longing, poured another glass of wine, and continued speaking

Li Haoran turned his head upon hearing the sound, and saw a fair-skinned man dressed in a blue floral brocade robe, walking towards him with steady and orderly steps. Memories flooded back to him instantly.

Tang Kaiben was the son of a wealthy family. Due to offending someone he should not have, he was forced to leave his family and sought refuge in Anle Valley to live.

Once the two individuals were seated, Li Haoran then instructed Chun'er to fetch the wine

To create a world and become a legend was something that Li Haoran had never dared to imagine. In the past, if he had heard such things, he would have merely smiled faintly, not taking them seriously. But now, Li Haoran deeply understood that all of this was true; as long as he practiced martial arts, he could possess superhuman strength

Haha! Brother Haoran, becoming a martial god is the dream of all martial artists in this world. However, do you know that cultivating martial arts is not merely a matter of will? It also requires opportunities and innate talent. Moreover, this path is incredibly arduous; a moment of carelessness could lead to irretrievable ruin.

Li Haoran smiled, paused for a moment, and then looked seriously at Tang Kai

Alright! However, you must not sneak out to indulge in drinking and entertainment.

After a sleepless night, Li Haoran spent his first night awake in a haze of wild thoughts. It was not until the next day, when the sky brightened, that he felt a drowsiness creeping in. As soon as his head touched the pillow, he fell into a deep sleep.

By the way, Young Prince! During the day, Master Tang Kai came to find you, saying that he has recently acquired an item and would like your assistance in examining it

Hehe! Chun'er has always been like this... By the way, I have something to consult you about, but you must keep it a secret for me. I guarantee that what we discuss today cannot be told to a second person

Li Haoran silently vowed, his heart stirred with greater waves, even before he had begun his cultivation, he was already contemplating a more distant future

Good

... ...

The Sovereign of the Divine Realm is a legend of the Xuanhuang Realm, for it was he who created the Xuanhuang Realm, shaping the mountains, rivers, and myriad races.

He was secretly pondering: "What exactly has happened in the royal residence that even the young prince has undergone some changes..."

Fourteen ranks, each rank is divided into nine grades.

Hmm! Chun'er, please go to the kitchen and prepare some food for me, I am hungry

After drinking a few cups, Tang Kai became hazy with intoxication, and his tongue was completely loosened. The things he had intended to keep to himself were all spoken without reservation.

Indeed! The first condition for cultivating martial arts and becoming a martial artist is to open the primordial acupoints. Only those martial artists who can absorb and expel vital energy are recognized as true martial artists by the world. Otherwise, even if you possess extraordinary talent akin to that of a genius, you are merely an ordinary person

Tang Kai watched Chun'er leave, and after a long while, he turned his head and said with a smile: "Brother Haoran, that little girl Chun'er has been very obedient today!"

Li Haoran chatted casually with Tang Kai while leading him to the pavilion on the rockery in the Wangfu Garden

Li Haoran, imitating the tone of the former young prince, looked at Chun'er and said

Oh? Brother Tang, please continue

However, Li Haoran could also understand the good intentions of the ancestors of the Li family. This was not only a demonstration of resolve towards the Jiuding Heavenly Dynasty, but also a reminder to future generations to avoid touching taboos that could bring catastrophic disaster to the Li family

Due to Tang Kai's bold and unrestrained nature, as well as his status as a person from a prominent family, it did not take long for him to become close friends with the young prince, sharing everything with each other

When Li Haoran woke up, it was already close to dusk. In the room, a maid dressed in green was staring at him intently, her hands constantly fiddling with the hem of her garment

The young prince actually said that I am one of his own, that's wonderful

He naturally knows the ancestral teachings of the Li family, but he is not a member of the Li family and therefore does not care about it. Moreover, he is a person with innate sealed meridians, a waste in martial arts; even if this matter were to spread, he would not fear anyone.

