Chapter 294: Timeless Tales
Chapter 294: Timeless Tales
"Do I look like someone who's mentally ill?"
Qi Yuan was dumbfounded.
The people in this world seemed to have an average IQ, and many were also nearsighted.
With his appearance, it was evident that he was highly intelligent, and there was no way he could be mentally ill.
Yang Shan glanced at Qi Yuan and nodded seriously, "You do, and you don't."
If he truly had a mental illness, how could he possess such extraordinary talent in martial arts? He had only been here for a week, yet Yang Shan witnessed Qi Yuan's rapid progress.
This speed, even among the martial geniuses he knew, was considered impressive.
"What are your thoughts on gifted martial techniques? Any insights?" Yang Shan changed the topic, bringing the conversation back to business.
It must be said that he held this young man, Qi Yuan, in high regard, as if he saw a reflection of his younger self.
Although he himself was still under 20 years old.
Qi Yuan, upon hearing Yang Shan's words, lowered his head in thought, recalling the previous scene.
Noticing Qi Yuan's reaction, Yang Shan's eyes lit up with a smile, "When I first encountered gifted martial techniques, I was also amazed by their mysterious nature, believing them to be deeply profound, even capable of reaching the extraordinary..."
Yang Shan's voice carried a hint of nostalgia for the past.
Gifted martial techniques indeed appeared mysterious, but under scientific scrutiny, they were... just like that.
Of course, deceiving someone like Qi Yuan, who wasn't even a martialist, was quite effective.
"The core of gifted martial techniques... should be related to bloodline, right?" At this moment, Qi Yuan straightened up, looked at Yang Shan, and spoke with utmost seriousness.
Yang Shan was stunned, his heart trembling with shock.
"How do you know that?"
His face showed disbelief.
Even after retiring from the military, this was the first time he had reacted so unexpectedly.
Qi Yuan's insight was far beyond what he had anticipated.
Research on gifted martial techniques had never ceased throughout history.
Unfortunately, after so many years, there was still no definitive conclusion.
Instead, various heretical theories and cults emerged.
The current world's peak martial artists had joined forces, investing vast resources, manpower, and martial prowess, to lift a corner of the veil shrouding the mysteries of gifted martial techniques.
As a peak martial artist, Yang Shan had also participated in this research.
The latest findings suggested that gifted martial techniques might be linked to blood.
To be honest, upon learning this conclusion, Yang Shan was startled.
How could martial arts be related to blood, a seemingly unrelated factor? The circle of peak martial artists was shaken.
Of course, this shock was limited to their small circle.
This matter had never been disclosed.
Qi Yuan, being an ordinary martyr's orphan, would naturally be unaware of this.
So, how did Qi Yuan know?
He couldn't help but wonder.
"I figured it out," Qi Yuan replied casually.
"You figured it out?" Yang Shan's face was filled with doubt, as if he didn't quite believe Qi Yuan's words.
"When you used your gifted martial technique, your blood slightly boiled," Qi Yuan smiled, "I have excellent eyesight, and I'm not nearsighted."
"Slightly boiling?" Yang Shan pondered Qi Yuan's words.
This slight boiling was likely not limited to the blood.
When he executed the Thunderclap Palm, his entire body boiled, not just his blood.
Why did Qi Yuan specifically mention blood?
Was it a coincidence... or a talent? Numerous thoughts flashed through his mind.
If it were a coincidence, that would be fine, but if it were a talent... that would be terrifying.
It meant Qi Yuan was exceptionally suited for martial arts.
He might even have the chance to enter the peak of martial arts, becoming one of the strongest in the martial world.
Although... he might still fall short compared to those who consumed advanced gene potions, it was still awe-inspiring.
"Gifted martial techniques are indeed manifested when the blood boils at a certain frequency, and they do have a slight connection to the extraordinary." Qi Yuan spoke with conviction.
He had already understood the reason behind Arcstar's weakness in martial arts.
Their bloodline was too diluted.
Just now, when Yang Shan demonstrated the Thunderclap Palm, his blood barely boiled.
"Do you know how to break through the martial limit?" Qi Yuan asked Yang Shan.
"I don't know. If I did, I wouldn't be here."
"Could it be that even a non-martialist like you knows?" Yang Shan became curious.
His gaze towards Qi Yuan changed.
Before, he had considered Qi Yuan a genius with extraordinary talent, but now... he felt differently.
