Time seemed to freeze.
Just as his face was about five centimeters from the muddy ground, a sudden flash of inspiration struck Andrew Han, and—like water bursting from a shattered silver vase—he blurted out, "I've mastered a Transcendent Technique!"
Huff.
Andrew Han let out a breath.
His nose nearly touched the slightly damp earth, and, overwhelmed by emotion, he suddenly realized how fragrant and rich the scent of soil was—so alluring that he almost wanted to linger forever.
In that instant, Miles Ning flipped his palm, sending Andrew spinning twice in midair.
Thud, thud.
Andrew steadied himself, landing in place and finally avoiding a brutal pounding. He almost wanted to congratulate himself for his quick thinking.
"Master."
"During the fierce battle with the Demon, my Raging Downpour reached the Transcendent level." He rolled his neck twice, answering Miles Ning's probing gaze.
The Transcendent level of a technique is mysterious and profound.
It means one has comprehended a technique so thoroughly that its intent is fully unraveled; when the technique is used, it feels divinely aided, as if touching its very essence.
As for Fusion, which lies above Transcendent, that is even harder to attain.
The Fusion state means blending one's own thoughts with a Transcendent Technique, forging an art that is entirely personal.
"Oh."
Miles Ning drew a breath, narrowing his eyes.
Anyone who, as a First Rank, possesses Inspiration or comprehends a Transcendent Technique is considered a Peerless Prodigy. In the Martial Arts Sects, there are even those who possess both—true paragons of talent.
No further progress is possible; nothing more can be added.
Upon hearing that Andrew Han had grasped a Transcendent Technique, Miles Ning felt a surge of hope—perhaps, in his lifetime, he might witness the revival and glory of his sect.
"A Transcendent Technique—not bad, not bad."
"But Raging Downpour is too basic; it doesn't prove much. It's best to prioritize the five advanced techniques I've given you. Don't waste your talent," Miles Ning said, hands clasped behind his back, adopting a kindly, instructive tone.
The deeper a technique, the harder it is to reach the Transcendent level.
Most Peerless First Ranks achieve Transcendent with more profound techniques. If one focuses entirely on mastering basic arts, they can attain several Transcendent Techniques. So Miles Ning thought the standard should be raised.
Perhaps...
Should Andrew Han master all five advanced techniques to Transcendent before advancing to Martial Artist?
But on second thought, that was unnecessary... The saying 'one step ahead, every step ahead' exists because a stronger foundation leads to greater power and deeper future potential.
"Good disciple."
Miles Ning said softly, "Your First Rank foundation is already strong enough. Quickly comprehend a second Transcendent Technique, then advance to Martial Artist."
On the other side,
Andrew Han remained silent.
Why does it sound so easy, coming from Master, to comprehend another Transcendent Technique... And the timing for advancing to Martial Artist depends on my stance training efficiency; if I practice day and night, I might break through in just three more months.
He knew it!
In Master's eyes, the standards are always moving higher.
Maybe after mastering a second Transcendent Technique, he'll demand a third... Does this mean I have to deliberately delay advancing to Martial Artist?
Are Martial Techniques really that important?
Andrew pondered for a while, deciding to study this carefully once he returned to school.
Slap.
Slap.
Miles Ning shuffled his slippers impatiently. "Stop standing there daydreaming—I'll help you handle the aftermath. As for Tanya Li, whether she lives or dies is up to you."
He truly was in a hurry.
If not for this disciple inexplicably killing a General-class Demon, as his Master, he never would have wasted precious time rushing here.
He should be swimming in the sea of knowledge right now.
He ought to be teaching little Lucy about moral principles.
"Hmph."
Thinking of this, Miles Ning shot Andrew Han a cold glance, his mood instantly darkening, radiating a violent, menacing aura.
Andrew Han pressed his lips together but couldn't help speaking up: "Master, I have a question."
Braving his master's cold stare, he still had to ask.
He simply couldn't understand.
"Speak."
Miles Ning replied indifferently.
"I want to ask—why don't they let these residents learn martial arts? Why can't everyone practice martial arts? If martial arts are so powerful, able to resist Demons and Specters, why keep it hidden from the public? Why not support it fully? Why?" Andrew Han asked, his voice filled with emotion.
He didn't understand.
He truly couldn't comprehend it.
These residents shouldn't have to face death; if martial arts possess such incredible power, they should be promoted nationwide, so people can handle sudden disasters.
It shouldn't be kept hidden at the top.
And it shouldn't be restricted to Martial Arts students alone.
"I've told you before," Miles Ning frowned. "Never mind—since you're already a Peerless First Rank, destined to become a Martial Sect Master... Simply put, Demons and Specters cannot wipe out humanity, but universal martial practice could."