In the early days, the myriad races did not understand the practice of cultivation, until the Divine Emperor Pan transmitted the Seven Classics of Pan, at which point the myriad races of the world began to comprehend the matter of martial arts cultivation

Understood! How dare you meddle in my affairs, it seems these past few days have been in vain

In the myriad of races in the world, regardless of the type of martial arts practiced, all begin from the martial apprentice, progressing through the ranks of martial artist, martial master, martial sect leader, great martial sect leader, martial general, martial marquis, martial king, martial lord, martial emperor, martial deity, martial sage, and martial ancestor, ultimately reaching the supreme level, which is the martial god, a being comparable to the existence of the Pangu Emperor

Chun'er stuck her tongue out at Li Haoran and then fled the room as if in escape

As soon as Tang Kai caught a whiff of the wine, he immediately cast aside his earlier doubts and couldn't help but swallow twice.

Brother Haoran, I hope you have been well

Li Haoran certainly would not consider martial arts training to be very simple. After Tang Kai's remarks, he felt an even greater yearning and impulse towards the mysterious practice of martial arts.

Only then did the warrior comprehend the true essence of power, possessing the strength to move mountains, fill seas, and soar through the clouds

Is the young prince going to practice martial arts? This is a matter of great consequence that could lead to the destruction of families! Should I try to persuade him? ... Never mind, after all, he is just asking some questions, not saying he intends to practice! If he truly wants to practice, I really wouldn't be able to say anything to him ... ...

At this moment, as night falls and the stars fill the night sky, the interior of the royal residence is brightly lit.

Your Highness, the wine you requested has arrived

When she discovered that Li Haoran had woken up, she was taken aback, and then stood up slightly awkwardly, bowing her body slightly.

As Chun'er had just finished tidying up the dishes, a person, under the guidance of a servant, strode into the courtyard where Li Haoran resided. Upon catching sight of Li Haoran, he clasped his hands and began to laugh heartily.

Li Haoran's breathing became rapid; not waiting for Tang Kai to continue, he impatiently interjected with a question

Tang Kai looked at Li Haoran with a meaningful glance, then cheerfully downed the wine in his cup. In contrast, Li Haoran slowly savored a small sip, his thoughts entirely focused on his cultivation.

Tang Kai was somewhat startled by Li Haoran's slightly hoarse voice, and then he smiled: "Ah! I haven't been doing well these past few days either"

Looking at the earnest Li Haoran, Tang Kai couldn't help but think that he was very conflicted. He wanted to persuade Li Haoran to abandon this idea, but he also particularly wanted to drink the millennium fine wine treasured by the Anle Wangfu.

Young Prince, you are awake

Haha! Brother Tang, you have been enjoying yourself immensely these past few days, while I have suffered a tremendous calamity!

Tang Kai

Originally, Chun'er was supposed to be confined for a period of time, but for some unknown reason, Li Fu made an exception and released Chun'er, allowing her to continue taking care of Li Haoran's daily needs

Apart from his fondness for antiques, Tang Kai also has a taste for fine wine. Therefore, Li Haoran took out the Tianzihao vintage brew, which had been treasured in the royal palace for a thousand years, confident that Tang Kai would not remain silent.

Li Haoran was slightly taken aback, and suddenly had an idea. His heart stirred, and he immediately said: "Perfect, I also have something to discuss with him. Please have Li Fu send someone to invite him here!"

Li Haoran walked out of the room with a beaming smile, laughing heartily as he approached Tang Kai

Tang's heart stirred; he initially thought that Li Haoran wanted to see the new items he had acquired. However, he did not expect that the inebriated man's intention was not focused on the wine. He nodded in agreement and said, "Brother Haoran, rest assured, I will certainly do justice to that fine wine!"

Chun'er, please bring a pot of the Tianzihao wine from the cellar

In the past, Li Haoran never dressed himself; this time, however, his self-dressing surprised Chun'er a bit

Tang Kai was taken aback, not expecting that Li Haoran would ask such a question. He couldn't help but exclaim, "Are you perhaps intending to break your ancestor's prohibition..."

This person is not just anyone; he is Tang Kai, the best friend of the young prince.

Li Haoran was also taken aback, but quickly regained his composure, only to feel a rumbling in his stomach, realizing that he was hungry.

While speaking, Tang Kai cast a sidelong glance at Chun'er.

