Chapter 356: Completely Understanding the Fourth Rank and the Path to Grandmaster!

Chapter 356: Completely Understanding the Fourth Rank and the Path to Grandmaster!

In the Administration Office, under the warm sunlight, the golden thin paper gradually began to char and turn black. However, only a wisp of blue smoke rose, without any flames.

Jiang Ning gazed at the blue smoke, lost in thought. After reading the Fourth Rank Essence Interpretation on the golden paper, he gained a comprehensive understanding of the Fourth Rank.

The Fourth Rank in Martial Dao is the realm of Bone Refinement, which requires mastery of at least the Second Level Energy Flow. This is because only by grasping the Second Level Energy Flow can one manipulate the power of heaven and earth.

From the text, Jiang Ning also learned about the classification of Energy Flow levels. The First Level Energy Flow primarily affects the opponent's mental state, creating spiritual pressure that weakens their attacks by 30%. This pressure disrupts the opponent's energy and inner breath, making it difficult for them to exert their full strength.

The Second Level Energy Flow, on the other hand, influences reality through virtual Energy Flow. For example, the Energy Flow of a raging fire can wither plants and scorch human skin, even though it is an illusion. This is because the Energy Flow can tap into the power of heaven and earth.

To reach this level, one must master the Second Level Energy Flow, which allows them to harness the power of heaven and earth, refine their bones, and undergo a transformation.

In comparison, the Third Level Energy Flow is even more profound. It can project virtual Energy Flow into reality, making it almost indistinguishable from the real thing. The Fourth Rank Essence Interpretation states that at this level, the practitioner's essence is equivalent to that of a Heaven and Man Master.

In other words, when using the Third Level Energy Flow, the practitioner's abilities are comparable to those of a Heaven and Man Master, who can manipulate the power of heaven and earth with every move.

"Originally, I've already reached this level!" Jiang Ning thought to himself, watching the blue smoke rise from the charred paper. At this moment, he realized that he had long ago mastered two types of Third Level Energy Flow, which were incredibly powerful techniques.

If he were to use the Third Level Energy Flow, his abilities would be equivalent to those of a Heaven and Man Master, with the only difference being a matter of quantity. A Heaven and Man Master can harness the power of heaven and earth with every move, thought, and action.

Jiang Ning's heart was filled with a sense of determination. The Fourth Rank Essence Interpretation had shown him that he was stronger than he had initially thought, as he had already mastered the Third Level Energy Flow of the Firewood Splitting Blade and the Five Beasts Fist.

These two techniques allowed him to tap into the power of heaven and earth, unleashing the might of a Heaven and Man Master. The Fourth Rank Essence Interpretation also revealed to him the path to achieving the Fourth Rank in Martial Dao.

To do so, he needed to transform his inner breath, condense it into Prana, and master the Energy Flow that could harness the power of heaven and earth. Then, he could guide the power of heaven and earth into his body, washing and refining his bones, and completing his transformation.

The Fourth Rank Essence Interpretation detailed the key techniques required for this process, including the method for guiding the power of heaven and earth. At the Bone Refinement level, there were no distinctions between small, medium, and full completion.

Instead, each time the practitioner harnessed the power of heaven and earth to refine their bones, it was like a rebirth, a transformation that elevated their life to a new level. This process would also gradually increase their lifespan, eliminating all ailments.

Although the increase in lifespan might not be immediately apparent, it was a tangible and real effect. According to the text, in the land of Daxia, the average lifespan of ordinary people was only around fifty years. Therefore, reaching the age of sixty was considered a significant milestone, known as the "Sixty-Year-Old Longevity."

The Fourth Rank Essence Interpretation stated that many practitioners who had achieved the Bone Refinement realm lived to be over a hundred years old, and some who were skilled in nourishing their bodies could live for more than two sixty-year cycles.

This was the most direct proof, as Jiang Ning knew that martial practitioners who did not reach the Fifth Rank often had shorter lifespans than ordinary people. This was because the early stages of martial training damaged their bodies, and they would often suffer from hidden ailments and internal injuries.

Once they grew older and their physical abilities declined, these hidden ailments would emerge, and most martial practitioners would decline rapidly. Reaching the Fifth Rank could extend their lifespan by strengthening their internal organs, but this was only a temporary solution, as the underlying damage remained.

However, those who reached the Fourth Rank in Martial Dao were different.

Refining the Marrow.

Each refinement brings about a transformation, a rebirth.

It promotes physical growth and vitality.