"Sinovera and other nations are developing solutions."
"The consequences of universal martial practice are far worse than you can imagine. No one dares risk it. We're all waiting—the entire Martial Arts World is waiting. Once the research passes validation, the sects will recruit widely, and the Martial Arts World will open to the public."
Hearing this, Andrew Han was stunned.
He'd only guessed before, but now these words thundered in his ears—the strange structure of the Martial Arts World stems from this?
No wonder the authorities never publicly promote martial arts power.
No wonder the Martial Arts World is separate from and above ordinary society.
So then...
The existence of Martial Arts students now made perfect sense.
Andrew Han had researched the history—Martial Arts students only began twenty years ago, gradually becoming a standard option in every high school.
Perhaps in earlier times, the Martial Arts World could hold back Demons and Specters.
But as time went on, Demons and Specters grew fiercer, stronger, and more terrifying, so the Martial Arts World needed new blood—but under the condition that universal martial practice was forbidden, Martial Arts students became the solution.
"So that's it."
"Martial Arts students are all at the right age to train—there's no better group to choose from." Andrew Han muttered, then suddenly looked up, catching the key words in his master's explanation: "Research? Scientific solutions?"
Martial arts, connected to science?
It sounds absurd, but sometimes the most outlandish ideas are closest to the truth.
Miles Ning glanced over and actually sighed. "The Martial Arts World would love to promote its power. Do you think everyone is content to sacrifice in silence? We've given everything to resist Demons and Specters, sacrificing countless lives, but no one knows."
"No one knows of their achievements and contributions."
"Since they're nameless, there must be compensation—otherwise, the Martial Arts World would collapse. That's why martial artists hold such exalted status in society."
Andrew Han was unaware, but Miles Ning understood.
Years ago, martial arts were forbidden by the state; martial artists couldn't enter officialdom, even faced royal suppression. Ordinary people feared martial artists more than they admired them.
Then, one day, the world changed.
Demons and Specters grew stronger—that was the root cause. A certain prince abused a martial artist's wife and daughter—that was the direct cause. Countless martial artists lost all restraint, unleashing their terrifying power, suppressing everything and annihilating all opposition.
Anyone who resisted was executed.
Anyone who refused to accept control was executed.
That purge established the Martial Arts World as it exists today.
Moreover, Miles Ning felt that today's society was harmonious and stable, far better than the days of royal rule. People have freedom and rights, don't worry about oppressive taxes, nor fear corrupt officials.
"Mm."
Andrew Han nodded and asked no further questions.
"Go on." Miles Ning shook his head, hands behind his back, standing at the edge of the town, gazing up at the vast, clear sky as if searching for old comrades who once fought by his side.
His eyes brimmed with regret and loneliness.
"Though I am not as strong as you all now, at least I live better than you did." Miles Ning pursed his dry lips, pulled out a children's book from his pocket, and began reading in the breeze.
When he reached a passage he liked, he nodded and swayed with satisfaction.
Noticing a flaw, he frowned and snorted coldly.
A moment later.
Bathed in the scorching sunlight, Miles Ning stroked the elegant book cover, satisfied. "That university professor's theory isn't entirely wrong."
"Learning can happen anywhere."
"Good thing I held back last time and didn't twist his head off... Well, since he did his best to explain, I'll try to be a bit more friendly to them from now on."
Yes...
A bit more friendly...
Miles Ning had his own standards; as for how much 'a bit' really was, only he and the departed souls knew.
On the other side.
Tanya Li's legs turned to jelly, cold sweat pouring down her body.
She saw the infamous Miles Ning standing before her! She swore, even facing terrifying Demons and Specters, none made her heart race with fear like Miles Ning.
Demons and Specters might kill her, at most.
But if Miles Ning snapped, he wouldn't care about good or evil; one word and he'd exterminate nine generations without a second thought.
From Andrew Han's explanation, she understood it was Miles Ning who arrived in time and slew the fox-type General-class Demon... As for Andrew Han's claim, Tanya Li never considered it—how could a First Rank kill a General-class? That was pure fantasy.
She took a step, her body trembling.
She took two more steps, then stopped.
Tanya Li's voice trembled as she spoke, "Han—Han Dong, I'm sorry."
"It's fine. It was my own mistake in judgment," Andrew Han replied with a faint smile. If not for Cheng Gang's scheming, gradually lowering his guard, he wouldn't have come here at all.
"As long as you don't mind... may I make a small request?" Tanya Li's voice was tinged with tears.
"Go ahead," Andrew Han said.