C2 Martial Arts

The path of cultivation is split between spellcasting and martial arts. In today's world, spells are favored over martial arts. If there's even a remote chance to cultivate spells, no one would choose the path of martial arts.

The Martial Arts Hall was established for those in the Tang family who were unable to cultivate spells, and Tang Hu, the person overseeing the hall, was precisely who Tang Yuan was seeking.

Tang Hu, Tang Yuan's third uncle, shared the same mother as Tang Yuan's father, Tang Xiu. Excluded from spellcasting, he took up the mantle of leadership at the Martial Arts Hall.

Tang Hu had little to do with Tang Yuan or the Tang family from a young age. Yet, Tang Xiu had always maintained that Tang Hu was someone the Tang family could trust implicitly.

Tang Hu's martial arts talent was exceptional. He had cultivated to the Level Nine Heaven of the Spirit Sea Stage using ancient martial techniques. Despite his efforts, he had yet to break through to the Core Formation Stage. Tang Yuan's visit was to determine if his uncle was as reliable as Tang Xiu had claimed, and if so, he was willing to assist him in reaching the Core Formation Stage.

Tang Yuan's arrival turned heads, especially since the Tang family was aware of his recent defeat by Tang Hsing. No one expected to find him at the Martial Arts Hall.

"The Tang family's prodigy has come to the Martial Arts Hall. What, here to give us a lesson?" A mocking voice rang out, prompting laughter from the crowd.

Many at the Martial Arts Hall harbored envy for those who could cultivate spells, and they seized the opportunity to mock Tang Yuan in his time of adversity.

"If you're offering to teach, I'm all ears," Tang Yuan replied to the young man with a serene smile. He could confidently claim unparalleled martial arts talent since he was the one who founded the entire martial arts cultivation system eight thousand years ago for a woman.

At the thought of her, Tang Yuan's gaze grew somber. She had been killed in an ambush six thousand years prior, and despite the millennia that followed, he had yet to uncover any leads on the perpetrator.

"What an audacious claim!"

"Are you trying to be funny? Who was it that got carried back like a dead dog the other day?"

The jeers from the crowd disrupted Tang Yuan's train of thought. He gave a brief glance to the young man before him, finally recalling his name—Tang Ya. They had both attempted to awaken their spirits together in the past. Tang Yuan had been successful, whereas Tang Ya had not.

"Find something amusing?" Tang Yuan suddenly raised his voice, his gaze sweeping icily over the onlookers.

"You may have reached Level Five Heaven of the Spirit Containing Stage, but your Spiritual Force has hit its peak; you can't break through any further!" Tang Yuan declared, pointing at Tang Ya.

Tang Ya was taken aback, for Tang Yuan was correct—his Spiritual Force was utterly ineffective now!

"What does it matter if you know?" Tang Ya retorted. "I've always followed the cultivation practices meticulously. How could they be wrong?"

"Cultivation practices?" Tang Yuan sneered, eyeing the beast skin on the wall that detailed the entire Spirit Containing Stage's methods. "In my eyes, these methods are nothing more than rubbish!"

The moment Tang Yuan finished his statement, a hush fell over the Martial Arts Hall. Everyone stared at him as if he were insane.

"Such grandiosity!" A bellow erupted, striking Tang Yuan's ears like a bolt of lightning.

"Tang Yuan pays his respects to Third Uncle," he said, turning slowly to greet the middle-aged man entering through the doorway with a bow.

"I'm not worthy of such respect," Tang Hu replied coldly, his brow furrowing as he walked past Tang Yuan. "Why are you here instead of healing your wounds?"

"I'd like to propose a trade with Third Uncle," Tang Yuan spoke calmly. "I can assist Third Uncle in advancing to the Core Formation Stage."

"You?" Tang Hu regarded Tang Yuan with a chilly gaze. "I was willing to look out for you on your father's account, but it seems unnecessary now. Tang Ya, throw him out!"

A grin spread across Tang Ya's face upon hearing Tang Hu's command. This was an opportunity he relished. Limbering up, he advanced towards Tang Yuan.

"If Third Uncle won't take my word for it, then I'll just have to demonstrate," Tang Yuan said, a slight smile on his face. He took a measured step back and coolly met Tang Ya's eyes. "I won't use any spells. Go ahead and attack. If you can make me move even one step, I'll concede defeat. Then, Third Uncle can deal with me as he pleases."

"How presumptuous!" Tang Ya's eyebrows shot up. "Even Tang Hsing wouldn't dare utter such words here!"

"He's probably been knocked senseless, the poor guy's been provoked!"

Tang Yuan's words clearly struck a nerve, as everyone's gaze turned icy towards him.

Tang Ya gave Tang Hu a quick look and, upon receiving a nod, he let out a low shout and swung his fist at Tang Yuan's face with all his might!

The power behind Tang Ya's punch was immense, the air tearing with an audible whoosh!

"Tang Ya's punch has gained even more power. He truly lives up to his reputation as a Level Five Heaven cultivator in the Spirit Containing Stage!"

"Not even a Level Six Heaven cultivator could easily handle that punch! I'm eager to see how Tang Yuan handles this!"

All eyes were fixed on Tang Yuan in anticipation.

Unfazed, Tang Yuan waited until Tang Ya's fist was a mere palm's distance away before striking with the speed of lightning, tapping Tang Ya's wrist and causing him to miss his target completely!

"How is this possible!" Tang Ya looked at Tang Yuan, his eyes filled with disbelief.

"I refuse to believe this!" Tang Ya bellowed, charging forward once more.

Yet the outcome remained unchanged. Tang Yuan stood his ground, effortlessly deflecting each blow.

"That's enough!" Tang Yuan declared, as Tang Ya made another attempt. With a swift palm strike, he sent Tang Ya crashing to the ground.

Shock filled Tang Hu's eyes; he could clearly see that Tang Yuan hadn't used even a trace of magic from start to finish!

"So, Third Uncle, are we ready to talk now?" Tang Yuan asked calmly, surveying the onlookers.

After a lengthy silence, Tang Hu looked around the Martial Arts Hall and announced, "Everyone, leave. This incident is not to be spoken of, or you'll answer to me!"

Despite their curiosity, the crowd had no choice but to exit the hall, respecting Tang Hu's command.

"Now, what are your terms?" Tang Hu finally asked, acknowledging Tang Yuan's proven might.

"In three months, at the Tang family's Clan Competition, I intend to take certain actions. I'll need you to ensure my safety," Tang Yuan stated his conditions confidently.

"Alright, as long as you help me break through to the Core Formation Stage, no one in the Tang family will dare to lay a finger on you!" Tang Hu nodded in agreement.

Tang Yuan gave Tang Hu a look before pulling a scroll from his pocket and handing it over. "This is a martial arts technique for the Core Formation Stage. Many people believe martial arts are inferior to magic, but that's a misconception. The path of martial arts deserves to be regarded as equal to that of magic," Tang Yuan explained. "I hope you'll remember the promise you made to me today, Uncle."

Tang Hu unrolled the scroll and barely glanced at it before he was completely captivated. His martial arts talent allowed him to recognize the brilliance of the technique instantly. "With this technique, I'm certain I can reach the Core Formation Stage, or even ascend beyond it!" Tang Hu's grip tightened into a determined fist, and when he looked back at Tang Yuan, his eyes shone with newfound reverence.

Satisfied with the response, Tang Yuan left the Martial Arts Hall and headed for his residence. Yet, from a distance, he noticed a crowd gathered at his doorstep. His sharp eyesight made out a familiar figure among them – Tang Ling was there too!

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