It eliminates all hidden illnesses and latent injuries, leaving one's body free of ailments.

It elevates one's life force, extending their lifespan.

This level is a true sublimation, a gradual transcendence beyond the ordinary.

Compared to regular people, a Fourth Rank Martial Practitioner will undoubtedly live longer, often reaching the upper limit of their physical potential.

This longevity is even more pronounced among those who already have long lifespans.

"There's no need to exchange for the Bone Refining Pill!" Jiang Ning thought to himself, shaking his head slightly.

The Bone Refining Pill is a supplementary medicine to aid in the refinement of the marrow.

Its primary effect is to increase one's attraction to the power of heaven and earth.

By attracting more of this power with each marrow refinement, the transformation and benefits become more pronounced.

However, in Jiang Ning's opinion, there was no need for this.

He had already reached the third level of both the Five Phases Fist Energy Flow and the Blade Energy Flow.

Compared to the second level, his progress was far ahead.

Having mastered the third level of Energy Flow, he could harness an impressive amount of power from heaven and earth, far surpassing what the second level could offer.

Additionally, his Firewood Splitting Blade Technique was on the verge of breaking through its limit, ready for further refinement.

Therefore, Jiang Ning believed that the Bone Refining Pill, as a supplementary item, would not provide him with much benefit at his current Fourth Rank Martial Arts level.

At this moment, the golden paper in his hand, exposed to the sunlight, gradually turned black and charred.

Jiang Ning released the crumpled golden paper.

It instantly broke into numerous fragments that fluttered down, accompanied by falling ashes.

"This anti-theft method is quite practical!" Jiang Ning remarked, glancing at the debris on the ground before looking away.

The next moment, another golden paper appeared in his hand.

[Basic Understanding of Third Rank Martial Arts]



Jiang Ning's eyes shone with desire as he looked at the golden paper, craving knowledge.

Compared to the Fourth Rank, he had a slightly better understanding of the Third Rank Grandmaster, mostly from others' accounts.

But this understanding was only superficial, and he knew nothing beyond the basics.

He tore open the thin membrane of the golden paper, focusing his gaze on the text.

The characters on the golden paper were minuscule, like swarms of ants.

But Jiang Ning was immediately drawn to the words.

[Character Recognition Experience +1]



[Character Recognition Experience +1]



[Character Recognition Experience +1]



[.]



As he read, his skill in Character Recognition rapidly improved, faster than before.

A moment later—

[Reading the Fifth Rank True Understanding of Martial Arts has increased your Character Recognition experience by a total of 588 points.]



6◇9◇Book◇Bar

[Skills]: Character Recognition (Six Breaks, 3705/7000) (Characteristics: Photographic Memory, Extraordinary Senses, Keen Mind, Exceptional Understanding, Celestial Vision, Superior Six Senses)



"I'm already halfway there!" Jiang Ning's eyes lit up with joy.

In just a short while, the text on the two pages provided him with nearly a thousand experience points.

This single gain made him feel that the contribution points he had spent were well worth it.

Usually, gaining nearly a thousand experience points in Character Recognition would take him about two days.

This unexpected harvest had saved him two days of reading.

It truly was remarkable!

It lived up to being the Martial Arts information summarized by the Holy Warrior!

He sighed inwardly once more.

Then, he closed the panel and shut his eyes.

In his mind, he quickly recalled the text he had just read.

After a few breaths, he opened his eyes again, having fully digested the new knowledge.

Through the Basic Understanding of Third Rank Martial Arts, he gained a more comprehensive understanding of the Third Rank.

The Third Rank is also known as the Grandmaster level.

This level is referred to as the Blood Replacement Realm.

Within this realm, there are distinctions based on the number of blood replacements.

Completing one blood replacement makes one a First-Level Grandmaster.

A second blood replacement elevates one to the Second-Level Grandmaster.

At this level, the differences between practitioners are significant.

Not only is there a difference in the number of blood replacements, but there is also a hierarchy of strength.

The weakest Grandmasters are those who rely on external substances like Hundred Spirit Blood to absorb spiritual energy, completing one blood replacement to reach the Third Rank.

They are known as the lowest-level Grandmasters, referred to as the Human Path Grandmasters.

Medium-level Grandmasters absorb spiritual energy from special Heavenly Materials and Earth Treasures, completing their blood replacements.

These special materials are now almost extinct due to changes in the environment, only found in certain ancient ruins and small worlds.

