Chapter 62: Internal

Chapter 62: Internal

"The grand martial art event that is held once every three years... During this competition, countless individuals aspire to rise to prominence, achieve worldwide recognition, and amass immense wealth.

"Yet, amidst this spectacle of triumph, there are also those who will inevitably face defeat, causing their sects to fade into oblivion," remarked a middle-aged man in a long robe.

He appeared somewhat frail as he stood by the window atop the headquarters of the martial society. Gazing upon the martial arts masters that had rushed from all corners of the province to convene below, he was unable to suppress his sigh of contemplation.

"Alright Liu Tiandao, enough with your reflection. Let's resume our discussions on how the slots should be allocated."

Behind Liu Tiando was a well-lit and spacious conference room, and seated inside were six individuals. They seemed to be engaged in a discussion.

The one who had spoken now was none other than the old sect master of the Solar Vermillion Sect, Qiu Chufeng, who was bestowed with the title of Martial Saint.

"We can forgo competing for the top spot in the adult category, but the first place in the intermediate category must belong to our sect's Jiang Zhenhai," Qiu Chufeng declared.

However, the individuals in the room evidently paid no heed to his status as a Martial Saint. Among the elite of Jiang Province's martial arts community, it was clear that being a Martial Saint wasn't exactly a distinguishing feature.

"Have you sought approval from the Cloud Crest Martial Hall before you had thoughts of Jiang Zhenhai claiming the top spot?" Shu Shaoyan remarked nonchalantly. "Jiang Zhenhai is known for his Dragon Fist, while our martial hall's Zhou Yuanfei specializes in the Dragon Slaying Sword Technique. Are you suggesting a showdown between his fist and our martial hall?"

"The Cosmic Gem Sect will not contend for the intermediate category this time. But I, Zhao Shenyan, will definitely claim first place in the adult category," another man said. He appeared noticeably younger compared to the others and looked to be in his thirties.

The lone woman among them spoke discontentedly. "For the adult category, Baron Lu Yunzhou has already declared that the top spot must go to Nie Wuji. Sect Master Zhao, are you really going to disrespect Baron Lu's wishes?"

"Hahaha! For six whole years, I have been preparing for this Martial Saints evaluation! There hasn't been a moment of rest or slack. If I can't participate in the national competition to showcase my skills on the stage and seize the first place, wouldn't these six years have gone to waste?"

"Hmph... Sect Master Zhao, you can just cut to the chase and say that you are after a spot in the Dragon Gate Hall. Why beat around the bush?"

The last person sneered. "Consider that first place of yours challenged. My junior brother, Xiao Dingjun, is coming for it."

The exchange between those few people was far from friendly, and the atmosphere was electric with tension.

It was quite easy to figure out their identities from their conversation.

Everyone was surprised.

"Gu Haoran?"

"The monster from the Blizzard Mountain Gu family who achieved Aura Force at just twenty-nine!?"

Qiu Chufeng was a bit upset. "Didn't you already sign up for the intermediate category in the capital city?! We have already backed down all the way to Jiang Province, why push on?!"

Gu Haoran calmly responded, "Her Royal Highness, the sixth princess unleashed a Spirit Qi Unity strike half a month ago."

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone, including Zhao Shenyan, a prospective Martial Saint as well as the true Martial Saints like Liu Tiandao and Qiu Chufeng, couldn’t help but gasp in shock.

Spirit Qi Unity.

The Martial Saint was a Spirit-Tempering realm.

When martial artists discovered their own Martial Will, they harnessed their spiritual power through it, using it to drive their qi and blood force to unleash a strike that surpassed their limits. This attack was known as Spirit Qi Unity.

Just like a Transformative Force expert capable of unleashing a Core Force Strike before forming his Core, before a grandmaster discovered his own Martial Will, in a certain unique spiritual state, they could unleash a single strike of Spirit Qi Unity. In other words, Spirit Force.

Like Core Force and Aura Force martial artists, these people were known as the Spirit Force Martial Saints. However, compared to Core Force and Aura Force, the Spirit Qi Unity was notably more unstable. It could only be summoned sporadically under unique mental conditions, such as extreme anger, profound calmness, or intense madness.

Consequently, those who possessed this ability were often referred to as "Half-Step" Martial Saints. Once they discovered their own Martial Will to harness their spiritual power and stabilized their state of Spirit Qi Unity, they would truly step into the realm of the Martial Saints. It might be sporadic, but once unleashed, that one strike of Spirit Qi Unity was enough to overwhelm every Aura Cultivation expert.

In such cases, it was perfectly understandable why many people would choose to avoid its formidable power.

Qiu Chufeng let out a sigh. "Then, I suppose the first place in the intermediate category would go to Master Gu."

Shu Shaoyan also did not press the matter further.

It didn't matter if they couldn't secure first place; the second or third was just as good.