"To break through the martial limit, you need to adopt a father," Qi Yuan seriously shared his insight, "The martial arts on Arcstar, or rather, bloodline martial arts, are closely tied to your bloodline.
If your father breaks through the martial limit and ascends to a higher realm, then... your bloodline will also leap, enhancing your martial potential and strength."
Yang Shan contemplated Qi Yuan's words, furrowing his brows, and after a while, he said, "What you're saying... I understand a bit."
This deduction had also circulated among the circle of peak martial artists.
Mostly, the ancient masters were powerful due to their rich bloodlines.
"You're right," Yang Shan said after a long pause, "I've heard similar speculations within the peak martial artist circle.
Most ancient masters were formidable due to their robust bloodlines."
In this world, people are weak, their bloodlines diluted.
Of course, this is just a hypothesis, not a definitive conclusion.
"But I can't even break the martial limit... let alone my dad?"
"I'd love to take it easy and let my dad do the work, but... that's just a fantasy!" Yang Shan spoke earnestly.
His dad's martial talent was even inferior to his.
The peak martial artists in this world, even those with the most promising chances of breaking through, dare not claim they will succeed.
"It's not that simple. Adopt me as your dad. When I break through, your bloodline might also leap, transcending the martial limit!"
"Get lost!"
Yang Shan was furious.
Qi Yuan smiled, "It seems your determination to break the martial limit isn't strong enough."
"I've gained some insights. I'm going to refine my martial skills. Bye."
Qi Yuan left without another word.
Yang Shan stared at Qi Yuan's departing figure, his eyes filled with complexity, "Is he really... a genius?
No, he's sick!
Even if I adopt him as my dad, even if he breaks the martial limit, my bloodline won't leap. We're not related by blood!"
Yang Shan felt Qi Yuan's thoughts were absurd.
Adopting a dad was out of the question.
Moreover... is breaking the martial limit that easy? From ancient times until now, countless brilliant martial geniuses have emerged, yet none have broken the limit?
A thought struck him, and he sent a message to his old friend.
"I've met a true martial genius. His talent surpasses mine in my youth!"
"Oh, such a promising talent. When are you planning to take him as your disciple?" The friend replied promptly.
"Forget about disciples. The past grudges are over. I don't want to stir up trouble again." Yang Shan sent a voice message, "This martial genius, after witnessing my gifted martial skill just once, concluded that it might be related to bloodline boiling."
"What? How does he know? He's a real genius!" The friend's voice cracked with excitement.
"Not only that, but he also pointed out a path to break the martial limit. I carefully recalled and found... this path feasible."
"You... are you kidding me? A newcomer proposing a way to break the martial limit? That's impossible!"
The friend's voice was filled with disbelief.
This astonishment was akin to a college student on Blue Sphere achieving nuclear fusion for a bachelor's to master's transition.
"It's theoretically feasible, but it needs verification. Do you want to verify it with me?" Yang Shan's lips curled into a smile.
"How?"
"Adopt me as your dad. Once I break the martial limit, your bloodline will also leap." Yang Shan revealed his plan.
About a minute later, the friend sent a 60-second voice message.
Yang Shan didn't play it but knew it was intense.
"There's some truth to this. It was that young friend who told me." Yang Shan shared his conversation with Qi Yuan.
"Even if that's the case, why should I adopt you as my dad and not the other way around?"
"Because my martial talent is stronger, and I have a better chance of breaking the martial limit!" Yang Shan smiled brightly.
"Yes, your talent is stronger, both in martial arts and flirting. You're skilled in seducing women to bed.
Whenever you message a female friend, they end up saying, 'Let's sleep together tonight and chat tomorrow.'"
"Get lost!" Yang Shan's face flushed, "Still better than you. You used to leave bad reviews for every food delivery service and then confessed to Wang Yan."
Yang Shan's old friend was quite a character in his youth.
He once went on a spree, ordering food from nearby restaurants and immediately leaving bad reviews, confessing his love to Wang Yan in the feedback.
This scandalous act shook the school.
Wang Yan directly blocked him.
Of course, Yang Shan knew it was just a past grudge, insignificant now.
"There's less than three months left until the Tianyue City Martial Arts Tournament. Do you want to come and meet this martial genius I spoke of? Even though his words are a bit outrageous... there's some truth to them."
Despite the fun and games, when it came to breaking the martial limit, the friend was serious.
After all, their existence in this circle was to break the martial limit.