The classification of Grandmasters varies according to their methods of achievement, and those who harness the power of heavenly treasures and earthly treasures are known as Earth-Bearing Masters.

The highest-ranking Grandmasters are those who, without relying on external objects, can harness the essence of heaven and earth and infuse it into their bodies.

This method requires an extremely high level of talent and is not the only way.

However, it is also the most challenging path to achieve.

Once accomplished, these Grandmasters are known as Heaven and Man Masters, the pinnacle of their kind.

Heaven and Man Masters command the power of heaven and earth, allowing them to walk on air as if it were a gentle breeze.

This is the most distinctive sign of a Heaven and Man Master.

The golden paper also records this method.

In the eyes of many, only Heaven and Man Masters are considered true Grandmasters.

The other two methods are seen as inferior, not worthy of the title.

After learning about this, Jiang Ning agreed with this sentiment.

After all, Heaven and Man Masters are fundamentally different from Fourth Rank Martial Arts practitioners.

Walking on air, they can summon the power of heaven and earth with a simple gesture or step.

When they unleash their full power, it's like the might of heaven descending.

Against Grandmasters of the other two ranks, they are unstoppable, crushing their opponents with ease.

The golden paper also mentions another fact.

Among Second Rank Grandmasters, half of them are Heaven and Man Masters.

And among Heaven and Man Masters, half of them achieve the Second Rank.

In other words, once one becomes a Heaven and Man Master, there's a fifty percent chance of reaching the Second Rank and becoming a renowned Grandmaster.

This is why Heaven and Man Masters hold such an exalted status.

From the golden paper, Jiang Ning also learned several ways to become a Heaven and Man Master.

The first and most representative method is to comprehend the Heaven-Earth Unity Realm.

Once comprehended, with the right prerequisites, one can become a Heaven and Man Master, transcending the mortal realm.

The second method involves perfecting certain cultivation techniques, such as the Inner Core Cultivation Technique.

This technique originates from an ancient immortal's path, focusing on the inner core.

Once perfected, a golden core forms within the body.

With a golden core, one can communicate with the essence of heaven and earth, infusing it into their bodies.

This essence, when fused with heavenly treasures and earthly treasures, becomes a spirit energy substance.

Spirit energy is a level higher than the essence of heaven and earth.

The third method involves mastering True Intent, such as Sword Intent or Blade Intent.

True Intent is a transformation of Energy Flow, tapping into the fundamental power of heaven and earth.

It is more potent than Energy Flow and possesses inconceivable strength.

By mastering True Intent, one can naturally achieve the Heaven-Earth Unity Realm, becoming one with heaven and earth.

At this moment, Jiang Ning gained a comprehensive understanding of Third Rank Martial Arts.

This newfound knowledge cleared the fog surrounding his future path, allowing him to plan his martial journey with clarity.

"This is crucial!" he exclaimed inwardly.

Before, he had no idea how to progress towards becoming a Grandmaster.

But now, he has a clear path.

As long as he follows the steps, when his inner breath transforms and condenses into Prana, he can begin bone refinement.

Completing the purification of his entire bone marrow will officially mark his entry into the Fourth Rank Martial Arts realm.

This step is already within his grasp.

In just one more day, his Inner Core Cultivation Technique will reach perfection, and his inner breath will undergo its transformation.

With nearly two cycles of cultivation, his prowess is already rare, even among Grandmasters.

Nearly two cycles of cultivation place him at the pinnacle of strength.

After completing bone refinement and becoming a Grandmaster, the path to achieving a Heaven and Man Master is crystal clear to him.

Once his Inner Core Cultivation Technique is perfected, he will have a golden core within, controlling his destiny.

He can then embark on the path to becoming a Heaven and Man Master.

To progress further, to the second and third levels, and beyond, he will need more cultivation techniques like the Inner Core Cultivation Technique.

Alternatively, he can master more True Intents or comprehend the Heaven-Earth Unity Realm.

Each time he fulfills one of these conditions, he can perform additional blood exchanges based on his existing foundation.

Each time he infuses the essence of heaven and earth into his body and purifies his blood, it counts as one blood exchange. This process transforms his physical body, enhancing his physical qualities and elevating his life force.

With each blood exchange, he will also gain the title of "One Refinement" added to his name.

For ordinary Grandmasters, an additional refinement only increases physical strength.

However, for Heaven and Man Masters, each refinement not only enhances physical strength but also improves their control over the power of heaven and earth, significantly boosting their overall strength.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end