Grinding Cultivation Toward Martial Saint

In the martial arts arena, he was calm as he slowly opened his eyes.

Opposite him, Master Ku Hai’s gaunt body swayed slightly before stabilizing.

He raised his eyelids, and the eyes that had transformed into a sea of suffering returned to normal, but there was a faint ripple deep within.

Immediately, he let out a gentle groan, his breath momentarily stagnating.

Clearly, the "Boundless Sea of Suffering" divine skill was broken, causing him some heart spirit backlash.

Master Ku Hai gazed at Jiang Ning, his eyes a mix of regret and awe.

Regretful because his "Boundless Sea of Suffering" contained the highest Buddhist conception, yet failed to sway Jiang Ning’s heart and spirit in the slightest.

If his heart had been swayed, even a bit, Jiang Ning might not have joined the Buddhist sect but would have had a natural liking for it.

The awe was due to Jiang Ning’s incredibly strong will after reaching the Primordial Spirit Immortal state.

Full force was exerted, yet the Boundless Sea of Suffering divine skill was broken instantly.

While causing him heart spirit backlash.

If he hadn’t forcibly swallowed that mouthful of blood, he would have been embarrassed on the spot.

After a moment of awe, Master Ku Hai clasped his hands together solemnly, "Marquis has achieved Primordial Spirit, is an Immortal in today’s world, I... cannot compare!"

The last three words were resolute.

As soon as these words were spoken, the martial arts arena fell into a silence.

As soon as these words were spoken, the martial arts arena fell into a silence.

The crowd heard these words, their hearts were filled with shock and amazement.

Master Ku Hai, abbot of Vajra Temple, who has been ranked alongside Wang Jixuan, Qingxu Temple Master, among others, as the "Second under Heaven" for decades, openly admitted his inferiority to Jiang Ning before everyone’s eyes!

They all knew that Ku Hai, as a monk, strictly adhered to precepts and never lied throughout his life.

Being the abbot of Vajra Temple and a representative of Buddhism, every word and action related to the dignity of Buddhist law and sect reputation.

In such a setting, facing such a major evaluation of strength, it was impossible for him to lie for the sake of face or any other reason.

This self-admission of inferiority carried such weight that it would overturn the world’s previous understanding of Jiang Ning’s strength!

At the edge of the arena, Xiang Yuan glanced at Xiao Wuque, then at the Divine Might King.

The three of them, disciples of Martial Saint Sect, all trained under the same master.

Seeing Xiang Yuan’s gaze, Li Tianwen and Xiao Wuque both slightly shook their heads.

They both knew that Ku Hai was not as benevolent as he appeared.

The recent statement was no mere boast.

They also understood that, in a sense, Ku Hai did not lie, because the Boundless Sea of Suffering divine skill involved heart spirit and the level of will.

Though Ku Hai was second under heaven, deeply versed in Buddhist principles, and his divine skills were nearly unstoppable,

his spiritual realm was still that of a mortal; how could mortal mind and will compare with that of an Immortal?

Not to mention, Jiang Ning’s Immortal state was of superior Immortal Foundation.

Both of them knew that in this era, Ku Hai and themselves could still stand before Jiang Ning; Ku Hai could even assess Jiang Ning’s power as a senior.

In the Ancient Era, they wouldn’t even have the qualification to stand before Jiang Ning.

Here lies the fundamental difference between Immortal and mortal, which is no exaggeration.

"Too modest!" Jiang Ning said in the arena.

Despite comprehending Ku Hai’s intentions, his tone remained calm, "While I’ve achieved the Primordial Spirit Immortal state, my heart and spirit merely surpass yours; when it comes to the depth of martial arts and the profoundness of Buddhist law, I am still inferior to you."

Having understood Ku Hai’s intention, he didn’t bother with politeness.

Hearing this, Ku Hai shook his head, and a modest smile appeared on his gaunt face, "The Marquis need not be too modest. I’ve cultivated for centuries, believing myself accomplished in the path of heart spirit, yet today I could not shake the Marquis. This is not a matter of tricks, but rather a difference of foundation and realm. The Marquis, with Yin Yang as his foundation, has achieved a superior Immortal Foundation; the purity and stability of the Primordial Spirit is nearly Dao-like. I am wholeheartedly convinced of my defeat."

He paused for a moment, his gaze sweeping over the crowd at the edge of the arena, his voice resonating clearly, "After today, there shall be a conclusion on the Second under Heaven. Dongling Marquis Jiang Ning indeed possesses the power to stand alongside us, or perhaps even beyond. My statement is all from the heart."