"Sure, I'll introduce you to him.
But don't think about taking him as a disciple. I don't want to involve him in our world."
"Why? Are you afraid of the Guiran people?"
Yang Shan fell silent, "I'm not afraid. I just feel... it's wrong.
"The Guiran people, the primary ethnic group of Wugu Kingdom, are led by a theocratic ruler, the head of the church. The conflict between the Guiran people and the Qin Yuan Kingdom has existed for over a century, making them the prime target of the Ancient Witch Kingdom's attacks. In the Arcstar, the Qin Yuan Kingdom and the Ancient Witch Kingdom stand as the two dominant powers. The Guiran people, like rabid dogs of the Ancient Witch Kingdom, frequently wage wars and massacre civilians.
Yang Shan, a member of the peak martial artist circle, once received a top-secret mission to assassinate a priest of the Guiran people. Due to the restricted nature of the mission, gene warriors couldn't be deployed, necessitating the involvement of peak martial artists like Yang Shan. They successfully eliminated the priest, but this enraged the Guiran people. Guiran assassins and fanatical believers launched relentless suicide attacks on Yang Shan and his team. Yang Shan sustained severe injuries during this mission, leading to his decision to retire.
The grudge between the Guiran people and Yang Shan persists. He doesn't want to involve Qi Yuan in this feud. Even if Qi Yuan surpasses the martial limit, can he compare to the Guiran gene warriors? The Qin Yuan Kingdom and the Ancient Witch Kingdom maintain a facade of fairness, freedom, and democracy for their citizens. However, the Wugu Kingdom doesn't even bother with such pretenses. Their gene warriors are even more deranged, subjecting their bodies to extreme modifications, resulting in unparalleled power.
'The Guiran people are disgusting, but what can we do?' his companion smiled, a hint of helplessness in his voice. They both understood that the world wouldn't change according to their wishes. Despite the Wugu Kingdom's persistence in slavery and disregard for human life, they live a carefree existence.
'The most nauseating thing is that a Wugu Marquis married the daughter of a general from Brilliant Star!' Yang Shan's eyes, rarely showing fear, revealed a trace of trepidation. Brilliant Star possesses far more advanced technology than Arcstar. The development of Arcstar's technology owes much to Brilliant Star's influence.
Yang Shan's grandfather died on a mission in Brilliant Star, leaving him both fearful and angry towards it. The Wugu Kingdom's connection with Brilliant Star is one of the reasons for their fearless attitude. Despite being one of the world's two dominant powers, Brilliant Star rarely promotes hostility or hatred towards the other pole, instead advocating for peaceful coexistence.
As a result, rumors circulate in the Qin Yuan Kingdom. The most widespread rumor suggests that the upper echelons of the Qin Yuan Kingdom and the Ancient Witch Kingdom have long been controlled by Brilliant Star. Of course, to Yang Shan, these rumors are nothing but nonsense. The upper echelons remain unchanged.
...
'Gifted Martial Technique...'
In the room, Qi Yuan ponders his gifted martial technique. 'The technique most deeply connected to my bloodline heritage will be the most suitable for me and the most powerful.'
Qi Yuan's eyes, capable of perceiving information gaps, have witnessed the power of a cultivator who has slain Yang Shan. His vision surpasses that of ordinary people.
After witnessing Yang Shan's gifted martial technique just once, Qi Yuan's understanding surpasses that of everyone else. 'So... the gifted martial technique of my bloodline ancestor is the most suitable for me, and it will be the most powerful.'
A sharp glint flashes in Qi Yuan's eyes as he stares at his blood, as if seeing through the ages. He envisions mutated sea monsters swimming in the ocean and a drop of blood falling from the sky.
'Exploding Sparrow Fist!'
Qi Yuan's eyes shine with determination. He makes deductions, as if accessing the memories of his bloodline heritage. In this moment, his gifted martial technique takes form.
'This name is so uninspiring.'
Qi Yuan is speechless as he observes the newly formed martial technique. The name of this technique lacks creativity.
'It seems my ancestor had a low cultural level and possibly hated birds. Otherwise, why would my gifted martial technique be named Exploding Sparrow Fist?'
Qi Yuan shrugs. He effortlessly demonstrates the technique, only to furrow his brows.
'It's not a possibility; he definitely hated birds.'
The Exploding Sparrow Fist, far from explosive, resembles a cat catching a sparrow.
(End of Chapter)
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