This matter must begin with the Seven Classics passed down from the Emperor of the Divine Disk

A few days ago, the late Prince was buried. Chun'er, having dozed off, forgot to tend to the eternal lamp, resulting in one lamp being extinguished. This violated the rules of the royal residence, and after being reprimanded by Li Fu, she was locked in the woodshed

Li Haoran smiled, clasped his hands, and a fervent light flickered in his eyes. Unbeknownst to him, his tone and inflection increasingly resembled that of the young prince, losing the earlier awkwardness.

In those years, he, much like today's Li Haoran, would become excited merely by listening to discussions about martial arts cultivation, and, like Li Haoran, he too fantasized about the life that would come with great strength

When Chun'er smiled, she understood that Li Haoran had something to ask of Tang Kai; otherwise, he would not have brought this treasured wine. Thus, she said no more and quietly withdrew.

After Cheng Er poured wine for the two of them, Tang Kai hesitated slightly, raised his wine cup, and took a delicate sniff of the wine's aroma: "Brother Haoran, what you just said cannot be taken seriously, can it"

"In that case, martial arts can lead to divinity, and I too will be able to become a figure akin to the Divine Emperor Pan?"

Good! I know that Brother Tang is well-informed and knowledgeable. May I ask Brother Tang about the concept of cultivation?

He knew that once Li Haoran made a decision, even ten bulls could not pull him back, and his persuasion would be in vain; therefore, he did not say much in the way of advice.

Before long, the food from the kitchen was delivered to the room. Li Haoran, like a starving wolf that hadn't eaten for over ten days, disregarded his status and etiquette, devouring the meal ravenously. Watching him, Chun'er, who was attending to him, couldn't help but cover her mouth and stifle her laughter.

Although it was a joke, Li Haoran knew that Tang Kai had agreed to him

To cultivate martial arts, one must first open the primordial orifices and master the techniques of body refinement. The primordial orifices are the sail, and the human body is the ship; the two complement each other and are both indispensable

Tang Kai Mei savored the lingering fragrance in her mouth, her face radiating happiness as she spoke

The Anle lineage once secluded itself in Anle Town, managing to preserve its roots. The primary reason for this was a promise made by Li Xunkong to the Jiuding Heavenly Dynasty — that the Li family would never practice martial arts.

How could his heart not be stirred, how could he not feel excited

If I were to possess such power, I would ensure that all people in the world hold me in esteem, and I would make certain that everyone knows the name of Li Haoran

Li Haoran chuckled and, looking earnestly at Tang Kai, said: "Brother Tang, feel free to clarify my doubts; Chun'er is one of us"

Li Haoran felt a sense of tranquility and sighed inwardly, lamenting how thoroughly the ancestor of the Li family, Li Xunkong, had acted, leaving behind not even these legends.

Beside her, Chun'er was filled with excitement, her heart ablaze with fervor. She wisely withdrew from the pavilion and made her way to the steps outside the small pavilion.

Tang Kai smiled and, looking at Li Haoran's innocent demeanor, suddenly recalled his own entry into the martial arts years ago, and couldn't help but express his heartfelt sentiments.

At that moment, Chun'er approached with a tray of wine, and even before the wine from the white jade pot was poured out, its fragrance had already wafted through the air

After this day, Li Haoran has come to understand many things. Letting go of his worries has made him much more open-hearted. Therefore, his actions and speech at this moment are no different from when he was the young prince, though his tone is still slightly lacking.

Wow

At this moment, upon meeting Tang Kai, Li Haoran felt a sense of restraint in his heart. However, for the sake of the important matter of cultivation, he had no choice but to suppress the discomfort and unfamiliarity within him

He once had excellent opportunities, yet he personally buried them as he grew up. Had it not been for his past arrogance, he would not have suffered damage to his meridians, nor would he have lost the woman he loved most, resulting in his current fate of being unable to wield martial arts for the rest of his life

Chun'er nodded with a smile and looked at Li Haoran seriously as she spoke

When Chun'er heard the command, she instinctively wanted to walk outside. Just as she reached the door and had not yet opened it, she suddenly remembered something, which caused her to stop. She glanced at Li Haoran, who was getting dressed, and found it somewhat strange.

Originally, he intended to cultivate his abilities in order to possess sufficient strength to protect himself and no longer be bullied