The Sims: I Open the Immortal Path for All Beings Chapter 5 - 4: Swordsmanship at the Realm of Integration

"The Great Tao is fifty, the heavenly surplus is forty-nine, leaving but one. Thus, every living soul in this world possesses a thread of life!"

At age sixteen: Your master has passed away. As a Ninth-grade Martial Artist, you have fully inherited the legacy of the Everlasting Observance.

Achieving the rank of a Ninth-grade Martial Artist by sixteen is a record of talent almost unseen in the history of this small frontier town; expectations for you are immense. Many Elders believe you might reach the sixth level before you turn thirty. During this period, a 'Qilin' from the local Zhang Family displayed his own genius. He was scouted by a high-ranking master from a major Sect, taken in as a disciple, and provided with spiritual medicine to assist the Zhang Family head in breaking through his current realm.

Meanwhile, you successfully advanced to become an Eighth-grade Martial Artist. You did not boast, however, choosing instead to focus humbly on your Cultivation.

Sixteen years old: Following the breakthrough of the Zhang Family head, the presence of an Eighth-grade Martial Artist immediately shattered the power balance of the town. The Zhang Family began applying pressure in all directions. As the martial artist with the most potential, you became a primary target for the Zhang Family.

Yet, when you revealed your Eighth-grade prowess, the Zhang Family opted to retreat. Not only did they cease infringing upon your interests, but they also consented to share additional benefits with you.

Aware of their backing, you agreed to share control of the small city with them.

Twenty-three years old: Having amassed sufficient resources, the Zhang Family finally produced their second Eighth-grade Martial Artist. With two such combatants, they grew reluctant to share those extra benefits and attempted to test your strength. After a display of power, the Zhang Family temporarily sheathed their swords. You seized this opening to pursue even more resources.

Confronted with this, the Zhang Family refused to accept defeat. While appearing obedient on the surface, they surreptitiously sent word to their genius who had entered the Tie Sect.

Twenty-four years old: Your realm remained stagnant, but the 'Yin Wood Sword Skill' you had studied since childhood reached a level of small success.

Twenty-five years old: The Zhang Family genius from the Tie Sect reached the Seventh-grade. Upon receiving news from home, he secretly returned to the city, where the three of them conspired to ambush you.

You were outnumbered. Though you managed to slay the head of the Zhang Family, you were struck in your vitals by the Seventh-grade Martial Artist and succumbed to your wounds.

"Life Ends Here"

Pei Xuanjing’s expression turned somber; in this simulation, he had started as an Eighth-grade Martial Artist almost from the beginning.

He had successfully navigated the Zhang Family's initial hostility and avoided being hunted for years.

However, perhaps this lack of conflict had dulled his sense of danger. When the Zhang Family finally ambushed him, he had no opportunity to flee and died on the spot.

Reflecting on this simulation, Pei Xuanjing realized two things:

First, one must never lower their guard and must remain perpetually wary of any rival power.

Second, the Zhang Family is driven by ambition; if a true conflict arises, one must show no mercy and eradicate the threat entirely to prevent future trouble.

"The simulation has concluded. You may choose one of the following rewards to retain."

"First: Your martial arts realm at age twenty-five."

"Second: Your cultivation experience with the 'Yi Wood Skill' at age twenty-five."

"Third: Mastery of the 'Yin Wood Sword Skill' realm."

Since his realm had not advanced during this simulation, the first option held little value.

The Zhang Family would likely take action in the future. If he possessed superior martial skills, he could truly manifest his full strength.

Consequently, he chose the third option without a second thought, attaining mastery of the 'Yin Wood Sword Skill'.

The moment he made his choice, every technique and subtle variation of the 'Yin Wood Sword Skill' flooded into his consciousness.

In this world, martial techniques are categorized into six levels of proficiency: beginner, small success, integration, enlightenment, skilled, and mastery.

Generally, anyone who can hone a technique to the skilled level can draw out its maximum potential.

As for the final level, it is typically reserved for the creator of the technique or those who can forge their own path within it, innovating a new way.

Pei Xuanjing had his own perspective on this. Much like the Emperor’s Long Fist—aside from Zhao Kuangyin, only Chief Qiao could wield it with such devastating power, while in the hands of others, it remained a mere basic skill.

Now, with his integrated mastery of the Yin Wood Sword Skill, he doubted a standard Eighth-grade Martial Artist could stand against him.

......

At dawn, on the practice grounds behind the Everlasting Observance.

Pei Xuanjing was clad in training robes, a Pine Pattern Ancient Sword in his grip as he practiced.

Sword Qi crisscrossed the air, accompanied by flashes of light. Under the morning sun, the blade in his hand gleamed coldly, and sharp bursts of Qi carved seemingly random but actually structured marks into the courtyard rocks.

When he finally came to a halt, Mr. Xu, who had been waiting patiently, hurried over with a towel.

Pei Xuanjing returned the Pine Pattern Ancient Sword to its scabbard, took the towel to wipe away his sweat, and asked:

"Has anything significant occurred in the city lately?"

"Nothing of great importance has happened recently, Master."

Mr. Xu took the sword, carrying it with great care as he followed Pei Xuanjing, answering the Master Guan’s inquiry.

Pei Xuanjing nodded, then asked with feigned casualness, "And what of the Zhang Family?"

Mr. Xu considered this before replying, "Nothing there either. It seems that since things settled down a few months ago, the Zhang Family has returned to their usual business."

Suddenly, Mr. Xu seemed to recall something and added, "Even the unruly sons of the Zhang Family have become much more disciplined; they hardly cause trouble now. Word on the street is that since the family has a young genius in a major Sect, they have begun to focus on the family's reputation."

"Oh?" Pei Xuanjing was slightly surprised, but he soon guessed the reason.

The Zhang Family head was likely on the verge of a breakthrough. They were keeping a low profile, waiting for the head to advance before they emerged to cause trouble!

Since the opponent was preparing to break through, he would simply wait for them to come to him!

Following this, Pei Xuanjing tasked Mr. Xu with investigating whether anyone was willing to sell items such as the handwritten notes of past martial artists.

In a place where the path of martial arts flourished, there were countless practitioners. Perhaps some impoverished families, out of desperation, would sell such heirlooms to survive?

Thus, Pei Xuanjing returned to his routine of study and martial practice.

This peace did not last long; news of the Zhang Family head’s breakthrough soon spread.

To his surprise, however, the very first place the Zhang Family head visited after his advancement was the Everlasting Observance.