Chapter 85

Dear readers, here's an update on a few points:

First, my initial subscription count exceeded 1,700. As per the promise I made in my launch remarks, I need to add two extra chapters. Please rest assured, I will make them up as soon as possible.

Second, regarding the "Grandmaster" mentioned in the previous chapter, there was some debate, which was my oversight. My book isn't intended to delve into specific martial arts realms, but the "Grandmaster" character in the last chapter wasn't clearly defined, making it seem like a specific realm. I've made revisions. If you have time, you can go back and re-read it. If not, it's fine; it doesn't affect the plot. I'll reiterate the change below.

Original content:Bai Jingqi asked, "Elder Meng, what exactly is a Grandmaster?"Meng Qingkong pondered for a moment and said, "You can understand it as the Dao!""What is the Dao?""The Dao is the Dao!"

Revised version:Bai Jingqi asked, "Elder Meng, what exactly is a Grandmaster?"Meng Qingkong slowly replied, "Someone with great fame who wins enough fights is a Grandmaster.""Huh?" Bai Jingqi looked confused.Meng Qingkong slowly explained, "A Grandmaster is simply a title, a respectful term for powerful martial artists. However, most people in the martial arts world misunderstood it, and over time, it became wrongly perceived as a specific realm. Otherwise, why do you think Yunzhou has always only had ten Grandmasters?"Bai Jingqi slowly said, "Because these ten people are the most famous?"Meng Qingkong smiled slightly and slowly replied, "It's because among those with great fame, these ten are the strongest fighters!"

Third, also concerning the previous chapter, there was a repeated paragraph. I have deleted it. This was a major error on my part, and I will certainly learn from it. Additionally, regarding the melodramatic plotline where Yan Sanniang is forced to marry by the Bai family, it's actually false. It's a foreshadowing for later chapters and not as cliché as it seems. I can't reveal too much, but I can generally say that in my setting, the Bai family is actually quite good.

Fourth point of update: The "Grandmaster" issue in the previous chapter reminded me that Chapter 26, "Martial Arts Realms," also had shortcomings. The mentions of "Martial Arts True Intent" and "Grandmaster" there also felt like specific martial arts realms. I have also revised this, and it doesn't affect the plot at all. It simply makes the original text clearer. Originally, it spoke of: First: Internal energy and technique levels, Second: Martial Arts True Intent levels, and the Third was not specified. Now it's clearer, with the following content:

All martial arts in the world are diverse and varied, with many schools, but they fundamentally boil down to three main paths of cultivation.

The first is the most common, focusing on internal energy (Neigong) and combat techniques. For example, Brother Gu, your cultivation of both internal and external martial arts falls into this first category, practicing internal energy and techniques.

The second type is what I just mentioned: Martial Arts True Intent, which involves cultivating one's will. My sword path primarily cultivates will. Although I also practice internal energy and techniques, my focus is more on comprehending the true intent of the sword. Techniques and internal energy are supplementary; mental state is paramount.

The third type cultivates the "Heaven-Human Connection." These martial artists are the rarest in the world. Their cultivation direction is already about cultivating destiny; it is profound, elusive, and most mysterious. They seek transcendence. You can also understand them as "Qi Refiners."

In simple terms, based on my understanding, among the martial arts Gu Mo currently possesses, skills like the Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms and Nine Yang Divine Skill, which are from the Jin Yong series, primarily fall under the internal energy and technique cultivation path. As for skills like Little Li Flying Dagger and Bright Jade Art, from the Gu Long series, they primarily cultivate mental will. The third path, the Qi Refiner direction, hasn't appeared yet. Currently, it's tentatively planned to include martial arts like the Art of Yijian Shu and the God of War Catalogue from "Twin of the Great Tang."

Fifth point of update: The next major plotline is about to begin, but there will be some daily life scenes before it kicks off. Please bear with me.

Finally, I sincerely thank everyone for your continued companionship and strong support. Feel free to join the group to share your thoughts at any time. If you find any shortcomings, please point them out so I can correct them promptly.

Respectfully,Wen Dao