Having finished speaking, Ku Hai said no more, slightly nodding to Jiang Ning, then to Qingxu Temple Master and the crowd, before turning to his disciples Jin Chan and Randelight.

Jin Chan quickly stepped forward, draping him in the robe once more.

Ku Hai accepted the prayer beads, quietly chanting a Buddhist name, his aura completely settling into calm, as if the previous thrilling duel had never occurred.

As the dust gradually settled in the martial arts arena, the waves in everyone’s hearts lingered without repose.

They clearly understood that after this battle, the news of Master Ku Hai’s personal admission of defeat and high praise would spread through the Royal Capital at the fastest speed, further shaking the whole world.

After today, the number of the Second under Heaven will be no longer five, but six.

In court, how to treat Jiang Ning, his status, will be different.

As the crowd’s thoughts fluctuated, Qingxu Temple Master suddenly rose from the ground, landing in the center of the martial arts arena, looking at Jiang Ning with eyes full of inquiry and a hint of eagerness.

His voice clear and penetrating, "Since Master Ku Hai has confirmed it, this poor Taoist also feels curious. Dongling Marquis, would you care to grace me with a move or two? Bound by the same limit."

"Temple Master is not purely seeking instruction, this battle—should not be had!" Jiang Ning shook his head, replying.

Upon hearing this, Qingxu Temple Master paused, then offered a bitter smile.

"The Marquis sees clearly and understands at a glance!"

"If the intention is impure, what is the necessity of battle?" Jiang Ning inquired.

"Despite this, I still wish for the Marquis’s guidance in one or two matters!" Qingxu Temple Master seriously bowed to Jiang Ning, then continued, "As a junior, Qingxu, I wish to inquire about the Immortal, what is Yin Yang!"

Seeing this, Jiang Ning’s eye slightly shifted.

He could distinguish that Qingxu Temple Master sincerely wished to learn from him, respectfully performing the courtesy of a disciple.

At that moment.

He inwardly chuckled, his lips curving into a faint smile.

"Not being such a do-gooder, why bother with others’ requests!"

In just an instant, he saw through the matter completely.

"Marquis, this is a disciple’s request for teaching!"

After Qingxu Temple Master’s words fell, from his sleeve, he produced a palm-sized jade box.

The jade box was entirely translucent, with surging cloud patterns visible, emitting a refreshing aroma as soon as it appeared, invigorating the crowd’s spirits.

Holding the jade box with both hands, his expression solemn, "This is my Qingxu Temple’s secret Nine Revolutions Life and Death Pill, crafted from nine types of Heaven and Earth Treasures, refined over eighty-one days using Samadhi True Fire; no matter how severe the physical injury or how deep the Divine Soul damage, as long as there is still one breath, taking it can sustain life, nurturing the origin, with the effect of bringing the dead back to life. Today, this poor Taoist wishes to offer this pill in exchange for the Marquis’s guidance in one move."

Upon hearing this so many onlookers gasped.

Nine Revolutions Life and Death Pill!

This kind of pill is exalted as the holy grail of healing, exceedingly rare.

Its value far surpasses ordinary Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures, providing an extra life in critical moments.

The Qingxu Temple Master actually offered such a treasure just to exchange one move with Jiang Ning, illuminating the fervency of his pursuit of Dao and the depth of his yearning for the Yin Yang path.

Simultaneously, this ample evidence in the Qingxu Temple Master’s perspective, Jiang Ning’s standing.

Lowering his status, offering a disciple’s salutation, and presenting such an expensive token of respect, showcased the Qingxu Temple Master’s urgency.

At the same time,

Jiang Ning’s gaze landed on the jade box, his Primordial Spirit moved slightly, feeling the vigorous life force and pure medicinal power contained within the pill, indeed not a common product.

He could be certain that the Source this pill could provide him would be tremendously abundant.

For him at present, this was also considerably crucial.

Having attained Primordial Spirit Immortal, his sensitivity and speed of thought processing had significantly escalated.

No matter the cultivation technique or skill, his Experience Value growth rate was highly efficient.

Currently, what he lacked was more so the Source.

After a moment of contemplation, he looked into Qingxu Temple Master’s clear and persistent eyes, slowly nodding, "Temple Master’s sincerity is felt. If so, let us follow the Temple Master’s proposal, limiting it to one move."

A flash of delight passed in Qingxu Temple Master’s eyes, gently pushing the jade box, sending it steadily towards Jiang Ning. Jiang Ning lifted his hand to catch it, briefly examining it before storing it away, saying, "Proceed."

Qingxu Temple Master’s expression solemn, taking three steps back, the Dao resonance aligning with Heaven and Earth around him suddenly solidifying.